Tag Archive: science & technology – intermediate

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. When you think about ancient human footprints, what thoughts or questions come to mind? What do you imagine these footprints might reveal about the past? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. presence /PREZ-uhns/ [noun] – the fact that someone or something is in a place His calming presence in the room made everyone feel at ease during the meeting. debate /dih-BEYT/ [noun] – serious discussion of a subject in which many people take part The debate on the new school policy went on for hours, with parents, teachers, and students expressing…
Read more

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What comes to mind when you hear the word asteroid? What do you think asteroids are made of? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. investigate /in-VES-ti-geyt / [verb] – to examine a crime, problem, statement, etc. carefully, especially to discover the truth The detective was called to investigate the mysterious disappearance of the valuable painting from the art gallery. chaos /KEY-os/ [noun] – a state of total confusion with no order After the earthquake, the city was in chaos with buildings collapsed and roads blocked. darkness /DAHRK-nis/ [noun] – the quality…
Read more

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you ever experienced virtual reality programs? Tell me about it. Would you want to use virtual reality to learn? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. historically /hi-STAWR-ik-lee/ [adverb] – in comparison with quantities, qualities, etc. in the past Historically, this region was known for its rich cultural heritage. enhance /en-HANS/ [verb] – to improve the quality, amount, or strength of something Reading books can enhance your knowledge and broaden your perspective. simulation /sim-yuh-LEY-shuhn/ [noun] – a model of a set of problems or events that can…
Read more

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is an AI-powered chatbot? What are some common use cases for AI-powered chatbots? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. concern /kuhn-SURN/ [noun] – a worried or nervous feeling about something, or something that makes you feel worried She expressed her concern about the safety of the new construction project in the neighborhood. accuracy /AK-yer-uh-see/ [noun] – the fact of being exact or correct The scientist emphasized the importance of data accuracy in conducting reliable experiments. intellectual /in-tl-EK-choo-uhl/ [adjective] – relating to your ability to think and understand things, especially complicated…
Read more

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How do you imagine vaccines playing a role in global health efforts and disease prevention? Have you heard of the ‘Nobel Prize’? Can you envision how the Nobel Prize influences advancements and recognition in science, literature, peace efforts, and other fields? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. crucial /KROO-shuhl/ [adjective] – extremely important or necessary It is crucial to double-check the safety measures before starting any experiment in the laboratory. committee /kuh-MIT-ee/ [noun] – a small group of people chosen to represent a larger organization and either make decisions or collect…
Read more

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you already know about pangolins? Is illegal trading of animals or poaching a widespread issue in your country? Which specific animals are commonly targeted in such activities? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. species /SPEE-sheez/ [noun] – a set of animals or plants in which the members have similar characteristics to each other and can breed with each other Dolphins and whales belong to the same species known as cetaceans. conservation /kon-ser-VEY-shuhn/ [noun] – the protection of plants and animals, natural areas, and interesting and important structures and buildings,…
Read more

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is AI (artificial intelligence)? What capabilities or functions do you hope AI can offer you? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. annually /AN-yoo-uh-lee/ [adverb] – once every year The company organizes a team-building event annually to strengthen team dynamics. significant /sig-NIF-i-kuhnt/ [adjective] – important or noticeable The company made a significant investment in research and development. efficiency /ih-FISHuhn-see/ [noun] – the quality of achieving the largest amount of useful work using as little energy, fuel, effort, etc. as possible The new manufacturing process increased the efficiency of automobile production. contribute…
Read more

©PBS News Hour Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you know about the recent developments in social media platforms and their competition? What are some of the key features or aspects that you look for in a social media platform? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. appeal /uh-PEEL/ [verb] – to be interesting or attractive The colorful illustrations in the book appeal to young readers. dissatisfied /dis-SAT-is-fahyd/ [adjective] – not pleased with something; feeling that something is not as good as it should be Many customers were dissatisfied with the quality of the product and…
Read more

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you know about end-to-end encryption? What messaging apps do you know that are known to have end-to-end encryption? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. adopt /uh-DOPT/ [verb] – to accept or start to use something new The company decided to adopt new technology to improve productivity and efficiency. criticism /KRIT-uh-siz-uhm / [noun] – an opinion given about something or someone, esp. a negative opinion, or the activity of making such judgments The movie received mixed criticism from the audience, with some praising it while others found it confusing. democratic…
Read more

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are prehistoric animals? Which prehistoric animals do you know of? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. insight /IN-sahyt / [noun] – a clear, deep, and sometimes sudden understanding of a complicated problem or situation The book provided readers with profound insights into the nature of happiness and fulfillment. mammal /MAM-uhl/ [noun] – any animal in which the female gives birth to babies, not eggs, and feeds them on milk from her own body Elephants are the largest land mammals and possess remarkable intelligence and emotional capabilities. adaptation /ad-uhp-TEY-shuhn/ [noun] –…
Read more