Tag Archive: world news – intermediate

Pulse-based flours transforming the way we eat for the better

pasta-g4ed367936_1280

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. In what dishes do you use flour? What are pulse-based flours? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. unlock /uhn-LOK/ [verb] – to discover important new facts about something and make them known to people After hours of studying, Maria finally managed to unlock the secret behind solving quadratic equations. vitamin /VAHY-tuh-min/ [noun] – any of a group of natural substances that are necessary in small amounts for the growth and good health of the body Sarah’s doctor recommended that she eat more fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C to boost…
Read more

Dubai to build massive artificial coral reefs

dubai-3574226_1280

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Are you familiar with the city of Dubai? What is it famous for? Do you think large-scale ocean restoration is a good idea? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. developer /dih-VEL-uh-per/ [noun] – a person or company that makes money from buying land, building new houses, offices, etc., or by changing existing buildings to sell or rent The real estate developer transformed an old warehouse into a modern residential complex. hospitality /hos-pi-TAL-i-tee/ [noun] – food, drink, entertainment, etc. that an organization provides for guests or business partners…
Read more

Unveiling the profound mental talent that shaped the world

woman-g83a8a0cb3_1280

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is foresight? Is it important in today’s rapidly changing world? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. existence /ig-ZIS-tuhns/ [noun] – the fact of something or someone existing The study of different forms of life helps us understand the vastness and diversity of existence on our planet. creativity /kree-ey-TIV-i-tee/ [noun] – the ability to produce or use original and unusual ideas In art class, students are encouraged to explore their creativity by using different colors and shapes to express their ideas and emotions. contribute /kuhn-TRIB-yoot/ [verb] –…
Read more

Singapore considers world’s first law against cancel culture

©Narih Lee, CC BY 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Are you familiar with “cancel culture”? Describe it to me. Do you think “cancel culture” is a healthy way of online interaction? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. perceived /per-SEEVD/ [adjective] – seen or noticed as His quiet demeanor was often perceived as shyness, but in reality, he was just reserved. campaign /kam-PEYN/ [noun] – a planned group of especially political, business, or military activities that are intended to achieve a particular aim The social media campaign aimed…
Read more

Lion killings spark urgent action in southern Kenya

lion-5873637_1280

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Which wild animals are you familiar with? Do you think people and wild animals can live together in harmony? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. trigger /TRIG-er/ [verb] – to cause something to start The smell of freshly baked cookies triggers happy childhood memories. scarce /skairs/ [adjective] – not easy to find or get The natural disaster caused widespread damage to crops, making fresh produce scarce in the local markets. surge /surj/ [noun] – a sudden and great increase The hospital saw a surge in patients during…
Read more

How restaurants could address the global jellyfish conundrum

jellyfish-g6551c5906_1280

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you ever tried any unusual or unique foods? Could you tell me about them? What do you think might be the challenges or benefits of incorporating jellyfish into culinary dishes? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. nuisance /NOO-suhns/ [noun] – something or someone that annoys you or causes trouble for you The constant buzzing of mosquitoes during our picnic was quite a nuisance. conventional /kuhn-VEN-shuh-nl/ [adjective] – traditional and ordinary In our society, it is conventional to shake hands when you meet someone for the first time. concept /KON-sept/ [noun]…
Read more

The transformative power of AI in the modern workplace

artificial-intelligence-g0d814ac40_1280

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you think of using AI in the workplace? How has artificial intelligence (AI) impacted the modern workplace? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. creativity /kree-ey-TIV-i-tee/ [noun] – the ability to produce or use original and unusual ideas Using their creativity, the students painted vibrant pictures that expressed their unique ideas and imaginations. accuracy /AK-yer-uh-see/ [noun] – the fact of being exact or correct The students measured the ingredients with accuracy to ensure that their recipe turned out delicious and perfectly balanced. complex /KOM-pleks/ [adjective] – difficult to understand or…
Read more

Africa’s remote geological wonder

africa2

©Hemis/Alamy Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you ever heard of any geological wonders before? If so, which ones? What do you think makes a geological wonder unique or special? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. awe-inspiring /AW-in-spahyuhr-ing/ [adjective] – causing you to feel great respect or admiration The students stood in front of the grand statue, their eyes wide with awe-inspiring admiration as they marveled at its majestic beauty. jewel /JOO-uhl/ [noun] – a precious stone that is used to decorate valuable objects The teacher held up a small, sparkling jewel for the students to…
Read more

The renaissance of lost rivers reveals the city’s hidden past

river2

©Michael Shorey/Enfield Council Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you ever heard of the term “lost rivers”? What do you think it means? Can you think of any reasons why a city might have lost rivers? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. beneath /bih-NEETH/ [preposition] – in or to a lower position than someone or something, under someone or something The hidden treasure was buried beneath the old oak tree in the enchanted forest. inhabitant /in-HAB-i-tuhnt/ [noun] – a person or animal that lives in a particular place In the small village, each inhabitant knew their…
Read more

Balancing autonomy and community in a post-pandemic world

typing-g950a2014f_1280

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Do you like working in the office? Why or why not? What do you know about the hybrid work model? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. remote /ri-MOHT/ [adjective] – far away in distance We took a trip to a remote island where there were no roads or cars, and we had to walk or take a boat to get around. combine /kuhm-BAHYN/ [verb] – to (cause to) exist together, or join together to make a single thing or group In cooking class, we learned how to combine different ingredients like…
Read more