Category: Class

The Environmental Impact of Online Shopping

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Online shopping offers unparalleled convenience, but hides significant environmental impact, from packaging waste to increased carbon emissions. While it may seem more environmentally-friendly than traditional in-store shopping, this perception isn’t always accurate.

Read this article to learn more about the environmental impact of online shopping.

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/environmental-impact-online-shopping-carrybagslimited/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “a way of life” mean? “We are living in a world where online shopping is becoming a way of life, resulting in a global supply chain that is unable to recover, and our planet is being negatively affected by this practice.” Give a similar expression and use “a way of life” in a sentence.
  2. Define “projected growth” in this sentence. “There is a projected growth of 36% in the number of delivery vehicles by 2030, resulting in approximately 7.2 million vehicles.” Make a sentence with this phrase.
  3. What does “e-commerce revolution” mean? “Although the e-commerce revolution has greatly benefited society, it is important not to ignore the impact it has on the environment.” Use this in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. According to the article, how does online shopping impact the environment?
  2. How often do you purchase online, and have you ever considered its environmental impact?
  3. In your opinion, what can individuals do to decrease the environmental effect of their online shopping habits?
  4. Do you think there are more pros or cons to purchasing online in terms of environmental impact? Explain.
  5. How do you think the projected growth in the number of delivery vehicles will affect your local area and commute times?

Mark Zuckerberg Richer

B2 – Upper Intermediate

In today’s society, the pursuit of wealth and material possessions has become a common goal for many individuals. The desire to be richer drives people to work harder, take risks, and make sacrifices in order to achieve financial success.

To become richer, one must first set clear goals and develop a strategic plan to achieve them. This may involve investing in education or acquiring new skills to increase earning potential. Additionally, saving and investing wisely can help grow wealth over time.

Read this article about Mark Zuckerberg’s increasing wealth.

https://www.msn.com/en-ph/money/companies/mark-zuckerberg-is-almost-54-billion-richer-this-year-and-he-s-closing-in-on-elon-musk/ar-BB1jH3zY?ocid=winp1taskbar&cvid=5f61fbcfc9494e4ff0e890f56d7ebcf3&ei=14#image=AA1iQDPs|9

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to close in on someone/something” mean? “Mark Zuckerberg has become a lot wealthier this year 2024 — and is closing in on his would-be cage-fight rival Elon Musk for the title of the world’s third-richest person.”  Use it in your own sentence. 
  2. What does the term “closing bell” mean here, “As of Friday’s closing bell, he was worth $182 billion — just $7 billion behind Musk. Zuckerberg hasn’t been richer than the Tesla CEO since November 2020.” Use it in your own sentence. 
  3. What does the idiom “to settle differences” mean? “At one point, the two billionaires even promised to settle their differences in a cage match, although it appears unlikely that is ever going to happen.” Use it in your own sentence. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. How did Mark Zuckerberg become richer this year?
  2. Share your thoughts on Mark Zuckerberg’s net worth surging.
  3. Talk about your opinion about Zuckerberg and Musk’s rivalry and their efforts to play it up.
  4. Who is the wealthiest person from your country and how do they acquire their fortune?
  5. What questions would you like to ask a wealthy person like Mark Zuckerberg?
  6. How can one acquire more wealth and manage it well?
  7. How do you think your company achieve growth year by year?

Robot Makes Fries

B1 – Intermediate

Miso Robotics has created a new robot designed to simplify kitchen tasks in fast food restaurants. With its advanced technology, the robot aims to improve efficiency and lessen the need for human intervention.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about a robot which works in fast food restaurants.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/a-robot-makes-fries-level-2/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “develop” mean, “In California, US, Miso Robotics developed a robot which works in fast food restaurants.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “instruction” mean, “When an order comes, a worker sends instructions to the robot.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “task” mean, “At first, the robot only turned burgers, but workers soon realized that it could do more tasks. Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on Miso Robotics’ burger-flipping robot?
  2. What are the advantages and disadvantages of using robots like the one developed by Miso Robotics in fast food restaurants?
  3. How do you think the introduction of this robot might impact the workers in fast food establishments? Explain.
  4. How else can these robots be improved?
  5. Do you think the introduction of robots in fast food restaurants will lead to job losses or create new opportunities for workers?

