Category: Class

Social Media and Screen Time Limits for Minors in China

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

China is considering limiting the amount of time young people spend online and on social media sites.

On the other side are those who believe that the only way to deal with today’s internet addiction of the youths is to lessen their burdens that impact the quality of their lives offline.

Read the article and also watch the video about limits on internet access for young people in China.

https://www.voanews.com/a/chinese-officials-look-to-limit-social-media-and-screen-time-in-china-/8010657.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “circumvent” mean? “However, all of these regulations can be circumvented through using or creating accounts belonging to adults, who are not subject to the restrictions.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “phone check-in” mean? “Schools should assign less homework that requires phone check-ins and online research.” Use the term in a sentence. 
  3. What does “a rare space for something” mean? “Amid the busy academic and personal lives of young Chinese, the internet provides them with a rare space for privacy, which Wang said is fueling high levels of internet use.” Use the idiom in a sentence. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on these regulations? 
  2. Do you think it is necessary to implement these limits in your own country too? How would the youths in your country react to internet access limits? 
  3. Do you think young people in your country use internet excessively? Why do you think this is? If so, what can be done to help them be less dependent on the internet or social media?
  4. Share your thoughts on this: Amid the busy academic and personal lives of young Chinese, the internet provides them with a rare space for privacy, which is fueling high levels of internet use.
  5. What is opinion on this: The real way forward is to lessen burdens impacting the quality of minors’ lives offline such as intense academic pressure.? 

What Makes a Good Citizen?

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

Most of us hope for the best for our cities or countries, but often times, it feels so difficult to know what we can do to help spark changes in our own communities. Many people feel disconnected from politics and politicians. 

Perhaps it is worth understanding what it really takes to be an upstanding citizen in order for us to know our roles and duties. This way, we might be able to start the changes that we long for.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about what it means to be a good citizen.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2025/ep-251009

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “erosion in the trust” mean? “We have seen a quick erosion in the trust of the population in the democratic institutions, such as the National Parliament, such as the government in office.” Use the idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym or similar expression.
  2. What does “to hold someone accountable” mean? “MyPolis mirrors the political activities that children will need as adult citizens – things like voting and holding politicians accountable.” Use the phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym or similar expression.
  3. What does “the thing that strikes someone” mean? “It’s good to know that this is happening in other places, but the thing that also really strikes me here is that politicians are actually listening to these kids and taking them seriously, giving them answers, because politicians, as we know, can be hard to pin down.” Use the idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym or similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. In your own opinion, what makes a good citizen?  How do you try to be one?
  2. What do you think will happen if the gap between democratic institutions and young people continues to grow?
  3. Share your thoughts on this: Being a good citizen goes beyond following the rules and paying taxes. It is to improve the place where you live. 
  4. What do you think about Portugal’s MyPolis? Do you think other countries should follow suit, including yours?
  5. In your country, what projects does the government have to help young people re-engage with their citizenship? 

Heineken Sells Less Beer 

B1 – Intermediate 

Heineken, is one of the biggest brewing companies in the world. Due to the continuing lower demands for beers in Latin America and Europe, the brewer foresees a significant decrease in their sales for 2025.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about lower sales of Heineken beers.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/heineken-sells-less-beer-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Explain “market share gain”. “Despite facing challenges such as lower beer consumption, competition from alcohol alternatives, and growing health awareness, Heineken reported market share gains in Brazil, Mexico, and Vietnam.” Use the term in a sentence. 
  2. What does “revenue” mean? “The company’s revenue fell 0.3% in the third quarter, but that was still above expectations.” Give a synonym and use ‘revenue’ in a sentence.  
  3. What does “to struggle with something” mean? “Overall, the results show that while Heineken continues to struggle with slow sales, investors remain cautiously optimistic about future recovery.” Use the phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym or similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the reasons Heineken’s sales is decreasing?
  2. How can Heineken recover from this?
  3. Do you think Heineken’s situation will improve once economic conditions stabilize? Share your insights.
  4. Why do you think there is lower demand for beer in Latin America and Europe?
  5. How popular is beer in your country and why is this?

There Is and There Are

Affirmative Form

There is is used to express that something exists or that it is in a place.

Examples: 

There is a couch in the living room.

There is a restaurant at the end of the street.

