Category: Class

The EU Checks Meta

B1 — Intermediate 

The European Commission is preparing to intensify its formal investigation into Meta Platforms over claims that it uses addictive design elements to keep children using its social media apps.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about the European Commission’s official investigation into Meta Platforms.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/the-eu-checks-meta-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “hooked on something” mean? “According to recent reports, EU regulators are preparing preliminary findings that accuse the tech giant of using addictive design practices specifically to keep children hooked on its social media platforms.” Use the phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “breaching” mean? “This move follows previous charges from April, where the EU accused Meta of breaching tech rules and failing to block children under 13 from accessing its networks.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “a landmark court verdict” mean? “In the US, the company is lobbying Congress for legal immunity against claims of harming children, especially after a landmark court verdict found both Meta and Google negligent in designing platforms harmful to youth.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. Is social media helpful or harmful to children and teenagers? Explain your answer.
  2. Should children below 13 years old be allowed to use social media? Explain your answer.
  3. Do you think social media platforms are designed to keep users addicted? Why?
  4. Who should be most responsible for protecting children on social media: parents, schools, governments, or technology companies? Why?
  5. “Social media companies should face legal penalties if their platforms harm children.” Do you agree or disagree?

Knee Surgery May Do More Harm than Good 

B1 — Intermediate 

Hundreds of thousands of people undergo knee surgery each year. According to the surgeons who conducted a study in Finland, some knee procedures may only worsen knee problems.

Read this article about the study concluding that some knee surgeries can make knee problems worse.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2607/260716-knee-surgery.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “tear” mean here: ”They found that surgery on tears in the knee cartilage rarely worked. ” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “relief” mean? ”She said her method could provide years of relief by reducing pain inside the knee joint.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “joint” mean here: ”She said her method could provide years of relief by reducing pain inside the knee joint.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. Were you surprised by the findings of the Finnish study? Why or why not?
  2. If you had chronic knee pain, would you choose surgery or try the new treatment first? Explain your answer.
  3. Do you think people should always get a second medical opinion before having surgery? Why?
  4. What kinds of activities can help keep our knees healthy?
  5. Have you or someone you know ever had knee problems? What happened?

Oil-Free Lego Bricks

B1 — Intermediate 

Lego has ended its ambitious plan to replace the oil-based plastic in its bricks after finding out that recycled polyethylene terephthalate (RPET) would only result to higher carbon emissions than the current material.

Even though they have not found a suitable alternative, Lego says it is still committed to sustainability and plans to make its toys from eco-friendly materials by 2032.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about Lego ending its project to use RPET in replacing oil-based plastics in their bricks.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/oil-free-lego-bricks-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “high-profile” mean? ”Danish toymaker Lego has abandoned a high-profile project to replace oil-based plastics in its bricks.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “retain” mean? ”The main challenge was finding a material that was both environmentally friendly and retained the same color, shine, and sound as the oil-based plastic bricks.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “embark” mean? ”The company embarked on this journey in 2020 to replace its plastic bricks with sustainable options.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think it was the right decision to stop the project? Why or why not? 
  2. Which is more important: product quality or protecting the environment? Why?
  3. Do you think companies like Lego should keep trying to make their products more environmentally friendly? Why or why not?
  4. Why is it sometimes difficult for companies to become more environmentally friendly?
  5. Would people still buy Lego if the bricks looked or felt a little different, but were better for the environment? Why?

Fake AI Ads

B1 — Intermediate 

Nowadays, you will see a lot of advertisements made using AI on social media. These ads usually sell products that are cheap, low-quality, or sometimes, do not exist at all.

Scammers use AI to make realistic videos and fake customer reviews. They can make these ads quickly and at a low cost. The ads appear on dodgy websites and even on trusted platforms like Amazon.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about fake AI advertisements.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/fake-ai-ads-level-2

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to be flooded with something” mean? ”Social media platforms are being flooded with ultra-realistic ads created by AI to sell products that either don’t exist or turn out to be cheap junk.” Use the idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “to slip through” mean? ”Experts note that these ads easily slip through automated moderation systems due to the sheer volume of new content.” Use the phrasal verb in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “shady” mean? ”These ads appear on both shady websites and legitimate platforms like Amazon.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. Have you ever seen an AI-generated ad online? What is your opinion about them? 
  2. Do you think AI-generated ads are dangerous? Why or why not?
  3. Should social media platforms do more to stop fake ads? Discuss your opinion.
  4. What do you do before buying a product you see in an online ad?
  5. Have you ever bought something that looked different from the ad? Talk about your experience.

The Unfortunate Truth About GMOs

B2 – Upper Intermediate

All across the internet and on traditional outlets, Genetically Modified Organisms or GMOs have been lambasted as dangerous, unnatural, and unhealthy. And in America, GMOs have to be labelled as such, painting these items in a further negative light. But is the negative reputation of GMOs actually true, or have they been unfairly treated?

Watch this video about

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “fear-mongering” mean? “Nah, all of that is nonsense. The real problem is that they need to fire their PR team. Because they’re a victim of a widely successful fear-mongering campaign.” Use this expression in a sentence. Give a similar expression.
  2. What does “school of thought” mean? “Whenever I discuss GMOs online, there are two schools of thought that I frequently have to debunk.”  Use this phrase in a sentence. Give a similar expression.
  3. What does “best bet” mean? “If consuming fewer pesticides is your goal, then maybe reaching for the GMO might be your best bet.”  Use this idiom in a sentence. Give a similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What were your thoughts on GMOs before and after this video?
  2. Why do you believe GMOs were viewed as dangerous despite the contrary scientific research?
  3. How does lack of information negatively affect people’s views about GMOs?
  4. Do you believe more people would buy GMOs if they were properly informed about them?

