Tag Archive: science & technology – intermediate

India achieves historic moon landing as fourth country to land a spacecraft

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©Hindustan Times Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What comes to mind when you think about space exploration? What do you think are some of the key reasons that drive countries and organizations to explore outer space? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. significant /sig-NIF-i-kuhnt/ [adjective] – important or noticeable The discovery of a new species in the rainforest is a significant contribution to our understanding of biodiversity. phase /feyz/ [noun] – any stage in a series of events or in a process of development The construction of the new skyscraper is entering its final phase, with…
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New York beach enhances safety with advanced drones

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are some common safety concerns at beaches? What benefits do you think drones could bring to beach management or lifeguard operations? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. risk /risk/ [noun] – the possibility of something bad happening The company decided to invest in cybersecurity measures to mitigate the risk of data breaches and protect sensitive information. annually /AN-yoo-uh-lee/ [adverb] – once every year The local wildlife sanctuary annually organizes a recurring event to celebrate the arrival of migratory birds during the spring season. renewed /ri-NOOD/ [adjective] – begun or happening…
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Microsoft utilizes AI to revolutionize software tools with introduction of “Microsoft 365 Copilot” and “Microsoft Editor”

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you ever used any AI-powered tools or software in your daily life? If so, which ones? How do you think AI tools can enhance productivity and efficiency in various tasks? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. tool /tool/ [noun] – a device or implement used to carry out a particular function or task In today’s digital age, a computer is an essential tool for many jobs. summarization /suhm-uh-rahy-ZEY-shuhn/ [noun] – the act of making a summary or concise version of something, often a text or conversation His summarization of the…
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Apple unveils game-changing M3 chip

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are some common uses for computer chips in technology? Have you heard of the M3 chip before? What do you know about it? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. remarkable /ri-MAHR-kuh-buhl / [adjective] – something that is remarkable is extraordinary or worthy of attention because it is impressive or exceptional The student’s performance in the science competition was remarkable; she won first place with her innovative project. extended /ik-STEN-did/ [adjective] – extended means prolonged or elongated, often referring to something that lasts for a longer period than usual Due to…
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Study expands understanding of Neanderthal DNA in Eurasian populations

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©JOE MCNALLY, NAT GEO IMAGE COLLECTION Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What comes to mind when you think about the people who lived in ancient times, similar to early humans? What do you know about DNA and its significance in genetic research? 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 documentary will feature interviews with leading experts in the field, providing valuable insights into the topic at hand. interact /in-ter-AKT/ [verb] – to communicate or engage with someone or something During the workshop, participants…
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GSK’s Arexvy vaccine shows promise for a broader age group in the RSV battle

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©Leon Neal/Getty Images/FILE Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you think a vaccine is, and how do you think it works? Why might vaccines be important in healthcare? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. medical /MED-i-kuhl/ [adjective] – related to the treatment of illness and injuries Doctors and nurses provide medical care to people when they are sick or injured. availability /uh-vey-luh-BIL-i-tee/ [noun] – the fact that something can be bought, used, or reached, or how much it can be The availability of fresh fruits and vegetables depends on the season and the local market….
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A miniature whale fossil discovery sheds light on ancient seas

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is paleontology? What do you think is the importance of studying ancient marine creatures, such as fossilized whales? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. breakthrough /BREYK-throo/ [noun] – an important discovery or event that helps to improve a situation or provide an answer to a problem The new experimental treatment represents a significant breakthrough in the fight against a disease that has long eluded effective therapies. astonish /uh-STON-ish/ [verb] – very surprised The unexpected discovery of the rare artifact astonished archaeologists, leaving them in awe of its pristine condition and…
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Tech giants Nvidia and Foxconn join forces for AI and autonomous tech evolution

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©Foxconn Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What comes to mind when you hear the term “artificial intelligence” (AI)? Share any initial thoughts or ideas you have, even if you’re not sure what it means. How do you think machines or computers can be “intelligent” or make decisions on their own? What do you imagine when you hear about machines that can think and learn like humans? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. data /DEY-tuh/ [noun] – information, especially facts or numbers, collected to be examined and considered and used to help decision-making, or information in an…
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Webb telescope reveals hidden secrets of the Ring Nebula

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©ESA/Webb/NASA/CSA Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you think a nebula is? Why do you think scientists and astronomers are interested in studying celestial objects like the Ring Nebula? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. feature /FEE-cher/ [noun] – a typical quality or an important part of something The main feature of the smartphone is its high-quality camera. chemical /KEM-i-kuhl/ [adjective] – of, involved with, relating to, or made by using chemicals or chemistry The chemical reaction in the lab resulted in a colorful explosion. element /EL-uh-muhnt / [noun] – a part of something Hydrogen…
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AI.com shifts focus from ChatGPT to Elon Musk’s X.AI

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you know about Elon Musk? How do you find ChatGPT useful in your interactions or tasks? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. acquiring /uh-KWAI-uh-ruhng/ [gerund] – represents the action of obtaining or gaining something Her acquisition of new skills helped her secure a better job. concept /KON-sept/ [noun] – a principle or idea The concept of democracy emphasizes the importance of citizens’ participation in decision-making. motive /MOH-tiv/ [noun] – a reason for doing something The detective was determined to uncover the suspect’s motive behind the crime. uncertain /uhn-SUR-tn/ [adjective]…
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