Category: Class

Space Elevator

B1 – Intermediate

A space elevator is an idea for a structure designed to transport material from Earth into space. This concept involves a tall tower reaching from the surface into space, with a counterweight at the top and a cable extending down to the surface.

The idea of a space elevator has captured the imagination of scientists and engineers for decades, offering a potential solution for more cost-effective and efficient access to space.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about space elevators.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/space-elevator-level-2/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “lift off” mean? “They need a lot of fuel to lift off. It costs millions of dollars to get to the Moon or Mars.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use the phrase verb ‘lift off’ in your own sentence.
  2. What does “orbit” mean? “This material is stronger than any other material, but even if it was possible to build the elevator, small objects which orbit the Earth would probably damage it.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use the verb ‘orbit’ in your own sentence.
  3. Explain what a “nanotube” is. “Experts came up with the idea of using carbon nanotubes.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the advantages and disadvantages of a space elevator?
  2. Why is building a space elevator difficult?
  3. How might a space elevator change the dynamics of space exploration and commercialization? Explain.
  4. How could a space elevator change the way we think about space travel and human presence in space? Elaborate.

Canarians Protest against Mass Tourism

B1 – Intermediate

Recently, the Canary Islands have seen a surge in protests against tourism, with locals expressing concerns about its impact on their way of life. The protests have highlighted issues such as overcrowding, rising costs of living, and environmental degradation, prompting calls for more sustainable tourism practices.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about Canarians’ protest against mass tourism.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/canarians-protest-against-tourism-level-3/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “overwhelm” mean, “Protesters claim it’s overwhelming the islands.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use the verb ‘overwhelm’ in your own sentence.
  2. What does “altogether” mean, “Despite this, they emphasize they’re not against tourism altogether, which is a significant part of the islands’ economy.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use the adverb ‘altogether’ in your own sentence.
  3. What does “complex” mean in this context, “They’re frustrated that politicians prioritize building tourist complexes over residents’ needs.“? Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use the noun ‘complex’ in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the main problems that Canarians are protesting about?
  2. What is your opinion on this, “Tourism is damaging the locals’ lands and lives in the Canary Islands.“
  3. Do you think that politicians prioritize building hotels and not what the locals need? Share your opinion.
  4. How can there be a balance between the economic benefits and the negative impacts of tourism?
  5. What should tourists do when visiting a place so that they do not negatively impact local communities and the environment there?

More Help for Ukraine

B1 – Intermediate

The US is providing additional help to Ukraine, showing its support for the country’s defense and democracy. This aid includes military support, like weapons and training, to help Ukraine defend itself against Russian aggression. The US also gives economic and humanitarian aid to support Ukraine’s stability and growth.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about US’ increased help for Ukraine.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/more-us-help-for-ukraine-level-3/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “aid package” mean, “After a long delay, the US Congress finally passed a significant foreign aid package.“? Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘aid package’ in your own sentence.
  2. What does “bill” mean in this context, “The Senate and House of Representatives approved four bills, combining them into one comprehensive package.“? Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘bill’ in your own sentence.
  3. What does “counter” mean in this context, “Additionally, the package includes funds to counter China’s influence in the Indo-Pacific.“? Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘counter’ in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How can this foreign aid package help Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan?
  2. What are some potential problems with US’ involvement in issues in this region?
  3. What could be some long-term implications of increased US assistance for Ukraine, both for the region and for global security?
  4. How can the US work with its allies to make sure that increased assistance for Ukraine is effective?

Harnessing the Power of AI to Detect and Treat Prostate Cancer

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing cancer care by augmenting diagnostic accuracy, personalized treatment planning, and predictive analytics. Machine learning algorithms trained on vast datasets can analyze medical images, genomic profiles, and patient records to identify subtle patterns indicative of cancer, enabling earlier detection and intervention.

