Tag Archive: world news – intermediate

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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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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