Tag Archive: science & technology – intermediate

NASA’s Perseverance rover finds ancient lake bed on Mars

rover

©REUTERS Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. When imagining the future of space exploration, what aspects do you think researchers and scientists are most eager to uncover or explore further? What comes to mind when you think about the possibility of life beyond Earth, especially on other planets in our solar system? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. surface /SUR-fis/ [noun] – the outer or top part or layer of something The explorer analyzed the surface of the ancient artifact, looking for clues about its origin and historical significance. current /KUR-uhnt/ [adjective] – of the present time…
Read more

Ancient people turns ancestor bones into tools, surprising study finds

humam bone

©J.C. Vera Rodríguez Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you think life was like for ancient people who lived thousands of years ago in different parts of the world? What kind of challenges do you imagine they faced in their daily lives? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. discovery /dih-SKUHV-uh-ree/ [noun] – the process of finding information, a place, or an object, especially for the first time, or the thing that is found The discovery of the ancient artifacts in the cave was a significant find for archaeologists. aspect /AS-pekt / [noun] – one part…
Read more

Amazon unveils the Trainium2 AI chip, intensifying competition with Microsoft in the cloud computing arena

Screenshot 2023-12-13 143913

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you think the term “artificial intelligence” means? How might artificial intelligence impact our daily lives? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. remarkable /ri-MAHR-kuh-buhl/ [adjective] – unusual or special, and therefore surprising and worth mentioning The student’s progress in math was remarkable, showing a significant improvement in just a few weeks. response /ri-SPONS/ [noun] – an answer or reaction The teacher’s response to the student’s question was informative and helped clarify the concept. forthcoming /FAWRTH-KUHM-ing/ [adjective] – happening soon The forthcoming weekend promises exciting adventures and new experiences for the…
Read more

GM’s Cruise initiates limited restart of driverless robotaxis

Cruise

©REUTERS/Elijah Nouvelage Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What companies or initiatives do you know of that are involved in working on self-driving technology? Would you consider buying a self-driving car? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. manual /MAN-yoo-uhl/ [adjective] – operated or controlled directly by a human, typically involving physical effort The company required manual labor for assembling the products. expand /ik-SPAND/ [verb] – to increase in size, number, or importance, or to make something increase in this way The company plans to expand its operations into new markets next year. measure…
Read more

World-class airport implements passport-free travel system

airport-3810408_1280

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What comes to mind when you think about airports? What challenges do you think passengers always face in airports? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. implement /IM-pluh-ment/ [verb] – to start using a plan or system The company decided to implement new project management software to streamline workflows. highlight /HAHY-lahyt / [verb] – to attract attention to or emphasize something important The report’s executive summary provides a concise way to highlight the key findings and recommendations. expansion /ik-SPAN-shuhn/ [noun] – the increase of something in size, number, or importance The company’s…
Read more

Scientists recover RNA from extinct Tasmanian tiger, unlocking genetic secrets

new discovery

©Emilio Mármol Sánchez Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you think a Tasmanian tiger might look like? Where do you think it lived? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. preserve /pri-ZURV/ [verb] – to keep something as it is, especially in order to prevent it from decaying or being damaged or destroyed The agreement preserved our right to limit trade in endangered species. detailed /dih-TEYLD/ [adjective] – giving a lot of information with many details He kept a detailed account of the suspect’s movements. genetic /juh-NET-ik / [noun] – the genetic makeup, traits, and inheritance…
Read more

Duracell launches cutting-edge eco-friendly power solution

AdobeStock_625183961

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are some innovative energy solutions that you’re familiar with? Can you think of ways in which renewable energy sources could be integrated into everyday products for convenience and sustainability? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. launch /lawnch/ [verb] – to introduce or start something, such as a new product or initiative Duracell recently launched a new Portable Power Station, providing a convenient energy solution. environmentally friendly /uhn-vai-urn-MEN-tuh-lee FREND-lee/ [adjective] – not harmful to the environment; designed to have minimal impact on nature The environmentally friendly features of the Duracell Portable…
Read more

SpaceX’s Starship test ends in failure after reaching space

SpaceX

©REUTERS/Go Nakamura Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What companies or organizations do you know of that are working on making spacecraft for space exploration missions? Why is it important to keep trying and making things better when inventing new technology? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. mission /MISH-uhn/ [noun] – planned journeys or endeavors The space agency announced a new mission to explore the outer planets of our solar system using advanced spacecraft. launch /lawnch/ [verb] – an occasion when a ship is put into water, or a spacecraft is sent into space, for the first…
Read more

Scientists unlock lunar soil’s agricultural potential, paving the way for sustainable moon farming

plant in moon soil

©Reuters Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are your initial thoughts or assumptions about the soil on the moon? Do you think the soil on the moon is similar to the soil on Earth, or could there be significant differences? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. breakthrough /BREYK-throo/ [noun] – an important discovery or event that helps to improve a situation or provide an answer to a problem The scientist’s recent breakthrough in renewable energy could revolutionize how we power our homes. crucial /KROO-shuhl / [adjective] – extremely important or necessary Proper nutrition is crucial for…
Read more

Scientists rediscover elusive echidna species in remote Indonesian mountains

Echidna, also known as spiny ant eaters.
They are egg laying mammals.

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Before learning about echidnas, what do you think are the typical characteristics of mammals? If you were to guess, why might some animals be challenging to locate in the wild? Can you think of any specific features or behaviors that could make them elusive? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. remarkable /ri-MAHR-kuh-buhl/ [adjective] – unusual or special, and therefore surprising and worth mentioning The artist’s painting was remarkable, capturing the beauty of the sunset in vivid colors. earthquake /URTH-kweyk/ [noun] – a sudden violent movement of the earth’s surface, sometimes causing…
Read more