Category: Class

Disney Cuts Hundreds of Jobs

B1 – Intermediate 

Disney is a company that is very famous all over the world. Aside from the theme parks in different countries, they also own other companies including Pixar, Marvel Studios, ESPN, National Geographic, and ABC News. 

The Walt Disney Company needs to fire hundreds of their employees worldwide. Disney’s is cutting jobs in order to reduce their costs by $7.5 billion annually.

They have already laid off more than 8,000 workers since 2023.

Read the article about Disney’s job cuts.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2506/250605-disney-job-cuts.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to cut jobs” mean? “The Walt Disney Company is cutting hundreds of jobs.” Use this expression in a sentence. Give 2 synonyms.
  2. What does “at a rapid pace” mean? “As our industry transforms at a rapid pace, we continue to evaluate ways to efficiently manage our businesses, while fuelling the…creativity and innovation that consumers value  and expect from Disney.“ Use this phrase in a sentence. Give 2 synonyms.
  3. What does “household name” mean? “ It owns the animation companies Pixar and Marvel Studios, as well as household names like ESPN, National Geographic, and ABC News.” Use this phrase in a sentence. Give 2 synonyms.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What’s the first thing that comes to your mind when you hear “Disney”?
  2. Share your reaction and opinion about this news.
  3. What do you think is the indication of Disney doing a lot of job cuts?
  4. The CEO of Disney, Bob Iger, said the cuts would keep the company healthy. What is your opinion on this?
  5. Have you ever experienced job cuts in the companies that you’ve worked for? Share something about that situation.

Global Birth Rate Crisis

B1 – Intermediate 

The world is home to more than 8 billion people. In the past, the United Nations estimated that by the year 2100, the population is going to be 10.8 billion.

In contrary to that, a recent report released by the The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) says the world has a problem because the birth rates are shrinking. The world’s population is falling due to different reasons.

Read the article about the UN’s report on the world’s birth rate crisis.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2506/250612-global-birth-rates-crisis.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “falling birth rate” mean? “Falling birth rates and increased longevity are creating many problems.” Use this expression in a sentence.  Give a synonym or similar expression.
  2. What does “to struggle with something” mean? “Many countries are [struggling] with ageing and shrinking populations, labour shortages, and rising healthcare and pension costs.” Use this phrase in a sentence. 
  3. What does “family-friendly policy” mean? “The UN said one solution to the crisis is to create “family-friendly policies, such as affordable childcare and paid leave for all carers.” Use this phrase in a sentence. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. Share your opinion on this news.
  2. What are the reasons for the falling birth rates across the world and what are its consequences?
  3. Do you have the same problem in your country? Do you have family-friendly policies? Talk about it.
  4. What is your opinion on giving all carers a pay?
  5. Many couples want children, but they cannot afford them. Share your insights on this.

Email Scams Hiding Behind ‘Unsubscribe’ Links

Many people try to clean up their inboxes by clicking “unsubscribe” on spam emails. But according to experts, doing this can sometimes be dangerous. Some scammers hide harmful links in unsubscribe buttons to trick users into clicking. This can lead to malware or show hackers that you’re likely to click suspicious links. Experts suggest using safer methods like filtering or blocking senders instead.

Let’s watch the video to learn more about how unsubscribing from emails might not always be safe.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “bane of our existence” mean? “It’s the bane of our email existence.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “tipping off someone” mean? “By trying to unsubscribe, users could be tipping off scammers that they’re likely to click a link…” Give a synonym. Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “put a target on their back” mean? “By trying to unsubscribe, users could be tipping off scammers that they’re likely to click a link, putting a target on their back for installing malware and more.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on the risks of clicking “unsubscribe” in spam emails? Have you ever done this?
  2. Based on the video, why do scammers include fake “unsubscribe” links in their emails, and what should we be careful of when we see these kinds of links?
  3. Have you or someone you know ever clicked on a suspicious link or been targeted by a phishing email? What happened?
  4. What steps do you usually take to protect your email inbox from spam or scams?
  5. Do you think email services are doing enough to filter out dangerous messages? Why or why not?
  6. Share your thoughts on this: “Clicking unsubscribe might seem harmless, but it could be opening the door to more attacks.”
  7. Why is media literacy important in today’s digital world, especially when it comes to online scams? What personal steps do you take to help educate your family, friends, or colleagues in spreading awareness and staying safe online?

Airbnb Faces Backlash as Spanish Cities Become Tourist Theme Parks

The rise of short-term rental platforms like Airbnb has sparked growing debate across Europe, especially in countries like Spain where tourism plays a major economic role. While these platforms offer convenience for travelers, they are also blamed for driving up housing costs, displacing local residents, and transforming authentic neighborhoods into tourist zones.

As cities like Barcelona and Madrid push back with new rules and license bans, the challenge is balancing tourism with residents’ rights to affordable, livable communities. This reveals an underlying struggle between profit-driven tourism and the long-term well-being of urban life.

