Tag Archive: science & technology – intermediate

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you imagine an asteroid looks like up close? Do you believe we will find signs of life on other planets one day? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. origin /AWR-i-jin/ [noun] – the beginning or source of something Scientists are studying the origin of ancient civilizations to understand how they developed. discovery /dih-SKUHV-uh-ree/ [noun] – the act of finding or learning something for the first time The discovery of a new species of fish in the deep ocean excited marine biologists. aspect /AS-pekt/ [noun] –…
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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. If you could help protect an animal species, which one would you choose and why? What challenges do you think wild animals face when their habitats get smaller? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. variation /vair-ee-EY-shuhn/ [noun] – a difference or change in the characteristics of something The chef experimented with a new variation of the traditional pasta recipe. shrink /shringk/ [verb] – to become smaller in size, amount, or number The company had to cut costs as its profits began to shrink rapidly. biodiversity /bahy-oh-di-VUR-si-tee/ [noun] – the variety of…
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©Photo by Elizabeth Peters: https://www.bbg.org/article/a_rare_corpse_flower_blooms Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you ever seen a rare flower bloom in real life? If yes, what did it look like? If not, would you like to see one? Do you know any flowers that have a strong or unusual smell? Why do you think they smell that way? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. attract /uh-TRAKT/ [verb] – to make someone or something come to a place or be interested in something The bright flowers attract bees to the garden. occurrence /uh-KUR-uhns/ [noun] – something that happens The…
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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you know about renewable energy sources like solar and wind? Why is renewable energy important for the environment? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. target /TAHR-git/ [verb] – to aim or direct something toward a specific goal The campaign targets young adults who want to learn new skills. technological /tek-nuh-LOJ-i-kuhl/ [adjective] – relating to or involving technology Technological advancements have made cars safer and more efficient. substantial /suhb-STAN-shuhl/ [adjective] – large in size, amount, or importance The company made a substantial profit this year. incentive /in-SEN-tiv/ [noun] – something…
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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Why do you think people are curious about objects that come from space? What do you think it would be like to hold a piece of a rock that came from space? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. visible /VIZ-uh-buhl/ [adjective] – able to be seen The mountain’s peak was visible through the mist after the fog cleared. impact /IM-pakt/ [noun] – the action of one object hitting another The car crash caused a noticeable impact on the vehicle’s front side. interstellar /in-ter-STEL-er/ [adjective] – occurring or existing between stars The…
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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Why do you think it’s important for everyone to have the chance to do scientific research? Why do you think accessibility is important in scientific research? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. barrier /BAR-ee-er/ [noun] – something that prevents or blocks movement, access, or progress The tall wall was a barrier that blocked the path. promote /pruh-MOHT/ [verb] – to support or encourage something to happen or develop The campaign promotes healthy eating among children. illustrate /IL-uh-streyt/ [verb] – to show something clearly, often with examples, pictures, or demonstrations The teacher…
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©(Michael Pittman via AP) Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you think tattoos were used for in ancient times? If you had the chance to learn about an ancient civilization, what would you want to discover about their culture? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. non-invasive /non-in-VEY-siv/ [adjective] – relating to any medical test or treatment that does not cut the skin or enter any of the body spaces The new non-invasive procedure helped doctors diagnose the problem without any surgery. artistry /AHR-ti-stree/ [noun] – great skill in creating or performing something, such as in…
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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. If you could create a robot to explore space, what special features would it have? What challenges do you think scientists face when working on missions to other planets? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. sample /SAM-puhl/ [noun] – a small part or quantity of something that shows what the whole is like The laboratory analyzed water samples to check for contamination. response /ri-SPONS/ [noun] – a reaction to something The mayor’s response to the flood crisis was swift and effective. alternative /awl-TUR-nuh-tiv/ [noun] – a choice or option available as…
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©Michel Roggo/Handout via REUTERS/File Photo Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Why do you think some species of animals are at risk of disappearing? What do you think are the most important things we should do to protect nature? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. threat /thret/ [noun] – danger or risk Natural disasters are among the biggest threats to public safety. dam /dam/ [noun] – a structure built to hold back water, often to create a storage area The dam was built to prevent flooding in the valley. water extraction /WOT-er ik-STRAK-shuhn/ [noun phrase] – the…
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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. If you could travel back in time to the age of dinosaurs, what would you want to see? Why do you think scientists are still interested in dinosaurs, even though they don’t exist anymore? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. footprint /FOOT-print/ [noun] – mark or impression left by a foot or feet The muddy footprints led straight to the front door. scientifically /sai-uhn-TI-fi-kuh-lee/ [adverb] – in a way that relates to science, or uses the methods of science The new drug was scientifically tested before being approved for use. excavation…
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