Tag Archive: science & technology – intermediate

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How do astronauts or mission control teams respond when a spacecraft experiences a serious technical problem? Why can technical issues in spacecraft be particularly challenging to resolve compared to problems on Earth? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. prioritize /prahy-AWR-i-tahyz/ [verb] – to treat something as more important than other things We need to prioritize homework before going out to play. unmanned /uhn-MAND/ [adjective] – not operated by a person; remote-controlled or automated The robot is an unmanned vehicle that can explore dangerous areas. steadfast /STED-fast/ [adjective] – firm and unwavering…
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©NASA via AP Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Do you know what space rovers are? If so, how important do you think they are for space exploration? If not, are you interested in outer space? Why or why not? Have you ever climbed a big mountain or a tall wall before? If so, how difficult was it? If not, would you ever try it? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. sample /SAM-puhl/ [noun] – a small part or amount of something that is tested or examined The scientist collected samples of the soil for testing. slope…
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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is the role of journalism in society? What are some common tools or technologies used by journalists today? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. struggle /STRUHG-uhl/ [verb] – to make a great effort to achieve something, or to try very hard She had to struggle to lift the heavy box. democratic /dem-uh-KRAT-ik / [adjective] – relating to a system of government where the people choose their leaders by voting The country has a democratic system of government where people vote for their leaders. oppose /uh-POHZ/ [verb] – to be against…
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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What causes a volcano to erupt? How might the eruption of a volcano affect nearby areas? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. intensity /in-TEN-si-tee/ [noun] – the quality of being intense, or the degree to which something is strong or severe The storm’s intensity made it hard to see outside. Richter scale /RIK-tr-SKAYL/ [noun] – a scale used to measure the magnitude of earthquakes The earthquake was measured on the Richter scale as a 6.5. seismic activity /SAHYZ-mik ak-TIV-i-tee/ [noun phrase] – the occurrence and movement of events related to the…
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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are some famous ancient monuments or structures in your country? What makes those ancient monuments or structures famous? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. puzzle /PUHZ-uhl/ [verb] – to cause someone to feel confused and slightly worried because they cannot understand something The complicated instructions on the new device puzzled him. elsewhere /ELS-hwair/ [adverb] – in or to another place or location I couldn’t find the book here, so I’ll look elsewhere. distant /DIS-tuhnt/ [adjective] – far away Despite their distant locations, the two companies managed to collaborate effectively. sophisticated…
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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What does it mean for an animal to adapt to its environment? Can you think of an example? Do you know what genes are? If yes, what do you know about them? If not, can you think of one word that comes to mind when you hear the word “genes”? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. freshwater /FRESH-wot-er/ [adjective] – water that is not salty, typically found in rivers, lakes, and streams The lake is a source of freshwater for the nearby towns. entire /en-TAHYUHR/ [adjective] – whole or complete She…
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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How would you feel if you ended up staying in a certain place longer than you intended? What challenges might people face if they have to extend their stay unexpectedly? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. backup /BAK-uhp/ [adjective] – serving as an alternative or supplementary option in case the primary one fails or is unavailable We have a backup plan in case our main idea doesn’t work. thruster /THRUHS-ter/ [noun] – a small engine on a spacecraft, used to control or adjust its movement The spaceship used its thrusters to…
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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What could cause astronauts to become stranded in space? Why is it important for astronauts to stay calm during emergencies in space? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. problem /PROB-luhm/ [noun] – a situation that needs to be dealt with or solved They are working hard to fix the problem with the spacecraft’s engine. engineer /en-juh-NEER/ [noun] – a person who designs or builds things The engineer checked the spacecraft’s systems to make sure they were working. leak /leek/ [noun] – a hole or crack through which something can escape They…
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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you ever seen an endangered species before? If yes, what was it? If not, is there any you would like to see? Have you ever seen the impacts that a disaster had on nature, especially animals? If yes, what kind of disaster was it? If not, have you ever heard of such stories in the news? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. severely /suh-VEER-lee/ [adverb] – very seriously The storm severely damaged the houses in the village. harm /hahrm/ [verb] – to hurt someone or damage something Pollution can harm…
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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Are you interested in outer space? If yes, what about it interests you? If not, why don’t you find it interesting? Did you know that there are more planets in outer space beyond our solar system? If yes, what have you heard about them? If not, are you interested in finding out more? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. mass /mas/ [noun] – the amount of matter in any solid object or in any volume of liquid or gas The scientist measured the mass of the liquid in the container. distant…
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