Category: Class

World’s First Artist Robot

B2 – Upper Intermediate

As artificial intelligence continues to evolve, it is now making its mark in the world of art. The development of the world’s first artist robot raises questions about creativity, originality, and the role of human intuition in artistic expression. Can AI generate truly meaningful art, or is it merely replicating human techniques? As machines push the boundaries of creativity, they challenge our understanding of what it means to be an artist.

Read this article to learn more about Ai-Da, the world’s first robot artist.

https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2022/apr/04/mind-blowing-ai-da-becomes-first-robot-to-paint-like-an-artist

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “eye-watering” mean in this context? “We haven’t spent eye-watering amounts of time and money to make a very clever painter.” Use this in a sentence and give two synonyms.
  2. Define “encroach“. “Titled Leaping into the Metaverse, Ai-Da Robot’s Venice exhibition will explore the interface between human experience and AI technology, from Alan Turing to the metaverse, and will draw on Dante’s concepts of purgatory and hell to explore the future of humanity in a world where AI technology continues to encroach on everyday human life.” Use this in a sentence and give two synonyms.
  3. What does “stilted” mean? “ I have been seeing different things to humans as I do not have consciousness,’ she responded in stilted fashion.” Use this in a sentence and give two synonyms.

Discussion Questions:

  1. In what ways is artificial intelligence transforming the art world?
  2. Should AI-generated artwork hold the same value as human-created art? Why or why not?
  3. Can AI-generated art carry true meaning, or is it just the result of complex algorithms? What are your thoughts?
  4. What ethical dilemmas arise from AI’s growing presence in the art industry?
  5. How do you interpret this statement? “Soon, with the amount of data we freely give about ourselves, and through talking to our phones, computers, cars and even kitchen appliances, AI algorithms ‘are going to know you better than you do’, Meller warned. We are entering a world, he said, ‘not understanding which is human and which is machine’.”
  6. How comfortable are you going to be with a world where we no longer can understand which is human and which is machine?

Spain’s 100% Tax for Homes for Non-EU Residents

B2- Upper Intermediate 

Spain is to impose a tax that is up to 100% of the value of the property on non-EU residents, UK citizens included. This measure is believed to be one of the ways to address the country’s increasing housing crisis.

Read the article about Spain’s plans to impose 100% property tax on foreigners from outside of EU.

Be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cr7enzjrymxo

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to lose sight of something” mean? “Here in the UK, we also have problems with landlords buying multiple properties and driving up the rest, but this policy is losing sight of those of us who want to spend money in the country.” Use this phrase in a sentence and give a synonym or similar expression.
  2. What does “a drop in the ocean” mean? “But this will be a drop in the ocean in my opinion and there will be other alternatives that will have a higher impact on the housing market.” Use this idiom in a sentence and give a synonym or similar expression.
  3. What is “retrospective tax”? “I definitely wouldn’t consider trying to get in before this tax, because who knows what else they could do, a retrospective tax.” Use this term in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Put your two cents in on this plan by the Spanish government. Are pro or against it? Do you think it could help solve the country’s housing problem? Explain.
  2. How might this impact Spain?
  3. How else can the purchase of homes by non-EU foreigners be limited?
  4. Do you think foreigners buying homes in another country actually adds to the local economy? Share your opinion.
  5. Do you agree with Spain’s “golden visa” scheme being abolished? Elaborate.
  6. If you were a non-EU resident, would you still consider buying a property in Spain now? Why or why not?

Get Kidney Stones by Following Carnivore Diet 

B1- Intermediate 

Nowadays, we see all kinds of diets that are being promoted by influencers on social media. We need to be very cautious not to just follow any of them. It is important to know more information about it and best that we first consult with our doctor or nutritionist if we plan to go on some kind of diet.

Read the article about the influencer who developed kidney stones after following the carnivore diet.

