Category: Class

Former Homeless Woman Wins Millions on Scratch-off Ticket

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Rarely does a heartwarming news story capture the public’s interest, but this one has. Not only is it a dream come true for one woman, but it’s also a proof that anything is possible.

What’s more, it’s a reminder that good things can happen to anyone at any time. This incredible story shows that life can change in an instant, and it’s inspiring to see how one stroke of luck can change a person’s life.

So, it’s with great pleasure that I share the news of a once-homeless woman who recently won a life-changing $5 million on a scratch-off ticket in California.

Read the article below and be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2023/05/05/california-woman-5-million-lottery-ticket-homeless/70187611007/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the word “scratch” mean in this sentence, “Forseth was changing oil on her car and scratched the winning ticket outside the store.”? Use this word in a sentence in this context. Also, give another meaning of this word and make a sentence using this word in that context.
  2. What is the meaning of “sole mission” in the sentence “The California Lottery’s sole mission is to raise additional funding for public education.” Use this phrase in a sentence.
  3. How is the word “alike” used in the article? “It showcases the positive impact our games have on winners and schools alike.” Use this word in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How does this news story make you feel?
  2. What are your thoughts on the California Lottery’s sole mission to raise additional funding for public education?
  3. In your opinion, is it a good idea to buy a lottery ticket? Explain.
  4. How do you think winning the lottery could change someone’s life?
  5. What would you do if you won $5 million in the lottery?
  6. Have you ever experienced a sudden change in your life? How did you handle it?

Companies Control Everything You Buy

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Have you ever stopped to consider who’s behind the brands you purchase?

Well, it turns out, they are the ten biggest global players in the food and beverage industry. Nestlé, PepsiCo, Coca-Cola, and Unilever, to name a few, have thousands of people they employ. They generate billions annually.

Oxfam’s infographic in the article below attempts for said companies to strive in creating positive impact and show consumers how closely these corporations interact with each other.

In this article, you’ll learn more about the companies behind the brands and products.

https://www.businessinsider.com/10-companies-control-food-industry-2017-3

Vocabulary Questions

  1. What is the meaning of the idiom “mind-boggling”? “In an effort to push these companies to make positive changes — and for customers to realize who controls the brands they’re buying — Oxfam created a mind-boggling infographic that shows how interconnected consumer brands really are.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does the phrase “move beyond” mean in the sentence “Coca-Cola is moving beyond soda, with beverage brands including Dasani, Fuze, and Honest Tea.”? Use it in a sentence.
  3. Explain the meaning of the adjective “____-centric” in the sentence “This snack-centric company’s brands include Oreo, Trident gum, and Sour Patch Kids.”. Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. After reading the article, are you surprised by the companies’ high level of interconnectedness?
  2. Why is it crucial for consumers to know which companies own the brands they buy? How can this knowledge affect the way we shop?
  3. How can these food and beverage companies improve their impact on society and the environment?
  4. Do you think these companies should focus more on ethical and sustainable practices than on profit? Why or why not?
  5. How can we ensure these companies are doing the right thing, and what can we do if they’re not?

Adapting to Last Minute Project Changes

B2 – Upper Intermediate

How flexible you are when sudden changes happen? Although last-minute changes can be prevented with careful planning, some projects can be a real challenge to maintaining your balance sometimes.

Read the article to know how to quickly adapt to last-minute hiccups at certain project phases.

https://pmtips.net/article/how-to-adapt-to-last-minute-project-changes-or-hiccupshttps://pmtips.net/article/how-to-adapt-to-last-minute-project-changes-or-hiccups

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the expression “best-laid plan” mean, “The best-laid plans sometimes don’t work out. In a perfect world, every project you take on at work would be smooth sailing from start to finish.”? Use this phrase in a sentence.
  2. What does “hiccup” mean, “But that still doesn’t stop the occasional hiccup or unexpected circumstance from happening.”? Use the word hiccup in a sentence.
  3. What does the word “to be knocked out of the groove” mean in this sentence, “When that happens, it can feel as though everyone is instantly knocked out of the “groove” they’ve been in for the project.”? Use this idiom in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How often do you have to deal with bottlenecks created by your colleagues or partners?
  2. How do you usually deal with the situation when unexpected events affect your project timing?
  3. How do you feel when your plan changes suddenly? Do you start panicking or looking for solutions?
  4.  Have you had to deal with any last-minute changes in your workplace?

