Tag Archive: science & technology – intermediate

Portugal targets 93% renewable electricity by 2030 amidst revised green hydrogen goals

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is renewable energy, and can you name some examples of it? What do you think are some good reasons for using more renewable energy? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. parliament /PAHR-luh-muhnt/ [noun] – a legislative body of government responsible for making laws The parliament debated the new education policy for several weeks. draft /drahft/ [noun] – a preliminary version of a document or plan that is subject to further changes The writer submitted the first draft of the novel to the editor for review. offshore /AWF-SHAWR/ [adjective] – located…
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Ants’ clever ways of surviving challenge traditional views on animal empathy

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Why do scientists study animal behaviors? What makes it difficult for animals to stay safe in their habitats? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. limb /lim/ [noun] – an arm or leg of a person or animal He injured his right limb during the accident and required surgery. nestmate /NESS-mate/ [noun] – members of the same nest, typically referring to insects like ants or bees Insect colonies need nestmates to work together and get along well to stay healthy and survive tough environments. peer /peer/ [noun] – other members of the…
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Desert moss from Xinjiang may hold key to Mars colonization, study reveals

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What space-related interests do you have that you can share? Do you believe that humans can live on Mars in the future? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. moss /mos/ [noun] – small, green, non-flowering plant typically found in damp or shady locations The old stone wall was covered in soft, green moss. function /FUHNGK-shuhn/ [noun] – to operate or work in the intended or expected manner After repairing the damaged circuit, the computer was able to function perfectly again. rehydrate /ree-HAHY-dreyt/ [verb] – to restore moisture…
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Ancient predator fossils discovered

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you understand about fossils? How do fossils form? Why are fossils important in studying the history of life on Earth? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. researcher /REE-search-er/ [noun] – a person who conducts research, especially in the sciences or academia The researcher discovered a new species of plant in the rainforest. detailed /DEE-tayld/ [adjective] – in-depth, thorough, providing a lot of information or specifics The report included a detailed analysis of the economic trends. eventually /eh-VEN-chu-uh-lee/ [adverb] – in the end, after a period of time or a…
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Hydrogen sulfide detects on Jupiter-like alien planet, resembling the smell of rotten eggs

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Why is it important for scientists to study planets outside our solar system? Which planets do you know besides Earth, and what information can you share about them? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. prominence /PRO-muh-nuhns/ [noun] – the state of being easily seen or well known Her research gained prominence in the scientific community after it was published in a prestigious journal. incredibly /in-KREH-duh-blee/ [adverb] – a great degree; extremely The artist’s new exhibition was incredibly popular, drawing large crowds from across the city. fascinating /FAS-uh-ney-ting / [adjective] – extremely…
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Neanderthal fossil reveals earliest evidence of Down syndrome and compassionate care

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©REUTERS/Nikola Solic/File Photo Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are some challenges you think ancient humans faced in caring for people with disabilities or health issues? Are you interested in discoveries that provide insights into the social behaviors of early human societies? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. constant /KON-stuhnt/ [adjective] – continuous and unending The patient required constant supervision due to their medical condition. strength /strengkth/ [noun] – the ability to do things that need a lot of physical or mental effort Her strength allowed her to lift the heavy boxes…
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ALOS-4 satellite successfully launched to enhance Earth observations and national security

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What comes to mind when you hear the term space exploration? Do you think space exploration has advantages? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. rocket /ROK-it/ [noun] – a large cylinder-shaped object that moves very fast by forcing out burning gases, used for space travel or as a weapon The rocket soared into the sky, leaving a trail of smoke behind. engineering /EN-juh-neer-ing/ [noun] – the branch of science and technology concerned with the design, building, and use of engines, machines, and structures Engineering involves solving complex…
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Flying squirrel colony found in unexpected university tree removal mission

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. 講師がそれぞれの質問を読むので答えましょう。 Have you ever heard about flying squirrels? Have you ever visited a place where you could observe wildlife closely? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. 単語、意味、例文を読みます。講師に続いて音読しましょう。 university /yoo-nuh-VER-si-tee/ [noun] – a school that offers courses leading to a degree (such as a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree) and where research is done She plans to attend a university in New York to study engineering. team /teem/ [noun] – refers to a group of people working together Our team won the basketball game last night. squirrel /SKWUR-uhl/ [noun] – a small…
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Flying squirrel colony found in unexpected university tree removal mission

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you know about flying squirrels? How do you think they differ from other types of squirrels? Have you ever seen a flying squirrel before? If so, where? If not, what do you think they look like? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. stumble upon /STUHM-buhl uh-PAWN/ [idiom] – to discover by chance The hikers stumbled upon a hidden waterfall while exploring the dense forest. intrigue /in-TREEG/ [verb] – to interest someone a lot, especially by being strange, unusual, or mysterious The mystery novel intrigued her with its unexpected plot…
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Venus shows more volcanic activity than previously thought

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How important do you think it is for scientists to continuously update their knowledge and understanding of space exploration findings? What planet or planets are you familiar with? What interesting information or facts could you share about them? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. radar /REY-dahr/ [noun] – a system that uses radio waves to find the position of objects that cannot be seen The airport’s radar detected an incoming aircraft long before it was visible to the naked eye. scale /skeyl/ [noun] – the size, extent, or level of something,…
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