Category: Class

Benefits of Boosting Data Sharing in the EU

B2 — Upper Intermediate 

Boosting data sharing in the European Union can bring many benefits. 

It allows governments, businesses, and researchers to work together more effectively by sharing useful information. Better data sharing can improve healthcare, support scientific research, and help create smarter public services. It can also make businesses more innovative and competitive by giving them access to valuable data. At the same time, the EU aims to protect people’s privacy by using strong data protection rules. With secure and responsible data sharing, the EU can promote economic growth, improve public services, and encourage innovation.

Read this article about the benefits of boosting data sharing in the EU.

* You may also watch the videos embedded throughout the article for more information.

https://www.europarl.europa.eu/topics/en/article/20220331STO26411/boosting-data-sharing-in-the-eu-what-are-the-benefits

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “aftermarket service” mean? ”Providers of aftermarket services will be able to compete on an equal footing with comparable services offered by manufacturers, which may reduce prices and boost innovation.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What is “data pooling”? ”This will be achieved through a range of tools, from technical solutions such as anonymisation and data pooling to legally binding agreements by the reusers.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What is “retro-engineering“? ”In order to prevent competitors from retro-engineering services or devices thanks to increased access to data, MEPs strengthened provisions to protect trade secrets.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. While boosting data sharing in the European Union has many benefits, it also has some disadvantages. What might be some of them?
  2. Do the benefits of data sharing outweigh the risks? Why or why not?
  3. Do you think that the EU privacy laws can really protect the citizens and their personal information? Share your views.
  4. What is your opinion on this, “With immense possibilities in areas from farming to health, big data can play a key role in the EU’s digital transformation. However, data sharing is essential to unlock this potential.”?
  5. Do you think small businesses and large companies benefit equally from data sharing? Explain.
  6. What improvements would you suggest to make data sharing safer and more effective in the EU?
  7. How do you think data sharing will affect people’s lives in the future?

Brain Fog and How to Fix it

B2 — Upper Intermediate 

Brain fog is a feeling of mental tiredness that makes it hard to think clearly. People with mental mist may have trouble concentrating, remembering things, or making decisions. It can be caused by stress, lack of sleep, illness, or poor nutrition. 

Although it is not a medical condition by itself, it can affect daily life and productivity. It is important to know what can help reduce brain fog.

Read this article about mental cloudiness and how to fix it.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c87ydw7xdxvo

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to lose one’s train of thought mean? ”When life gets busy and stress levels rise, it’s not uncommon to find yourself walking into a room and forgetting why you went there, losing your train of thought mid-sentence or struggling to stay focused on simple tasks.” Use the idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “overstretched” mean here: ”Often, it’s simply your brain’s way of saying it’s tired, stressed or overstretched.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What is “decision fatigue“? ”Reduce decision fatigue by having a set rhythm to your days – a predictable structure can take pressure off your working memory.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. How can brain fog affect daily life?
  2. Share your thoughts on this tip, “Remind yourself that brain fog is usually temporary and it’s okay to slow down, delegate tasks or ask for help when you need it.”
  3. What are your thoughts about creating routines to reduce decision fatigue?
  4. Do you think using calendars and reminders helps free up your mental space?
  5. Have you ever experienced brain fog? What were you doing when it happened? How did you deal with it?
  6. What habits help you improve focus and mental clarity?
  7. Do you think technology and excessive screen time can cause brain fog? Why or why not?

China’s New Challenge: Natural Disasters and Fake AI Videos

B2 — Upper Intermediate 

China is dealing with both the effects of Typhoon Noul and a wave of AI-generated misinformation. Fake videos and images showing false disasters and emergency situations have spread online, causing panic. 

While some people create this content for attention or profit, experts warn that AI makes it easier than ever to produce convincing fake media, highlighting the need for better verification and detection methods.

Read this article about how as natural disasters strike, China needs to face another challenge involving dangerously misleading videos created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cx27mjvxgg1o

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “fabricated content” mean? ”By simply prompting AI tools, they can rapidly generate convincing text, images, audio and video which is highly realistic but entirely fabricated content, manufactured on a large scale.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “traffic” mean here: “The motivation for the publishing of such false content ranges from those who do it to create something amusing without thinking about the consequences, to those who want to generate traffic for personal gain or those who wish to deliberately cause panic or social unrest.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “cat-and-mouse game“ mean? “We’re in a constant cat-and-mouse game. So we should not assume that technology alone can identify AI-generated content with the click of a button.” Use the idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. How can AI-generated fake content affect people during emergencies like typhoons or floods?
  2. Why do you think some people create and share false information online?
  3. What is your opinion about making all AI-generated contents clearly stamped/labeled? 
  4. What steps should individuals take before sharing news about disasters on social media?
  5. What responsibilities do social media platforms and governments have in preventing the spread of fake content? 
  6. Have you ever encountered fake news or AI-generated content online? How did you know it was false?