Be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2503/250320-carnivore-diet.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Explain the “carnivore diet”. “A 23-year-old woman followed the carnivore diet and ended up in hospital.” Use this phrase in a sentence.
  2. What are “kidney stones”? “She explained in a TikTok video how the high-protein diet gave her kidney stones.” Use the term in a sentence.
  3. What does “to pass blood” mean? “She was horrified after she passed blood in her urine.” Use this phrase in a sentence and give a similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your reaction to this news?
  2. What is your opinion about the carnivore diet?
  3. What are the good and bad things about the carnivore diet? 
  4. What might be the other effects of the carnivore diet on our body/health? 
  5. Share your thoughts on this, “The carnivore diet has been growing in popularity on social media. Many influencers and content creators are promoting its benefits.”.

Effective Communication in the Workplace

B2- Upper Intermediate 

Communication in the workplace is the communication you do at work about work. It is important to know how to communicate very well at work to avoid any miscommunication. Effective workplace communication is key in maintaining harmonious working relationships.

Read the article for some tips for effective communication in the workplace.

Be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://extension.psu.edu/effective-communication-in-the-workplace

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “hold one’s temper” mean? “Hold your temper. An angry person takes the wrong meaning from words.” Use this idiom in a sentence and give 2 synonyms or similar expressions.
  2. Explain what a “town hall meeting”is. “Hold town hall meetings and cross-functional check-ins.” Use this term in a sentence.
  3. What does “cross-functional check-in” mean, “Hold town hall meetings and cross-functional check-ins.”  Use this term in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why does workplace communication matter?
  2. What are some strategies to have effective workplace communication?
  3. How does your company make sure that an effective communication in the workplace exist? How can it still be improved?
  4. Share your insights on this, “Effective communication in the workplace is all about where, how, and when you’re communicating.”
  5. What is your opinion on this statement, “Teams that know how to communicate effectively about work are better prepared for difficult situations.”?

We Are All Connected

B2- Upper Intermediate 

The things we use every day come from all over the world. Your phone might have parts from different countries, and your clothes could be made in factories thousands of miles away. Even the internet connects us across borders, linking us to people and places we may never visit. But with this connection comes responsibility. Our choices such as what we buy, how we live, and so on can affect people on the other side of the world.

Watch the video below for more details.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “obsessed with” mean? “And those jeans you’re obsessed with cause they’re fierce, but affordable.” Use it in a sentence and give a synonym.
  2. What does “force” mean? “The climate blazes, rages, rising, forces people from their homes and so they move.” Use it in a sentence and give a synonym.
  3. What does “cross borders” mean? “And so they move, crossing borders when they do as you watch them on that phone in your pocket.” Use it in a sentence and give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How does globalization affect our daily lives?
  2. Do you think we should be more aware of where our products come from? Why or why not?
  3. What are some positive and negative effects of being connected to the rest of the world?
  4. How can we make more responsible choices as global consumers?
  5. In what ways do you think technology has made the world feel smaller?

Electronic Cigarette Dispute

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Tobacco is a leading cause of life-threatening diseases like heart disease, cancer, diabetes, chronic respiratory illness, and more. Despite efforts to regulate tobacco products, the industry continues to evolve, introducing new products such as electronic cigarettes. While some argue these alternatives reduce harm, concerns remain about their long-term effects and appeal to young people. Governments and health organizations worldwide face challenges in balancing regulation and public health while considering industry influence and consumer choices.

Watch the video using the link below.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “non-communicable” mean? “While these non-communicable diseases, or NCDs for short, cannot be spread from person to person, they have still become the single leading cause of death worldwide.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “geared around” mean? “By and large, U.S. trade policy is geared around making sure that markets are open so that U.S. goods, U.S. farm products, U.S. services can all be traded outside of the United States.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “intervene” mean? “It really only has one exception, which is that if those restrictions are only applied on foreign products, it allows those executive branch agencies to intervene in that case.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How do tobacco regulations impact public health?
  2. Should governments impose stricter laws on electronic cigarettes? Why or why not?
  3. What are some challenges in balancing industry interests and public health?
  4. How do young people get influenced by tobacco marketing?
  5. What measures can individuals take to reduce tobacco consumption in their communities?

Going Through Security at Airports

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Why do travelers have to go through all the security checks at airports?

