Category: Homework

The Science and Myth of Sleepwalking

B2 – Upper Intermediate

People have long been curious about the strange experience of moving around while asleep. Many old beliefs about it, such as the idea that waking someone in this state is dangerous, are myths. Today, science shows that stress, genetics, and poor sleep habits often play a role in these nighttime episodes.

Let’s read the article and see how science clears up the myths about sleepwalking.

https://interestingengineering.com/culture/body-wanders-brain-naps-science-myth-sleepwalking

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to hover on” mean? “Sleepwalking, or somnambulism, belongs to a family of sleep disorders called parasomnias, behaviors that hover on the boundary between sleeping and waking.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. Define the phrase “to ripple through“.”Deep in stage 3 of NREM, a surge of activity ripples through the motor networks while regions needed for self-awareness and decision-making stay largely offline.” Use it in a sentence and give two synonyms.
  3. What does the adjective “garbled” mean? “Passers-by may receive a blank stare or garbled replies.” Use it in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why do you think people have created so many myths about sleepwalking?
  2. What everyday factors do you think can trigger sleepwalking episodes?
  3. What risks might sleepwalkers face if they are not guided or protected?
  4. Can you think of a time when stress or tiredness affected your sleep in unusual ways?
  5. How do you think sleep science has changed the way people understand sleepwalking today?

Gen Z Men and Women Sharply Divided Over Reproductive Rights

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The question of whether reproductive rights should be exercised at all costs has been the subject of a protracted and contentious debate. Nonetheless, there is a gender disparity among Gen Z regarding these rights, which helps explain how this generation approaches life.

To find out more, watch the video below.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to click for someone” mean? “That’s when it clicked for me and realized how important this issue is.” Use this term in a sentence. Give a similar expression.
  2. What does “psychic shock” mean? “Dobbs was such a psychic shock for a lot of women because it took a right away that they’d had for a long time.”  Use this expression in a sentence. Give a similar expression.
  3. What does “to dig one’s heels in” mean? “They feel like their the last generation of men who run the show, and they’re digging their heels in and trying to get as much as they can.” Use this idiom in a sentence. Give a similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What causes the gap between Gen Z men and women regarding reproductive rights?
  2. Do you think the views and opinions of men and women on reproductive rights have significantly widened over time? Why do you think so?
  3. Does restricting abortion harm the right to life? Explain your stance.
  4. Are there similar restrictions in your country, and how do Gen Z men and women react to them?
  5. How do social media and online discussions influence Gen Z’s views on reproductive rights?

War in Middle East Creating Fertilizer Shortage

B1 –  Intermediate 

The war in Iran has raised fertilizer prices. Shipping in the Strait of Hormuz is disrupted. About 30–40% of fertilizer trade is affected. Farmers now pay more and may grow fewer crops. The United Nations warns of higher food prices and possible shortages.

Read the article about how the war in Middle East is creating fertilizer shortage.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2603/260330-fertilizer-shortages-5.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “yield” mean here, “In the worst case, this means lower yields and crop failures next season.”? Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  2. What is “input cost”? “In the best case, higher input costs will be included in food prices next year.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  3. What does “dual cost shock” mean? “Farmers are facing a dual cost shock.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. Explain how the conflict in the Middle East affect global food prices.
  2. What could the United Nations or governments do to reduce the impact of this crisis?
  3. How can countries reduce their dependence on imported fertilizers?
  4. How could rising fertilizer prices affect farming in your country? 
  5. Do you think food prices will continue to rise in the future? Why or why not?
  6. Do you think consumers in your country would change their eating habits if food prices increase? Why or why not?

Spanish Island Magaluf Launched a Selfie Trail for Tourists

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The resort town on the Spanish island of Majorca, Magaluf, has introduced a playful twist to sightseeing: a dedicated selfie trail. Instead of wandering aimlessly in search of the perfect backdrop, visitors can follow a mapped route designed for the perfect selfie.

