Tag Archive: Culture & Travel – Intermediate

©REUTERS/Shamil Zhumatov Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What benefits do people gain from playing sports? What traditional sports originated in your country? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. point out /poynt out/ [phrasal verb] – to mention or draw attention to something She pointed out the flaws in his argument during the debate. opponent /uh-POH-nuhnt/ [noun] – those who compete against someone in a contest, game, or argument The chess player studied his opponents’ moves carefully before making his own. fellowship /FEL-oh-ship/ [noun] – friendly association, especially with people who share one’s interests The hiking club…
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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Do you have a pet? If yes, what kind of pet do you have? If not, would you consider having a pet in the future, and why or why not? Why are pets important to many families around the world? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. marriage /MAR-ij/ [noun] – a legally accepted relationship between two people in which they live together, or the official ceremony that results in this After years of dating, they finally decided to enter into marriage. fancy /FAN-see/ [adjective] – elegant, luxurious, or elaborate Her wedding…
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©REUTERS/Amanda Perobelli Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What types of items are most likely to be collected as hobbies or passions? What motivates individuals to start and maintain collections of specific items? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. mere /meer/ [adjective] – only or nothing more than Beyond mere ingredients, the chef sees her dishes as a celebration of local culture and tradition, infused with flavors that evoke memories of childhood. found /found/ [verb] – to establish or bring something into existence Elon Musk founded SpaceX in 2002 to revolutionize space exploration. value /VAL-yoo/ [verb] –…
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©REUTERS/Jose Manuel Ribeiro/File Photo Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you ever experienced Italian culture firsthand, perhaps through travel or local events? What aspect of Italian culture left a lasting impression on you? In your view, how do historical symbols and landmarks contribute to a nation’s identity and global reputation? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. voyage /VOI-ij/ [noun] – a long journey, especially by ship The ancient mariner’s voyage across the vast ocean lasted over two years. contemporary /kuhn-TEM-puh-rer-ee/ [adjective] – existing or happening now, and therefore seeming modern The architect’s design is a blend…
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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Can you name any famous toys or dolls that have been popular for many years? What do you think makes a toy or doll popular among children? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. inspiration /in-spuh-REY-shuhn/ [noun] – someone or something that gives you ideas for doing something The breathtaking scenery of the countryside served as inspiration for the artist’s latest painting. skin tone /skin tohn/ [noun] – the color of the surface of someone’s skin The makeup brand offers a wide range of foundations to match every skin tone perfectly. disability…
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©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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