Category: Class

Wildfire Victims Face Insurance Crisis

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Wildfire victims are facing a growing insurance crisis as rising disaster risks make coverage harder to obtain and more expensive. In wildfire-prone areas, many homeowners are seeing their policies canceled, premiums skyrocket, or insurers pull out altogether. As climate change fuels more frequent and severe fires, the insurance industry is struggling to keep up, leaving victims with fewer options for rebuilding their lives. This crisis raises urgent questions about the future of home insurance, government intervention, and how communities can better prepare for wildfire risks.

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


Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is the meaning of the phase “pull back“? “With insurers pulling back, thousand of California homeowners have been left without coverage.” Make a sentence using the expression.
  2. What does “moratorium” mean? “The California Insurance Commissioner is issuing a one-year moratorium to protect homeowners.” Use the word in a sentence.
  3. What does the word “cascade” mean? “The report suggesting the insurance crisis could lead to a housing one with echo of 2008, saying this is predicted to cascade into plunging property values in communities where insurance becomes impossible to find or prohibitively expensive.” Use the word in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Should the government step in to provide insurance assistance for wildfire victims, or should it be left to private insurers? Why?
  2. Do you think insurance companies are justified in raising premiums or dropping coverage in wildfire-prone areas?
  3. Is it fair to require homeowners in high-risk wildfire zones to pay significantly higher insurance rates?
  4. How can insurance companies balance financial risk while still providing coverage for wildfire victims?
  5. How should communities and governments prepare for the increasing risks of wildfires and their impact on home insurance?




How Will the Global Economy Fare in 2025?

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

As the new year starts, questions on how some of the world’s Powerhouse economies will fare arise.

While, the US saw strong growth, China and Germany’s economies did not see much boost in the previous year. They struggled to deal with fundamental challenges.

How will President Donald Trump’s return to office and America’s tariff-centred policies affect the global economy?

Watch the video on some insights on how the global economy will fare in 2025.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is does “economic laggard” mean? “Traditionally, the German economy is seen as the Powerhouse of Europe. It is after all, the largest economy in Europe, but increasingly, it’s the economic laggard.” Use this phrase in a sentence.
  2. What does “a lump of coal in one’s stocking” mean? “If Donald Trump comes into office in January and imposes huge tariffs on imports to the US, then economies everywhere will face a big disruption and Wall Street might find a lump of coal in its stocking.” Use this idiom in a sentence.
  3. What does the phrase “in the doldrums” mean? “We think the impact of rate easing on the economy will be marginal because most of the credit-intense sectors are still in [the] doldrums.” Use this expression in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. According to the video, how will the US, German, and Chinese economy fare this year? Talk about some challenges and possible workarounds for each country.
  2. What might be the effects of US tariff-centered policies in the global economy? How about in your country?
  3. How do you think the economy of your country will fare this year?
  4. What are your thoughts on supporting the crypto industry? Could it boost a country’s economy? Explain.

Fast Food Goes High Tech with New A.I. Drive-Thrus

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Fast food chains are embracing artificial intelligence (AI) to revolutionize the drive-thru experience. From voice-activated ordering systems to automated menu suggestions, AI-powered drive-thrus aim to speed up service, reduce errors, and enhance customer convenience. Wendy’s is investing in this technology, using machine learning and natural language processing to understand orders more accurately and personalize recommendations. While AI drive-thrus promise efficiency and innovation, they also raise some questions. As the fast food industry goes high-tech, AI is reshaping the way customers order their favorite meals.

Watch the video to know more and be able to answer the questions below.


Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “behind-the-scenes” mean”? “Wendy is now using AI to take your drive-thru orders. Let’s take a look at the behind-the-scenes of the new technology and put it to the test.” Make a sentence using this expression.
  2. What does the phrasal verb “step in” mean? “Ordering something not on the menu, that’s when human stepped in.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What is the meaning of “driven by” in this sentence? “Using AI drive-thrus seems much faster, a new trend driven by technology.” Make a sentence using the phrase.


Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think AI-powered drive-thrus will improve the customer experience, or will they make it less personal? Why?
  2. Should fast food companies prioritize speed and efficiency over human jobs when implementing AI technology? Share your insights.
  3. Would you feel comfortable ordering from an AI drive-thru, or do you prefer interacting with a human employee?
  4. What are the potential benefits and risks of using AI in fast food ordering systems?
  5. How can companies balance technological advancements with the need to maintain human jobs in the industry?




AI Enhances Maternal Health Care in Kenya

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Every two minutes, a pregnant woman dies due to complications, lack of timely medical intervention, or limited access to healthcare in rural areas. In Kenya, AI is revolutionizing maternal health by helping doctors to detect early complications like pre-eclampsia and fetal distress. AI-powered tools allow real-time monitoring of vital signs, helping healthcare workers provide timely care, even in remote areas, and ultimately saving lives.

