Category: Class

Making Male Friends

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Real friends are those you can depend on whatever happens. Even when times get rough, they will be there to give you a helping hand, lend you their ears, or just be a shoulder for you to cry on.

However, it seems that for men, it is not that easy to make friends and keep their relationships with their best mates stand the test of time.

Listen to the audio and read the transcript about how big a challenge it is for men to make friends and maintain their friendships.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2023/ep-230914

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does ”drift away” mean? “So why do we sometimes find it hard to make friends, or that the friends we used to have seemed to have somehow drifted away?” Use this phrase in a sentence.
  2. What does “double-edged sword” mean? “No, it’s a real double-edged sword being the face of a book called ‘Billy No-Mates’ I’ve gotta say… but I think.. so loneliness doesn’t look like me.” Use this idiom in a sentence.
  3. What does “third space” mean, “Max thinks the answer is getting out and meeting people in ‘third spaces’, which are separate from either home or work.”? Use this idiom in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Explain your views on this, “Men find it difficult to make friends.“.
  2. What do you think are reasons men find it harder to maintain strong friendships, especially as they get older?
  3. What are ways you maintain your relationship with your close friends solid?
  4. Why is having close friends important?
  5. What are the downsides of having too many friends?

Spotify Not Banning AI-Made Music

B1 – Intermediate

Producing something creative like music is probably one thing that we think only humans can do. However, with the advancements of the technology, music can be made using artificial intelligence or AI too.

Read the article and know more about Spotify’s decision not to ban music produced by AI.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2309/230928-spotify-ai-music-1.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does ”auto-tune” mean? “This includes the auto-tune software that helps singers correct their pitch and add vocal effects.” Use this term in a sentence.
  2. What does “mimic” mean? “Mr. Ek did not like software for mimicking the voice of an artist.” Give 2 synonyms and use “mimic” in a sentence.
  3. What does “streaming site” mean, “Daniel Ek, the boss of the streaming site Spotify, has answered this question.”? Use this term in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you agree or disagree with Spotify’s decision not to ban AI-made music? Explain.
  2. Do you think we should worry about this problem now? Share your opinion.
  3. In general, what do you think about using AI in music?
  4. “Spotify deleted one song created by an AI platform. Software copied the voices of the singers Drake, and The Weeknd.” Do you agree with Spotify in deleting this song on their platform? Why or why not?
  5. What is one question or concern do you have about AI at the moment?

Bed Poverty

B1 – Intermediate

Sleeping well at night in your very own bed relaxes us and recharges our batteries. Not having a proper bed to sleep in is, unfortunately, a sad reality for more than one million children in the UK.

Read the article and know more about this problem in the UK with young kids living with no beds of their own.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2310/231005-bed-poverty-1.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does ”bed poverty” mean? “The charity said bed poverty is because people are poorer because the cost of living has increased.” Use this phrase in a sentence.
  2. What does “struggling” mean? “Bed poverty shows that many people in Britain are struggling.” Give 2 synonyms and use ‘struggling’ in a sentence.
  3. What does “deep-rooted” mean, “The charity asked the government to take “urgent action” to fix these “deep-rooted issues”.”? Use this word in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your reaction to this news?
  2. Does this problem exist in your country too? Talk about it.
  3. What are the effects on children of not having their own beds?
  4. What can the government do to solve this problem?
  5. Talk about your experience sleeping in the following:
  • your own bed now
  • sharing beds with others
  • on the floor
  • in other places apart from a bed or a room

Spaving

B2 – Upper Intermediate

People have a lot of bad spending habits and one of these is “spaving”. This habit, often ignored, has a quiet but strong impact on your financial health.

Read the article to learn about spaving and some tips in order not to fall into these spaving traps.

