Category: Class

Zara Ads Banned for Unhealthily Thin Models

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Fashion giant Zara is facing backlash after several of its advertisements were banned for featuring models described as “unhealthily thin.” The decision, made by advertising regulators, has reignited debates about body image and the fashion industry’s responsibility to promote healthy beauty standards.

Read this article to learn more about the controversy and its impact on fashion advertising.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cp941z3nnnxo

Discussion Questions:

  1. What does “gaunt” mean? “The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) said shadows and a slick back bun hairstyle made one model appear “gaunt” while the pose and low cut design of a shirt in another image showed the model’s “protruding” collarbones.” Give 2 synonyms and make a sentence with this word.
  2. What is a “focal feature“? “The other banned advert was for a shirt and the model was said to be in a position that made “protruding” collarbones a “focal feature” of the advert.” Use this in a sentence.
  3. Define “carousel of images“. “The two banned adverts previously appeared on the retailer’s app and website in a carousel of images showing clothes on and off models.” Make a sentence with this phrase.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Share your opinion about these bans on some brands’ adverts with seemingly “unhealthily thin models”.
  2. What impact might these bans on these brands’ adverts have on their business and their image?
  3. How can advertising influence people’s ideas about beauty and body image?
  4. What impact can unrealistic body images have on young people?
  5. Have you ever seen an advertisement that made you feel uncomfortable or unrealistic? Why?
  6. What changes would you like to see in fashion advertising in the future?
  7. Do you think fashion brands should be responsible for promoting healthy body standards? Why or why not?

The Psychology of Sharing Meals

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Eating together is one of the oldest human traditions and it’s about more than just food. Whether it’s a quiet dinner with family, a fun meal with friends, or lunch with coworkers, sharing meals helps us feel connected. Studies have also shows that eating with others builds trust, friendship, and emotional support.

Let’s read the article and learn how eating together can help us feel closer, build friendships, and feel part of a group in everyday life and different cultures.

https://www.cuculi.com/post/the-psychology-of-sharing-meals-more-than-just-eating-together

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the idiom “to break bread together” mean? “Breaking bread together is an age-old ritual, transcending mere sustenance to become a cornerstone of human interaction.” Use it in a sentence and give two synonyms.
  2. What is the meaning of the phrase “deeply embedded” mean? “There’s a profound psychology behind shared meals, deeply embedded in our social fabric.“. Use it in your own sentence.
  3. Define the idiom “to open up“. “It’s a time when people are more likely to open up, share stories, and discuss ideas.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What does communal dining do for you?
  2. How do shared meals help people feel seen, heard, or supported?
  3. What emotions do you associate with family meals or celebrations?
  4. What are some mealtime traditions in your culture that show care or respect?
  5. How do different cultures use food to build relationships or show hospitality?

Stereotypes: The Truth Behind Cultural Clichés

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Cultural clichés, or stereotypes, are simplified ideas people hold about certain groups or nationalities. They often come from bits of truth but are exaggerated or generalized over time. While some clichés may seem harmless or even flattering, many can lead to misunderstanding and unfair judgment. Exploring the truth behind cultural clichés helps us see people as individuals, appreciate real cultural diversity, and move beyond shallow assumptions.

Watch the short video and be able to answer the questions below:


Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is the difference between “explicit stereotype” and “implicit stereotype“? Cite an example situation for each type.
  2. What does the phrase “to cloud one’s judgement” mean? “Believing in stereotypes can cloud one’s judgment, causing people to misjudge others before getting to know them personally.” Make your own sentence.
  3. What does the phrase “unbiased standpoint” mean? “Armed with this self-awareness, you try to interact with each French individual from a seemingly unbiased standpoint.” Make a sentence using the term.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think stereotypes are sometimes based on a small truth, or are they mostly unfair generalizations?
  2. In your opinion, is it possible to completely get rid of cultural clichés in today’s society?
  3. Do you believe media plays the biggest role in spreading stereotypes, or do they come more from personal experiences?
  4. What are some common stereotypes about your culture, and how accurate or inaccurate do you think they are?
  5. How can education and cross-cultural experiences help break down harmful stereotypes?
  6. What stereotypes are associated with people from your country? Do you find these stereotypes to be all true?

Why Gen Z Are Turning Down Promotions

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Many Gen Z workers are changing how they think about success at work and some are saying no to promotions. Rather than always aiming for bigger job titles or more duties, they’re choosing to focus on their mental health, free time, and doing work that feels meaningful.

