Tag Archive: world news – intermediate

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are some common causes of fire incidents that you are aware of? Do you think theme parks should have regular inspections of their electrical equipment? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. footage /FOOT-ij / [noun] – recorded film or video The security team reviewed the surveillance footage to identify the cause of the fire. consequently /KON-si-kwent-lee/ [adverb] – as a result; therefore The electric car caught fire; consequently, several replica buildings were damaged. annually /AN-yoo-uh-lee/ [adverb] – happening once a year Legoland attracts millions of visitors…
Read more

©REUTERS/Thomas Mukoya Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Are you familiar with any cities in the Global South? If so, which ones, and what do you know about them? If not, would you like to learn more about the cities in this region? Why or why not? What initiatives or practices in waste management have you come across in our country, and what insights can you share about them? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. worldwide /WURLD-WAHYD/ [adverb] – existing or happening in all parts of the world The company’s products are distributed worldwide, reaching customers on…
Read more

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you ever seen a movie or read a book that talked about climate change? If so, what was it about and how did it address climate change? If not, what do you think a story about climate change might include? What do you know about the ways Hollywood movies influence people’s views on real-world issues? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. investigate /in-VES-ti-geyt/ [verb] – to examine a crime, problem, statement, etc. carefully, especially to discover the truth The police will investigate the incident to find out what happened. marketing…
Read more

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you know about wildfires? How do they typically start, and what are some of the consequences? Why do you think wildfires are more common in some regions than others? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. break out /breyk out/ [phrasal verb] – to start suddenly and violently, especially of a fire or war The campers were frightened when the forest fire broke out nearby. lead to /leed too/ [phrasal verb] – to cause something to happen or result in a particular situation Careless disposal of cigarettes can lead to…
Read more

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How do extreme weather conditions impact people’s daily lives? Why do you think it’s important for communities to be prepared for extreme weather events? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. extreme /ik-STREEM/ [adjective] – reaching a high or the highest degree; very great The extreme heat during the summer made it difficult to enjoy outdoor activities. witness /WIT-nis/ [verb] – to see or experience an event or situation We were lucky to witness a beautiful sunset at the beach yesterday. disrupted /duh-SRUHP-tuhd/ [adjective] – describes something that has been interrupted or…
Read more

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you think the term “Ultimate World Cruise” might mean, and what kind of experiences or activities do you imagine would be included in such a journey? If you were to embark on the Ultimate World Cruise, what countries or landmarks would you be most excited to visit, and why? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. extensive /ik-STEN-siv/ [adjective] – covering a large area; having a great extent The library has an extensive collection of rare books. micro-fame /MAHY-kroh feym/ [noun] – a small or niche level of fame or…
Read more

©REUTERS/Alfredo Galarza Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What role do you think turtles play in their ecosystems, and why might their preservation be important? What is deforestation, and how do you think it could impact conservation efforts in rainforests? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. passionate /PASH-uh-nit/ [adjective] – showing strong emotions or intense devotion The passionate artist poured her heart into every brushstroke, creating a masterpiece. threaten /THRET-n/ [verb] – to express an intention to harm or cause damage; to pose a danger or risk to someone or something The endangered species was threatened by…
Read more

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Where do you think penguins usually live, and how have they adapted to their habitats? Have you heard or read anything about penguins facing challenges or changes in their environment? Why do you think it’s important to study and understand the habits and movements of penguins? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. breakthrough /BREYK-throo/ [noun] – a significant development or discovery that represents a step forward The scientist’s groundbreaking research on renewable energy was considered a major breakthrough in the field. satellite /SAT-l-ahyt / [noun] – an artificial body placed in…
Read more

©REUTERS/Catarina Demony Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are your thoughts on the concept of Guinness World Records and the types of records they recognize? What factors do you think might contribute to the longevity of animals? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. award /uh-WAWRD/ [verb] – to officially grant or give a particular recognition or title The committee awarded the trophy to the outstanding student for her exceptional academic achievements. accuracy /AK-yer-uh-see/ [noun] – the fact of being exact or correct The accuracy of the weather forecast ensured that people were well-prepared for the upcoming…
Read more

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Why do you think students choose to study abroad? What countries are you aware of that students from your country commonly choose for international studies or to pursue higher education? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. agent /EY-juhnt/ [noun] – individuals who are thought to be connected or associated with a particular organization or authority The investigators suspected several agents were involved in the covert operation. affect /uh-FEKT/ [verb] – to have an influence on someone or something, or to cause a change in someone or something The ongoing weather changes…
Read more