Watch the video using the link below to learn about a major event that changed air travel security forever.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “hijacked” mean? “In 1972, three men with guns and hand grenades hijacked a plane from Birmingham, Alabama.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “ransom” mean? “They threatened to crash the plane into a nuclear reactor in Tennessee unless they were paid a $10 million ransom.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “screening” mean? “Airports began screening passengers and their carry-on luggage like they still do today.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why do you think airport security needs to become stricter after incidents like this?
  2. How do security screenings help prevent dangerous situations?
  3. Do you think security screenings at most airports are thorough enough? Why or why not?
  4. What other safety measures can airports implement to ensure passenger safety?
  5. How have security procedures changed over the years?

Regions of the World

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The world is home to nearly 8 billion people, spread across seven continents and almost 200 countries. But even with modern technology making global connections easier, where you live still shapes how you experience the world.

Watch the video below to explore how different regions are studied through various lenses.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “sprawling” mean? “These people inhabit seven sprawling continents and almost 200 different countries.” Use it in a sentence and give 2 synonyms.
  2. What does “legacy” mean? “The spread of democracy in the Americas and the legacy of colonialism across several regions.” Use it in a sentence and give 2 synonyms.
  3. What does “navigate” mean? “We’ve created a road map to cut through the complexities and to help you navigate the regions of the world.” Use it in a sentence and give 2 synonyms..

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why do you think different regions are studied through different lenses?
  2. How do modern advancements make the world feel smaller?
  3. How does geography influence the way people live and interact?
  4. In what ways do economic and political factors shape a region?
  5. Why is it important to understand global issues beyond our own country?

Trump’s Antics Anger Canadians

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Canada, as a young and multicultural nation, often grapples with defining its identity. However, one common sentiment among Canadians is that being ‘Canadian’ means distinctly ‘not American.’ So, when US President Donald Trump suggested Canada should become the 51st US state and referred to former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as Canada’s ‘governor’, a title typically reserved for US state leaders, it sparked widespread anger among Canadians.

Let’s read the article to learn more about the tensions between the USA and the Canadian people.

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2025/03/15/trump-canada-tariffs-trade-war-vacations/82411737007

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the idiom “getting the cold shoulder” mean? “Americans are getting the cold shoulder from our neighbors to the north.” Use it in your own sentence and give two synonyms.
  2. Define the verb “jeer“. “Canadians are learning to “Buy Beaver” instead of U.S.-made products. They’re jeering our national anthem at hockey games.” Use it in your own sentence and give two synonyms.
  3. What is the meaning of the idiom “in good conscience“? “They’re writing in, saying ‘I can no longer in good conscience do business with American businesses,'” said Lorenzo McGregor, 45, the co-owner of Tex’s Riverways boat shuttle service here.” Use it in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on the idea of Canada becoming the 51st state of the United States?
  2. Do you think the relationship between the US and Canada will get better in the near future? Why or why not?
  3. Has your country ever experienced trade disputes with other nations? If so, what were the circumstances?
  4. Are there significant taxes placed on foreign goods or services in your country?
  5. How would you describe your country’s current relationship with the US?
  6. What is “Buy Beaver”? Would you use such an app if your country got into a dispute with another country?

Fear of Flying is Pushing Ticket Sales Down

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Flight anxiety has soared, causing a nosedive in sales. Since the beginning of the year, a series of fatal accidents and alarming incidents have shaken Americans’ confidence in air travel, leading some passengers to reconsider their travel plans, according two airlines involved in crashes.

Let’s read the article to explore how fatal plane crashes influence people’s decisions about flying.

https://edition.cnn.com/2025/03/11/business/passengers-air-travel-crashes-fear

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “consumer confidence” mean? “Consumer confidence and certainty in air travel started to wane a little bit as questions of safety came in.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “regulatory filing” mean? “On Monday the company revised its expected revenue growth for the quarter down by half in a regulatory filing.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. Define the phrase “closed door meeting“. “CNN has not confirmed that exchange at the closed door meeting.” Use it in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. In what ways have recent crashes influenced airline ticket sales?
  2. Have the recent crashes affected your confidence in air travel? Why or why not?
  3. Are you someone who carefully listens to the safety briefing before flying? If yes, why do you tend to so?
  4. What do you find most stressful about flying?
  5. What’s the roughest turbulence you’ve encountered during a flight? Did it make you reconsider flying?