Tag Archive: world news – intermediate

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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City that prioritizes healthy living pedestrians

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you do to keep your body healthy? What do you think your city prioritizes? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. majority /muh-JAWR-i-tee/ [noun] – the larger number or part of something The majority of Chinese people have bicycles. lane /leyn/ [noun] – a narrow road in the countryside or in a town Use the outside lane for overtaking only. entirely /en-TAHYUHR-lee/ [adverb] – completely They communicated entirely by gestures. construct /kuhn-STRUHKT/ [verb] – to build something or put together different parts to form something whole The engineers are here…
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China, Europe, Africa, and the US experience worst drought

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Pre-reading questions I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How does the weather affect your mood? Which do you prefer, hot weather or cold weather? Why? Vocabulary I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. go through (something) /goh throo/ [phrasal verb] – to experience a difficult or unpleasant situation The majority of teens go through a rebellious phase. moisture /MOIS-cher/ [noun] – a liquid such as water in the form of very small drops, either in the air, in a substance, or on a surface The roots of plants are used to draw moisture from the soil. shrink /shringk/ [verb] – to…
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Why doing hybrid work drains people emotionally

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How does working from home affect you?  What are the advantages of working from home? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. initially /ih-NISH-uh-lee / [adverb] – at the beginning Initially, most people approved of the new strategy. exhausting /ig-ZAW-sting/ [adjective] – making you feel extremely tired I’ve had an exhausting day. evidence /EV-i-duhns/ [noun] – one or more reasons for believing that something is or is not true Can you show me any evidence for your statement? emotionally /ih-MOH-shuh-nl/ [adverb] – in a way that relates to the emotions Sue felt…
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Why people switch industries

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is your dream job? Could you tell me about it? What kinds of industries are famous nowadays? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. individual /in-duh-VIJ-oo-uhl/ [noun] – a single person or thing, especially when compared to the group or set to which they belong Each individual has their own personality. aware /uh-WAIR/ [adjective] – knowing that something exists, or having knowledge or experience of a particular thing She is aware of the difficulties. client /KLAYH-uhnt/ [noun] – a customer or someone who receives services The lawyer explained the legal technicalities…
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Is there still stigma in the workplace around mental health issues?

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Do you think mental health is important? Why or why not? Do you think employers should be understanding? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. eager /EE-ger / [adjective] – wanting very much to do or have something, especially something interesting or enjoyable He was eager to get into politics. speak up /speek uhp/ [idiom] – to express your opinion He is willing to speak up for the rights of women. relief /ri-LEEF/ [noun] – a feeling of happiness that something unpleasant has not happened or has ended…
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The town in Germany that is stuck in the past

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©BBC, David Perry Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Do you like visiting old villages? Why or why not?  Could you tell me about your favorite vacation spot? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. picturesque /pik-chuh-RESK/ [adjective] – (especially of a place) attractive in appearance, especially in an old-fashioned way We visited the picturesque fishing village of Lochinver. progressive /pruh-GRES-iv/ [adjective] – developing or happening gradually This is a very progressive firm that uses the most modern systems. signal /SIG-nl/ [noun] – a series of electrical or radio waves that are sent to a radio or television…
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Switzerland’s melting glaciers affect Europe’s water supply

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© BBC News Pre-reading questions I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Do you believe that water is precious? Please explain why. What would it be like to not have access to fresh drinking water? Vocabulary I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. glacier /GLEY-sher/ [noun] – a large mass of ice that moves slowly The sink sank when it struck the cold glacier. melt /melt/ [verb] – to turn from something solid into something soft or liquid Iron melts when made hot enough. mass /mas/ [noun] – a large amount of something that has no particular shape or arrangement The village…
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