I love articles that combine a familiar topic with many unfamiliar words. In fact, I believe the best time to introduce academic vocabulary is when the topic is familiar and easier for students to contextualize.
My students grasp new concepts and vocabulary better when they have background knowledge of the topic.
Here is an article on a boxer many of students are familiar with.
It is incredible how naturally they learn words such as “pinnacle,” “impeccable,” and “philanthropy” when these words are to describe a person they know about.
I hope it helps!
Worksheets: