Tag Archive: science & technology – intermediate

©REUTERS/Artorn Pookasook/File Photo Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What types of vehicles do you think are most popular in different regions of the world, and why do you think that is? How do you think environmental concerns are shaping the development of new technologies in various industries? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. strategy /STRAT-i-jee/ [noun] – a plan of action designed to achieve a long-term or overall aim The company’s strategy involves expanding into new markets to increase its global presence. satisfy /SAT-is-fahy/ [verb] – to meet the needs, expectations, or desires of someone or…
Read more

©Thomas Turner, UC Santa Barbara via AP Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you ever heard of sea creatures washing ashore on beaches? What do you think causes this to happen? Why is it important for scientists to study rare species of animals and fish? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. identify /ahy-DEN-tuh-fahy/ [verb] – to recognize or be able to name someone or something, or to prove who or what someone or something is The teacher helped the students identify different types of plants in the garden. species /SPEE-sheez/ [noun] – a set of animals…
Read more

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is a hurricane, and how is it formed? Can you describe its main characteristics and the regions where it typically occurs? Can you think of any recent or historical hurricanes that have made headlines? What do you remember about them? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. climate /KLAHY-mit/ [noun] – the typical weather conditions in a particular region over a long period The climate in tropical areas is usually hot and humid throughout the year. disaster /di-ZAS-ter/ [noun] – an event causing great damage, destruction, or distress, such as a…
Read more

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are solar flares, and how do they occur? Why are solar flares important to study? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. dynamics /dahy-NAM-iks/ [noun] – refers to the forces, factors, or elements that contribute to the overall behavior, functioning, or changes within a system or situation The dynamics of a classroom can change dramatically depending on the teacher’s approach to teaching. analysis /uh-NAL-uh-sis / [noun] – examination and interpretation of data or information to understand its significance The scientist conducted a thorough analysis of the experiment results to draw accurate…
Read more

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is a solar storm, and what do you know about its effects on Earth? Do you think solar storms are predictable events? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. solar storm /SOH-ler stawrm/ [noun] – a disturbance on the Sun, such as a solar flare or coronal mass ejection, that releases a large amount of energy into space, potentially affecting Earth’s magnetosphere and causing geomagnetic storms Scientists study solar storms to better understand how they can impact our planet. visible /VIZ-uh-buhl / [adjective] – able to be…
Read more

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you believe are the benefits of trees to the environment and to humans? Have you ever participated in tree-planting or conservation activities? If so, what was your experience like? If not, would you be interested in getting involved in such activities in the future? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. emerge /ih-MURJ/ [verb] – to appear or originate Fossils indicate that the earliest mammals emerged on Earth in the Triassic period, evolving from reptile-like ancestors. seed pod /seed pod/ [noun] – a long, narrow part…
Read more

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you know about orangutans? Where do they live, and what are some of their distinctive characteristics? How do you think humans and animals might be similar or different when it comes to problem-solving abilities? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. wound /woond/ [noun] – a damaged area of the body, such as a cut or hole in the skin or flesh made by a weapon He received a deep wound on his arm during the accident. chew /choo/ [verb] – to crush food into smaller, softer pieces with the…
Read more

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How do you feel about plant-based foods? What are some potential benefits of using plant-based ingredients instead? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. combination /kom-buh-NEY-shuhn / [noun] – the result or product of combining two or more elements, substances, or ingredients together The artist experimented with different color combinations until she found the perfect palette for her painting. technological /tek-nuh-LOJ-i-kuhl/ [adjective] – relating to, or involving, technology The company invested heavily in technological advancements to improve their production processes. intensive /in-TEN-siv/ [adjective] – involving a lot of effort or activity in…
Read more

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is a VPN? What might lead a government to restrict internet content? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. struggle /STRUHG-uhl/ [noun] – a determined effort or fight to achieve or resist something The struggle for civil rights was a long and arduous battle, but it eventually led to significant social change. liberty /LIB-er-tee/ [noun] – the state of being free from oppressive restrictions imposed by authority on one’s actions, thoughts, or beliefs The constitution guarantees the liberty to express opinions without fear of government retaliation. media /MEE-dee-uh/ [noun] – the…
Read more

©Sergey Krasovskiy/Handout via REUTERS Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What does the term “evolution” mean? What are some examples of prehistoric marine creatures you know? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. indicate /IN-di-keyt/ [verb] – to suggest, show, or be a sign of something The presence of fresh footprints indicates that someone was here recently. distinguished /dih-STING-gwisht/ [adjective] – used to describe someone or something that is characterized by excellence, renown, or notable achievement She received an award from a distinguished panel of experts for her innovative research in environmental science. combined /kuhm-BAHYND/ [adjective] – describes…
Read more