Tag Archive: Japan News – Intermediate

©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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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you think makes Mount Fuji an important place in Japan? What are some challenges you think hikers might face when climbing Mount Fuji? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. overcrowding /oh-ver-KROW-ding/ [noun] – when too many people are in one place, making it uncomfortable or unsafe The concert was canceled because of overcrowding. walk-in /WAWK-in/ [noun] – a person who arrives without an appointment The restaurant was so popular that even walk-ins had to wait for a table. financially /fi-NAN-shuh-lee/ [adverb] – in a way that relates to money…
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©REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How do you think popular tourist destinations can affect the local communities and environments where they are located? In what ways do you think a surge in tourism could benefit a country’s economy? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. obscure /uhb-SKYOOR/ [verb] – to hide or conceal from view The thick fog obscured the view of the mountains, making it difficult for hikers to see the trail ahead. nuisance /NOO-suhns/ [noun] – something or someone that annoys you or causes trouble for you Loud neighbors can be a significant…
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©REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon/File Photo Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What environmental impacts or changes related to climate change do you observe or feel in your local area? What shifts in behavior or lifestyle choices do you think could have a positive impact on the environment? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. critical /KRIT-i-kuhl/ [adjective] – extremely important or essential The surgeon’s quick decision-making was critical to the success of the operation. restore /ri-STAWR/ [verb] – to return something or someone to an earlier good condition or position After years of neglect, the community worked together to restore…
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©REUTERS/Anton Bridge Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What services or products do you know Rakuten for? What aspects of Rakuten’s services or products do you find particularly impressive or satisfying? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. rushed /ruhsht/ [adjective] – done in a hurry, or feeling that you must do something quickly She made a rushed decision without considering all the consequences. suffer /SUHF-er/ [verb] – to experience or show the effects of something bad The business suffered significant losses due to the economic downturn. debt /det/ [noun] – something, especially money, that is owed to…
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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you think might be some reasons why scientists and space agencies would embark on a mission to explore the moon? How do you imagine a mission to explore the moon could impact our understanding of space and our own planet? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. target /TAHR-git / [noun] – a specific location or goal selected The explorer marked an ancient city ruin as the target for their archaeological expedition, eager to uncover hidden secrets and artifacts. potential /puh-TEN-shuhl/ [noun] – the inherent capacity or possibility for growth,…
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©Reuters Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are your initial thoughts or concerns about the concept of a dangerous bird flu outbreak? How do you think the dangerous bird flu might affect both animals and humans? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. affected /uh-FEK-tid/ [adjective] – influenced or touched by an external factor The affected community struggled to recover after the devastating tornado. agriculture /AG-ri-kuhl-cher/ [noun] – the practice or work of farming Sustainable agriculture is crucial for ensuring food security and environmental conservation. cabinet /KAB-uh-nit/ [noun] – a small group of the most important people…
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