Tag Archive: Science & Technology – Intermediate

©AP Photo/Markus Schreiber, File Pre-reading Questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What major scientific discoveries about DNA have been widely reported? How did these reports influence public interest? What controversies involving scientists have appeared in news before? How did those cases shape public reactions? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. convergence /noun/ [kuhn-VUR-juhns] – the coming together of ideas, data, or conditions The convergence of studies helped confirm the results. precipitate /pri-SIP-uh-tayt/ [verb] – to cause something to happen suddenly or prematurely. His remarks helped precipitate a debate in the community. recontextualize /ree-kon-TEKS-tyoo-uh-lize/ [verb] – to place something…
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Pre-reading Questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What diseases involving the immune system are commonly discussed in news reports? What procedures are typically used to diagnose long-term illnesses? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. intractable /in-TRAK-tuh-buhl/ [adjective] – very difficult or impossible to deal with The city faced an intractable problem with traffic. heterogeneous /het-uh-roh-JEE-nee-uhs/ [adjective] – consisting of many different types The group was heterogeneous in skills. precursor /PREE-kur-ser/ [noun] – something that comes before another thing Dark clouds are a precursor to rain. ameliorate /uh-MEEL-yuh-reyt/ [verb] – to make a bad situation better New rules helped…
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©Tamara Thomsen/Wisconsin Historical Society via AP Pre-reading Questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What ancient transportation systems have been discovered in your country? What objects are usually found in archaeological water sites? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. preeminent /pree-EM-uh-nuhnt/ [adjective] – more important or better than others The museum holds a preeminent place in the city. recontextualize /ree-kuhn-TECKS-chuh-wuh-lighz/ [verb] – to place something in a new context Scholars recontextualize old records for modern study. perpetuity /pur-pi-TOO-i-tee/ [noun] – lasting forever The law remains in effect for perpetuity. irrevocable /ih-REV-uh-kuh-buhl/ [adjective] – impossible to change The team made…
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©AP Photo/Rick Bownmer, File Pre-reading Questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What events in your community encourage people to help others? What traditions related to gratitude exist in your culture? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. resonance /REZ-uh-nuhns/ [noun] – a lasting effect or emotional impact The festival created emotional resonance for many families. propensity /proh-PEN-suh-tee/ [noun] – a natural tendency to behave in a particular way Many groups show a propensity to help during crises. salient /al-troo-IS-tik/ [adjective] – showing concern for helping others Volunteers often act for altruistic reasons. convergence /kuhn-VUR-juhns/ [noun] – two or more…
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©(NASA via AP, file) Pre-reading Questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What comes to mind when you imagine the weather on another planet? What kind of natural sounds around you do you find the most interesting or surprising? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. discharge /dis-CHAHRJ/ [noun] – the release of electricity, energy, or another substance Scientists observed weak discharges of energy near the volcano’s opening. crackling /KRAK-ling/ [adjective] – a series of small, sharp sounds We heard a faint crackling from the old radio during the storm. mast /mast/ [noun] – a tall pole on a vehicle…
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Pre-reading Questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What serious illnesses have been discussed in the news recently? If something was discussed, what made it important? If nothing comes to mind, what kind of health news do you usually notice? What conditions do you know that affect the brain or memory? If you know one, what symptoms are usually seen? If not, what symptom do you think would be difficult to notice? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. salutary /SAL-yuh-ter-ee/ [adjective] – causing improvement; beneficial The new study had a salutary effect on the team’s safety plan. illuminating /ih-LOO-muh-ney-ting/…
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©AP Photo/Federica Narancio, File Pre-reading Questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What medical studies have you heard about before? If so, what was the study about? If not, what study would you like to learn about? What health problems do people in your country often talk about?If so, why do people talk about them? If not, what health topic interests Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. conspicuous /kuhn-SPIK-yoo-uhs/ [adjective ] – very easy to see or notice The bright sign was conspicuous, so everyone saw it quickly. sudden /SUHD-n/ [adjective] – a sudden noise made the students look…
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©AP Photo/Mikhail Metzel, File Pre-reading Questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you ever read about astronauts working in space? If so, what did they do there? If not, what do you think they do? Do you know any countries that have sent people to space? If so, which ones? If not, which country do you think could? 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 artist’s skill is remarkable for someone so young. pivotal /PIV-uh-tl/ [adjective] – central and important The teacher played a pivotal…
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©(Kotaro Ueda/Kyodo News via AP) Pre-reading Questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How do you think people feel when they see a rocket launch? What kinds of things do you think astronauts need while living in space? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. rocket /ROK-it/ [noun] – a vehicle or device powered by engines that use gases to move, especially used for travel into space The rocket launched from the coastal base to send a satellite into orbit. astronaut /AS-truh-nawt/ [noun] – a person trained to travel and work in space The astronaut prepared for a spacewalk to…
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