Tag Archive: world news – intermediate

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What infrastructure projects are being built in your country now? What do you think about China’s plan to stop the construction of new coal-fired power plants in other countries? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. massive /MAS-iv / [adjective] – very large in size, amount, or number A massive number of people were crowded into the room. agreement /uh-GREE-muhnt/ [noun] – a decision or arrangement, often formal and written, between two or more groups or people They have violated the conditions of the human rights agreement. state /steyt/ [noun] – a…
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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How often do you eat at a restaurant these days? Do you always listen to news about COVID-19? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. curb /kurb/ [noun] – a limit on something that is not wanted Ellen should try to put a curb on her bad spending habits. entry /EN-tree/ [noun] – the act of entering a place or joining a particular society or organization The museum offers free entry for the whole month of May. optimistic /op-tuh-MIS-tik/ [adjective] – hoping or believing that good things will…
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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you think of renewable energy? Could tell me some of the benefits of using renewable energy? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. production /pruh-DUHK-shuhn/ [noun] – the amount of something that is made or grown by a country or a company Wheat production has increased over time. headquarters /HED-kwawr-terz/ [noun] – the main offices of an organization such as the army, the police, or a business company The company’s headquarters is in China. schedule /SKEJ-ool/ [noun] – a list of planned activities or things to be done showing the…
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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How often do you buy plastic products? What things at home do you reuse? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. warm /wawrm / [verb] – to (cause to) become warm (= less cold) With this electric heater, we can quickly warm up the room. impact /IM-pakt/ [noun] – a powerful effect that something, especially something new, has on a situation or person The anti-smoking campaign has and continues to have a significant impact on young people. carbon footprint /KAHR-buhn FOOT-print/ [noun] – someone’s carbon footprint is a measurement of the amount of…
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©Getty Images via BBC Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Do you have a fear of heights? Have you been to Shanghai, China? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. construction /kuhn-STRUHK-shuhn/ [noun] – the work of building or making something, especially buildings, bridges, etc The construction of the new mall will begin next week. practicality /prak-ti-KAL-i-tee / [noun] – the quality of being able to provide effective solutions to problems We are not sure about the practicality of his plan. ban /ban/ [noun] – an official order that prevents something from happening There was a ban on…
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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Why do some prefer two jobs at the same time? Do you think having one job is enough? Please elaborate on your answer. Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. remote /ri-MOHT/ [adjective] – far away in distance Australia is huge and remote from the world’s major population centers. era /EER-uh/ [noun] – a period of time of which particular events or stages of development are typical We live in an era of instant communication. layoff /LEY-awf/ [noun] – an occasion when a company stops employing someone, sometimes temporarily, because the company…
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©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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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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©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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©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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