Tag Archive: world news – intermediate

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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Menindee: Australia starts cleaning up after a mass fish death

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you think causes mass fish deaths? What role do human activities and climate change play in contributing to mass fish deaths? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. launch /lawnch/ [verb] – to begin something such as a plan or introduce something new such as a product We’re going to launch a big recruitment drive in the fall. shortage /SHAWR-tij/ [noun] – a situation in which there is not enough of something The shortage of energy is the problem. exception /ik-SEP-shuhn/ [noun] – someone or something that is not included…
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How recycling can benefit the environment

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are some creative ways you can reuse or repurpose items instead of throwing them away? What are some challenges you think are associated with recycling? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. crisis /KRAHY-sis/ [noun] – a time of great disagreement, confusion, or suffering Many people lost their jobs during the economic crisis, and it became challenging for them to pay their bills and take care of their families. manufacture /man-yuh-FAK-cher/ [verb] – to produce goods in large numbers, usually in a factory using machines The factory, located outside of the…
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Dan’s Diner: An adventurous meal in a traveling tundra buggy

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is a must-visit restaurant in your city or country? Could you tell me about it? What are some famous diners in your country? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. feast /feest/ [noun] – something that is very enjoyable to see, hear, experience, etc. The villagers prepared a grand feast to celebrate the arrival of the new year, with tables filled with roasted meats, fruits, and sweets. indulge /in-DUHLJ/ [verb] – to allow yourself or another person to have something enjoyable, especially more than is good for you Sometimes it’s nice…
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How our sleep is affected by the seasons

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How do the seasons affect our sleep patterns? What are the common sleep disturbances that occur during different seasons? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. vitality /vahy-TAL-i-tee/ [noun] – energy and strength After a long day of hiking in the mountains, I could feel my vitality returning as I rested and drank some water. approach /uh-PROHCH/ [noun] – a way of considering or doing something To make progress on your project, it’s important to choose the right approach that fits your goals and resources. lethargic /luh-THAHR-jik/ [adjective] – having little energy;…
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The High Seas Treaty: A turning point for deep-sea mining

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Why is it important to have a treaty? What are some examples of activities that take place on the high seas? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. mysterious /mi-STEER-ee-uhs/ [adjective] – strange, not known, or not understood The old mansion on the hill had a mysterious vibe about it, as if it held a secret waiting to be uncovered. delicate /DEL-i-kit / [adjective] – needing careful treatment, especially because easily damage Be careful when handling the antique vase; it’s very delicate and can easily break if you’re not gentle. sensitive /SEN-si-tiv/…
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India’s slowest train journey

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Could you tell me about the trains in your country? What are some of the unique experiences that one can have while traveling by train? 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 In our school, we have a diverse student body, with students from many different countries and cultures. valley /VAL-ee/ [noun] – an area of low land between hills or mountains, often with a river running through it The road through the valley was winding and narrow, surrounded by…
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Do those who haven’t been born yet have a say in climate change?

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What does the concept of “climate rights” mean? Do you believe that future generations should have climate rights? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. witness /WIT-nis/ [verb] – to see something happen I was able to witness a beautiful sunset from the top of the mountain during my hiking trip last weekend. opponent /uh-POH-nuhnt/ [noun] – a person who disagrees with something and speaks against it or tries to change it During the debate competition, I will have to present my argument effectively to convince the judges…
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