Category: Class

Women Are Less Interested in AI than Men

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Artificial intelligence faces a gender-related challenge, which extends beyond the content it generates or any embedded biases within models. According to a recent survey, a significant gender gap exists in AI adoption, particularly among younger workers. The report revealed that Gen Z men are 25% more likely to experiment with AI tools than their female counterparts.

Let’s read the article to understand the reasons behind women’s lower interest in using AI compared to men.

https://theconversation.com/women-are-less-interested-in-ai-than-men-but-using-it-would-help-them-advance-at-work-233511#:~:text=It%20reported%20that%2059%20per%20cent%20of%20male,cent%2C%20compared%20with%2059%20per%20cent%20of%20women.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the idiom “see the glass as half empty or half full” mean? “In this area, as in so many others, you can see the glass as half empty or half full, depending on how optimistic you are.” Provide two synonyms or similar idioms.
  2. What does the phrase “increase sixfold” mean? “More specifically, between 2023 and 2032, the percentage of jobs with high exposure points to AI could increase sixfold, from eight per cent to 52 per cent.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What is the meaning of the verb “deplore“? “While we already deplore the fact that women are generally underrepresented in senior management in organizations, this phenomenon is apparently even more marked in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics, and consequently, in AI.” Use it in a sentence and give two synonyms.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you find it surprising that men use generative AI more than women? Why or why not?
  2. Do you incorporate AI into your work tasks? If so, which software do you rely on?
  3. Have you undergone any AI training? If yes, was it helpful? If not, would you be open to participating in such training?
  4. Is AI prevalent in your industry, and do you anticipate its usage to evolve over time?
  5. Do you feel more optimistic or apprehensive about what the future holds for AI?

Why Can’t We Remember Our Early Years?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Do you ever find it puzzling that you can’t recall moments from your earliest years? It’s a shared experience, and there’s a term for it in psychology: childhood amnesia. This refers to the fact that most adults have little to no memory of events from their first 3-4 years of life.

Let’s read the article and know more details as to why we have little to no recollection of our early years.

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/3/29/why-cant-we-remember-our-early-years-do-babies-make-memories-at-all

Vocabulary Discussions:

  1. What does “episodic memory” mean? “The findings suggest that episodic memory – the kind of memory that helps us remember specific events and the context in which they took place – begins to develop earlier than scientists previously believed.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What is the meaning of “to take place“? “This is the first time scientists have directly observed how a memory begins to take shape in an awake baby’s brain. ” Use it in a sentence and give two synonyms.
  3. What is the meaning of the phrase “to bury deep in something“? “Psychoanalysts such as Sigmund Freud believed that early childhood memories are not lost, but buried deep in the unconscious, and that psychotherapy might help bring them to the surface by changing mental states.“. Use it in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How do you feel about the outcomes presented in this study?
  2. Do you find it intriguing that we begin forming memories at such a young age?
  3. Can you share some of the first memories you have from childhood?
  4. If it were an option, would you choose to unlock all your early childhood memories? Why or why not?
  5. Do you know anyone who possesses an incredible ability to remember things?

Gen Z is Quitting Alcoholic Beverages


B2 – Upper Intermediate

For at least a century, alcoholic beverages have been an important part of social events, rites of passage, and the economy. However, the consumption of alcoholic beverages has gone down significantly amongst Gen Z.

To find out more about this topic, watch the video below.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Define “designated driver”. “Since when did Gen Z become the designated driver of society?” Use this term in a sentence.
  2. What does “cornerstone” mean? “For generations, drinking has been a cornerstone of social life, adulthood, and even celebrations.” Use this word to make your own sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What is the meaning of “on the rage“? “Yes, I did say mocktails because that is what’s all on the rage.” Use this idiom to make your own sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on Gen Zs dropping alcoholic beverages?
  2. What is your opinion on the current state of the alcohol industry? Is it going in a positive direction because of Gen Z’s preference to ditch drinking alcohol?
  3. Do you think that Gen Z’s awareness of alcohol has a positive effect on their health? Explain.
  4. How is the economy affected by less consumption of alcohol?

Trump Defends Sweeping Tariffs

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The implementation of reciprocal tariffs by Donald Trump in 2025 marked a significant shift in U.S. trade policy, aimed at addressing perceived inequities in international trade relationships. In response to persistent goods trade deficits, Trump’s administration declared a national emergency, citing the lack of reciprocity and unfair economic practices by trading partners as primary concerns. The administration’s approach involved conducting extensive investigations to identify these disparities and proposed tariffs ranging from 10% to 50%, contingent upon bilateral trade deficits.

Critics argue that the methodology underpinning these tariffs is fundamentally flawed. The Tax Foundation contends that Trump’s calculations fail to account for actual tariff rates or non-tariff barriers imposed by other nations, leading to economically detrimental outcomes. Furthermore, FactCheck.org highlights discrepancies between the tariffs proposed by Trump and the World Trade Organization’s average rates, suggesting that this misrepresentation could exacerbate tensions with trading partners. Consequently, while intended as a corrective measure for trade imbalances, Trump’s reciprocal tariffs may have far-reaching negative implications for both domestic consumers and international relations.

Read this article to know more on how Trump defended sweeping tariffs on imports.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c2093qgx14po

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to play something down” mean? “Trump’s top officials stressed that the tariffs – announced last week – would be implemented as planned, playing down recession fears.” Use it in a sentence and give a synonym.
  2. What does “S&P 500” stand for and what is it? “On Friday, all three major stock indexes in the US fell more than 5%, while the S&P 500 dropped almost 6% in the worst week for the US stock market since 2020.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “reciprocal tariff” mean? “Lutnick went on say the steeper reciprocal tariffs were still on track.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on Donald Trump’s approach to tariffs during his presidency? Do you think they helped or hurt the US economy?
  2. Trump’s tariff policies were often criticized for starting trade wars. Do you think this strategy was sustainable in the long run?
  3. Share your insights on this, “There was ‘no reason’ to expect a recession as a result. This is an adjustment process.”
  4. What do you think about Trump’s statement, “I think your question is so stupid,” he told the reporter. “I don’t want anything to go down. But sometimes you have to take medicine to fix something.“?
  5. What is your country’s official opinion on this situation?

