Tag Archive: science & technology – intermediate

Groundbreaking discovery reveals Megalodon may have been warm-blooded

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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] –…
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Scientists discover bird flu defense in humans

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is bird flu? What specific regions or countries have experienced significant bird flu outbreaks in the past? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. significant /sig-NIF-i-kuhnt/ [adjective] – important or noticeable The discovery of a rare species of plant in the forest is a significant event for botanists and conservationists. strain /streyn/ [noun] – a force or influence that stretches, pulls, or puts pressure on something, sometimes causing damage The heavy workload put a strain on her physical and mental health. potential /puh-TEN-shuhl / [adjective] – possible when the necessary conditions…
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China’s Chang’e-6 mission is set to collect moon samples from the far side next year

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©China National Space Administration Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you think a “mission to the moon” might involve? Why do you think space agencies or countries might be interested in sending missions to the moon? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. mission /MISH-uhn/ [noun] – an important job, especially a military one, that someone is sent somewhere to do Your mission is to isolate the enemy by destroying all the bridges across the river. crucial /KROO-shuhl / [adjective] – extremely important or necessary Her work has been crucial to the project’s success. data /DEY-tuh/…
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Virgin Galactic, Italian Air Force partner for commercial space mission

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©https://www.virgingalactic.com/ Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are commercial space missions? If you had the opportunity, would you go on one? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. collaborate /kuh-LAB-uh-reyt/ [verb] – to work with someone else for a special purpose The research project required scientists from various fields to collaborate and share their expertise. upcoming /UHP-kuhm-ing/ [adjective] – happening soon The organization is holding a meeting to discuss the upcoming projects and set goals for the upcoming year. initiative /ih-NISH-uh-tiv/ [noun] – a new plan or process to achieve something or solve…
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Finland’s innovative solution for nuclear waste

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©Getty Images Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are the major challenges associated with nuclear waste disposal? What are the potential environmental and health risks associated with improper nuclear waste management? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. impressive /im-PRE S-iv / [adjective] – If an object or achievement is impressive, you admire or respect it, usually because it is special, important, or very large The students were amazed by the impressive science experiment conducted by their classmates, as it showcased a remarkable display of colorful chemical reactions. disposal /dih-SPOH-zuhl/ [noun] – the act of getting rid…
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Exploring the potential of firefighting drones to tackle wildfires

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©ADAI/University of Coimbra Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are the main challenges faced by firefighters when combating wildfires, and how can drones potentially address those challenges? What are the benefits of using drones equipped with thermal imaging cameras in wildfire scenarios? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. preserve /pri-ZURV/ [verb] – to keep something as it is, especially in order to prevent it from decaying or being damaged or destroyed It is important to preserve our natural resources, such as trees and water, to ensure a clean and healthy environment for future generations. spread /spred/…
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Rise in egg freezing for fertility preservation

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©NYU Langone Health Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is your understanding of the term ‘fertility preservation’? What are some reasons why individuals might choose to delay starting a family? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. substantial /suhb-STAN-shuhl/ [adjective] – large in size, value, or importance The store had a substantial amount of fresh fruit and vegetables on display. procedure /pruh-SEE-jer/ [noun] – a set of actions that is the official or accepted way of doing something The dentist explained the procedure to the patient before starting the treatment. decline /dih-KLAHYN/ [noun] – when something becomes…
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Don’t fear the AI: World domination is not happening

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How would you describe AI (artificial intelligence) in your own words, based on your understanding? In what areas or fields do we commonly use AI? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. distant /DIS-tuhnt/ [adjective] – far away The finish line of the marathon seemed distant, motivating the runners to push harder. emphasize /EM-fuh-sahyz/ [verb] – to show that something is very important or worth giving attention to Anna’s passionate speech emphasizes the need for immediate action on climate change. artificial /ahr-tuh-FISH-uhl/ [adjective] – made by people, often as a copy of…
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HotSat-1: First satellite to reveal world’s excessive heat

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©techtimes Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you ever heard about satellites before? What do you know about them and their functions? Are you familiar with the concept of energy efficiency? Can you provide examples of how energy can be used more efficiently in everyday life? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. launch /lawnch/ [verb] – to begin something such as a plan or introduce something new such as a product They planned to launch the rocket into space to orbit around the Earth. efficiency /ih-FISH-uhn-see/ [noun] – the quality of achieving the largest amount of…
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The mystery behind taurine in energy drinks

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are energy drinks, and what are their main purposes or intended effects? How do energy drinks affect physical performance and cognitive function, and are these effects sustained or temporary? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. process /PROS-es/ [noun] – a series of actions that you take in order to achieve a result I watched the baking show on TV, and I learned the step-by-step process of making a delicious chocolate cake. balanced /BAL-uhnst / [adjective] – containing an equal amount or number of similar things or people Sarah enjoyed playing…
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