Tag Archive: science & technology – intermediate

The rise of lab-grown meat industry faces hurdles despite growing demand

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is your understanding of the term “cultured meat”? How do you think it is produced? Do you believe that cultured meat could become a widely accepted alternative to traditional meat in the future? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. pop up /pop uhp/ [phrasal verb] – to appear or emerge suddenly or unexpectedly During our road trip, several roadside cafes popped up, offering fresh snacks and drinks. alternative /awl-TUR-nuh-tiv/ [noun] – a choice or option that is different from what is usual or expected Instead of…
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Cave bones redefine early Homo sapiens history in Europe

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©Reuters Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What comes to mind when you think about the early history of human beings? Where do you imagine these early humans lived, and what challenges do you think they faced in their environments? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. belief /bih-LEEF/ [noun] – a conviction or acceptance that something is true or exists The community held a strong belief in the power of unity. adapt /uh-DAPT/ [verb] – to adjust or change in response to new conditions or circumstances The plants had to adapt to the arid environment by developing…
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Explorer claims breakthrough in Amelia Earhart in Pacific

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How would you describe Amelia Earhart, considering her achievement as the first female aviator to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean? Do you believe you could become a female aviator? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. mission /MISH-uhn/ [noun] – a planned and organized effort or undertaking with a specific purpose The team embarked on a mission to provide aid to the disaster-stricken region, delivering essential supplies and medical assistance. aircraft /AIR-kraft/ [noun] – any vehicle, with or without an engine, that can fly, such as a…
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Apple embraces shift in EU app landscape, introducing revised policies and fees

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How would you describe the impact of Apple’s products and innovations on the tech industry? What sets Apple apart from other technology companies in terms of design and user experience? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. response /ri-SPONS/ [noun] – an answer or reaction Her immediate response to the question showcased her knowledge and confidence in the subject. adjustment /uh-JUHST-muhnt/ [noun] – a small change After analyzing market trends, the company decided to make strategic adjustments to its product offerings to stay competitive. payment /PEY-muhnt / [noun] – an amount of…
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NASA postpones astronaut moon landing to 2026 citing challenges with spacecraft

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you think it takes to become an astronaut? Can you share any specific space exploration missions or developments that have captured your attention, and what about them has intrigued you? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. additional /uh-DISH-uh-nl / [adjective] – extra The team made additional efforts to ensure the project’s success. tackle /TAK-uhl / [verb] – to try to deal with something or someone The team decided to tackle the challenges head-on, addressing them with determination and strategic planning. actual /AK-choo-uhl/ [adjective] – existing in fact The actual…
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Unlocking ancient genetics reshapes views on multiple sclerosis and European traits

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What areas of scientific research or breakthroughs have captured your interest lately? What comes to mind when you think about DNA? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. individual /in-duh-VIJ-oo-uhl/ [noun] – a single person or thing, especially when compared to the group or set to which they belong Each individual in the team contributed unique skills to achieve the project’s success. major /MEY-jer/ [adjective] – more important, bigger, or more serious than others of the same type The company made a major investment in new technology to improve its operations. infection…
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Forensic experts dismiss extraterrestrial claims, reveal entities as earthly dolls

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©REUTERS/Sebastian Castaneda Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are your thoughts or initial reactions when you hear about discoveries that are initially considered mysterious or related to aliens? What aspects of archaeology or ancient civilizations interest you the most? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. mysterious /mi-STEER-ee-uhs/ [adjective] – strange, not known, or not understood The sudden disappearance of the key witness added a mysterious element to the ongoing investigation, leaving detectives puzzled about the circumstances. determine /dih-TUR-min/ [verb] – to reach a conclusion or decision after careful examination or investigation The detective worked tirelessly to…
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Rare clam species makes astonishing comeback in Croatian waters

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©REUTERS/Antonio Bronic Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What role do you think certain marine organisms might play in supporting the overall health of marine ecosystems? In what ways do you think human activities impact the survival of marine species in their natural habitats? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. severe /suh-VEER/ [adjective] – causing very great pain, difficulty, worry, damage, etc.; very serious The storm caused severe damage to the coastal towns, leaving many homes uninhabitable. astonishment /uh-STON-ish-muhnt/ [noun] – very great surprise The magician’s disappearing act left the audience in complete astonishment, amazed by the…
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NASA tests giant robot Valkyrie, eyes future space role

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©REUTERS/Evan Garcia Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you know about humanoids and their functions? Can you think of any advancements in robotics that have impressed you recently? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. assist /uh-SIST/ [verb] – to help The team worked together to assist the injured hiker. optimistic /op-tuh-MIS-tik/ [adjective] – hoping or believing that good things will happen in the future The coach is optimistic about the team’s chances in the upcoming match. programming /PROH-gram-ing/ [noun] – the activity or job of writing computer programs Programming demands precision and creativity. objective /uhb-JEK-tiv/…
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Tesla and BYD compete in the EV market’s growth

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©REUTERS/Edgar Su – RC2K33AHS2R8 Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you know about electric cars and their increasing popularity in the automobile market? Can you name any countries that are actively promoting the use of electric vehicles or developing infrastructure to support their adoption? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. shift /shift/ [noun] – a change or transition The company’s restructuring led to a significant shift in its business strategy. focus /FOH-kuhs/ [noun] – the main or primary point of attention or emphasis In the meeting, the team’s focus was on developing a new marketing…
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