Category: Class

Maintain Positive Mental Well-Being During Christmas Season

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The holiday season can be both joyful and challenging, with unique pressures that can affect mental well-being.

To protect your mental health this Christmas, read the following tips in the article below.

https://www.psychreg.org/how-maintain-positive-mental-well-being-during-christmas-season/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to offer a respite” mean? “Engaging in activities that promote well-being, such as exercise, meditation, or pursuing hobbies, can offer a respite from holiday pressures.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “bittersweet” mean? ” It’s also a period where the absence of loved ones is felt more acutely, making it a bittersweet time for many.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “sense of community” mean? “Sharing your experiences with others who understand can be incredibly therapeutic and provide a sense of community and understanding.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are some realistic expectations you could set for yourself during the holiday season to avoid feeling overwhelmed?
  2. How do you usually stay connected with loved ones during the holidays, and do you find it helps your mental well-being?
  3. What are some self-care activities you enjoy that could help reduce stress during the festive season?
  4. Have you ever found social media affecting your holiday experience? How might taking breaks from it improve your mood?

Tech that Refuses to Die

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

Technology is constantly changing. That is perhaps the most exciting thing about it. However, do you notice how there are some old pieces of technology that we keep using up to now? 

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about some old technology that refuse to be obsolete.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2024/ep-241017

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “wind up” mean? “Conditions on Venus mean that ordinary electronics simply won’t work. That’s why Jonathan built a clockwork rover, a machine with springs and wheels inside which works when it’s wound up with a key.” Use this phrase in a sentence.
  2. What does “clockwork” mean? “Conditions on Venus mean that ordinary electronics simply won’t work. That’s why Jonathan built a clockwork rover, a machine with springs and wheels inside which works when it’s wound up with a key.” Use this word in a sentence.
  3. What does “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” mean, “Yes, it seems that some old technology just refuses to die – maybe because people still love it, or maybe because of the old English proverb, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”? Use this expression in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are some reasons for not updating technology in some cases?
  2. Do you think the old English proverb, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” applies to technology? Explain your thoughts on this.
  3. What old tech that you see are still being used in your city? How about in your company?
  4. What technology you never want to be obsolete? Why?
  5. Which obsolete piece of technology do you wish we still use until now? Why?

Trusting Ancestry DNA Kits

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

Many have been very curious about their ancestry. So they turn to DNA ancestry kits to trace the origins of their family.

The question is just how accurate is DNA ancestry tracing.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript on whether or not we can trust DNA ancestry kits.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2024/ep-241205

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to take (it) with a pinch of salt” mean? “Not so long ago I sent off a home DNA testing kit and the results that came back were broadly in line with expectations, but it had some little glitches in there which made me think, is this accurate? Or is it to be taken with a pinch of salt?” Use this idiom in a sentence.
  2. What does “forebears” mean? “So ‘ancestry’ is really about people, it’s about your actual forebears.” Use this word in a sentence.
  3. What does “to blow one’s mind” mean here, “The second company’s DNA test blows Greg’s mind. There’s no evidence of his ancestors being English at all!”? Use this expression in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Should DNA ancestry kits be taken with a pinch of salt? Share your insights.
  2. Is tracing our genealogy important? Why or why not?
  3. Would you be interested to research about your roots? Why or why not?
  4. Share the most interesting thing you know of about any of your forebears.

Australia Bans Social Media for Children Under 16

B2 – Upper Intermediate

In December 2024, Australia introduced a strict new law that stops children under 16 from using social media. The goal is to protect kids from dangers like online bullying and mental health problems. Big platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook could be fined up to 50 million AUD ($33 million USD) if they don’t block underage users. Unlike other countries, Australia won’t make exceptions for parents giving permission, and old accounts won’t be allowed to stay active.

