Tag Archive: Culture & Travel – Intermediate

Thousands of redheads gather in Tilburg for annual festival

redhead

Pre-reading Questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What kind of festival would you like to join if you could travel anywhere? How can a festival make people feel proud of who they are? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. workshop /WURK-shop/ [noun] – a class or meeting where people learn about a subject or practice a skill The school organized workshops on safe internet use for students. prevention /pri-VEN-shuhn/ [noun] – the act of stopping something from happening The clinic gave free advice on the prevention of common diseases. session /SESH-uhn/ [noun] – a period of time set…
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Growing tensions in Paris as overtourism transforms Montmartre

Basilica of Sacré-Cœur in Montmartre

Pre-reading Questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What kinds of places in your town or city do many visitors like to go to? What feelings do crowded places give you? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. pressure /PRESH-er/ [noun] – the act of trying to influence or control someone or something; strong force or stress The hospital faced pressure from the public to provide faster services. banner /BAN-er/ [noun] – a long piece of cloth or paper with words or pictures used to show a message in public Protesters carried banners to show their opinions about the new…
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Polish village preserves lace heritage while attracting world fashion houses

crochet

Pre-reading Questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What kinds of things do people in your country make by hand? Do you think handmade items are more special than factory-made items? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. practice /PRAK-tis/ [noun] – a regular way of doing something; a custom or tradition The practice of planting trees during festivals has continued in many villages. craft /kraft/ [noun] – a skill in making things by hand Pottery is a traditional craft that many families in the town still teach their children. fixed /fikst/ [adjective] – not changing;…
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Library book returned to San Antonio after 82 years

Cris-News (10)

Pre-reading Questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you ever borrowed a book from a library? If so, how long did you keep it? If not, would you like to try? Have you ever found an old book in your house? If so, what book was it? If not, what old thing did you find? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. penalty /PEN-l-tee/ [noun] – a punishment for breaking a rule or law The player received a penalty for touching the ball with his hand. significance /sig-NIF-i-kuhns/ [noun] – importance or special meaning of something The teacher explained…
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Vermont’s Dog Mountain marks 25 years of tribute to animals through art and nature

dog mountain

©(AP Photo/Amanda Swinhart) Pre-reading Questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How do you think people can show love and respect for their pets? Why do you think people like to keep memories of their pets or animals they love? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. sanctuary /SANGK-choo-er-ee/ [noun] – a safe place or shelter The nature reserve is a sanctuary for endangered birds. honor /ON-er/ [verb] – to show respect or give recognition The city built a statue to honor the firefighters who saved lives during the disaster. handwritten /HAND-ri-tn/ [adjective] – written by hand rather than printed…
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Pre-Incan tombs unearthed in Lima during gas line work

Cris-News (3)

©AP Photo/Guadalupe Pardo Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Do you know what an archaeologist does? If so, where did you learn about it? If not, what do you think their job includes? Do you think your country has many important historical sites? If so, can you name one? If not, do you think they should be preserved better? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. ancient /EYN-shuhnt/ [adjective] – from a long time ago The city has many ancient buildings from the past. identify /ahy-DEN-tuh-fahy/ [verb] – to recognize someone or something and say who or what…
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Japan shows cultural and scientific appreciation for insects

beetle

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What comes to your mind when you think of insects? How would you feel if someone gave you an insect as a gift? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. appreciation /uh-pree-shee-EY-shuhn/ [noun] – a feeling of being thankful or recognizing the value of something The students showed their appreciation for music by attending the concert. curiosity /kyoor-ee-OS-i-tee/ [noun] – a strong desire to learn or know about something His curiosity about space led him to read many astronomy books. companion /kuhm-PAN-yuhn/ [noun] – a person or animal you spend a lot…
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New Yorker documents every museum across the city

museum

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What kind of place would you like to visit if you could explore the whole city? What do you think makes a small or unknown place interesting to visit? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. estimate /ES-tuh-meyt/ [verb] – to guess or calculate the value, size, or amount of something based on information The teacher estimated that the project would cost less than expected. tour guide /toor gahyd/ [noun] – a person whose job is to show tourists around places and explain interesting facts about them The tour guide explained the…
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Hungarian abbey launches major effort to save historic books from beetles

Hungary

©(Pannonhalma Archabbey via AP) Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Do you think it is important to keep things from the past? Why or why not? What kinds of things do you think are important for your country’s history? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. restoration /res-tuh-REY-shuhn/ [noun] – the process of repairing or bringing something back to its original condition The museum began a restoration of its ancient paintings after they were damaged by water. beetle /BEET-l/ [noun] – an insect with a hard shell-like back Farmers found many beetles eating the leaves of their crops…
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Traditional Japanese preserved dish continues in historic Tokyo district

tsukudani

©(AP Photo/Yuri Kageyama) Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you imagine when you hear the words “traditional cooking”? What kind of food reminds you of home? Why? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. preserved /pri-ZURVD/ [adjective] – kept in good condition or protected from spoiling or damage The old recipe uses preserved vegetables that can be stored for many months. clam /klam/ [noun] – a type of shellfish with a soft body and a hard shell, often used in cooking She made pasta with fresh clams and white sauce for dinner. salty /SAWL-tee/ [adjective] –…
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