There is is used for singular nouns. 

Example: There is a library in my village.

There are is used for plural nouns.

Example: There are two cats in their house.

When spoken, There is can be expressed as There’s. However, There are doesn’t have a contracted form.

Examples:

There is a library in my village. > There’s a library in my village.

There are two cats in their house. > There’re two cats in their house.

Negative Form

The negative form of There is is There is not or There isn’t or There’s not.

Example: There isn’t a supermarket near my house.

For There are, the negative form is There are not or There aren’t.

Example: There aren’t animals at the zoo.

There isn’t a is used with a singular noun.

Examples: There isn’t a hotel near here.

There isn’t any is used with an uncountable noun.

Example:

There isn’t any sugar.

There aren’t any is used with a plural noun.

Example:

There aren’t any books in her room.

To show that the negative is important, there is no and an uncountable noun are combined.

Example: There’s no sugar.

For plural form, there are no and a plural noun are combined.

Example:

There are no books in her room.

It is possible to use there is no + singular noun, but it’s not as common.

Example: There is no sense doing that.

Question Form

To form a question, Is there is used for singular nouns and uncountable nouns.

Examples:

Is there a hotel near your house?

Is there any sugar in the kitchen?

Are there is used for plural nouns. 

Example: Are there any books in her room?

Answering Is there or Are there Questions

The response to Is there question is Yes, there is. or No, there isn’t.

Example:

Question: Is there a hotel near your house? 

Answer: Yes, there is. / No, there isn’t.

Incorrect: Yes, there’s. / No, there is no.

The response to Are there question is Yes, there are. or No, there aren’t.

Example:

Question: Are there any books in her room? 

Answer: Yes, there are. / No, there aren’t.

Summary of the Forms of There is and There are


SingularPlural
AffirmativeThere is There’sThere are
NegativeThere is not There isn’t There’s notThere are not There aren’t
Negative + a/anyThere isn’t a + countable noun There isn’t any + uncountable nounThere aren’t any
Negative + noThere is noThere are no
QuestionIs there + singular nounAre there + plural noun

There is and There are in Other Verb Tenses

There is and There are can also be used in many other verb tenses.

Examples:

Past simple (singular)There was an earthquake last week.
Past simple (plural)There were many people at the restaurant.
Future simpleThere will be a lot of cars on the road tomorrow because it’s a long weekend.

Delexical Verbs: Have, Take, Make, Give, Go, and Do

Some of the most common verbs have and take are used with nouns like a shower, a drink.

haveI need to have a coffee first. We had a drink last weekend.
takeI take a shower every morning. She took a shower after running this morning.

These actions are called delexical verbs because the important part of the meaning is in the noun and not the verb.

An adjective is often placed in front of the noun.

Examples:

She took a hot shower after running.

She had an ice, cold drink.

The most frequently used delexical verbs are: have, take, make, and give.

Have

Have is used with: food and drink, talking, washing, resting, and disagreeing.

food and drinkmeal
breakfast
lunch
dinner
snack
tea		They had a delicious meal after the concert.

I’m full. I just had breakfast.

Did you have lunch yet?

I want to have dinner at that new restaurant.

Have some snacks before you go.

The visitors had tea instead of coffee.
talkingchat
conversation discussion 
talk		John and I had a nice chat.

You need to have a conversation with your parents.

The manager and the team had a long discussion about the new project.

I need to have a talk with you soon.
washingbath
shower
wash
scrub		She likes to have a bath after a long day at work.

You should have a shower after doing exercise.

She didn’t have time to have a wash because she woke up late.

Your feet need to have a thorough scrub.
restingbreak
holiday
rest		Have a break after you finish doing your homework.

I need to have a holiday. I’m so tired.

You need to have a rest when you are sick.
disagreeingargument
dispute
fight
quarrel		Evan had an argument with his brother.

There has been a dispute between the two countries for a long time.

My husband and I had a small fight last night.

Siblings always have a quarrel.

Have is also used with nouns formed from verbs.

Examples:

You should have a look at your new house.
They had a bite of the cheese.
We’re going to have a drink after work.
She had a listen to the new episode of the podcast.
The children had a swim on the beach last weekend.

Take

Take is used with: washing and resting.

washingbath 
shower
wash		She likes to take a bath after a long day at work.

