Tag Archive: science & technology – intermediate

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Why do you think the Titanic tragedy is still remembered and studied today? Have you ever seen the movie Titanic? If yes, what parts did you find interesting? If not, would you consider watching a movie about it? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. implode /im-PLOHD/ [verb] – to collapse or cause to collapse violently inward The balloon began to implode when it was exposed to the extreme cold. malfunction /mal-FUHNGK-shuhn/ [noun] – a failure to function properly The device experienced a malfunction that required immediate repair. cause /kawz/ [verb] –…
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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What types of government IDs can you renew online? Why can some IDs be renewed online while others cannot? What information is required to renew a government ID online? Why is it important to provide accurate information when renewing an ID? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. functional /FUHNGK-shuh-nl/ [adjective] – working correctly; able to perform its intended function The new coffee machine is functional and makes great coffee. user-friendly /YOO-zer-FREND-lee/ [adjective] – easy to use or understand The new app is user-friendly and simple to navigate. personnel /pur-suh-NEL/ [noun] –…
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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you know about the role of corals in ocean ecosystems? What are some ways people might be able to help protect and preserve coral reefs? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. insulated /IN-syuh-lay-tuhd/ [adjective] – protected or covered to prevent the loss of heat or cold The insulated water bottle kept my coffee hot for hours. offshore /AWF-SHAWR/ [adjective] – situated or occurring in the sea, away from the shore The company is investing in offshore wind farms to generate renewable energy. nursery /NUR-suh-ree/ [noun] – a place where…
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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is the role of artificial intelligence in the film industry? Can you think of any examples where technology, like CGI or motion capture, has been used to create characters in movies? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. prohibit /proh-HIB-it/ [verb] – to forbid or not allow something The school will prohibit students from using phones during class. digital /DIJ-i-tl/ [adjective] – related to or involving computer technology She uses a digital camera to take pictures. critic /KRIT-ik/ [noun] – a person who judges or evaluates something The critic gave the…
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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you know about Tesla? What are the advantages and disadvantages of automated driving systems compared to human-driven vehicles? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. launch /lawnch/ [verb] – to begin something such as a plan or introduce something new such as a product The company launched a new marketing campaign to promote their latest product. automated /AW-tuh-may-tuhd/ [adjective] – carried out by machines or computers without needing human control The factory’s automated system ensures products are assembled with high precision. freeway /FREE-wey/ [noun] – a high-capacity road designed for…
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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How do astronauts or mission control teams respond when a spacecraft experiences a serious technical problem? Why can technical issues in spacecraft be particularly challenging to resolve compared to problems on Earth? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. prioritize /prahy-AWR-i-tahyz/ [verb] – to treat something as more important than other things We need to prioritize homework before going out to play. unmanned /uhn-MAND/ [adjective] – not operated by a person; remote-controlled or automated The robot is an unmanned vehicle that can explore dangerous areas. steadfast /STED-fast/ [adjective] – firm and unwavering…
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©NASA via AP Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Do you know what space rovers are? If so, how important do you think they are for space exploration? If not, are you interested in outer space? Why or why not? Have you ever climbed a big mountain or a tall wall before? If so, how difficult was it? If not, would you ever try it? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. sample /SAM-puhl/ [noun] – a small part or amount of something that is tested or examined The scientist collected samples of the soil for testing. slope…
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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is the role of journalism in society? What are some common tools or technologies used by journalists today? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. struggle /STRUHG-uhl/ [verb] – to make a great effort to achieve something, or to try very hard She had to struggle to lift the heavy box. democratic /dem-uh-KRAT-ik / [adjective] – relating to a system of government where the people choose their leaders by voting The country has a democratic system of government where people vote for their leaders. oppose /uh-POHZ/ [verb] – to be against…
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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What causes a volcano to erupt? How might the eruption of a volcano affect nearby areas? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. intensity /in-TEN-si-tee/ [noun] – the quality of being intense, or the degree to which something is strong or severe The storm’s intensity made it hard to see outside. Richter scale /RIK-tr-SKAYL/ [noun] – a scale used to measure the magnitude of earthquakes The earthquake was measured on the Richter scale as a 6.5. seismic activity /SAHYZ-mik ak-TIV-i-tee/ [noun phrase] – the occurrence and movement of events related to the…
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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are some famous ancient monuments or structures in your country? What makes those ancient monuments or structures famous? 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 complicated instructions on the new device puzzled him. elsewhere /ELS-hwair/ [adverb] – in or to another place or location I couldn’t find the book here, so I’ll look elsewhere. distant /DIS-tuhnt/ [adjective] – far away Despite their distant locations, the two companies managed to collaborate effectively. sophisticated…
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