Tag Archive: world news – intermediate

Regan Smith shatters records and hearts

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you enjoy most about swimming? What types of swimming styles do you know? Can you describe or demonstrate one of those styles? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. determination /dih-tur-muh-NAY-shuhn/ [noun] – the quality of being determined to do or achieve something Her determination to succeed helped her win the swimming competition. maintain /meyn-TEYN/ [verb] – to continue to have; to keep in existence He tries to maintain a healthy diet to stay fit for swimming. obstacle /OB-stuh-kuhl/ [noun] – something that blocks your way so that movement or…
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Mexican governor foresees avocado export resumption amid security incident

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are some everyday products or items that you rely on, and how do you think they are produced or sourced? When you hear about disruptions in international trade, such as suspensions of exports or imports, what do you think might be the reasons behind such actions? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. inspection /in-SPEK-shuhn/ [noun] – the official examination or assessment carried out by authorities to ensure compliance with health standards or regulations The restaurant underwent a thorough inspection to ensure food safety standards were met. resumption /ri-ZUHMP-shuhn/ [noun] –…
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Extreme weather chaos across U.S.

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What types of extreme weather have you experienced or heard about? How does extreme weather impact daily life and the environment? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. cite /sahyt/ [verb] – to quote as evidence for or justification of an argument or statement The scientist cited several studies to support her theory about climate change. near /neer/ [verb] – to come close to in distance, time, or degree. The temperature is nearing 90°F, so it’s time to turn on the air conditioner. monsoon /mon-SOON/ [noun] – a season of heavy rain…
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TikTok advances plans to develop independent U.S. algorithm amid legislative pressure

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are your initial thoughts or perceptions about TikTok as a social media platform? How do you think TikTok has influenced or changed the way people create and consume content online? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. separation /sep-uh-REY-shuhn/ [noun] – the act of dividing or disassociating one thing from another After many years of partnership, the two companies decided on a mutual separation to pursue different business goals. state /steyt/ [verb] – to express or declare something clearly and explicitly The teacher stated the rules of the classroom at the…
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Fire engulfs Miniland at Legoland Denmark, causing extensive damage to famous Lego replicas

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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…
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Cities tackle methane emissions from organic waste

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©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…
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Majority of 2013-2022 films fail to acknowledge climate change

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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…
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Fort McMurray wildfire sparks evacuations amidst favorable winds

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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…
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Severe weather causes floods, power outages, and high winds

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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…
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Cruise explorers go viral on social media

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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…
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