Tag Archive: world news – intermediate

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Can you describe how hurricanes are different from other types of storms? How do people prepare for the possible dangers before a hurricane hits? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. hurricane /HUR-i-keyn/ [noun] – a violent windstorm, especially one with a circular motion, occurring over warm tropical oceans The hurricane destroyed many houses along the coast last summer. evacuate /ih-VAK-yoo-eyt/ [verb] – to remove someone from a dangerous place to a safe one The school decided to evacuate students when the fire alarm rang. shelter /SHEL-ter/ [noun] – a structure that…
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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What happens to a desert landscape when it rains? Why is rain considered a significant event in deserts? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. phenomenon /fi-NOM-uh-non/ [noun] – a fact or event that can be observed, especially something unusual or difficult to understand The Northern Lights are a beautiful phenomenon that many people travel to see. moisture /MOIS-cher/ [noun] – a small amount of liquid, often water, that is present in the air or on a surface Plants need some moisture to grow healthy and strong. devastation /dev-uh-STEY-shuhn/ [noun] – severe…
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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What does “life expectancy” mean? Do you think living longer is always a good thing? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. advance /ad-VANS/ [noun] – the forward movement of something, or an improvement or development in something The latest advances in technology have made communication much faster. slow down /sloh doun/ [phrasal verb] – to reduce speed or become less active The overall reduction in pollution has slowed down. point out /point out/ [phrasal verb] – to mention or highlight something important She pointed out a mistake…
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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are the most common causes of road accidents? What safety measures do you believe are most effective in preventing road accidents? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. acceleration /ak-sel-uh-REY-shuhn/ [noun] – the increase in the speed or rate of something The car experienced rapid acceleration, reaching a high speed quickly. interstate /in-ter-STEYT/ [noun] – a major highway that runs between states They decided to avoid the interstate to stay away from heavy traffic. respond /ri-SPOND/ [verb] – to react to something that has been said or done The police responded…
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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What fruit do you wish your country could grow, and why do you think it would be beneficial? What possible effects of climate change could impact the crops or produce in farming? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. transparent /trans-PAIR-uhnt/ [adjective] – allowing light to pass through so that objects behind can be distinctly seen The glass is transparent, so we can see the beautiful garden outside. harvest /HAHR-vist/ [noun] – the time of year when crops are cut and collected from the fields, or the activity of cutting and collecting…
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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Why do governments or conservation groups protect certain animal species, like wolves? What are some possible reasons for reducing protections for wolves as their population grows? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. revise /ri-VAHYZ/ [verb] – to change or correct something, often to improve it Students need to revise their homework before turning it in. regulation /reg-yuh-LEY-shuhn/ [noun] – a rule or directive made and maintained by an authority The school has a regulation about wearing uniforms every day. livelihood /LAHYV-lee-hood/ [noun] – a means of securing the necessities of life;…
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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are some reasons schools might want to limit or ban smartphone use among students? Can you think of any experiences where smartphone use in school was helpful or distracting? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. governor /GUHV-er-ner/ [noun] – the person who is the leader of a state in the U.S. The governor helps make important decisions for the state. participation /pahr-tis-uh-PEY-shuhn/ [noun] – the act of taking part in something Her participation in the game made it more fun for everyone. distraction /dih-STRAK-shuhn/ [noun] – something that prevents someone…
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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What does the term “layoff” mean? What industries or jobs do you think are most at risk of layoffs? Why? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. slowdown /SLOH-doun/ [noun] – a reduction in speed or activity The company noticed a slowdown in sales last month. layoff /LEY-awf/ [noun] – the termination of employment by an employer, often due to economic reasons The factory had a layoff due to decreased production. mixed signal /mikst SIG-nl/ [idiom] – information or actions that suggest different things or are unclear The report gave a mixed…
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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. If you had the opportunity to work or study abroad, where would you go and why? Why do you think some countries attract a lot of international students and health workers? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. grant /grant/ [verb] – to give or allow someone something, usually in an official way The principal granted the student’s request for an extension on the assignment. dramatic /druh-MAT-ik/ [adjective] – sudden and striking; causing a lot of attention or impact The dramatic change in weather caught everyone by surprise and led to widespread…
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©(AP Photo/Felix Scheyer) Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is the difference between the Paralympics and the Olympics? Can you explain the purposes of the major international sports events? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. cue /kyoo/ [noun] – signals or prompts used to guide actions or behaviors The teacher gave visual cues to help students understand the new concept. concentration /kon-suhn-TREY-shuhn/ [noun] – the ability to focus mental effort on a specific task or activity The scientist’s concentration was crucial while conducting the complex experiment. spectator /SPEK-tey-ter/ [noun] – people who watch an event or…
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