Category: Class

Australia to Allow Foreign Citizens into Its Army

B1 – Intermediate 

Australia is having problems recruiting people to join the military. Due to this, they will be allowing citizens from the UK, Canada, and New Zealand to enlist in the Australian army.

Read the article about Australia opening up its forces to foreigners.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2406/240606-army-recruits.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to sign up” mean? “Australia is having problems getting people to sign up for its army.” Use this phrase in your own sentence.
  2. What does “a pool of people” mean? “Recruiting from a wider pool of people will help ensure [the ADF] reflects the full diversity of Australia, and is able to draw on the talents of [all] of Australian society.” Use this idiom in your own sentence.
  3. What does “to draw on something” mean? “Recruiting from a wider pool of people will help ensure [the ADF] reflects the full diversity of Australia, and is able to draw on the talents of [all] of Australian society.” Use this expression in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. According to the article, what is Australia’s reason for changing its military recruitment policy?
  2. What is your opinion about a country allowing foreigners to join their military?
  3. What could be the good and bad things about letting citizens from other countries become part of another country’s army?
  4. “Opposition Foreign Minister Simon Birmingham disagreed with the policy. He said it showed government failure.” Do you agree with Mr. Birmingham or not? Explain. 
  5. How can a country/the government motivate people to join the military?
  6. If this were to be done in your country, do you think it will be a good idea? Why or why not?

Panama Evacuates Islanders Due to Rising Sea Levels

B1 – Intermediate 

As a result of global warming, the sea levels across the world are rising at an alarming rate.

The rise in sea levels is greatly due to water from melting glaciers and ice sheets and seawater expansion caused by the warmer temperatures.

In Panama, residents of a small island called Gardi Sugdub had to be evacuated because the sea levels on the island has gone up by a lot.

Read the article about the evacuation of islanders in Panama because of rising sea levels.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2406/240603-rising-sea-levels-5.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “last minute” mean? “A government official said some people are refusing to leave their ancestral home. They will stay until the last minute.” two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use this phrase in your own sentence.
  2. What does “a sign of something to come” mean? “The government said Gardi Sugdub is a sign of things to come.” two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use this idiom in your own sentence.
  3. What does “engulf” mean? “Many more islands are under threat from being engulfed.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use this word in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the effects of rising sea levels in Panama?
  2. What is your reaction to this, “A recent environmental study estimated Panama would lose 2.01 percent of its coastal territory to rising sea levels.”?
  3. Some inhabitants of the island do not want to leave their homes. How can the government convince them to evacuate?
  4. Do you think the relocated inhabitants will have a better life in their new community? Explain.
  5. Does news about rising sea levels affect you? Why or why not?

Europe’s Ludicrous Hydrogen Bet

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Recently, the world has reached an unprecedented state of destabilization as threats including global warming, wars, and material shortages grow more prevalent as we go through the 21st century. As such, nations and global superpowers have had to adapt in order to survive the chaos of our current world.

The global superpower, the EU, wants to address two major issues: economic problems and global warming. In order to do this, the leaders of the EU have begun to heavily invest in hydrogen as the fuel of the future. The EU claims that the hydrogen they produce will be enough to bring its emission rates to 0% by 2050.

But is hydrogen really the fuel of the future? Is hydrogen really the miracle gas that the leaders of the EU believe it to be?

Watch the video below to have a better understanding of how Europe plans to clean up its economy by way of clean hydrogen.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to sound like a broken record” mean? “If you asked EU leaders how to save the climate in the last few years, they sounded like a broken record.” Use this expression in your own sentence.
  2. What does ”the champagne of energy” mean? “Hydrogen has been defined as the champagne of energy.” Make your own sentence using this phrase.
  3. What does ”lobby register” mean? “Corporate Europe Observatory, an NGO, combed through lobby registers.” Use this to make your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the supposed benefits of using hydrogen as a renewable energy source?
  2. What are the problems with this supposed ‘miracle solution’?
  3. Do you think that the hydrogen strategy is worth being on EU’s top priority for subsidies and fast-track planning? Explain your insights.
  4. Do you believe that hydrogen will solve the economic and gas emission problems in Europe? Why do you believe your statement?
  5. Share what you know about and your thoughts on EU’s net zero goals by 2050.

Prices of Air Travel

B1 – Intermediate

In recent years, the prices of air travel have fluctuated significantly, influenced by various factors such as fuel costs, economic conditions, and global events.

