Tag Archive: world news – intermediate

Silent sports capture attention at the Paris Paralympics

Paralympic

©(AP Photo/Felix Scheyer) Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is the difference between the Paralympics and the Olympics? Can you explain the purposes of the major international sports events? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. cue /kyoo/ [noun] – signals or prompts used to guide actions or behaviors The teacher gave visual cues to help students understand the new concept. concentration /kon-suhn-TREY-shuhn/ [noun] – the ability to focus mental effort on a specific task or activity The scientist’s concentration was crucial while conducting the complex experiment. spectator /SPEK-tey-ter/ [noun] – people who watch an event or…
Read more

116-year-old Japanese woman officially named world’s oldest living person by Guinness

Oldest woman

©(City of Ashiya via AP) Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are some things people might admire in someone who is very old? What are some challenges that a person might face when they live to be very old? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. currently /KUR-uhnt-lee/ [adverb] – at the present time She is currently working on a new project. prefecture /PREE-fek-cher/ [noun] – a political region or local government area in some countries, for example Japan, France, and Italy The prefecture is responsible for local government services. strength /strengkth/ [noun] – the ability to…
Read more

Paris Paralympic opening ceremony set to challenge views on disabilities

racket-7282577_1280

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you know about the Paralympic Games? Can you name any sports that are included in the Paralympic Games? Have you ever watched a Paralympic event on TV or online? If yes, which athletes or sports impressed you the most, and why? If not, what might you enjoy watching? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. exciting /ik-SAHY-ting/ [adjective] – causing great enthusiasm and eagerness The roller coaster ride was very exciting for the children. show /shoh/ [noun] – a performance or presentation, such as a play or concert We went…
Read more

Hong Kong welcomes birth of giant panda twins from oldest first-time mother

panda-3555554_1280

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are some reasons why people might find giant pandas special or important? How might the care and feeding of newborn animals differ from caring for adult animals? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. give birth /giv burth/ [phrasal verb] – to produce offspring or deliver a baby The mother cat gave birth to a healthy kitten early in the morning. symbol /SIM-buhl/ [noun] – a sign, shape, or object that is used to represent something else The heart symbol is often used to represent love. newborn /NOO-BAWRN/ [adjective] – recently…
Read more

Banksy unveils final mural at London Zoo, ending animal-themed art series

Banksy

©REUTERS/Hollie Adams Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Can you name some famous artists from your country? What do you think makes an artist’s work become widely recognized and discussed? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. installment /in-STAWL-muhnt/ [noun] – a single part or piece of a series of related works The latest novel is the final installment in a popular fantasy series. extensive /ik-STEN-siv/ [adjective] – covering a large area; having a wide scope or range The research team conducted an extensive study to understand the effects of climate change on coastal ecosystems. tension /TEN-shuhn/ [noun]…
Read more

China embarks on gradual retirement age reform to address pension pressures

people-996765_1280

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What does it mean when a country has an “aging population”? What is the retirement age in your country, and how has it changed over time? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. retirement /ri-TAHYUHR-muhnt/ [noun] – the act of leaving your job and stopping working, usually because you are old After 30 years of dedicated service at the company, Mr. Jones celebrated his retirement with a grand farewell party. strain /streyn/ [noun] – a force or influence that stretches, pulls, or puts pressure on something, sometimes causing damage The constant strain…
Read more

Anant Ambani’s Wedding draws global icons and political figures

couple-6570391_1280

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Describe an event you’ve attended or heard about that could be considered extravagant. Why do people organize extravagant celebrations? What are the reasons behind spending so much on such events? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. congratulate /CON-grat-yuh-late/ [verb] – to express pleasure to someone for something good that has happened to them We should congratulate Maria on her promotion at work. prime minister /PRYME MIN-uh-ster/ [noun] – the leader of the government in some countries The Prime Minister will address the nation tonight about the new policies. lifestyle /LIFE-style/ [noun]…
Read more

Minnesota flooding causes partial dam collapse

flooded-5330617_1280

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you know about flooding? How can flooding impact a community? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. destruction /dih-STRUHK-shuhn/ [noun] – the act of destroying something, or the state of being destroyed The hurricane caused widespread destruction in the coastal town, damaging homes and roads. overflowing /oh-ver-FLOH-ing/ [adjective] – (of a container) so full that the contents go over the sides The river was overflowing after the heavy rain, flooding the nearby streets. partial /PAHR-shuhl/ [adjective] – not complete The team made partial progress on the project, but there was still…
Read more

Australia increases visa fees to manage migration surge and enhance education integrity

sydney-2574814_1280

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you considered studying abroad? If yes, where are you thinking of studying? If not, what are your reasons for not considering it? What are the advantages and disadvantages of studying abroad? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. minister /MIN-uh-ster/ [noun] – a government official who heads a specific department or ministry The Minister of Education announced new initiatives to improve school facilities across the country. treat /treet/ [verb] – to behave towards someone or deal with something in a particular way The teacher treats all students equally, regardless of their…
Read more

Endangered no more: Iberian lynx reclassified as vulnerable after remarkable recovery efforts

lynx-5581792_1280

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you know about the Iberian lynx and its habitat? How important do you think the survival of endangered species like the Iberian lynx is? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. native /NAY-tiv/ [adjective] – used to refer to plants and animals that grow naturally in a place, and have not been brought there from somewhere else The kangaroo is native to Australia. endangered /en-DAN-jerd/ [adjective] – animals or plants that may soon not exist because there are very few now alive The panda is an endangered animal that needs…
Read more