Tag Archive: world news – intermediate

COP27: Pakistan requests aid for flood survivors

Flooded cars on the street of the city. Street after heavy rain. Water could enter the engine, transmission parts or other places. Disaster Motor Vehicle Insurance Claim Themed. Severe weather concept

Pre-reading questions I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How do you think the weather has changed over time? How does your community respond to natural disasters? Vocabulary I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. severely /suh-VEER-lee/ [adjective] – very seriously He is severely injured as a result of the accident. estimate /ES-tuh-meyt/ [verb] – to guess or calculate the cost, size, value, etc. of something We estimate the cost to be $4,000 for the project. breadwinner /BRED-win-er/ [noun] – the member of a family who earns the money that the family needs He took over as the family’s breadwinner after his…
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Why are executives seeking “emotional intelligence”?

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Why is professional development important? If you were an employer, what would you look for in an employee? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. emphasize /EM-fuh-sahyz/ [verb] – to show that something is very important or worth giving attention to I tried to emphasize my good points without sounding boastful. technical /TEK-ni-kuhl / [adjective] – relating to the knowledge and methods of a particular subject or job Our staff will be available to give you technical support. entirely /en-TAHYUR-lee / [adverb] – completely Our situation is entirely different. emerge /ih-MURJ/ [verb]…
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Why a “wellbeing wardrobe” is necessary

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you know about the a wellbeing wardrobe? Do you buy clothes at secondhand shops? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. purchase /PUR-chuhs/ [verb] – to buy something You can purchase insurance online. manufacture /man-yuh-FAK-cher/ [verb] – to produce goods in large numbers, usually in a factory using machines They can manufacture rags into paper. clothing /KLOH-thing/ [noun] – clothes, especially clothes of a particular type or those worn in a particular situation They need warm clothing for the winter. strategy /STRAT-i-jee / [noun] – a…
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Australia sees a “big shift” in reducing plastic wastes

Heap of plastic bottles, cups, bags collected to recycling in a metal bin. Concept of plastic pollution and too many plastic waste. Trash with used plastic packagings over grey background with copy space at the top

Pre-reading questions I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What items do you recycle? What are your thoughts on single-use products? Vocabulary I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. cut down /kuht doun/ [phrasal verb] – to do or use less of something I’ve been trying to cut down on dairy. prohibit /proh-HIB-it/ [verb] – to officially refuse to allow something Parking is strictly prohibited in these areas. impressive /im-PRES-iv/ [adjective] – causing someone to feel admiration or respect Charles has an impressive record of accomplishments. minister /MIN-uh-ster/ [noun] – (in many countries) a high government official who is in charge of…
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The “illusion of expertise” that promotes arrogance

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What things are you good at? Please elaborate on your answer. Is exageration acceptable? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. assume /uh-SOOM/ [verb] – to accept something to be true without question or proof Let us assume for a moment that the plan succeeds. rainbow /REYN-boh/ [noun] – an arch (= curved shape) of different colors seen in the sky when rain is falling and the sun is shining The rainbow forms an arc in the sky. capable /KEY-puh-buhl/ [adjective] – able to do things effectively and…
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The hidden overwork that affects so many occupations

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Where did you go on your last vacation? Could you tell me about it? Could you tell me about your tasks at work? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. podcast /POD-kast/ [noun] – a broadcast that is placed on the Internet for anyone who wants to listen to it or watch it To reach listeners of podcasts, some radio stations already post their talk shows on websites. relevant /REL-uh-vuhnt/ [adjective] – connected with what is happening or being discussed Do you have relevant experience? obligation /ob-li-GEY-shuhn/ [noun] – the fact that…
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Farmers aim to boost soil health

Unrecognizable field worker or agronomist checking health of corn crops in the field.

Pre-reading questions I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you ever been on a farm? Please tell me more about it. How important is farming in your country? Vocabulary I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. lead /leed/ [verb] – to control a group of people, a country, or a situation Who will be leading the meeting today? agricultural /AG-ri-kuhl-cher/ [adjective] – used for farming or relating to farming This land is not suitable for agricultural production. disturb /dih-STURB/ [verb] – to move or change something from its usual position, arrangement, condition, or shape Take caution not to disturb the documents…
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Finland wants to change the way that clothing is made

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What kind of materials are your clothes made of? Would you like to change the way clothing is made? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. corporation /kawr-puh-REY-shuhn/ [noun] – a large company or group of companies that is controlled together as a single organization He works for a large American corporation. process /PROS-es/ [noun] – a series of actions that you take in order to achieve a result The whole process has now been greatly simplified. transform /trans-FAWRM/ [verb] – to change completely the appearance or character…
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More than half of the palm trees in the world are endangered

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. In your view, what are the benefits of AI? What should we do so that species of trees do not face extinction? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. diverse /dih-VURS/ [adjective] – including many different types of people or things The city is a very diverse place. species /SPEE-sheez/ [noun] – a set of animals or plants in which the members have similar characteristics to each other and can breed with each other The area is rich in different plant species. assess /uh-SES/ [verb] – to judge or decide the amount,…
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Understanding the four-day workweek’s realities

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. In your view, what are the benefits of a four-day work week? Can a four-day work week help you save money? How? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. work-life balance /WURK-LAHYF-bal-uhns / [noun] – the amount of time you spend doing your job compared with the amount of time you spend with your family and doing things you enjoy When you own your own business, it can be challenging to achieve a healthy work-life balance. deadline /DED-lahyn/ [noun] – a time or day by which something must be done The deadline…
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