Let’s read the article and learn more about why and how this generation is redefining success.

https://www.newsweek.com/gen-z-work-promotions-2034241

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Explain the meaning of the phrase “a defining part of something“. “Emma sees her job strictly as a source of income rather than a defining part of her identity.” Use it in your own sentence.
  2. Define the verb “forgo“. “For 25-year-old Emma*, the decision to forgo promotions is a deliberate and deeply personal one.” Use it in a sentence and give two synonyms.
  3. What is the meaning of “expendable“? “Emma’s concerns echo a wider sentiment among Gen Z workers who feel little loyalty toward employers who, in their view, see them as expendable.” Use it in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why do you think Gen Z might value flexibility more than status?
  2. How is Gen Z’s view of work different from older generations?
  3. What does “success” mean to you in a job?
  4. Would you accept a promotion if it meant more stress or less free time? Why or why not?
  5. Can you think of a time when someone chose peace of mind over a higher position?

Labubu Maker Pop Mart Learns from Disney

B1 – Intermediate 

The collectible plush toys Labubu has become a global phenomenon over night. It is interesting how a character could become a viral trend worldwide.

Everyone wants a piece of this toy. It doesn’t matter that they are expensive and sometimes hard to come by. Many have become a fan and wish to collect every piece of Labubu.

Pop Mart, the maker of Labubu, learned a thing or two about their business strategy from Disney.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about what Labubu maker Pop Mart learned from Disney’s business strategy.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/labubu-maker-learns-from-disney-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Define “intellectual property”. “Like Disney’s Mickey Mouse, Labubu is becoming a strong intellectual property with potential for theme parks, entertainment, and merchandise.” Use the term in a sentence. 
  2. What does “one big hit” mean? “Pop Mart doesn’t want only one big hit. Instead, it hopes to create five to ten characters with similar global potential.” Use the idiom in a sentence.  
  3. What does “to enter the market” mean? “Labubu’s success has also increased competition in China’s art toy industry, where many new companies and artists are trying to enter the market.” Use the term in a sentence. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think Pop Mart has what it takes to stay relevant long-term? Share your thoughts on Pop Mart Labubu’s global success.
  2. Pop Mart’s strategy is inspired by Disney, aiming to turn short-term popularity into long-term growth. What is your opinion about this business strategy?
  3. Talk about another company/business/brand that you know used the same strategy.
  4. What is your reaction to this: Pop Mart is now more valuable than major toy makers like Hasbro, Mattel, and Sanrio.
  5. Do you know any famous toy makers from your country? Talk about their business. How well do you think they do in the global market?

Indian Court Tells Doctors to Fix Their Handwriting

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Messy handwriting by doctors has caused worry and public discussion recently. When prescriptions or medical notes are hard to read, it can lead to serious problems like giving the wrong medicine, making mistakes in diagnosis, or slowing down treatment.

Let’s read the article to understand how Punjab and Haryana High Court responded to this issue.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cn0r88nrx70o

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “scrawl” mean? “The BBC has seen a copy of the judgement which includes the report and a two-page prescription which shows the doctor’s unreadable scrawl.” Use it in a sentence and give two synonyms.
  2. What is the meaning of the phrase “roll out“? “Health authorities in the UK have admitted that “drug errors caused appalling levels of harm and deaths and added that roll out of electronic prescribing systems across more hospitals could reduce errors by 50%.” Use it in a sentence and give two synonyms.
  3. What does “to bear fruit” mean in this context, “His campaign, seeking a complete ban on handwritten prescriptions, bore fruit when in 2016, the Medical Council of India ordered that “every physician should prescribe drugs with generic names legibly and preferably in capital letters”.? Use it in a sentence and give two synonyms.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your insights of the court’s decision telling doctors to write legibly? Do you think the same should be done in your country?
  2. Share your thoughts on this: “Legible medical prescription is a fundamental right as it can make a difference between life and death.“
  3. How important is clarity in medical prescriptions?
  4. What do you think about including handwriting lessons in the medical school curriculum and set a two-year timeline for rolling out digitised prescriptions?
  5. Are the doctors in your country also notorious for bad handwriting? Talk about it.
  6. Have you ever had any issues because of the doctor’s illegible handwriting on any of your prescriptions? Share about this instance.

China New Rules on EU Brandy

B1 – Intermediate 

China is going to take some temporary anti-dumping actions on importing EU brandy. This comes as a result of EU voting to put tariffs on electric vehicles (EVs) from China. This new measure will definitely impact famous French brands of brandy such as Hennessy and Remy Martin.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about China’s new rules on EU brandy.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/china-has-new-rules-on-eu-brandy-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “anti-dumping” mean? “China has introduced temporary anti-dumping measures on brandy imports from the EU, especially affecting famous French brands like Hennessy and Remy Martin.” Use the term in a sentence. 
  2. What does “measure” mean here, “China has introduced temporary anti-dumping measures on brandy imports from the EU, especially affecting famous French brands like Hennessy and Remy Martin.”? Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “trade tension” mean? “These actions are seen as part of growing trade tensions between China and the EU, particularly targeting France, which has supported the new EV tariffs.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your personal opinion about this move by China?
  2. Do you think this will have a big effect on EU brandy industry? Share your insight.
  3. What is your opinion on EU voting to impose tariffs on Chinese EVs? What impact do you think this will have on the growing China and the EU’s trade tensions? 
  4. Share your opinion about EU-China trade tensions.
  5. Give another example of anti-dumping that you know of.

