Category: Class

Asylum Seekers Use Taxis to Go to the Doctors

B1 – Intermediate 

A BBC investigation found that asylum seekers would take taxis to go to the doctor. This costs the UK government more or less 15.8 million pounds every year.

The British government will be prohibiting transferring them by taxis starting February 2026 in an effort to reduce the government’s cost on the asylum seekers’ medical appointment transfers. 

Listen to the audio and read the transcript on asylum seekers’ systematic use of cabs for visiting their doctor’s appointments costing the UK Home Office millions of pounds per year.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/asylum-seekers-use-taxis-to-go-to-the-doctors-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “asylum seeker” mean? “Ministers hope that requiring asylum seekers to use public transport for routine medical needs will significantly reduce this expense.” Use the phrase in a sentence and give a synonym or similar expression.
  2. What does “to root out” mean? “Although the ban targets medical transport specifically, ministers intend to extend the principle of using taxis only in exceptional circumstances across all asylum accommodation transfers to root out waste.” Use the idiom in a sentence and give a synonym or similar expression.
  3. What does “expose” mean? “This policy change follows a BBC investigation that exposed systematic use of cabs, including extreme examples such as a 250-mile journey for a GP visit, costing the Home Office 600 pounds.” Use the word in a sentence and give a synonym or similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Share your opinion about banning asylum seekers to use taxis to go to their doctor appointments. Do you agree or disagree with it? Explain.
  2. Share your insight on this, “Transport costs for asylum seekers, which the government has confirmed averages 15.8 million pounds (more than 18 million euros) per year.”
  3. What is your opinion about requiring asylum seekers to use public transport for routine medical needs?
  4. Is there a similar problem in your country? Talk about it.
  5. What kind of help or assistance does your country offer to asylum seekers?

Economic Warning Signs Despite Record Holiday Shopping

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Despite record-breaking holiday shopping sales, new warning signs are emerging in the economy. Strong consumer spending may suggest confidence on the surface, but underlying issues such as rising debt, persistent inflation, and slowing job growth point to potential financial strain ahead. This contrast highlights growing concerns that robust retail activity may be masking deeper economic challenges.

Watch the video and be able to answer the questions below.


Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Explain “K-shaped economy.” “Experts say they’re seeing consumers going in two directions; what they’re calling a K-shaped economy.” Use the term in a sentence.
  2. What does the expression “take a hit” mean? “People are struggling with the economy so everyone has taken a hit.” Make one sentence using this idiom.
  3. What does the phrase “dig for deals” mean? “This holiday season, while some shoppers splurge, others are digging for deals.” Use the expression in a sentence.


Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think strong holiday shopping is a reliable sign of economic strength, or can it be misleading? Why?
  2. In your opinion, should governments be concerned about warning signs even when consumer spending remains high?
  3. How can record holiday shopping coexist with economic warning signs such as rising debt or slowing job growth?
  4. What economic indicators should be examined beyond consumer spending to better understand the true health of the economy?

Influencers Affecting Politics

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

The list of topics social media influencers are posting about is endless. Among them are lifestyle, fashion, sports, travel, gaming, and music. Some social media influencers are even engaging in topics of political nature. In some cases, some of them even decide to join politics eventually.

So, what really happens when influencers become politicians?

Listen to the audio and read the transcript on how influencers are affecting politics.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2025/ep-251127

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to shape the narrative” mean? “In Nigeria, influencers are shaping the narrative of elections.” Use the idiom in a sentence and give a synonym or similar expression.
  2. What does “pushback” mean? “What about in Nigeria? Is there a pushback against these influencers who got involved in promoting political parties?” Use the term in a sentence and give a synonym or similar expression.
  3. What does “to dig up information about someone” mean? “In fact, the public reaction was so bad, people started todig up information about influencers who promote politicians.”  Use the idiom in a sentence and give a synonym or similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Share your thoughts on how social media influencers becoming politicians.
  2. What is your opinion about politicians paying for the support of influencers?
  3. Do influencers also endorse politicians in your country? Is there a pushback against these influencers who got involved in promoting political parties?
  4. What is the importance of social media personalities’ job?
  5. Do you follow any social media influencers? Why do you follow them?

Smart Home Voice Control Changing Security Habits

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

The integration of voice control in smart home technologies has been reshaping the way homeowners manage their home security systems.

Tasks that used to require manual action or using a mobile application can now be done with a simple voice command.

