Category: Class

Scam Centers

B1 — Intermediate 

Scams are becoming a big problem in many countries. Scammers use the internet, phone calls, and messages to trick people and take their money. 

Scam centers are places where groups of people work together to trick their victims. They may pretend to be from a bank, a company, a government agency, or even a friend. 

We should all be careful and never share personal information or money with anyone online.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about scam centers.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/scam-centers-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is a “scam center“? ”In some countries, criminal gangs build large scam centers to trick people and make money.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  2. What does “to cost someone a lot of money” mean here: “These scams cost people and countries a lot of money each year.” Use the idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “to face abuse” mean? “ Some workers go there to earn money, but many are forced to work and face abuse.” Use the expression in a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Share your opinion about scam centers’ business model.
  2. What do you think about how scams cost people and countries a lot of money each year?
  3. What is your reaction to/opinion about this: “Some workers go there to earn money, but many are forced to work and face abuse.“?
  4. What is your view on this: “Governments try to stop the centers, but the gangs have a lot of power and work in areas with weak control.”?
  5. What can we do to stop these scam and close this scam centers?
  6. Talk about the worst scam you’ve ever heard happened to someone.

Many People Are Single

B1 — Intermediate 

More people are living alone these days. Many adults also do not have a partner. In the US, half of young men and women live without a partner. The same thing is happening in other countries.

There are many reasons why more and more people remain single and ready to mingle.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript explaining why many people are not in a relationship.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/why-many-people-are-single-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “dating“ mean here: ”Technology also changes dating.”? Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  2. What does “rejection” mean here: “Younger adults don’t learn basic skills to meet people or manage feelings of rejection.”? Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “a falling number of something” mean? “ Social problems also happen when single people grow, for example, the need for smaller houses and a falling number of children.” Use the idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Explain why many people are living alone and single.
  2. Is the same thing happening in your country? Why or why not?
  3. How has dating changed in your country over the years? Why do you think this is the case?
  4. What social problems can originate from the increasing number of singles?
  5. How has technology changed dating?
  6. What will the future be like if people stayed single?

Companies Destroying Books to Train AI Models 

B1 — Intermediate 

Consumer groups in the US want the government to check AI companies. They say some AI companies are buying rare and old books to train AI. They scan the books and then destroy them.

People are worried because some books may be the last copies of important texts. Bookstores are also concerned because AI companies are buying many expensive books. Critics say we should save old books because they are important to history.

Read the article about how some companies destroy rare books to train AI models.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2608/260831-destroying-rare-books-4.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “spine“ mean here: ”The process includes breaking the spines of the books, scanning the pages, and then destroying them. ” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  2. What does “bulk buying” mean? “The bulk buying of books is creating a problem for bookstores.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “to digitize” mean? “The groups claim that AI companies are digitizing rare books to train their large language models (LLMs).” Use the verb in a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think about destroying old books after scanning them?
  2. Should rare books be protected? Why?
  3. Should the government make rules about this?
  4. Would you sell a rare book if you knew it might be destroyed? Why?
  5. How can we protect old books while still helping AI improve? 
  6. Do you think AI is more important than keeping old books? Why or why not?
  7. What should bookstores do if AI companies buy too many rare books?

Australia Bans AI Songs from Official Music Charts

B1 — Intermediate 

AI is now used to help make music. It can help people make songs and sounds faster. Some musicians use AI to get new ideas or improve their songs. 

However, some people worry that AI may take the place of human musicians. AI is a helpful tool, but people should still be the ones who create the music.

Australia’s music group, ARIA, will not allow songs made completely by AI on its music charts. This happened after an AI version of a Madonna song became very popular.

However, songs made with help from AI are still allowed if people are still involved in creating them. ARIA wants to protect human musicians and their jobs.

Read the article about the ban onAI songs from official music charts in Australia. 

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2609/260907-ban-on-ai-songs-4.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “hit“ mean here: ”There is controversy over an AI version of a Madonna hit.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  2. What does “cover/cover version” mean in music? “The cover version used AI technology. It spent 16 weeks in the top 20.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “music chart” mean? “Australia’s recording industry (ARIA) has banned songs that are “wholly” created with AI from the official music charts.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your view on using AI in making music? Do you agree that “AI in music isn’t for everyone and that’s fine.”?
  2. What do you think are the advantages and disadvantage of using AI in making music?
  3. How do you feel about AI music being on top of the music charts?
  4. What is your opinion about banning AI songs from official music charts?
  5. What is your opinion on banning “wholly AI-generated” music from the charts, but not “AI-assisted” music?
  6. How can human artists be protected and their “human nature of artistry” promoted?

Who Does the Housework?

B2 — Upper Intermediate 

Household chores are a necessary evil. Though they can sometimes be boring or unpleasant, they need to be done. Doing household chores is an important part of daily life. We clean our rooms, wash dishes, do laundry, and take out the trash. Chores keep our homes clean and comfortable. 

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about the division of labour when it comes to household chores.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260813

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to pull one’s weight“ mean? ”Anamarija also thinks women appreciate it when their husbands pull their weight.” Use the idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  2. What does “to take a breather” mean? “Mothers have more space for their careers, or hobbies, or just simply totake a breather when dads and sons take some of the pressure off mums.” Use the expression in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “fair share” mean? “Do you do your fair share of household chores?” Use the phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. In the UK, the most hated chore is cleaning the windows. What do you think will be the people’s answer to the same question in your country? Why do you think many people hate this chore?
  2. What are your thoughts on this: “Women in wealthy countries also spend much more time on unpaid care work than men.”?
  3. Which chore do you like doing the least? Why?
  4. What happens when one person does most of the chores?
  5. How can family members share the housework more fairly?

