Tag Archive: science & technology – intermediate

Rare pudu fawn born in Argentina offers hope for species conservation

Pudu

©REUTERS/Alessia Maccioni Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Why are some animals harder to protect than others? How do animals in the wild protect themselves from predators? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. deer /deer/ [noun] – a hoofed grazing or browsing animal, typically with branched antlers During the winter, deer often wander into suburban neighborhoods searching for food. gather /GATH-er/ [verb] – to collect or bring together We need to gather enough evidence before presenting our case to the committee. oversee /oh-ver-SEE/ [verb] – to supervise or manage activities or people She oversees the entire production…
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South Korea’s ‘morphing wheel’ revolutionizes mobility with adaptive design

morph

©Reuters TV/via REUTERS Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How can robots help people in everyday life? If you could design a robot, what kind of tasks would you want it to do? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. bump /buhmp/ [noun] – a raised area on a surface The car hit a few bumps on the dirt road. wire /wahyuhr/ [noun] – (a piece of) thin metal thread with a layer of plastic around it, used for carrying electric current The electrician fixed the broken wires in the house. stiffness /STIF-nis/ [noun] – the quality of…
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Scientists find ways to protect bees from pesticides with new supplement

Bees

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Why do people use pesticides in farming? Is it possible to not use pesticides in farming? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. pesticide /PES-tuh-sahyd/ [noun] – a chemical substance used to kill harmful insects, small animals, wild plants, and other unwanted organisms Farmers often use pesticides to protect their crops from insects. pollination /pol-uh-NEY-shuhn/ [noun] – the process in which pollen is taken from one plant or part of a plant to another so that new plant seeds can be produced Bees play a crucial role in…
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Researchers raise ultra-clean pigs for life-saving organ donations

Pig (2)

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you ever heard of organ transplants? If yes, what types of organs do you think are commonly used? What are some unusual medical research or treatments you have heard of? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. rapidly /RAP-id-lee/ [adverb] – in a fast or sudden way The technology is developing rapidly, changing the way we live and work. measure /MEZH-er/ [noun] – a way of achieving something, or a method for dealing with a situation The company has implemented new measures to improve safety. infection /in-FEK-shuhn/ [noun] – a condition…
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The red-cockaded woodpecker downlisted to “threatened” after major recovery efforts

BRIX IIMG (17)

©AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty, File Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What happens when a species’ status is changed from “endangered” to “threatened”? What actions can help endangered species recover? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. recovery /ri-KUHV-uh-ree/ [noun] – the process of becoming successful or normal again after being damaged or weakened The country is working hard on economic recovery after the crisis. status /STEY-tuhs/ [noun] – the official classification given to a species, such as “endangered” or “threatened,” based on its risk of extinction Scientists are working to improve the turtle’s status from “threatened” to…
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The giant salmon carp, once feared extinct, has reappeared in the Mekong River amid conservation efforts

BRIX IIMG (16)

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is an extinct animal? What happens to the environment when an animal goes extinct? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. reappear /ree-uh-PEER/ [verb] – to appear again after being gone or hidden for a period of time The bird was thought to be gone, but it suddenly reappeared in the forest. specimen /SPES-uh-muhn/ [noun] – a single example or sample of something, especially for scientific study The scientist carefully examined the plant specimen under a microscope. overfishing /ow-vr-FI-shuhng/ [noun] – the practice of catching too many fish, causing a decline…
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Apple introduces hearing aid feature in AirPods Pro 2

earpods

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How do you think smartphones have changed the way we communicate and interact with others? What types of apps do you find most useful in your daily life, and why? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. feature /FEE-cher/ [noun] – a typical quality or an important part of something The new car model includes a safety feature that automatically stops the vehicle if an obstacle is detected. regulation /reg-yuh-LEY-shuhn/ [noun] – an official rule or the act of controlling something The company had to adjust its operations to comply with environmental…
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New York City launches “Living Breakwaters” project to protect coastline and restore marine ecosystems after Superstorm Sandy

reeef

©AP Photo/Ted Shaffrey Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is coastal protection? Why is protecting coastal areas important? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. coastal /KOHS-tl/ [adjective] – relating to or located on the coast The coastal town is known for its beautiful beaches and lively atmosphere. natural /NACH-er-uhl/ [adjective] – existing in or caused by nature; not made or caused by humankind The park is filled with natural beauty and diverse wildlife to explore. defense /dih-FENS/ [noun] – the action of defending from or resisting attack; protection The team improved its defense to prevent the…
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Joya-La Barreta Ecological Park in Querétaro becomes the first certified Urban Night Sky Reserve in Latin America

BRIX IIMG (11)

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is a night sky reserve? What are some reasons why people might be interested in astronomy or stargazing? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. ecological /ee-kuh-LAA-juh-kl/ [adjective] – relating to the environment and the relationship between living things and their surroundings Many farmers use ecological methods to protect nature while growing food. certified /SUR-tuh-fahyd/ [adjective] – officially recognized as possessing certain qualifications or meeting specific standards The teacher is certified to teach science and mathematics in high school. disrupt /dis-RUHPT/ [verb] – to interrupt the normal progress or activity of…
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Chess sees global resurgence fueled by tech innovations and influential media

chess-1702761_1280

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Why is chess considered a strategic game? What benefits might playing chess have for players? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. demographics /dem-uh-GRAF-iks/ [noun] – the study of the characteristics of a population, such as age, race, and income The company analyzed the demographics to understand its customer base better. engage /en-GEYJ/ [verb] – to participate or become involved in something Students engage in discussions to share their thoughts on important topics. integrity /in-TEG-ri-tee/ [noun] – the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles A leader must have integrity…
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