You must take a shower after working out.

She didn’t have time to take a wash because she woke up late.
restingbreak
holiday
rest		Take a break after you finish doing your homework.

I need to take a holiday. I’m so tired.

You need to take a rest when you are sick.

Take is also used with these words:

careI take care with the words I say to other people.
care ofShe takes care of her young children.
a turnThe movie took a surprising turn.
turnsIt was a very long drive so we took turns in driving.
troubleIt takes a lot of trouble to get to downtown because of traffic.
the troubleShe took the trouble to find out where he lives.
a chanceYou need to take a chance on him.
a riskWhen investing, you always have to take a risk.
a decisionThey took a decision to move to the UK for better opportunities.
a photographI took a photograph of my grandmother with my camera.

Take can also be used with nouns formed from verbs.

Examples:

They think we should take a look at the proposal before making a decision.
My grandparents take a walk at the park every day.
Are you going to take a swim in the sea?

Give

Give is used with: noises, facial expressions, hitting, affectionate actions, and talking.

noisescry
laugh
scream
shout
whistle		If you have a big problem, just give it a good cry.

The audience gave the comedian a loud laugh.

She gave a scream of delight when she saw her friend’s present.

Let’s give a shout out to all the parents here.

I don’t think he saw you. Give him a whistle.
facial expressionssmile
grin
look
glance		The baby gave a happy smile.

My son gave me a big grin when I told him we were going to Disneyland.

They liked the house so they are going to give it a another look.

She gave all of her fans one last glance.
hittingkick
punch
slap
push
knock
blow		She gave him a kick on the leg.

She gave him a punch on the face.

He deserves to be given a slap.

My car won’t start. We need to give it a little push.

When you are ready, just give us a knock.

His rejection gave a blow to her confidence.
affectionate actionshug
kiss
stroke		Give me a hug.

She gave him a kiss.

He gives his dog a stroke on the head.
talkingAdvice
Answer
Information
Interview
Lecture
News
Report
Speech
Talk
Warning		My mother gave me an advice about my problem at work.

They gave a correct answer.

The assistant gave me all the information I need.

Did the mayor give an interview to the press?

The professor gives lectures at the university.

They gave me the good news.

The police gave their report about the incident to their chief.

She gave a speech about climate change.

His parents gave him the talk about internet safety.

Were the residents given a warning about the power blackout?

Make

Make is used with: talking and sounds and plans.

talking and soundsComment
Inquiry
Noise
Point
Promise
Sound
Speech
Suggestion		She made a comment about his looks and he felt offended.

The company is making an inquiry about the incident.

Stop making so much noise.

I think they are just trying to make a point.

Do not make promises you can’t keep.

The washing machine is making this weird sound.

Have you made your speech for the rally tomorrow?

If we want to see changes, we need to make some suggestions.
plansArrangements
Choice
Decision
Plan
Plans
Appointment
Date		I’m going to make arrangements for the event.

You made your choice when you left your job.

They need to make a decision ASAP.

The team needs to make a good plan.

I’m making plans with my parents for summer.

She needs to make an appointment with her dentist.

You need to make a date for your wedding.

Go

Go is used as a delexical verb.

Examples:

Shall we go shopping in Paris?

My cousins and I went swimming.

They are going dancing tonight.

When talking about common activities, go is used with -ing verbs.

Examples:

They often go walking in the morning.

They go running together on the weekends.

My sister is not here. She has gone shopping.

Go for a is used with verbs related to moving such as jog, ride, swim, run, stroll, walk.

Examples:

She went for a quick job.

They went for a ride on on their motorbikes.

All I did on my vacation was go for a swim.

Do you want to go for a run later?

They went for a stroll downtown.

Do

Do is used with –ing nouns related to houseworks.

Examples:

It’s my turn to do the laundry.
The children did the washing up and I did the drying.

Do is also used with other nouns related to work.

Examples:

My parents are going to be late. They have a lot of work to do.

We need to do a few jobs around the family’s farm.

Do with nouns is used for obvious actions.

Examples:

You’ll have to do my hair before you go out for your date. 

Have you done your makeup?

It’s Time

It’s time is an expression that can be used in many ways. The meaning is affected depending on the different grammar structures used with it. 

It’s time to + infinitive

This states that the right moment to do something has come.