Let’s listen to the audio and discover how this new selfie trail is transforming tourism.

https://www.firstpost.com/lifestyle/the-spanish-island-which-has-launched-a-selfie-trail-for-tourists-13998392.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “foot traffic” mean? “While the selfie trail promotes sustainable tourism by spreading foot traffic to lesser-known scenic spots, it raises a philosophical question for the modern lifestyle.” Use it in your own sentence. Give a similar expression.
  2. What does “the lens of change” mean? “The lens of change has focused the future of the region.” Use it in your own sentence. Give a similar expression.
  3. What is the meaning of “hinterland“? “The trail moves away from the neon lights and toward the soul of the island, showcasing the rural hinterland, the historic Cas Saboners estate, and the rugged beauty of the Illa de Sa Porrassa.“ Use it in your own sentence. Give a similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why do you think destinations are creating selfie trails for tourists?
  2. How might a selfie trail change the way people experience sightseeing?
  3. Do you think a selfie trail could also be a good idea in your own city? Why or why not?
  4. What are your thoughts on this, “The Selfie Trail suggests that the best way to change behavior is not through prohibition, but through redirection.”
  5. Share your opinion on this statement,, “This new model thrives on the premise that travelers are no longer just tourists; they are publishers.”
  6. Share your opinion on this statement, “UNESCO has voiced concerns that selfie-tourism can lead to a shallow engagement with culture, where the history of a site is eclipsed by its value as a backdrop.”
  7. How does the selfie culture influence modern travel habits?

US Wants Gamers to Become Air Traffic Controllers

B1 –  Intermediate 

There is a shortage of about 3,000 air traffic controllers. The FAA in the USA is recruiting gamers to become air traffic controllers.

The FAA thinks gamers may have useful skills. Officials want more young people to apply.

Read the article about USA’s FAA recruiting gamers to become air traffic controllers.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2604/260413-air-traffic-controller-gaming.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “recruitment campaign” mean in this context, “The USA’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has launched a recruitment campaign aimed at gamers.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  2. What is a “candidate pool”? “Our union welcomes innovative approaches to expanding the candidate pool, including outreach to individuals with high-level skills, such as gamers, so long as all pathways maintain the rigorous standards required of this safety-critical profession.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  3. What is a “tagline”? “The tagline is explicitly aimed at gamers.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think about FAA trying to recruit gamers as air traffic controllers?
  2. What skills from gaming might help in this job?
  3. Do you think gamers are a good fit for this job? Why or why not?
  4. What do you think about the job of being an air traffic controller?
  5. Why do you think there is a shortage of air traffic controllers in America? Is it the same situation in your country? Talk about it.

Free Electricity in the UK

B1 –  Intermediate 

People in the UK may get free or cheap electricity this summer.

NESO made this idea to use extra energy better and help the system work well.

Read the article about getting discounted or even free electricity in the UK this summer.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2604/260416-free-electricity.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “in excess” mean? “Power companies say that on sunny days, weather conditions result in excess supply.” Use the phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  2. What does a “zero-carbon future” mean? “National Energy System Operator (NESO) also says it will deliver what is needed to reach a zero-carbon future.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  3. What are “solar panels”? “There is also more energy coming from  solar panels.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your opinion about discounted or free power?
  2. Have you ever experienced getting free or discounted electricity? If not, do you think it should be done too? Share your opinion.
  3. “The market has the capacity to deliver sufficient supply.” Is it the same situation in your country? Discuss.
  4. What are your thoughts on this, “There could be free summer power even with the war in the Middle East.”?
  5. Do you believe we can reach a zero-carbon future? Share your opinion.

Replacing Humans with AI is Going Horribly Wrong

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The advent of generative AI has caused widespread panic among people across the globe. The fear of AI replacing the labor of common folk has been a prevalent source of terror for humans since artificial intelligence was first conceptualized. And in today’s day and age, this fear has become especially prevalent, with generative AI threatening many different fields of human work. Thankfully, recent attempts to replace individual labor with generative AI technology have resulted in lackluster and even poor results.

