Tag Archive: world news – intermediate

World’s smallest bear steps into spotlight, raising concerns

Sunbear

©dailyrecord Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are some different types of bears that can be found in your country? Which animals are considered endangered in your country? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. endangered /en-DEYN-jerd / [adjective] – animals or plants that may soon not exist because there are very few now alive Conservation efforts are focused on protecting the habitat of endangered species. theory /THEE-uh-ree/ [noun] – a formal statement of the rules on which a subject of study is based or of ideas that are suggested to explain a fact or event or,…
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Guinness World Records names Pepper X as the hottest chili pepper on Earth

Pepper X

©Jeffrey Collins/AP Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What comes to mind when you think of Guinness World Records? What specific record caught your attention? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. extensive /ik-STEN-siv/ [adjective] – covering a large area; having a great range The scientist conducted an extensive study to analyze the impact of climate change on the extensive coastal regions. concentration /kon-suhn-TREY-shuhn/ [noun] – refers to the relative amount of a substance within a mixture, solution, or compound The concentration of sugar in this syrup is quite high, making it ideal for sweetening desserts. trial /TRAHY-uhl/…
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Canadian Rockies reveal ancient jellyfish species

Jellyfish

©Christian-McCall Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How would you describe jellyfish and their distinctive features? Are you interested in seeing fossils of ancient marine creatures? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. species /SPEE-sheez/ [noun] – a set of animals or plants in which the members have similar characteristics to each other and can breed with each other Conservation efforts are focused on protecting endangered species from extinction. evolution /ev-uh-LOO-shuhn/ [noun] – the way in which living things change and develop over millions of years The Galápagos Islands played a significant role in…
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Composer behind Squid Game and Parasite shares the secret to his award-winning music

Jung Jail

©KCCUK Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you think the role of music in movies is? How can music contribute to the overall storytelling of a film? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. composer /kuhm-POH-zer / [noun] – a person who writes music The composer worked tirelessly to create a beautiful symphony that would touch the hearts of many. sensation /sen-SEY-shuhn/ [noun] – a widespread and intense surge of popularity or excitement Her unexpected performance at the talent show became a sensation, leaving the audience in awe. soundtrack /SOUND-trak/ [noun] – the sounds, especially the…
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Western Australian officials force to euthanize stranded whales

Whales

©CNN Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you seen a whale in person? Describe your experience. What are some of the threats that marine wildlife faces in today’s oceans? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. distressing /duh-STREH-suhng/ [adjective] – upsetting or worrying The student received a distressing email notifying them of a significant grade drop in one of their courses. encounter /en-KOUN-ter/ [verb] – to experience something, especially something unpleasant The company encountered unexpected financial difficulties, leading to layoffs and budget cuts. significant /sig-NIF-i-kuhnt/ [adjective] – important or noticeable The discovery of a new treatment for…
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Japan’s population drops by 800,000 in demographic crisis

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What societal issues are you most concerned about? What comes to mind when you think of population decline? 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 country faced an economic crisis, leading to high unemployment rates and widespread financial hardship for its citizens. decline /dih-KLAHYN/ [noun] – when something becomes less in amount, importance, quality, or strength The decline in sales has led the company to reconsider its marketing strategy. rate /reyt/ [noun] – the speed at which something happens…
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Scientists issue urgent warning on impending AMOC collapse and climate crisis

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are greenhouse gas emissions? What are some current environmental issues that your country is experiencing? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. crucial /KROO-shuhl/ [adjective] – extremely important or necessary Proper communication is crucial for effective teamwork and project success. disrupt /dis-RUHPT/ [verb] – to prevent something, especially a system, process, or event, from continuing as usual or as expected The power outage disrupted the entire neighborhood’s electricity supply, causing inconvenience to residents. critical /KRIT-i-kuhl/ [adjective] – of the greatest importance to the way things might happen The scientist emphasized the…
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2023 Women’s World Cup breaks new ground

fifa-gc995f07da_1280

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are the popular women’s sports in your country? What upcoming sports events are you excited about? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. significant /sig-NIF-i-kuhnt/ [adjective] – important or noticeable The discovery of a new species in the rainforest was significant to scientists studying biodiversity. represent /rep-ri-ZENT/ [verb] – to be a sign or symbol of something The color green is commonly used to represent nature and growth. ensure /en-SHOOR/ [verb] – to make something certain to happen The security measures in place ensure the safety of the building and its…
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Taj Mahal submerges in floodwaters

taj-mahal-gfa5ddb710_1280

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What famous heritage sites does your country have? What environmental crisis is your country currently experiencing? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. critical /KRIT-i-kuhl/ [adjective] – extremely serious or dangerous The critical situation in the war-torn region requires immediate humanitarian aid and intervention. threat /thret/ [noun] – the possibility that something unwanted will happen, or a person or thing that is likely to cause something unwanted to happen The unpredictable weather patterns due to climate change pose a significant threat to agriculture and food security. consequence /KON-si-kwens/ [noun] – a result…
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Naples rocked by second quake, volcano fears rise

earthquake-1665881_1280

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you think might happen to buildings and the ground during an earthquake? How do you think people should prepare for such situations? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. earthquake /URTH-kweyk/ [noun] – a sudden violent movement of the earth’s surface, sometimes causing great damage The earthquake shook the buildings and frightened the people in the city. injury /IN-juh-ree/ [noun] – physical harm or damage to someone’s body caused by an accident or an attack She suffered an injury while playing soccer and had to go to the hospital for…
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