Making Cities Feel Quieter

B2 — Upper Intermediate 

Some people enjoy the peace of the countryside, while others prefer the noise of city. 

However, studies show that too much noise can increase stress and anxiety.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about making the cities feel quieter.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260521

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to dress loud“ mean? “Indians talk loud, celebrate loud and dress loud.” Use the idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  2. What does “soundscape” mean? “Similar soundscapes are now helping city dwellers relax in other cities too, including Tokyo and Barcelona.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “counterintuitive” mean? “So, the art installation was really to make this park a little quieter by adding some quiet noises. So, it’s counterintuitive, but you can make a park less noisy by adding some calmer sounds.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on this: “Too much noise can increase stress and anxiety.”?
  2. Should the noise be limited in cities? Share your thoughts.
  3. What can be done to tackle the noise pollution problem in cities?
  4. How do sounds/noises around you affect you?
  5. Do you prefer a quiet town or a busy city? Why?

Latin America’s UNESCO Sites In Danger

B1 — Intermediate 

UNESCO sites such as Machu Picchu in Peru and the Rio Plátano Biosphere Reserve in Honduras are in danger.

Too many tourists damage them. Rain and trash also cause problems.

Honduras is losing forests because of illegal cattle farming and tree cutting. Animals and local people are also at risk.

Experts say everyone must work together to protect these places.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about the threats to Latin America’s UNESCO sites.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/latin-americas-unesco-sites-are-in-danger-level-2

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “threaten“ mean? ”This dangerous activity harms wild animals and threatens local communities.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  2. What does “armed group” mean? “Indigenous leaders try to protect their forest homes, but armed groups hurt them.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “cattle farming” mean? “In Honduras, large parts of the rainforest are being destroyed by illegal cattle farming, tree cutting, and drug crime.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How can tourists help protect these sites?
  2. How can the government save these sites?
  3. Why is it important to protect these places for the future?
  4. Do you think there should be fewer tourists? Why?
  5. Have you ever had the same problem in your country? Talk about it.

Nuclear Power Plants Do Not Have Enough Water

B1 — Intermediate 

Europe is facing very hot and dry weather. The Danube River is very low. A nuclear plant in Romania had to stop. Hungary also had problems with its nuclear plant. Solar power helped prevent blackouts. But power is still hard to supply at night. Experts say Europe needs better energy systems.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about water shortage at some nuclear power plants.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/nuclear-power-plants-do-not-have-enough-water-level-2

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is a “nuclear power plant“? ”The water level in the Danube River is very low, so Romania had to stop its nuclear power plant because there was not enough cold water.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  2. What does “solar power” mean? “Luckily, Hungary uses much more solar power now, which helped supply energy during hot daytime hours, but getting enough power during the night is still difficult.”Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “drought” mean? “Severe drought and hot summer weather have caused big problems in Europe.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why did the nuclear plant in Romania stop?
  2. How can solar power help?
  3. Should people use less electricity? Why?
  4. What can governments do to prevent power shortages? 
  5. What other problems do you know are caused by extreme heat? Discuss them.
  6. Share your point of view about this: “Experts say Europe needs better energy systems.”

Posting Zero

B1 — Intermediate 

Social media feels too much and fake. Many people still use it, but they post less. This is called Posting Zero. People are afraid of judgment or to feel pressure to look perfect. Bots also make social media feel less real. Many users want simple and honest posts again.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about social media use drop.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/posting-zero-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to feel louder than ever” mean? “Social media feels louder than ever, filled with ads, repetitive videos, and artificial content.” Use the idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “honest moment“ mean? ”Many users hope social media can return to a place where real people share small, honest moments again.” Use the expression in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  3. What does “feed” mean here: “In the past, people shared simple photos and everyday moments; however, now, feeds look perfect, commercial, and unreal.”Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why do people used to post on social media in the past? 
  2. Why are they stopping or posting less now?
  3. Do you like posting on social media? Why?
  4. Is it okay to stop posting on social media? Why?
  5. “Bots also make social media feel less real.” Do you agree or disagree?
  6. How can social media feel more real?

EU Digital Passport System

B1 — Intermediate 

The EU is introducing a new digital passport system. It will allow travelers to use digital travel documents on their phones.

The system may make travel faster and easier. However, people may also have concerns about privacy and data security.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about EU´s new digital passport system.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/eus-new-digital-passport-system-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “biometric check” mean? “This digital system replaces manual passport stamps with biometric checks.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “self-service kiosk” mean? ”Travelers first register at self-service kiosks and then meet a border officer for verification.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  3. What does “stretch” mean here: “Long queues stretching hundreds of meters have caused travelers to wait up to five hours, which leads to missed flights.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your opinion about a digital passport and this new digital passport system?
  2. Would you prefer a digital passport or a traditional passport? Why?
  3. What are the advantages of a digital passport?
  4. What problems could people have with digital passports?
  5. Do you think digital passports are the future of travel?
  6. Should digital passports be used around the world?