Category: Class

The Birth of Food Politics

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Nutrition professor Marion Nestle learned that some food companies do things that might not be good for us, such as advertising unhealthy food to children. She also observed that some food scientists, who receive money from these companies, may exhibit bias in their statements.

The professor wanted to let people know about all of this. Marion believes that knowing the truth empowers consumers to make wiser choices regarding food. Consequently, she composed this article to share the details of her work with us.

https://www.bluezones.com/2022/10/the-birth-of-food-politics/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the idiom “up in arms” mean? “Nutritionists were not up in arms about the products being marketed.” Use this idiom in a sentence.
  2. What does “lobbying” mean here, “I looked for evidence of lobbying and campaign contributions and ways in which companies protected their business interests.“? Use this word in this context in a sentence.
  3. What does “beholden” mean? “I did not have to be beholden to funding agencies or private donors.” Give two (2) synonyms and use “beholden” in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. In your opinion, why is it important to know about the food industry’s practices and their impact on our food choices?
  2. Have you ever noticed any advertisements that promote unhealthy foods, especially to children? How did you feel about them?
  3. Do you think it’s common for scientists or experts to receive money from companies? How might this influence their work?
  4. Have you ever been surprised by something you learned about the food industry or the products you eat? What was it?
  5. In your own words, how can knowing the truth about the food industry help us make better decisions about what we eat?

Moai Tradition Makes Okinawan People Live Longer

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Elderly people in Okinawa, Japan, live longer and healthier than others worldwide. They focus on a tradition called moai. It is a practice that has been in place for a long time.

In Okinawa’s small neighborhoods, friends gather regularly, sometimes daily or a few times a week. During each meeting, they chat, share life experiences, and help each other. They call these gatherings their moai groups.

The article below explores why these groups are essential in Okinawa’s communities.

https://www.bluezones.com/2018/08/moai-this-tradition-is-why-okinawan-people-live-longer-better/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What are “blue zones“? “Okinawa, Japan is one of the original blue zones longevity hotspots.” Use this term in a sentence.
  2. What does “safety net” mean? “It’s much easier to go through life knowing there is a safety net.” Use this term in a sentence.
  3. What does “tight-knit” mean? “Whether it was a spousal relationship or a tight-knit friend group, all that mattered was the bond the group shared.” Use this word in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What makes elderly people in Okinawa live longer and healthier lives than others globally?
  2. How does the ‘moai’ tradition in Okinawa impact the well-being of its residents?
  3. Can lessons from Okinawa’s elderly population be applied in your country to promote healthier aging? Why or why not?
  4. Do social connections still matter when people live independently today? If yes, how?
  5. How do your close friends and social connections affect your stress levels, happiness, and overall health?

The Benefit of Single-Tasking

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Do you find yourself frequently multitasking? It might be worth reevaluating this habit. ‘The One Thing’ by Gary Keller discusses the advantages of concentrating on a single task at a time.

To learn more about the benefits of single-tasking, please read the article below.

https://www.cnbc.com/2017/04/07/the-benefit-of-single-tasking-and-how-to-get-yourself-to-do-it.html

Vocabulary Questions:

1. What does “to turn the tide” mean? “What helped me turn the tide and just start single-tasking?” Use this phrase in a sentence.

2. What does “to make all the difference” mean? “Basically, I chose to look at my time like money, and though I’ve only been doing it for a little while, it has made all the difference.” Use this expression in a sentence.

3. What does “to get one’s arms around something” mean? “As anyone familiar with budgets will tell you, before you can effectively budget, you need to get your arms around your spending habits.” Use this idiom in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

1. Do you find multitasking useful? Why or why not?

2. How does the article view multitasking and do you agree with this perspective?

3. According to the article, practicing single-tasking can help rebuild your focus and attention span. What are your thoughts on this statement?

4. Among the benefits of single-tasking, which ones would you like to attain?

5. How valuable is it for you to achieve a state of flow?

Iran-US Prisoner Swap

B1 – Intermediate

Prisoner swap or exchange is the return of personnels from the opposing nations at war. As a general rule, captured enemies cannot be enslaved and should be handed over to the nation they served by the end of the war.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript to find out more about the recent prisoner exchange between the U.S. and Iran.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/iran-us-prisoner-swap-level-3/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the adjective “unfrozen” mean in this context? “…alongside the transfer of $6 billion in unfrozen Iranian funds to banks in Qatar.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What is the meaning of the word “detained“? “This carefully orchestrated exchange will see detained US dual nationals released from Iran.” Use it in your own sentence and give two synonyms.
  3. Define the verb “hint at“. “...followed by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken hinting at their eventual return.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What does this prisoner swap entail?
  2. Do you agree that this exchange can be likened to a ransom? Why or why not?
  3. What do you know about the US-Iran tension?
  4. Does your country have a prisoner exchange treaty with other countries? What is your opinion on this kind of treaty?

