Tag Archive: world news – intermediate

The ultra-low-carbon lifestyle trend taking the world by storm

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Are you interested in reducing your carbon footprint and living a more sustainable life? Why or why not? Do you think that living an ultra-low-carbon lifestyle is more expensive than a traditional lifestyle? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. thoughtful /THAWT-fuhl/ [adjective ] – carefully considering things My teacher was very thoughtful when she took the time to explain the lesson to me again, even though I had already asked her several times. lifestyle /LAHYF-stahyl / [noun] – someone’s way of living; the things that a person or particular group of…
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China’s 2200-year-old Burger

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How has the burger evolved over time? What are the typical ingredients in burgers in your country? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. fascinating /FAS-uh-ney-ting/ [adjective] – extremely interesting Learning about ancient Egypt is fascinating because of the incredible pyramids and fascinating hieroglyphics. origin /AWR-i-jin/ [noun] – used to describe the particular way in which something started to exist or someone started their life The origin of pizza can be traced back to Italy, where it was first made with simple ingredients like tomatoes and cheese. mouth-watering /MOUTH-waw-ter-ing/ [adjective] – (of…
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Australia turns down proposed coal mine near the Great Barrier Reef

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Do you have natural wonders in your country that the government protects? Tell me about it. Do you think these natural wonders are worth preserving? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. coal /kohl/ [noun] – a hard, black substance that is dug from the earth in pieces, and can be burned to produce heat or power, or a single piece of this Coal is a fossil fuel that is often used for heating homes and generating electricity. diverse /dahy-VURS/ [adjective] – including many different types of people…
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Endangered turtle species find safe haven in Hong Kong

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Which endangered animal do you know of? Do you think ordinary people can save endangered animals? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. extinction /ik-STINGK-shuhn/ [noun] – a situation in which something no longer exists Climate change is causing many animals to face the threat of extinction. exotic /ig-ZOT-ik / [adjective] – unusual and specially interesting because of coming from a country that is far away My friend brought back an exotic bird from her trip to South America. endangered /en-DEYN-jerd / [adjective] – animals or plants that…
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Glass vs plastic: Which one is truly better for the environment?

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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 phrase] – 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…
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Ocean Census eyes discovery of new marine species

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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….
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Get inspired with awe-inspiring home facades

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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…
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The rise of understated yet luxurious style

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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…
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Asian Elephant Habitat Loss Threatens Species Survival

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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…
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Recovering lost treasures and advocating for preservation

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©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…
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