The COVID-19 pandemic, for instance, led to unprecedented disruptions in the airline industry, causing dramatic shifts in airfare pricing. As airlines adapt to changing demand and new safety protocols, passengers face both opportunities and challenges in securing affordable flights.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about airfares stabilizing.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/prices-of-air-travel-level-3/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “surge” mean? “Airfares in Europe and Asia are stabilizing or dropping, which indicates the end of the post-COVID travel surge.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘surge’ in your own sentence.
  2. What does “budget airline” mean? “Budget airline Ryanair’s CEO noted that ticket prices are increasing less than expected, which affected European airline shares.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “downturn” mean? “Overall, the industry expects a return to normal pricing rather than a major downturn.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘downturn’ in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. In what ways can travelers find the best deals on airline tickets?
  2. What are the pros and cons of budget airlines compared to traditional carriers?
  3. What strategies can airlines use to keep ticket prices competitive while maintaining profitability?
  4. What role do economic conditions play in determining airfare prices? Explain.

Disney Animal Kingdom

B1 – Intermediate

Disney is passionate about animal conservation and has created various programs to support wildlife. They have a large team of experts who care for animals and develop strategies to protect endangered species.

Their commitment to the environment extends to innovative solutions, ensuring the safety and well-being of animals globally.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/disney-animal-kingdom-level-2/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “threatened” mean in this sentence, “Disney’s Animal Kingdom worked for 25 years to increase the population of threatened animals such as lions, giraffes, and rhinos.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “to keep something away” mean, “They partnered with researchers to use bees to keep elephants away from African farms.“? Use it in a sentence.
  3. What is a “pollinator garden”? “On Earth Day, conservation experts asked people to grow their own pollinator gardens which help their local animal kingdom.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are some other ways Disney might help animals besides the ones mentioned in the article?
  2. Do you think it’s important for big companies like Disney to be involved in animal conservation? Why or why not?
  3. What can individuals do to help protect threatened animals?
  4. What challenges might Disney face in their efforts to protect threatened animals?
  5. What role do you think education plays in Disney’s animal conservation efforts?

Bulgaria’s Rose Industry

B1 – Intermediate

Bulgaria is famous for its rich history and expertise in rose oil production. Their products are important in the global fragrance and cosmetics industry. The country’s unique climate and fertile soil provide ideal conditions for cultivating roses. This is why Bulgaria is one of the top producers of this exquisite oil.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about the rose industry in Bulgaria.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/bulgarias-rose-industry-level-3/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “harvest” mean? “Last week, farmers were busy harvesting petals about a month earlier than usual due to climate change, which has brought warmer and more humid springs.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘harvest’ in your own sentence.
  2. What does “yield” mean? “This year, conditions were more favorable, resulting in better yields.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘yield’ in your own sentence.
  3. What does “unreasonably” mean? “This year’s improved output was due to an unseasonably warm winter and a very warm March.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘unreasonably’ in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How has climate change affected the production of rose oil in Bulgaria?
  2. Do you think the demand for rose oil will increase in the future? Why or why not?
  3. How important is the rose oil industry for Bulgaria’s economy? Elaborate.
  4. What are some potential challenges faced by farmers in Bulgaria when producing rose oil?
  5. How do you think advancements in technology could affect the production of rose oil in the future?

Scarlett Johansson and OpenAI Chatbot

B1 – Intermediate

The intersection of technology and personal rights has now become an issue with artificial intelligence. A recent controversy involving Hollywood star Scarlett Johansson and OpenAI is an example.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about the problem actress Scarlett Johansson had with the company OpenAI.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/scarlett-johansson-and-openai-chatbot-level-2/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “a lot like” mean in this sentence, “Hollywood star Scarlett Johansson felt shocked and angry whenOpenAI used a voice in their chatbot which sounded a lot like hers.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “come out” mean? “Before the new chatbot model came out last week, Johansson said no to OpenAI’s offer to voice the new chatbot. But many people noticed that the Sky voice was similar to Johansson’s voice in the 2013 film Her.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “inspiration” mean in this context, “She was upset that OpenAI’s CEO, Sam Altman, used the word ‘her’ on social media, making it seem like she was the inspiration.“? Use it in a sentence in the same context.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is the problem between Scarlett Johansson and OpenAI?
  2. What is your opinion about this issue?
  3. How can people’s rights be protected from AI?
  4. ‘OpenAI said that they would remove the voice and that they didn’t mean to copy Johansson.’ Do you think it is enough action from OpenAI? Explain.
  5. Should Johansson continue with legal actions against OpenAI? Why or why not?