Structure: It’s time + to + verb (base form)

Examples: 

It’s time to close the shop.

It’s time to think about the consequences of your actions.

It’s time to let go of the past in order to move forward.

It’s time for + noun phrase

This structure is used when the object that is due is a noun instead of an action.

Structure: It’s time + for + noun

Examples: 

The kids have been playing for hours. It’s time for some snacks.

I’m sleepy. It’s time for bed.

It’s time for my favorite TV show.

 

This pattern can also be used to express who needs to do the action.

Structure: It’s time + for + person/group + to + verb (base form)

Examples: 

It’s time for them to step up their game.

It’s time for me to start planning my birthday party. 

It’s time for the government to address the issue of corruption in the country.

It’s time + subject + past tense

A past tense verb is used in this pattern. It refers to an action that is supposed to be happening now. It often implies not liking or agreeing with something or that the action is not done by the expected time. It is also referred to as the “unreal past” or subjunctive mood.

Structure: It’s time + subject + past tense verb

Examples: 

It’s past 4 PM. It’s time we had lunch.

It’s time they finished the proposal for the clients.

It’s time I confessed my true feelings for him.

It’s + High or About + Time

High or about is added to intensify the feeling that the action is not done by the expected time. 

Examples: 

It’s high time he found his soulmate.

It’s about time they paid back what they owed him.

Had Better

Form

Had better is used when referring to the present or the future. It is used to give strong advice, recommendations, or warnings, with implications of negative consequences if the advice is not followed.

The verb form is always had. It is never have better nor has better. In informal contexts, the contracted form is ’d better. Had better or ‘d better is then followed by a bare infinitive or the infinitive without to before it.

Example:

It’s very cloudy. We’d better go home now before it starts raining heavily.

Incorrect:We’d better to go home.

More formal example:

The government had better concentrate on coming up with measures to address some of the country’s most pressing environmental issues.

Had better can be considered a strong expression. It is used if there is an assumption that there will be negative outcomes if someone does not do what is desired or suggested.

Example:

He’d better propose to her or she’ll break up with him.

In spoken English, sometimes, had best is used instead of had better, especially in informal settings. Using had best sounds slightly less intense and less direct.

Example: 

You‘d best call her. There’s so much traffic today.

Negative Form

To express had better in the negative form, we say had better not. The contracted form is ’d better not.

Examples:

You’d better not bully her online or she will file a complaint to the police.

We’d better not tell Julie she didn’t get into her dream university. This will break her heart.

Question Form

To express had better in question form, the subject and had are inverted.

Examples:

Had she better finish this task first before moving on to another?

Had they better give their new neighbors a present?

Had better in negative questions form is more common than affirmative questions.

Examples: 

Hadn’t you better turn all the lights off when you leave for your vacation?

Hadn’t we better hold the party indoors in case it rains that day?

Had better or be better, be best?

Had better is used when giving advice in a specific situation. The phrase be better or be best + to-infinitive is used for more general suggestions.

Examples:

It’s always better to take the subway than to get stuck in traffic.

They think it would be best to hire a contractor rather than to do it themselves.

Had better or would rather, would prefer?

Had better is not used when talking about preferences. Would rather or would prefer is used in this case.

Had better vs Would rather

I’d better order spaghetti. I’m allergic to seafood.It is a good idea, better, or advisable to order spaghetti.
I’d rather order spaghetti. I don’t like pizza.I prefer to order spaghetti.

Common Errors with had better

Had better is used when giving specific advice. It is not used when talking about obligations or requirements. In this case, use have to, have got to or must.

Example:

You have to (or must) renew your passport every ten years to be able use it for traveling abroad.

Incorrect: You’d better renew your passport every ten years to be able use it for traveling abroad.

Had better is not used in making ordinary suggestions or recommendations.

Example:

Thailand is a great country to visit. I’d recommend you visit the Northern regions to have the opportunity to unwind in hot springs or scenic villages with rice fields. 

Incorrect: You’d better visit the Northern regions to have the opportunity to unwind in hot springs or scenic villages with rice fields.

WHO Warns Antibiotic Resistance Is a Global Threat

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The WHO warns that roughly one in six laboratory confirmed bacterial infections globally are now resistant to antibiotic treatments. From data collected between 2016 and 2023 across more than 100 countries, around 40 % of samples showed antibiotic resistance. It signals that investments in new antibiotics, better diagnostics and stronger stewardship of existing ones are becoming ever more critical.

