Category: Class

Inmates Learn to Code

B2 – Upper Intermediate

In an effort to break the cycle of incarceration, prisons are introducing coding programs to equip inmates with valuable tech skills. These initiatives aim to provide a second chance by preparing them for in-demand jobs in the tech industry. However, despite gaining technical expertise, many former inmates struggle to secure employment due to the stigma of a criminal record.

Read this article to learn about this coding program in prison.

https://edition.cnn.com/2024/12/28/business/inmates-coding-jobs/index.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to jump through the hoops” mean? “For Gaetz, and her students, jumping through the hoops is worth it.” Make a sentence with this.
  2. Define “to get hung up on something“. “Then he could hire whomever he wanted based on what they bring to the job today and not get hung up on anyone’s past.” Use this in a sentence.
  3. What is a “stumbling block“? “This lack of connection, activists say, is one of the stumbling blocks to reform.” Make a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Share your thoughts on this program.
  2. How can coding help former inmates reintegrate into society?
  3. What can be done to reduce the stigma of hiring former inmates?
  4. Should more prisons implement similar coding programs? Why or why not?
  5. What are the biggest barriers that formerly incarcerated coders face when job hunting?

Bricklayer Shortage Worsens UK Housebuilding Crisis

B1- Intermediate 

The housing crisis in the UK is getting worse. One factor that is contributing to it is a shortage of bricklayers. 

Read this lesson about how the shortage of bricklayers is making the UK housing crisis even worse.

Be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2503/250303-bricklayer-shortage-4.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Explain the term “housing ladder”. “Britain needs more homes so young people can get on the housing ladder.” Use this phrase in a sentence.
  2. What does “rough sleeping” mean? “Rising rent and unaffordable housing have increased rough sleeping.” Use this phrase in a sentence.
  3. What does “to pull every lever” mean specifically in this context, “It said it was doing its best to build 300,000 new homes. It added: ‘We will pull every lever to deliver on our commitment.’?” Make a sentence using this idiom in the same context. Give another meaning of ‘pull a lever’.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the effects of the shortage of bricklayers in the UK?
  2. Is there a similar problem in your country with lack of construction workers? How is it affecting the housing industry of your country?
  3. What is your opinion on this, “The UK blamed the lack of workers on ‘years of underinvestment in skills’.”? Compare it with your country. Do you think the government invests enough in the citizens’ skills training?
  4. What kind of problems does the housing industry have in your country these days? Talk about some of them as detailed as you can.
  5. Is it also difficult for young people in your country to get on the housing ladder? Why is this?

The Five Balls of Life

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

Brian Dyson, former Coca-Cola CEO, made some speeches in his lifetime that had left a mark on everyone and several of them have gone viral since.

One of them is the one about what he calls, “The Five Balls of Life”.

Find out what “the five balls of life” is about. 

Be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://shinecoachingbarcelona.com/5-balls-of-life-brian-dyson-speech

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “irrevocably” mean? “You will soon understand that work is a rubber ball. If you drop it, it will bounce back. But the other four balls – family, health, friends and spirit – are made of glass. If you drop one of these, they will be irrevocably scuffed, marked, nicked, damaged or even shattered.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘irrevocably‘ in your own sentence.
  2. What does “pillar” mean here, “Connecting with these pillars of who you are is a great way to grow energy, confidence and clarity.”? Use this word in a sentence in the same context.
  3. What does “to be at a crossroads” mean? “If you find yourself at a similar crossroads in your career and life, take some real time to reflect on yourself.” Use this phrase in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. In your own words, explain the five balls of life. Share your takeaway from this metaphor.
  2. Share your opinion on this, “You will soon understand that work is a rubber ball. If you drop it, it will bounce back.”
  3. Is it really possible to juggle the five balls of life? How do you keep all of them in the air?
  4. How would you answer Dyson’s question, “What is education for? Is it for the pursuit of knowledge or for the pursuit of significance?“? Expand.
  5. Do many of us tend to use education for life or just as a living? Share your point of view.
  6. What is your own personal mantra when it comes to balancing work and life?

Why We Need Rites of Passage

B2 – Upper Intermediate

By the time we take our first steps and say our first words, we are leaving a mark of our time in this world. Each culture around the globe has identified certain events or achievements to commemorate life-changing moments, which we refer to as “rites of passage”.

