Tag Archive: world news – intermediate

Microsoft turns to using cleaner jet fuel to cut down air pollution

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How often do you travel by plane? When travelling domestically, do you prefer travelling by plane or by shinkansen? Please tell me more. Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. aviation /ey-vee-EY-shuhn/ [noun] – the activity of flying aircraft, or of designing, producing, and keeping them in good condition My father is one of the managers of an aviation company. headquarters /HED-kwawr-terz/ [noun] – the main offices of an organization such as an army, the police, or a business company Please call the main headquarters in Paris immediately. lesser /LES-er/ [adjective] –…
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It was just an attempt. Today the World Food Programme gives food to countless people each year

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© CNN Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you ever had a chance to help victims of a tragedy? Please tell me more. What organization are you a part of? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. organization /awr-guh-nuh-ZEY-shuhn/ [noun] – a group of people who work together in an organized way for a shared purpose I was a part of an organization when I was in highschool. occur /uh-KUR/ [verb] – (especially of accidents and other unexpected events) to happen The police are investigating how a crime like this could have occurred. earthquake /URTH-kweyk/ [noun] –…
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Dubai begins preparations for Expo 2020 one year ahead its opening

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© CNN Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you ever been in an international event? If yes, how was it? If not, what event would you like to attend and why? Do you think attending international events is interesting? Why or why not? 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. We cannot visit our old school right now. It’s under construction. theme /theem/ [noun] – the main subject of a talk, book, film, etc. Since it’s October, we should pick a Halloween…
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China’s Forbidden City stands proud at 600

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© Frédéric Soltan/Corbis/Getty Images via CNN Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What temples have you visited? Do you like visiting historical sites? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. decade /DEK-eyd/ [noun] – a period of ten years A lot of changes happened over the past 2 decades. supernatural /soo-per-NACH-er-uhl/ [adjective] – things that cannot be explained by science Marina has a lot of books about supernatural phenomena. ambience /AM-bee-uhns/ [noun] – the character of a place or the quality it seems to have The resort is expensive but the ambience is wonderful,…
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The Netherlands implements new rules amidst virus concerns for the first time

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What businesses are open in your country during this pandemic? Do you go to public places during this pandemic? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. regulation /reg-yuh-LEY-shuhn/ [noun] – an official rule or the act of controlling something The new school regulations will be effective next week. select /si-LEKT/ [adjective] – chosen from a larger number as being the best or most valuable School clubs shouldn’t be available for only a select few; they should be for all students. psychological /sahy-kuh-LOJ-i-kuhl/ [adjective] – relating to the human…
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China resumes domestic travel as COVID-19 spread is contained

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© Liu Zhongjun via CNN Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What countries have you already been to? Are you anxious about the spread of COVID-19? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. government /GUHV-ern-muhnt/ [noun] –the group of people who officially control a country The government planned to build the first nuclear power plant in the country. honor /ON-er/ [verb] – in order to celebrate or show great respect for someone or something We have to honor the sacrifices of our ancestors. initial /ih-NISH-uhl/ [adjective] – of or at the beginning The HR staff announced that I…
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Canada launches new COVID-19 gargle test in British Columbia

歯の治療をしてうがいをする女性

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Do you immediately go see a doctor if you have symptoms of a certain disease? Why or why not? What is the importance of getting oneself tested for a disease? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. gargle /GAHR-guhl/ [noun] – the action of rinsing one’s mouth and throat with a medicated solution Use this gargle twice a day to cleanse your mouth and throat. accurate /AK-yer-it/ [adjective] – correct, exact, and without any mistakes How can we be sure if the test result is accurate? conduct /kuhn-DUHKT/ [verb] – to organize…
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No vaccines to be distributed unless proven safe and effective, UN says

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Pre-reading questions: Have you been vaccinated? If so, for what disease? If not, would you try it? What do you do to stay healthy? Vocabulary: press conference /pres KON-fer-uhns/ [noun] – a meeting at which a person or organization makes a public statement and reporters can ask questions The prime minister will hold a press conference this Monday. distribute /dih-STRIB-yoot/ [verb] – to give something out to several people, or to spread or supply something Kindly distribute the test papers to your classmates. authorization /aw-ther-uh-ZEY-shuhn/ [noun] – the action of giving someone official permission for something We were given authorization to use the meeting room this afternoon. otherwise /UHTH-er-wahyz/ [conjunction]…
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Experts discover the cleanest air on Earth

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Pre-reading questions: What kind of weather do you like the most? Do you want to visit Antarctica? Why or why not? Vocabulary: identify /ahy-DEN-tuh-fahy/ [verb] — to recognize someone or something and say or prove who or what that person or thing is Police will have the pictures enlarged in an attempt to identify the thief crisis /KRAHY-sis/ [noun] — a time of great disagreement, confusion, or suffering The rise and fall of prices caused a financial crisis. investigate /in-VES-ti-geyt/ [verb] — to examine a crime, problem, statement, etc. carefully, especially to discover the truth I heard a noise and went downstairs to investigate. origin /AWR-i-jin/ [noun] — the beginning…
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Rare breed of singing dogs, found again in the wild after 50 years

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© New Guinea Highland Wild dog foundation via: CNN Pre-reading questions: How often do you go to zoos? If you were to choose what kind of animal you would be, what is it and why? Vocabulary: expedition /ek-spi-DISH-uhn/ [noun] ⁠— an organized journey for a particular purpose The team prepared themselves for the expedition ancestor /AN-ses-ter/ [noun] ⁠— a plant, animal, or object that is related to one existing at a later point in time These species share a common ancestor. highland /HAHY-luhnd/ [noun] ⁠— in or relating to an area with mountains or hills Their grandparents were born and raised in the highlands. unique /yoo-NEEK/ [adjective] ⁠— being the…
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