Tag Archive: world news – intermediate

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are some reasons schools might want to limit or ban smartphone use among students? Can you think of any experiences where smartphone use in school was helpful or distracting? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. governor /GUHV-er-ner/ [noun] – the person who is the leader of a state in the U.S. The governor helps make important decisions for the state. participation /pahr-tis-uh-PEY-shuhn/ [noun] – the act of taking part in something Her participation in the game made it more fun for everyone. distraction /dih-STRAK-shuhn/ [noun] – something that prevents someone…
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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What does the term “layoff” mean? What industries or jobs do you think are most at risk of layoffs? Why? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. slowdown /SLOH-doun/ [noun] – a reduction in speed or activity The company noticed a slowdown in sales last month. layoff /LEY-awf/ [noun] – the termination of employment by an employer, often due to economic reasons The factory had a layoff due to decreased production. mixed signal /mikst SIG-nl/ [idiom] – information or actions that suggest different things or are unclear The report gave a mixed…
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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. If you had the opportunity to work or study abroad, where would you go and why? Why do you think some countries attract a lot of international students and health workers? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. grant /grant/ [verb] – to give or allow someone something, usually in an official way The principal granted the student’s request for an extension on the assignment. dramatic /druh-MAT-ik/ [adjective] – sudden and striking; causing a lot of attention or impact The dramatic change in weather caught everyone by surprise and led to widespread…
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©(AP Photo/Felix Scheyer) Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is the difference between the Paralympics and the Olympics? Can you explain the purposes of the major international sports events? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. cue /kyoo/ [noun] – signals or prompts used to guide actions or behaviors The teacher gave visual cues to help students understand the new concept. concentration /kon-suhn-TREY-shuhn/ [noun] – the ability to focus mental effort on a specific task or activity The scientist’s concentration was crucial while conducting the complex experiment. spectator /SPEK-tey-ter/ [noun] – people who watch an event or…
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©(City of Ashiya via AP) Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are some things people might admire in someone who is very old? What are some challenges that a person might face when they live to be very old? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. currently /KUR-uhnt-lee/ [adverb] – at the present time She is currently working on a new project. prefecture /PREE-fek-cher/ [noun] – a political region or local government area in some countries, for example Japan, France, and Italy The prefecture is responsible for local government services. strength /strengkth/ [noun] – the ability to…
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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you know about the Paralympic Games? Can you name any sports that are included in the Paralympic Games? Have you ever watched a Paralympic event on TV or online? If yes, which athletes or sports impressed you the most, and why? If not, what might you enjoy watching? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. exciting /ik-SAHY-ting/ [adjective] – causing great enthusiasm and eagerness The roller coaster ride was very exciting for the children. show /shoh/ [noun] – a performance or presentation, such as a play or concert We went…
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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are some reasons why people might find giant pandas special or important? How might the care and feeding of newborn animals differ from caring for adult animals? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. give birth /giv burth/ [phrasal verb] – to produce offspring or deliver a baby The mother cat gave birth to a healthy kitten early in the morning. symbol /SIM-buhl/ [noun] – a sign, shape, or object that is used to represent something else The heart symbol is often used to represent love. newborn /NOO-BAWRN/ [adjective] – recently…
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©REUTERS/Hollie Adams Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Can you name some famous artists from your country? What do you think makes an artist’s work become widely recognized and discussed? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. installment /in-STAWL-muhnt/ [noun] – a single part or piece of a series of related works The latest novel is the final installment in a popular fantasy series. extensive /ik-STEN-siv/ [adjective] – covering a large area; having a wide scope or range The research team conducted an extensive study to understand the effects of climate change on coastal ecosystems. tension /TEN-shuhn/ [noun]…
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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What does it mean when a country has an “aging population”? What is the retirement age in your country, and how has it changed over time? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. retirement /ri-TAHYUHR-muhnt/ [noun] – the act of leaving your job and stopping working, usually because you are old After 30 years of dedicated service at the company, Mr. Jones celebrated his retirement with a grand farewell party. strain /streyn/ [noun] – a force or influence that stretches, pulls, or puts pressure on something, sometimes causing damage The constant strain…
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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Describe an event you’ve attended or heard about that could be considered extravagant. Why do people organize extravagant celebrations? What are the reasons behind spending so much on such events? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. congratulate /CON-grat-yuh-late/ [verb] – to express pleasure to someone for something good that has happened to them We should congratulate Maria on her promotion at work. prime minister /PRYME MIN-uh-ster/ [noun] – the leader of the government in some countries The Prime Minister will address the nation tonight about the new policies. lifestyle /LIFE-style/ [noun]…
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