Tag Archive: Science & Technology – Intermediate

Total lunar eclipse draws attention with blood-red moon

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Pre-reading Questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you think people might feel when they see a rare event in the sky? If you could watch a special event in the night sky, where would you like to watch it? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. occur /uh-KUR/ [verb] – to happen; to take place A strong earthquake may occur near coastal areas during certain seasons. surface /SUR-fis/ [noun] – the outside or top layer of something The surface of the lake became very calm after the wind stopped. alignment /uh-LAHYN-muhnt/ [noun] – the position of things…
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Archaeologists unearthed sealed Roman sarcophagus dating back 1,700 years in Budapest

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©Gabor Lakos, Budapest History Museum via AP Pre-reading Questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What kinds of objects do archaeologists usually find in ancient tombs? Why do historians study burial sites from ancient civilizations? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. sarcophagus /sahr-KOF-uh-guhs/ [noun] – a stone coffin used in ancient times The museum displayed a large sarcophagus from the Roman period. excavation /ek-skuh-VEY-shuhn/ [noun] – the activity of digging in the ground to discover objects from the past The excavation lasted several months. skeleton /SKEL-i-tuhn/ [noun] – the structure of bones in a human or animal body Scientists…
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New health chatbots assist users in understanding medical information

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©(OpenAI via AP) Pre-reading Questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How do you feel about using technology to help people understand health information? What devices can help people check their health every day? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. wearable /WAIR-uh-buhl/ [adjective] – able to be worn on the body The company released a wearable device that tracks daily exercise. complex /kuhm-PLEKS/ [adjective] – difficult to understand because something has many parts The instructions looked complex, so the students asked the teacher for help. interpret /in-TUR-prit/ [verb] – to explain the meaning of something The guide helped visitors…
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First giant panda cub born in Indonesia shows healthy early development at safari park in West Java

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©Taman Safari Indonesia via AP Pre-reading Questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What animals are famous symbols of certain countries? Why do people try to protect endangered animals? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. endangered /en-DEYN-jerd/ [adjective] – in danger of becoming extinct The government created laws to protect endangered animals. partnership /PAHRT-ner-ship/ [noun] – the state of working with someone else to achieve something The two countries formed a partnership to study wildlife. monitor /MON-i-ter/ [verb] – to watch and check something carefully over a period of time Scientists monitor animal health in research centers. habitat /HAB-i-tat/…
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Holly varieties gain winter popularity as experts urge careful plant selection and responsible planting practices

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©Andy and Sally Wasowski/Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center via AP Pre-reading Questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What plants are popular during the winter holidays? Why do people grow shrubs in their gardens? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. species /SPEE-sheez/ [noun] – a group of plants or animals that share similar characteristics There are many species of trees in the forest. native /NEY-tiv/ [adjective] – belonging to a place by birth or origin This flower is native to the region. berry /BER-ee/ [noun] – a small round fruit Birds eat red berries in winter. tolerant /TOL-er-uhnt/ [adjective]…
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Group messaging boom prompts experts to urge clear digital etiquette standards

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©AP Photo/Tsering Topgyal, File Pre-reading Questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What problems can happen in group chats? Why is it important to think before sending a message online? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. consideration /kuhn-sid-uh-REY-shuhn/ [noun] – careful thought about something He showed consideration for others by keeping his message short. obliged /uh-BLAHYJD/ [adjective] – required or expected to do something No one is obliged to answer immediately. cautious /KAW-shuhs/ [adjective] – careful to avoid problems or danger She was cautious when sharing personal information. misinterpret /mis-in-TUR-pri-t/ [verb] – to understand something in the wrong way…
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Nvidia posts 73% revenue surge to $68.1 billion as AI chip boom fuels $4.8 trillion valuation debate

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©AP Photo/Jeff Chiu, File Pre-reading Questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What companies are leading artificial intelligence development today? Why do investors watch quarterly earnings reports closely? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. projection /pruh-JEK-shuhn/ [noun] – a calculation or guess about the future based on information Analysts made a projection about next year’s sales. surge /SURJ/ [verb] – to increase suddenly and strongly Sales can surge when demand is high. accelerate /ak-SEL-uh-reyt/ [verb] – to happen or make something happen faster The company plans to accelerate production. skeptical /SKEP-ti-kuhl/ [adjective] – having doubts that something is true…
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Six-planet alignment creates rare celestial display in late February sky

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©AP Photo/Petar Petrov, File Pre-reading Questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What kinds of objects can be seen in the night sky? Why do people enjoy watching special sky events? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. parade /puh-REYD/ [noun] – a public celebration when people march or gather to watch something special The town held a parade to celebrate the holiday. cluster /KLUHS-ter/ [noun] – a group of similar things close together A cluster of stars appeared near the moon. visible /VIZ-uh-buhl/ [adjective] – able to be seen The moon was clearly visible in the evening sky. obstruct…
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New research uncovers how horses create complex vocal calls

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Pre-reading Questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How do people guess an animal’s feelings without using words? What animal sounds are familiar to you, and how do they make you feel? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. unusual /uhn-YOO-zhoo-uhl/ [adjective] – not common or not normal It was unusual to see snow in the city during spring. conduct /kon-DUHKT/ [verb] – to organize and carry out an activity The school will conduct a safety drill next week. airflow /AIR-floh/ [noun] – the movement of air Good airflow is important in a small room. tissue /TISH-oo/ [noun] – a…
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McDonald’s reports strong Q4 growth driven by promotions and lower prices

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©AP Photo/Matt Rourke, File Pre-reading Questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Do discounts influence restaurant choices? Why? Do seasonal promotions affect shopping habits? Why? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. confidence /KON-fi-duhns/ [noun] – the feeling of trust or belief in something Discounts helped build confidence in the brand. reduce /ri-DOOS/ [verb] – to make something smaller or less Cold weather may reduce restaurant visits. expand /ik-SPAND/ [verb] – to increase the size or range of something The brand plans to expand its drink menu. growth /grohth/ [noun] – an increase in size, number, or importance Sales growth…
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