Tag Archive: Culture & Travel – Intermediate

©(AP Photo/Peter Dejong) Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What colors do you think make a flower garden beautiful? If you could plant one kind of flower in your backyard, which one would you choose? Why? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. couch /kouch/ [noun] – a long, comfortable seat for two or more people The new art museum has stylish couches where visitors can relax between exhibits. selfie /SEL-fee/ [noun] – a photo that a person takes of themselves, usually with a smartphone People love taking selfies in front of the new mural downtown. widely /WAHYD-lee/…
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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is a discovery that you have heard of recently? What do archaeologists look for when they make discoveries? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. discovery /dih-SKUKHV-uh-ree/ [noun] – the act of finding something new or the thing that was found Scientists made a discovery about a new type of plant. temple /TEM-puhl/ [noun] – a building used for religious ceremonies or worship The ancient temple was built thousands of years ago. fragment /FRAG-muhnt/ [noun] – a small part or piece of something that is broken I found a fragment of…
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©(AP Photo/Yannick Peterhans) Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Do you think old traditions are important to keep? Why or why not? How would you feel if your favorite food became hard to make or find? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. staple /STEY-puhl/ [noun] – a basic or important item that is regularly used or produced Rice is a staple in many Asian households, often eaten with every meal. craft /kraft/ [noun] – a skill in making things by hand, often traditional or artistic The village is known for its craft of weaving colorful baskets from…
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©Greek Police via AP Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is an archaeological discovery? Why is it important to preserve objects from the past? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. archaeological /ahr-kee-uh-LOJ-i-kuhl/ [adjective] – involving or relating to archaeology Archaeological sites are often found in ancient cities. assess /uh-SES/ [verb] – to evaluate or estimate the nature, ability, or quality of something The teacher will assess your homework tomorrow. renowned /ri-NOUND/ [adjective] – famous or well-known for a particular quality or achievement She is renowned for her talent in painting. tradition /truh-DISH-uhn/ [noun] – a custom…
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©(AP Photo/Ng Han Guan) Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Do you like learning about history? Why or why not? What do you imagine life was like for people who lived in a palace long ago? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. artifact /AHR-tuh-fakt/ [noun] – an object, such as a tool, that was made in the past The museum displayed ancient artifacts from Egypt, including tools and jewelry. craftsmanship /KRAFTS-muhn-ship/ [noun] – skill in making things by hand The necklace was admired for its fine craftsmanship and delicate design. ceramic /suh-RAM-ik/ [noun] – an object made…
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©(AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis) Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. If you could see an ancient artifact from any time in history, what would you choose and why? Why do you think museums sometimes display items from other countries? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. artifact /AHR-tuh-fakt/ [noun] – an object made by a human being, typically of cultural or historical interest The museum proudly displayed an artifact from an ancient civilization that had recently been discovered. strength /strengkth/ [noun] – the quality or state of being physically strong or having great power Her strength and determination helped…
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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. If you could visit a place full of interesting animals, what kind of animals would you like to see? Why? What do you think birds do during the winter? Where do you imagine they go? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. sanctuary /SANGK-choo-er-ee/ [noun] – a place of safety or protection, often for people or animals The national park became a sanctuary for endangered tigers, offering them a secure environment to thrive. shallow /SHAL-oh/ [adjective] – having little depth; not deep The children played in the shallow end of the pool,…
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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What kinds of flavors do you enjoy in your everyday meals? Have you ever heard of “functional foods”? What do you think they might be? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. unique /yoo-NEEK/ [adjective] – being the only existing one of its type or, more generally, unusual, or special in some way The museum features a unique collection of ancient artifacts. influence /IN-floo-uhns/ [noun] – the power to have an effect on people or things, or a person or thing that is able to do this The artist’s style was shaped…
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©REUTERS/Hannah McKay Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Why do you think people enjoy participating in events like auctions, especially during the holiday season? How would you feel if a special tradition you enjoy was moved to a new location? Would it still be as exciting? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. uncertain /uhn-SUR-tn/ [adjective] – unclear, or not sure His future in the company seems uncertain after the recent layoffs. vital /VAHYT-l/ [adjective] – absolutely necessary or essential Water is vital for human survival. charm /chahrm/ [noun] – a quality that attracts,…
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©(AP Photo/Marc Levy) Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. If you could design a building or a special room, what would it look like? What do you think makes a place or object feel important to people? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. democracy /dih-MOK-ruh-see/ [noun] – a system of government where the citizens exercise power by voting Many countries have adopted democracy as their form of government. polished /POL-isht/ [adjective] – smooth and shiny The table was made of polished wood, reflecting the light beautifully. carving /KAHR-ving/ [noun] – a shape or pattern cut into wood…
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