Presidential Children and the White House Reputation

B2 – Upper Intermediate

It is common for voters to feel a personal connection to the highest leader of their country. This personal connection is comparable to that of a close family member. This is why when voters choose their candidate, they also take into account the parenting skills of their chosen president-to-be. The public image of the candidate’s children could be as significant as theirs in the voters’ eyes.

Let’s read the article and know more about some notable presidential children and how their image affected their presidential parent’s political image.

https://theconversation.com/hunter-biden-is-the-latest-presidential-child-to-stain-a-white-house-reputation-but-others-have-shined-it-up-212233

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “reviled” mean? “As a historian of the American presidency, I see the case of Hunter Biden as a revealing indicator of the ways that presidential children have figured in American public life, whether they were beloved or reviled.” Give 2 synonyms and use “reviled” in a sentence.
  2. Define “rough-and-tumble“. “The assumption that young children should be free from the political rough-and-tumble has recently made them highly effective symbols for presidential image-making.” Use this idiom in your own sentence.
  3. What is the meaning of the phrasal verb “harken back“? “His approach harkened back to the 19th century, when presidents appointed their adult sons to office while young children rarely appeared in public. ” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Who is Hunter Biden and what are his legal troubles?
  2. How do presidential children affect their parent’s likelihood of winning/losing in an election?
  3. In your opinion, is it fair for the immediate family members of politicians to have their private lives on public display? Why or why not?
  4. How can this relationship result to nepotism? Is nepotism at this level common in your country?
  5. Talk about a controversial presidential child that you know of.

Over-Tourism Threatens Mt. Fuji’s World Heritage Status

B1 – Intermediate

Mt. Fuji is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It got this status in 2013. 

Many people, not just from Japan, but from all over the world, dream of visiting and climbing this famous mountain that in Japan, is even considered sacred.

Especially after the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a massive increase in the number of people who has visited and wishes to visit Mt. Fuji. This has caused a lot of problems for this World Heritage Site.

Read the article about how Mt. Fuji’s World Heritage status is at risk because of over-tourism. Be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2309/230911-climbing-mt-fuji-5.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “eyesore” mean in this sentence, “These are an eyesore on the mountain’s once-pristine habitat.”? Use this word in a sentence in the same context.
  2. What is a “bullet climber“? “Another headache for authorities is “bullet climbers“.” Use this term in a sentence.
  3. What does “altitude sickness” mean? “They risk getting altitude sickness.” Use this term in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are some problems in Mt. Fuji?
  2. What is your reaction to this news about over-tourism in Mt. Fuji?
  3. What should the Japanese authorities do to tackle this problem with over-tourism in Mt. Fuji?
  4. Would you like to climb Mt. Fuji? Why or why not?
  5. What other World Heritage Sites that would you like to visit one day? Why do you want to visit these places?

Being Unhappy at Work

B2 – Upper Intermediate

It is a fact that most of us dedicate majority of our time to working.

So, it is rather imperative that we make sure that we hold a job that does not bring us sorrow.

Being happy at our work is so much more than high compensation and great benefits.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about being happy at work.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2023/ep-230817

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to be on one’s feet” mean? “When I waitressed in cafes I was on my feet ten hours a day – it was exhausting!” Use this idiom in your own sentence.
  2. Define “presenteeism”. “In the work that we’ve done within the construction industry, we have trialled what we would call an ‘output-based’ way of working, which means we shift away from this sense of presenteeism.” Use this word in a sentence.
  3. What does “to breathe down one’s neck” mean, “The pressure to work quickly means you might have your boss breathing down your neck.”? Use this idiom in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What makes a workplace horrible? On the other hand, what is a good job/workplace?
  2. What should someone do if they had a terrible job/workplace? Give them some pieces of advice on how to handle this ordeal.
  3. Share your thoughts on shifting away from presenteeism and instead, heading toward an output-based way of working.
  4. What’s the worst job you’ve ever held? How did you go through with it?
  5. How can burnout be prevented?
  6. According to a Forbes magazine survey done in the UK, being a call center agent is voted the worst job. What is your reaction to this?