Read the article to see how Spain is dealing with the impact of short-term rentals on local housing.

https://edition.cnn.com/2025/05/30/travel/why-airbnb-facing-trouble-spain

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “clampdown” mean here? “Some tourists, meanwhile, say they agree with a clampdown on Airbnb-style rentals, even if they find them a preferable option.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does the phrase “tip the balance” mean? “And not everyone is convinced it will tip the balance in favor of those struggling to find long-term accommodation.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does the word “contravene” mean? “Spain’s Social Rights, Consumer Affairs and 2030 Agenda Ministry demanded the removal of nearly 66,000 property rental listings on Airbnb, saying they contravene tourist accommodation regulations.” Use it in a sentence and give 2 synonyms.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How does short-term rental tourism (like Airbnb) affect housing availability in major cities like Barcelona or Madrid? What are the pros and cons?
  2. What do you think about Barcelona City Council’s plan to stop renewing licenses for tourist apartments after 2028, forcing more than 10,000 apartments to become available for locals?
  3. Should cities limit the number of Airbnbs to protect local communities, even if it means losing tourist income?
  4. How do you feel about this quote from the article:
    “…cities are turned into theme parks for the excessive profit of a few investment funds”? Do you think profit should ever outweigh community needs?
  5. What would you do if you had to share a flat in your 30s or 40s because of rising rental prices? Would you stay in the city or move away?
  6. Is tourism-based housing making your city or country less livable for residents? Explain why or why not.

Quiet Cutting

When companies cut costs, layoffs often come to mind. But a new trend called “quiet cutting” is changing the game — employees aren’t losing their jobs, but they are being reassigned to different roles they didn’t sign up for. This subtle shift is becoming more common, especially in the tech industry, leaving many workers uncertain about their futures.

Read this article to learn more about quiet cutting.

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/is-your-job-quiet-cutting-you-heres-what-you-need-to-watch-out-for-goog_l_683886b5e4b06202aa916fe1

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Define “ebb and flow“. “…these kind of reassignments can happen for roles that have transferable skills like recruiters, sales or support that also have natural ebbs and flows in their work streams.” Make a sentence with this phrase.
  2. What does “put out feelers” mean? “I would probably start exploring options and putting out feelers just in case.” Use this in a sentence.
  3. What is the meaning of “retaliatory“? “But employees still have rights, especially if you believe the reassignment is retaliatory.” Make a sentence and give two synonyms of this word.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How is “quiet cutting” different from a traditional layoff, and why might companies prefer it?
  2. Do you think “quiet cutting” is a form of job security or a disguised punishment? Explain your reasoning.
  3. If you were reassigned to a role you didn’t want, how would you respond? What factors would influence your decision to stay or leave?
  4. Can quiet cutting be an opportunity for growth, or is it more likely to cause frustration and disengagement? Why?
  5. What’s your opinion on this: “I would probably view this as a sign of potential trouble while also appreciating the opportunity to remain employed.”?

The Pygmalion Effect

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Have you noticed that students with higher expectations placed upon them tend to rise higher in the school ranks? “Of course,” you’d think, those we expect to succeed must be smarter, more talented, and more skilled than the rest, right? But what if those people were just as average as everyone else? Would they still rise in the ranks? The Pygmalion effect is a psychological phenomenon whereby higher expectations lead to higher performance.

To find out more, watch the video below:

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Define “and so on”. “The belief’s about themselves cause the other’s actions towards us, which again reinforce our beliefs in that person- and so and on and on and on.” Use this term in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “in return” mean? ” “Chris feels you appreciate him and he appreciates you in return.” Use this phrase in a sentence and give a synonym.
  3. Expound on the term “all the same”? “Half the group were told their rats were extremely intelligent and specifically trained, while the other half were told that the rats were dumb. In fact, they were all the same.” Use this expression to make your own sentence and give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Can you think of a personal anecdote where the Pygmalion effect affected you or others in a negative way?
  2. How can you avoid being on the negative side of the Pygmalion effect?
  3. Do you think the Pygmalion effect is a positive or negative phenomenon?

Dry Begging

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Not all requests in relationships sound like “Can you help me with this?” Sometimes, they slip out as offhand comments, exaggerated sighs, or quiet complaints. This subtle, often unconscious way of asking for support is known as dry begging — and many of us do it without even realizing.

Read on to understand what dry begging really is.

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/what-is-dry-begging_l_6840a185e4b02322acee0907

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to hint at something” means? “If you feel lonely, consider how to ask your partner to spend more time with you instead of hinting at it.” Use this in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “meant for the long haul” mean? “While it can feel easier than directly asking for what you want, dry begging really isn’t meant for the long haul.” Make a sentence with this idiom. Give a synonym.
  3. What’s the meaning of “the benefit of the doubt”? “It’s not always manipulative — it certainly can be — but I like to give people the benefit of the doubt.” Use this in a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why do you think people rely on indirect communication like dry begging, even when it often leads to misunderstandings?
  2. What are the risks and benefits of expressing needs indirectly versus directly? Can indirect communication ever be effective?
  3. How would you handle it if you noticed a friend or partner was dry begging for your attention or help?
  4. What’s your opinion on this statement: “You can’t fix a behavior if you don’t know it exists.”?

