Tag Archive: world news – intermediate

Nickel mining boom threatens future sustainability

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is a nickel? How do you think nickel is commonly used in everyday products? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. significant /sig-NIF-i-kuhnt/ [adjective] – important or noticeable The recent discovery of a significant breakthrough in medical research offers hope for a new treatment. mine /mahyn/ [noun] – a hole or system of holes in the ground where substances such as coal, metal, and salt are removed The miners descended into the deep underground mine to extract valuable minerals. consequence /KON-si-kwens/ [noun] – a result of a particular action or situation,…
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Netherlands to return stolen artifacts to Sri Lanka and Indonesia

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you been to a museum? How was the experience? Do you think artifacts are important to a country’s cultural identity? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. injustice /in-JUHS-tis/ [noun] – (an example of) a situation in which there is no fairness and justice The organization provides legal aid to those who have experienced injustice and cannot afford representation. immense /ih-MENS/ [adjective] – extremely large in size or degree The concert drew an immense crowd, with thousands of people filling the stadium. preservation /prez-er-VEY-shuhn/ [noun] – the…
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Heatwave impact – Summer’s new face

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is the climate crisis? What is the average temperature during the summer in your country? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. crisis /KRAHY-sis/ [noun] – a time of great disagreement, confusion, or suffering The country is currently facing an economic crisis with high unemployment rates. extreme /ik-STREEM/ [adjective] – very large in amount or degree The hurricane caused extreme damage to the coastal towns, with houses completely destroyed. visible /VIZ-uh-buhl/ [adjective] – able to be seen The stars were so bright that they were visible even from the city center….
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Unleash your adventurous spirit in a remote Scottish archipelago

scottish archipelago

©Nicola Colombo/Getty Images Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What qualities or features make a destination qualify as a remote paradise? Why do remote paradises often evoke a sense of awe and wonder in people? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. distant /DIS-tuhnt/ [adjective] – far away The children stared at the distant mountain peaks, their colorful flags waving in the wind. breathtaking /BRETH-tey-king/ [adjective] – extremely exciting, beautiful, or surprising As Sarah reached the top of the hill, she couldn’t believe her eyes—the view was absolutely breathtaking! tradition /truh-DISH-uhn/ [noun] – a belief, principle, or way…
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Mysteries of a newly found ancient city

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©ZRC SAZU Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you think might be the significance of discovering an ancient city? What types of information or artifacts do you expect to find in an ancient city? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. civilization /siv-uh-luh-ZEY-shuhn/ [noun] – human society with its well developed social organizations, or the culture and way of life of a society or country at a particular period in time The ancient Egyptians built magnificent pyramids as a symbol of their advanced civilization. structure /STRUHK-cher / [noun] – something that has been made or built…
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Unveiling the rediscovery of The Chocolate Islands

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©HBD Príncipe Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is the significance of chocolate in our culture and history? Have you ever heard of “The Chocolate Islands” before? If yes, what do you know about them? If not, what do you think the term might refer to? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. tropical /TROP-i-kuhl / [adjective] – extremely hot The students explored the lush tropical rainforest, filled with colorful birds and vibrant plants. decline /dih-KLAHYN/ [noun] – when something becomes less in amount, importance, quality, or strength Over the years, there has been a decline in…
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Unleash the power of drawing

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is the significance of drawing as a means of expression and communication? In what ways can drawing be used as a therapeutic tool for individuals? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. express /ik-SPRES/ [verb] – to show a feeling, opinion, or fact Sarah used colorful markers to express her creativity by drawing beautiful pictures. gradually /GRAJ-oo-uh-lee/ [adverb] – slowly over a period of time or a distance The sun began to set, and the sky gradually turned from bright blue to a soft orange color. emotion /ih-MOH-shuhn/ [noun] – a…
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How white roofs cool homes in Indian slums

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©Mitul Kajaria Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How does the color of a roof affect the temperature inside a building? How do white roofs impact energy consumption and utility costs for homeowners? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. unbearable /uhn-BAIR-uh-buhl / [adjective] – too painful or unpleasant for you to continue to experience The heat inside the classroom during the summer was unbearable, making it difficult for the students to concentrate on their studies. effective /ih-FEK-tiv/ [adjective] – successful or achieving the results that you want Using flashcards can be an effective way for students to…
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Canada implements nationwide ban on animal testing for cosmetics

Brown rabbit on couch. Veterinarian trims claws. Doctors in gloves.

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are your thoughts on using animals to test cosmetic products? Do you think using animals to test cosmetic products is right and acceptable? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. ban /ban/ [noun] – an official order that prevents something from happening The country enacted a ban on the importation of certain endangered animal products to combat the illegal wildlife trade. prohibit /proh-HIB-it/ [verb] – to officially refuse to allow something The restaurant has a sign that prohibits smoking in outdoor dining areas. accessible /ak-SES-uh-buhl/ [adjective] –…
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Safety tips for outdoor adventures

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Why is it important to be prepared and informed before embarking on outdoor adventures? What are some common risks and hazards associated with outdoor activities? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. cautious /KAW-shuhs/ [adjective] – Someone who is cautious avoids risks Before crossing the busy street, it is important to be cautious and look both ways to ensure your safety. confidently /KAAN-fuh-duhnt-lee/ [adverb] – in a way that shows you are certain of your abilities or have trust in people, plans, or the future Despite being nervous, she stood up in…
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