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/what-is-spaving_l_6536c44fe4b0689b3fbd9464

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Define “spaving”. “For some people, spaving leads to credit card debt, which can mean paying interest that far exceeds whatever was saved in the sales deal.” Use this in a sentence.
  2. What does “to miss out on something” mean here? “The reality is, retailers are constantly rolling out new sales, so just because you miss out on a sale today doesn’t mean you can’t get the same item on sale later.” Make a sentence with this idiom.
  3. What does “to put a dent in something” mean? “A few bucks here and there adds up and can put a huge dent in your overall budget.” Make a sentence using this idiom.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on spaving?
  2. Are you familiar with the concept of spaving in your own spending habits?
  3. How do you make sure you don’t spend too much when there are sales or time-limited offers?
  4. What are the most common spaving traps? Have you fallen into any of them?
  5. Why do people end up spending more because of spaving?

Benefits of Pharmaceutical Jobs

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The pharmaceutical industry is nothing without the people who work in it. Pharmaceutical industry offers different jobs for people with different educational background and skills. 

Read the article to know why there’s a need for pharmaceutical professionals.

https://www.catalystcareers.com/insights/blog/discover-the-benefits-of-pharmaceutical-jobs/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is the meaning of “dynamic”? “The pharmaceutical industry is a dynamic and exciting field that offers a wide range of career opportunities. ” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What is “cutting-edge”? “They work in laboratories, using cutting-edge technology to develop new treatments for diseases. ” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What is “innovation”? ” In contrast, the pharmaceutical industry is driven by innovation and research, which creates a more stable and predictable work environment.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the benefits of working in the pharmaceutical sector?
  2. According to the article, why is there an increasing need for pharmaceutical professionals?
  3. Why are pharmaceutical companies important?

Surprising Facts about the Pharmaceutical Industry

B2 – Upper Intermediate

If you think about the pharmaceutical industry, what comes to your mind? Here are some important dates in the history of pharmaceuticals and interesting facts about the past

Read the article about the pharmaceutical industry today and the phases it consists of and discover which countries and companies are dominating the pharmaceutical market.

https://www.tapemark.com/blog/pharmaceutical-industry-facts

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is the meaning of the word “resurgence”? “This giant industry is a huge player in the world economy, and it is estimated to be worth over a trillion dollars in 2021 — not to mention the recent resurgence of international drug development due to the COVID-19 pandemic.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What is the “subsequent”? “Since its accidental discovery in 1928, and subsequent use as an antibiotic starting in 1942, penicillin has become the most successful drug in the world.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What is “adaptable”? “Because of the adaptable nature of bacterial and viral infections and diseases, drug development remains an ongoing challenge.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think the main pharmaceutical discoveries are the result of long hard work or just accidents?
  2. Which fact do you find the most surprising?
  3. What other interesting facts about the industry do you know?
  4. What is the most famous pharmaceutical company in your country?

Reasons Being an Au Pair Is One of the Best Gigs Around

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Ever heard the saying, “Adventure is the best way to learn.”? Well, we’re talking about a job that embodies that idea. Get ready to explore the world of “au pairs” and discover why it’s considered one of the best jobs out there.

If you’re curious about what it’s all about and why it’s such an amazing opportunity, you’re in the right place.

https://www.top5.com/being-an-au-pair-is-the-best-job-ever/

Vocabulary Questions

  1. What does the phrase “to break away from someone/something” mean in the sentence “Younger generations are looking for ways to break away from the 9-to-5 jobs.“? Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does the phrase “narrow down” mean in the sentence “Once you have decided your goal locations, you can narrow down your search.“?  Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does the phrase “to stand out from the crowd” mean in the sentence “Once you’re armed with all these newly acquired skills, don’t forget to check out our list of resume tips to help you stand out from the crowd.“?  Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Are you interested in the concept of Au Pair? Why or why not?
  2. How do you feel about the idea of leaving behind a traditional 9-to-5 job to become an au pair?
  3. Among the ten reasons to become an au pair, which one resonates with you the most? Why?
  4. Do you have any fascinating stories about cultural exchanges during your travels?
  5. If you could add one more reason to the list, what would it be, and why?

