Tag Archive: science & technology – intermediate

Arabica coffee struggles due to unpredictable climate shifts

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What types of coffee are you familiar with? What is your favorite type of coffee, and how often do you drink it? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. uncertain /uhn-SUR-tn/ [adjective] – not known or fixed, or not completely certain The outcome of the experiment is still uncertain as we await the final results. tackle /TAK-uhl / [verb] – to try to deal with something or someone She decided to tackle the challenging project head-on, determined to find a solution. vital /VAHYT-l/ [adjective] – necessary for the success or continued existence…
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AI breakthrough reveals ancient scrolls’ secrets

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©Brent Seales Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you think ‘artificial intelligence’ means? How do you imagine AI might be used in our daily lives or in various industries? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. 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 archaeological team’s exciting discovery of ancient artifacts sheds new light on the history of the region. enable /en-EY-buhl / [verb] – to make someone able to do something or to make something possible The…
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Thailand discovers electric blue tarantula species

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©Courtesy Narin Chomphuphuang Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you ever seen a tarantula? If so, can you describe your encounter with one? If not, what are your initial impressions or thoughts about tarantulas? Could you share some examples of unique species you have encountered in your life? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. fascinating /FAS-uh-ney-ting/ [adjective] – extremely interesting The documentary about marine life was so fascinating that I couldn’t stop watching it. identify /ahy-DEN-tuh-fahy/ [verb] – to recognize or establish the identity of something or someone The detective was able to identify the suspect…
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Android app spies on tens of thousands of phones

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What comes to mind when you hear ‘stalkerware app’? What safety concerns do you have about your smartphone? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. emphasize /EM-fuh-sahyz/ [verb] – to show that something is very important or worth giving attention to The teacher emphasized the importance of studying regularly to succeed in the upcoming exams. icon /AHY-kon/ [noun] – small graphical representation or symbol that typically represents an application on a device’s user interface The envelope icon represents the email application, and when clicked, it opens the user’s mailbox. cautious /KAW-shuhs/ [adjective]…
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Peculiar parasitic worms found to lack genes common in other organisms

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is a parasite? Which organisms do you know are parasitic in nature? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. infect /in-FEKT/ [verb] – to pass a disease to a person, animal, or plant The contagious disease began to infect people in neighboring villages. possess /puh-ZES/ [verb] – to have or own something, or to have a particular quality The old house possesses a certain charm and character. gene /jeen/ [noun] – a part of the DNA in a cell that controls the physical development, behaviour, etc. of an individual plant or…
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Study advances genetic engineering of pig organs

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What comes to mind when you think about organ transplants? What animal do you think shares similarities with humans, particularly in terms of organ transplantation and medical research? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. trial /TRAHY-uhl/ [noun] – a test to discover how safe, effective, etc. a product is After extensive laboratory testing, the new vaccine is now ready for its first human trial to assess its safety and effectiveness. breakthrough /BREYK-throo/ [noun] – an important discovery or event that helps to improve a situation or provide an answer to a…
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New research confirms ancient human footprints in New Mexico dating back 21,000–23,000 years

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. When you think about ancient human footprints, what thoughts or questions come to mind? What do you imagine these footprints might reveal about the past? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. presence /PREZ-uhns/ [noun] – the fact that someone or something is in a place His calming presence in the room made everyone feel at ease during the meeting. debate /dih-BEYT/ [noun] – serious discussion of a subject in which many people take part The debate on the new school policy went on for hours, with parents, teachers, and students expressing…
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Spacecraft set to explore Apophis, an asteroid named after the Egyptian god of chaos and darkness

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What comes to mind when you hear the word asteroid? What do you think asteroids are made of? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. investigate /in-VES-ti-geyt / [verb] – to examine a crime, problem, statement, etc. carefully, especially to discover the truth The detective was called to investigate the mysterious disappearance of the valuable painting from the art gallery. chaos /KEY-os/ [noun] – a state of total confusion with no order After the earthquake, the city was in chaos with buildings collapsed and roads blocked. darkness /DAHRK-nis/ [noun] – the quality…
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Morehouse College launches virtual reality education ‘Metaversity’

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you ever experienced virtual reality programs? Tell me about it. Would you want to use virtual reality to learn? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. historically /hi-STAWR-ik-lee/ [adverb] – in comparison with quantities, qualities, etc. in the past Historically, this region was known for its rich cultural heritage. enhance /en-HANS/ [verb] – to improve the quality, amount, or strength of something Reading books can enhance your knowledge and broaden your perspective. simulation /sim-yuh-LEY-shuhn/ [noun] – a model of a set of problems or events that can…
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US regulators investigate OpenAI’s ChatGPT model for concerns

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is an AI-powered chatbot? What are some common use cases for AI-powered chatbots? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. concern /kuhn-SURN/ [noun] – a worried or nervous feeling about something, or something that makes you feel worried She expressed her concern about the safety of the new construction project in the neighborhood. accuracy /AK-yer-uh-see/ [noun] – the fact of being exact or correct The scientist emphasized the importance of data accuracy in conducting reliable experiments. intellectual /in-tl-EK-choo-uhl/ [adjective] – relating to your ability to think and understand things, especially complicated…
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