Tag Archive: world news – intermediate

Plastic-made museum in Indonesia highlights marine crisis

plastics

©Prasto Wardoyo/Reuters via CNN Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Do you often use plastic products? Please tell me more about it. What do you recycle? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. eager /EE-ger/ [adjective] – having or showing desire or interest The students are eager to learn the Japanese language. sachet /sa-SHEY/ [noun] – a small plastic or paper package containing a small amount of a liquid or powder, usually enough for only one occasion How many sachets of shampoo do I need to buy? centerpiece /SEN-ter-pees/ [noun] – the most important part of something Health…
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Why aren’t even huge ships capable of resolving the shipping crisis

container-ship-g023674e02_1280

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you think about shipping products abroad? What are the causes of delayed deliveries? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. decline /dih-KLAHYN/ [noun] – when something becomes less in amount, importance, quality, or strength There has been a decline in the size of families. shortage /shawr-TIJ/ [noun] – a situation in which there is not enough of something Shortage of water is a growing problem. container /kuhn-TEY-ner/ [noun] – a very large metal box used for transporting goods The container was lifted off the ship by a crane. guarantee /gar-uhn-TEE/…
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Scottish students participate in global climate protest

Scottish students participate in global climate protest

©Getty Images Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How do you feel about climate change? What do you think the world’s climate will be like 20 years from now? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. protest /PROH-test/ [noun] – a strong complaint expressing disagreement, disapproval, or opposition Thousands of employees joined the protest, seeking an increase in the country’s minimum wage. found /found/ [verb] – to bring something into existence Eton College was founded by Henry VI in 1440. activist /AK-tuh-vist/ [noun] – a person who believes strongly in political or social change and takes part in…
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Aberdeen scientists build artificial ice glaciers to solve Himalayan water shortage

ice-stupa

©University of Aberdeen via BBC Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. When is the driest month in your country? What was the highest temperature recorded in your country this month? 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 They built artificial glaciers to solve water shortages. remedy /REM-i-dee/ [noun] – a successful way of curing an illness or dealing with a problem or difficulty Finding a remedy for unemployment is not easy. frost line /FROST lahyn/ [noun] – the depth to which the groundwater in soil is…
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Hydrogen electricity can help create jobs, according to the government

hydrogen-gb31fee54e_1280

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What other renewable sources of energy do you know? Why is carbon dioxide bad for the environment? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. proposal /pruh-POH-zuhl/ [noun] – a suggestion, sometimes a written one The boss approved my proposal. potential /puh-TEN-shuhl/ [adjective] – possible when the necessary conditions exist First, we need to identify actual and potential problems. crucial /KROO-shuhl / [adjective] – extremely important or necessary Her work has been crucial to the project’s success. propose /pruh-POHZ/ [verb] – to offer or suggest a possible plan or action for other people…
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American SpaceX company assembles biggest rocket constructed in Texas

rocket-launch-67723_1280

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you already seen a rocket launch on TV? How was it? Why does NASA send spaceships to space? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. rocket /rok-it/ [noun] – a large cylinder-shaped object that moves very fast by forcing out burning gases, used for space travel or as a weapon They launched a rocket to the planet Venus. primary /PRAHY-mer-ee/ [adjective] – more important than anything else; main: The primary aim of this course is to improve your spoken English. separate /SEP-uh-reyt/ [verb] – to (cause to) divide into parts When…
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Spain implements “shock plan” to reduce electricity bills

electricity

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. During which season do electricity bills usually rise in your country? What electrical appliances do you routinely use? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. profit /PROF-it/ [noun] – money that is earned in trade or business after paying the costs of producing and selling goods and services Our business profit increased this month. temporarily /tem-puh-RAIR-uh-lee/ [adverb] – in a way that does not last for long or forever The website is temporarily down for maintenance. on top of (something) /on top uhv (SUHM-thing)/ [idiom] – in addition to something Jean does…
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A guide to Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft

rocket-launch-67649_1280

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Did you dream of becoming an astranaut? Why do you think children dream of becoming one someday? What do you think of traveling to space? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. era /EER-uh/ [noun] – a period of time of which particular events or stages of development are typical We are in a new era of information. design /dih-ZAHYN/ [verb] – to make or draw plans for something He designed a machine that was both attractive and practical. secure /si-KYOOR / [adjective] – (especially of objects, situations, etc.) able to avoid…
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CDC updates its travel advisories list

CDC updates its travel advisories list

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. When was your last travel outside your country? Where are you going to go the next time you travel? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. advisory /ad-VAHY-zuh-ree/ [noun] – an official announcement that contains advice, information, or a warning Weather advisories suggest that next week will not be a good timing for traveling prevention /pri-VEN-shuhn/ [noun] – the act of stopping something from happening or of stopping someone from doing something Eating foods high in calcium may help in the prevention of colon cancer. category /kat-i-GAWR-ee/ [noun] – a grouping of…
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Dubai grows “future-proof” food to increase diversity

dubai-desert

©CNN Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How is food consumption in your country? What do you do to make sure you do not run out of food supplies? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. transplant /trans-PLANT/ [verb] – to move something, or to be moved, from one place or person to another Please transplant the seedlings to more damp soil. boost /boost/ [verb] – to improve or increase something Social media will surely boost service promotion. resource /REE-sohrs/ [noun] – natural substances such as water and wood which are valuable in supporting life Copper is one…
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