Category: Class

Childhood Adversity Contributes Short-form Video Addiction

B2 – Upper Intermediate

When people go through tough times in childhood, it can sometimes lead to patterns in how they use social media later on. Short-form video apps, like TikTok, might feel especially comforting or addictive to those who’ve faced challenges early in life. Factors like how we handle stress and how satisfied we feel in life can also play a role in shaping these habits.

This article dives into how these early experiences connect to our social media behaviors. To read the full article, follow the link below.

https://www.psypost.org/childhood-adversity-may-contribute-to-addiction-to-short-form-videos-study-finds/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “mediating role” mean? “Therefore, our research primarily examines the association between adverse childhood experiences and short-form video addiction, while also exploring the potential mediating roles of resilience and life satisfaction in this relationship.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “buffer” mean in the sentence, “Essentially, resilience and life satisfaction acted as buffers: higher levels of these factors appeared to protect students from relying excessively on short videos as a coping mechanism.”? Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does the phrase “longitudinal approach” mean? “To build on these findings, future research could take a longitudinal approach to observe how childhood experiences affect online behaviors over time.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you use social media? What do you use them for?
  2. Why do you think people with difficult past experiences may be drawn to social media?
  3. How can social media influence your mood or habits?
  4. Should there be more support for young people to use social media in healthy ways? Explain.
  5. What are some positive ways to manage stress without relying on social media?

Spain Hit by Deadliest Floods in Decades

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Valencia, a beautiful city in Spain, recently experienced a devastating flood that had a significant impact on the community. The flood, which occurred due to heavy rainfall and poor drainage systems, caused widespread damage to homes, businesses, and infrastructure. Many residents were left homeless and without basic necessities.

While the Valencia flood was a tragic event, it also highlighted the resilience and strength of the community. By coming together and supporting one another, the people of Valencia were able to weather the storm and begin the process of rebuilding their lives. It serves as a reminder that in times of crisis, it is important to come together and support one another.

Read the article for more information.

https://edition.cnn.com/2024/10/31/europe/spain-deadly-flash-flooding-wwk-intl/index.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “underway” mean? “Emergency workers are still fighting to rescue those who are trapped, with operations underway to recover bodies and clear debris.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “to be caught off guard” mean? “However, many people were caught off guard, leaving it too late for them to seek safety.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “to load the dice” mean? “We are loading the dice of extreme weather in the worst way possible.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on what happened in Spain?
  2. Have you ever been a victim of a natural disaster or do you know someone who has been? Talk about the said experience.
  3. “Some of the local residents said that they did not receive a government alert warning that there would be a flood or even possibility of a flood until it was already happening.” Share your thoughts on this.
  4. What can be learned from this situation and what may be needed to be improved moving forward?

Top Three Market Headlines

B2 – Upper Intermediate

In response to growing demand for sustainable energy sources, nuclear energy stocks have performed remarkably well, especially as major tech companies like Amazon and Google invest in nuclear power to meet data center energy needs.

Read the article to know how the Market Vectors Global Uranium and Nuclear Energy Index has surged, reflecting increased interest in this clean energy sector​.

https://www.ajg.com/us/news-and-insights/2024/oct/weekly-financial-markets-update-october-21-2024/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “front month contract” mean? “ The 2024 gold rally took another step higher last week, with the front-month futures contract for the metal hitting another all-time high and surpassing $2,700 an ounce for the first time.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “jolt” mean? “Nuclear energy stocks received a jolt last week after Amazon and Google each announced deals to secure power from nuclear facilities to meet soaring AI data center demands.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “scalability” mean? “The tech giants recently closed multiple investments and partnerships focused on small modular reactors (SMRs), an innovative nuclear technology offering enhanced scalability. ” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why do you think nuclear energy is becoming more popular as an investment option right now?
  2. How might companies like Amazon and Google using nuclear energy impact the clean energy sector overall?
  3. What are some reasons investors are choosing nuclear energy over other renewable sources like solar or wind?
  4. Do you think increased investment in nuclear energy stocks will lead to more sustainable practices, or could there be challenges?

The Latest Personal Finance News

B2 – Upper Intermediate

In a surprising turn, the Federal Reserve cut the federal funds rate by 0.5% in September, marking its first reduction since 2020. This shift is a response to approaching inflation targets and is anticipated to lower borrowing costs for consumers. Further rate cuts are expected, which may impact interest rates on credit cards, loans, and mortgages, though savings rates could decrease as well.

