Tag Archive: science & technology – intermediate

Forecasters predict quieter hurricane season for Hawaii amidst El Nino to La Nina shift

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is a hurricane, and how is it formed? Can you describe its main characteristics and the regions where it typically occurs? Can you think of any recent or historical hurricanes that have made headlines? What do you remember about them? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. climate /KLAHY-mit/ [noun] – the typical weather conditions in a particular region over a long period The climate in tropical areas is usually hot and humid throughout the year. disaster /di-ZAS-ter/ [noun] – an event causing great damage, destruction, or distress, such as a…
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Sun unleashes strongest flare in nearly two decades amid unusual solar activity

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are solar flares, and how do they occur? Why are solar flares important to study? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. dynamics /dahy-NAM-iks/ [noun] – refers to the forces, factors, or elements that contribute to the overall behavior, functioning, or changes within a system or situation The dynamics of a classroom can change dramatically depending on the teacher’s approach to teaching. analysis /uh-NAL-uh-sis / [noun] – examination and interpretation of data or information to understand its significance The scientist conducted a thorough analysis of the experiment results to draw accurate…
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Solar storm unleashes dazzling Northern Lights display across Northern Hemisphere

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is a solar storm, and what do you know about its effects on Earth? Do you think solar storms are predictable events? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. solar storm /SOH-ler stawrm/ [noun] – a disturbance on the Sun, such as a solar flare or coronal mass ejection, that releases a large amount of energy into space, potentially affecting Earth’s magnetosphere and causing geomagnetic storms Scientists study solar storms to better understand how they can impact our planet. visible /VIZ-uh-buhl / [adjective] – able to be…
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Research uncovers baobab tree’s history and oceanic routes

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you believe are the benefits of trees to the environment and to humans? Have you ever participated in tree-planting or conservation activities? If so, what was your experience like? If not, would you be interested in getting involved in such activities in the future? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. emerge /ih-MURJ/ [verb] – to appear or originate Fossils indicate that the earliest mammals emerged on Earth in the Triassic period, evolving from reptile-like ancestors. seed pod /seed pod/ [noun] – a long, narrow part…
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Orangutan treats wound with medicinal plant, captures scientific interest

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you know about orangutans? Where do they live, and what are some of their distinctive characteristics? How do you think humans and animals might be similar or different when it comes to problem-solving abilities? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. wound /woond/ [noun] – a damaged area of the body, such as a cut or hole in the skin or flesh made by a weapon He received a deep wound on his arm during the accident. chew /choo/ [verb] – to crush food into smaller, softer pieces with the…
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NotCo launches an AI-designed turtle soup alternative

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How do you feel about plant-based foods? What are some potential benefits of using plant-based ingredients instead? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. combination /kom-buh-NEY-shuhn / [noun] – the result or product of combining two or more elements, substances, or ingredients together The artist experimented with different color combinations until she found the perfect palette for her painting. technological /tek-nuh-LOJ-i-kuhl/ [adjective] – relating to, or involving, technology The company invested heavily in technological advancements to improve their production processes. intensive /in-TEN-siv/ [adjective] – involving a lot of effort or activity in…
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Russian programmers outsmart censors in digital cat and mouse game

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is a VPN? What might lead a government to restrict internet content? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. struggle /STRUHG-uhl/ [noun] – a determined effort or fight to achieve or resist something The struggle for civil rights was a long and arduous battle, but it eventually led to significant social change. liberty /LIB-er-tee/ [noun] – the state of being free from oppressive restrictions imposed by authority on one’s actions, thoughts, or beliefs The constitution guarantees the liberty to express opinions without fear of government retaliation. media /MEE-dee-uh/ [noun] – the…
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British girl and father uncover gigantic marine reptile fossils

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©Sergey Krasovskiy/Handout via REUTERS Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What does the term “evolution” mean? What are some examples of prehistoric marine creatures you know? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. indicate /IN-di-keyt/ [verb] – to suggest, show, or be a sign of something The presence of fresh footprints indicates that someone was here recently. distinguished /dih-STING-gwisht/ [adjective] – used to describe someone or something that is characterized by excellence, renown, or notable achievement She received an award from a distinguished panel of experts for her innovative research in environmental science. combined /kuhm-BAHYND/ [adjective] – describes…
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Russian cosmonaut sets new space duration record

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you think are some of the challenges astronauts face during long-duration space missions? How do you think astronauts prepare themselves physically and mentally for space missions? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. fellow /FEL-oh/ [adjective] – used to refer to someone who has the same job or interests as you, or is in the same situation as you I discussed the project with my fellow colleagues to gather their insights and perspectives. corporation /kawr-puh-REY-shuhn/ [noun] – a large company or group of companies that is controlled together as a…
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Apple’s Vision Pro transforms media experience today

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©REUTERS/Mike Blake Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you think about the latest innovations in home entertainment and workplace technology? Have you ever used any virtual reality or augmented reality devices? If so, what was your experience like? If not, what are your thoughts or knowledge about how these devices work and their potential applications? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. web browser /web BROU-zer/ [noun] – a computer program that makes it possible for you to read information on the internet I opened my web browser to search for the latest news updates. long-term…
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