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

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the informal phrase “I got your back” mean? “Banning social media use for children under 16 is the strictest regulation of its kind globally. “We’ve got your back” is our message to Australian parents.” Make your own sentence using this expression.
  2. What does the word “loophole” mean? “Young Australians affected by the ban say they would resort to finding loopholes.” Use the word in a sentence.
  3. What does the idiom “to go behind one’s back” mean? “Teens are going to go behind their parents’ backs if they are banned from social media.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What potential benefits and drawbacks could arise from banning social media for children under 16 in Australia?
  2. Do you think banning social media for children under 16 is the best way to protect their mental health, or are there better alternatives?
  3. Should governments have the authority to restrict access to social media for specific age groups, or should this be a parental responsibility?
  4. How might this law affect the development of digital literacy and social skills among young people in Australia?

Apple’s New AirPods Are Also Hearing Aids

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Hearing loss can have a great impact on one’s quality of life.
While aging adults are more commonly affected by it, people of all ages can be affected too. There are several ways to deal with this condition such as cochlear implants or something less invasive such as assistive devices or hearing aids.

Let’s read the article and know more about this earphones that could be used as hearing aids.

https://edition.cnn.com/2024/09/10/tech/apple-airpods-pro-hearing-aids/index.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the “clinical grade” mean? “The company said the wireless headphones will double as clinical-grade over-the-counter hearing aids for those who need them.” Use it in your own sentence.
  2. What does the term “over-the-counter“? “Over-the-counter hearing aids, such as Apple’s offering, also are not a treatment for “severe or profound” hearing loss, according to the FDA.” Use it in a sentence and give two synonyms.
  3. What does the phrase “to open up the market” mean? “She had hoped for an announcement like Apple’s after the FDA opened up the market to over-the-counter offerings two years ago.” Use it in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on the hearing aid update for AirPods?
  2. What is your opinion on the importance of normalizing hearing aids?
  3. What health features or apps does your mobile phone have? What feature/s do you wish it had?
  4. Share your thoughts on this, “Today’s marketing authorization of an over-the-counter hearing aid software on a widely used consumer audio product is another step that advances the availability, accessibility and acceptability of hearing support for adults with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss.“.

Handling the Parent-Teacher Conference

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Teachers play a crucial role in our children’s lives.

They are not just educators, but also mentors, role models, and caregivers. Despite this, many students may see their teachers as the enemy, especially when they receive bad grades or have conflicts in the classroom. However, it is important to remember that teachers have the best interest of their students at heart and are there to support them in their academic and personal development.

Read the article to learn how to be a better parent and maintain a good relationship with your child’s school teachers.

https://edition.cnn.com/2024/11/21/health/parent-teacher-conference-wellness/index.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is the meaning of “laundry list“? “If you’re thinking of marching into your parent-teacher conference with a laundry list of complaints, think twice.” Create a sentence using the phrase.
  2. What is the meaning of “to give someone the benefit of the doubt“? “Because she decided to give the teacher the benefit of the doubt, she was able to start the conversation calmly.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What is the meaning of “to talk ill about someone? “This also means that parents shouldn’t criticize a teacher in front of their child. “When you talk ill about a coach or a teacher, what you’re doing is you’re undermining that relationship,” she warned.”  Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What did you learn from this article?
  2. Can you describe your relationship with your child/children’s teachers?
  3. Do you agree with this, “Parents shouldn’t criticize a teacher in front of their child.“? Explain your stance.
  4. Share your thoughts on this, “If parents heed the advice to approach teachers as partners in their children’s success, and treat them with civility and gratitude.”.
  5. What is your opinion on this, “Teachers spend a lot of time with their students, so they often have valuable insights to share with parents.“?

Singapore’s Urban Farming Initiatives

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Urban farming is a growing trend in cities worldwide as people become more aware of the benefits of growing their food. This form of agriculture involves growing fruits, vegetables, and herbs in urban environments, such as rooftops, balconies, and vacant lots. One of the main benefits of urban farming is the ability to produce fresh, organic produce right in the heart of the city.

By growing food locally, urban residents can reap the benefits of fresh, organic produce while reducing the environmental impact of food production. With the growing popularity of urban farming, this trend is clear to continue flourishing and bringing positive change to urban communities.