Read the article to know how this policy move signals the Fed’s confidence in economic stabilization while addressing inflation control.

https://www.experian.com/blogs/ask-experian/latest-personal-finance-news/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “curtail” mean? “It’s also the first time since July 2023 the committee adjusted the rate, which reached its highest level in more than 20 years after a sharp series of hikes implemented in an effort to curtail inflation.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “pummel” mean? “Persistently high inflation rates have pummeled consumers’ wallets over the past few years.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “blip” mean? “While rates have largely trended downward in 2024, the latest blip adds more uncertainty to the timeline for housing costs to become more affordable again.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think are some of the reasons behind the Federal Reserve’s decision to cut interest rates?
  2. How might lower interest rates affect people with mortgages or credit card debt?
  3. Do you think cutting rates will have a big impact on inflation, or will it take time to see the effects?
  4. In what ways might these rate cuts influence the economy over the next few years?

Global Growth Is Expected to Remain Stable Yet Underwhelming

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The IMF’s recent World Economic Outlook indicates that while global growth remains steady, it is underperforming compared to pre-pandemic levels. Key risks include geopolitical tensions, volatility in financial markets, and potential challenges in China’s property sector. These issues are prompting economists to push for structural reforms and a “policy pivot”.

Listen to the audio and/or read the transcript to know how this policy pivot can sustain economic recovery through targeted fiscal and monetary adjustments.

https://www.imf.org/en/Publications/WEO/Issues/2024/10/22/world-economic-outlook-october-2024

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Explain “sectoral dynamics”. “As global disinflation continues, services price inflation remains elevated in many regions, pointing to the importance of understanding sectoral dynamics and of calibrating monetary policy accordingly.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. Define “cyclical imbalance“. “With cyclical imbalances in the global economy waning, near-term policy priorities should be carefully calibrated to ensure a smooth landing.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “bolster” mean? “These have been compensated for by upgrades to the forecast for emerging Asia, where surging demand for semiconductors and electronics, driven by significant investments in artificial intelligence, has bolstered growth, a trend supported by substantial public investment in China and India.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘bolster’ in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are some potential impacts on consumers if financial market volatility increases?
  2. Why do you think a policy pivot is important for maintaining economic stability right now?
  3. How might challenges in China’s property market influence other economies around the world?
  4. How do you think rising geopolitical tensions affect the global economy and international trade?
  5. Do you agree or disagree with this, “Support for the most vulnerable should be maintained.” Share your thoughts.

Scientists Closer to Reverse Aging

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Since time passes by so swiftly, we all age with it. However, there are others who are incredibly wealthy who do not want to age naturally, slow down, or take it easy. After all, wealth is the source of power, and funding eminent scientists to develop age-reversing technology is the finest use of that wealth that is possible. It is something we’ve all secretly wanted for a long time, whether we deny it or not.

Take a look at the video and learn more about how scientists are closer than ever to reverse aging.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Explain “loss of viability and increase in vulnerability”. “Aging is as inevitable and progressive process of loss of viability and increase in vulnerability.”. Create a sentence using this phrase.
  2. What does “accumulation of changes” mean? “Aging is really an accumulation of changes.” Use this term to make your own sentence.
  3. What is the meaning of “long stretch“? “.,but to go from there to ask, you know, can we now start using this in humans?. It’s a long stretch.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘long stretch’ in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How do you feel about cellular reprogramming being the main factor in life longevity?
  2. Do you wish to live longer and invest in programs that will help you achieve it? Explain your stance.
  3. What do you think would happen if we were able to live for thousands of years and our offspring were also able to benefit from the process of cellular reprogramming that keeps them safe from illness and disease?
  4. Why do most ultra-rich individuals invest in longevity? 

Superhero Films Encourage Prosocial Behavior

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Superhero movies are hugely popular and often mix action and violence with heroic deeds. While violent media is usually thought to make people more aggressive, a new study suggests that these films could actually inspire kindness. The research shows that when people see superheroes as good role models, they’re more likely to help others. Watching these films can make viewers feel closer to the heroes, which can lead to more generous actions.

This article explores how superhero movies can encourage helpful behavior, not just provide entertainment.

https://www.psypost.org/superhero-films-can-encourage-prosocial-behavior-new-study-finds/

Vocabulary Questions:

1. What does the phrase “associative empathy” mean in the sentence, “Viewers showed increased associative empathy — they identified more with Batman and his mission to save the hostage.”? Use it in a sentence.

2. What does the phrase “moral justification” mean in the sentence, “Participants were asked to evaluate whether the violent actions taken by Batman were justified using a series of moral justification statements”? Use it in a sentence.

