Tag Archive: Culture & Travel – Intermediate

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,…
Read more

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…
Read more

©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,…
Read more

©(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…
Read more

©REUTERS/Amit Dave/File Photo Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What does sustainability mean to you? What is your favorite festival, and what do you do during this festival? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. tradition /truh-DISH-uhn/ [noun] – a belief, custom, or way of doing something that has been passed down through generations Lighting candles during the holidays is a cherished tradition. string /string/ [noun] – (a piece of) strong, thin rope made by twisting very thin threads together, used for fastening and tying things She tied the package with a piece of string. boost /boost/ [verb]…
Read more

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What country would you like to visit most? Why? What is your favorite way to travel long distances? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. barrier /BAR-ee-er/ [noun] – obstacles or challenges that prevent progress or movement The new law aims to remove barriers to education. unfamiliar /uhn-fuh-MIL-yer/ [adjective] – not known or recognized; strange She felt nervous walking through the unfamiliar streets of the city. budget /BUHJ-it/ [noun] – an amount of money available for a particular purpose The company is trying to cut costs and stay within the budget. saving…
Read more

©AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What does a novelist do? What makes a novel different from other types of books? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. novel /NOV-uhl/ [noun] – a long written story about imaginary events and people She finished reading a new novel by her favorite author. aboard /uh-BAWRD/ [preposition] – on or inside a ship, plane, or other vehicle The astronauts were aboard the International Space Station. commend /kuh-MEND/ [verb] – to praise someone or something publicly The teacher commended the student for completing the project early. panel /PAN-l/ [noun]…
Read more

©(AP Photo/Felix Marquez) Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is urbanization? What challenges do farmers face in maintaining their livelihoods today? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. mud /muhd/ [noun] – soft, wet earth or soil, often found on the ground after rain After the rain, the trail was covered in thick mud, making it hard to walk. profitable /PROF-i-tuh-buhl/ [adjective] – earning or likely to earn money or gain Investing in renewable energy projects can be very profitable. ecologist /ih-KOL-uh-jist/ [noun] – a person who studies the natural relationships between the air, land, water, animals,…
Read more

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you know about archaeology? What tools or methods do archaeologists typically use in their work? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. sculpture /SKULP-cher/ [noun] – the art of making two- or three-dimensional representative or abstract forms, especially by carving stone or wood The museum displayed an ancient sculpture carved from stone. dedicated /DED-i-key-tid/ [adjective] – believing that an activity or idea is important and giving a lot of energy and time to it She is dedicated to preserving the local history of her town. restoration /reh-str-AY-shn/ [noun] – the…
Read more