Tag Archive: world news – intermediate

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is white-water rafting? What other extreme sports do you know of? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. thrill /thril/ [noun] – a feeling of extreme excitement, usually caused by something pleasant Skydiving offers an adrenaline-pumping thrill as you freefall through the air before opening the parachute. paradise /PAR-uh-dahys/ [noun] – a place or condition of great happiness where everything is exactly as you would like it to be The lush green valleys and majestic mountains of the countryside make it a paradise for nature enthusiasts. authentic /aw-THEN-tik/ [adjective] – If…
Read more

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you already know or think about Bengal cats? What do you believe are some of the benefits and responsibilities associated with having a pet cat? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. breed /breed/ [noun] – a particular type of animal or plant The Labrador Retriever is a popular breed of dog known for its friendly nature. household /HOUS-hohld/ [noun] – homes or living environments of people Many households in the neighborhood have adopted Shiba Inu dogs for their friendly demeanor, intelligence, and charming appearance. ban /ban/ [verb] – to…
Read more

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Which endangered species would you like to see in person? What other endangered animals do you wish to thrive and increase in population? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. migration /mahy-GREY-shuhn/ [noun] – the process of animals travelling to a different place, usually when the season changes The great wildebeest migration in Africa is a stunning spectacle, as thousands of animals traverse vast distances in search of greener pastures. surge /surj / [noun] – a sudden and great increase In times of natural disasters, such as hurricanes or floods, there is…
Read more

©Antara Foto/Reuters Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What comes to mind when you hear the word “rhinoceros”? What do you believe are the unique characteristics of rhinoceroses? 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 Conservation organizations work to protect endangered species and their habitats. endangered /en-DEYN-jerd/ [adjective] – animals or plants that may soon not exist because there are very few now alive: Endangered animals need our protection. illegal /ih-LEE-guhl…
Read more

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is your favorite Japanese food? Do you like Western food? Which one is your favorite? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. factor /FAK-ter/ [noun] – a fact or situation that influences the result of something The weather was a significant factor in the cancellation of the outdoor event. critic /KRIT-ik/ [noun] – someone who says that they do not approve of someone or something The art critic wrote a scathing review of the gallery’s latest exhibition, criticizing the lack of originality and artistic depth. nonetheless /nuhn-thuh-LES/ [adverb] – despite what…
Read more

©Atrium Ljungberg / Henning Larsen Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you know about Sweden? What comes to mind when you hear the word city? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. ambitious /am-BISH-uhs/ [adjective] – If a plan or idea is ambitious, it needs a great amount of skill and effort to be successful or be achieved The company’s ambitious expansion plan involved entering new markets and diversifying its product offerings. enhance /en-HANS/ [verb] – to improve the quality, amount, or strength of something The art exhibition showcases various techniques and styles that enhance the…
Read more

©Gatorland Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What comes to mind when you hear the word “alligator”? What do you think life is like for alligators in their natural habitat? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. capture /KAP-cher / [verb] – to gain or win over the affection, admiration, or emotional attachment The talented musician’s performance captured the hearts of everyone in the audience, leaving them deeply moved by the music. commitment /kuh-MIT-muhnt/ [noun] – a promise or firm decision to do something Her commitment to environmental conservation was evident through her tireless efforts to protect the…
Read more

©André Zumak/Mamirauá Institute Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. When you hear about dolphins and drought in an environmental context, what thoughts or concerns come to mind? Can you think of any ways in which the well-being of marine life like dolphins might be connected to the availability of water in their habitat, especially during a drought? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. crisis /KRAHY-sis/ [noun] – a time of great disagreement, confusion, or suffering The economic crisis led to widespread unemployment and financial instability. distressing /dih-STRESS-ing/ [adjective] – a feeling of extreme worry, sadness, or pain…
Read more

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is a nickel? How do you think nickel is commonly used in everyday products? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. significant /sig-NIF-i-kuhnt/ [adjective] – important or noticeable The recent discovery of a significant breakthrough in medical research offers hope for a new treatment. mine /mahyn/ [noun] – a hole or system of holes in the ground where substances such as coal, metal, and salt are removed The miners descended into the deep underground mine to extract valuable minerals. consequence /KON-si-kwens/ [noun] – a result of a particular action or situation,…
Read more

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you been to a museum? How was the experience? Do you think artifacts are important to a country’s cultural identity? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. injustice /in-JUHS-tis/ [noun] – (an example of) a situation in which there is no fairness and justice The organization provides legal aid to those who have experienced injustice and cannot afford representation. immense /ih-MENS/ [adjective] – extremely large in size or degree The concert drew an immense crowd, with thousands of people filling the stadium. preservation /prez-er-VEY-shuhn/ [noun] – the…
Read more