Category: Class

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.

Milan to Ban Takeaway Food after Midnight

B1 – Intermediate

Some areas in cities are known for their wild nightlife. This means noisy people on the streets even in the late hours of the night.

In Milan, Italy, the local government wants to impose a ban on takeaway food after midnight to help the local residents get some peace and quiet beyond 12:00.

Read the article about Milan’s plans to prohibit takeaway food after midnight. Be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2404/240425-takeaway-food-ban-2.html

Vocabulary Questions:

1. What does “at the stroke of” mean, “He said a 25-year-old will not go home "at the stroke of midnight" because they cannot get a takeaway.” Use this phrase in a sentence.
2. What does “takeaway” mean, “Officials want to ban takeaway food and drink in 12 areas of the city.”? Use this term in a sentence.
3. What does ”to take a stroll” mean, ”A rule banning people from…eating an ice cream or pizza while taking a stroll won't solve a thing, as people will still stay outside.”? Use this expression in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

1. What is your opinion on this ban on takeaways after midnight in some areas in Milan?
2. Share your thoughts on this, “The goal [of this ban] is a balance between entertainment, and the peace and tranquility of residents.”.
3. In your opinion, how can there be a balance between “entertainment of partygoers and tourists and the peace and tranquility of residents” in areas that are known for their wild nightlife?
4. How do you think it is like living in a place/area like this?

Crackdown on Sick Note Culture

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

In the UK, the number of people filing for disability claims has been continuing to increase in the last decade. 

Prime minister Rishi Sunak hope to put an end to the ‘sick note culture’, which refers to “over-medicalising the everyday challenges and worries of life” and the rise of recipients of sickness and disability benefits.

Read the article and find out Prime minister Rishi Sunak’s crackdown on the “sick note culture” in the UK. Be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://theconversation.com/rishi-sunak-wants-to-cut-the-cost-of-sicknote-britain-but-weve-found-a-strong-economic-case-for-benefits-228561

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “sick note culture” mean, “Prime minister Rishi Sunak has announced a crackdown on sickness and disability benefits in order to end a “sick note culture” and “over-medicalising the everyday challenges and worries of life”, in part because he claims that “good work” can actually improve mental and physical health.”? Use this term in your own sentence.
  2. What does “means-tested” mean, “There is a tendency in announcements, too, to conflate means-tested incapacity benefits with non-means-tested disability benefits, such as the personal independence payment.”? Use this term in a sentence.
  3. What does ”cradle-to-grave” mean, ”Just as the social economist Lord Beveridge proposed in his 1942 report, we need cradle-to-grave social security that supports that ambition, rather than forced participation in harmful insecure employment.”? Use this expression in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What factors might have contributed to the rising number of people who claims for sickness and disability benefits? 
  2. Do you think the same thing could be occurring in your own country? Expand.
  3. What are your thoughts on sick note culture?
  4. What is your opinion on the crackdown on it?
  5. What is good system to identify those people who really need the sickness and disability benefits?
  6. Share your thoughts on this, “Prime minister Rishi Sunak wants to focus on “what people can do with the right support in place, rather than what they can’t do.”?
  7. Share your thoughts on this, “Most people who get social security don’t really deserve any help.”.

AI Brain Study Brings Hope to Childhood Trauma Survivors

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Traumatic childhood events can linger in our minds even through adulthood. These traumatic events such as physical and mental abuse, a serious unfortunate accident or a natural disaster may scar children for the rest of their lives. Recently, AI was used to reassess the effects of childhood trauma on the human brain.

Let’s read the article and find out more about this AI brain study.

https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-essex-68424853

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the idiom “to win/hit the jackpot” mean? “Valerie always wondered why she reacted to situations differently to other people, and said this research was “like winning the jackpot.” Give example sentence using this expression.
  2. What does “to mean something to someone” mean in this context? “Kari, who was sexually abused as a child, said she had “no words to describe what [the research] means to me“.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. Define “brain rewiring“. “It brings hope because the right treatments can help to reverse that brain rewiring.” Use it in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. According to the study, how does childhood trauma change the brain?
  2. What are the long-term effects and physical symptoms associated with childhood trauma?
  3. What coping mechanisms are used to manage the aftermath of childhood trauma?
  4. How does this study help people who are dealing with childhood trauma?

