Tag Archive: world news – intermediate

Discovering ocean submersibles

submersible

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are some of the major challenges scientists face when exploring the depths of the ocean? What are the different methods and technologies used in ocean exploration? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. ensure /uhn-SHUR/ [verb] – to make something certain to happen: Before leaving the house, Maria always double-checks her bag to ensure that she has her keys, phone, and wallet with her. utmost /UHT-mohst/ [adjective] – used to emphasize how important or serious something is: The lifeguard at the pool takes the safety of swimmers with the utmost seriousness,…
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Ever-present threat that surrounds Titanic

Titanic

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you know about the Titanic? Do you want to see the Titanic shipwreck? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. unpredictable /uhn-pri-DIK-tuh-buhl / [adjective] – tending to change suddenly and without reason or warning, and therefore not able to be depended on The weather in this region is unpredictable. constantly /KON-stuhnt-lee/ [adverb] – all the time or often John’s little brother is constantly asking questions, always curious about the world around him. steer /steer/ [verb] – to control the direction of a vehicle The captain used…
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Delightful diversity of Vietnamese cuisine

vietnamese

©Chris Middleton Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are some distinctive features of Vietnamese cuisine that set it apart from other Asian cuisines? What are some key ingredients commonly used in Vietnamese cooking, and what flavors do they contribute to dishes? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. delicacy /DEL-i-kuh-see/ [noun] – something especially rare or expensive that is good to eat Eating sushi is considered a delicacy in Japan, as it involves carefully prepared raw fish served with rice and various toppings. combine /kuhm-BAHYN/ [verb ] – to (cause to) exist together, or join together to…
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Test case decides the future of fossil fuels in UK

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is your understanding of the term ‘fossil fuels’? What are the factors that you believe contribute to global warming? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. significant /sig-NIF-i-kuhnt / [adjective] – important or noticeable The discovery of a new dinosaur fossil has provided significant information about the ancient creatures that lived millions of years ago. underestimate /uhn-der-ES-tuh-meyt/ [verb] – to fail to guess or understand the real cost, size, difficulty, etc. of something They underestimated the power of teamwork in achieving success and overcoming challenges. thorough /THUR-oh/ [adjective] – detailed and…
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Fascinating world of underwater and deep sea tourism

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is deep sea tourism, and how does it differ from traditional forms of tourism? What are some of the challenges and risks associated with deep-sea tourism? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. incredibly /in-KRED-uh-blee / [adverb] – in a way that is hard to believe The roller coaster ride at the amusement park was incredibly thrilling, and it made my heart race with excitement. adapt /uh-DAPT/ [verb] – to change, or to change something, to suit different conditions or uses As the weather changed from sunny to rainy, we had…
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The amazing floating highway: A journey like no other

highway

©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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