Tag Archive: science & technology – intermediate

Scientists win Nobel Prize for ‘groundbreaking’ mRNA Covid-19 vaccines

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How do you imagine vaccines playing a role in global health efforts and disease prevention? Have you heard of the ‘Nobel Prize’? Can you envision how the Nobel Prize influences advancements and recognition in science, literature, peace efforts, and other fields? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. crucial /KROO-shuhl/ [adjective] – extremely important or necessary It is crucial to double-check the safety measures before starting any experiment in the laboratory. committee /kuh-MIT-ee/ [noun] – a small group of people chosen to represent a larger organization and either make decisions or collect…
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A new pangolin species emerges in the fight against extinction

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you already know about pangolins? Is illegal trading of animals or poaching a widespread issue in your country? Which specific animals are commonly targeted in such activities? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. species /SPEE-sheez/ [noun] – a set of animals or plants in which the members have similar characteristics to each other and can breed with each other Dolphins and whales belong to the same species known as cetaceans. conservation /kon-ser-VEY-shuhn/ [noun] – the protection of plants and animals, natural areas, and interesting and important structures and buildings,…
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AI transforms global waste management in response to crisis

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is AI (artificial intelligence)? What capabilities or functions do you hope AI can offer you? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. annually /AN-yoo-uh-lee/ [adverb] – once every year The company organizes a team-building event annually to strengthen team dynamics. significant /sig-NIF-i-kuhnt/ [adjective] – important or noticeable The company made a significant investment in research and development. efficiency /ih-FISHuhn-see/ [noun] – the quality of achieving the largest amount of useful work using as little energy, fuel, effort, etc. as possible The new manufacturing process increased the efficiency of automobile production. contribute…
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Meta’s Twitter rival ‘Threads’ gains massive popularity with ten million users

Meta's Threads app and Twitter logos are seen in this illustration  taken July 4, 2023. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration

©PBS News Hour Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you know about the recent developments in social media platforms and their competition? What are some of the key features or aspects that you look for in a social media platform? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. appeal /uh-PEEL/ [verb] – to be interesting or attractive The colorful illustrations in the book appeal to young readers. dissatisfied /dis-SAT-is-fahyd/ [adjective] – not pleased with something; feeling that something is not as good as it should be Many customers were dissatisfied with the quality of the product and…
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Can big tech access and monitor people’s messages?

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you know about end-to-end encryption? What messaging apps do you know that are known to have end-to-end encryption? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. adopt /uh-DOPT/ [verb] – to accept or start to use something new The company decided to adopt new technology to improve productivity and efficiency. criticism /KRIT-uh-siz-uhm / [noun] – an opinion given about something or someone, esp. a negative opinion, or the activity of making such judgments The movie received mixed criticism from the audience, with some praising it while others found it confusing. democratic…
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Groundbreaking discovery reveals Megalodon may have been warm-blooded

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are prehistoric animals? Which prehistoric animals do you know of? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. insight /IN-sahyt / [noun] – a clear, deep, and sometimes sudden understanding of a complicated problem or situation The book provided readers with profound insights into the nature of happiness and fulfillment. mammal /MAM-uhl/ [noun] – any animal in which the female gives birth to babies, not eggs, and feeds them on milk from her own body Elephants are the largest land mammals and possess remarkable intelligence and emotional capabilities. adaptation /ad-uhp-TEY-shuhn/ [noun] –…
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Scientists discover bird flu defense in humans

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is bird flu? What specific regions or countries have experienced significant bird flu outbreaks in the past? 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 rare species of plant in the forest is a significant event for botanists and conservationists. strain /streyn/ [noun] – a force or influence that stretches, pulls, or puts pressure on something, sometimes causing damage The heavy workload put a strain on her physical and mental health. potential /puh-TEN-shuhl / [adjective] – possible when the necessary conditions…
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China’s Chang’e-6 mission is set to collect moon samples from the far side next year

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©China National Space Administration Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you think a “mission to the moon” might involve? Why do you think space agencies or countries might be interested in sending missions to the moon? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. mission /MISH-uhn/ [noun] – an important job, especially a military one, that someone is sent somewhere to do Your mission is to isolate the enemy by destroying all the bridges across the river. crucial /KROO-shuhl / [adjective] – extremely important or necessary Her work has been crucial to the project’s success. data /DEY-tuh/…
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Virgin Galactic, Italian Air Force partner for commercial space mission

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©https://www.virgingalactic.com/ Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are commercial space missions? If you had the opportunity, would you go on one? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. collaborate /kuh-LAB-uh-reyt/ [verb] – to work with someone else for a special purpose The research project required scientists from various fields to collaborate and share their expertise. upcoming /UHP-kuhm-ing/ [adjective] – happening soon The organization is holding a meeting to discuss the upcoming projects and set goals for the upcoming year. initiative /ih-NISH-uh-tiv/ [noun] – a new plan or process to achieve something or solve…
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Finland’s innovative solution for nuclear waste

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©Getty Images Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are the major challenges associated with nuclear waste disposal? What are the potential environmental and health risks associated with improper nuclear waste management? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. impressive /im-PRE S-iv / [adjective] – If an object or achievement is impressive, you admire or respect it, usually because it is special, important, or very large The students were amazed by the impressive science experiment conducted by their classmates, as it showcased a remarkable display of colorful chemical reactions. disposal /dih-SPOH-zuhl/ [noun] – the act of getting rid…
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