Read this article to learn how AI helps pregnant women in Kenya.

https://www.voanews.com/a/ai-enhances-maternal-health-care-in-kenya-experts-say/7789467.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to prevent the onset of something” mean? “The project objective is to prevent the onset of pre-eclampsia, which may cause death to mothers and even infants after their delivery,’ Saruni said. ” Use this in a sentence.
  2. Define “to boil down to something” . “All this boils down to timely and accurate information about the mother.” Make a sentence with this and give a similar phrase/word.
  3. What’s the meaning of “roll out” in this context? “It has been tested in prenatal clinics in the Rift Valley city of Nakuru, with the aim of rolling out to the rest of the country.” Make a sentence with this and give a similar phrase/word.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on using AI in maternity care?
  2. In your opinion, how could AI improve the maternal care system in your country? Cite specific ways it could help.
  3. Why do you think access to healthcare is particularly important for people living in rural areas?
  4. How can AI help reduce the gap in healthcare between urban and underserved communities? What challenges do you think need to be addressed?
  5. Looking ahead, how do you imagine AI will change healthcare in the next decade?

Relationship Goals


B2 – Upper Intermediate

Collaboratively establishing objectives, whether they’re related to travel, finances, or personal growth, can provide a sense of purpose and unity — much more to couples.

Read the article to know why working towards common aspirations strengthens your partnership.

25 Relationship Goals for 2025
25 Relationship Goals for 2025

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to take stock” mean? “Beyond your career aspirations and opportunities for personal growth, it’s important to also take stock of your relationships.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “to keep the spark alive” mean? “Make it a priority to have a date night every week or every other week, regardless of how long you’ve been together. This keeps the spark alive and ensures you’re spending uninterrupted time with each other.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “to keep things fresh” mean? “Commit to trying something new together each month. Think kayaking, rock climbing, or even a dance class. The excitement of sharing new experiences strengthens your bond and keeps things fresh.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How can couples ensure that they spend uninterrupted quality time together amidst busy schedules?
  2. What are your thoughts on “couple check-ups”?
  3. One of the suggested goals is to create small, recurring relationship rituals, like having coffee together every Sunday morning. Share your thoughts on this.
  4. How can digital distractions be managed to prioritize relationships?
  5. Planning a monthly adventure day is suggested as a way to create shared memories and deepen your bond. What new and exciting activities can you suggest couples try together and why?

The “Second Screening” Trap

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Due to unimpeded access to information and technological advancement, the way people consume content have evolved drastically. They are used to possessing and using multiple devices at the same time. Such a phenomena has been recently coined as “second screening”.

Let’s read the article and know more about “second screening”.

https://www.insidehook.com/wellness/second-screening-2

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Define the word “showrunner“. “So many showrunners [have been] given notes by the streaming channels: ‘This isn’t second screen enough.’ And what they mean is, the viewer is expected to be on their phone, sort of half doing something else, while your crime drama, or whatever, is playing.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What is the meaning of “co-opt” here, “While second screening is an obvious pop culture issue, we argue that it’s a prevalent wellness one, too, with implications on our collective mental health, co-opting our capacities for relaxation and focus.”? Use it in a sentence and give two synonyms.
  3. What does the phrase “mind-numbing scourge” mean? “It wasn’t too long ago — a few decades, at most — that television was still considered the primary, mind-numbing scourge of the masses.” Use it in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is second screening and have you heard of it before? Share your thoughts on it.
  2. Do you often use your phone while watching TV? Why do you do so?
  3. Do you prefer watching shows that require your full attention or those that are easy to follow? Why?
  4. Do you believe the attention spans of viewers these days are compromised? Share your point of view about this matter.
  5. What are your thoughts on this, “Second-screening is an autonomic, submissive, physically-submersive doomscroll; most of us probably don’t even realize we’re doing it.“?

Cold Water Immersion Therapy

B1 – Intermediate

Cold water has a significant impact on the human body, influencing circulation, metabolism, and muscle recovery. When exposed to cold water, the body reacts by constricting blood vessels to conserve heat, increasing heart rate, and boosting alertness.

Cold water immersion therapy, also known as cold therapy or ice bathing, is a technique used by athletes and wellness enthusiasts to reduce muscle soreness, inflammation, and stress. It is believed to enhance recovery, improve circulation, and even strengthen the immune system. However, prolonged or extreme exposure to cold water can be risky, potentially leading to hypothermia or shock.

Is cold water immersion therapy truly effective, or is it just a wellness trend?

