Tag Archive: science & technology – intermediate

The 61-year quest for artificial hearts

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Would you like one of your organs to be replaced if it failed? Why or why not? What do you think are the most significant advances in technology in the past decade? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. globally /gloh-buhl-li/ [adverb] – across the whole world Globally, people are working to reduce carbon emissions to help protect the planet from climate change. artificial /ahr-tuh-FISH-uhl/ [adjective] – made by people, often as a copy of something natural The company is developing an artificial intelligence tool to help doctors diagnose diseases more accurately…
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Why we dream in multiple languages

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Are you learning a foreign language? If so, have you ever dreamed of that language? Are you learning a foreign language aside from English? If so, could you tell me about it? If not, what language would you like to learn? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. puzzle /PUHZ-uhl/ [verb] – to cause someone to feel confused and slightly worried because they cannot understand something The math problem was so difficult that it puzzled the entire class, and no one could solve it. learner /LUR-ner/ [noun] –…
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A little bit of messiness – The key to unleashing your creativity

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How do you feel when you enter a messy room? What is the biggest challenge you face when trying to keep your room tidy? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. creativity /kree-ey-TIV-i-tee/ [noun] – the ability to produce or use original and unusual ideas Creativity is the ability to think outside the box and come up with original ideas. stimulate /STIM-yuh-leyt/ [verb] – to encourage something to grow, develop, or become active Exercise can stimulate the release of endorphins, which can improve mood and reduce stress. inspiration /in-spuh-REY-shuhn/ [noun] – a…
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The undiscovered oceanic giants

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What underwater species are you familiar with? Could you tell me about it? Would you like to volunteer to explore the ocean floor? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. beneath /bih-NEETH/ [preposition] – in or to a lower position than someone or something, under someone or something She looked beneath the surface of the lake to see if there were any fish swimming below. species /SPEE-sheez/ [noun] – a set of animals or plants in which the members have similar characteristics to each other and can breed…
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Undersea Cables: Life Under the Waves

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How important is communication? How do you take care of marine life in your own way? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. underwater /UHN-der-WAW-ter/ [adjective] – under the surface of the water, especially under the surface of the ocean The underwater research station provides valuable insights into marine ecosystems. massive /MAS-iv/ [adjective] – very large in size, amount, or number The city was hit by a massive storm that caused widespread damage to buildings and infrastructure. telecommunication /tel-uh-kuh-myoo-ni-KEY-shuhn/ [noun] – communication using phones, radios, etc. The telecommunications industry has revolutionized the…
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Massive heat pumps warming cities

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Do you like warm temperatures? Why or why not? Are you a supporter of green technology? Could you elaborate on your answer? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. urban /UR-buhn/ [adjective] – of or in a city or town The urban landscape underwent a significant transformation as old factories were transformed into trendy loft apartments. rural /ROOR-uhl/ [adjective] – in, of, or like the countryside Rural areas have struggled to keep up with the technological advancements that have improved the lives of those in urban centers. contribute /kuhn-TRIB-yoot / [verb] –…
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Research on diseases using Avatar film’s motion capture technology

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Do you like watching science fiction films? Why or why not? Can you describe the sensory experience of watching 3D films? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. trace /treys/ [verb] – to find someone or something that was lost They traced where the money came from, and it was stolen from the company. primarily /prahy-MAIR-uh-lee/ [adverb] – mainly The school primarily focuses on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education. movement /MOOV-muhnt/ [noun] – a change of position The movements of the dancers were graceful and smooth while the live music played….
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How your brain is controlled by gut microbes

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are some common treatment options for depression? Do you think physical health affects depression? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. cell /sel/ [noun] – the smallest basic unit of a human,plant, or animal The nucleus of a cell stores DNA. discovery /dih-SKUHV-uh-ree/ [noun] – the process of finding information, a place, or an object, especially for the first time, or the thing that is found The discovery of the new planet was a major breakthrough in the field of astronomy. sophisticated /suh-FIS-ti-key-tid/ [adjective] – intelligent or made in a complicated…
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How to extend the shelf life of fruits and vegetables

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are some ways that you personally preserve food at home? Are you interested in learning more about new and emerging food preservation technologies? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. prevention /pri-VEN-shuhn/ [noun] – the act of stopping something from happening or of stopping someone from doing something Prevention is better than cure, so it’s important to take steps to avoid getting sick. mankind /MAN-kahynd/ [noun] – the whole of the human race, including both men and women Mankind has been exploring outer space for decades, but…
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The fundamental link between self-awareness and motivation

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are some common reasons for feeling unmotivated? How can you create a motivating environment to boost productivity? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. motivation /moh-tuh-VEy-shuhn/ [noun] – enthusiasm for doing something Lack of motivation was the reason he couldn’t complete the project on time. factor /FAK-ter / [noun] – a fact or situation that influences the result of something The weather was a major factor in the decision to cancel the outdoor event. latter /LAT-er/ [noun] – the second of two people, things, or groups previously mentioned She was torn…
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