Tag Archive: World News – Intermediate

©AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko) Pre-reading Questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What animals do you usually see in a zoo? If so, which animal do you remember the most? If not, where have you seen wild animals? Have you heard stories about animals living in bad conditions? If so, what happened in the story? If not, what do you think bad conditions look like? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. harrowing /HAR-oh-ing/ [adjective] – very shocking or upsetting The movie showed a harrowing scene that made the audience feel very worried. colossal /kuh-LOS-uhl/ [adjective] – extremely large The museum…
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©(AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena) Pre-reading Questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What comes to mind when thinking about a river or lake in your country? If a large, unfamiliar fish appeared in a local river, what do you imagine the community would do? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. reservoir /REZ-er-vwahr/ [noun] – a large man-made lake used to store water The town built a new reservoir to provide clean water during the dry season. native /NEY-tiv/ [adjective] – originally from a particular place; not introduced The park protects native plants that grow naturally in the region. aquatic /uh-KWAT-ik/…
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Pre-reading Questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What comes to your mind when you think about electricity? What kinds of things in your daily life need electricity? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. decade /DEK-eyd/ [noun] – a period of ten years Scientists say the past decade has seen major changes in global weather patterns. assessment /uh-SES-muhnt/ [noun] – a judgment or evaluation of something The health department released an assessment on how pollution affects local communities. peak /peek/ [noun] – the highest point or level of something Tourism reached its peak last summer when travel rules were…
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Pre-reading Questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What kinds of insects are common in your country? How would you feel if the plants or trees in your area started to die because of insects? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. trunk /truhngk/ [noun] – the thick main stems of trees that support the branches and leaves The storm broke several trunks in the forest, leaving many trees lying on the ground. sap /sap/ [noun] – the liquid inside a plant or tree that carries water and nutrients The maple tree produces sweet sap that people use to make…
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Pre-reading Questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you ever experienced a strong typhoon in your area? If so, what did you do during the storm? If not, what would you prepare? Do you know what the government usually does after a natural disaster? If so, what kind of help do they give? If not, what help do you think is needed? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. considerable /kuhn-SID-er-uh-buhl/ [adjective] – large or important enough to be noticed The company spent a considerable amount of money on repairs. accelerate /ak-SEL-uh-reyt/ [verb] – to happen or make something…
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Pre-reading Questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you ever experienced a strong typhoon in your area If so, what did you do to stay safe? If not, what would you prepare? What problems can a typhoon cause in a community? If so, what did people in your area experience? If not, what might happen? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. mobilize /MOH-buh-lahyz/ [verb] – to organize people or resources to prepare for action or work The city tried to mobilize volunteers to clean the streets. alleviate /uh-LEE-vee-eyt/ [verb] – to make pain, problems, or suffering less severe…
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©(Pairi Daiza via AP) Pre-reading Questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How do you feel when you see animals in zoos? If your country could send an animal as a symbol of friendship, which animal would you choose and why? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. relation /ri-LEY-shuhn/ [noun] – the way in which two or more people, groups, or countries behave toward and deal with each other Cultural relations between the two cities help promote friendship and understanding. conservation /kon-ser-VEY-shuhn/ [noun] – the protection of nature, animals, or other valuable resources so that they are not lost…
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Pre-reading Questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you know about the Nobel Prize? What kind of discoveries or studies do you think can change the world? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. prestigious /pre-STIJ-uhs/ [adjective] – very much respected and admired, usually because of being important The school is prestigious because many famous people studied there. modesty /MOD-uh-stee/ [noun] – the quality of not talking about or being proud of your achievements or abilities Her modesty impressed everyone when she won the competition. thorough /THUR-oh/ [adjective] – careful and complete in every way The teacher made…
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©(Craig McKenzie via AP) Pre-reading Questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What animal in your country do you think is special? Why? If you were a volunteer in an animal contest, how would you promote your favorite animal? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. threat /thret/ [noun] – a danger or something that can cause harm Air pollution is a growing threat to people living in big cities. dynamic /dahy-NAM-ik/ [adjective] – always changing, full of energy, or active The city has a dynamic culture with many festivals and activities. volunteer /vol-uhn-TEER/ [noun] – a person who offers…
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©(AP Photo/Jorge Saenz, File) Pre-reading Questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How do you feel when you spend time in nature? If you lived near a rainforest, what would you like to do there? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. respiratory /RES-per-uh-tawr-ee/ [adjective] – relating to breathing or the organs used in breathing Air pollution in large cities can worsen respiratory conditions among children. underline /UHN-der-lahyn/ [verb] – to emphasize the importance of something The incident underlines the need for better safety rules in construction sites. measure /MEZH-er/ [verb] – to find the size, amount, or degree of…
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