Tag Archive: science & technology – intermediate

Scientific findings highlight Venus’s dry origins

Venus

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you think it would be like to live on another planet? If you could name a new planet, what would you call it and why? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. interior /in-TEER-ee-er/ [noun] – the inside part of something She entered the interior of the cave to explore its wonders. surface /SUR-fis/ [noun] – the outer or top part or layer of something They walked on the surface of the moon during the mission. molten /MOHL-tn/ [adjective] – melted by heat The molten metal was poured into molds…
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1.5-million-year-old footprints in Kenya reveal key insights into early human ancestors’ behavior and locomotion

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©Louise Leakey via AP Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you know about early humans and their way of life? What can scientists learn from ancient footprints? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. identify /ahy-DEN-tuh-fahy/ [verb] – to recognize someone or something and say who or what they are The teacher helped the students identify the main idea of the story. interaction /in-ter-AK-shuhn/ [noun] – the act of communicating with or reacting to someone or something The interaction between the teacher and students was very friendly. locomotion /loh-kuh-MOH-shuhn/ [noun ] – the ability to move…
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Rare spade-toothed whale discovery in New Zealand marks milestone for marine research

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you know about marine research? What can researchers learn by studying the anatomy of marine animals? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. specimen /SPES-uh-muhn/ [noun] – a sample of something, especially an animal or plant used for study The scientist collected a specimen of the rare plant. dissection /dih-SEK-shuhn/ [noun] – the process of cutting something apart, usually for scientific study The students carefully performed a dissection on the frog. marking /MAHR-king/ [noun] – a visible sign, symbol, or feature on something The dog had a distinct marking on…
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Climate change threatens potato yields and global food security

Potato

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What crops are most important for food worldwide? What dishes in your country use potatoes as an ingredient? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. molecular /muh-LEK-yuh-ler/ [adjective] – relating to or consisting of molecules The molecular structure of water is composed of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom. tackle /TAK-uhl/ [verb] – to try to deal with something or someone The government announced new plans to tackle unemployment in rural areas. aeroponic /AIR-uh-pon-ik/ [adjective] – relating to the process of growing plants without soil, using mist or air to deliver…
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SpaceX advances Starship development with sixth test flight despite technical issues

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you know about SpaceX and its goals in space exploration? Why does SpaceX collaborate with NASA for its missions? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. conduct /kuhn-DUHKT/ [verb] – to organize and perform a particular activity SpaceX conducted a successful rocket test last month. mission /MISH-uhn/ [noun] – an important job or duty, often involving travel or a specific goal The scientists completed their mission to explore the new island. immense /ih-MENS/ [adjective] – extremely large or great The mountains were covered in immense amount of snow after the…
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Rare pudu fawn born in Argentina offers hope for species conservation

Pudu

©REUTERS/Alessia Maccioni Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Why are some animals harder to protect than others? How do animals in the wild protect themselves from predators? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. deer /deer/ [noun] – a hoofed grazing or browsing animal, typically with branched antlers During the winter, deer often wander into suburban neighborhoods searching for food. gather /GATH-er/ [verb] – to collect or bring together We need to gather enough evidence before presenting our case to the committee. oversee /oh-ver-SEE/ [verb] – to supervise or manage activities or people She oversees the entire production…
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South Korea’s ‘morphing wheel’ revolutionizes mobility with adaptive design

morph

©Reuters TV/via REUTERS Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How can robots help people in everyday life? If you could design a robot, what kind of tasks would you want it to do? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. bump /buhmp/ [noun] – a raised area on a surface The car hit a few bumps on the dirt road. wire /wahyuhr/ [noun] – (a piece of) thin metal thread with a layer of plastic around it, used for carrying electric current The electrician fixed the broken wires in the house. stiffness /STIF-nis/ [noun] – the quality of…
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Scientists find ways to protect bees from pesticides with new supplement

Bees

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Why do people use pesticides in farming? Is it possible to not use pesticides in farming? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. pesticide /PES-tuh-sahyd/ [noun] – a chemical substance used to kill harmful insects, small animals, wild plants, and other unwanted organisms Farmers often use pesticides to protect their crops from insects. pollination /pol-uh-NEY-shuhn/ [noun] – the process in which pollen is taken from one plant or part of a plant to another so that new plant seeds can be produced Bees play a crucial role in…
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Researchers raise ultra-clean pigs for life-saving organ donations

Pig (2)

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you ever heard of organ transplants? If yes, what types of organs do you think are commonly used? What are some unusual medical research or treatments you have heard of? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. rapidly /RAP-id-lee/ [adverb] – in a fast or sudden way The technology is developing rapidly, changing the way we live and work. measure /MEZH-er/ [noun] – a way of achieving something, or a method for dealing with a situation The company has implemented new measures to improve safety. infection /in-FEK-shuhn/ [noun] – a condition…
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The red-cockaded woodpecker downlisted to “threatened” after major recovery efforts

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©AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty, File Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What happens when a species’ status is changed from “endangered” to “threatened”? What actions can help endangered species recover? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. recovery /ri-KUHV-uh-ree/ [noun] – the process of becoming successful or normal again after being damaged or weakened The country is working hard on economic recovery after the crisis. status /STEY-tuhs/ [noun] – the official classification given to a species, such as “endangered” or “threatened,” based on its risk of extinction Scientists are working to improve the turtle’s status from “threatened” to…
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