Tag Archive: science & technology – intermediate

Chess sees global resurgence fueled by tech innovations and influential media

chess-1702761_1280

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Why is chess considered a strategic game? What benefits might playing chess have for players? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. demographics /dem-uh-GRAF-iks/ [noun] – the study of the characteristics of a population, such as age, race, and income The company analyzed the demographics to understand its customer base better. engage /en-GEYJ/ [verb] – to participate or become involved in something Students engage in discussions to share their thoughts on important topics. integrity /in-TEG-ri-tee/ [noun] – the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles A leader must have integrity…
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Scientists analyze Mount Everest’s ongoing increase in height

Mt. Everest

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is the tallest mountain in your country? What unique features or characteristics does the tallest mountain in your country have? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. subcontinent /suhb-KON-tn-uhnt/ [noun] – a large landmass smaller than a continent, typically referring to a distinct region of a continent The Indian subcontinent is known for its diverse cultures and languages. uplift /UHP-lift/ [noun] – the increase in height or elevation over a period of time Due to ongoing volcanic activity, the uplift of the region has accelerated, raising concerns among local residents. erosion…
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Transitioning to sustainable farming practices could boost global food production by 30% by 2050

BRIX IIMG (10)

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What does sustainable farming mean? In your opinion, what are the biggest challenges farmers face when trying to adopt sustainable practices? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. promote /pruh-MOHT/ [verb] – to encourage or support something, or to help make something happen The school organized a campaign to promote healthy eating among students. mitigate /MIT-i-geyt/ [verb] – to make something less harmful, unpleasant, or bad Planting trees helps to mitigate the effects of air pollution in urban areas. predict /pri-DIKT/ [verb] – to say what will happen in the future, based…
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Archaeologists uncover two lost cities along the ancient Silk Road in Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan

©Michael Frachetti/Handout via REUTERS Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Why do archaeologists search for old cities and places? How did people in ancient times travel between cities? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. elevation /el-uh-VEY-shuhn/ [noun] – the height of a place above sea level The airplane reached an elevation of 30,000 feet during the flight. evidence /EV-i-duhns/ [noun] – facts, information, documents, etc. that give reason to believe that something is true Scientists gathered evidence to prove their theory about climate change. steel /steel/ [noun] – a strong metal that is a mixture of iron…
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Scientists discover hidden life beneath the Pacific Ocean

Underwater

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you imagine the ocean floor looks like? Why is it important to learn about new animals in the ocean? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. deploy /dih-PLOI/ [verb] – to position or arrange The company deployed its new software across all departments to improve efficiency. superheated /soo-puhr-HEE-tuhd/ [adjective] – heated to a temperature higher than its boiling point without becoming a gas The superheated steam escaped from the pressure cooker, creating a hissing sound as it vented excess pressure. diverse /dih-VURS/ [adjective] – including many different types of people…
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Rare October supermoon to illuminate skies alongside comet Tsuchinshan-Atlas on October 25

moon-6365467_1280

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you know about the phases of the moon? How does the supermoon differ from other phases of the moon? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. close /klohz/ [adjective] – near in distance or time The store is close to my house, so I walk there. rare /rair/ [adjective] – not occurring very often The museum has a rare collection of ancient coins from different countries. convergence /kuhn-VUR-juhns/ [noun] – the act of coming together or meeting at one point The convergence of different cultures can create a rich and…
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NOAA predicts 60% likelihood of weak La Niña event this Autumn

BRIX IIMG (6)

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you know about La Niña? What are some common symptoms or signs of La Niña that occur in different parts of the world? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. forecast /FAWR-kast/ [verb] – to say what you expect to happen in the future Meteorologists forecast heavy rain for tomorrow, so people should prepare. probability /prob-uh-BIL-i-tee/ [noun] – the level of chance that something will happen There is a high probability of thunderstorms this evening, so stay indoors. persist /per-SIST/ [verb] – to continue to exist or happen, especially for…
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Astronomers trace the origins of meteorites that have hit Earth

meteorite

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. If you could visit any place in space, where would you go and why? What stories or myths have you heard about meteorites or shooting stars? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. origin /AWR-i-jin/ [noun] – the point at which something begins or comes into existence The origin of the ancient civilization remains a mystery to historians. indicate /IN-di-keyt/ [verb] – to show, point, or make clear in another way The results of the survey indicate a growing preference for online shopping. focus /FOW-kuhs/ [verb] – to direct attention or concentration…
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Scientists discover lunar cave near Apollo 11 landing site

Cris

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What might a cave on the moon look like? Why are scientists interested in studying caves on the moon? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. utilize /YOOT-l-ahyz/ [verb] – to use something in an effective way The teacher utilized visual aids to help students understand complex topics. measure /MEZH-er/ [verb] – to discover the exact size, amount, or degree of something Engineers measure the strength of the bridge to ensure its safety. potentially /puh-TEN-shuh-lee/ [adverb] – used to say something may develop into something in the future This new policy could…
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Research reveals extinction of 610 bird species and its causes

Birds

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How would you feel if a local bird you enjoy watching disappeared forever? What are some human activities that might lead to the extinction of animals? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. flightless /FLAHYT-lis/ [adjective] – not able to fly The ostrich is a flightless bird that can run very fast. ecologist /ih-KOL-uh-jist/ [noun] – a person who studies the natural relationships between the air, land, water, animals, plants, etc. The ecologist spent years researching the impact of pollution on marine life. rely on /ri-LAHY on/ [phrasal verb] – to depend…
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