Tag Archive: science & technology – intermediate

New device translates thoughts into speech

brain

Pre-reading questions: What is the most helpful invention for you? Please explain your answer. How do you think technological advances affect people’s lives? Vocabulary: encode /en-KOHD/ [verb] to put information into a form in which it can be stored, and which can only be read using special technology or knowledge The new manager asked his associates to encode the documents into his Google Drive. vocal /VOH-kuhl/ [adjective] relating to or produced by the voice, either in singing or speaking Ryan Cayabyab is one of the most talented vocal coaches in the Philippines. epileptic /ep-uh-LEP-tik/ [adjective] a very sudden attack of an illness in which someone becomes unconscious or develops violent…
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Japanese company produces high-tech wheelchairs

wheelchairs

Photo by © AFP via The Straits Times Pre-reading questions: Do you like sports? Why or why not? Are you interested to watch a Paralympic game? Why or Why not? Vocabulary: create /kree-EYT/ [verb] to make something new I have created a recipe that you will surely like. achieve /UH-cheev/ [verb] to succeed in finishing something or reaching an aim A lot of my friends achieved a degree in Computer science. leading /LEE-ding/ [adjective] first or most important Uniliver is still the leading brand in the Philippines. perfectly /PUR-fikt-lee/ [adverb] in a satisfying or entirely no mistakes way My sister’s room was perfectly organized. unknown /uhn-NOHN/ [adjective] not familiar Some…
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Survey shows Japanese youth spend three hours online each day

online

Pre-reading questions: Do you use the Internet for fun or learning? Explain your answer. How often do you use the internet? Vocabulary: study /stuhd-ee/ [noun] the activity of examining a subject in detail to discover new information The previous study showed how people choose to spend their free time. spend /spend/ [verb] to use time doing something or being somewhere She spent a lot of time finishing her homework. search /surch/ [verb] to look for information on the internet Searching the internet helps students do their homework. government /guhv-ern-muhnt/ [noun] the group of people who officially control a country The government is planning to help the needy. data /dey-tuh/ [noun]…
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China to launch new generation of driverless maglev trains in 2020

maglev

Pre-reading questions: What is the most convenient public transportation system for you? Why? Do you like to travel by train? Why or why not? Vocabulary: generation /jen-uh-rey-shuhn/ [noun] a group of products or machines that are all at the same stage of development The company is working on developing the new generation of sports cars. driverless /drahy-ver-lis/ [adjective] (of a vehicle) not having a person as a driver His dream is to invent a reliable driverless car. commercial /kuh-mur-shuhl/ [adjective] used to describe a product or service that can be bought by the public This airport handles almost 20,000 commercial flights a month. entirely /en-tahyuhr-lee/ [adverb] completely The new product…
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Facebook makes people unhappy, according to a study

fbbb

Pre-reading questions: Do you use social media sites? Why or why not? How often do you use social networking sites? Vocabulary: huge /yooj/ [noun] extremely large in amount or size Her last book signing was a huge success. unaware /uhn-uh-wair/ [adjective] not understanding or realizing something Angela is unaware of the announcement made by the principal. impact /im-pakt/ [noun] a powerful effect that something has on a situation or person Your friend can make a great impact in your life. attitude /at-i-tood/ [noun] a feeling or opinion about something or someone My attitude depends on how you treat me. recognize /rek-uhg-nahyz/ [verb] to know someone or something because you have…
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Volkswagen changes charging system for electric vehicles

Volkswagen new stategy for electric vehicles

Pre-reading questions: Do you own a car? If yes, kindly describe it. If no, what car brand do you want to buy? What car brand is famous in Japan? Vocabulary: strategy /STRAT-i-jee/ [noun] a detailed plan to achieve something or reach a goal The basketball team coach’s strategy won them the game. mobile /MOH-buhl/ [adjective] something that can be easily moved The old lady sits on a mobile chair every morning. exploit /EK-sploit/ [verb] to use something in a way to help someone or oneself People must exploit every opportunity to learn more and new things. accommodate /uh-KOM-uh-deyt/ [verb] to give what is needed to something or someone The new…
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Zora: A robot with a heart

Zora a robot with a heart

Pre-Reading Questions: Do you want to have a caregiver when you get old? Why or why not? Which do you like, a talking robot or a flying robot? Vocabulary: companion /kuhm-PAN-yuhn/ [noun] a person you spend a lot of time with Her high school best friend has been her companion whenever she travels abroad. affection /uh-FEK-shuhn/ [noun] a feeling of liking for a person or place John didn’t feel any affection when he saw his biological father for the first time. significant /sig-NIF-i-kuhnt/ [adjective] important or noticeable There are significant changes in the new management after the replacement of the president. encourage /en-KUR-ij/ [verb] to make someone more likely to…
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Japan’s ministry plans to use a speech translation application

Japan's ministry plans to use a speech translation application

Pre-reading questions: What are the languages that you know? Do you want to learn a foreign language? Why or why not? Vocabulary: application /ap-li-KEY-shuhn/ [noun] a computer program that is designed for a particular purpose Anyone can download applications on their phone. database /DEY-tuh-beys/ [noun] a large amount of information stored in a computer system They put a password to ensure the security of the database. provide /pruh-VAHYD/ [verb] to give someone something that they need The people provided relief goods for the people. translate /trans-LEYT/ [verb] to change words into a different language They used internet to translate all the words in English. quality /KWOL-i-tee/ [noun] a characteristic of…
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Google Maps adds a new feature for daily passengers

Google Maps adds new feature for daily passengers

Pre-reading questions: Do you like using Google Maps? Why or why not? Which do you ride more often, buses or trains? Why? Vocabulary: convenient /kuhn-VEEN-yuhn/ [adjective] something that causes less difficulty Going to the library on foot would be more convenient than waiting for the bus. commute /kuh-MYOOT/ [noun] a travel between work and home The commute to my work takes at least an hour and a half. predict /pri-DIKT/ [verb] to say that something will happen in the future We cannot predict what will happen next week so let’s be prepared. enable /en-EY-buhl/ [verb] to make something possible The software update will enable us to see who viewed our…
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AI robots to start teaching English in Japan by 2019

AI robots to start teaching English in Japan by 2019

Pre-reading questions: Do you like the English language? Is learning English difficult for you? Why or why not? Vocabulary: aim /eym/ [verb] to plan for a specific purpose I aim to become the best writer of this generation. improve /im-PROOV/ [verb] to get better, or to make something better She promised to improve her reading skills. oral /OHR-uhl/ [adjective] spoken; not written They did not do well in their oral presentation. trial /Y-uhl/ [noun] a test, usually over a limited period of time The trial project was opposed by the people. require /ri-KWAHYUHR/ [verb] to order or demand something I require you to always wear your ID when you are…
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