Tag Archive: world news – intermediate

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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A film that foretold the future with astounding accuracy

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Is privacy important to you? Why or why not? Are you fond of watching reality shows? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. accuracy /AK-yer-uh-see/ [noun] – the fact of being exact or correct In order to improve the accuracy of your answers, it is important to read the questions carefully and double-check your work before submitting it. reality /ree-AL-i-tee/ [noun] – the state of things as they are, rather than as they are imagined to be Watching documentaries is a great way to learn about different places…
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New Study: New York City Sinking Due to Million-Plus Buildings

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you ever been to New York City? If so, what comes to mind when you think about it? Would you like to live or work in New York someday? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. significant /sig-NIF-i-kuhnt/ [adjective] – important or noticeable The teacher’s instructions were significant in guiding the students through the classroom activities. contribute /kuhn-TRIB-yoot / [verb] – to be one of the reasons why something happens The excessive use of plastic contributes to environmental pollution. tackle /TAK-uhl/ [verb] – to try to deal…
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Rise of highly sensitive parents

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Are you a sensitive person? Why or why not? What do you think are some common traits or behaviors exhibited by sensitive parents? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. rapidly /RAP-id-lee/ [adverb] – in a fast or sudden way The car sped rapidly down the road, making it to the finish line in record time. sensitive /SEN-si-tiv/ [adjective] – easily upset by the things people say or do, or causing people to be upset, embarrassed, or angry Sarah is a sensitive person who often feels deeply moved by the emotions of…
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Unveiling the enchanting power of rhythm

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is rhythm? How do you personally experience or interact with rhythm in your own life? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. chaos /KEY-os/ [noun] – a state of total confusion with no order During the fire drill, the students ran out of the classroom in chaos, unsure of where to go or what to do. tradition /truh-DISH-uhn/ [noun] – a belief, principle, or way of acting that people in a particular society or group have continued to follow for a long time, or all of these beliefs, etc. in a…
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Comedian’s Army-Themed Joke Leads to $2 Million Fine in China

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you ever heard of stand-up comedy? What do you know about it? What do you think about using humor to talk about sensitive or controversial subjects? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. implement /IM-pluh-ment/ [verb] – to start using a plan or system The manager will implement a new dress code policy for the office next week. prohibit /proh-HIB-it / [verb] – to officially refuse to allow something Smoking is strictly prohibited inside the building. sentenced /SEN-tnst/ [adjective] – referring to a person who has been officially declared guilty of…
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