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2501/250113-cold-water-immersion-therapy.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “dip” mean in this sentence? “Recent research suggests taking a dip in very cold water for several hours a week is good for our health. ” Write 3 synonyms of the word and make 1 sentence for each.
  2. What is the meaning of “well-being“? “They found it could have positive effects on our cognition, sleep quality, and overall well-being.” Make 2 sentences using the word.
  3. What does “energy-snapping” mean? “For many decades, ice baths have helped to speed the recovery of athletes following intense, energy-sapping performances. ” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you know about cold water immersion therapy, and have you ever tried it?
  2. What do you think about the idea of using cold water for recovery or health benefits?
  3. What other therapies, aside from ice water immersion, are commonly used in your country to treat muscle soreness?
  4. What are some negatives to using cold water therapy?

Students Using AI to Learn English

B1 – Intermediate

English is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world, serving as a global means of communication in business, education, and daily life. Learning English opens doors to better career opportunities, cultural exchange, and access to a vast amount of knowledge. However, mastering English can be challenging, requiring practice in listening, speaking, reading, and writing.

With advancements in technology, artificial intelligence (AI) has transformed the way people learn English. AI-powered tools, such as language learning apps, chatbots, and virtual tutors, provide personalized learning experiences, real-time feedback, and interactive exercises. These innovations make learning more accessible, efficient, and engaging, helping learners improve their English skills at their own pace.

Can relying on AI for learning English truly improve language skills, or might it limit real-world communication and critical thinking?

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2412/241223-learning-english-ai.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What are some alternative expressions for “face-to-face“? “The researchers said more young people used AI than took face-to-face lessons. ” Make 1 sentence for each expression.
  2. What does the phrase “in the midst of something” mean? “We’re in the midst of an AI revolution.” Make 2 sentences using the phrase.
  3. What is the meaning of the word “impact” in this sentence? “Technology has long had an impact on language learning.” Write 3 synonyms of the word.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Have you ever used AI for learning English? If so, how was your experience?
  2. Do you think AI can replace human teachers in English learning? Why or why not?
  3. What are the advantages and disadvantages of using AI for language learning?
  4. In the future, how do you see AI changing the way people learn English?
  5. What is your most and least preferred way of learning English? Explain why.

Big Tech Jobs Have Lost Their Glamour

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

For some time, holding a much coveted a job in Big Tech companies was the envy of everyone. The industry was once even dubbed as “the pinnacle of employment” being renowned for their model work cultures.

Cut to 2025, with increasing layoffs and cutbacks, employees who once strived to land a job in these tech giants do not bear the same enthusiasm as before.

Read this article about how working for Big Tech is losing its once shining star with layoffs and perk cuts here and there.

https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20240207-big-tech-layoffs-perks-cuts

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to test one’s mettle” mean? “Initially, the move went well. Michael says he got to work on high-impact features, testing his mettle against senior developers.” Use this idiom in a sentence.
  2. What does the phrase “to come out strong out the gate” mean? “After coming too strong out the gate in 2021, tech companies had to suddenly pull back their recruitment.” Use this expression in a sentence.
  3. What is does “the place to be” mean? “I was wowed by the office – it made it feel as though tech was the place to be. It was its fast-paced and innovative nature that stood out most to me: as though I could be part of something new.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use this phrase in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is causing tech slowdown and industry-wide layoffs?
  2. What is your opinion about the decline of Big Tech jobs glamour? Do people have the same sentiments in your country? Explain.
  3. Share your thoughts on how “employees who once clamoured to work for Big Tech companies are changing their tunes as layoffs proliferate and perks are cut”.
  4. If you worked in this industry, what do you think your next move would be and why?
  5. How has the growth of the tech industry in your country been affected by the pandemic? And how is it doing at the moment? 
  6. Share your point of view on this statement, “The glory days [of jobs in the tech sector] will be back: a couple of years post-economic downturn and it’ll be back to 2021.”.

President Trump Promises Golden Age of America

B1 – Intermediate 

As Donald Trump was inaugurated as the USA’s 47th President in January of 2025, he promises to ‘make America great again’. In his acceptance speech, he says, “”The golden age of America begins right now.”. 

Read this article about President Trump’s promise of a golden age for America.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2501/250123-golden-age-of-america-2.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “golden age” mean? “President Donald Trump has promised a “golden age” for America.” Use this phrase in a sentence.
  2. What does the phrase “to be sworn in” mean? “He was sworn in as the USA’s 47th President on the 20th of January.” Use this idiom in a sentence.
  3. What is does “administration” mean here, “He added that: “During every single day of the Trump administration, I will very simply put America first.“? Use this word in a sentence in the same context.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Share your thoughts on this news.
  2. What is your opinion on Trump’s promise of a golden age for America?
  3. Which of his promises do you think will be realized and which ones seems difficult to achieve? Explain.
  4. How do you/the citizens in your country normally feel about a new president’s promises at the beginning of their administration? Why do you think you/they feel this way?
  5. When was your country’s golden age? Talk about that period of time.