Read the article about the fusion of voice assistants and home security systems.

https://www.articlecube.com/how-smart-home-voice-control-changing-everyday-security-habits

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “household safeguarding” mean? “This new relationship between voice control and household safeguarding is reshaping the everyday habits of households seeking a more secure, efficient experience.” Use the term in a sentence and give a synonym or similar expression.
  2. What does “arming system” mean? “This voice-activated communication is making individuals more disciplined about arming systems before going to sleep, checking the lock, and checking the alarms.” Use the term in a sentence and give a synonym or similar expression.
  3. What does “second nature” mean? “Asking a voice assistant to arm the system and pick up keys, making breakfast, and going out to work is second nature.”  Use the idiom in a sentence and give a synonym or similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the pros and cons of smart home voice control in home security?
  2. Share your thoughts and own experience with using voice assistants in your home security system.
  3. Share your insights on this, “This voice-activated communication is making individuals more disciplined about arming systems. The outcome will be a shift from reactive involvement to a more active, everyday security practice.”
  4. What do you think about this, “Voice control also helps one to be alert and informed, even where the user would have been distracted or fatigued.”?
  5. Share your thoughts on this, “Voice interaction is convenient and encourages users to engage more with their systems, resulting in improved security outcomes.”

Greece Is the Best Place to Retire 

B1 – Intermediate 

It has become very common for older people to live abroad in their golden years. They choose to spend their retirement years in another country.

Some factors they consider when choosing a place to retire in are climate, the cost of living, healthcare, and housing. 

International Living magazine released its Annual Global Retirement Index and named Greece as the best place to live in during a person’s sunset years.

Read the article about Greece as the best country to retire in the whole world.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2512/251204-retiring-in-greece.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “overseas” mean? “More and more people are choosing to spend their retirement overseas.” Use the word in a sentence and give 2 synonyms or similar expressions.
  2. What does “retiree” mean? “It is the first time Greece has been the number-one choice for retirees.” Use the word in a sentence and give 2 synonyms or similar expressions.
  3. What does “in every sense” mean? “Greece had what many people were looking for. The country was beautiful, welcoming, and affordable. It offered a lifestyle that feels rich in every sense.”  Use the phrase in a sentence and give a synonym or similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your opinion about Greece being the best place to retire?
  2. In general, what would make a place a very good place to retire in?
  3. Climate, the cost of living, healthcare, and housing are the most important things for older people who want to live in another country. Which one among these four factors do you think is the most important and why?
  4. In your opinion, where is the best place to retire and why?
  5. What do you think about retiring overseas?

AI Model Challenges OpenAI

B2 – Upper Intermediate

This AI can be utilised by students, professionals, and everyday users to enhance productivity, creativity, and problem-solving abilities. Its versatility makes it a powerful tool for both learning and daily tasks.

OLMo 3 is an advanced AI language model that helps people with tasks like answering questions, generating text, and learning new things. It is faster and smarter than previous versions, providing more accurate and helpful responses.

You can watch the video to learn more about this new technology.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the adjective  “open‑source” mean? “It is the new open‑source model that is designed to compete at the highest level.” Use it in a sentence. 
  2. What does the phrase “put every card on the table” mean? “By putting every card on the table, its creators are betting that thousands of developers building in public can out-innovate any single secretive lab.” Use it in a sentence. 
  3. What does the word “out-innovate” mean? “By putting every card on the table, its creators are betting that thousands of developers building in public can out-innovate any single secretive lab.” Use it in a sentence. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. Have you heard of OLMo3? What do you know about it?
  2. What are your thoughts on radical transparency in AI?
  3. Why is radical transparency in AI important?
  4. Compare closed AI models (like ChatGPT) and open-source models (like OLMo 3). Which approach do you prefer and why?
  5. OLMo 3 is called a “glass‑box AI” instead of a “black-box AI.” What do you think this means?

Magnitude 4 Earthquakes in Alava

B2 – Upper Intermediate

A magnitude 4 earthquake struck the province of Álava, giving residents a brief but noticeable jolt. Although relatively moderate in strength, the quake was strong enough to be felt across several nearby towns, prompting many people to pause and check their surroundings.

Local authorities quickly reported that there were no immediate signs of serious damage or injuries, but monitoring continues to ensure everyone’s safety. Events like this serve as a reminder of the region’s seismic activity and the importance of staying informed and prepared.

Read this article to learn more about the earthquakes in Alava.

https://russpain.com/en/news-3/earthquake-magnitude-4-alarms-alava-and-neighboring-regions-347604

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the phrase “a tense atmosphere reigns” mean? “For several minutes, a tense atmosphere reigned in the streets until it became clear the danger had passed.” Use it in a sentence. 
  2. What does the word “rattling” mean? “At 12:10 a.m. local time, residents of Iruña de Oca and nearby areas were awakened by vibrating walls and rattling windows.” Use it in a sentence. 
  3. What does the word “aftershock” mean? “Experts emphasize that the likelihood of aftershocks is extremely low.” Use it in a sentence. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. How would you feel if you were awakened in the middle of the night by shaking walls or rattling windows?
  2. Share your thoughts about the public and the authorities’ response to the earthquakes.
  3. Have you ever experienced an earthquake before? What did you do at that moment?
  4. A magnitude 4 earthquake is considered “moderate.” Why do you think it caused so much alarm in Álava?
  5. Do you think most people in Europe are prepared for earthquakes? Why or why not?
  6. How much do you know about what to do when an earthquake occurs?

