Tag Archive: world news – intermediate

The fascinating history and culinary significance of idlis

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Do you like rice cakes? Why or why not? Have you ever tried any interesting or unique flavors of rice cakes? If so, what did you think of them? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. exotic /ig-ZOT-ik/ [adjective] – unusual and exciting because of coming (or seeming to come) from far away, especially a tropical country My friend brought back an exotic fruit from her vacation in Thailand that I had never seen or tasted before. process /PROS-es/ [noun] – a series of actions or events performed to make something or…
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A natural way to improve your quality of life

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are some benefits of having indoor plants? How can indoor plants impact mood and mental health? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. effective /ih-FEK-tiv/ [adjective] – successful or achieving the results that you want: Effective studying habits can help students achieve their academic goals. chemical /KEM-i-kuhl/ [noun] – any basic substance that is used in or produced by a reaction involving changes to atoms or molecules In chemistry class, we learned about the different properties of chemical elements and how they interact with each other. reduce /ri-DOOS/ [verb] – to…
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Young people use #quittok to share why they’re quitting their jobs

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are some common reasons why people decide to quit their jobs? What are some best practices for using TikTok? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. express /ik-SPRES/ [verb] – to show a feeling, opinion, or fact When you write an essay, it is important to express your ideas clearly and concisely so that your readers can understand your point of view. frustration /fruh-STREY-shuhn / [noun] – the feeling of being annoyed or less confident because you cannot achieve what you want, or something that makes you feel like this Learning…
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Utah limits teen social media access

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Do you limit your social media access? Why or why not? What can you do to help support teens in using social media in a safe and responsible manner? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. state /steyt/ [noun] – a part of a large country with its own government, such as in Germany, Australia, or the U.S In the United States, each state has its own capital city and flag. ensure /en-SHOOR/ [verb] – to make something certain to happen To ensure that you get a good grade on the exam,…
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A lavish getaway for business and pleasure

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are some examples of lavish getaways? What are some key features you look for in a hotel or resort? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. aspect /AS-pekt/ [noun] – one part of a situation, problem, subject, etc. One important aspect of learning a new language is practicing speaking with native speakers. commitment /kuh-MIT-muhnt / [noun] – a promise or firm decision to do something If you want to be successful in your career, you need to have a strong commitment to your goals and work hard to achieve them. spa…
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A sustainable urban center for Greece’s future

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is a redevelopment project? Why are redevelopment projects undertaken? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. abandoned /uh-BAN-duhnd/ [adjective] – left in a particular place or condition, usually forever When the hurricane hit the small town, many people had to evacuate, leaving their homes and belongings behind, resulting in several abandoned houses. revolutionary /rev-uh-LOO-shuh-ner-ee/ [adjective] – completely new and having a great effect The Internet has been a revolutionary technology, changing the way we work, learn, and communicate with each other. community /kuh-MYOO-ni-tee/ [noun] – the people living in one particular…
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Ancient myths that still resonate today

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Do you like reading mythology? Why or why not? Why do you think the myths and tales are still relevant today? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. source /sawrs/ [noun] – the place something comes from or starts at, or the cause of something When writing a research paper, it is important to cite all of the sources you used to gather information, such as books, articles, and websites. mythology /mi-THOL-uh-jee/ [noun] – an ancient story or set of stories, especially explaining the early history of a group of people or…
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The trials and innovations in ensuring sustainability and access to quality care

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What factors contribute to the increasing cost of living in our society? What can individuals do to address the issue of the increasing cost of living? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. assistance /uh-SIS-tuhns/ [noun] – help When taking a test, students are not allowed to receive any assistance from others or use unauthorized materials. adequate /AD-i-kwit/ [adjective] – enough or satisfactory for a particular purpose It is important for athletes to maintain an adequate diet and hydration in order to perform at their best during competitions. struggle /STRUHG-uhl/ [verb] –…
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An exceptional chance to visit Antarctica

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you ever been to Antarctica before? If not, what do you know about this continent? What are some of the challenges of visiting Antarctica? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. adventurous /ad-VEN-cher-uhs/ [adjective] – willing to try new or difficult things Even though I was nervous, I decided to try adventurous activities like zip-lining and bungee jumping while on vacation in Costa Rica. yacht /yot/ [noun] – a boat with sails and sometimes an engine, used for either racing or traveling on for pleasure My uncle, who is a wealthy…
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The concrete that benefits the environment

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is concrete? Why is concrete an important building material? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. construction /kuhn-STRUHK-shuhn/ [noun] – the work of building or making something, especially buildings, bridges, etc. The construction of the new hospital has been delayed due to a shortage of workers and materials, but the government is making efforts to speed up the process. concrete /KON-kreet/ [noun] – a very hard building material made by mixing together cement, sand, small stones, and water The workers poured concrete into the foundation to create a solid base for…
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