To find out more about the rites of passage we commemorate, please watch the discussion below.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Explain “radar of consciousness”. “This is something that often ends up on my radar of consciousness because I have many males in my audience.” Use this term to make your own sentence.
  2. What does “twiddling of thumbs” mean? “It’s not about the twiddling of thumbs. We are passing on to you the obligation of adulthood.” Create a sentence using this idiom.
  3. What is the meaning of “frown upon“? “This has become rather you know frowned upon in our kind of politically correct woke world.” Use this phrasal verb in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How important is it to commemorate the transitions in life? Explain.
  2. What are your thoughts on involving pain as part of the rite of passage?
  3. What are rites of passage do you know and celebrate?
  4. How does your community and family celebrate or honor the important milestones in your life?
  5. What kind of celebration of coming of age would you like to have? Which customs, themes, rituals, or activities would you like to incorporate in your culture? Why these rites?

Skype Shutdown

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Skype is known for revolutionizing internet-based communication. It was founded in 2003 offering free voice calls between PCs and economical rates for calling landlines and mobile phones.

However, this legendary service is scheduled to be retired on May 5, as Microsoft transitions its focus to the more up-to-date Microsoft Teams Free platform.

Let’s read the article and know more about this iconic application shutting down.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/technology/software/skype-is-shutting-down-after-two-decades/ar-AA1zZV5l?ocid=BingNewsSerp

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “free tier” mean? “Skype will “no longer be available” to use starting in May, the company confirmed on X, telling users that their log-in information can be used on Microsoft Teams’ free tier in the “coming days.”” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does the phrase “ill-fated” mean? “Microsoft integrated the service into its other products, such as Office and its ill-fated mobile operating service Windows Phone.” Use it in a sentence and give 2 synonyms.
  3. What does “catch on” mean? “Skype launched in 2003 in Estonia and quickly caught on as a way to make free calls worldwide, a notable perk considering international calling on traditional phones used to be expensive.” Use it in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on Skype shutting down?
  2. Have you had much experience with Skype? What are your thoughts on its strengths and weaknesses?
  3. What video calling apps do you use most often? And why is it your call app of choice?
  4. Can you think of any apps that were once staples in your routine, but have since fallen out of favor? What lead to it becoming less popular than before?
  5. Which of your frequently used apps would you be most upset to lose access to? And why?

US Health Insurance Company Wants Too Much Money

B1 – Intermediate 

UnitedHealth is under investigation by the US Department of Justice (DOJ) for their billing practices for extra payments for Medicare Advantage plans.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about an investigation on UnitedHealth’s Medicare billing practices.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/us-health-insurance-company-wants-too-much-money-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “billing” mean? “According to the Wall Street Journal, the US Department of Justice (DOJ) is investigating UnitedHealth’s Medicare billing practices.” Use this word in a sentence.
  2. What does “wrongdoing” mean? “UnitedHealth claims it is unaware of the investigation and denies wrongdoing.” Use this word in a sentence.
  3. What does “buyout” mean? “Meanwhile, the company is also offering buyouts to employees in its benefits unit.” Use this word in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Share your thoughts on UnitedHealth’s billing practices.
  2. How is this investigation affecting UnitedHealth?
  3. If you are an investor in this company are you also going to sell your shares? Why or why not?

Why Is Handwriting Important?

B1 – Intermediate 

In the digital world where most people almost never have to write by hand anymore, a study looks at the benefits of handwriting for the development of young children.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about the importance of handwriting on little kids’ development.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/why-is-handwriting-important-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “underestimate” mean? “In today’s digital era where screens and keyboards dominate, we often underestimate the importance of handwriting.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ’underestimate’ in your own sentence.
  2. What does “to play a role in something” mean? “Experts say that handwriting plays a key role in cognitive development, memory retention, and academic performance.” Use this idiom in a sentence.
  3. What does “legible” mean? “Moreover, legible handwriting can lead to better grades, regardless of the content.” Give a synonym and use ’legible’ in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. In your own opinion, why is handwriting important?
  2. Do you think writing by hand is still important in the modern times? Share your opinion.
  3. Do you agree or disagree: “Writing using pencil and paper versus typing on a phone could be advantageous.”? Explain.
  4. What are your thoughts on this, “Legible handwriting can lead to better grades.”?
  5. How has your handwriting changed over time?