The Country Where It’s Illegal To Be Fat

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Korean culture is defined by its vibrancy and beauty, influencing many parts of the globe in the modern world. However, despite its positive aspects, it also has many flaws. The societal emphasis on thinness and beauty has influenced many aspects of Korean society, from children’s playgrounds and fashion to the way people think.

To learn more, watch the video below.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “gamify” mean? “They really just said, “Let’s gamify emotional damage.” So, whatever I get seconds here is going to dictate how I feel about myself today and probably how I eat.” Use this word in a sentence. Give a similar expression.
  2. What does “Nailed it” mean? “I kind of feel bad. I want to fit through that tree. Nailed it. Just a chubby boy in Korea enjoying a muffin.”  Use this phrase in a sentence. Give a similar expression.
  3. What does “subcutaneous fat” mean? “Yeah, it’s tough because nowadays Korean women like they are also conscious of like their breast size, but because like naturally Korean women just don’t have a lot of like subcutaneous fat.”  Use this term in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are some possible positive and negative effects of placing a high value on physical appearance?
  2. Why do you think beauty standards have such a strong influence on our society?
  3. Are strict beauty standards unique to Korea, or do they exist in other cultures as well? Give examples.
  4. How might societal pressure to be thin or attractive affect children’s self-esteem and mental health?
  5. How can individuals and society promote healthier and more inclusive standards of beauty?

Young People Leaving Turkey

B1 — Intermediate 

A recent study found that many young people in Turkey feel unhappy. Many of them are thinking about moving to another country, especially to Europe. They hope to find better jobs and have a better life. A lot of young Turks are worried about their future.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about the way young Turks feel about their future.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/young-people-are-leaving-turkey-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “gloomy mood” mean? ”A recent study has revealed a gloomy mood among young people in Turkey, and has shown that nearly two-thirds are considering emigrating, primarily toward Europe.” Use the idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “stagnant economy” mean? ”In addition, the country is suffering from high inflation and a stagnant economy.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “job prospect“ mean? ”This leaves young Turks with bad job prospects and an official unemployment rate of 31%.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. Share your views on this, “Turkey now faces a danger of losing its youth as young people choose between staying to fight for freedom or seeking success abroad.”
  2. What is your opinion about young Turks thinking about moving to Europe?
  3. How did you imagine your future would be like when you were young? How does it compare to your life now?
  4. How do you think young people from your country feel about their future?
  5. What can a country do to help young people have a better future?

Argentina Fans Have Heart Problems after Matches

B1 — Intermediate 

Watching sports events such as the World Cup football is exciting, but it can also be stressful.

A study from Argentina found that strong emotions during big games can cause heart problems in some people. This is more dangerous for people who already have heart problems. Fans should enjoy the games but also take care of their health.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about the rise in serious heart-related issues among football fans.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/argentina-fans-have-heart-problems-after-matches-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “cardiac arrest” mean? ”Medical experts explained that the extreme tension triggers high blood pressure, dangerous arrhythmias, severe chest pain, and even cardiac arrest.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “spike” mean here: ”As the defending champions reached the 2026 final after several dramatic, late-minute comebacks, cardiologists reported a sharp spike in cardiovascular cases.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “emotional rollercoaster” mean? ”While football itself doesn’t cause these medical events, the intense emotional rollercoaster can act as a dangerous trigger for individuals who already have some health issues.” Use the phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your reaction to this news?
  2. Do you think some fans take sports too seriously? Why?
  3. Why do people care so much about their favorite team? 
  4. Should people with heart problems be more careful when watching exciting sports? Why?
  5. Have you ever felt very excited or nervous during a sports game? Talk about it.