Tesla to Recall Vehicles Over Faulty Seat Belt Warning System

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Seatbelts are considered as integral part of the basic safety equipment installed in all modern vehicles. Some people wear their seat belt the moment they get into the car while others need that constant reminder to wear them.

In case of a collision, the risk of injury is much higher if the passengers of the vehicles are not wearing this safety strap.

In the US, Tesla has had to recall more than 120 thousand vehicles over a malfunction in its seat belt warning system.

Let’s read the article and know more about a malfunction in these Tesla vehicles and the company’s solutions to the problem.

https://edition.cnn.com/2024/05/31/business/tesla-recall-faulty-seat-belt-warning-system/index.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the phrase “audible chime” mean? “The regulator said the vehicles failed to comply with the federal safety requirements as their seat belt warning light and audible chime may not get activated when the driver is unbelted.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “to fail to comply with” mean? “The regulator said the vehicles failed to comply with the federal safety requirements as their seat belt warning light and audible chime may not get activated when the driver is unbelted.” Use it in a sentence and give two synonyms.
  3. What does “to get lodged in” mean? “It also recalled 3,878 Cybertrucks in April to fix an accelerator pedal pad that could come loose and get lodged in the interior trim.” Use it in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is the problem with those Tesla vehicles?
  2. What steps will Tesla take to remedy this malfunction?
  3. How do you think these series of recalls affect Tesla?
  4. Talk about another company that failed to comply with the federal requirements that led to a recall of their products from the market.
  5. How can a company manage a successful product recall procedure?

When Feeling Angry, Venting Doesn’t Help

B2 – Upper Intermediate

It must be cathartic to let your negative emotions out. Somehow, it seems like you are actually feeling better after letting off some steam probably because sharing our emotions reduces our stress level.

Psychologists have recommended people to “let it all out” when we have this overwhelming feeling of anger. However, new studies reveal that venting does not actually help in this case.

Let’s watch the video and know more about this myth and other helpful tips on how to release your anger in a more positive way.

https://www.bbc.com/reel/video/p0hqff54/feeling-angry-venting-doesn-t-actually-help

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to feed” mean in this context, “When you are doing activities that have the same effects, on your body, you are feeding the anger. You’re putting more wood on the fire.“? Use it in a sentence in the same context.
  2. How about “to put more wood on the fire“. “When you are doing activities that have the same effects, on your body, you are feeding the anger. You’re putting more wood on the fire.” Use it in your own sentence.
  3. What is the meaning of “physiological arousal“? “Basically, anything that reduces physiological arousal can be worth trying.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why does venting not help reduce anger?
  2. Aside from venting, what other activities are not effective for anger management? Why is that?
  3. What are some ways to manage one’s anger?
  4. Do you have the tendency to vent when you get angry? If yes, did it make you feel any better? Talk about it.
  5. How do you respond when someone vents to you?

National Service

B1 – Intermediate

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has proposed a plan to introduce national service for 18-year-olds if his party wins the UK election on July 4th. Under this plan, young people would have two options: one year of military service or voluntary work commitments. The proposal aims to instill valuable skills and foster a stronger national culture in the youths. However, it has faced criticism from various experts and young people alike.

Read this article to learn more about plan to introduce national service for 18-year-olds.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2405/240530-national-service.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “national service” mean?  “The UK leader, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, says he will introduce compulsory national service if his party wins the UK election on July the 4th. Under his plan, young people will have two choices when they become 18. “ Use this phrase in a sentence.
  2. Define “voluntary work”. “The second option is to do voluntary work for one weekend a month.” Use this phrase in a sentence.
  3. What is the meaning of “to take away something/to take something away“? “They believe it takes away their freedom.” Use this phrase in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your opinion about mandatory national service for 18-year-olds?
  2. What could be the good and bad thing about the national service in your country?
  3. What are your thoughts on this statement, “[By doing national service ] people will gain valuable skills, and help to “build a stronger national culture.“?
  4. Do you believe the implementation of national service could be done in your country? Why or why not?
  5. How would compulsory national service impact young people’s personal plans and goals for the future?