Hungary’s New Immigration Law

B1 – Intermediate

Hungary is implementing tougher immigration rules for people who are coming to live there because too many people are moving to the country. The government’s objective with this new immigration law is to help control how many people come and to make sure there are enough resources for everyone.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about Hungary’s new immigration law.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/hungarys-new-immigration-law-level-2/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “in effect” mean, “The law is replacing an old one which was in effect for 16 years.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “residence permit” mean, “Residence permits will depend on immigrants’ skills.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “invest” mean, “The law also introduces a ‘golden visa’ for people who want to invest money in Hungary.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How might the rule impact the lives of both Hungarians and immigrants living in Hungary?
  2. What are the potential benefits and drawbacks of Hungary’s new immigration rules? Elaborate and explain.
  3. How might these rules affect the economy and job market in Hungary? Explain.
  4. Do you think it’s fair that Hungarians get jobs first? Why or why not?
  5. What is your opinion about the ‘golden visa’?
  6. How would you compare these immigration rules in Hungary to your country?

App Finds Breast Cancer

B1 – Intermediate

An innovative and user-friendly device designed to help detect breast cancer early. It provides a simple way for individuals to monitor their breast health and identify any concerning changes.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about Dotplot, the app that checks women’s breasts for cancer.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/app-finds-breast-cancer-level-2/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “sound wave” mean? “Dotplot reads the breasts with sound waves, and an app sends a report about the scan.” Use this phrase in a sentence.
  2. What does “scan” mean? “The app also compares the scan with previous scans, which helps see if something changed in the breasts.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “account for” mean? “It now accounts for nearly 12% of new cases worldwide.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your opinion on Dotplot?
  2. How can Dotplot device be helpful in detecting breast cancer? Explain.
  3. Do you think devices like Dotplot could make it easier for women to detect breast cancer early? Why or why not?
  4. What are the challenges that can be associated with using a device like Dotplot? How can those issues be solved?

Bitcoin at a Record High

B1 – Intermediate

Bitcoin is a type of digital currency that isn’t controlled by any government or bank. It’s created and managed using a technology called blockchain. People can use Bitcoin to buy things online or trade it like stocks. Its value can change a lot and there’s only a limited amount of Bitcoin that will ever exist.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about Bitcoin being at a record high.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/bitcoin-at-a-record-high-level-2/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “cryptocurrency” mean, “The cryptocurrency hit 69,202 dollars and surpassed its peak in November 2021.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “surpass” mean? “The cryptocurrency hit 69,202 dollars and surpassed its peak in November 2021.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘surpass’ in your own sentence.
  3. In trading, what does the term “spot” mean? “Investor interest increased rapidly after the Securities and Exchange Commission approved 11 spot bitcoin ETFs.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies?
  2. What are the potential risks and benefits associated with investing in Bitcoin? Elaborate.
  3. What are some potential factors driving the fluctuations in Bitcoin’s value
  4. How might the fluctuation in Bitcoin’s value impact investor sentiment and the market?
  5. Why do you think more people are becoming interested in Bitcoin? Explain.

Trick in London 

B1 – Intermediate

In the heart of London, there’s a special bus stop that’s become very famous. It’s equipped with an incredible screen that displays extraordinary scenes.

As people react to these fantastical images, the bus stop becomes a source of excitement and an escape from the normal busy city life.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about this advertising board at a bus stop in London.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/trick-in-london-level-3/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to get the shock of one’s life” mean in this sentence, “People waiting at a busy central London bus stop got the shock of their lives when they were suddenly faced with an alien invasion, giant robots, or a Bengal tiger on the run.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘to get the shock of one’s life’ in your own sentence.
  2. What does “on the run” mean in this sentence, “People waiting at a busy central London bus stop got the shock of their lives when they were suddenly faced with an alien invasion, giant robots, or a Bengal tiger on the run.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘on the run’ in your own sentence.
  3. What does “augmented reality” mean in this sentence. “Augmented reality technology gave the illusion of the bus stop advertising board being see-through, allowing unexpected anything to be projected over the real imagery.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘augmented reality’ in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your opinion on this special screen?
  2. What are the positive and negative things about it?
  3. Do you think it is a good advertising strategy? Explain.
  4. What are other places where similar screens can be installed? Why do you think these screens are necessary there?
  5. How does the presence of the special screen affect people’s experience waiting at the bus stop?
  6. Talk about your own experiences with public art installations or interactive technology in urban places.

Creativity Is a Process, Not an Event

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Creativity is not a singular moment, but a continuous and iterative journey. It challenges the notion that creativity occurs only in spontaneous events. It involves a deliberate and evolving process.

The summary highlights the importance of consistent effort, exploration, and refinement in fostering creativity, urging individuals to view it as an ongoing journey rather than a one-time occurrence.

