Category: Class

The ‘Benjamin Button’ Effect

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Aging is inevitable and everyone goes through it. Not everybody enjoys the aging process and some even hope they don’t age a day. Recently, in molecular biologist David Sinclair’s lab at Harvard Medical School, old mice are growing young again. Scientists have the goal of doing the same for humans.

Read this article to know more about the ‘Benjamin Button’ effect.

https://edition.cnn.com/2022/06/02/health/reverse-aging-life-itself-scn-wellness/index.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “caveat” mean, “With that caveat, Sinclair is willing to share his tips: He keeps his starches and sugars to a minimum and gave up desserts at age 40 (although he does admit to stealing a taste on occasion).“? Use this word in a sentence.
  2. What does “ravage” mean, “It’s a permanent reset, as far as we can tell, and we think it may be a universal process that could be applied across the body to reset our age,” said Sinclair, who has spent the last 20 years studying ways to reverse the ravages of time.“? Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “expunge” mean, “A study published in 2016 by researchers at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies in La Jolla, California, showed signs of aging could be expunged in genetically aged mice, exposed for a short time to four main Yamanaka factors, without erasing the cells’ identity.“? Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your reaction to this research? Do you support this kind of research? Why or why not?
  2. Do you think it’s possible to reverse the aging of humans without any complications? Share your thoughts.
  3. In your opinion, what do you think are the pros and cons of reverse aging?
  4. Would you like to be young again? Why or why not?

The Mandela Effect And False Memories

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Have you ever noticed that you may distort some facts when talking about the same past event on different occasions?

Read the article and analyze how memories can be distorted or manipulated.

https://listcaboodle.com/the-mandela-effect-and-false-memories/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is the meaning of the word “lapse“? Use it in a sentence.
  2. What is the meaning of the phrase “creep into“? Use it in a sentence.
  3. What is the meaning of the word “insinuate“? Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you have a good memory? What vivid events from your childhood do you remember best?
  2. What is your stand on the Mandela Effect? Give your own example/s of Mandela Effect.
  3. What might be some events that people tend to exaggerate when retelling them. Why do you think they do that?
  4. Can a person train their long-term memory? Will it prevent them from stirring false memories? Explain your thoughts.

Post-Traumatic Growth

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Whether you’re in the midst of or instantaneously after a traumatic ordeal, it might feel impossible to recognize hidden significance in it. However, as humans, we have an innate flexibility to cope.
Everyone handles trauma in their own distinct way and it is often a lengthy road to recovery. Some individuals display that profound psychological transition after a major life event or catastrophic experiences. The adversity can unintentionally result in positive changes in awareness of oneself, others, and the world. You may recognize some meaningful outcome as you gain momentum through your healing process. This is referred to as post-traumatic growth.

To learn more, please follow the link.

https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20220311-the-complicated-truth-of-post-traumatic-growth

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the expression “isn’t all sunshine and rainbows” mean? “I know it’s ugly having to see someone you cared about betray you like that, but life isn’t all sunshine and rainbows.” Use it in your own sentence.
  2. What does “putting the pieces together” mean? Use this phrase in your own sentence.
  3. What does the word “aphorism” mean? Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What factors contribute to post-traumatic growth?
  2. How can post-traumatic development result in positive changes?
  3. Can everyone experience post-traumatic growth?
  4. Who is most likely to experience post-traumatic growth?
  5. Is post-traumatic growth a form of resilience? Explain.

Universal Basic Mobility Could End Youth Disconnection

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Transport mobility lets individuals carry out fundamental duties beyond the home environment. Mobility allows people to access school, work, and business establishments. With that said, it helps them to stay connected.

In Bakersfield, California, youth disconnection is a social problem. That is why the city selects 100 young residents to participate in a mobility study. The program aims to empower young people and combat youth disconnection.

Use the link below to read the entire article and learn more about the study.

https://www.optimistdaily.com/2021/11/could-universal-basic-mobility-end-youth-disconnection/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is the meaning of “marginalized workers”? Use it in a sentence.
  2. In the sentence “It could help address the US’ hiring crunch which has left many entry-level and service positions vacant.”, what does hiring crunch mean?
  3. What does “no-strings-attached” mean? Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Is youth disconnection a problem in your country? Explain in detail.
  2. What do you think is the relationship between mobility and youth disconnection?
  3. The article discusses the basic mobility program in Bakersfield, California. In your opinion, how effective is this?
  4. Are there any other strategies that might address youth disconnection? What are those?

Paris is Quieting Its Noise Pollution

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Noise pollution in cities affects individuals more than we realize. Paris, in particular, is making significant efforts to address this issue.

Read the full article using the link below.

https://www.optimistdaily.com/2022/04/how-paris-is-quieting-its-noise-pollution/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is the meaning of “cacophony”? Use it in a sentence.
  2. The phrase “layers and layers” is used in the statement below. In your own words, describe what it means.

Those of us that live in a city love it for the layers and layers of life, light, and vibrancy that come from a busy and populous environment.

3. What does “to pay a price” mean here, “While it is an exciting and bustling place to live, we can also pay a price living in a city when, say, we’re just trying to go to sleep.” Use this idiom in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How has noise pollution impacted the life of Parisians?
  2. Consider the innovative measures that Paris implemented from 2015-2020. Were they efficient in halting noise pollution?
  3. Paris’ second phase of the noise reduction plan in 2023 includes imposing a fine of 135 euros on drivers who drive noisy vehicles. What is your opinion about this policy?
  4. Do you live in a noisy community? How do you deal with it?

