Tag Archive: science & technology – intermediate

©(Alexandre Lefebvre via AP) Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What would you like to learn about how people lived long ago? Do you think people a long time ago were smart or creative? Why? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. pointed /POIN-tid/ [adjective] – having a sharp end or tip The hunter carried a pointed stick for protection. survive /ser-VAHYV/ [verb] – to continue to live, especially after a dangerous situation The ship’s crew survived by using what they found on the island. discovery /dih-SKUHV-uh-ree/ [noun] – the act of finding something for the first time…
Read more

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you ever heard of an astronaut who went to space at an old age? If so, who was that astronaut? If not, what age do you think is too old for space travel? Do you know what happens to the body when it returns from space? If so, what kind of changes happen? If not, what do you think it feels like? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. space /speys/ [noun] – the area outside the Earth where the stars and planets are The rocket went up into space last…
Read more

©(AP Photo/John Raby) Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you think could happen if birds or other animals go near airplanes? Do you think animals and people can work together in a team? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. handler /HAND-ler/ [noun] – a person who takes care of and controls animals The handler trained the guide dog to help people with vision problems. risk /risk/ [noun] – the chance that something bad or dangerous may happen There are risks when driving fast on a rainy road. strike /strahyk/ [noun] –…
Read more

©Nathan Hurner/U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service via AP Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you ever heard of a fish that lives in only one place? If so, where did it live? If not, what do you think it eats? Do you know what happens when a species becomes endangered? If so, what can help the species? If not, what do you think people should do? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. propose /pruh-POHZ/ [verb] – to offer or suggest a plan or idea for others to consider The teacher proposed a class trip to the…
Read more

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you ever seen or joined a swimming class for children? If so, what activities did the children do? If not, what do you think they learn? Do you know anyone who learns things more slowly or in a different way? If so, how do teachers help that person? If not, what do you think would help? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. essential /uh-SEN-shuhl/ [adjective] – necessary or needed Water is essential for life. strategy /STRAT-i-jee/ [noun] – a detailed plan for achieving success in situations such as war, politics,…
Read more

©(Chloe Dawson/Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia via AP) Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. If you could create a medicine to cure any illness, what illness would you choose? Why? Why do you think it’s important to try new ideas in science, even if they don’t always work? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. experimental /ik-sper-uh-MEN-tl/ [adjective] – used for testing; not yet proven to work perfectly An experimental drug was tested on a small group of people. newborn /NOO-BAWRN/ [noun] – a baby that was born recently The hospital has a special room for newborns. transplant /TRANS-plant/…
Read more

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is one animal you find interesting or strange? Why do you feel that way? Do you like learning about how animals survive in nature? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. shrink /shringk/ [verb] – to become smaller in size Clothes can shrink in hot water if you wash them the wrong way. observe /uhb-ZURV/ [verb] – to watch something carefully to learn or understand it Scientists observed the birds to learn about their flying habits. severe /suh-VEER/ [adjective] – very serious or bad The town was…
Read more

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. If you could help one animal or insect, which would you choose? Why? Do you think insects are important in nature? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. decline /dih-KLAHYN/ [noun] – a decrease or reduction in number, amount, or quality There has been a sharp decline in the number of students attending evening classes. express /ik-SPRES/ [verb] – to show or communicate a thought, feeling, or opinion Many parents express concern about the quality of school lunches. insecticide /in-SEK-tuh-sahyd/ [noun] – a chemical substance made and used…
Read more

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have animals ever acted strangely in front of you? If so, what did the animal do? If not, what strange behavior would surprise you? Do you know animals that take care of babies that are not their own? If so, what animals are they? If not, why might animals do that? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. behavior /bih-HEYV-yer / [noun] – the way a person or animal acts or does things The dog’s friendly behavior made everyone smile. record /ri-KAWRD/ [verb] – to keep information about something, often using a…
Read more

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you ever experienced a time when water was not available at home? If so, what did you do? If not, what would you do if it happened? Have you ever heard of a city or country having a water shortage? If so, what do you remember about it? If not, where do you think it could happen? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. shortage /SHAWR-tij/ [noun] – a situation in which there is not enough of something The town had a food shortage after the storm. authority /uh-THAWR-i-tee/ [noun ]…
Read more