Heart Attacks Have a Warning Sign

B1 – Intermediate 

Cardiovascular diseases like heart attacks and strokes claim more than million lives each year. However, doctors say there are things that people can do to avoid them. It is important to look out for the warning signs and make necessary lifestyle changes to prevent these kinds of diseases.

Read the article to know more about cardiovascular diseases and their warning signs.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2510/251002-heart-attacks-and-strokes.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to take steps to avoid something” mean? “Doctors say people can take steps to avoid cardiovascular diseases like heart attacks and strokes.” Use the idiom in a sentence. 
  2. What does “warning sign” mean? “A study from doctors at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago and Yonsei University in South Korea said that more than 99 per cent of people who had a heart attack or stroke had at least one warning sign.” Use the term in a sentence. 
  3. What does “modifiable risk factor” mean? “The goal now is to work harder on finding ways to control these modifiable risk factors.” Use the term in a sentence. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you believe it is possible that people can take steps to avoid cardiovascular diseases? Explain.
  2. Share your thoughts on this, “There is a small number of modifiable risk factors for heart disease, and at least one, but often more than one, is present in the background leading up to heart attacks, heart failure, or strokes.”
  3. What can be done to control modifiable cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors?

Spain to Boost AI Integration with €150 million Subsidy Programme

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Spain has taken another major step toward digital transformation with the launch of a new national initiative to promote the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in businesses. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that the government will allocate €150 million in subsidies to help companies develop and integrate AI-based technologies into their operations.

The program aims to accelerate innovation, improve productivity, and enhance competitiveness across key sectors such as manufacturing, healthcare, and finance. By encouraging the adoption of AI, the government seeks to position Spain as a leader in the global digital economy, fostering sustainable growth and preparing the country for the future of work and technology.

Read the article and learn more about this government project.

https://www.techmonitor.ai/digital-economy/ai-and-automation/spain-boost-ai-integration-e150m-subsidy-programme?cf-view

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “earmark” mean? “On the European Union (EU) front, significant funding has been earmarked to foster AI research and development.” Use it in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “to make strides in something” mean? “In addition, the European High Performance Computing Joint Undertaking (EuroHPC) has made strides in setting up AI Factories across Europe.” Use it in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “uptake” mean? “A key initiative under this package, GenAI4EU, aims to stimulate the development and uptake of generative AI across Europe’s strategic industrial sectors.” Use it in a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why do you think Spain is investing heavily in artificial intelligence now?
  2. What benefits and challenges might small and medium-sized businesses face when adopting AI?
  3. Do you think government subsidies are the best way to encourage AI adoption? Why or why not?
  4. Do you think your company will benefit from this? Why or why not?

Banco de España to Increase the Countercyclical Capital Buffer (CCyB)

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Banco de España has announced an increase in the countercyclical capital buffer (CCyB) rate from 0.5% to 1%, effective 1 October 2026. This decision comes after confirming that Spain’s cyclical systemic risk remains at an intermediate level. 

The move aims to strengthen the resilience of the Spanish banking system, ensuring that banks have sufficient capital to absorb potential losses during economic downturns. The measure was supported by the European Central Bank (ECB) and AMCESFI, Spain’s macroprudential authority.

Read the article and learn more about the new financial law.

https://www.bde.es/f/webbe/GAP/Secciones/SalaPrensa/NotasInformativas/25/presbe2025-90en.pdf

Vocabulary words:

  1. What does “countercyclical capital buffer” mean? “The Banco de España resolves to increase the countercyclical capital buffer (CCyB) rate to 1%.“
  2. What does “macroprudential” mean? “In accordance with the corresponding regulations, the Banco de España has informed the European Central Bank (ECB) and AMCESFI, the Spanish macroprudential authority, of the content of the draft decision.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “draft decision” mean? “In accordance with the corresponding regulations, the Banco de España has informed the European Central Bank (ECB) and AMCESFI, the Spanish macroprudential authority, of the content of the draft decision.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is the purpose of increasing the countercyclical capital buffer (CCyB) for banks in Spain?
  2. How might raising the CCyB rate from 0.5% to 1% affect Spanish banks and their lending activities?
  3. Why is it important for the Banco de España to monitor “cyclical systemic risk”?
  4. The CCyB increase will only take effect in October 2026. Why do you think there is a delay before enforcement?
  5. In your opinion, how can measures like this contribute to long-term financial stability in Europe?