Infant to Receive Personalized Gene Therapy Treatment

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Researchers at the National Institutes of Health have made a significant breakthrough by successfully treating an infant suffering from a rare genetic disorder that was once deemed untreatable, using a customized gene therapy. This cutting-edge treatment specifically addresses the faulty gene responsible for the illness, providing new hope where conventional therapies have not succeeded. The procedure involves using an engineered virus to deliver healthy copies of the gene directly into the patient’s cells. Prior to testing in humans, thorough laboratory and animal studies confirmed the treatment’s safety and potential benefits. This achievement represents a major advancement in the fight against rare genetic diseases through personalized medical interventions. Additionally, it highlights the crucial role that rare disease databases play in facilitating the development of individualized therapies.

Read the article to know more about personalize gene therapy treatment.

https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/infant-rare-incurable-disease-first-successfully-receive-personalized-gene-therapy-treatment

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “monogenic disease” mean? “This therapy targets the underlying cause of the infant’s monogenic disease, which is traditionally considered incurable.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “viral vector” mean? “If the treatment uses a viral vector to introduce corrected genetic material into the patient’s cells.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “immunogenicity” mean? “Researchers carefully monitored the patient for any signs of immunogenicity, which could affect treatment success.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How might gene therapy change the future of medicine?
  2. Do you think gene therapy could eventually eliminate some genetic diseases entirely? Why or why not?
  3. Would you consider gene therapy if it was available to treat a genetic condition you or someone you know had? Why or why not?
  4. How might personalized medicine affect healthcare costs and accessibility?
  5. What ethical concerns could arise from personalized genetic treatments?

Breadcrumbing at Work

B2 – Upper Intermediate

In today’s fast-paced professional world, breadcrumbing isn’t just a strategy—it’s often used as a way to cope or stay afloat. Whether we mean to or not, most of us have played a part in breadcrumbing—whether as a boss, a colleague, or a job candidate. It’s become a common part of workplace behavior, often without us even noticing.
So what is breadcrumbing, really—and is it possible you’re engaging in it without knowing?

Read the article about breadcrumbing at work.

Breadcrumbing at work – why everyone is doing it (yes, even you)!

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to follow through on one’s own words” mean? “The same applies to breadcrumbing at work, where a company, employee, or job seeker will give just enough time, attention, or talk to suggest they are totally interested and committed but they never actually follow through on their words.” Use it in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “buzzword” mean? “So, is breadcrumbing even a thing or just a buzzword doing the rounds?” Use it in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “to keep someone/something warm” mean? “For example, as a recruiter there are many occasions where clients ask me to ‘keep a candidate warm’ after an interview because they cannot make an immediate decision.” Use it in a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How is breadcrumbing different from normal delays or bureaucracy at work?
  2. Do you think breadcrumbing is more common in certain industries or roles?
  3. Have you ever experienced breadcrumbing at work or during a job search?
  4. Do you think breadcrumbing is a form of workplace manipulation? Why or why not?

America First Could End the Age of Arbitrage

B2 – Upper Intermediate

President Donald Trump’s renewed “America First” agenda in 2025 is disrupting decades of globalization by targeting international tax and regulatory strategies. Proposals include imposing a 25% tariff on Apple if it doesn’t manufacture iPhones domestically and a 50% levy on imported steel and aluminum. These measures aim to dismantle complex international systems of tax, regulatory, and financial arbitrage that U.S. multinationals have long utilized to reduce domestic tax liabilities. For instance, pharmaceutical companies often report minimal profits in the U.S. while declaring substantial gains abroad, and insurers shift liabilities to jurisdictions like Bermuda for lighter regulations.

Read the article to know more about the proposed provision to tax foreign investors in U.S. assets could further affect global capital flows, potentially destabilizing international finance. While these policies seek to reinforce domestic equity, they risk undermining the foundational pillars of the global economic and financial system.

https://www.reuters.com/breakingviews/why-america-first-could-end-age-arbitrage-2025-06-06/?

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “ceding reserve” mean? ” The industrial-scale transfer of life insurance policies by U.S. insurers to offshore jurisdictions – a process known as “ceding reserves” – provides a timely example.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “golden goose” mean? “They can also short tax havens and lightly regulated jurisdictions in the anticipation that the golden geese will be flying home.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “shadow bank” mean? “This is the edifice of international finance underpinned by the U.S. dollar. In a recent lecture, Hyun Song Shin of the Bank for International Settlements explained how, before 2008, liquidity in international markets was supplied by so-called shadow banks issuing private credit instruments.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think prioritizing domestic production through tariffs is beneficial for a country’s economy in the long run or does it do more harm than good?
  2. How do you feel about taxing foreign investors in U.S. assets? Could that strengthen or weaken the U.S. economy?
  3. If you were running a global company, how would you respond to policies that limit tax and regulatory advantages abroad?
  4. Do you think the rest of the world will follow suit with their own “first” policies, or will they push back against this kind of economic nationalism?
  5. Is it fair for multinational corporations to shift profits and liabilities to lower-tax countries, or should they be taxed more strictly where they operate?