Tag Archive: world news – intermediate

Hertfordshire tractors raise funds for Christmas charity

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© ROMAN TURNEY PHOTOGRAPHY via BBC NEWS Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you volunteered for a good cause? If yes, please tell me more about it. If not, what would you like to volunteer for and why? When does your country usually have parades? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. witness /WIT-nis/ [verb] – to see something happen We witnessed a public song performance on our way home. parade /puh-REYD/ [noun] – a large number of people walking or in vehicles, all going in the same direction, usually as part of a public celebration of…
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What factors influence a child’s decision to have a best friend?

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What qualities do you look for in a friend? Could you tell me about your best friend? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. tend /tend/ [verb] – to be likely to behave in a particular way or have a particular characteristic In this section of the country, we tend to have cold winters and hot, dry summers. intimacy /IN-tuh-muh-see/ [noun] – close familiarity or friendship; closeness The opposite of loneliness is intimacy, not togetherness. evolutionary /ev-uh-LOO-shuh-ner-ee/ [adjective] – relating to the way in which living things develop over millions of years…
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Amazon faces criticisms over safety protocols at tornado-hit warehouse

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is the most recent natural disaster you have seen on the news? What do you think is the worst natural disaster? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. Illinois /il-uh-NOI/ [noun] – a state in the central US, whose capital city is Springfield and whose largest city is Chicago My parents got married in Illinois. tornado /tawr-NEY-doh/ [noun] – a dangerous storm which is a spinning cone of wind that destroys anything in its path as it moves across the ground Hundreds of buildings and homes were destroyed by the tornado…
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New Zealand to reopen to travelers who have been vaccinated

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Where did you last travel? Could you tell me more about it? What activities would you like to do if Covid restrictions were already lifted? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. prohibit /proh-HIB-it/ [verb] – to officially refuse to allow something It is prohibited to drive on the ice with a motor vehicle. entitled /en-TAHYT-ld/ [adjective] – feeling that you have the right to do or have what you want without having to work for it or deserve it, just because of who you are Officers are entitled to travel first…
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The man who is transforming towns into massive sponges

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What does your government do to solve the flooding problem? Do you think it is effective? Why do you think so? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. drown /droun/ [verb] – to (cause to) die by being unable to breathe underwater A child can drown in only a few inches of water. concept /KON-sept/ [noun] – a principle or idea The central concept of the picture puzzled me. management /MAN-ij-muhnt / [noun] – the control and organization of something The company has been harmed by poor management for numerous years. function…
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Dubai opens world’s first, highest 360-degree infinity pool

Dubai opens world's highest 360-degree infinity pool

©AURA Skypool Lounge via CNN Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are some of the famous hotels in your country? Do you like staying at hotels? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. base /beys/ [verb] – to have a particular town or area, etc. as the main place that you live and work in, or where you do business from The new clothing company is based in Manila. story /STAWR-ee/ [noun] – a level of a building I’m so excited to visit Blair’s new 12-story mansion! residential /rez-i-DEN-shuhl/ [adjective] – a residential…
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New coronavirus variant Omicron under observation by scientists

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© Thomas Faull/Alamy Live News/Alamy Live News via The Guardian Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is the deadliest disease for you and why? When do you think the pandemic will end? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. variant /VAIR-ee-uhnt/ [noun] – a form of a virus or disease that is slightly different from other forms, for example because the virus causing the disease has mutated A new variant of the disease was discovered in the US. infection /in-FEK-shuhn/ [noun] – a condition in which bacteria or viruses that cause disease have entered the body Take…
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Vulcano residents evacuate due to high levels of carbon dioxide

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© Shutterstock via britannica.com Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. For you, what is the worse natural disaster and why? How can we prepare for natural disasters? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. volcanic /vol-KAN-ik/ [adjective] – of, relating to, or made by a volcano A volcanic island has been discovered off the north coast of Australia. carbon dioxide /KAHR-buhn dahy-OK-sahyd/ [noun] – the gas formed when carbon is burned, or when people or animals breathe out Carbon dioxide emissions should be stabilized. forbid /fer-BID/ [verb] – to not allow something, or to order someone not to…
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Apple will finally allow you to repair your iPhone on your own

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Would you like to fix your IPhone on your own? Why? Which do prefer, buy a new Apple gadget or have it fixed? Why? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. device /dih-VAHYS / [noun] – an object or machine that has been invented for a particular purpose Rescuers used a unique device to locate persons trapped in damaged buildings. additional /uh-DISH-uh-nl/ [adjective] – extra They asked the government for additional support. replacement /ri-PLEYS-muhnt/ [noun] – the process of replacing something with something else They discussed the replacement of the existing computer…
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The public and private sectors agree to work together to achieve net-zero emissions

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is the result of working together? What is the importance of achieving net-zero emissions? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. commitment /kuh-MIT-muhnt / [noun] – a promise or firm decision to do something The administration has reiterated its commitment to the peace process. establish /ih-STAB-lish/ [verb] – to start a company or organization that will continue for a long time He established this organization in 1822. impact /IM-pakt/ [noun] – a powerful effect that something, especially something new, has on a situation or person The anti-smoking campaign has a significant…
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