Tag Archive: world news – intermediate

Iran: The surprising origins of the postal service

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you ever sent a letter or a postcard to someone? Could you tell me about it? Do you think postal services will become less important in the future with the rise of digital communication? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. origin /AWR-i-jin/ [noun] – the beginning or cause of something The origin of the universe is a fascinating topic to explore in science class. institution /in-sti-TOO-shuhn/ [noun] – a custom or tradition that has existed for a long time and is accepted as an important part of a particular society…
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The increasing popularity of “Relaxed Minimalism”

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How have you implemented minimalism in your home? Have you noticed any changes in your daily life because of it? Do you think a minimalist home can be cozy and welcoming, or does it tend to feel sterile and empty? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. pace /peys/ [noun] – the speed at which somebody or something is moving When studying for an exam, it is important to set a comfortable pace for yourself so that you can absorb the material without feeling overwhelmed. popularity /pop-yuh-LAR-i-tee/ [noun] – the quality of…
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Can clothes ever be recycled completely?

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Do you recycle your clothes? If so, how often do you do it? If not, why not? How can recycling clothes help the environment? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. pollute /puh-LOOT/ [verb] – to make an area or substance, usually air, water, or soil, dirty or harmful to people, animals, and plants, especially by adding harmful chemicals Bicycling doesn’t pollute the air. make a difference /meyk uh DIF-er-uhns/ [idiom] – to improve a situation Careful planning and preparation make a difference. task /task/ [noun] – a piece of work to…
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The traditional drink that powers Indonesia

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What’s your favorite natural drink, and why do you like it? What kind of natural drink would you recommend to someone who’s feeling stressed or tired? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. kingdom /KING-duhm/ [noun] – the territory ruled over by a king or queen In history class, we learned about the medieval kingdom of England and how it was ruled by kings and queens. initially /ih-NISH-uh-lee/ [adverb] – at the start Initially, I thought I had lost my phone, but then I remembered that I had left it in my…
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Is Montessori the most influential school in the world?

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Was learning fun at school when you were a child? Could you tell me about it? Do you think that your school was effective at fostering creativity? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. strategy /STRAT-i-jee/ [noun] – a detailed plan for achieving success in situations such as war, politics, business, industry, or sports, or the skill of planning for such situations Give me a broad idea of your new strategy. lecturer /LEK-cher-er/ [noun] – someone who teaches at a college or university She’s such a fascinating lecturer – I was hanging…
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Are Gen Z workers the ones that are the most stressed out at work?

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Are you a member of Gen Z? If so, how do you identify with your generation? If not, how would you describe your generation? What do you think is the biggest challenge facing Gen Z in the workplace? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. era /EER-uh/ [noun] – a period of time of which particular events or stages of development are typical: The Renaissance era was a time of great change and cultural rebirth in Europe, marked by advances in art, science, and philosophy. diverse /dih-VURS/ [adjective] – including many different…
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The people supporting future generations in the fight against climate change

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Are you an advocate for climate rights? Why or why not? In your opinion, what are the most pressing climate-related issues facing the world today? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. concept /KON-sept / [noun] – a principle or idea A concept is an abstract idea, and it can be difficult to understand without concrete examples. extreme /ik-STREEM/ [adjective] – very severe or bad Exercising for a long time in hot weather can be extreme and potentially dangerous if you don’t take proper precautions. current /KUR-uhnt/ [adjective] – of the present…
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Why keeping and caring for plants is healthy

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are some of your favorite outdoor activities or hobbies? Could you tell me about them? Do you like gardening? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. take over /TEYK-oh-ver / [phrasal verb] – to begin to have control of something The new CEO plans to implement changes that will take over the company’s outdated systems and improve its competitiveness. gardening /GARHD-ning/ [gerund] – the job or activity of working in a garden, growing and taking care of the plants, and keeping it attractive Jane loves spending her…
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Cornwall-based disaster relief organization to assist victims in Turkey

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Pre-reading questions I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How often do earthquakes happen in your country? How are buildings in your country designed to protect themselves against earthquakes? Vocabulary I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. tragic /TRAJ-ik/ [adjective] – very sad, often involving death and suffering This novel has such a tragic end. response /ri-SPONS/ [noun] – an answer or reaction She has received a response from that college regarding her application. initial /ih-NISH-uhl/ [adjective] – of or at the beginning She created the initial version of her plans. harm /hahrm/ [verb] – to hurt someone or damage something A…
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Breaking the barriers: The importance of interacting with strangers

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Are you afraid of talking to strangers? Why or why not? What are some ways to smoothly end a conversation with a stranger? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. division /dih-VIZH-uhn/ [noun] – the situation in which people disagree about something Division within the group will limit its chances in the competition. tempting /TEMPT-ting / [adjective] – if something is tempting, you want to do or have it The delicious aroma of freshly baked cookies was tempting, but she tried to resist and stick to her diet. process /PROS-es/ [noun] –…
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