The EU Taxes Cheap Parcels from China

B1 — Intermediate 

The European Union (EU) has introduced a new 3-euro fee on cheap parcels from China. The new tax rule will affect online shopping sites like Shein, Temu, and AliExpress.

The EU says this change will help create fairer competition for local businesses.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about the new tax rules on inexpensive parcels from China in the EU.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/the-eu-taxes-cheap-parcels-from-china-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “retailer” mean? ”The EU has introduced a new 3-euro fee on low-value e-commerce parcels from China, which targets major online retailers like Shein, Temu, and AliExpress.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “tax loophole” mean? ”Lawmakers argue that this tax loophole was abused on an industrial scale, which gave Chinese giants a massive competitive advantage over local businesses.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “duty-free” mean? ”Previously, these platforms entered the EU bloc duty-free under a long-standing exemption for goods under 150 euros.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your reaction and opinion about this new tax rule?
  2. Should all companies, local and foreign, follow the same tax rules? Why?
  3. Do you think the new fee will help local businesses? Why or why not?
  4. Do you think people will continue shopping on these websites after the new fee? Why or why not? 
  5. Would you be willing to pay extra fees for low-cost products? Explain.

Colon Cancer in Young People

B1 — Intermediate 

Bowel cancer, or colorectal cancer cases among younger adults have increased all over the world.

On the bright side, even though bowel cancer cases are higher, it still remains uncommon among young people.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about colon cancer among young adults.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/young-people-and-cancer-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “early detection” mean? ”Factors like improved early detection and genetic changes might also play a role.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “to play a role” mean? ”Factors like improved early detection and genetic changes might also play a role.” Use the expression in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “to prompt” mean here: ”Symptoms like changes in bowel habits, unexplained weight loss, or fatigue should prompt a doctor’s visit.”? Use the verb in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are some reasons for the rise in bowel cancer cases?
  2. Why is early diagnosis important?
  3. Why do you think younger adults might ignore symptoms of serious illnesses?
  4. Do you think modern lifestyles are increasing the risk of diseases among young people? Why or why not?
  5. What can individuals do to reduce their risk of serious illnesses?

Some People Earn a Lot But Are Not Rich

B1 — Intermediate 

About 14% of U.S. households earn more than $200,000 a year. However, many of them do not feel rich. They are often called HENRYs, which means High Earners, Not Rich Yet.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about people who earn high salaries, but do not necessarily feel rich.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/some-people-earn-a-lot-but-arent-rich-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “lifestyle creep” mean? ”Even people making over 300,000 often struggle with credit card debt. This is partly due to lifestyle creep.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “net worth” mean? ”Experts say budgeting, knowing your net worth, and planning for savings are key steps to feeling financially secure.” Use the expression in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “hamster wheel” mean here: ”Emotional spending, social pressure, and a lack of financial planning can keep high earners stuck on a hamster wheel.”? Use the idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think financial success depends more on income or on money management? Explain.
  2. Do you think earning more money always leads to a better life? Why or why not?
  3. What advice would you give someone who earns a high income but still struggles with money?
  4. Do you think social media encourages people to spend more? Why or why not?
  5. How can people enjoy life without overspending?

Companies Take People’s Land to Build Data Centers

B1 — Intermediate 

The fast expansion of AI data centers in Georgia has led to a big rise in electricity demand. To support this growing need, the state’s primary utility company is significantly increasing its network of high-voltage transmission lines.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about companies acquiring private lands to build data centers in Georgia.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/companies-take-peoples-land-to-build-data-centers-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is a “utility company”? ”To meet this need, the state’s main utility company is rapidly expanding its high-voltage power lines.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “eminent domain” mean? “While Georgia Power claims it offers fair compensation, many families feel forced into settlements because the company can use eminent domain to seize private land without the owners’ consent.” Use the expression in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  3. What does “to seize” mean? ”While Georgia Power claims it offers fair compensation, many families feel forced into settlements because the company can use eminent domain to seize private land without the owners’ consent.” Use the verb in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. Is it ethical to use eminent domain to build infrastructure that largely benefits the private companies, such as AI data centers? Share your opinion.
  2. What good things can happen when we build more energy infrastructure for AI?
  3. How would you react if transmission lines were planned to pass through your property?
  4. Should companies continue developing new technology even if it causes problems for local communities? Why or why not?
  5. If you were in the government, how would you balance economic growth and people’s rights?

Strength Training Helps to Live Longer

B1 — Intermediate 

Researchers say that regular strength training may help people live longer. They found that this type of exercise may lower the risk of heart disease, stroke, and mental health problems.

Read the article about how regular strength training may help us live longer.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2606/260625-strength-training.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is “strength training”? ”The study found that people who did moderate amounts of strength training on a regular basis had a lower risk of dying at a younger age.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “resistance work” mean? “Keep walking, cycling, swimming, or doing whatever gets your heart rate up. But add some resistance work too.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  3. What does “to burn up” mean here: ”If we do not keep our muscles active, they do not burn up so much sugar and fat.” Use the phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think strength training is important? Why or why not?
  2. Why do many people avoid strength training?
  3. Which do you think is better: strength training or aerobic exercise? Explain your answer.
  4. Should schools encourage students to do strength training? Why?
  5. Do you do any strength training? If yes, what kind?
  6. If you wanted to live a longer and healthier life, what lifestyle changes would you make besides exercising?