Tag Archive: Culture & Travel – Intermediate

Curfew aims to reduce overtourism in Seoul’s historic hanok village

hanok village

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are some popular tourist destinations in your country? If you could visit any famous tourist destination, where would you go and why? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. dynasty /DAHY-nuh-stee/ [noun] – a line of hereditary rulers of a country or a powerful family that maintains power for a long period The Ming Dynasty is known for its significant contributions to Chinese culture and art. flock /flok/ [verb] – to gather or move in a large crowd towards a place Tourists flock to the beach each summer to enjoy the…
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Egypt opens new galleries in long-awaited Grand Egyptian Museum

Egypt Musuem

©REUTERS/Mohamed Abd El Ghany Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What civilization are you most interested in, and what aspects of its culture or history would you like to learn more about? If you could create your own museum, what theme would it have, and what artifacts would you include? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. construction /kuhn-STRUHK-shuhn/ [noun] – the act of building or developing a structure The construction of the new library is scheduled to begin next month. pharaoh /FAIR-oh/ [noun] – (the title of) a king of ancient Egypt Historians often study the reign…
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World’s first continual cruise to welcome passengers after Belfast repair delays

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you think are the advantages of taking a cruise vacation compared to other types of travel? What amenities or activities do you think are important to have on a cruise ship? 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 crew prepared for their voyage across the Pacific Ocean. gearbox /GEER-boks/ [noun] – a mechanical device that contains gears and is used to change the speed or direction of a moving vehicle or machine The car’s gearbox needed to be replaced…
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Ribeira Sacra winegrowers embrace steep hills and a rich heritage in Spain

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is a famous beverage in your country? What do you know about the potential benefits of drinking wine, and why do you think some people believe it is good for health? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. medieval /mid-EE-vuhl/ [adjective] – related to the Middle Ages (the period in European history from about AD 600 to AD 1500) The medieval castle stood proudly on the hill, showcasing its ancient architecture. monastery /MON-uh-ster-ee/ [noun] – a building in which monks live and worship The old monastery was known for its beautiful…
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Beloved Manhattan garden faces demolition as city pushes for affordable housing

Elizabeth Garden

©REUTERS/Caitlin Ochs Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are some well-known parks or green spaces in your country? How does the government in your country typically inform the public about new construction projects? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. dealer /DEE-ler / [noun] – a person who buys and sells goods or services The art dealer managed to sell a rare painting for a significant amount. alternative /awl-TUR-nuh-tiv/ [adjective] – different from the one that is usual or expected We need to find an alternative route because the main road is closed. stick with /stik with/…
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Greece to impose cruise ship tax on popular islands to combat overtourism

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What factors make a destination appealing to tourists? What vacation spots would you like to visit someday, and why? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. pressure /PRESH-er/ [noun] – the continuous physical force exerted on or against an object by something in contact with it; or a situation causing mental or emotional strain The deadline for the project created a lot of pressure for the entire team. policy /POL-uh-see/ [noun] – a set of ideas or a plan of what to do in particular situations that has been agreed to officially…
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Ancient Roman tombs with mythological murals to open in Southern Israel’s new educational park

mural

©AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What types of historical sites have you learned about in history class? How do these sites help us understand past cultures and societies? Can you name any well-known conservation projects that you’ve heard about? Why are these projects important for preserving our history and environment? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. conserve /kuhn-SURV/ [verb] – to protect something from being damaged, changed, or wasted We should conserve water by turning off the tap while brushing our teeth. reveal /ri-VEEL/ [verb] – to make something known that was previously…
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Tomatina festival paints Bunol red with tomato fun and global cheers

Tomatina

©REUTERS/Eva Manez Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What types of festivals do you know about from different cultures or countries? How do people in your country prepare for and celebrate festivals? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. spirited /SPIR-i-tid/ [adjective] – full of energy, enthusiasm, or liveliness The team gave a spirited performance at the championship game. manner /MAN-er/ [noun] – a way of doing something; the style or method She spoke in a calm and respectful manner during the meeting. firecracker /FAHYUHR-krak-er/ [noun] – a small explosive device that makes a loud noise and sometimes…
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Amphibious car parade ends in Amsterdam due to new emission rules

amphibious car

©REUTERS Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How important is it to preserve traditional events? What are some ways you personally try to reduce your environmental impact in daily life? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. parade /puh-REYD/ [noun] – a public procession or celebration, often with people walking or in vehicles, typically held to mark a special event The children watched the colorful parade pass by their school. standard /STAN-derd/ [noun] – a level of quality The new standards for safety were implemented across all factories. turnout /TURN-out/ [noun] – the number of people attending an…
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Bosnian businessman transforms Van Gogh’s ‘Starry Night’ into nature park

StarryNight

©REUTERS/Amel Emric Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are some famous parks in your city or country? What makes them unique? What do you know about Vincent van Gogh? Can you name some of his famous works or describe his style of painting? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. cottage /KOT-ij/ [noun] – a small house, usually in the countryside They spent their summer vacation in a cozy cottage by the lake. pattern /PAT-ern/ [noun] – repeated decorative designs or arrangements The blanket was made with colorful patterns and designs. swirl /swurl/ [noun] – patterns or…
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