Job-Hopping Impacts Retirement Savings

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Job-hopping has become a thing nowadays as more people seek greener pastures. It may seem advantageous in terms of your long-term savings. However, it could potentially hurt your retirement savings in the long run.

Read the article to learn about some things to factor in when job-hopping.

https://lifehacker.com/how-job-hopping-impacts-your-retirement-savings-1850274503

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is a “vesting schedule“, “In most cases, increasing your overall income will do more for you in the long-term than any one company’s vesting schedule.“? Use this phrase in your own sentence.
  2. What does the expression “to leave money on the table” mean, “With incentives like a dedicated vesting schedule or matching 401(k) contributions, workers who stick with one company get rewarded for their loyalty—while job-hoppers feel like they’re leaving free money on the table.“? Make a sentence with this idiom.
  3. What does “stick with” mean,  “Workers who stick with one company get rewarded for their loyalty.“? Use this phrase in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How does job-hopping impact retirement savings?
  2. Is job hopping a viable option for those who prioritize their retirement savings? Why or why not?
  3. Have you ever considered job hopping in order to increase your income or advance your career?
  4. How important is retirement planning to you, and what steps are you taking to ensure your future financial security?
  5. Do you believe that job hopping can have a positive impact on your career trajectory, or do you think it is better to stay with one employer for a longer period of time?

All Things Remembered

B1 – Intermediate

The expression “All things remembered” means that it’s important to cherish our memories. Memories are the things we remember from our past, like happy times, sad times, or important events. It helps us understand who we are and make sense of the world around us. They also bring us comfort and joy when we think about them.

Let’s read the article below and learn more things about it.

http://headsupenglish.com/index.php/lower-intermediate-students/lower-intermediate-news-lessons/lower-intermediate-science-and-technology-lessons/556-perfect-memory

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “a fact of life” mean in this sentence, “For Brad Williams, this is a fact of life, as he can remember everything with perfect clarity.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “rerun” mean in this sentence, “Imagine you could remember every action and event in your life. For example, you could remember that on June 15th, 1992, you ate a hamburger with extra cheese and onions for dinner, and you also watched a rerun on TV” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “how something works” mean in this sentence, “The doctor is studying Williams because he wants to understand how memory works.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think about being able to having a perfect memory of everything in your past?
  2. Why are memories important in our lives?
  3. How can we make sure we don’t forget important memories? How do you preserve your memories?
  4. Can we rely on our memories to be completely accurate? Why / Why not?
  5. How do our memories of past experiences shape our current behavior and decision-making?

Carbon Offsetting Can Help the Planet

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Carbon offsetting is a practice that has gained increasing attention in recent years as a means of addressing the issue of climate change. At its core, carbon offsetting involves investing in projects or initiatives that help to reduce or remove carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions from the atmosphere in order to compensate for emissions that cannot be avoided.

The idea behind carbon offsetting is that by investing in projects that reduce carbon emissions, individuals and organizations can offset their own carbon footprints and take responsibility for their impact on the environment.

While the practice of carbon offsetting is not without its controversies and complexities, it is increasingly being seen as a necessary tool for combating climate change and achieving a more sustainable future.

Watch the video to know more about how carbon offsetting can help the planet and be able to answer the questions below.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the idiom “buy one’s way out of (something) ” mean? Ex. Can you really buy your way out of responsibility for creating greenhouse gas emissions which harm the planet? Use it in your own sentence.
  2. What does the word “carbon offsetting” mean? Ex. Carbon offsetting can play some role in mitigating the immediate impact on the environment. Make a sentence using the word.
  3. What does “net zero” mean? Ex. The global aim is to reach net zero no later than 2050. Use this term in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is carbon offsetting and how does it work in the context of corporate sustainability?
  2. Why do companies choose to engage in carbon offsetting, and what benefits can they expect to achieve?
  3. What challenges or criticisms have been raised regarding the effectiveness or legitimacy of carbon offsetting programs in the business world?
  4. How can companies use carbon offsetting as part of a broader sustainability strategy, and what other practices or initiatives should they consider alongside it?

Stretch my Legs

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Leg lengthening surgery is an invasive and costly medical procedure that has become more popular in the recent years. A less advanced leg-lengthening device was first invented by an orthopedic surgeon in Russia in the 1950’s for injured soldier. Nowadays, this surgery is done mostly for aesthetic purposes.

