Tag Archive: Japan News – Intermediate

©REUTERS Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you think a World Rally Championship involves? What might be the key elements or challenges that participants face in this type of competition? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. demonstrate /DEM-uhn-streyt / [verb] – to show or make something clear The chemistry teacher asked the students to demonstrate their understanding of the experiment by conducting it themselves. maintain /meyn-TEYN/ [verb] – to continue to have, to keep in existence, or not allow to become less The janitor maintained the cleanliness of the school, ensuring a hygienic environment for…
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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What comes to mind when you think of Japan? What do you think the role of older people is in Japanese society? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. citizen /SIT-uh-zuhn/ [noun] – a person who is a member of a particular country and who has rights because of being born there or because of being given rights, or a person who lives in a particular town or city John was born in this country, so he is a proud citizen with all the rights and responsibilities. highlight /HAHY-lahyt/ [verb] – to…
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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you know about the ingredients used in making different types of whiskies or spirits? How do you think whisky or spirits are perceived by different age groups or cultural backgrounds? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. expand /ik-SPAND/ [verb] – to increase in size, number, or importance, or to make something increase in this way The company aims to expand its market reach by targeting international customers. compromise /KOM-pruh-mahyz / [noun] – an agreement in an argument in which the people involved reduce their demands or change their opinion…
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©KYODO Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What comes to mind when you think about the concept of wages? How do wages contribute to an individual’s economic well-being? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. objective /uhb-JEK-tiv/ [noun] – something that you plan to do or achieve His primary objective was to complete the project ahead of schedule and within budget. economist /ih-KON-uh-mist/ [noun] – a person who studies or has a special knowledge of economics The renowned economist was invited to give a lecture on the global economic outlook at the prestigious university. tackle /TAK-uhl/ [verb] –…
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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you already know or associate with Mount Fuji, both in terms of its physical characteristics and its cultural significance? What role does Mount Fuji play in Japanese culture or history? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. strain /streyn/ [noun] – a force or influence that stretches, pulls, or puts pressure on something, sometimes causing damage The bridge showed signs of strain after the heavy storm, prompting engineers to assess its structural integrity. descend /dih-SEND/ [verb] – to go or come down The hikers carefully descended the steep mountain trail,…
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©Reuters/KIM KYUNG-HOON Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What comes to mind when you hear the term “digital museum”? How do you imagine it might be different from a traditional museum? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. beneath /bih-NEETH/ [preposition] – in or to a lower position than someone or something, under someone or something The treasure was hidden beneath the old oak tree. construction /kuhn-STRUHK-shuhn/ [noun] – the work of building or making something, especially buildings, bridges, etc. The construction of the new bridge is progressing ahead of schedule. medical /MED-i-kuhl / [adjective] – related to…
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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What comes to mind when you think of ‘earthquake’? What are the potential consequences of a major earthquake? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. tragedy /TRAJ-i-dee/ [noun] – a very sad event or situation, especially one involving death or suffering The earthquake was a great tragedy, resulting in the loss of many lives and widespread destruction. claim /kleym/ [verb] – to cause the death of or take the lives of a significant number of people The deadly virus claimed the lives of thousands across the country. beneath /bih-NEETH/ [preposition] – in…
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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What comes to mind when you think about Mount Fuji? What do you think makes Mount Fuji a popular destination for both tourists and locals? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. propose /pruh-POHZ/ [verb] – to offer or suggest a possible plan or action for other people to consider The committee will propose a new policy to address the environmental concerns raised by the community. ease /eez/ [verb] – to make or become less severe, difficult, unpleasant, painful, etc. The company introduced new software to ease the process of managing inventory…
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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you seen bears in person? Can you share any distinctive features or characteristics that come to mind? Where specifically in your country can you encounter wildlife? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. steady /STED-ee/ [adjective] – gradual and consistent, without significant fluctuations or sudden changes Her steady dedication to her studies paid off, as she consistently achieved high grades throughout the semester. link /lingk/ [verb] – to connect or join one thing to another The scientists found that the rise in sea temperatures was linked to the decline in the…
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©FOOD and LIFE COMPANIES Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. When you hear the term “digital conveyor belts” in the context of a sushi chain, what do you think it might involve? How do you think this digital technology could change the way sushi is served and enjoyed? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. concern /kuhn-SURN/ [noun] – a worried or nervous feeling about something or something that makes you feel worried Her concern for her friend’s well-being led her to call and check on them. device /dih-VAHYS/ [noun] – an object or machine that has been…
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