Tag Archive: science & technology – intermediate

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you know about orangutans and where they live? Can you think of any benefits to humans from studying orangutans? If not, why might scientists be interested in their behavior? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. squeeze /skweez/ [verb] – to press something firmly, especially from all sides in order to change its shape, reduce its size, or remove liquid from it She squeezed the orange to get fresh juice for breakfast. behavior /bih-HEYV-yer/ [noun] – the way in which one acts or conducts oneself, especially toward others The dog’s…
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©Jaume Pellicer/Handout via REUTERS Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you think a genome is and why might it be important for an organism? What do you understand about the relationship between an organism’s genetic material and its physical environment? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. astonishing /uh-STON-i-shing/ [adjective] – very surprising or amazing The sudden transformation of the caterpillar into a beautiful butterfly is truly astonishing. cell /sel/ [noun] – the smallest basic unit of a plant or animal Scientists study the cells of various plants to better understand their functions and genetic makeup….
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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you know about the habitat and behavior of cockroaches? In what ways do you think cockroaches might impact human health and well-being? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. exploit /EK-sploit/ [verb] – to take advantage of or make use of something for one’s benefit The company exploited new technologies to gain a competitive edge in the market. urban /UR-buhn/ [adjective] – of or in a city or town The urban landscape is characterized by tall buildings, busy streets, and vibrant cultural life. demonstrate /DEM-uhn-streyt/ [verb] – to show or…
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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are some of the challenges you think agriculture faces today? What do you understand by the term “gene editing”? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. wheat /weet/ [noun] – a plant whose yellowish-brown grain is used for making flour, or the grain itself Wheat is a staple food in many countries, often ground into flour for bread. unlike /uhn-LAHYK/ [preposition] – different from; not similar to Unlike her siblings, Sarah prefers quiet evenings at home over crowded parties. variation /vair-ee-EY-shuhn/ [noun] – different forms or versions of something The garden…
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©REUTERS/Artorn Pookasook/File Photo Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What types of vehicles do you think are most popular in different regions of the world, and why do you think that is? How do you think environmental concerns are shaping the development of new technologies in various industries? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. strategy /STRAT-i-jee/ [noun] – a plan of action designed to achieve a long-term or overall aim The company’s strategy involves expanding into new markets to increase its global presence. satisfy /SAT-is-fahy/ [verb] – to meet the needs, expectations, or desires of someone or…
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©Thomas Turner, UC Santa Barbara via AP Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you ever heard of sea creatures washing ashore on beaches? What do you think causes this to happen? Why is it important for scientists to study rare species of animals and fish? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. identify /ahy-DEN-tuh-fahy/ [verb] – to recognize or be able to name someone or something, or to prove who or what someone or something is The teacher helped the students identify different types of plants in the garden. species /SPEE-sheez/ [noun] – a set of animals…
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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is a hurricane, and how is it formed? Can you describe its main characteristics and the regions where it typically occurs? Can you think of any recent or historical hurricanes that have made headlines? What do you remember about them? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. climate /KLAHY-mit/ [noun] – the typical weather conditions in a particular region over a long period The climate in tropical areas is usually hot and humid throughout the year. disaster /di-ZAS-ter/ [noun] – an event causing great damage, destruction, or distress, such as a…
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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are solar flares, and how do they occur? Why are solar flares important to study? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. dynamics /dahy-NAM-iks/ [noun] – refers to the forces, factors, or elements that contribute to the overall behavior, functioning, or changes within a system or situation The dynamics of a classroom can change dramatically depending on the teacher’s approach to teaching. analysis /uh-NAL-uh-sis / [noun] – examination and interpretation of data or information to understand its significance The scientist conducted a thorough analysis of the experiment results to draw accurate…
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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is a solar storm, and what do you know about its effects on Earth? Do you think solar storms are predictable events? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. solar storm /SOH-ler stawrm/ [noun] – a disturbance on the Sun, such as a solar flare or coronal mass ejection, that releases a large amount of energy into space, potentially affecting Earth’s magnetosphere and causing geomagnetic storms Scientists study solar storms to better understand how they can impact our planet. visible /VIZ-uh-buhl / [adjective] – able to be…
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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you believe are the benefits of trees to the environment and to humans? Have you ever participated in tree-planting or conservation activities? If so, what was your experience like? If not, would you be interested in getting involved in such activities in the future? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. emerge /ih-MURJ/ [verb] – to appear or originate Fossils indicate that the earliest mammals emerged on Earth in the Triassic period, evolving from reptile-like ancestors. seed pod /seed pod/ [noun] – a long, narrow part…
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