B2 – Upper Intermediate
On April 28, 2025, a massive power outage hit Spain and Portugal which resulted to disruption across said countries.
No one thought this could happen and so, no one was prepared enough for it. When there is no electricity and nothing works, how do we overcome?
Having experienced one of the worst power interruptions in history, people realized what things do they need in case of a power cut.
Read the article about some things we need to make it through a power cut.
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cwy6d0987r0o
Vocabulary Questions:
- What does “to piece something together” mean? “The complete loss of communication was the most confusing and concerning thing… we were only left to speculate as to the cause and piece together news from people in the neighbourhood.” Use this phrase in a sentence. Give 2 synonyms/similar expressions.
- What does “to get through something” mean in this context, “The power is out and nothing is working. How am I supposed to get through the day?” Use this expression in a sentence. Give another meaning of “get through”.
- What does “to go off” mean in this context, “We bought a lot of food that wasn’t going to go off, like tuna in cans, just in case.” Use this phrase in a sentence. Give another meaning of “go off”.
Discussion Questions:
- Do you agree with the five things you need to make it through a blackout mentioned in the article? Which ones do you think are the most important and which one the least? What items would you add to this list and why?
- What helped you get on with your day during the massive blackout in your country?
- How did not having access to the internet make you feel?
- Is it necessary to have an emergency kit? Why or why not? Do you have one at home and why?
- Share your thoughts on this statement, “This thing that happened was important to make us be more aware and be more conscious about our habits.”
- Do you agree or disagree, “Cash is king.”? Explain.