Read the article to know why antibiotic resistance threatens to make common infections difficult or impossible to treat.

https://www.bbc.com/news/health-27204988

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Explain what the term “post-antibiotic era” means. “Without urgent, coordinated action by many stakeholders, the world is headed for a post-antibiotic era.” Use the term in a sentence.
  2. What does “last-resort drug” mean? “One of them – carbapenem – is a so-called “last-resort” drug used to treat people with life-threatening infections such as pneumonia, bloodstream infections, and infections in newborns, caused by the bacteria K.pneumoniae.” Use the term in a sentence.
  3. What does “wake-up call” mean here, “Ultimately, WHO’s report should be a wake-up call to governments to introduce incentives for industry to develop new, affordable antibiotics that do not rely patents and high prices and are adapted to the needs of developing countries.” Use the phrase in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Have you ever heard of antibiotic resistance before? What do you think it means?
  2. Why do you think some countries are experiencing higher levels of resistance than others?
  3. Do you think people are aware of the proper way to use antibiotics? Why or why not?
  4. How do you feel knowing that common infections may become harder to treat in the future?
  5. What steps do you think individuals or governments can take to help solve this problem?

Digital Price Tags Are Changing Food Shopping

B2 – Upper Intermediate

As the world continues developing in this day and age, digital devices and tools become more and more common. Recently, electronic shelf labels have begun spreading more rapidly in North American grocery stores, increasing consumers’ concerns about dynamic pricing.

If companies can change the price of their products easily with digital price tags, will prices of products become higher for certain individuals, or will it be used to lower the prices of products near expiry?

To learn more, watch the video below.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “dynamic pricing” mean? “Some lawmakers fear that electronic shelf labels (ESLs) will lead to dynamic pricing that could hurt consumers.” Use this term in a sentence. Give a similar expression.
  2. What does “year over year growth” mean? “It’s definitely an industry that is looking at significant double digit year over year growth for the foreseeable future.”  Use this term in a sentence.
  3. What is “a devil’s advocate”? “There’s definitely a strong devil’s advocate argument to be made that having some sort of surge pricing in those kind of contexts would actually be useful because it discourages hoarding.” Use this idiom in a sentence and give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the promises and pitfalls of electronic shelf labels? Do you believe that electronic shelf labels and digital price tags will influence companies to use dynamic pricing?
  2. How is dynamic pricing good and bad? You may cite examples.
  3. Do you think consumers are more likely to benefit or suffer from ESLs? Share your insights.
  4. In your opinion, should more big companies be switching to electronic shelf labels? Why or why not?

Lower Rates Supposed to Bring Homebuyers Back

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The housing market plays a vital role in the economy, influencing everything from household wealth to consumer confidence. In recent years, it has faced dramatic shifts driven by rising mortgage rates, limited housing supply, and affordability challenges. While many hoped that lower interest rates would spark renewed activity and ease pressure on homebuyers, that rebound has yet to arrive. Despite the decline in rates, high property prices and economic uncertainty continue to hold buyers back.

This article takes a closer look at the forces shaping today’s housing landscape — and what might come next. Keep reading to gain a clearer picture of where the market is headed and what it could mean for future homeowners.

https://www.aol.com/articles/lower-rates-were-supposed-bring-113001462.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to come/pull off the sidelines” mean? “The narrative: Mortgage rates at 11-month lows and hype around the Federal Reserve’s interest rate cutting plans would finally convince buyers to come off the sidelines.” Make your own sentence using the idiom. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “year-to-date low” mean? “Mortgage rates averaged 6.27% this week through Wednesday, near year-to-date lows, and down from the 6.6%-6.7% range they were stuck in most of this spring.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. Define “stalemate“. “Today’s market suggests an ongoing stalemate between buyers and sellers.” Give a synonym of this word and use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How do high home prices continue to affect potential buyers?
  2. What role does affordability play in the current housing situation?
  3. Do you think lowering interest rates alone can solve the housing affordability problem? Why or why not?
  4. In your country, what other factors besides mortgage rates might be discouraging buyers?
  5. How might current trends in the housing market affect younger generations trying to buy their first home?