Let’s read the article and know more about this surgical procedure and its growing popularity in China.

https://www.fullspate.digitalcounterrevolution.co.uk/archive/chinalegs.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Define the expression, “to get a post“. “To get a post in the foreign ministry, for instance, male applicants need not bother applying unless they are at least 5ft 7in, while women must be at least 5ft 3in.” Use it in your own sentence.
  2. What is the meaning of the word “counterpart“?”Chinese diplomats are expected to be tall to match the height of their foreign counterparts.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does the expression “at ground level” mean? “But height discrimination is evident even at ground level: in some places, people under 5ft 3in are not even eligible to take a driving test.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on this kind of procedure?
  2. How does leg lengthening surgery work?
  3. According to the article, why is it popular in China?
  4. Based on the article, which professions have a height requirement in China?
  5. Is this surgery available in your country? Do you think it should be banned?

Cope With Layoff Anxiety

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Being employed in a company is surely not all rainbows and butterflies. There’s always that fear of getting laid off or fired out of nowhere.

Read the article to learn how to deal with layoff anxiety.

https://lifehacker.com/how-to-cope-with-layoff-anxiety-1850097349

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is a “safety net” mean, “Even if having a financial safety net isn’t feasible, coming up with a backup plan gives you some sort of control over your situation.“? Use this phrase in your own sentence.
  2. What does “cobble” mean, “According to a 2022 survey, roughly 36% of employed Americans are gig workers—cobbling an income together from multiple sources, none of which likely come with benefits.“? Use this word in your own sentence.
  3. What does “to channel something into” mean, “Channel your anxiety into learning new skills.“? Use this phrase in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why do people experience anxiety after being laid off from their jobs?
  2. What are other ways to deal with layoff anxiety?
  3. How can talking to someone about your layoff anxiety help you cope?
  4. How can employers help ease their employees’ anxiety during a period of potential layoffs?
  5. Can seeking professional help, such as counseling, be beneficial for coping with layoff anxiety?
  6. Have you experienced getting laid off? If yes, how did you deal with it? If not, how do you think will you handle this situation?

Themed Restaurants

B1 – Intermediate

Themed restaurants have become increasingly popular in recent years, providing diners with a unique and immersive dining experience that goes beyond simply enjoying a meal. They are designed around a particular concept or theme, ranging from historical eras to popular movies or television shows.

Themed restaurants can be a fun and engaging dining experience for diners of all ages. They offer a break from the mundane dining experiences and transport diners to a different time and place.

Let’s read the article below.

http://headsupenglish.com/index.php/lower-intermediate-students/lower-intermediate-mini-lessons/202-themed-restaurants

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. “Successful restaurants not only rely on great food and superior service, but they also rely on the atmosphere.” What does “rely on/upon” mean? Use it in a sentence.
  2. “Other such restaurants may look like a prison. Customers are locked in cell-like rooms with “guards” serving as waiters.” What does “look like someone/something” mean? Use it in a sentence.
  3.  What does “tie together” mean in this sentence, “The decoration, music, and food all tie together to create a unique and unusual dining experience.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How does the décor in a themed restaurant contribute to the dining experience?
  2. Do you think themed restaurants are popular in your country? Why / Why not?
  3. Have you ever been to a themed restaurant? If so, what was the theme and what was your experience like?
  4. What do you think are the benefits of going to a themed restaurant?
  5. Are themed restaurants more expensive than regular restaurants? Why / Why not?
  6. What are some challenges that themed restaurants may face?

Coca-Cola

B1 – Intermediate

Coca-Cola is a well-known and loved beverage all over the world. Their mission, as stated, is to refresh the world in mind, body, and spirit, inspire moments of optimism and happiness through their brands and actions, and to create value and make a difference.

Coca-Cola takes pride in their product and it is shown through their values: leadership, collaboration, integrity, diversity, and quality.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about the company Coca-Cola.

https://businessenglishmaterials.com/coca-cola.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the word “catchy” mean in this sentence, “Another is its catchy advertising slogans, such as “Coke Is It”.” Give 2 synonyms for this word and use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “phenomenal success” mean in this sentence, “One secret to the company’s phenomenal success is what it calls the ‘Coca-Cola system’ – the more than 300 worldwide bottling partners that work together to distribute its products.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does the word “strive” mean in this sentence, “Its mission is to strive to refresh the world, inspire moments of optimism and happiness, create value and make a difference.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Can you tell me about the history of Coca-Cola and how it came to be such a popular brand?
  2. How has Coca-Cola’s marketing strategy evolved over time?
  3. What do you think about the Coca-Cola system?
  4. What is your company’s mission and what do you think about it?
  5. Which beverages do you think are the most popular in the world and in your country? And what makes them so well-known?