Tag Archive: science & technology – intermediate

Shiveluch Volcano erupts after major quake

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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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Stonehenge’s altar stone traveled over 460 miles from Scotland, reveals new research

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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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South American lungfish holds record for largest genome among all animals

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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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NASA delays astronauts’ return due to Starliner issues

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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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Astronauts remain stranded in space due to technical difficulties

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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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Wildfire threatens one of California’s endangered species

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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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New giant planet discovered by NASA

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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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Multiple events to celebrate the 55th anniversary of Apollo 11 lunar landing

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Do you know about the Apollo 11 mission? What do you think it was like on the moon? Are you interested in outer space? If yes, what about it interests you? If not, why do you not find it interesting? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. feature /FEE-cher/ [verb] – to include someone or something as an important part The new movie is featuring several well-known actors. surviving /ser-VAHY-ving/ [adjective] – continuing to live or exist after an event She was the last surviving person from the old village. look back…
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Portugal targets 93% renewable electricity by 2030 amidst revised green hydrogen goals

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is renewable energy, and can you name some examples of it? What do you think are some good reasons for using more renewable energy? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. parliament /PAHR-luh-muhnt/ [noun] – a legislative body of government responsible for making laws The parliament debated the new education policy for several weeks. draft /drahft/ [noun] – a preliminary version of a document or plan that is subject to further changes The writer submitted the first draft of the novel to the editor for review. offshore /AWF-SHAWR/ [adjective] – located…
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Ants’ clever ways of surviving challenge traditional views on animal empathy

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Why do scientists study animal behaviors? What makes it difficult for animals to stay safe in their habitats? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. limb /lim/ [noun] – an arm or leg of a person or animal He injured his right limb during the accident and required surgery. nestmate /NESS-mate/ [noun] – members of the same nest, typically referring to insects like ants or bees Insect colonies need nestmates to work together and get along well to stay healthy and survive tough environments. peer /peer/ [noun] – other members of the…
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