Tag Archive: world news – intermediate

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you ever heard of red fire ants before? If yes, what do you know about them? If not, what do you think they might be like based on their name? Why do you think scientists might find the presence of red fire ants in a new location significant or important? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. discovery /dih-SKUHV-uh-ree/ [noun] – the process of finding information, a place, or an object, especially for the first time, or the thing that is found The discovery of a new species of orchid in…
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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is your initial reaction or perception when you hear about consuming insects as food? In which part of your country do you think edible insects are traditionally part of the diet? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. alternative /awl-TUR-nuh-tiv/ [noun] – something that is different from something else, especially from what is usual, and offering the possibility of choice The chef offered a vegetarian alternative for those who preferred not to have meat in their meal. species /SPEE-sheez/ [noun] – a set of animals or plants in which the members…
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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you think ‘record rainfall’ means? Why might the record rainfall be significant for a region or community? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. remarkable /ri-MAHR-kuh-buhl/ [adjective] – unusual or special and therefore surprising and worth mentioning The discovery of a previously unknown species of deep-sea creature was a remarkable achievement for the team of marine biologists. injury /IN-juh-ree/ [noun] – physical harm or damage to someone’s body caused by an accident or an attack The car accident caused a minor injury to her arm. affect /uh-FEKT/ [verb] – to…
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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is meant by the word ‘earthquake’? Can you think of any real-life situations or locations where earthquakes might be more likely to occur? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. beneath /bih-NEETH/ [preposition] – in or to a lower position than someone or something, under someone or something The hidden treasure was buried beneath a large oak tree in the forest. collapse /kuh-LAPS/ [verb] – to fall down suddenly because of pressure or having no strength or support The old, deteriorating bridge finally collapsed under the weight of the heavy truck…
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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Which smartphone applications do people in your country typically use? How concerned are you about cybersecurity and privacy issues related to using social media platforms or applications? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. significant /sig-NIF-i-kuhnt/ [adjective] – important or noticeable The discovery of antibiotics was a significant advancement in the field of medicine. harmony /HAHR-muh-nee/ [noun] – a situation in which people are peaceful and agree with each other, or when things seem right or suitable together The concert was a beautiful display of musical harmony, as each instrument blended seamlessly…
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©Peter Foulds/Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society via AP Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. When you hear the term ‘Bird of the Century,’ what ideas or images come to mind? What qualities do you think a bird must possess to be given such a title? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. comedian /kuh-MEE-dee-uhn / [noun] – a person whose job is to make people laugh by telling jokes and funny stories or by copying the behavior or speech of famous people The comedian had everyone in stitches with his jokes and funny stories at the comedy…
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©REUTERS/Nicoco Chan Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you imagine the main characters in Zootopia might be like? What kind of adventures or challenges do you think the characters could face? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. represent /rep-ri-ZENT/ [verb] – to symbolize or stand for something The national flag represents the unity and identity of our country. magical /MAJ-i-kuhl/ [adjective] – having qualities of magic; enchanting, extraordinary, or producing a sense of wonder The garden was filled with magical flowers that glowed in the moonlight. domestic /duh-MES-tik/ [adjective] – relating to a person’s own…
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©Arterra/Universal Images Group Editorial/Getty Images Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you know about trees, and why are they important? Have you ever planted a tree or seen someone planting a tree? If yes, can you share your experience? If not, what do you think might be involved in planting a tree? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. citizen /SIT-uh-zuhn/ [noun] – a person who is a member of a particular country and who has rights because of being born there or because of being given rights, or a person who lives in a particular…
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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is a volcanic eruption, and how does it impact the surrounding areas? Can you recall any recent or historical volcanic eruptions and their consequences? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. threat /thret/ [noun] – a statement or indication that someone or something is likely to cause harm or danger The government issued a threat warning, urging citizens to stay vigilant during the potential volcanic eruption. earthquake /URTH-kweyk / [noun] – the shaking of the surface of the Earth resulting from a sudden release of energy in the Earth’s lithosphere that…
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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What personal qualities and training do you think are essential for someone to become an astronaut and undertake missions in space? What is a hurricane, and how does it affect the weather and environment? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. amid /uh-MID/ [preposition] – in the middle of or surrounded by Amid the bustling city streets, she found a moment of tranquility. conclude /kuhn-KLOOD/ [verb] – to cause something to end, or to end The meeting will conclude with a summary of the key points discussed and the next steps to…
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