Fair Scheduling Boost Sales and Employee Well-being

B2 – Upper Intermediate

In many cases, employees who work in retail establishments have to deal with unpredictable work schedules. Studies show that such scheduling affects both workers and companies negatively.

Discover how fair scheduling practices improve employee well-being and retail sales.

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

https://www.optimistdaily.com/2022/06/fair-scheduling-practices-boost-retail-sales-and-employee-well-being/

Vocabulary Questions:

1. How do you understand the phrase “to make ends meet”? Use it in a sentence.

This intense variation in work time can often lead to retail employees not making ends meet. 

2. What does the phrase “ebb and flow” mean in the sentence below?

Sophisticated algorithms designed by operations management researchers are used to schedule workers to match the ebb and flow of customer traffic.  

3. Define “clopening“. What comes to your mind when you hear this word?

Discussion Questions:

1. Do you know anyone who works in a retail store? What kind of timetable does this shop follow?

2. Consider the reasons for unpredictable work schedules in many retail establishments. Do you see it happening in your country?

3. According to the article, 19 Gap stores in Chicago and San Francisco increased sales after adopting responsible scheduling practices. What are your thoughts on this?

4. Talk about your work schedule. Are you satisfied? If not, what would you like to change?

Deep Work

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Jumping from one activity to another usually hinders our ability to pay attention. According to research, the attention span of an average human is just 8.25 seconds. It is too short. For employees, such a phenomenon might result in stress and even burnout. How can individuals be fully present and immersed in any task they are doing?

Read the article about deep work to find out.

https://www.optimistdaily.com/2022/07/the-benefits-of-deep-work-and-how-you-can-practice-it/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “frazzled” mean, “If you can relate to these frazzled feelings and want to learn how to avoid them while still getting tasks done, perhaps deep work is for you.”? Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does the phrase “in the zone” mean, “Sometimes, people who practice deep work refer to it as being “in the zone” or a “flow state.”? Use it in your own sentence.
  3. What does “lose yourself” mean here, “You can “lose yourself” in any activity you do.”? Use this phrase in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. The article suggests that monotasking is better than multitasking. Do you agree or disagree? Why or why not?
  2. Tell about a time when you were in a flow state? Describe the experience by giving details.
  3. Aside from the five suggestions in the article, how else can we practice deep work? Explain your ideas.

Stem Cell Donation

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Stem cells are used in treating certain conditions. They help tissues regenerate to treat skin damage and blood diseases like leukemia. 

It is crucial that we raise awareness about stem cell donation to make it less intimidating and for every information about it more accessible to everyone and so many will be enticed to register to be donors and help save lives.

Read the article about one man’s experience donating his stem cells and be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/through-my-eyes-stem-cell-donation#Screening-and-preparation

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the expression “a walk in the park” mean? Use this expression in your own sentence.
  2. What does it mean “to do someone or something a disservice”? Use this expression in your own sentence.
  3. What does “uncharted territory” mean? Use this phrase in your own sentence. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are some of stem cells uses?
  2. How would you feel about donating your stem cells? 
  3. What are some effects of G-CSF injections?

Congo Beer Factory

B1 – Intermediate

Beni is a city in Democratic Republic of the Congo. This city has endured two Ebola outbreaks and armed conflicts, but these did not stop a beer plant there from operating. 

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about a brewery in Congo and some problems it is dealing with.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/congo-beer-factory-level-3/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “impoverished” mean? It is an impoverished province that has been grappling with major fights by the M23 Rebel group. Give 2 synonyms. Use ‘impoverished’ in your own sentence. 
  2. What does the expression “to grapple with something” mean? “It is an impoverished province that has been grappling with major fights by the M23 Rebel group.” Use this expression in your own sentence.
  3. What does it mean when someone/something is your “only hope”? “Many people joined the factory, and it has become their only hope to make money.” Use this phrase in your own sentence. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are some problems running a business in Beni?
  2. Is it a good idea for the beer factory to continue? Why or why not?
  3. Share your thoughts on this, ” 73% of the people live on less than 1.9 dollars a day.“.
  4. What do you think are some common problems of companies in your industry? How are they being solved?
  5. Is it possible to end poverty? Share your opinion.

Flashy New Job Titles

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The world of work has been changing a lot over the years. One of the new changes is the invention of ambiguous job titles such as ‘chief visionary officer’, ‘Wizard of Light Bulb Moments’, or ‘Problem Wrangler’. The trend is taking off because employers want to make the job titles sound beefier.

However, employees or job seekers need to be cautious because even though these fancy-sounding job titles may seem enticing, they don’t come with no downsides.

Read the article about what the problem with inventing flashy new job titles is. Be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20230104-inventing-new-job-titles

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the expression “to put someone/something on the back foot” mean? “It can also put candidates on the back foot if hiring managers do reach them.” Use this idiom in your own sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does the word “succinct” mean? “They’re succinct and clear, communicating essential employee details such as job function and seniority.” Use this word in your own sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “entrenched” mean? “However, although job titles may be fairly entrenched in industries like law and finance, they are evolving in many other industries, especially creative ones.” Use it in your own sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Have you ever come across beefy job titles? Cite some examples. 
  2. Do you think this new trend makes humdrum jobs seem more appealing? Share your thoughts. 
  3. What might be reasons arbitrary job titles are being invented? What are its dangers?
  4. Do you prefer a succinct and clear or an ambiguous and bespoke job title? Explain your choice.
  5. Invent a flashy new job title for your current job.