Ways to Support Dog Shelters

B2 – Upper Intermediate

“Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.” – Anatole France

This heartwarming quote beautifully expresses the deep connection between humans and animals. In a world where countless dogs are in need, showing our love and support for dog shelters is essential.

This article explores simple yet powerful ways to make a difference in the lives of homeless pets, proving that even small actions can have a big impact.

https://www.top5.com/support-dog-shelters-and-make-a-difference/

Vocabulary Questions

  1. What does the phrase “gear up” mean in the sentence “Gear up your home to welcome your new four-legged family member.”? Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does the phrase “kick off” mean in the sentence “Kick off online crowdfunding initiatives“?  Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does the phrase “take notice of” mean in the sentence “Take notice of the plight of animals worldwide.”?  Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions

  1. How important do you think dog shelters are in your community? Share your thoughts on why they are important.
  2. Among the ways presented in the article to support dog shelters, which one(s) do you like the most and why?
  3. Do you think it’s more important to help local shelters or international rescue efforts? Share your thoughts.
  4. How can social media help raise awareness and support for shelter animals?
  5. The article inspires readers to take action to support dog shelters and their residents. How does it make you feel about helping?

The Best Jobs That Don’t Require Four Years of School

B2 – Upper Intermediate

This article takes a closer look at well-paying careers that don’t require a traditional four-year college degree. Additionally, these professions offer competitive salaries and promising job prospects, making them an excellent choice for those with a high school diploma or specialized training. 

Click the link below to read the full article.

https://www.top5.com/the-best-jobs-that-dont-require-four-years-of-school/

Vocabulary Questions

  1. What does “job prospect” mean, “We will explore some of the best careers that don’t require a four-year college degree, highlighting their job prospects, median salaries, and educational requirements.”? Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “on-the-job training” mean in the sentence, “These professionals receive specialized on-the-job training, often provided by the employer.“? Give 2 synonyms and use ‘on-the-job training’ in a sentence.
  3. What does “paramount” mean, “Safety is paramount in plumbing, as workers often deal with sharp tools, extreme temperatures, and potentially hazardous materials.“? Give 2 synonyms and use ‘paramount’ in a sentence.

Discussion Questions

  1. What do you think about vocational and non-degree career paths?
  2. Among the careers mentioned in the article, which one(s) pique your interest, and why?
  3. How crucial is job security and growth potential when deciding on a career?
  4. What are the pros and cons of choosing a career that involves on-the-job training or apprenticeships?
  5. If opting for a non-four-year degree career, what factors would be your top priorities, and why?

Being Bilingual Is Good for the Brain

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Being bilingual is like having a mental superpower. It’s not just about being able to order a croissant in French or salsa dance in Spanish; it actually does wonders for your brain. Research suggests that bilingualism can enhance cognitive abilities, improve problem-solving skills, and even delay the onset of certain age-related diseases. So, it’s not just about knowing two languages; it’s about giving your brain a serious workout.

Watch the video and be able to answer the questions that follow:

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the word “suppress” mean? “Bilingualism has been shown to suppress the decline of cognitive functions as individuals age.” Use the word in a sentence.
  2. What does the phrase “the onset of” mean? “The onset of neurodegenerative diseases may be delayed by the cognitive benefits of being bilingual.” Make one sentence using this idiom.
  3. What does “cognitive reserve” mean? “Developing a strong cognitive reserve through bilingualism can provide a buffer against age-related cognitive decline.” Make one sentence using this phrase.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are some massive real-world implications of bilingualism?
  2. What’s your take on the idea that being bilingual can enhance problem-solving skills and cognitive flexibility?
  3. In your opinion, how valuable is the ability to suppress the onset of cognitive decline through bilingualism?
  4. Do you believe that developing a cognitive reserve through being bilingual is a significant advantage in today’s fast-paced and demanding world? Explain your thoughts.