Tag Archive: science & technology – intermediate

©Reuters Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are your initial thoughts or assumptions about the soil on the moon? Do you think the soil on the moon is similar to the soil on Earth, or could there be significant differences? 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 scientist’s recent breakthrough in renewable energy could revolutionize how we power our homes. crucial /KROO-shuhl / [adjective] – extremely important or necessary Proper nutrition is crucial for…
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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Before learning about echidnas, what do you think are the typical characteristics of mammals? If you were to guess, why might some animals be challenging to locate in the wild? Can you think of any specific features or behaviors that could make them elusive? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. remarkable /ri-MAHR-kuh-buhl/ [adjective] – unusual or special, and therefore surprising and worth mentioning The artist’s painting was remarkable, capturing the beauty of the sunset in vivid colors. earthquake /URTH-kweyk/ [noun] – a sudden violent movement of the earth’s surface, sometimes causing…
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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How do you think the shift towards electric vehicles might impact the global automotive market in the coming years? Can you name any automakers that have recently made significant strides in electric vehicle technology or manufacturing? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. confirm /kuhn-FURM/ [verb] – to officially state or declare the truth or validity of something The company will confirm the appointment by sending a confirmation email to all participants. investment /in-VEST-muhnt/ [noun] – the act of putting money, effort, time, etc. into something to make a profit or get…
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©NASA/ESA/CSA/Joseph Olmsted (STScI) Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you think ‘exoplanet’ means? If you were an astronaut exploring space, what would you find exciting or challenging about studying planets beyond our solar system? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. evidence /EV-i-duhns/ [noun] – one or more reasons for believing that something is or is not true There is no evidence to support the claim that aliens have visited Earth. distant /DIS-tuhnt / [adjective] – far away The mountain range seemed distant, but we decided to embark on the journey. absence /AB-suhns/ [noun] – state…
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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are some benefits of indoor gardening? How might it differ from traditional outdoor gardening? Have you ever heard of smart indoor gardening systems? What features do you think they might have? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. annually /AN-yoo-uh-lee / [adverb] – once a year; yearly We celebrate our anniversary annually with a special dinner. sophisticated /suh-FIS-ti-key-tid/ [adjective] – complex, advanced, and intricate The smart indoor gardening system comes with a sophisticated sensor for monitoring plant health. expansion /ik-SPAN-shuhn/ [noun] – the act of increasing in size or volume; growth…
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©U.S. Sergei Krasinski/Handout via Reuters Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What images or ideas come to your mind when you hear the term Tyrannosaurus rex? What do you expect to discover about this dinosaur? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. evolution /ev-uh-LOO-shuhn / [noun] – the way in which living things change and develop over millions of years The evolution of smartphones has transformed communication in the modern era. selection /si-LEK-shuhn/ [noun] – the act of choosing someone or something The selection of a candidate for the job involved a thorough interview process. debate /dih-BEYT/ [noun]…
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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Can you think of examples of animals that are considered predators? What about prey? Can you provide examples of adaptations that predators and prey might have developed over time? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. survival /ser-VAHY-vuhl/ [noun] – the act or fact of surviving, especially under adverse or unusual circumstances The cheetah’s speed is crucial for its survival in the wild. massive /MAS-iv / [adjective] – very large in scale, amount, or degree The elephant’s massive size is a key feature that helps it intimidate potential predators. contrary /KON-trer-ee/ [adjective]…
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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is a “heatwave,” and how does it differ from regular warm weather? Can you recall any personal experiences or news stories related to heatwaves? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. scorching /SKAWR-ching/ [adjective] – hot or burning The scorching sun made the pavement too hot to walk on barefoot. highlight /HAHY-lahyt/ [verb] – to emphasize or draw attention to something The speaker used graphs and charts to highlight the key points of the presentation. extensive /ik-STEN-siv/ [adjective] – covering a large area; having great extent The national park had an…
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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you think sea stars look like? How do you imagine sea stars moving and living in the ocean? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. conventional /kuhn-VEN-shuh-nl/ [adjective] – traditional and ordinary The small town’s celebration adhered to conventional festivities, with families gathering for a traditional parade and a feast of ordinary yet cherished dishes. boast /bohst/ [verb] – to have or possess something to be proud of The accomplished author could boast a vast collection of published novels, each contributing to the literary world in its own unique way….
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©Mercedes-Benz AG Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What comes to mind when you think about the brand Mercedes-Benz? How would you interpret the meaning of “electric concept cars”? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. exceed /ik-SEED/ [verb] – to be greater than a number or amount, or to go past an allowed limit The electric car’s range exceeds 300 miles on a single charge, making it a compelling choice for long-distance travelers. feature /FEE-cher/ [verb] – to include someone or something as an important part The museum’s special exhibit will feature rare artifacts from ancient civilizations,…
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