The EU Checks Meta

B1 — Intermediate 

The European Commission is preparing to intensify its formal investigation into Meta Platforms over claims that it uses addictive design elements to keep children using its social media apps.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about the European Commission’s official investigation into Meta Platforms.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/the-eu-checks-meta-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “hooked on something” mean? “According to recent reports, EU regulators are preparing preliminary findings that accuse the tech giant of using addictive design practices specifically to keep children hooked on its social media platforms.” Use the phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “breaching” mean? “This move follows previous charges from April, where the EU accused Meta of breaching tech rules and failing to block children under 13 from accessing its networks.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “a landmark court verdict” mean? “In the US, the company is lobbying Congress for legal immunity against claims of harming children, especially after a landmark court verdict found both Meta and Google negligent in designing platforms harmful to youth.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. Is social media helpful or harmful to children and teenagers? Explain your answer.
  2. Should children below 13 years old be allowed to use social media? Explain your answer.
  3. Do you think social media platforms are designed to keep users addicted? Why?
  4. Who should be most responsible for protecting children on social media: parents, schools, governments, or technology companies? Why?
  5. “Social media companies should face legal penalties if their platforms harm children.” Do you agree or disagree?

Knee Surgery May Do More Harm than Good 

B1 — Intermediate 

Hundreds of thousands of people undergo knee surgery each year. According to the surgeons who conducted a study in Finland, some knee procedures may only worsen knee problems.

Read this article about the study concluding that some knee surgeries can make knee problems worse.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2607/260716-knee-surgery.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “tear” mean here: ”They found that surgery on tears in the knee cartilage rarely worked. ” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “relief” mean? ”She said her method could provide years of relief by reducing pain inside the knee joint.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “joint” mean here: ”She said her method could provide years of relief by reducing pain inside the knee joint.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. Were you surprised by the findings of the Finnish study? Why or why not?
  2. If you had chronic knee pain, would you choose surgery or try the new treatment first? Explain your answer.
  3. Do you think people should always get a second medical opinion before having surgery? Why?
  4. What kinds of activities can help keep our knees healthy?
  5. Have you or someone you know ever had knee problems? What happened?

Oil-Free Lego Bricks

B1 — Intermediate 

Lego has ended its ambitious plan to replace the oil-based plastic in its bricks after finding out that recycled polyethylene terephthalate (RPET) would only result to higher carbon emissions than the current material.

Even though they have not found a suitable alternative, Lego says it is still committed to sustainability and plans to make its toys from eco-friendly materials by 2032.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about Lego ending its project to use RPET in replacing oil-based plastics in their bricks.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/oil-free-lego-bricks-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “high-profile” mean? ”Danish toymaker Lego has abandoned a high-profile project to replace oil-based plastics in its bricks.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “retain” mean? ”The main challenge was finding a material that was both environmentally friendly and retained the same color, shine, and sound as the oil-based plastic bricks.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “embark” mean? ”The company embarked on this journey in 2020 to replace its plastic bricks with sustainable options.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think it was the right decision to stop the project? Why or why not? 
  2. Which is more important: product quality or protecting the environment? Why?
  3. Do you think companies like Lego should keep trying to make their products more environmentally friendly? Why or why not?
  4. Why is it sometimes difficult for companies to become more environmentally friendly?
  5. Would people still buy Lego if the bricks looked or felt a little different, but were better for the environment? Why?

Fake AI Ads

B1 — Intermediate 

Nowadays, you will see a lot of advertisements made using AI on social media. These ads usually sell products that are cheap, low-quality, or sometimes, do not exist at all.

Scammers use AI to make realistic videos and fake customer reviews. They can make these ads quickly and at a low cost. The ads appear on dodgy websites and even on trusted platforms like Amazon.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about fake AI advertisements.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/fake-ai-ads-level-2

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to be flooded with something” mean? ”Social media platforms are being flooded with ultra-realistic ads created by AI to sell products that either don’t exist or turn out to be cheap junk.” Use the idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “to slip through” mean? ”Experts note that these ads easily slip through automated moderation systems due to the sheer volume of new content.” Use the phrasal verb in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “shady” mean? ”These ads appear on both shady websites and legitimate platforms like Amazon.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. Have you ever seen an AI-generated ad online? What is your opinion about them? 
  2. Do you think AI-generated ads are dangerous? Why or why not?
  3. Should social media platforms do more to stop fake ads? Discuss your opinion.
  4. What do you do before buying a product you see in an online ad?
  5. Have you ever bought something that looked different from the ad? Talk about your experience.