First Gene Proven to Directly Cause Mental Illness

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Researchers recently discovered that a single gene GRIN2A can directly trigger mental illness, overturning decades of belief that psychiatric disorders always require many genes acting together. The study suggests that people with certain variants of this gene have a significantly higher risk of developing psychiatric symptoms.

Read the article to know why this breakthrough could change how mental illness is studied and treated worldwide.

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251202052230.htm?

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the word “uncover” mean? “Researchers uncover a rare gene variant that can directly spark mental illness—and may be treatable.” Use it in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “predictor” mean? “Having a close family member with a mental illness remains one of the strongest known predictors.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “polygenic” mean? “This distinguishes it from the polygenic causes of such disorders that have been assumed to date” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why is discovering a single gene that directly causes mental illness an important scientific breakthrough?
  2. How could this discovery change the diagnosis and treatment of mental health conditions?
  3. What ethical concerns might arise from identifying genes linked to mental illness?
  4. How might this finding affect society’s understanding and stigma around mental health?
  5. What further research is needed before this genetic discovery can be used in real-world medical care?

Weight-Loss Drug Liraglutide Slowed Alzheimer’s Decline

B2 – Upper Intermediate

New research shows that a drug commonly used for diabetes and weight loss can reduce brain shrinkage in Alzheimer’s patients by nearly 50%.

Read the article to know more about the significant potential for repurposing existing medications to slow neurodegeneration offering hope for millions affected by Alzheimer’s globally.

https://www.imperial.ac.uk/news/articles/2025/-weight-loss-drug-liraglutide-slowed-alzheimers-decline/?

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “brain shrinkage” mean? “A drug prescribed for diabetes and weight loss has been shown to reduce brain shrinkage in Alzheimer’s patients by almost 50%.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “agonist” mean? “The drug, called liraglutide, is one of the glucagon-like peptide receptor (GLP-1) agonists which also includes semaglutide – known as Wegovy or Ozempic – which are licensed for managing overweight and obesity and for type 2 diabetes.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “double-blind” mean? “The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial included 204 patients with mild Alzheimer’s disease seen at 24 clinics throughout the United Kingdom.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What surprised you most about the idea that a weight-loss drug could help slow Alzheimer’s disease?
  2. Do you think existing medicines should be tested more often for new health benefits? Why or why not?
  3. What concerns might people have about using weight-loss drugs for brain health?
  4. How could this discovery change the way doctors treat Alzheimer’s patients in the future?
  5. Would you personally feel comfortable taking a medication for a different purpose than it was originally made for? Why?

Apple, Google, Meta Face Casino App Lawsuits

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Apple, Google, and Meta are now facing renewed legal pressure after a federal judge ruled that lawsuits accusing their platforms of hosting casino-style gambling apps can move forward. The cases claim that these companies allowed apps that mimic real gambling to operate and profit from users, raising concerns about consumer protection and regulatory responsibility. This decision opens the door for a deeper examination of how major tech firms manage gaming content on their platforms.

Read this article to learn more.

https://www.freepressjournal.in/tech/apple-google-meta-must-face-casino-app-lawsuits-judge-rules

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “illegal racketeering conspiracy” mean? “The lawsuits allege that Apple’s App Store, Google’s Play Store, and Meta’s Facebook promoted what plaintiffs describe as an “authentic Vegas-style experience of slot machine gambling” through an illegal racketeering conspiracy.” Make a sentence with this.
  2. Define “the crux of plaintiffs’ theory“. “The judge wrote that “the crux of plaintiffs’ theory is that defendants improperly processed payments for social casino apps.”” Use this in a sentence.
  3. What is the meaning of “plaintiff“? “Dozens of plaintiff claim the companies collected 30 percent commissions—estimated at more than $2 billion—on transactions processed through these casino-style apps” Make a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think tech companies should be responsible for the content on their platforms? Why or why not?
  2. Could stricter regulation of social casino apps create opportunities for innovation in ethical gaming, or would it stifle growth?
  3. How can tech companies implement responsible gaming practices without compromising user engagement or revenue?
  4. How do the lawsuits against Apple, Google, and Meta challenge existing regulations on digital platforms and consumer protection?
  5. In your opinion, are social casino apps morally wrong, or is it the user’s responsibility to manage their own behavior?