Tag Archive: science & technology – intermediate

Genetic discovery shapes human speech evolution

Language

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How do you think humans first learned to talk? What do you think life would be like if people couldn’t speak? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. factor /FAK-ter/ [noun] – a thing that influences or causes a result Climate change is caused by many factors, such as pollution and deforestation. variant /VAIR-ee-uhnt/ [noun] – a different form or version of something The new variant of the software has improved security features. version /VUR-zhuhn/ [noun] – a particular form or edition of something The latest version of the smartphone includes a…
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Beluga calf born at Shedd Aquarium after four years

Beluga

©(AP Photo/Erin Hooley) Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. If you could take care of a baby sea animal, which one would you choose? Why? How do you think animals communicate with each other? Can you think of any examples? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. ensure /en-SHOOR/ [verb] – to make sure that something happens or is done correctly The teacher checked all the students’ papers to ensure there were no mistakes. surface /SUR-fis/ [noun] – the top layer of something The frog jumped to the surface of the pond to get some air. welcome /WEL-kuhm/…
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Germany tests deep geothermal drilling in Geretsried for carbon-free energy

News (1)

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you think are the benefits of using natural energy sources like the sun, wind, or heat from the Earth? Why do you think some countries are trying to stop using fossil fuels? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. approximately /uh-PROK-suh-mit-lee/ [adverb] – close to a particular number or amount but not exactly The train will arrive in approximately five minutes. intensify /in-TEN-suh-fahy/ [verb] – to become stronger or more serious, or to make something stronger The rain began to intensify in the afternoon. transition /tran-ZISH-uhn/ [verb] – to change…
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Scientists uncover secret to boiling the perfect egg

egg

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you think makes a boiled egg taste good? What do you think is more important in cooking—speed or quality? Why? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. yolk /yohk/ [noun] – the yellow part of an egg that contains nutrients The baker carefully separated the yolk from the white to make a fluffy meringue. undercooked /uhn-dr-KUKT/ [adjective] – not cooked enough or not fully cooked The chef sent the steak back to the grill because it was undercooked and still raw in the middle. unevenly /uh-NEE-vuhn-lee/ [adverb] – in an…
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Satellite tracking reveals secrets of young sea turtles

sea turtle

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. If you could track an animal’s movements, which one would you choose and why? What are some ways humans can help animals that are endangered? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. phase /feyz/ [noun] – a stage or period in a process of change or development The construction project is now in its final phase, and the building will be completed soon. current /KUR-uhnt/ [noun] – a movement of water, air, or electricity in a particular direction Strong ocean currents made it difficult for the fishermen to return to shore. conservation…
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University of Michigan becomes world’s largest holder of snake specimens after major donation

Brix

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you ever visited a museum with animal specimens? If so, what did you find interesting? If not, would you like to visit one? Do you think snakes are important for science? If yes, why? If not, what animals do you think are more important? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. transfer /trans-FUR/ [noun] – the process of moving something from one place to another The transfer of the books took all day. primarily /prahy-MAIR-uh-lee/ [adverb] – mainly This book is primarily written for beginners. acquisition /ak-wuh-ZISH-uhn/ [noun] – the act…
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NASA uncovers life’s building blocks in asteroid Bennu

asteroid

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you imagine an asteroid looks like up close? Do you believe we will find signs of life on other planets one day? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. origin /AWR-i-jin/ [noun] – the beginning or source of something Scientists are studying the origin of ancient civilizations to understand how they developed. discovery /dih-SKUHV-uh-ree/ [noun] – the act of finding or learning something for the first time The discovery of a new species of fish in the deep ocean excited marine biologists. aspect /AS-pekt/ [noun] –…
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Genetic diversity decreases and puts species at risk

wild life

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. If you could help protect an animal species, which one would you choose and why? What challenges do you think wild animals face when their habitats get smaller? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. variation /vair-ee-EY-shuhn/ [noun] – a difference or change in the characteristics of something The chef experimented with a new variation of the traditional pasta recipe. shrink /shringk/ [verb] – to become smaller in size, amount, or number The company had to cut costs as its profits began to shrink rapidly. biodiversity /bahy-oh-di-VUR-si-tee/ [noun] – the variety of…
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Rare Amorphophallus Gigas Blooms at Brooklyn Botanic Garden for first time since 2018

halaman

©Photo by Elizabeth Peters: https://www.bbg.org/article/a_rare_corpse_flower_blooms Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you ever seen a rare flower bloom in real life? If yes, what did it look like? If not, would you like to see one? Do you know any flowers that have a strong or unusual smell? Why do you think they smell that way? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. attract /uh-TRAKT/ [verb] – to make someone or something come to a place or be interested in something The bright flowers attract bees to the garden. occurrence /uh-KUR-uhns/ [noun] – something that happens The…
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EU achieves milestone: 47% of electricity from renewable sources in 2024

Copy of News Templates (5)

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you know about renewable energy sources like solar and wind? Why is renewable energy important for the environment? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. target /TAHR-git/ [verb] – to aim or direct something toward a specific goal The campaign targets young adults who want to learn new skills. technological /tek-nuh-LOJ-i-kuhl/ [adjective] – relating to or involving technology Technological advancements have made cars safer and more efficient. substantial /suhb-STAN-shuhl/ [adjective] – large in size, amount, or importance The company made a substantial profit this year. incentive /in-SEN-tiv/ [noun] – something…
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