Tag Archive: world news – intermediate

Africa’s remote geological wonder

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

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©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…
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Balancing autonomy and community in a post-pandemic world

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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…
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The ultra-low-carbon lifestyle trend taking the world by storm

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Are you interested in reducing your carbon footprint and living a more sustainable life? Why or why not? Do you think that living an ultra-low-carbon lifestyle is more expensive than a traditional lifestyle? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. thoughtful /THAWT-fuhl/ [adjective ] – carefully considering things My teacher was very thoughtful when she took the time to explain the lesson to me again, even though I had already asked her several times. lifestyle /LAHYF-stahyl / [noun] – someone’s way of living; the things that a person or particular group of…
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China’s 2200-year-old Burger

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How has the burger evolved over time? What are the typical ingredients in burgers in your country? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. fascinating /FAS-uh-ney-ting/ [adjective] – extremely interesting Learning about ancient Egypt is fascinating because of the incredible pyramids and fascinating hieroglyphics. origin /AWR-i-jin/ [noun] – used to describe the particular way in which something started to exist or someone started their life The origin of pizza can be traced back to Italy, where it was first made with simple ingredients like tomatoes and cheese. mouth-watering /MOUTH-waw-ter-ing/ [adjective] – (of…
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Australia turns down proposed coal mine near the Great Barrier Reef

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Do you have natural wonders in your country that the government protects? Tell me about it. Do you think these natural wonders are worth preserving? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. coal /kohl/ [noun] – a hard, black substance that is dug from the earth in pieces, and can be burned to produce heat or power, or a single piece of this Coal is a fossil fuel that is often used for heating homes and generating electricity. diverse /dahy-VURS/ [adjective] – including many different types of people…
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Endangered turtle species find safe haven in Hong Kong

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Which endangered animal do you know of? Do you think ordinary people can save endangered animals? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. extinction /ik-STINGK-shuhn/ [noun] – a situation in which something no longer exists Climate change is causing many animals to face the threat of extinction. exotic /ig-ZOT-ik / [adjective] – unusual and specially interesting because of coming from a country that is far away My friend brought back an exotic bird from her trip to South America. endangered /en-DEYN-jerd / [adjective] – animals or plants that…
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Glass vs plastic: Which one is truly better for the environment?

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Do you use environmentally friendly products? Why or why not? What are some of the materials that could be used for packaging purposes? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. environmentally friendly /uhn-vai-ruh-MEN-tuh-lee FREND-lee/ [adjective phrase] – not harmful to the environment, or trying to help the environment: My sister always uses an environmentally friendly water bottle to reduce plastic waste. harmful /HAHRM-fuhl/ [adjective] – causing harm It’s important to read the labels on cleaning products to make sure they don’t contain any harmful chemicals. chemical /KEM-i-kuhl/ [noun] – any basic substance…
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Ocean Census eyes discovery of new marine species

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How many marine species are you familiar with? Do you think it’s important to protect our oceans? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. conservation /kon-ser-VEY-shuhn/ [noun] – the protection of plants and animals, natural areas, and interesting and important structures and buildings, especially from the damaging effects of human activity The conservation of forests and other natural areas helps mitigate the effects of climate change. harm /hahrm/ [noun] – physical or other injury or damage The harm caused by the wildfire was devastating to the local community….
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Get inspired with awe-inspiring home facades

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is exterior design, and why is it essential? What are some of the latest trends in exterior design in your country? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. inspiring /uhn-SPAI-uh-ruhng/ [adjective] – encouraging, or making you feel you want to do something Watching the Olympic athletes perform was very inspiring for the students in the audience. unique /yoo-NEEK/ [adjective] – being the only existing one of its type or, more generally, unusual, or special in some way My friend has a unique talent for drawing cartoons that no one else can…
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