Tag Archive: world news – intermediate

Harbin’s enchanting Ice Festival draws record crowds and sparkles with winter magic

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©REUTERS/Tingshu Wang Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What comes to mind when you think about festivals? In your imagination, what kinds of activities or attractions might be part of an ice and snow festival? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. impressive /im-PRES-iv/ [adjective] – evoking admiration due to notable qualities The mountain range offered an impressive view, with snow-capped peaks stretching as far as the eye could see. contribute /kuhn-TRIB-yoot / [verb] – to give or provide something, typically in terms of effort, resources, or ideas, to achieve a common goal Every team member worked hard…
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Companies brace for environmental cleanup costs in 2024

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you think the term “polluter pay” means, and how do you think it could be relevant to environmental issues? Can you speculate on the potential benefits and challenges associated with implementing a “polluter pay” system to address environmental problems? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. collapse /kuh-LAPS/ [noun] – to fall down suddenly because of pressure or having no strength or support The old bridge collapsed under the weight of the heavy truck. manufacture /man-yuh-FAK-cher/ [verb] – to produce goods in large numbers, usually in a factory using machines…
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KTOZ Shelter’s “Operation Frost” rescues 120 homeless dogs from bitter cold in Krakow, Poland

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Can you share any personal experiences or stories you’ve encountered related to helping animals in need? In what ways can individuals provide assistance to a shelter for homeless animals? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. shelter /SHEL-ter/ [noun] – a place that provides protection or housing, especially for those in need The homeless kittens found warmth and care in the animal shelter. adopt /uh-DOPT/ [verb] – to take someone or something as one’s own, especially legally or officially Many families choose to adopt pets from shelters rather than buy them. result…
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Winter smog shrouds Dhaka and New Delhi

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you think winter smog might refer to? How do you think winter smog might affect a city or region when it’s colder? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. emerge /ih-MURJ/ [verb] – to appear by coming out of something or out from behind something After hours of negotiations, a solution to the problem finally emerged. construction /kuhn-STRUHK-shuhn/ [noun] – the work of building or making something, especially buildings, bridges, etc.: The construction of the new bridge is expected to be completed by next year. capture /KAP-cher / [verb] –…
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Luxury jewelry designer prefers lab-grown gems and recycled metals over natural diamonds

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©REUTERS/Hannah McKay Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you know about diamonds and their sources? How important is sustainability to the products you buy or use daily? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. impressive /im-PRES-iv/ [adjective] – something that evokes admiration or respect because of its notable or remarkable quality The impressive architectural design of the skyscraper left all the visitors in awe. vast /vast/ [adjective] – extremely big The renowned author embarked on a literary journey across the vast expanse of themes and characters within her novel series. element /EL-uh-muhnt/ [noun] – a part…
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India faces impending sugar shortage amidst weak rainfall

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What particular crops or agricultural products are your region or country known for producing? What are some common challenges or problems that farmers encounter during the cultivation of crops in your region or country? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. substantial /suhb-STAN-shuhl/ [adjective] – large in size, value, or importance The company recorded substantial growth in its revenue last quarter. import /im-PAWRT/ [verb] – to buy or bring in products from another country The company decided to import raw materials from overseas to reduce production costs. significant /sig-NIF-i-kuhnt/ [adjective] – important…
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EU’s Deforestation Law disrupts coffee industry

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How important is the production and supply of coffee to your country’s economy or agricultural sector? What particular regions or areas are known for cultivating or growing coffee in your country? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. alter /AWL-ter/ [verb] – to change something, usually slightly, or to cause the characteristics of something to change The decision to alter the schedule affected everyone’s plans for the day. link /lingk/ [verb] – to make a connection between two or more people, things, or ideas The research study linked excessive sugar consumption to…
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Iceland on high alert as volcano erupts near Grindavik

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What comes to mind when you hear the term “volcanic eruption”? How do you think volcanic eruptions can impact the surrounding areas and communities? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. lagoon /luh-GOON/ [noun] – a shallow body of water separated from a larger body of water by sandbars or coral reefs The tourists enjoyed swimming in the clear, warm waters of the lagoon. movement /MOOV-muhnt/ [noun] – the act, process, or result of moving or being moved The slow movement of the glacier fascinated the onlookers. assess /uh-SES/ [verb] – to…
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Rare snow blankets southern China amidst freezing northern temperatures

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What thoughts or feelings come to mind when you imagine a place that rarely sees snow suddenly being covered in a blanket of snow? How do you think the daily routines and activities of people in a region unaccustomed to snow might be impacted by the occurrence of rare snowfall? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. failure /FEYL-yer / [noun] – the fact of someone or something not succeeding The student felt a deep sense of failure when she couldn’t solve the math problem. expectation /ek-spek-TEY-shuhn/ [noun] – the feeling that…
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Brazilian drought impacts fertilizer sales and global agriculture

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What knowledge do you have about the term ‘El Niño’? What plants or crops are your country known for? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. harvest /HAHR-vist/ [noun] – the time of year when crops are cut and collected from the fields, or the activity of cutting and collecting them, or the crops that are cut and collected During autumn, farmers begin the harvest of ripe fruits and vegetables from their fields. affect /uh-FEKT/ [verb] – to have an influence on someone or something, or to cause a change in someone…
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