Tag Archive: world news – intermediate

Britain’s net migration level pressures government

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you ever imagined what it would be like to live in a different country? If so, which country do you envision yourself living in, and what are the reasons behind your choice? Do you believe that living in another country is easy? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. variation /vair-ee-EY-shuhn/ [noun] – a change in amount or level The variation in weather patterns throughout the year makes the region unpredictable and challenging to plan outdoor activities. resource /REE-sawrs/ [noun] – a useful or valuable possession or…
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Norwegian cruise company unveils eco-friendly electric ship

electric ship

©VARD via CNN Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is a cruise ship? If you were given the opportunity to go on a cruise, where would you want to go and why? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. operator /OP-uh-rey-ter/ [noun] – a company that does a particular type of business The tour operator arranged transportation, accommodations, and guided tours for the group of travelers. harmful /HAHRM-fuhl/ [adjective] – causing harm The disposal of toxic waste in rivers and oceans can have harmful effects on marine life and ecosystems. leadership /LEE-der-ship/ [noun] – the position or…
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Exploring unique approaches to clothes washing and defying social norms

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are some traditional methods of washing clothes you have been using? What are the common challenges or limitations associated with traditional washing methods? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. laundry /lawn-dree/ [noun] – the dirty clothes and sheets that need to be, are being, or have been washed After a busy day of classes, Sarah remembered that she had forgotten to do her laundry, so she rushed back to her dormitory to wash her clothes. convenience /kuhn-VEEN-yuhns/ [noun] – the state of being convenient The hotel’s location near the train…
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Sweden safeguards alleged Russian ‘spy’ whale

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is a spy? Do you think animals can be trained to be spies? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. military /MIL-i-ter-ee/ [adjective] – relating to or belonging to the armed forces The military exercises play a vital role in ensuring tight bonds among allied nations. welfare /WEL-fair / [noun] – physical and mental health and happiness, especially of a person The welfare of children is of utmost importance, and child protection agencies ensure their safety and well-being. promptly /PROMPT-lee/ [adverb] – quickly, without delay, or at…
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Unlocking the secrets to prolonging your clothes’ lifespan

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What factors contribute to the lifespan of a garment? What are some common reasons why people discard or dispose of clothing? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. straightforward /streyt-FAWR-werd/ [adjective] – easy to understand; clear The teacher explained the math problem in a straightforward way, making it easy for the students to understand. investment /in-VEST-muhnt/ [noun] – the act of putting money, effort, time, etc. into something to make a profit or get an advantage, or the money, effort, time, etc. used to do this Samantha decided to save some money…
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Countries importing used gas-powered cars amidst e-car boom face environmental backlash

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is an electric car? How about a gas-guzzling car? Which of the two would you prefer? Why? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. excess /ik-SES/ [noun] – an amount that is more than acceptable, expected, or reasonable The excess of rainfall caused flooding in the low-lying areas of the city. unsafe /uhn-SEYF/ [adjective] – not safe The use of expired medications can be unsafe and potentially harmful to one’s health. regulate /REG-yuh-leyt / [verb] – to control something, especially by making it work in a particular way The school enforced…
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Experts: US must rely on Japan’s, South Korea’s naval power to keep up with China’s fleet

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is a warship? Why is it important for a country to have powerful warships? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. fleet /fleet/ [noun] – a group of ships, or all of the ships in a country’s navy The navy’s fleet of warships sailed out to conduct military exercises in the open sea. aggression /uh-GRESH-uhn/ [noun] – the action of a state in violating by force the rights of another state, particularly its territorial rights The escalating aggression between the two countries led to a declaration of war. superior /suh-PEER-ee-er/ [adjective]…
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Australia takes bold steps to ban e-cigarettes

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you or someone you know used vapes or e-cigarettes? Tell me about it. Do you think vaping is better than smoking cigarettes? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. ban /ban/ [verb] – to forbid or to refuse to allow something, especially officially Many companies ban smoking on their premises to promote a healthier work environment. therapeutic /ther-uh-PYOO-tik / [adjective] – relating to the curing of a disease or medical condition The spa offered a variety of therapeutic massages to promote relaxation and enhance overall well-being. addiction…
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Activists push to free bears from bile farms

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is traditional Chinese medicine? Which animals do you know of that are used in this practice? Did you know that bile is collected from bears to be used as medicine? Would you be open to trying it? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. surgery /SUR-juh-ree/ [noun] – an occasion when a medical operation involving cutting open the body is performed on someone The surgeon performed a delicate surgery to repair a torn ligament in the athlete’s knee. profitable /PROF-i-tuh-buhl/ [adjective] – making or likely to make…
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Horrifying train crashes due to signal failure

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Does your area have a well-developed transportation system? Please provide details about its features and efficiency. Have you ever heard of a major transportation accident in your country? Why did it happen? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. signal /SIG-nl / [noun] – an action, movement, or sound that gives information, a message, a warning, or an order The flashing red light served as a signal for drivers to stop at the intersection. occurred /uh-KUR/ [verb] – (especially of accidents and other unexpected events) to happen The earthquake occurred in the…
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