Tag Archive: world news – intermediate

Switzerland’s glaciers rapidly lose ice

Glacier

©Matthias Huss/GLAMOS Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you already know or think about ‘glaciers’? Have you already experienced the effects of climate change? In what way? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. rapid /RAP-id/ [adjective] – fast or sudden She made a rapid decision to accept the job offer without much deliberation. link /lingk/ [verb] – to make a connection between two or more people, things, or ideas The professor linked various concepts to illustrate the broader theory. vanish /VAN-ish/ [verb] – to disappear or stop being present or existing, especially in a sudden,…
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China addresses housing crisis amid property market challenges

China

©REUTERS/Tingshu Wang Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What problems do you think people face when it comes to finding homes or places to live? What factors do you consider before choosing a place to live or deciding on a house to move into? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. struggle /STRUHG-uhl / [verb] – to experience difficulty and make a very great effort in order to do something She struggled to meet her deadlines amidst a heavy workload at the office. debt /det/ [noun] – something, especially money, that is owed to someone else, or the…
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Urging countries to curb factory farming for climate goals

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What environmental issues are you aware of that contribute to climate change? What strategies or methods is your country employing to reduce environmental problems? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. cause /kawz/ [verb] – to make something happen, especially something bad Smoking can cause health problems like lung disease. tons /tuhnz/ [noun] – a unit of weight equal to 1,000 kilograms The cargo ship transported 5 metric tons of wheat to the port. proposal /pruh-poh-zuhl / [noun] – a suggestion, sometimes a written one The proposal was well-received by the committee….
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Asian wealth managers head to Dubai for client diversification

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What comes to mind when you think about Dubai? If you were to live in Dubai, what challenges do you think you might experience, considering its unique cultural and economic landscape? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. client /KLAHY-uhnt/ [noun] – a customer or someone who receives services The business prioritizes delivering exceptional products and services to every client, ensuring satisfaction and loyalty. emphasize /EM-fuh-sahyz/ [verb] – to show that something is very important or worth giving attention to During the presentation, the speaker tried to emphasize the significance of sustainable…
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Indonesia speeds decarbonization with $20 billion green energy push

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you understand about the concept of reducing carbon dioxide emissions in a country’s power sector? What countries can you identify that have made recent notable announcements regarding substantial investments in environmental initiatives? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. carbon dioxide /KAHR-buhn dahy-OK-sahyd/ [noun] – the gas formed when carbon is burned, or when people or animals breathe out Carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere have been steadily increasing due to human activities such as burning fossil fuels. release /ri-LEES/ [noun] – the act of making something public or available…
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Justin Boots launches timeless roper boot collection

roper boots

©Justin Women’s Red Mckean 7″ Lace-Up Roper Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you ever worn or seen someone wear roper boots? If so, what do you know about their design and purpose? Can you name any famous brands or iconic individuals associated with roper boots? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. genuine /JEN-yoo-in/ [adjective] – truly what something is said to be; authentic The antique shop sold genuine vintage items, including a 100-year-old pocket watch. classic /KLAS-ic/ [adjective] – having a high quality or standard against which other things are judged Sarah wore a classic…
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A new agreement shapes the future of artificial intelligence in Europe

ai

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you think “artificial intelligence” means? How do you think artificial intelligence might be relevant to our daily lives? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. emphasis /EM-fuh-sis/ [noun] – the particular importance or attention that is given to something The teacher put special emphasis on practicing math problems to improve understanding. creation /kree-EY-shuhn/ [noun] – the act of creating something, or the thing that is created The artist’s latest project involved the creation of colorful paintings inspired by nature. consideration /kuhn-sid-uh-REY-shuhn/ [noun] – the act of thinking about something carefully…
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Red fire ant, one of the world’s most invasive species, makes its debut in Europe

red fire ants

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you ever heard of red fire ants before? If yes, what do you know about them? If not, what do you think they might be like based on their name? Why do you think scientists might find the presence of red fire ants in a new location significant or important? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. discovery /dih-SKUHV-uh-ree/ [noun] – the process of finding information, a place, or an object, especially for the first time, or the thing that is found The discovery of a new species of orchid in…
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New York chef transforms diets with edible insects

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is your initial reaction or perception when you hear about consuming insects as food? In which part of your country do you think edible insects are traditionally part of the diet? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. alternative /awl-TUR-nuh-tiv/ [noun] – something that is different from something else, especially from what is usual, and offering the possibility of choice The chef offered a vegetarian alternative for those who preferred not to have meat in their meal. species /SPEE-sheez/ [noun] – a set of animals or plants in which the members…
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Record rainfall paralyzes Hong Kong, prompting emergency measures

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you think ‘record rainfall’ means? Why might the record rainfall be significant for a region or community? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. remarkable /ri-MAHR-kuh-buhl/ [adjective] – unusual or special and therefore surprising and worth mentioning The discovery of a previously unknown species of deep-sea creature was a remarkable achievement for the team of marine biologists. injury /IN-juh-ree/ [noun] – physical harm or damage to someone’s body caused by an accident or an attack The car accident caused a minor injury to her arm. affect /uh-FEKT/ [verb] – to…
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