Tag Archive: Culture & Travel – Intermediate

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…
Read more

©(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…
Read more

©(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] –…
Read more

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you ever traveled to another country before? If so, which country did you visit? If not, where do you want to go? Do you know what a visa is used for when traveling? If so, who helped you get your visa? If not, where can you learn about visas? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. policy /POL-uh-see/ [noun] – a set of ideas or a plan used as a basis for making decisions The school has a new policy about using phones. cooperation /koh-op-uh-REY-shuhn/ [noun] – the act of working…
Read more

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. If you could show visitors something special about your country, what would it be? What activities do you enjoy when you travel or go on vacation? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. commercial /kuh-MUR-shuhl/ [adjective] – related to buying, selling, or business activities The city is planning to open a commercial district filled with shops and restaurants. puffin /PUHF-in/ [noun] – a small seabird with black and white feathers and a colorful beak, usually found in cold coastal areas Tourists visited the cliffs to take photos of the puffins flying over…
Read more

©(AP Photo/Manu Fernandez) Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What makes a restaurant special to you? What would your dream restaurant look like? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. claim /kleym/ [verb] – to say that something is true, often without proof The company claims its new phone lasts three days without charging. cellar /SEL-er/ [noun] – a room below a building, usually used for storing things like wine or food The family kept homemade cheese in the cellar to stay cool. evidence /EV-i-duhns/ [noun] – information or facts that show something is true or exists There…
Read more

©(AP Photo/Joanna Chan) Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you think it feels like to walk inside a dark tunnel deep underground? If you could explore a secret place from the past, what kind of place would it be? Why? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. network /NET-wurk/ [noun] – a group or system of connected people, things, or organizations The city built a network of bike lanes to help people travel safely. underground /UHN-der-GROUND/ [adverb] – below the surface of the earth; below ground The workers went underground to fix the broken pipe. intelligence…
Read more

©Egypt Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities via AP Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you heard of Egypt before? If so, what do you know about its history? If not, what ancient cultures have you heard about? Do you know what a tomb is? If so, where have you seen one? If not, what do you think is inside it? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. appreciate /uh-PREE-shee-eyt/ [verb] – to understand how good something is or to be thankful for something I appreciate your help with my school project. civilization /siv-uh-luh-ZEY-shuhn/ [noun] – human society…
Read more

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you think makes a city a good place to live? Why do people sometimes protest? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. protester /PRO-test-er/ [noun] – someone who shows that they disagree with something by standing somewhere, shouting, carrying signs, etc. Protesters gathered outside the government building to demand clean water. spray /sprey/ [verb] – to scatter liquid in small drops Farmers spray chemicals on crops to prevent pests. cool down /kool down/ [phrasal verb] – to make the body feel less hot She drank cold water to cool down…
Read more

©David Almeida via AP Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you ever visited a garden with a special design? If so, what made it special? If not, what would you like to see in one? Do you know any place that changed its garden design to help nature? If yes, what changes were made? If not, what changes do you think would help nature? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. designer /dih-ZAHY-ner/ [noun] – a person who plans how something will look or work The dress was made by a famous designer from Italy. comprehensive /kom-pri-HEN-siv/…
Read more