Tag Archive: science & technology – intermediate

©Olivier Bonin/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory/Handout via REUTERS Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What comes to mind when you think about astronomical research and exploration? What challenges do you imagine scientists might face when trying to gather and analyze huge amounts of data from space? 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 astronomer peered through the telescope to observe the distant stars and planets with remarkable clarity. vast /vast/…
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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Do you think of advanced robotics when you hear the term “Artificial Intelligence”? Are you familiar with Siri and ChatGPT? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. convenience /kuhn-VEE-nyuhns/ [noun] – the state of being able to proceed with something without difficulty Having groceries delivered to your home is a great convenience. slight /slahyt/ [adjective] – small in amount or degree There was a slight delay in the delivery of the package. privacy /PRAHY-vuh-see/ [noun] – the state of being free from public attention or unsanctioned intrusion He valued his privacy and…
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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you know about space exploration? Can you name any significant achievements or events in space exploration history? Have you heard about any recent developments or advancements in space technology or missions? If yes, please share. If not, what do you expect to learn about space exploration in the article? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. rocket /ROK-it/ [noun] – a cylindrical projectile that can be propelled to a great height or distance by the combustion of its contents, used typically as a firework or signal The rocket soared into…
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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How does knowing where the seafood you eat comes from affect your choices as a consumer? What do you think are some potential benefits of choosing locally sourced seafood over imported varieties? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. division /dih-VIZH-uhn/ [noun] – a specific section or department within an organization, focused on a particular area of work or activity The marketing division is responsible for developing the company’s advertising strategies and promotional campaigns. slightly /SLITE-lee/ [adverb] – a little The temperature slightly reduced after the sun set, bringing a bit of…
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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you know about orangutans and where they live? Can you think of any benefits to humans from studying orangutans? If not, why might scientists be interested in their behavior? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. squeeze /skweez/ [verb] – to press something firmly, especially from all sides in order to change its shape, reduce its size, or remove liquid from it She squeezed the orange to get fresh juice for breakfast. behavior /bih-HEYV-yer/ [noun] – the way in which one acts or conducts oneself, especially toward others The dog’s…
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©Jaume Pellicer/Handout via REUTERS Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you think a genome is and why might it be important for an organism? What do you understand about the relationship between an organism’s genetic material and its physical environment? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. astonishing /uh-STON-i-shing/ [adjective] – very surprising or amazing The sudden transformation of the caterpillar into a beautiful butterfly is truly astonishing. cell /sel/ [noun] – the smallest basic unit of a plant or animal Scientists study the cells of various plants to better understand their functions and genetic makeup….
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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you know about the habitat and behavior of cockroaches? In what ways do you think cockroaches might impact human health and well-being? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. exploit /EK-sploit/ [verb] – to take advantage of or make use of something for one’s benefit The company exploited new technologies to gain a competitive edge in the market. urban /UR-buhn/ [adjective] – of or in a city or town The urban landscape is characterized by tall buildings, busy streets, and vibrant cultural life. demonstrate /DEM-uhn-streyt/ [verb] – to show or…
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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are some of the challenges you think agriculture faces today? What do you understand by the term “gene editing”? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. wheat /weet/ [noun] – a plant whose yellowish-brown grain is used for making flour, or the grain itself Wheat is a staple food in many countries, often ground into flour for bread. unlike /uhn-LAHYK/ [preposition] – different from; not similar to Unlike her siblings, Sarah prefers quiet evenings at home over crowded parties. variation /vair-ee-EY-shuhn/ [noun] – different forms or versions of something The garden…
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©REUTERS/Artorn Pookasook/File Photo Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What types of vehicles do you think are most popular in different regions of the world, and why do you think that is? How do you think environmental concerns are shaping the development of new technologies in various industries? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. strategy /STRAT-i-jee/ [noun] – a plan of action designed to achieve a long-term or overall aim The company’s strategy involves expanding into new markets to increase its global presence. satisfy /SAT-is-fahy/ [verb] – to meet the needs, expectations, or desires of someone or…
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©Thomas Turner, UC Santa Barbara via AP Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you ever heard of sea creatures washing ashore on beaches? What do you think causes this to happen? Why is it important for scientists to study rare species of animals and fish? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. identify /ahy-DEN-tuh-fahy/ [verb] – to recognize or be able to name someone or something, or to prove who or what someone or something is The teacher helped the students identify different types of plants in the garden. species /SPEE-sheez/ [noun] – a set of animals…
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