To find out more more, watch the video below.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “crux” mean? “What he said is the very crux of consumer generative AI today.” Use this term in a sentence. Give a similar expression.
  2. What does “pain point” mean? “They have seen revenues jump from zero to $20 million in a year. It’s because they pick one pain point, execute well, and partner smartly with companies who use their tools.” Use this phrase in a sentence. Give a similar expression.
  3. What does “smokescreen” mean? “When the broader market realized that it was all a smokescreen, the sector crashed.”  Use this expression in a sentence. Give a similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. In your opinion, why is generative AI failing to replace human work?
  2. Do you believe generative AI can be used productively? How so?
  3. Why do you believe many companies seek to replace human work with the generative AI?
  4. Share your insights on this, “The companies cutting people today in the name of AI will be the ones playing catch-up tomorrow.“
  5. Will humans ever be replaced with AI in the future? Share your opinion.

The Shoe Business Is Changing

B1 –  Intermediate 

The shoe market is changing quickly. Big brands now have strong competitors.

Nike is still the biggest. But it has problems. It focused too much on online sales. It did not make enough new products. Because of this, they lost some customers who looked for other brands.

All shoe brands have a new problem. High tariffs on shoes made from Vietnam could make the prices of sneakers much higher.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about how the shoe business is changing.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/the-shoe-business-is-changing-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “rival” mean? “The footwear market is changing fast as big brands like Nike and Crocs face new rivals.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  2. What does “to make a comeback” mean? “Meanwhile, Crocs has made a huge comeback.” Use the phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  3. What does “clever marketing” mean? “People used to think Crocs were ugly, but clever marketing and colorful charms called Jibbitz made them cool for young people.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. According to the article, why are Nike and Crocs struggling?
  2. How can they recover from these problems?
  3. Share your opinion on this, “Nike made a mistake by focusing too much on selling online and not enough on making new, exciting products.“
  4. Share your thoughts on this, “All these brands face a new problem: high tariffs on shoes made in Vietnam, which could make sneakers much more expensive for everyone.”
  5. Give an example of a product or brand that you think uses clever marketing.
  6. What are some of the most important footwear brands in your country? Why are they very popular?

Wildlife Trade Fuels the Spread of Diseases to Humans

B2 – Upper Intermediate

A new study found that 41% of traded wild mammals carry diseases transmissible to humans, compared to just 6.4% of non-traded species.

Read the article to know more about why experts warn that activities like hunting and transporting wildlife increase the chances of future pandemics and call for stricter global regulation.

https://www.gavi.org/vaccineswork/wildlife-trade-fuelling-spread-diseases-humans-study-finds

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “spillover” mean? “The global wildlife trade could be accelerating the spillover of diseases from animals to humans” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “multilateral agreement” mean? “Currently, the main multilateral agreement governing international trade in wild species, CITES, focuses primarily on preventing extinction.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “disease emergence” mean? “To reduce disease emergence, these opportunities for encounters must be limited, and therefore the overall volume of trade.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why do you think wildlife trade still continues despite the health risks?
  2. How can governments balance economic needs and public health when it comes to wildlife trade?
  3. Do you think pandemics caused by animals are preventable? Why or why not?
  4. How might wildlife trade affect not just health, but also the environment?
  5. Would you support stricter penalties for illegal wildlife trade? Why or why not?

Heatwaves Reaching “Non-Survivable” Levels

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Recent research shows some heatwaves are already too extreme for human survival, especially for older adults. Even temperatures below previous “fatal” thresholds can be deadly when humidity and sun exposure are considered.

Read the article to know why climate change is expected to make these conditions more common.

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/apr/08/extreme-weather-heatwaves-breaching-human-survival-limits-study-finds?

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “wet bulb temperature” mean? “The absolute limit for humans to survive had been assumed to be a six-hour exposure to a wet bulb temperature of 35C.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “core body temperature” mean? “The study only looked for periods where deadly heatstroke was likely if a person was exposed for six hours and also assumed people were entering the heat with normal core body temperature.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “to zoom in to something” mean? “My first thought was ‘Oh shit’ – I really didn’t expect to see that, especially when you zoom in to individual cities.“ Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How do extreme heatwaves affect people’s daily lives in your country?
  2. Do you think your area is prepared for more intense heat in the future? Why or why not?
  3. What groups of people are most at risk during severe heatwaves?
  4. What are some simple ways individuals can protect themselves during extreme heat?
  5. Do you think governments are doing enough to address climate-related health risks like heatwaves? Why or why not?