Eco-Anxiety

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The impact of climate change is undoubtedly on Mother Nature. However, this problem isn’t only affecting the planet, but also people’s mental health.

According to experts, more and more people suffer from ‘eco-anxiety’. Knowing the state that our world is in now is enough to bring people stress and anxiety.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about climate anxiety.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2023/ep-230810

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does ”ball game” mean? “We perhaps have these models… now we have the exact science, so it is an absolutely different ball game… we actually know what to do now.” Use this idiom in your own sentence.
  2. What does ”impassioned” mean? “It is about getting on with it, and the young people are the furthest ahead in this they can see the future as theirs and they’re impassioned to do something about it.” Give 2 synonyms and use “impassioned” in your own sentence.
  3. What does “to reach net zero” mean, “And also, you know, at the moment the government is trying to reach net zero by 2050 and all that, and they committed to creating 2 million new green jobs.”? Use this idiom in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on eco-anxiety?
  2. How do the climate change-related issues take a toll on you and/or the people around you? 
  3. How can we deal with eco-anxiety?
  4. What is your reaction to this, “Many of those suffering from eco-anxiety are young people.“? Why do you think this is the case?
  5. Do you think young people are truly impassioned to do something about the state we have left the planet in? Why or why not?
  6. Do you think dedicating one’s entire working life to building a green sustainable future has a huge effect on their psychology? Explain your thoughts.

Penny Supermarket Charges True Cost of Foods

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Food is an ultimate essential for humans. Perhaps most of us do not pay so much attention to it, but agriculture and food production contribute a great deal to greenhouse emissions.

The German-French discount supermarket chain Penny wants their customers to pay extra for certain food items in order to cover for their true climate/environmental costs. This initiative from Penny also aims to make grocery shoppers aware of the impact of food production on the environment.

Read the article about Penny’s “True Cost” campaign.

https://www.dw.com/en/true-food-prices-germany-penny/a-66422126

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does ”greenwashing” mean? “Bernhard Krüsken, the general secretary of the German Farmers’ Association, called the campaign a “greenwashing project of a discount supermarket that otherwise has little interest in fair pricing.” Use this word in your own sentence.
  2. What does ”markedly” mean? “Almost all of the products that the German discount supermarket Penny is now selling at the “true cost” of their environmental impacts are markedly more expensive.” Give 2 synonyms and use “markedly” in your own sentence.
  3. What does “to be reflected in something” mean, “These impacts are not yet reflected in sales prices, but they cost our society money indirectly.”? Use this idiom in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your opinion on Penny’s campaign? Do you believe it is just greenwashing? Why or why not?
  2. How will this campaign affect Penny?
  3. Will this initiative really make consumers consider the environmental consequences of their purchases? Explain.
  4. What are some things you do as a consumer to minimize the impact of your purchases on the environment?
  5. “Germans paid only 11.1% of their household budget for food, less than people in the EU usually pay.” How much do you think a household in your country typically spends on food? Is it a very high or very low budget in your opinion?

Double Negatives

In standard English, there should only be one negative form in the subject-predicate structure. 

The negative form is created by using negative words such as nobody, no one, nowhere, nothing.
Example:

She’s going nowhere.
Nobody was at home.

The negative form may also be created by making the verb negative.
Example:

I will cook dinner.I will not cook dinner.
We are going to the theatre.We are not going to the theatre.

However, there are cases when we hear double and even triple negatives being used in some regional dialects of English and other languages worldwide. This is mostly used in informal conversation and is not acceptable in formal contexts especially in writing.

Double Negative
This is created by adding a negation to the verb and to words that modify the noun or the object of the verb.
Example:

non-standard dialect standard English
I couldn’t never live with nobody like that.I couldn’t ever live with anybody like that.
She never mentions nothing important to no one.She never mentions anything important to anyone.

Double Negation with Adjectives and Adverbs  ( not + negative adjective/adverb )
You can use ‘not’ + a negative adjective or adverb to make your sentence less strong. By using this form, the overall meaning of the sentence becomes positive but it shows that the writer is fully aware of it. This is mainly used in formal writing.
Example:

It is not unimaginable that the election result will remain the same even after repeating it.
Misbehaving tourists are not uncommon in the city.
A: Your total bill is twenty euros.
B. Fine, that’s not unreasonable.