Tag Archive: world news – intermediate

China embarks on gradual retirement age reform to address pension pressures

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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…
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Anant Ambani’s Wedding draws global icons and political figures

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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]…
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Minnesota flooding causes partial dam collapse

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

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

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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…
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Tropical storm Alberto makes landfall, triggering floods and evacuations in Texas and Northern Mexico

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you ever experienced a storm? If so, what kind of storm was it and how did it affect you? If not, what do you think it would be like to experience one? What do you know about how storms form? Can you describe the conditions that might lead to the formation of a storm? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. flash flood /FLASH fluhd/ [noun] – a sudden and severe flood, typically caused by heavy rain After the heavy rain, a flash flood swept through the village, damaging homes and…
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Regan Smith shatters records and hearts

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you enjoy most about swimming? What types of swimming styles do you know? Can you describe or demonstrate one of those styles? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. determination /dih-tur-muh-NAY-shuhn/ [noun] – the quality of being determined to do or achieve something Her determination to succeed helped her win the swimming competition. maintain /meyn-TEYN/ [verb] – to continue to have; to keep in existence He tries to maintain a healthy diet to stay fit for swimming. obstacle /OB-stuh-kuhl/ [noun] – something that blocks your way so that movement or…
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Mexican governor foresees avocado export resumption amid security incident

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are some everyday products or items that you rely on, and how do you think they are produced or sourced? When you hear about disruptions in international trade, such as suspensions of exports or imports, what do you think might be the reasons behind such actions? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. inspection /in-SPEK-shuhn/ [noun] – the official examination or assessment carried out by authorities to ensure compliance with health standards or regulations The restaurant underwent a thorough inspection to ensure food safety standards were met. resumption /ri-ZUHMP-shuhn/ [noun] –…
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Extreme weather chaos across U.S.

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What types of extreme weather have you experienced or heard about? How does extreme weather impact daily life and the environment? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. cite /sahyt/ [verb] – to quote as evidence for or justification of an argument or statement The scientist cited several studies to support her theory about climate change. near /neer/ [verb] – to come close to in distance, time, or degree. The temperature is nearing 90°F, so it’s time to turn on the air conditioner. monsoon /mon-SOON/ [noun] – a season of heavy rain…
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TikTok advances plans to develop independent U.S. algorithm amid legislative pressure

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are your initial thoughts or perceptions about TikTok as a social media platform? How do you think TikTok has influenced or changed the way people create and consume content online? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. separation /sep-uh-REY-shuhn/ [noun] – the act of dividing or disassociating one thing from another After many years of partnership, the two companies decided on a mutual separation to pursue different business goals. state /steyt/ [verb] – to express or declare something clearly and explicitly The teacher stated the rules of the classroom at the…
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