Tag Archive: world news – intermediate

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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Australia’s casino commission imposes largest fine on gambling giant

Rows of Casino Slot Machines with Shallow Depth of Field. Las Vegas Gambling Theme.

Pre-reading questions I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How do you feel after making a large purchase? Is there something you regret buying? Why? Vocabulary I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. fail /feyl/ [verb] – to not do something that you should do Kei failed to find a permanent job in London. careless /KAIR-lis/ [adjective] – not taking or showing enough care and attention She made sure not to make the same careless mistake again. attempt /uh-TEMPT/ [noun] – the act of trying to do something, especially something difficult Allen is making a diligent attempt to learn Japanese. Commission /kuh-MISH-uhn/…
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New York City declares state of emergency due to migrant crisis

Young female volunteer passing smartphone to one of refugees sitting on mattress on the floor of spacious room serving as camp

Pre-reading questions I will read each question. Then, please answer them. 講師がそれぞれの質問を読むので答えましょう。 Have you lived/studied/worked in a different country or city? Do you have a friend from a different area? Vocabulary I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. 単語、意味、例文を読みます。講師に続いて音読しましょう。 emergency /ih-MUR-juhn-see/ [noun] – a dangerous or serious situation that happens unexpectedly and needs fast action in order to avoid harmful results Call this number in case of an emergency. cross /kros / [verb] – to go across from one side of something to the other They crossed from Germany to Italy. around /uh-ROUND/ [adverb] – approximately (close to a particular number or time although…
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New York City declares state of emergency due to migrant crisis

Young female volunteer passing smartphone to one of refugees sitting on mattress on the floor of spacious room serving as camp

Pre-reading questions I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Who are the majority of migrants in your country? What do you think are the benefits of migration? Vocabulary I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. crisis /KRAHY-sis/ [noun] – an extremely dangerous or difficult situation The economic crisis had a negative effect on trade. migrant /MAHY-gruhnt/ [noun] – a person that travels to a different country or place, often in order to find work Many migrants are in search of employment in the cities. urgently /UR-juhnt-lee/ [adverb] – in a way that needs attention very soon, especially before anything else, because of…
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Children who live in their parents’ shadows

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Could you tell me about your job? Do you want to be famous? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. seek /seek/ [verb] – to try to find or get something, especially something that is not a physical object We seek to improve relations between our two countries. express /ik-SPRES/ [verb] – to show a feeling, opinion, or fact Words can’t express what I felt then. psychologist /sahy-KOL-uh-jist/ [noun] – someone who studies the human mind and human emotions and behavior, and how different situations have an effect…
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How being adaptable may help you advance professionally

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Could you tell me about a time you had to learn a new task at work? How do you stay motivated when taking on a new project or task? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. occur /uh-KUR/ [verb] – (especially of accidents and other unexpected events) to happen When did the accident occur? actively /AK-tiv-lee/ [adverb] – in a way that involves positive action She actively participates in local politics. expand /ik-SPAND/ [verb ] – to increase in size, number, or importance, or to make something increase in this way We…
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