Tag Archive: world news – intermediate

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. In what ways, if any, do you think rats can be beneficial to humans? Do you believe that rats should be eliminated from certain environments? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. gather /GATH-er/ [verb] – When people or animals gather, they come together in a group During the school field trip, we gathered at the entrance of the museum before exploring together as a group. determination /dih-tur-muh-NEY-shuhn/ [noun] – the ability to continue trying to do something, although it is very difficult Despite facing numerous challenges, she…
Read more

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is a leopard? Why are leopards important to the ecosystem? 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 The relentless hunting of elephants has put them on the brink of extinction. comprehensive /kom-pri-HEN-siv/ [adjective] – complete and including everything that is necessary The comprehensive guidebook provided detailed instructions and step-by-step procedures to help users navigate through the complex software. initiative /ih-NISH-uh-tiv/ [noun] – a new plan or process to achieve something or solve a problem The nonprofit organization launched…
Read more

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are some common challenges that mid-career workers face when pursuing their dream jobs? What factors might motivate mid-career workers to pursue their dream jobs? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. chase /cheys/ [verb] – to try to get something that is difficult to get or achieve The ambitious student chased after their dream of becoming a doctor, working hard and studying diligently to achieve their goal. bravery /BREY-vuh-ree/ [noun] – brave behavior or actions Despite feeling scared, Sarah summoned up her bravery and stood up to the bully, defending her…
Read more

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,…
Read more

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…
Read more

©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…
Read more

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…
Read more

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…
Read more

©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…
Read more

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…
Read more