Japanese Cherry Blossoms May Disappear

B2 – Upper Intermediate

In the peaceful scenery of Japan, every year, the blossoming of cherry trees marks the start of spring, enchanting many with their short-lived beauty. Yet, there is a serious danger lurking beneath their fragile petals: the possibility that these famous trees may vanish by the end of the century. With climate change on the rise, causing changes in ecosystems and upsetting delicate harmony, the future of Japanese cherry blossoms, also called “sakura,” is uncertain.

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

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the word “boon“, mean? “While it may be a boon for snap-happy tourists, the early spring foreshadows a darker reality.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘boon’ in your own sentence.
  2. What does the word “snap-happy” mean? “While it may be a boon for snap-happy tourists, the early spring foreshadows a darker reality.” Use this word in your own sentence.
  3. What does the word “foreshadow” mean? “While it may be a boon for snap-happy tourists, the early spring foreshadows a darker reality.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘foreshadow’ in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How do you feel about the potential disappearance of Japanese cherry blossoms by 2100? What impact do you think it would have on Japanese culture and identity?
  2. What do you believe are the main factors contributing to the decline of Japanese cherry blossoms, and how do you think this issue should be addressed?
  3. In your opinion, what role should governments, communities, and individuals play in preserving iconic natural landmarks like Japanese cherry blossoms?
  4. How might the loss of cherry blossoms impact tourism and the economy in Japan and other regions where they are cherished?

AI Helps Make Wine

B2 – Upper Intermediate

In California and Oregon’s vineyards, AI is leading a quiet revolution in winemaking. It is reshaping the process of growing, harvesting, and transforming grapes into exquisite wines.

AI technologies enable remote monitoring of vineyard conditions and fine-tuning flavor profiles in the cellar. This unlocks new possibilities for winemakers, enhancing quality, consistency, and consumer appeal.

Read this article to learn more about how AI is revolutionizing the traditional practices of viticulture and winemaking.

https://www.bbc.com/news/business-68788080

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “boots on the ground” mean in this context? “We’re always boots on the ground. But the data helps us make informed decisions based on science, as opposed to just feelings. Feelings aren’t bad, but we like to use data.” Make a sentence with this expression.
  2. Define “chemical makeup”. “The software does this by analyzing a wine’s chemical makeup, and quickly comparing it to a database of the taste preferences of 248 million US wine drinkers.” Use this in a sentence.
  3. What is the meaning of “anathema”? “For wine traditionalists, the use of AI in winemaking, be it in the vineyard or the winery, is an anathema.” Make a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your opinion on the use of AI to make wine?
  2. According to the article, what are the pros and cons of using AI in winery?
  3. How do you think advancements in technology, such as AI, are impacting traditional industries like viticulture and winemaking?
  4. Share your thoughts on this, “Feelings aren’t bad, but we like to use data.”
  5. Do you think AI technology will become increasingly prevalent in the wine industry, or do you believe traditional methods will continue to dominate?

Quiet Quitting the Next Phase of the Great Resignation

B2 – Upper Intermediate

After the big changes in the job market caused by the Great Resignation, there’s a new thing called ‘Quiet Quitting’ that’s changing how people leave their jobs. Instead of making a big fuss, more and more workers are leaving quietly. This shows that people are thinking more about what really matters to them in their careers.

Watch the video and know why people are leaving quietly and what it means for how people think about work nowadays.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “quiet quitting” mean? “Quiet quitting is a trend that has been dominating social media especially TikTok.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “to go above and beyond” mean? “Quiet quitting is referring to a situation where employees are making a choice to not necessarily go above and beyond what they’re being asked to do.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does ” to stay under the radar” mean? “They are not giving their all anymore, they just stay under the radar.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think quiet quitting is a legitimate response to dissatisfaction with work or is it an irresponsible way of handling professional relationships? Why?
  2. In your opinion, what factors contribute to the increasing prevalence of quiet quitting in the context of the Great Resignation?
  3. What are some potential consequences of engaging in quiet quitting for both the individual and the organization they are leaving?
  4. What strategies can organizations employ to prevent or address the phenomenon of quiet quitting among their employees?