Tag Archive: japan news – intermediate

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What types of beverages are commonly served at Japanese festivals or ceremonies? How are traditional beverages like tea or sake made? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. date back /deyt bak/ [phrasal verb] – to originate or start at a particular time in the past The tradition of storytelling dates back to ancient civilizations. fermentation /fur-men-TEY-shuhn/ [noun] – the process by which microorganisms break down substances, especially sugars, into simpler compounds like alcohol or acid The fermentation of grapes is essential for making wine. container /kuhn-TEY-ner/ [noun] – a vessel or…
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©REUTERS/Manami Yamada Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How important do you think it is to reduce plastic use and waste? Why are people hesitant to buy recycled products, even though they may help the environment? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. salon /suh-LON/ [noun] – a place where professional services are offered, such as for beauty, hair, or nails She opened a new salon downtown, specializing in haircuts and styling. microplastic /MAHY-kroh-plas-tik/ [noun] – tiny plastic particles, typically smaller than 5 millimeters, resulting from the breakdown of larger plastic waste Scientists are studying how microplastics affect…
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©REUTERS/Willy Kurniawan Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What factors can lead to a shortage of essential goods in a country? Why is it important for researchers to develop new varieties of crops or products? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. endure /en-DOOR/ [verb] – to withstand or tolerate something difficult or unpleasant over a period of time She had to endure a long wait at the airport due to the flight delay. sharply /SHAR-plee/ [adverb] – in a sudden, severe, or intense manner. The temperature dropped sharply overnight, causing frost to form on the windows. stock…
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©REUTERS Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Why are the Olympics considered important? What kinds of challenges might athletes face when preparing for the Olympics? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. strength /strengkth/ [noun] – the ability to do things that need a lot of physical or mental effort She admired his strength when he lifted the heavy box with ease. technique /tek-NEEK/ [noun] – a method or way of doing something skillfully, especially one that requires special knowledge or practice The artist learned several techniques to improve her painting skills. halftime /HAF-tahym/ [noun] – a break…
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©AP Photo/Frank Franklin Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Did you watch any of the competitions from the 2024 Paris Olympics? If so, which ones? If not, are there any competitions you would like to watch? Did you know that breakdancing was included for the 2024 Paris Olympics? Do you think it was a good idea to add it? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. victorious /vik-TAWR-ee-uhs/ [adjective] – having won a victory or having achieved success in a contest or competition After a hard-fought battle, they emerged victorious over their rivals. captivating /KAP-tuh-veyt/ [verb] – to…
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©REUTERS/Maye-E Wong Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How do countries get their athletes ready for big events like the Olympics? Is fencing a popular sport in your country? What do you know about it? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. competitive /kuhm-PET-i-tiv/ [adjective] – involving competition; striving to win or be better than others The new student was very competitive in the spelling bee, always aiming to be the best. initially /ih-NISH-uh-lee/ [adverb] – at the beginning; at first Initially, I thought the book would be boring, but it turned out to be quite interesting. take…
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©REUTERS/Amanda Perobelli Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What does an athlete need to do to get ready for the Olympics? What are some of the challenges that athletes might face while preparing for and participating in the Olympics? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. medal /MED-l/ [noun] – a small metal disc, with words or a picture on it, given as a reward for a brave action, for winning a competition, or to remember a special event She won a gold medal for her outstanding performance in the swimming competition. skilled /skild/ [adjective] – having the…
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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you know about the process of making alcoholic beverages, such as sake, wine, or beer? What are some common reasons people enjoy drinking alcoholic beverages? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. brewery /BROO-uh-ree/ [noun] – a place where beer or other alcoholic drinks are produced They visited a local brewery to taste freshly brewed beer. brewer /BROO-uhr/ [noun] – a person who makes beer or other alcoholic drinks The brewer explained the process of crafting the perfect beer. vibration /vahy-BREY-shuhn/ [noun] – continuous quick, slight shaking movement The vibrations…
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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What challenges do communities face during extreme weather conditions? Aside from extreme temperatures, what other effects of climate change have you observed recently? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. throughout /throo-OUT/ [adverb] – in every part, or during the whole period of time The tradition of celebrating cherry blossom festivals is observed throughout Japan. equipped /ih-KWIPT/ [adjective] – provided with necessary items or equipment The new laboratory is equipped with the latest technology to conduct advanced research. cool down /kool doun/ [phrasal verb] – to decrease in temperature; to become cooler…
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©REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. If given the chance to influence the Olympics, what new sport or activity would you propose and why? What factors might influence a person to explore a completely new physical discipline later in life? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. seize /seez/ [verb] – to take something quickly and keep or hold it After years of contemplation, she decided to seize the chance to travel around the world. exclusive /ik-SKLOO-siv/ [adjective] – restricted or limited to a select group of people The boutique offers exclusive designer clothing that is…
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