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  Some scientists and engineers believe that covering California’s irrigation canals saves it from drought and that they could meet the state’s renewable energy commitment. Vocabulary erect /əˈrek(t)/ v. construct; put up: Ex: “California erects solar panels…”   vegetative /ˈvejəˌtādiv/ adj. relating to vegetation or plant life: Ex: “reduce vegetative growth”   drought /drout/ n. a long period of low rainfall, leading to water shortage: Ex: Irrigation canals are saved from drought.   panels /ˈpan(ə)l/ n. a flat or curved component, typically rectangular, that forms or is set into the surface: Ex: The panels could prevent 65 billion gallons of freshwater loss.   arrays /əˈrā/ n. an ordered series or arrangement; Ex: Several arrays of solar panels will help provide power.   Comprehension Questions ...

Frogs briefly treated with a five-drug cocktail administered by a wearable bioreactor were able to regrow a functional, nearly complete limb Vocabulary limb / lim / n.  an arm or leg of a person or four-legged animal, or a bird's wing.   The war caused the loss of life and limbs. province /ˈprävəns/   sphere or field of activity or authority Regrowth of legs and arms is the province of salamanders and superheroes.   trigger  /ˈtriɡər/ v. cause (an event or situation) to happen or exist. Stress could trigger an allergy. cocktail /ˈkäkˌtāl/  n. an alcoholic drink consisting of a spirit or several spirits mixed with other ingredients, such as fruit juice, lemonade, or cream.   The five-drug cocktail represents a significant milestone toward the restoration of fully functional frog limbs   feature /ˈfēCHər/  v, have as a prominent attribute or aspect.   “ muscular features ”              ...

       SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won (right) and Conni Jonsson,  founder and chairperson of Swedish private equity firm EQT Partners. (SK Group) Vocabulary green energy /ˈgriːn ˈɛnɚʤi / n. -any energy type that is generated from natural resources, such as sunlight, wind, or water. Green energy will not run out because it naturally replenishes. transparency /trænsˈperənsi/ n. -the basis for trust between a firm and its investors, customers, partners, and employees. The chief said there needs to be more transparency in the way the business operates. value chain /ˈvælju ˈtʃeɪn / n. -a business model that describes all of the activities that a business employs to create a product or service. The value chain is the activities involved in delivering value to customers.  picking up /ˈpɪkɪŋ up/ phrasal verb -the business is improving and making progress.  “Our sales picked up quite a bit during the busy Christmas period.” joint venture /ˈʤoɪnt ˈvɛntʃɚ/ n....

Part 1. Vocabulary virtual /ˈvərCH(o͞o)əl/ adj - not physically existing as such but made by software to appear to do so The internet created many virtual friends and social groups.   augmented /ˌôɡˈmentəd/ adj - having been made greater in size or value There will be an augmented pension for those retiring at 65.   revamp /rēˈvamp/ n - a new and improved version. The show was a revamp of an old idea and format.   tarnished /ˈtärniSH/ v - make or become less valuable or respected His regime had not been tarnished by human rights abuses.   scrutiny /ˈskro͞otnē/ n - critical observation or examination All applicants will be under scrutiny before being hired.   Part 2. Comprehension Questions What is Facebook Inc. planning after being under fire from regulators and lawmakers? What...

 Part 1. Vocabulary   accusations /ˌakyəˈzāSH(ə)n/ n - a charge or claim that someone has done something illegal or wrong Many accusations of bribery are given to government officials.   whistle-blower /ˈ(h)wisəl ˌblō(ə)r/ n - a person who informs on a person or organization engaged in an illicit activity A whistle-blower will be placed under witness protection.   optimize /ˈäptəˌmīz/ v - make the best or most effective use of (a situation, opportunity, or resource) To optimize viewing conditions, the microscope should be correctly adjusted.   narrative              /ˈnerədiv/ n - a spoken or written account of connected events; a story The hero in his narrative is his own brother.   algorithm /ˈalɡəˌriT͟Həm/ n - a process or set of r...

Part 1. Vocabulary   surged (past participle) /sərj/ n - a sudden large increase, typically a brief one The sales of milk tea surged high during summer.   fizzled (past participle) /ˈfizəl/ v - end or fail in a weak or disappointing way. The plan to have a party fizzled all of a sudden.     scrutiny /ˈskro͞otnē/ n - critical observation or examination Some online stores are under scrutiny because of bad reviews.   platforms /ˈplatfôrm/ n - an opportunity to voice one's views or initiate action Many people use the internet as a platform for selling.   millennials /miˈlenēəl/ n - a person reaching young adulthood in the early 21st century The millennials are considered creative and innovative generation.       Part 2. Comprehension Questions What social ...

Part 1. Vocabulary sustainability /səˌstānəˈbilədē/ n - the ability to be maintained at a certain rate or level. The sustainability of economic growth will help the country.   efficiency /əˈfiSHənsē/ n efficiencies (plural) - the state or quality of being efficient, that is organized and in orderliness The greater energy efficiency we have, the more energy we can save.                 compostable               /ˈkämˌpōstəb(ə)l/ adj - of organic matter, especially kitchen waste able to be made into fertilizer Products in the market are now compostable and good for the environment.   skyrocket /ˈskīˌräkət/ v - of a price, rate, or amount increase very rapidly The cost of housing has skyrocketed duri...