Tag Archive: Japan News – Intermediate

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you ever heard of robot wolves before? What do you think they might be used for? Why do you think farmers might be worried about wild animals in their fields? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. chaos /KEY-os/ [noun] – complete disorder and confusion, often resulting in a state of upheaval or turmoil After the hurricane hit, the town was in chaos, with houses damaged and streets flooded. mechanical /muh-KAN-i-kuhl/ [adjective] – relating to or operated by machinery or a machine The mechanical arm on the robot could perform precise…
Read more

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What comes to your mind when you hear about a shrine that appears to float on water? What do you think makes such a place unique or special? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. implement /IM-pluh-ment/ [verb] – to start using a plan or system The changes to the national health system will be implemented next year. emphasize /EM-fuh-sahyz/ [verb] – to show that something is very important or worth giving attention to He emphasized that all the people taking part in the research were volunteers. preserve /pri-ZURV/ [verb] – to…
Read more

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are sand dunes? Should natural wonders be protected? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. preservation /prez-er-VEY-shuhn/ [noun] – the act of keeping something the same or of preventing it from being damaged The preservation of historical landmarks ensures that future generations can appreciate and learn from the past. erosion /ih-ROH-zhuhn/ [noun] – the fact of soil, stone, etc. being gradually damaged and removed by the waves, rain, or wind The geological site showed clear signs of erosion, with layers of rock gradually wearing away over time….
Read more

©Cellato Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is the most expensive food you have tried? Do you think spending 880,000 yen for a scoop of ice cream is just right? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. currently /KUR-uhnt-lee/ [adverb] – at the present time I am currently studying for my exams, so I can’t go out tonight. decorative /DEK-er-uh-tiv/ [adjective] – made to look attractive She placed a decorative vase on the shelf as a centerpiece. ensure /en-SHOOR/ [verb] – to make something certain to happen The airline takes strict measures to…
Read more

©Chiba Riding Park Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Do you believe animals have a sixth sense or heightened instincts that allow them to perceive and respond to emergencies better than humans? Why or why not? Have you ever personally been involved in or witnessed a situation where an animal played a crucial role in someone’s rescue or well-being? How did it impact your perspective on the intelligence and empathy of animals? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. remarkable /ri-MAHR-kuh-buhl/ [adjective] – unusual or special and therefore surprising and worth mentioning The speaker delivered a remarkable presentation…
Read more

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Which city would you want to visit the most? Why? What would be your main reason for visiting a different city? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. unnoticed /uh-NOW-tuhst/ [adjective] – without being seen or noticed The naughty boys managed to slip away, unnoticed by the teacher. scenic /SEE-nik/ [adjective] – having or allowing you to see beautiful natural features The hiking trail led us through a scenic forest with tall, ancient trees and a gentle stream flowing alongside, creating a serene and picturesque atmosphere. diverse /DAHY-vurs/ [adjective] – including many…
Read more

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. If given the opportunity, would you like to go to the moon? Why or why not? Do you think humans are soon to reach the level of technology necessary to make living on the moon possible? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. surface /SUR-fis/ [noun] – the outer or top part or layer of something The scientist used a microscope to study the surface of the cell and its intricate structures. acquire /uh-KWAHYUHR/ [verb] – to get or obtain something The language learner was able to acquire fluency through immersion in…
Read more

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What dog breeds do you like? What is his story? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. statue /STACH-oo/ [noun] – a three-dimensional work of art, as a representational or abstract form, carved in stone or wood, molded in a plastic material, cast in bronze, or the like. The king’s statue was again set up in Guildhall, London, and the state arms were taken down. northern /NAWR-thern/ [adjective] – lying toward or situated in the north. Last week, we covered a home being built in northern Italy. interest /IN-ter-ist/ [noun] – the…
Read more

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are some popular dishes served at Chinese restaurants? How important is the ambiance of a restaurant to you? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. impress /im-PRES/ [verb] – to cause someone to admire or respect you During her presentation, the new student impressed her classmates with her knowledge and confident delivery. culinary /KYOO-luh-ner-ee/ [adjective] – connected with cooking or kitchens The culinary arts program at the local college is highly regarded and attracts aspiring chefs from all over the world. feature /FEE-cher/ [noun] – a typical quality or an important…
Read more

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How often do you eat okonomiyaki? What food is popular in your country? Please describe it. Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. survival /ser-VAHY-vuhl/ [noun] – the act or fact of surviving, especially under adverse or unusual circumstances. The survival rate for younger cancer patients has improved dramatically. atomic /uh-TOM-ik/ [adjective] – of, pertaining to, resulting from, or using atoms, atomic energy, or atomic bombs: an atomic explosion. Here is an atomic power plant. healing /HEE-ling/ [noun] – the process in which a bad situation or painful emotion ends or improves…
Read more