Tag Archive: world news – intermediate

John Oliver’s beloved avian icon seizes glory as New Zealand’s ‘Bird of the Century’

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©Peter Foulds/Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society via AP Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. When you hear the term ‘Bird of the Century,’ what ideas or images come to mind? What qualities do you think a bird must possess to be given such a title? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. comedian /kuh-MEE-dee-uhn / [noun] – a person whose job is to make people laugh by telling jokes and funny stories or by copying the behavior or speech of famous people The comedian had everyone in stitches with his jokes and funny stories at the comedy…
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Disney’s Zootopia delights visitors in its Shanghai debut

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©REUTERS/Nicoco Chan Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you imagine the main characters in Zootopia might be like? What kind of adventures or challenges do you think the characters could face? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. represent /rep-ri-ZENT/ [verb] – to symbolize or stand for something The national flag represents the unity and identity of our country. magical /MAJ-i-kuhl/ [adjective] – having qualities of magic; enchanting, extraordinary, or producing a sense of wonder The garden was filled with magical flowers that glowed in the moonlight. domestic /duh-MES-tik/ [adjective] – relating to a person’s own…
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Kenya declares National Tree Planting Day on November 13 to grow 15 billion trees by 2032

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©Arterra/Universal Images Group Editorial/Getty Images Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you know about trees, and why are they important? Have you ever planted a tree or seen someone planting a tree? If yes, can you share your experience? If not, what do you think might be involved in planting a tree? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. citizen /SIT-uh-zuhn/ [noun] – a person who is a member of a particular country and who has rights because of being born there or because of being given rights, or a person who lives in a particular…
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Iceland declares state of emergency as imminent volcanic eruption threatens town of Grindavík

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is a volcanic eruption, and how does it impact the surrounding areas? Can you recall any recent or historical volcanic eruptions and their consequences? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. threat /thret/ [noun] – a statement or indication that someone or something is likely to cause harm or danger The government issued a threat warning, urging citizens to stay vigilant during the potential volcanic eruption. earthquake /URTH-kweyk / [noun] – the shaking of the surface of the Earth resulting from a sudden release of energy in the Earth’s lithosphere that…
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Four astronauts return home from ISS following hurricane in Florida

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What personal qualities and training do you think are essential for someone to become an astronaut and undertake missions in space? What is a hurricane, and how does it affect the weather and environment? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. amid /uh-MID/ [preposition] – in the middle of or surrounded by Amid the bustling city streets, she found a moment of tranquility. conclude /kuhn-KLOOD/ [verb] – to cause something to end, or to end The meeting will conclude with a summary of the key points discussed and the next steps to…
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Three US Marines lose lives in tragic Osprey aircraft crash during Australian training exercise

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Can you name some different types of airplanes and helicopters you know about? How do you think scientists and engineers make sure airplanes are safe for people to fly in? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. aboard /uh-BAWRD/ [preposition] – on or onto a ship, aircraft, bus, or train Three scientists were aboard the research vessel, ready to explore the depths of the ocean. determine /dih-TUR-min/ [verb] – to discover the facts or truth about something It is the responsibility of the court to determine whether these men are innocent. notable…
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No penguin chicks survive as sea ice vanishes

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you know about penguins and their natural habitats? What kinds of behaviors or characteristics are commonly associated with penguins? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. altered /AAL-trd/ [adjective] – changed; different The altered schedule for the event caused some confusion among the participants. breed /breed/ [verb] – to keep animals for the purpose of producing young animals in a controlled way The farmer bred the cows to improve their milk production and develop a stronger herd. adapt /uh-DAPT/ [verb] – to change, or to change something, to suit different…
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Archaeologists uncover ancient prosthetic hand

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©Bayerisches Landesamt für Denkmalpflege Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What comes to mind when you think about archaeologists and their work? What specific archaeological discoveries or ancient sites have you read or heard about recently? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. skeleton /SKEL-i-tn/ [noun] – the frame of bones supporting a human or animal body The archaeologists carefully excavated the ancient skeleton to study its structure. detailed /dih-TEYLD/ [adjective] – giving a lot of information with many details The report provided a detailed analysis of market trends. era /EER-uh/ [noun] – a period of time of…
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Massive wildfire prompts evacuations on Spain’s Tenerife Island

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you think is a wildfire? Which additional countries do you believe also face wildfires? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. community /kuh-MYOO-ni-tee/ [noun] – the people living in one particular area or people who are considered as a unit because of their common interests, social group, or nationality The local community came together to support one another during the aftermath of the devastating wildfire. authority /uh-THAWR-i-tee/ [noun] – the moral or legal right or ability to control The city’s transportation authority announced plans to improve public transit infrastructure. assist…
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Norwegian blue cheese takes top honors worldwide

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What thoughts or associations do you have when it comes to different types of cheese? In what ways or on what occasions do you typically consume cheese? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. victory /VIK-tuh-ree/ [noun] – an occasion when you win a game, competition, election, war, etc. or the fact that you have won Her victory in the marathon was a testament to her months of rigorous training. emphasize /EM-fuh-sahyz/ [verb] – to show that something is very important or worth giving attention to During the presentation, the speaker emphasized…
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