READING

  Readings skills counterarguments and refutations What is a counterargument? It is an idea that opposes the author's point of view.  Common words : some experts say, some people think, some critics claim.  Examples:  Some people believe that technology is making us more isolated. Many experts argue that strict regulations hinder economic growth. The common belief is that homeschooling limits socialization opportunities. Some critics claim that renewable energy sources are too expensive. Some educators believed that intelligence was solely determined by genetics. Refutations.  It tries to show that the counterargument is weak or incorrect.  Common words: on the contrary, however, but in fact.  Some people believe that technology is making us more isolated. On the contrary , technology has enabled us to stay connected with friends and family through social media, video calls, and instant messaging, fostering more frequent and meaningful interactions. M...

Most cities around the world offer a great variety of delicious international food. However, there are a few dishes that for some reason never become popular outside their own countries ... read on to find out why! When you think of meat, you don't usually consider eating the nose of an animal, but if you are in northern Canada, you may be offered exactly that. Moose nose comes in a jelly with the addition of some onions and spices. Thankfully, the chef removes the hair before cooking it! In Mongolia, there's a popular drink called airag, and it is actually sour horse milk. Farmers stir and leave the milk until it becomes fizzy and then serve it in bowls. Is this making you thirsty? Probably not. There is a traditional cheese in Sardinia, Italy, called casu marzu. It is made of old pecorino cheese, which is left outside so that cheese flies can lay their eggs inside it. These then hatch into maggots, which live inside the cheese. Thankfully, you don't have to eat the maggot...

On April 21, 1960, Brazil woke up to a new capital city. Its name was Brasilia and it was located on the center plateau of the country. The old capital, Rio de Janeiro, on the south-east coast of Brazil, was no longer suitable for the country's needs. The country needed a more centralized capital city for business and industry. Most cities develop slowly over hundreds or even thousands of years, but Brasília grew from a series of drawings to a complete city in only 41 months! The country's president, Juscelino Kubitschek, was so excited about the city, he officially opened it before it was finished! Brasilia was designed in the shape of an airplane. Its principal architect was Oscar Niemeyer, and its urban planner was Lúcio Costa. The city's design used four separate principles: there must be a quiet area for homes, a separate zone for business and industry, another area for sports and entertainment, and the movement of pedestrians must be separate from busy roads. Niemeyer...