Tag Archive: Science & Technology – Intermediate

Webb telescope spots signs of concealed planets

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Do you find other planets interesting? Why or why not? Do you know of other planets aside from the ones in our solar system? Tell me about them. Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. telescope /TEL-uh-skohp/ [noun] – a cylinder-shaped device for making objects that are far away look closer and larger, using a combination of lenses, or lenses and curved mirrors The scientist used the telescope to study the behavior of the stars in the night sky. extend /ik-STEND/ [verb] – to reach, stretch, or continue The river extends for…
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Unlocking the power of genetics

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How are traits passed down from one generation to another? What is genetics? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. genetics /juh-NET-iks/ [noun] – the study of how, in all living things, the characteristics and qualities of parents are given to their children by their genes Genetics is the study of how traits are passed down from parents to their children through their DNA. link /lingk/ [verb] – to make a connection between two or more people, things, or ideas The new highway will link the two cities, making it easier and…
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NASA launches TROPICS mission to upgrade hurricane forecasting

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Do you watch weather forecasts? Why or why not? Do you think the weather and climate forecasts that we now have are accurate? What could be improved? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. initiative /ih-NISH-uh-tiv/ [noun] – a new plan or process to achieve something or solve a problem Sarah showed great initiative by organizing a community clean-up event, gathering volunteers and cleaning supplies to make a positive impact on the neighborhood. subsequent /SUHB-si-kwuhnt/ [adjective] – happening after something else After the heavy rain, subsequent flooding occurred, causing road closures and…
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Tech startup boosts dairy industry with ‘Fitbit’ for cows

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you worn Fitbits or smartwatches? How was the experience?  Do you think wearable devices could be useful in other areas of our lives? Which one do you have in mind? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. innovative /IN-uh-vey-tiv/ [adjective] – using new methods or ideas The innovative startup introduced a game-changing app that simplifies everyday tasks and enhances productivity. reminder /ri-MAYHN-der/ [noun] – a written or spoken message that reminds someone to do something The sticky note on the fridge served as a helpful reminder for Mark to pay his…
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Why AI won’t replace creative, social, and physical jobs anytime soon

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Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. empathy /EM-puh-thee/ [noun] – the ability to share someone else’s feelings or experiences by imagining what it would be like to be in that person’s situation Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others, and it’s an important skill to have when you want to be a good friend. therapist /THER-uh-pist/ [noun] – someone whose job is to treat a particular type of mental or physical illness or disability, usually with a particular type of therapy If you’re feeling overwhelmed or stressed out, it might be helpful to talk to a therapist…
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Why AI won’t replace creative, social, and physical jobs anytime soon

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is the definition of AI? What are some examples of creative jobs that require a human touch? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. emotional intelligence /ih-MOH-shuh-nl in-TEL-i-juhns/ [noun phrase] – the ability to understand the way people feel and react and to use this skill to make good judgments and to avoid or solve problems Having emotional intelligence means being aware of your own feelings and how they affect others. currently /KUR-uhnt-lee/ [adverb] – at the present time Currently, I am studying English, but I used to study Spanish in…
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Could potatoes and tomatoes power our lives?

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are some common uses of potatoes and tomatoes in our daily lives? What is vegetable electricity? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. process /PROS-es/ [noun] – a series of actions that you take in order to achieve a result When you bake a cake, it’s important to follow the process step by step to ensure it turns out delicious. concept /KON-sept/ [noun] – a principle or idea The concept of recycling is to take old materials and turn them into something new instead of throwing them away. generate /JEN-uh-reyt/ [verb]…
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Unlocking Earth’s secrets

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are the different layers of the earth, and how do they differ in composition and properties? What are some of the biggest mysteries that scientists are still trying to solve about the Earth’s geology? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. diamond /DAHY-muhnd/ [noun] – a transparent, extremely hard precious stone that is used in jewelry, and in industry for cutting hard things I found a beautiful diamond on the beach while I was on vacation. surface /SUR-fis/ [noun] – the outer or top part or layer of something The little…
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Building resilience for a sustainable future

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What does “resilience” mean? What are some ways that individuals can take action to promote resilience and sustainability in their daily lives? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. apparent /uh-PAIR-uhnt/ [adjective] – able to be seen or understood It was apparent from the way she was sweating and breathing heavily that she had just finished a vigorous workout. imperative /im-PER-uh-tiv/ [adjective] – extremely important or urgent: It is imperative that you finish your homework before watching TV if you want to get good grades in school. emerge /ih-MURJ/ [verb] – to…
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Criticism arises over inaccurate portrayals of climate change in literature and film

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is climate fiction? Do you think climate fiction helps us better understand and respond to the challenges posed by climate change in our own lives and communities? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. tackle /TAK-uhl/ [verb] – to try to deal with something or someone The coach taught the football players how to tackle properly to prevent injuries during games. crisis /KRAHY-sis/ [noun] – a time of great disagreement, confusion, or suffering The company went bankrupt due to the financial crisis that affected the entire country. extreme /ik-STREEM/ [adjective] –…
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