Tag Archive: world news – intermediate

The amazing floating highway: A journey like no other

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©Johnny Stockshooter/Alamy Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is a floating highway, and how does it differ from traditional highways built on land? What are the potential benefits of constructing a floating highway? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. overseas /oh-ver-SEEZ/ [adjective] – in, from, or to other countries Last summer, my cousin had an exciting adventure when she traveled overseas to visit her grandmother in a faraway country. stunning /STUHN-ing/ [adjective] – extremely beautiful or attractive: During our school trip to the national park, we were all amazed by the stunning view of the mountains…
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Ocean warming surges in UK and Ireland

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What does the term “climate change” mean to you? What are examples of climate change phenomena that you are familiar with? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. significantly /sig-NIF-i-kuhnt-lee/ [adverb] – in a way that is easy to see or by a large amount The research findings significantly contributed to our understanding of the disease. risk /risk/ [noun] – the possibility of something bad happening Swimming in rough waters poses a risk to inexperienced swimmers. extreme /ik-STREEM/ [adjective] – very large in amount or degree The extreme heatwave caused discomfort and…
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Super-engineered vaccines conquer all polio variants

A child receives a polio vaccine during the regular vaccination program at the Batasan Hills Super Health Center in Quezon City, Philippines, on December 15, 2020.

©ADB SEADS Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you know about polio? How do you think polio is prevented or treated? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. upgraded /uhp-GRAY-duhd/ [adjective] – something that has been improved or enhanced compared to its previous version I recently purchased an upgraded smartphone that has a faster processor and a higher-resolution camera. significant /sig-NIF-i-kuhnt / [adjective] – important or noticeable Her contribution to the project was significant, as she brought valuable insights and expertise to the team. worldwide /wurld-wahyd/ [adjective] – existing or happening in all parts of the…
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How your swimwear color can protect you from dangers

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How does the color of swimwear impact visibility in various water environments? What are the potential dangers that swimwear color can help protect against? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. stand out /STAND out / [phrasal verb] – to be very noticeable In our school talent show, Lisa’s exceptional singing voice helped her stand out among the other performers. potentially /puh-TEN-shuh-lee/ [adverb] – possibly My brother’s hard work and dedication could potentially lead to him achieving his dream of becoming a professional soccer player. practical /PRAK-ti-kuhl / [adjective] – suitable for…
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Unveiling the mysteries of shipwrecks

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you ever heard of a shipwreck before? What do you think a shipwreck is? What dangers do you think sailors face when traveling by sea? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. treasure /TREZHh-er/ [noun] – very valuable things, usually in the form of a store of precious metals, precious stones, or money In their exciting adventure, the young explorers discovered an old map that led them to a hidden treasure buried deep in the forest. tragedy /TRAJ-i-dee / [noun] – a very sad event or situation, especially one involving death…
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Wildlife advocates release endangered cat species into the wild

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Which endangered species are you familiar with? In what ways do different organizations try to save these species? 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 ambitious project aimed to revolutionize the way renewable energy is generated and utilized. habitat /HAB-i-tat/ [noun] – the natural environment in which an animal or plant usually lives The coral reef is a diverse and vibrant habitat for a wide…
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Consensus-driven senate bill aims to strengthen export controls on TikTok

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Are you familiar with the social media app TikTok? Do you use it? Tell me about it. Do you think it is safe to use TikTok? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. misuse /mis-YOOS/ [noun] – an occasion when something is used in an unsuitable way or in a way that was not intended The teacher warned the students about the potential misuse of social media and the importance of responsible online behavior. expand /ik-SPAND/ [verb] – to increase in size, number, or importance, or to make…
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India expands travel horizons

Indian Flag

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What comes to mind when you hear the country India? Do you consider traveling to India? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. beyond /bee-OND/ [preposition] – to be more than or not limited to something His dedication to his work goes beyond what is expected, as he always goes the extra mile to deliver exceptional results. invest /in-VEST/ [verb] – to put money, effort, time, etc. into something to make a profit or get an advantage I decided to invest my savings in the stock market to…
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Secret mountains within Earth

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©Alamy Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you ever wondered what might be hidden beneath the Earth’s surface? What could be some interesting things that could exist there? Do you think it’s possible for a mountain to exist within the Earth, away from our view? 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 beauty of nature reminds us of the vastness and wonder of existence. extreme /ik-STREEM/ [adjective] – very severe or bad The heatwave brought about extreme temperatures, reaching well over…
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Unparalleled comic book masterpieces

Sony Pictures

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Do you like watching comic book adaptations? Which comic book storylines are you familiar with? Could you tell me about it? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. stand out /stand out/ [verb] – to be much better than other similar things or people Among all the colorful flowers in the garden, the red rose stands out with its vibrant petals. complex /kuhm-PLEKS/ [adjective] – difficult to understand or find an answer to because of having many different parts Solving a Rubik’s cube can be challenging because it has many different colors…
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