The Economic Contribution of Cinema to Tourism

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Movies do more than just entertain—they inspire people to explore new places. Whether it’s a stunning landscape or a charming city street, film locations often spark curiosity and turn into real-life travel destinations. This trend, known as movie tourism or set-jetting, has boosted tourism in unexpected places, bringing both opportunities and challenges. While it helps local economies, it also raises concerns about overcrowding and sustainability.

Read this article to learn how the film industry influences travel.

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/economic-contribution-cinema-tourism-bulut-bagci-uddpf

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “backdrop” mean? “For example, movies like “The Lord of the Rings” series sparked a tourism boom in New Zealand, with many fans wanting to experience the landscapes that served as the backdrop for the films. Make a sentence with this word.
  2. Define “intertwine“. “Cinema and tourism are two industries that have long been intertwined, with each influencing the other in various ways.” Use this in a sentence.
  3. What’s the meaning of “multifaceted“? “The relationship between cinema and tourism is a complex and multifaceted one, with each industry influencing and benefiting from the other in various ways.” Make a sentence with this word.

Discussion Questions:

  1. In what ways does the film industry shape people’s travel decisions?
  2. What difficulties do popular filming locations experience as a result of increased tourism?
  3. How can destinations balance the benefits of movie tourism while ensuring sustainable tourism practices?
  4. Do you think movie tourism has more positive or negative effects? Why?
  5. How do movies represent different cultures, and do they inspire you to learn more about other countries?

Teens Worried about Muscle Size

B1 – Intermediate 

In recent times, we have seen a revolution in people’s interest in physical health. More and more people exercise and go to the gym, including teenagers and young people in their early 20s.

However, an increasing number of youths are suffering from a psychological disorder called muscle dysmorphia or bigorexia. 

Read the article about the rise in the number of young people suffering from bigorexia and be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2502/250224-bigorexia-muscle-dysmorphia.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “self-image” mean? “Bigorexia is a psychological condition…which involves a distorted self-image that focuses specifically on muscle size and physical appearance.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘self-image’ in your own sentence.
  2. What does “exacerbate” mean? “Social media may be a factor in exacerbating the problem.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘exacerbate’ in your own sentence.
  3. What does “overwhelm” mean? “Youngsters can be overwhelmed with images of people with the “perfect” body.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ’overwhelm’ in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Is the same happening to young people in your country? Talk about it in detail.
  2. What might be the factors that contribute to the rise of youths getting anxious about their muscles?
  3. Should there be stricter regulations on muscle-building supplements and anabolic steroids? Share your insights.
  4. How can cases of bigorexia be reduced?
  5. What other disorders could youngsters suffer from and what do you think leads to these conditions?

Warning on AI Books

B1 – Intermediate 

Scottish National Poet Peter Mackay expressed his concerns over the effects artificial intelligence (AI) on the publishing industry. He proposes that all books should be labeled whether they are written by a human or AI.

Read the article about putting a mark or symbol on all books written by AI and be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2502/250213-ai-book-warnings.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to make a living” mean? “It’s very hard to make a living as a writer anyway, and [now] you are having to compete with [all the] knowledge of every book written.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ’make a living’ in your own sentence.
  2. What does “input” mean in this sentence, “He believes the public needs to know about the level of AI input in a book.”? Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ’input’ in your own sentence.
  3. What does “call” mean in this context, “Mr. Mackay’s call comes just before the USA and UK refused to sign an international agreement on AI to keep it “clean” and “ethical”.”? Use this word in a sentence and give 2 synonyms.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Should we really be worried about AI in terms of the creation of new literature? Share your opinion.
  2. Do you agree or disagree with this, “The public needs to know about the level of AI input in a book.”? Share your insights.
  3. How important is it to keep AI “clean” and “ethical”?
  4. What is your opinion on this, “Pro-growth AI policies” were more important than safety.”?
  5. Which would you prefer – a 100% human-written, 100% AI-made or AI-human hybrid books? Explain your choice.