Tag Archive: science & technology – intermediate

4000-year-old Giant Slab found in France is the oldest map in Europe

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©Denis Gliksman via BBC.com Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Are you interested in history? Why or why not? What do you know about prehistoric people? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. excavate /EKS-kuh-veyt/ [verb] – to remove earth that is covering very old objects buried in the ground to discover things about the past The tools were excavated in an area 400 meters from the previous site. throughout /throo-OUT/ [adverb] – in every part, or during the whole period of time You can see the detailed patterns throughout the walls of the palace. accurate /AK-yer-it/ [adjective]…
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The UAE’s tiny lunar rover to face difficulties on the moon

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you know about a lunar rover? For you, what is a historic mission? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. historic /hi-STAWR-ik/ [adjective] – important or likely to be important in history They planned to build historic buildings. celebrate /SEL-uh-breyt/ [verb] – to take part in special enjoyable activities in order to show that a particular occasion is important They always celebrate their wedding anniversary by going out to dinner. achievement /uh-CHEEV-muhnt/ [noun] – something very good and difficult that you have succeeded in doing It gives you a sense…
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During a pandemic, people find warmth and community by listening to the sounds we miss

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How often do you visit bars? What kind of music do you like to listen to? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. discover /dih-SKUHV-er/ [verb] – to find information, a place, or an object, especially for the first time Experts have discovered how to predict an earthquake. abandon /uh-BAN-duhn/ [verb] – to leave a place, thing, or person, usually forever As a baby he was abandoned by his mother. adapt /uh-DAPT/ [verb] – to change, or to change something, to suit different conditions or uses We had to adapt our plans…
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The world’s first space hotel to open in 2027

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Do you want to travel to space? Why or why not? Could you tell me your most memorable experience staying in a hotel? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. stuck /stuhk/ [adjective] – unable to move, or set in a particular position, place, or way of thinking Six of us were stuck in the elevator for over an hour. potential /puh-TEN-shuhl/ [adjective] – possible when the necessary conditions exist Three potential buyers have expressed interest in the company. holiday /HOL-i-dey/ [noun] – an official day when you do not have to…
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Greek letters will not be used again to name tropical cyclones

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© CNN Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is your favorite season and why? When is the start of the rainy season in your country? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. distracting /duh -STRAK-tuhng/ [adjective] – making it difficult for someone to give their attention to something The loud music is very distracting. potentially /puh-TEN-shuh-lee/ [adverb] – possibly Measles is a potentially fatal disease. responsible /ri-SPON-suh-buhl/ [adjective] – to have control and authority over something or someone and the duty of taking care of it, him, or her We are all responsible for making this house…
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Photos of glow-in-the-dark shark captured by scientists for the first time

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©Dr. Jérôme Mallefet via CNN Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. When was the last time you have seen a live sea animal? Are you willing to dive into the sea to discover other sea creatures? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. capture /KAP-cher/ [verb] – to record or take a picture of something using a camera The incident was captured by a passer-by. researcher /ree-SUR-cher/ [noun] – someone who studies a subject, especially in order to discover new information or reach a new understanding The researcher is having a hard time to…
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Japanese billionaire seeks 8 volunteers to join him on Moon voyage

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© Yusaku Maezawa Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is your favorite space movie or TV show? What is interesting about outer space? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. accompany /uh-KUHM-puh-nee/ [verb] – to go with someone or to be provided or exist at the same time as something Would you like me to accompany you to your room? reveal /ri-VEEL/ [verb] – to make known or show something that is surprising or that was previously secret The new movie was revealed in yesterday’s comic convention. benefit /BEN-uh-fit/ [verb] – to be helped by something or…
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Russia launches Arktika-M to oversee climate in the Arctic

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© ROSCOSMOS PRESS SERVICE HANDOUT/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock via CNN Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What environmental problem does your country face? Is recycling important to help save our environment? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. satellite /SAT-l-ahyt/ [noun] – a device sent up into space to travel around the earth, used for collecting information or communicating by radio, television, etc. The latest reports will be broadcasted via satellite. orbit /AWR-bit/ [noun] – the curved path through which objects in space move around a planet or star The latest space shuttle launched is now in…
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Facebook to sell Android-based smartwatch next year

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Do you have a smartwatch? If yes, please tell me more about it. If no, would you like to have one and why? What devices do you have? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. intend /in-TEND/ [verb] – to have as a plan or purpose Our family intends to go to Australia next year. feature /FEE-cher/ [noun] – a typical quality or an important part of something The latest software update has new interesting features. run /ruhn/ [verb] – to (cause something to) operate Old trains used to be run by…
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Smallest reptile in the world discovered in Madagascar

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© via bbc.com Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. When was the last time you have visited a zoo? Would you like to keep an exotic pet? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. diet /DAHY-it / [noun] – the food and drink usually eaten or drunk by a person or group Diet varies between different countries in the world. spectacular /spek-TAK-yuh-ler/ [adjective] – especially great The company had a spectacular success with the product. extreme /ik-STREEM/ [adjective] – very large in amount or degree The people in this area live in extreme poverty….
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