Tag Archive: Culture & Travel – Intermediate

What breakfast looks like in the Philippines

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What time do you usually wake up in the morning? Which do you prefer, sunny-side-up, scrambled, or boiled egg? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. pantry /PAN-tree/ [noun] – a small room or large cupboard in a house where food is kept Dani spent 2 hours organizing the pantry. typically /TIP-i-klee/ [adverb] – used when you are giving an average or usual example of a particular thing Tickets for these festivals will typically cost around forty dollars. root /root/ [noun] – origins Today, we learned about the roots of French language….
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Israeli strawberry breaks Guinness World Record as the world’s heaviest

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©Amir Cohen/Reuters via CNN Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How often do you eat strawberries? What vegetables do you eat during the winter season? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. confirmation /kon-fer-MEY-shuhn/ [noun] – a statement of proof that something is true The museum just sent a confirmation for the painting we found. break a record /breyk-a-REK-erd/ [idiom] – to do something better than the best known speed, time, number, etc. previously achieved He will try to break a record at the competition next month. unusually /uhn-YOO-zhoo-uhl-lee/ [adverb] – more than is usual or expected, or…
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The Little Prince’s original manuscript goes on display in Paris

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©Chesnot/Getty Images via CNN Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How often do you visit bookstores? Do you enjoy looking at paintings in a museum? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. tale /teyl/ [noun] – a story, especially one that might be invented or difficult to believe She enjoys reading tales from Europe. gain /geyn/ [verb] – to get something that is useful, that gives you an advantage, or that is in some way positive, especially over a period of time You gain knowledge from practice. wisdom /WIZ-duhm/ [noun] – the ability to use your knowledge and…
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Coca-Cola releases a new flavor inspired by space

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©Coca-cola via CNN Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How often do you drink soda? How do you stay cool in hot weather? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. sensation /sen-SEY-shuhn / [noun] – the ability to feel something physically, especially by touching, or a physical feeling that results from this ability This spicy Thai dish gives you a burning sensation. consumer /kuhn-SOO-mer/ [noun] – a person who buys goods or services for their own use Consumers of milk tea rose 18% this month. essential /uh-SEN-shuhl/ [adjective] – necessary or needed This map is essential for traveling….
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The Emperor’s Birthday

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© jobsinjapan.com Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you think is your country’s most important holiday? Please tell me more about it. What is your best holiday memory? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. imperial /im-PEER-ee-uhl/ [adjective] – belonging or relating to an empire or the person or country that rules it The historic castle stands as a reminder of the country’s imperial past. arguably /AAR-gyoo-uh-blee/ [adverb] – used when stating an opinion or belief that you think can be shown to be true For many, Ōtani Shōhei is arguably the best baseball player. mythology…
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Studio Ghibli’s theme park to open in November 2022

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©Studio Ghibli via CNN Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What activities do you usually do during the fall season? Who is your favorite Ghibli character? What is the best thing about this character? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. emotion /ih-MOH-shuhn / [noun] – a strong feeling such as love or anger, or strong feelings in general Christmas brings out many different emotions. divide /dih-VAHYD/ [verb] – to (cause to) separate into parts or groups Miss Sheena divided the class into three groups. recreation /rek-ree-EY-shuhn/ [noun] – the act of making something exist or happen again…
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Auctioneer Sotheby’s sells a rare black diamond for $4.3m

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©REUTERS via BBC Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What have you discovered recently? (music, book, product) Please share something about it. Have you been to a planetarium? If not, would you like to visit one? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. theory /THEE-uh-ree/ [noun] – a formal statement of the rules on which a subject of study is based or of ideas that are suggested to explain a fact or event or, more generally, an opinion or explanation Today, we learned about Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution. origin /AWR-i-jin/ [noun] – the beginning or cause of…
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What breakfast looks like in 5 different countries

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What time do you usually eat breakfast? What restaurant/cafe in your city offers the best breakfast menu? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. wildly /wahyld-lee/ [adverb] – in an uncontrolled or extreme way Internet companies are growing wildly across the globe. highlight /HAHY-lahyt / [noun] – the best or most exciting, entertaining, or interesting part of something The highlight of our trip was the boat ride. consist of something /kuhn-SIST-of/ [phrasal verb] – to be made of or formed from something The meal consisted of grilled fish and potato stew. upgrade…
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5 must-try soups from around the world

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are some soup recipes that you know? What are some popular international restaurants in your city? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. ancient /EYN-shuhnt / [adjective] – of or from a long time ago, having lasted for a very long time They found ancient treasures in the abandoned hall. gently /JENT-lee/ [adverb] – in a way that is soft and light, not strong She gently added the flour to the cake mix. traditionally /truh-DISH-uh-nl/ [adverb] – according to tradition; in a traditional way Traditionally, they exchange letters on Valentine’s Day….
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What you need to know about the Lunar New Year

What you need to know about the Lunar New Year

©Jeff Mitchell/Getty Images Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What part of your culture are you most proud of? What do you know about China’s history or culture? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. festivity /fe-STIV-i-tee/ [noun] – the parties, meals, and other social activities with which people celebrate a special occasion During the holidays, I usually go to special festivities or on a vacation with my family or friends. like two peas in a pod /lahyk-too-pees-in-uh-pod/ [idiom] – very similar The siblings Mavy and Aira are like two peas in a pod. latter /LAT-er/ [noun] –…
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