Tag Archive: world news – intermediate

Japan’s population drops by 800,000 in demographic crisis

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What societal issues are you most concerned about? What comes to mind when you think of population decline? 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 faced an economic crisis, leading to high unemployment rates and widespread financial hardship for its citizens. decline /dih-KLAHYN/ [noun] – when something becomes less in amount, importance, quality, or strength The decline in sales has led the company to reconsider its marketing strategy. rate /reyt/ [noun] – the speed at which something happens…
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Scientists issue urgent warning on impending AMOC collapse and climate crisis

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are greenhouse gas emissions? What are some current environmental issues that your country is experiencing? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. crucial /KROO-shuhl/ [adjective] – extremely important or necessary Proper communication is crucial for effective teamwork and project success. disrupt /dis-RUHPT/ [verb] – to prevent something, especially a system, process, or event, from continuing as usual or as expected The power outage disrupted the entire neighborhood’s electricity supply, causing inconvenience to residents. critical /KRIT-i-kuhl/ [adjective] – of the greatest importance to the way things might happen The scientist emphasized the…
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2023 Women’s World Cup breaks new ground

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are the popular women’s sports in your country? What upcoming sports events are you excited about? 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 a new species in the rainforest was significant to scientists studying biodiversity. represent /rep-ri-ZENT/ [verb] – to be a sign or symbol of something The color green is commonly used to represent nature and growth. ensure /en-SHOOR/ [verb] – to make something certain to happen The security measures in place ensure the safety of the building and its…
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Taj Mahal submerges in floodwaters

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What famous heritage sites does your country have? What environmental crisis is your country currently experiencing? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. critical /KRIT-i-kuhl/ [adjective] – extremely serious or dangerous The critical situation in the war-torn region requires immediate humanitarian aid and intervention. threat /thret/ [noun] – the possibility that something unwanted will happen, or a person or thing that is likely to cause something unwanted to happen The unpredictable weather patterns due to climate change pose a significant threat to agriculture and food security. consequence /KON-si-kwens/ [noun] – a result…
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Naples rocked by second quake, volcano fears rise

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you think might happen to buildings and the ground during an earthquake? How do you think people should prepare for such situations? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. earthquake /URTH-kweyk/ [noun] – a sudden violent movement of the earth’s surface, sometimes causing great damage The earthquake shook the buildings and frightened the people in the city. injury /IN-juh-ree/ [noun] – physical harm or damage to someone’s body caused by an accident or an attack She suffered an injury while playing soccer and had to go to the hospital for…
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Video captures a plane incident during a gender reveal party in Mexico

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you think “gender reveal” means based on the term itself? Can you think of any traditional or common ways that people might announce the gender of a new baby to their friends and family? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. gender /JEN-der / [noun] – a group of people in a society who share particular qualities or ways of behaving that society associates with being male, female, or another identity In our progressive society, we aim to break down stereotypes and promote gender equality, allowing everyone to express themselves…
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Snake season starts early as unusually high temperatures hit Australia

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What comes to mind when you think about snakes? Are there any cultural or mythological beliefs related to snakes in your region or country? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. critical /KRIT-i-kuhl/ [adjective] – saying that someone or something is bad or wrong His critical review of the restaurant’s food and service left no room for doubt about his dissatisfaction. emerge /ih-MURJ/ [verb] – to appear by coming out of something or out from behind something After hours of searching, the elusive butterfly finally emerged from behind the bushes, delighting the…
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Australia poised to build world’s tallest wooden tower

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you ever visited or seen a tall tower in person? If so, where was it, and what do you remember about it? Can you think of any famous towers from around the world? What do you know about them? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. tower /TOU-er/ [noun] – a tall, narrow structure that often stands alone and is used for various purposes, such as observation, communication, or housing The Eiffel Tower in Paris is one of the most famous landmarks in the world. ambitious /am-BISH-uhs/ [adjective] – having a…
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Indian authorities contain Nipah virus outbreak in Kerala

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What comes to mind when you think about ‘viruses’? Can you think of any historical examples where viruses have significantly impacted human populations or ecosystems? 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 range The national park boasts extensive forests, rivers, and hiking trails for visitors to explore. calmly /KAHM-lee/ [adverb] – in a peaceful, quiet way and without worry or extreme emotion Despite the chaos around them, she handled the situation calmly and with grace. symptom /SIMP-tuhm/ [noun] – any feeling…
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Record global heat in September sets alarming precedent

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you think is meant by “extremely hot weather”? How do you think it can impact people and the environment? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. extreme /ik-STREEM/ [adjective] – very large in amount or degree The extreme heat during the summer made it challenging to spend time outdoors. remarkable /ri-MAHR-kuh-buhl/ [adjective] – unusual or special, and therefore surprising and worth mentioning The young artist’s talent was truly remarkable; her paintings captured the essence of nature with extraordinary detail and beauty. deadly /DED-lee/ [adjective] – likely to cause death Venomous…
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