Read the article below and be ready to answer the questions that follow.

Creativity Is a Process, Not an Event

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “train of thought” mean? “The falling apple was merely the beginning of a train of thought that continued for decades.” Use it in your own sentence. 
  2. What does the idiomatic expression “eureka moment” mean? “It is a symbol of the inspired genius that fills your brain during those “eureka moments” when creative conditions are just right.” Use the expression in your own sentence.
  3. What does the expression “to wrestle with something” mean? “Newton isn’t the only one to wrestle with a great idea for years.” Give 2 synonyms and use ‘to wrestle with something’ in a sentence. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. Share a personal experience when you had a “eureka moment” or a flash of creative brilliance. How did that moment influence your perspective on creativity?
  2. Discuss the notion that creativity is a process that requires years of commitment and deliberate practice. How do you approach the long-term development of your creative skills or talents?
  3. The article suggests that being in the top 1 percent of intelligence doesn’t necessarily correlate with being fantastically creative. How do you perceive the relationship between intelligence and creative thinking? Share examples that support or challenge this idea.
  4. Share practical strategies mentioned in the article, such as constraining oneself, writing more, broadening knowledge, and embracing positive thinking. Which strategies resonate with you, and how do you apply them in your creative pursuits?
  5. How does maintaining a positive mindset contribute to thinking more broadly and making creative connections between ideas in your experience?

The Ultimate Productivity Hack Is Saying No

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The concept that “The Ultimate Productivity Hack is Saying No” emphasizes the strategic importance of setting boundaries and selectively choosing commitments. It underscores the idea that saying no to non-essential tasks, projects, or requests allows individuals to prioritize their time and energy on tasks aligned with their goals. This productivity hack encourages a mindful and intentional approach to workload management, enabling individuals to focus on tasks that truly contribute to their success and well-being.

Read the article below and be ready to answer the questions that follow.

The Ultimate Productivity Hack is Saying No

Vocabulary Questions: 

  1. What does the phrasal verb “to fall back on” in the sentence, “And it is true: turning down opportunities is easier when you can fall back on the safety net provided by power, money, and authority”. Use it in a sentence. 
  2. What does “to strain the relationship” mean in the sentence, “The thought of straining the relationship outweighs the commitment of our time and energy”? Use it in a sentence. 
  3. What does the phrase “balance to strike” mean in the sentence, “There is an important balance to strike here”? Use it in your own words. 

Discussion questions: 

  1. How often do you find yourself saying “yes” to tasks or commitments without considering their necessity?
  2. What strategies could help you become more mindful about your commitments?
  3. The article discusses the challenge of saying “no” to people we like or want to support. How can one strike a balance between being empathetic and maintaining productivity in personal and professional relationships?
  4. How do you currently prioritize and protect your time, and what improvements could you make in this regard?
  5. How can individuals navigate these social expectations without overcommitting? Share personal experiences if applicable.
  6. How did you navigate and prioritize tasks to regain control of your time?

Sustainable Travel

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Sustainable tourism discusses various ways travelers can minimize their environmental impact, importance in preserving the environment, and supporting local communities while exploring the growing trend of eco-tourism.

Read the article to know more about choosing eco-friendly accommodations, supporting local businesses, and participating in responsible wildlife experiences. The article also highlights destinations that are leading the way in sustainable tourism practices.

https://www.graygroupintl.com/blog/sustainable-travel#:~:text=Sustainable%20tourism%20encompasses%20preserving%20the,on%20the%20places%20we%20visit.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to lie at the heart of something” mean? “At the heart of sustainable travel lies the principles of sustainable tourism.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘to lie at the heart of something’ in your own sentence.
  2. What does “carbon footprint” mean? “By opting for sustainable transportation options, such as walking, cycling, or using public transportation, we can reduce our carbon footprint and minimize air pollution.” Use ‘carbon footprint’ in a sentence.
  3. What does “carbon offset” mean? “Additionally, offsetting the carbon emissions of our flights by investing in carbon offset projects can help to neutralize our travel-related carbon footprint.” Use ‘carbon offset’ in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How has the rise of sustainable tourism impacted traditional travel destinations, and what measures are being taken to ensure local communities benefit from this shift?
  2. In what ways do businesses and governments collaborate to promote sustainable tourism practices, and what challenges do they face in implementing these initiatives effectively?
  3. Can you discuss some innovative approaches or technologies being utilized to minimize the environmental footprint of tourism while still providing enriching experiences for travelers?