Tag Archive: science & technology – intermediate

Astronauts remain stranded in space due to technical difficulties

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What could cause astronauts to become stranded in space? Why is it important for astronauts to stay calm during emergencies in space? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. problem /PROB-luhm/ [noun] – a situation that needs to be dealt with or solved They are working hard to fix the problem with the spacecraft’s engine. engineer /en-juh-NEER/ [noun] – a person who designs or builds things The engineer checked the spacecraft’s systems to make sure they were working. leak /leek/ [noun] – a hole or crack through which something can escape They…
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Wildfire threatens one of California’s endangered species

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you ever seen an endangered species before? If yes, what was it? If not, is there any you would like to see? Have you ever seen the impacts that a disaster had on nature, especially animals? If yes, what kind of disaster was it? If not, have you ever heard of such stories in the news? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. severely /suh-VEER-lee/ [adverb] – very seriously The storm severely damaged the houses in the village. harm /hahrm/ [verb] – to hurt someone or damage something Pollution can harm…
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New giant planet discovered by NASA

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Are you interested in outer space? If yes, what about it interests you? If not, why don’t you find it interesting? Did you know that there are more planets in outer space beyond our solar system? If yes, what have you heard about them? If not, are you interested in finding out more? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. mass /mas/ [noun] – the amount of matter in any solid object or in any volume of liquid or gas The scientist measured the mass of the liquid in the container. distant…
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Multiple events to celebrate the 55th anniversary of Apollo 11 lunar landing

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Do you know about the Apollo 11 mission? What do you think it was like on the moon? Are you interested in outer space? If yes, what about it interests you? If not, why do you not find it interesting? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. feature /FEE-cher/ [verb] – to include someone or something as an important part The new movie is featuring several well-known actors. surviving /ser-VAHY-ving/ [adjective] – continuing to live or exist after an event She was the last surviving person from the old village. look back…
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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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