Read the article to know more about how AI-powered decision support systems assist oncologists in devising tailored treatment regimens based on individual patient characteristics and disease dynamics, leading to improved survival rates and quality of life for cancer patients.

https://www.healio.com/news/hematology-oncology/20240208/researchers-aim-to-harness-the-power-of-ai-to-detect-treat-prostate-cancer

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to run in the background” mean? “The lab processed the slides and, as the slides were scanned, the computer algorithm was running in the background, confirming the diagnosis of cancer and quantitating it.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “training wheels” mean here, “This could help a pathologist who doesn’t read many prostate biopsies, or serve as “training wheels” for new pathologists.”? Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “stratify” mean? “After digital pathology and AI, the next step is predictive methods to triage and stratify patients” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How do researchers plan to use artificial intelligence (AI) in detecting and treating prostate cancer?
  2. What are the potential benefits and downsides of using AI for the detection and treatment of prostate cancer?
  3. How might harnessing the power of AI impact the diagnosis and management of prostate cancer in the future?
  4. Share your opinion on this, “AI is not meant to replace a pathologist because, at the end of the day, a pathologist is responsible for the diagnosis.“

Telehealth Transforming Healthcare Delivery

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Telemedicine has emerged as a transformative force in delivering mental health services, particularly in underserved communities and rural areas. With the proliferation of digital platforms and secure communication technologies, individuals can now access therapy sessions, psychiatric consultations, and support groups from the comfort of their homes.

Read the article to know why this not only reduces barriers to care, such as transportation and stigma, but also enhances the overall accessibility and convenience of mental health services, ultimately improving patient outcomes and well-being.

The Rise of Telehealth: Transforming Healthcare Delivery in 2024

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to pave the way for someone/something” mean? “Technological advancements in telehealth are paving the way for a healthcare delivery model that surpasses barriers and provides personalized care.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What is the meaning of the idiom “to gain traction”? “The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in healthcare diagnostics and treatment is gaining traction.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “underserved” mean? “Patients living in underserved areas can now easily connect with specialists without having to travel.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is telemedicine and how is it transforming healthcare delivery?
  2. What might be some benefits and drawbacks of telemedicine?
  3. How does telemedicine make it easier for people to receive healthcare services?
  4. Share your insights about some key trends in telehealth:
    • Remote Monitoring and Wearable Technology
    • Artificial Intelligence (AI) in healthcare diagnostics and treatment
    • Mental health support apps

Hope for Cystic Fibrosis Patients

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Recent clinical trials have shown promising results with gene-editing techniques demonstrating the ability to address the underlying genetic mutations responsible for CF. While further research is needed, these developments signal a potential paradigm shift in the treatment of this debilitating condition, offering the prospect of personalized therapies tailored to individual patients.

Read the article to know more about these breakthroughs in gene therapy and how they brought new hope to individuals living with cystic fibrosis (CF), a genetic disorder affecting the lungs and digestive system.

https://www.news-medical.net/news/20230626/New-hope-for-cystic-fibrosis-patients-as-groundbreaking-treatment-enters-clinical-trial.aspx

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Explain what “molecular prosthetic” is. “”With this method, people with CF could directly deliver this molecular prosthetic to their lungs where they need it most, hopefully increasing its efficacy and safety” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “spin-out” mean here, “Pioneered by scientists at Carle Illinois College of Medicine at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the Carver College of Medicine at the University of Iowa in partnership with the spin-out biotechnology company, cystetic Medicines, this promising inhalable molecular prosthetic is intended to improve lung function in people with CF who cannot benefit from current therapies.”? Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “at the root” mean? “We’re hopeful that for those who have held their breath for far too long, this could be a first opportunity to regain ion-channel-like function in the airway and thereby address CF at its roots.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is gene therapy, and how does it offer hope for cystic fibrosis patients?
  2. What recent advancements have been made in gene therapy for cystic fibrosis?
  3. How might gene therapy change the way cystic fibrosis is treated in the future?
  4. What could this treatment mean for individuals living with cystic fibrosis and their families?

MIND Diet for Brain Health

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The study highlights the potential benefits of the Mediterranean diet in promoting both longevity and cognitive health.

According to research, they found that individuals adhering closely to the Mediterranean diet experienced lower rates of cognitive decline and a reduced risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.

