Tag Archive: world news – intermediate

Sweden to create a city entirely out of wood

wooden city sweden

©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…
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Florida’s Gatorland Park welcomes an extraordinary alligator with a jaw challenge to forever home

jawlene

©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…
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Over 100 dolphins found dead in Amazon as water reaches 102 degrees Fahrenheit

dead dolphin

©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…
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Nickel mining boom threatens future sustainability

mining-4219078_1280

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,…
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Netherlands to return stolen artifacts to Sri Lanka and Indonesia

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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…
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Heatwave impact – Summer’s new face

landscape-2806202_1280

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is the climate crisis? What is the average temperature during the summer in your country? 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 is currently facing an economic crisis with high unemployment rates. extreme /ik-STREEM/ [adjective] – very large in amount or degree The hurricane caused extreme damage to the coastal towns, with houses completely destroyed. visible /VIZ-uh-buhl/ [adjective] – able to be seen The stars were so bright that they were visible even from the city center….
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Unleash your adventurous spirit in a remote Scottish archipelago

scottish archipelago

©Nicola Colombo/Getty Images Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What qualities or features make a destination qualify as a remote paradise? Why do remote paradises often evoke a sense of awe and wonder in people? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. distant /DIS-tuhnt/ [adjective] – far away The children stared at the distant mountain peaks, their colorful flags waving in the wind. breathtaking /BRETH-tey-king/ [adjective] – extremely exciting, beautiful, or surprising As Sarah reached the top of the hill, she couldn’t believe her eyes—the view was absolutely breathtaking! tradition /truh-DISH-uhn/ [noun] – a belief, principle, or way…
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Mysteries of a newly found ancient city

maya city

©ZRC SAZU Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you think might be the significance of discovering an ancient city? What types of information or artifacts do you expect to find in an ancient city? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. civilization /siv-uh-luh-ZEY-shuhn/ [noun] – human society with its well developed social organizations, or the culture and way of life of a society or country at a particular period in time The ancient Egyptians built magnificent pyramids as a symbol of their advanced civilization. structure /STRUHK-cher / [noun] – something that has been made or built…
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Unveiling the rediscovery of The Chocolate Islands

choco island

©HBD Príncipe Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is the significance of chocolate in our culture and history? Have you ever heard of “The Chocolate Islands” before? If yes, what do you know about them? If not, what do you think the term might refer to? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. tropical /TROP-i-kuhl / [adjective] – extremely hot The students explored the lush tropical rainforest, filled with colorful birds and vibrant plants. decline /dih-KLAHYN/ [noun] – when something becomes less in amount, importance, quality, or strength Over the years, there has been a decline in…
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Unleash the power of drawing

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is the significance of drawing as a means of expression and communication? In what ways can drawing be used as a therapeutic tool for individuals? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. express /ik-SPRES/ [verb] – to show a feeling, opinion, or fact Sarah used colorful markers to express her creativity by drawing beautiful pictures. gradually /GRAJ-oo-uh-lee/ [adverb] – slowly over a period of time or a distance The sun began to set, and the sky gradually turned from bright blue to a soft orange color. emotion /ih-MOH-shuhn/ [noun] – a…
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