Tag Archive: world news – intermediate

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Do you use environmentally friendly products? Why or why not? What are some of the materials that could be used for packaging purposes? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. environmentally friendly /uhn-vai-ruh-MEN-tuh-lee FREND-lee/ [adjective] – not harmful to the environment, or trying to help the environment: My sister always uses an environmentally friendly water bottle to reduce plastic waste. harmful /HAHRM-fuhl/ [adjective] – causing harm It’s important to read the labels on cleaning products to make sure they don’t contain any harmful chemicals. chemical /KEM-i-kuhl/ [noun] – any basic substance that…
Read more

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How many marine species are you familiar with? Do you think it’s important to protect our oceans? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. conservation /kon-ser-VEY-shuhn/ [noun] – the protection of plants and animals, natural areas, and interesting and important structures and buildings, especially from the damaging effects of human activity The conservation of forests and other natural areas helps mitigate the effects of climate change. harm /hahrm/ [noun] – physical or other injury or damage The harm caused by the wildfire was devastating to the local community….
Read more

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is exterior design, and why is it essential? What are some of the latest trends in exterior design in your country? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. inspiring /uhn-SPAI-uh-ruhng/ [adjective] – encouraging, or making you feel you want to do something Watching the Olympic athletes perform was very inspiring for the students in the audience. unique /yoo-NEEK/ [adjective] – being the only existing one of its type or, more generally, unusual, or special in some way My friend has a unique talent for drawing cartoons that no one else can…
Read more

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How has the definition of “luxury” changed over time? What is Stealth Luxe fashion and how is it different from traditional luxury fashion? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. constantly /KON-stuhnt-lee/ [adverb] – all the time or often My little brother constantly asks me to play with him after school. sophisticated /suh-FIS-ti-key-tid/ [adjective] – intelligent or made in a complicated way and therefore able to do complicated tasks The new restaurant in town has a sophisticated ambiance with dim lights and fancy decorations. concept /KON-sept/ [noun] – a principle or idea…
Read more

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you ever had an encounter with an elephant? Tell me about it. If not, would you want to? Do you think humans have caused too much damage to Mother Nature? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. habitat /HAB-i-tat/ [noun] – the natural environment in which an animal or plant usually lives The zookeepers built a special habitat for the lions with tall grass and rocks. decline /dih-KLAHYN/ [noun] – when something becomes less in amount, importance, quality, or strength Due to a decline in enrollment, the…
Read more

©Metropolitan Museum of Art Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Why do you think people go to such great lengths to find lost treasures? Why is it important to preserve historical artifacts and treasures for future generations? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. stretch /strech/ [verb] – to cause something to reach, often as far as possible, in a particular direction After sitting for a long time at their desks, the students decided to stand up and stretch their arms and legs to help them feel more awake and focused. loss /laws/ [noun] – a situation in…
Read more

©Hans Georg Roth/Getty Images Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are archaeological sites, and why are they important? What are some of the most famous archaeological sites you know of in the world? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. influence /IN-floo-uhns/ [noun] – the power to have an effect on people or things, or a person or thing that is able to do this My parents’ advice has a great influence on my decisions, especially when it comes to important matters like choosing a career path. witness /WIT-nis/ [verb] – to see something happen, especially an…
Read more

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are some of the leading brands of sneakers, and what makes them stand out? What are some of the latest trends in sneaker culture? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. athletic /ath-LET-ik / [adjective] – relating to sports or physical exercise Lucas is a very athletic boy who loves to play soccer and run around the park with his friends. capture the heart of /KAP-cher thuh hahrt uhv/ [idiom] – to gain the love, affection, or admiration of someone Sofia’s beautiful singing voice and heartfelt lyrics helped her capture the…
Read more

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is ejection, and why is it necessary in the context of piloting an aircraft? Could you give some potential dangers associated with ejection, particularly in the case of an emergency situation? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. survival /ser-VAHY-vuhl/ [noun] – the fact of a person, organization, etc. continuing to live or exist In the wilderness, survival skills like starting a fire, building a shelter, and finding food and water are essential to staying alive. eardrum /EER-druhm/ [noun] – a thin piece of skin inside the ear that moves backward…
Read more

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are the benefits of having friends? What qualities do you look for in a close friend, and why are these important to you? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. laughter /LAF-ter/ [noun] – the act or sound of laughing The sound of laughter filled the room as the comedian told his funny jokes, making everyone in the audience smile and forget their worries for a while. appreciate /uh-PREE-shee-eyt / [verb] – to recognize how good someone or something is and to value them or it I really appreciate your help…
Read more