Tag Archive: Culture & Travel – Intermediate

©REUTERS/Remo Casilli Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What comes to mind when you think about ancient Rome and its historical artifacts? What aspects of ancient history or archaeology intrigue you the most? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. official /uh-FISH-uhl/ [adjective] – agreed to or arranged by people in positions of authority The city council announced the official opening of the new public park. mayor /MEY-er/ [noun] – a person who is elected or chosen to lead the group who governs a town or city The mayor announced new initiatives for community development during the town…
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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What comes to mind when you think about cruises? Can you name any popular cruise destinations? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. memorable /MEM-er-uh-buhl/ [adjective] – easily remembered or worth remembering The cruise offered a memorable experience with breathtaking views of the glaciers. destination /des-tuh-NEY-shuhn/ [noun] – a place to which someone is going or something is being sent Alaska is a popular cruise destination known for its stunning landscapes and wildlife. passage /PAS-ij/ [noun] – a narrow path, channel, or route The cruise sailed through a picturesque passage surrounded by…
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©REUTERS/Guglielmo Mangiapane Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is the most renowned museum in your country? What makes it particularly significant or unique in preserving cultural heritage or showcasing historical artifacts? Why do you think it’s important to preserve ancient or historical pieces in museums or galleries? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. ton /tuhn/ [noun] – a large amount or a considerable quantity of something The shipment contained a ton of books for the bookstore’s inventory. cause /kawz/ [verb] – to make something happen, especially something bad The heavy rain caused flooding in the streets…
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©REUTERS/Mike Blake Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What ways do people nowadays come together or connect to initiate relationships or build connections? How important do you believe the initial meeting or encounter is when forming a new connection or relationship? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. waterproof /WAW-ter-proof/ [adjective] – not allowing water to go through The jacket is waterproof, so you won’t get wet in the rain. extreme /ik-STREEM/ [adjective] – very large in amount or degree The extreme temperature made it difficult to go outside during the heatwave. appeal /uh-PEEL/ [noun] – the quality…
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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How are carbonara or similar pasta dishes typically prepared in your country or culture? What cuisines from other countries do you believe are popular among people in your country? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. vital /VAHYT-l/ [adjective] – necessary for the success or continued existence of something; extremely important The oxygen was vital for the diver’s survival underwater. emerge /ih-MURJ/ [verb] – to come forth, appear, or become known After the heavy storm, a new problem emerged when the city discovered extensive flooding in several neighborhoods. version /VUR-zhuhn/ [noun] –…
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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you ever experienced extremely cold weather that caused disruptions or problems? How did you and your community handle it? What challenges do you think a cold wave might pose to transportation and daily activities? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. severe /SUH-veer/ [adjective] – extremely intense or harsh Despite the severe winter conditions, the community came together to support each other. authority /uh-THAWR-i-tee/ [noun] – government officials or agencies responsible for making and enforcing decisions related to public safety and infrastructure Local authorities implemented road closures to ensure safety during…
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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What challenges do you think someone might face when dealing with a massive object like a retired airplane? Can you think of other ways to add convenience to unconventional living spaces? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. initially /ih-NISH-uh-lee / [adverb] – At the beginning; at first Initially, I wanted to be a scientist, but later I decided to pursue a career in art. massive /MAS-iv / [adjective] – extremely large and heavy The elephant had a massive presence, filling the entire room with its size. feature /FEE-cher / [noun] –…
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©AFP Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What cultural celebrations or festivals do you know of that involve water or rivers? What significance might water have in those traditions? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. contemporary /kuhn-TEM-puh-rer-ee/ [adjective] – existing or happening now, and therefore seeming modern The art gallery featured a contemporary exhibition showcasing modern and unconventional artistic expressions. creation /kree-EY-shuhn/ [noun] – the act of creating something, or the thing that is created The chef’s latest creation, a fusion of Eastern and Western flavors, became an instant hit among food enthusiasts. conventional /kuhn-VEN-shuh-nl / [adjective]…
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©Christie’s Images Limited 2023 Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you ever heard of an auction? What do you know about it? What kinds of items do you think can be sold at an auction? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. ceramics /suh-RAM-iks / [noun] – objects, such as pottery or porcelain, made of clay and baked at high temperatures, often used for decorative or functional purposes She collected beautiful ceramics from different countries. astonishing /uh-STON-i-shing/ [adjective] – extremely surprising or impressive; causing amazement The magician’s tricks were astonishing, leaving the audience in awe. cameo /KAM-ee-oh/…
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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What nutrients do you believe you can obtain from consuming beef? Why do you think Kobe beef is considered a special or high-quality type of beef? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. exclusive /ik-SKLOO-siv/ [adjective] – limited to only one person or group of people This restaurant is known for its exclusive wine selection, featuring rare vintages from around the world. commitment /kuh-MIT-muhnt/ [noun] – a promise or firm decision to do something Their commitment to environmental conservation led them to organize regular community clean-up events and tree-planting initiatives. contribute /kuhn-TRIB-yoot/…
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