Read the article to see the growing body of evidence supporting the role of dietary patterns in maintaining brain health as we age.

https://edition.cnn.com/2023/07/18/health/mind-diet-study-results-wellness/index.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “rub” mean in this context, “But here’s the rub — the brains of the control group who were not eating the MIND diet also improved to a similar degree.”? Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “a battery of something” mean in this context, “A battery of cognitive testing was done when the study started and repeated at set intervals, while regular blood tests measured biomarkers, such as beta carotene, which indicated how well each person was following the MIND diet.”? Use it in a sentence.
  3. Define “biomarker“. “A battery of cognitive testing was done when the study started and repeated at set intervals, while regular blood tests measured biomarkers, such as beta carotene, which indicated how well each person was following the MIND diet.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What specific findings were highlighted in the recent study regarding the Mediterranean diet’s impact on longevity?
  2. How did researchers measure brain health in participants of the study?
  3. What are some potential benefits of the Mediterranean diet for the brain, according to the study?
  4. What advice might be given to people interested in trying the Mediterranean diet based on these findings?

Environmental E-waste Catastrophe

B1 –  Intermediate 

The technological revolution also means people need more devices that are needed in using technology. More and more gadgets like computers, laptops, mobile phones, and tablets are manufactured and then, thrown away. Therefore, producing tons of electronic wastes or e-wastes.

The amount of e-waste we produce has become bigger and bigger. The United Nations (UN) warns about its impact on the environment.

Read the article about electronic wastes and the catastrophe we might face if we don’t try to reduce them.

Be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2403/240325-electronic-waste-catastrophe-4.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “e-waste” mean? “The UN reported that in 2022, we created 62 million tons of e-waste.” Use this word in a sentence.
  2. What does the phrase “at a record level” mean? “The UN issued a warning about the amount of electronics we are throwing away. It is at record levels.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘at a record level’ in your own sentence.
  3. Define “food chain”. “Worryingly, 58 tons of mercury entered the environment and food chain last year.” Use this phrase in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What effects does e-waste have on the environment?
  2. What is your reaction to this news about our huge amount of e-waste?
  3. Should electronic devices manufacturers be responsible for the disposal of their products? Explain your opinion.
  4. How can we reduce our e-waste? How do you reduce your e-waste?
  5. Share your opinion on this, “A lot of e-waste is sent to poor countries for recycling.”.

Tire Companies Love Electric Vehicles (EVs)

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The tire business is characterized by slow change and growth and low margins. Fortunately, electric vehicles (EVs) might be a gamechanger for the tire industry in the future.

Tire companies are looking forward to earning 50% more. They are also expecting more EV users to change their tires 20% more often.

Watch the entire video below about why tire companies love EVs.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Define the phrase “regenerative braking”. “EVs, however, deliver about two thirds of their energy to the wheels, more if there are energy recovery technologies like regenerative braking.”? Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does the term “differentiated product” mean in the sentence “One of the main ways that tire companies compete with each other is by creating a differentiated product.”? Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does the phrase “compound annual rate” mean? “Analytics form AlixPartners says the total market for EV tires is expected to grow at a 33% compound annual rate through 2031.”? Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is the video all about?
  2. How do tire manufacturers view tires as commodities in the market?
  3. From a business perspective, should tire companies consider deliberately reducing the lifespan of tires to increase profitability?
  4. How do electric vehicles (EVs) impact the tire industry?
  5. As tire companies benefit from electric vehicles, which other industries do you think might be affected by this trend?

Rising Auto Insurance Premiums Fueling Inflation

B1 –  Intermediate 

The increase in car insurance costs are making the impact of inflation even worse for many people.

Read the article about how the increasing car insurance premiums fuels inflation. Be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2404/240415-auto-insurance-4.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “wreck” mean, “If you [wreck] your car, the replacement cost is really high.“? Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘wreck’ in your own sentence.
  2. What does “burden” mean, “Insurance is a huge burden for people struggling to survive in the cost of living crisis.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘burden’ in your own sentence.
  3. What does ”fender bender” mean, “Even a simple fender bender could damage sensors and cameras.”? Use this expression in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your reaction to this news?
  2. Is the same thing happening in your country? Talk about the situation.
  3. Explain why the biggest factor for costlier insurance was the number of new cars.
  4. Share your thoughts on this, “Rising prices are affecting the lowest paid most.”.
  5. Do you agree with this statement, “Insurance is a huge burden for people struggling to survive in the cost of living crisis.”? Explain your point.