Watch the video to learn how a country that imports more than 90% of its food is changing its way to embrace urban farming.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is the meaning of the noun zoning? “Singapore developed policy and zoning and incentives around urban agriculture that say this is allowed to be done on top of a parking garage or allowed to be done in a vacant area.” Create a sentence using the word.
  2. What is the meaning of the green movement? “Singapore’s architectural community is also joining the green movement.” Use this term in your sentence.
  3. What is the meaning of “to sow the seeds“? “In a world of finite resources, they are sowing the seeds of possibility.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think about Singapore’s urban farming initiatives?
  2. Do you think this project is applicable in your country? Please justify your answer.
  3. What do you think are the benefits and downsides of urban farming?
  4. Do you think you can do this? Why or why not?
  5. Do you know of any plans your government has regarding agriculture? What are those plans?

The Rise in Fake Job Listings

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Hopeful job seekers spend countless hours accomplishing online application questionnaires and going through several initial stages of the job application. That is why it is especially discouraging when they don’t hear anything back from the employers. In most cases, this lack of response is due to a competitive talent market. However, new data shows that some of these jobs never existed in the first place.

Let’s read the article and know more about “ghost jobs”.

https://www.cnbc.com/2024/08/22/ghost-jobs-why-fake-job-listings-are-on-the-rise.html?msockid=3e823237b7b86c5f2f8f21e1b6ac6ddf

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the phrase “intention behind something” mean? “And whether there is truly a hiring intention behind that from the employer’s point of view.” Use it in your own sentence.
  2. Define “tight labor market“. “According to June’s Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey, there are 0.8 unemployed individuals per job opening, indicating a tight labor market.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What is the meaning of the verb “muddying“? “The rise of ghost jobs is muddying the jobs report.” Use it in a sentence and give two synonyms.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your take on companies posting fake job listings?
  2. Why do so many companies post ghost jobs?
  3. How would you feel if you found out a job you had applied for wasn’t real?
  4. How can you spot fake job listings?

Subscriptions Are Ruining Our Lives

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Subscriptions are becoming an inevitable aspect of both online and offline life. There will always be a subscription-based service to suit your demands, whether they are related to entertainment, food, or music. We pay for an increasing number of subscriptions because we desire services in our lives, and the more we pay, the bigger our costs get.

To learn more about how businesses use the subscription model, watch the video below.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Explain “cash grab”. “ Like most people, I thought that subscriptions were just an annoying and frustrating cash grab by greedy corporations.”. Create a sentence using this phrase.
  2. What does “software tethering” mean? “This tactic is called software tethering and it shows up all over the place” Use this term to make your own sentence.
  3. What is the meaning of “to go public“? “Salesforce went public in 2004 and was the top performing IPO of the year.” Use this term in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How do you feel about subscription-based services in general?
  2. How do you feel about subscription services that force you to pay for something you own?
  3. What is the purpose of subscriptions today? Why were they designed this way? Are they built with good intentions in mind? 
  4. Do you have any subscriptions? If so, is the price worth the services they offer you?

The Human Heart May Have a Hidden Ability to Repair Itself

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Scientists have discovered that the human heart has a previously unknown ability to repair itself under certain conditions.

Read the article to know more about how this discovery could pave the way for new therapies for heart diseases, focusing on activating these natural regenerative processes.

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/11/241121141348.htm

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “standard-of-care” mean? “Standard-of-care for patients with advanced heart failure is a surgically implanted pump that helps propel blood, a so-called left ventricular assist device (LVAD).” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “radioactivity” mean? “For every following year, there is a little less radioactivity in newly formed cells, which means that they can be ‘dated’.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “date” mean here, “For every following year, there is a little less radioactivity in newly formed cells, which means that they can be ‘dated‘.”? Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Did you know our hearts might have the ability to repair themselves naturally? How do you think this discovery could change heart disease treatments?
  2. What do you think triggers the heart to activate its self-repair mechanisms, and can we use that knowledge to help patients?
  3. How important do you think it is to focus on natural regenerative processes compared to using medical interventions like surgeries?
  4. If our hearts have hidden repair abilities, could similar discoveries be made about other organs? Which organ would you hope scientists study next?