Noise-Cancelling Headphones Cause Hearing Problems

B1 – Intermediate

A BBC report highlights concerns that noise-cancelling earphones, popular among young people, may be contributing to hearing problems. Experts suggest that prolonged use could affect listening skills and make it harder to process important sounds.

Read the article to know more.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2502/250220-noise-cancelling-headphones.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “complain” mean? “She said there was an increase in the number of young people complaining about poor hearing.” Use this word in a sentence.
  2. What does “filter out” mean? “Our ears must filter out sounds we don’t think are important.” Use this phrase in a sentence.
  3. What is “audiologist”? “Another audiologist suggested that headphones can lead to bad listening habits.” Use this word in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Have you noticed any hearing issues from using earphones or headphones? Talk about it.
  2. Do you prefer using regular earphones or noise-cancelling ones? Why?
  3. Do you think hearing tests should be done to people who use headphones frequently? Explain.
  4. What will happen if we forget to hear important sounds?

Korean Air Wins Best Airline

B1 – Intermediate

AirlineRatings.com named Korean Air the top airline of 2025 for its focus on passenger comfort and modern aircraft. Qatar Airways won best business class, while Singapore Airlines took the best first-class award. Changi Airport was named the best airport, and AirAsia was recognized as the best low-cost airline for its service offerings.

Read the article to find out more.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2503/250313-worlds-best-airlines.html

Vocabulary Questions:

1. What does “thoughtful touch” mean? “The site added: “Korean Air’s thoughtful touches, such as slippers and generous meal portions on long-haul flights, enhanced its appeal. ” Use this phrase in a sentence.

2. What does “rigorous” mean? “Airlines must also meet rigorous safety standards.” Give a synonym of this word and use it in a sentence.

3. What is “redefine”? “The reviewers said the airline has redefined luxury.” Use this term in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think makes an airline the best in terms of customer service?
  2. What’s the most important factor for you when booking a flight—price, comfort, or service? Why?
  3. How do you feel about airlines offering extra services like wi-fi, meals, and entertainment? Are they worth the extra cost?
  4. Do you think low-cost airlines offer a good value for money, or do you prefer a more premium experience? Explain.
  5. Talk about one of your best experiences with an airline.

Why Can’t We Stop Eating Certain Foods?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Why do we struggle to stop eating certain foods? Many processed foods are carefully designed to be irresistible, using a mix of science, psychology, and strategic marketing to keep consumers coming back for more. These foods are engineered to enhance taste, texture, and even how they feel in our mouths, tricking our brains into craving them while making us feel less full than we actually are.

To explore how these factors influence our eating habits, watch the video and prepare to answer the questions below.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “sonic branding” mean? “Even the sound of food matters. When you open a fizzy soda, you’ve got two noises. You’ve got the click and the tear. Sound engineers and manufacturers work really hard to get that sound just right and that’s sonic branding.“ Use this term in a sentence.
  2. What does “scurrilous” mean? “Clearly, there’s an opportunity there for some kind of scurrilous behavior in making food softer, so that people will eat more and therefore you sell more of your product.” Give two (2) synonyms and use it in a sentence.
  3. Explain “vanishing caloric density“. “There’s an industry term for this light, puffy foods that melt in the mouth. It’s called ‘vanishing caloric density’. “ Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How does “sonic branding” influence consumer behavior, and can you think of other examples where sound is used to shape brand identity?
  2. In what ways do food companies use science and psychology to encourage overconsumption, and how can consumers become more aware of these tactics?
  3. How does “vanishing caloric density” impact public health? What health risks could it pose, and how might different stakeholders—such as food manufacturers, health professionals, and educators—help mitigate its effects?
  4. How does multi-sensory eating influence our food choices? How might companies apply this knowledge to make products both appealing and healthier? Can you give some specific examples?
  5. Is consumer education enough to protect people from the negative effects of processed foods? What challenges do they face in making healthier choices? Should stronger measures be taken? If so, what specific actions could help?

Full Body Scans to Keep Us Healthy

B2- Upper Intermediate 

There has been a growing interest on how life-threatening diseases could be detected early on and therefore, be prevented sooner. 

Neko Health offers low cost full body scans that enable patients to receive comprehensive medical consultations.

Watch the video to know more about Neko Health and their full body scans. Be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://www.bbc.com/reel/video/p0k48k60/can-full-body-scans-help-to-keep-us-healthy-

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “at the core” mean? “Neko Health was co-founded by Spotify founder Daniel Ek, so unsurprisingly, has tech at its core.” Use this phrase in a sentence and give a synonym or similar expression.
  2. What does “a good nose” mean? “Apart from my grip strength needing some work, I had a screen of optimal readings. Then, came a good nose inside my veins.” Use this idiom in a sentence and give a synonym or similar expression.
  3. What are “wearables”? “I think what we should be promoting isn’t these scans, but is actually people getting wearables.” Use this idiom in a sentence and give a synonym or similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think about this kind of consultation? Would you be interested to go to one?
  2. Talk about clinics such as this in your country. 
  3. Speak about a typical comprehensive medical consultation in your country.
  4. What is your opinion on this, “If someone is healthy, it’s unnecessary to check things.”?
  5. In your opinion, do you agree or disagree that wearables are better than body scans? Explain.

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?