3. What does the phrase “prosocial motive” mean in the sentence, “This scene was chosen for its combination of violent action and a clear prosocial motive—saving a life”? Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How do you think superhero movies influence how we see right and wrong in real life?
  2. What should parents and teachers consider when letting kids watch violent superhero films?
  3. Should filmmakers think more about the messages in their movies when it comes to violence and heroism?
  4. How can watching superhero movies help us understand and feel empathy for others?
  5. Can you share a superhero movie you’ve seen and how it influenced your thoughts or feelings?

Hoax Bomb Threats Hurting Air Travel

B2 – Upper Intermediate

A spike in hoax bomb threats is causing widespread disruption in India’s air travel, with numerous flights being delayed, diverted, or canceled.

Passengers are left anxious and frustrated as these false alarms continue to target both domestic and international routes. Airlines are struggling to manage the operational and financial fallout.

Meanwhile, authorities are working to track down the individuals responsible, but the rising number of incidents poses significant challenges.

Learn more about the impact of these hoax bomb threats on air travel in India.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cx2kz84kgj0o

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “rash of something” mean? “In 2018, a rash of jokes about bombs by airplane passengers in Indonesia led to flight disruptions.” Make a sentence with this phrase.
  2. What does “to wreak havoc“. “These hoaxes end up wreaking havoc in one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets.” Use this idiom in a sentence.
  3. What does “to throw off balance” mean? “Delays lead to cancellations, and schedules are thrown off balance.” Make a sentence with this expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Have you ever experienced a flight delay or diversion? How did it make you feel?
  2. Do you think hoax bomb threats are a serious issue? Why or why not?
  3. How do you think technology, like social media, impacts travel safety today?
  4. How do you feel about traveling by air in light of recent news about hoax bomb threats?
  5. What do you think airlines should do to ensure passengers feel safe during their flights?

Stress Isn’t All Bad

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Stress is often seen as something to avoid, but it can serve a useful purpose in certain situations. Rather than simply being harmful, stress can enhance focus and performance when faced with challenges like interviews or presentations. By understanding how stress can work to our advantage, we can begin to view it as a tool for success, rather than just a source of anxiety.

Listen to the audio and read the transcript to learn how to turn stress into a tool for better performance.

https://www.npr.org/sections/shots-health-news/2024/10/18/nx-s1-5115911/stress-manage-anxiety-health-help

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “free pass” mean? “No one gets a free pass when it comes to stress.” Make a sentence with this phrase.
  2. What does “butterflies in the stomach” mean? “Ever felt clammy palms or butterflies in your stomach? In the moments before you walk into a job interview, ask someone out on a date, or step up to a podium to speak to a crowd, your stress response can kick in and create these physical sensations.” Use this phrase in a sentence.
  3. Explain the “fight-or-flight response”. “Humans have long faced threats from predators, and our fight-or-flight response evolved to help us survive these dangers.” Create a sentence with this term.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on the article? Do you agree or disagree with the points made? Why?
  2. Share your thoughts on this, “Your stress response can be your body’s way of preparing to rise to a challenge.“.
  3. How do you think stress affects your performance in challenging situations?
  4. Can you share a personal experience where stress helped you succeed?
  5. What strategies do you use to manage stress when faced with pressure?

Corporate Real Estate on Cliff Edge

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

As companies strive to do anything in their power to make hybrid setup work, it poses imminent consequences on the corporate real estate sector. Companies are now opting for more compact office spaces. As leases expire, this could leave many office buildings empty. 

To cope with this new trend in real estate, mixed-use development could possibly be one solution.

Read the article about the impact of corporate downsizing on the real estate industry.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/worklife/article/20240509-corporate-real-estate-on-cliff-edge-to-rethink-communal-spaces

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “retrofit” mean in business? “Not all vacant buildings can be updated to meet new market demands, nor retrofitted into residential units.” Use this term in a sentence.
  2. What does “gravitational pull” mean here, “As companies pay top dollar for quality, the gravitational pull to newer, higher-quality offices leaves behind a vacuum for lower-grade buildings.”? Use this phrase in a sentence.
  3. What does “to be on a cliff edge” mean, “Developers might be forced to the cliff edge to be creative, but they have around five years to prepare, mobilise and get ready for the future that’s coming.”? Use this idiom in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What problem is being talked about in the article and what are some possible solutions?
  2. What might be some things businesses consider in selecting where to base their headquarters if they want to attract their staff to the office?
  3. What do you like the least and the most about your office?
  4. What are the benefits and drawbacks of mixed-use neighborhoods?
  5. Do you believe you will see multifunctional areas in your city/country more soon? Why or why not?