Tag Archive: science & technology – intermediate

Bringing back extinct traits with genetic engineering

GMO

©(Colossal Biosciences via AP) Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. If you could bring back an extinct animal, which one would you choose? Why? If you could change one small trait about yourself (like hair color or height), would you do it? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. woolly /WOOL-ee/ [adjective] – covered with or resembling wool; having a thick, soft, or fluffy texture The sheep had a thick, woolly coat to protect it from the cold winter. endangered /en-DEYN-jerd/ [adjective] – at risk of becoming extinct or disappearing The government is working…
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Private lunar lander Blue Ghost successfully touches down on the moon, opening new frontier in space exploration

News (9)

©NASA/Firefly Aerospace Via AP Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you think it takes to land something on the moon? Do you think the technology is ready for more moon landings? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. promote /pruh-MOHT/ [verb] – to encourage people to do or buy something The company wants to promote its new product. achievement /uh-CHEEV-muhnt/ [noun] – something important that you succeed in doing after trying hard Winning the race was her greatest achievement. despite /dih-SPAHYT/ [preposition] – in spite of; even though Despite the rain, we…
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Rare triple cyclone event unfolds in South Pacific amid peak storm season

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you know about tropical cyclones? Can you name any famous cyclones from history? What kind of damage can a tropical cyclone cause? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. meteorologist /mee-tee-uh-ROL-uh-jist/ [noun] – a scientist who studies weather patterns and forecasts weather conditions The meteorologist predicted heavy rain, so we brought umbrellas. historical /hi-STAWR-i-kuhl/ [adjective] – related to events in the past The museum has historical photos of past cyclones. occurrence /uh-KUR-uhns/ [noun ] – the fact or frequency of something happening The occurrence of three cyclones at the same…
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Private firm launches lunar lander to explore Moon’s shadowed crater

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Why do you think scientists want to study creaters on the moon? What challenges might they face during landing? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. launch /lawnch/ [verb] – to send something out, especially a vehicle into the air or space The company launched a new satellite into space last night. crater /KREY-ter/ [noun] – a large hole in the ground caused by an explosion or impact A giant crater was formed when the meteor hit the Earth. stability /stuh-bil-i-tee/ [noun] – the state of being steady and not likely to…
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Global glacier melt hits record high, study warns of dire consequences

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How do you think glaciers form over time? What factors might cause glaciers to grow or shrink? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. reveal /ri-VEEL/ [verb] – to make something known or show something that was hidden The scientist revealed the results of the experiment to the public. analyze /AN-l-ahyz/ [verb] – to study something carefully to understand its details The students analyzed the map to find the best route. decline /dih-KLAHYN/ [noun] – a continuous decrease in number, amount, or quality The decline in rainfall caused problems for farmers. emphasize…
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Astronomers monitor asteroid 2024 YR4 as impact probability rises slightly

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you know about asteroids? What would you do if you heard that an asteroid might hit Earth? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. concern /kuhn-SURN/ [noun] – a feeling of worry or nervousness about something The teacher expressed concern about the students’ safety during the trip. formation /fawr-MEY-shuhn/ [noun] – the process of creating or developing something The Grand Canyon holds evidence of the Earth’s formation, revealing layers of rock that date back millions of years. assess /uh-SES/ [verb] – to evaluate, analyze, or determine the nature, importance, or…
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Genetic discovery shapes human speech evolution

Language

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How do you think humans first learned to talk? What do you think life would be like if people couldn’t speak? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. factor /FAK-ter/ [noun] – a thing that influences or causes a result Climate change is caused by many factors, such as pollution and deforestation. variant /VAIR-ee-uhnt/ [noun] – a different form or version of something The new variant of the software has improved security features. version /VUR-zhuhn/ [noun] – a particular form or edition of something The latest version of the smartphone includes a…
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Beluga calf born at Shedd Aquarium after four years

Beluga

©(AP Photo/Erin Hooley) Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. If you could take care of a baby sea animal, which one would you choose? Why? How do you think animals communicate with each other? Can you think of any examples? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. ensure /en-SHOOR/ [verb] – to make sure that something happens or is done correctly The teacher checked all the students’ papers to ensure there were no mistakes. surface /SUR-fis/ [noun] – the top layer of something The frog jumped to the surface of the pond to get some air. welcome /WEL-kuhm/…
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Germany tests deep geothermal drilling in Geretsried for carbon-free energy

News (1)

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you think are the benefits of using natural energy sources like the sun, wind, or heat from the Earth? Why do you think some countries are trying to stop using fossil fuels? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. approximately /uh-PROK-suh-mit-lee/ [adverb] – close to a particular number or amount but not exactly The train will arrive in approximately five minutes. intensify /in-TEN-suh-fahy/ [verb] – to become stronger or more serious, or to make something stronger The rain began to intensify in the afternoon. transition /tran-ZISH-uhn/ [verb] – to change…
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Scientists uncover secret to boiling the perfect egg

egg

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you think makes a boiled egg taste good? What do you think is more important in cooking—speed or quality? Why? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. yolk /yohk/ [noun] – the yellow part of an egg that contains nutrients The baker carefully separated the yolk from the white to make a fluffy meringue. undercooked /uhn-dr-KUKT/ [adjective] – not cooked enough or not fully cooked The chef sent the steak back to the grill because it was undercooked and still raw in the middle. unevenly /uh-NEE-vuhn-lee/ [adverb] – in an…
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