Tag Archive: world news – intermediate

A film that foretold the future with astounding accuracy

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Is privacy important to you? Why or why not? Are you fond of watching reality shows? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. accuracy /AK-yer-uh-see/ [noun] – the fact of being exact or correct In order to improve the accuracy of your answers, it is important to read the questions carefully and double-check your work before submitting it. reality /ree-AL-i-tee/ [noun] – the state of things as they are, rather than as they are imagined to be Watching documentaries is a great way to learn about different places…
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New Study: New York City Sinking Due to Million-Plus Buildings

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you ever been to New York City? If so, what comes to mind when you think about it? Would you like to live or work in New York someday? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. significant /sig-NIF-i-kuhnt/ [adjective] – important or noticeable The teacher’s instructions were significant in guiding the students through the classroom activities. contribute /kuhn-TRIB-yoot / [verb] – to be one of the reasons why something happens The excessive use of plastic contributes to environmental pollution. tackle /TAK-uhl/ [verb] – to try to deal…
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Rise of highly sensitive parents

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Are you a sensitive person? Why or why not? What do you think are some common traits or behaviors exhibited by sensitive parents? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. rapidly /RAP-id-lee/ [adverb] – in a fast or sudden way The car sped rapidly down the road, making it to the finish line in record time. sensitive /SEN-si-tiv/ [adjective] – easily upset by the things people say or do, or causing people to be upset, embarrassed, or angry Sarah is a sensitive person who often feels deeply moved by the emotions of…
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Unveiling the enchanting power of rhythm

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is rhythm? How do you personally experience or interact with rhythm in your own life? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. chaos /KEY-os/ [noun] – a state of total confusion with no order During the fire drill, the students ran out of the classroom in chaos, unsure of where to go or what to do. tradition /truh-DISH-uhn/ [noun] – a belief, principle, or way of acting that people in a particular society or group have continued to follow for a long time, or all of these beliefs, etc. in a…
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Comedian’s Army-Themed Joke Leads to $2 Million Fine in China

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you ever heard of stand-up comedy? What do you know about it? What do you think about using humor to talk about sensitive or controversial subjects? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. implement /IM-pluh-ment/ [verb] – to start using a plan or system The manager will implement a new dress code policy for the office next week. prohibit /proh-HIB-it / [verb] – to officially refuse to allow something Smoking is strictly prohibited inside the building. sentenced /SEN-tnst/ [adjective] – referring to a person who has been officially declared guilty of…
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Pulse-based flours transforming the way we eat for the better

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. In what dishes do you use flour? What are pulse-based flours? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. unlock /uhn-LOK/ [verb] – to discover important new facts about something and make them known to people After hours of studying, Maria finally managed to unlock the secret behind solving quadratic equations. vitamin /VAHY-tuh-min/ [noun] – any of a group of natural substances that are necessary in small amounts for the growth and good health of the body Sarah’s doctor recommended that she eat more fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C to boost…
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Dubai to build massive artificial coral reefs

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Are you familiar with the city of Dubai? What is it famous for? Do you think large-scale ocean restoration is a good idea? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. developer /dih-VEL-uh-per/ [noun] – a person or company that makes money from buying land, building new houses, offices, etc., or by changing existing buildings to sell or rent The real estate developer transformed an old warehouse into a modern residential complex. hospitality /hos-pi-TAL-i-tee/ [noun] – food, drink, entertainment, etc. that an organization provides for guests or business partners…
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Unveiling the profound mental talent that shaped the world

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is foresight? Is it important in today’s rapidly changing world? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. existence /ig-ZIS-tuhns/ [noun] – the fact of something or someone existing The study of different forms of life helps us understand the vastness and diversity of existence on our planet. creativity /kree-ey-TIV-i-tee/ [noun] – the ability to produce or use original and unusual ideas In art class, students are encouraged to explore their creativity by using different colors and shapes to express their ideas and emotions. contribute /kuhn-TRIB-yoot/ [verb] –…
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Singapore considers world’s first law against cancel culture

©Narih Lee, CC BY 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Are you familiar with “cancel culture”? Describe it to me. Do you think “cancel culture” is a healthy way of online interaction? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. perceived /per-SEEVD/ [adjective] – seen or noticed as His quiet demeanor was often perceived as shyness, but in reality, he was just reserved. campaign /kam-PEYN/ [noun] – a planned group of especially political, business, or military activities that are intended to achieve a particular aim The social media campaign aimed…
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Lion killings spark urgent action in southern Kenya

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Which wild animals are you familiar with? Do you think people and wild animals can live together in harmony? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. trigger /TRIG-er/ [verb] – to cause something to start The smell of freshly baked cookies triggers happy childhood memories. scarce /skairs/ [adjective] – not easy to find or get The natural disaster caused widespread damage to crops, making fresh produce scarce in the local markets. surge /surj/ [noun] – a sudden and great increase The hospital saw a surge in patients during…
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