Category: Homework

Who Does the Housework?

B2 — Upper Intermediate 

Household chores are a necessary evil. Though they can sometimes be boring or unpleasant, they need to be done. Doing household chores is an important part of daily life. We clean our rooms, wash dishes, do laundry, and take out the trash. Chores keep our homes clean and comfortable. 

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about the division of labour when it comes to household chores.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260813

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to pull one’s weight“ mean? ”Anamarija also thinks women appreciate it when their husbands pull their weight.” Use the idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  2. What does “to take a breather” mean? “Mothers have more space for their careers, or hobbies, or just simply totake a breather when dads and sons take some of the pressure off mums.” Use the expression in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “fair share” mean? “Do you do your fair share of household chores?” Use the phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. In the UK, the most hated chore is cleaning the windows. What do you think will be the people’s answer to the same question in your country? Why do you think many people hate this chore?
  2. What are your thoughts on this: “Women in wealthy countries also spend much more time on unpaid care work than men.”?
  3. Which chore do you like doing the least? Why?
  4. What happens when one person does most of the chores?
  5. How can family members share the housework more fairly?

Making Cities Feel Quieter

B2 — Upper Intermediate 

Some people enjoy the peace of the countryside, while others prefer the noise of city. 

However, studies show that too much noise can increase stress and anxiety.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about making the cities feel quieter.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260521

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to dress loud“ mean? “Indians talk loud, celebrate loud and dress loud.” Use the idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  2. What does “soundscape” mean? “Similar soundscapes are now helping city dwellers relax in other cities too, including Tokyo and Barcelona.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “counterintuitive” mean? “So, the art installation was really to make this park a little quieter by adding some quiet noises. So, it’s counterintuitive, but you can make a park less noisy by adding some calmer sounds.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on this: “Too much noise can increase stress and anxiety.”?
  2. Should the noise be limited in cities? Share your thoughts.
  3. What can be done to tackle the noise pollution problem in cities?
  4. How do sounds/noises around you affect you?
  5. Do you prefer a quiet town or a busy city? Why?

Latin America’s UNESCO Sites In Danger

B1 — Intermediate 

UNESCO sites such as Machu Picchu in Peru and the Rio Plátano Biosphere Reserve in Honduras are in danger.

Too many tourists damage them. Rain and trash also cause problems.

Honduras is losing forests because of illegal cattle farming and tree cutting. Animals and local people are also at risk.

Experts say everyone must work together to protect these places.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about the threats to Latin America’s UNESCO sites.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/latin-americas-unesco-sites-are-in-danger-level-2

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “threaten“ mean? ”This dangerous activity harms wild animals and threatens local communities.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  2. What does “armed group” mean? “Indigenous leaders try to protect their forest homes, but armed groups hurt them.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “cattle farming” mean? “In Honduras, large parts of the rainforest are being destroyed by illegal cattle farming, tree cutting, and drug crime.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How can tourists help protect these sites?
  2. How can the government save these sites?
  3. Why is it important to protect these places for the future?
  4. Do you think there should be fewer tourists? Why?
  5. Have you ever had the same problem in your country? Talk about it.

Nuclear Power Plants Do Not Have Enough Water

B1 — Intermediate 

Europe is facing very hot and dry weather. The Danube River is very low. A nuclear plant in Romania had to stop. Hungary also had problems with its nuclear plant. Solar power helped prevent blackouts. But power is still hard to supply at night. Experts say Europe needs better energy systems.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about water shortage at some nuclear power plants.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/nuclear-power-plants-do-not-have-enough-water-level-2

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is a “nuclear power plant“? ”The water level in the Danube River is very low, so Romania had to stop its nuclear power plant because there was not enough cold water.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  2. What does “solar power” mean? “Luckily, Hungary uses much more solar power now, which helped supply energy during hot daytime hours, but getting enough power during the night is still difficult.”Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “drought” mean? “Severe drought and hot summer weather have caused big problems in Europe.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why did the nuclear plant in Romania stop?
  2. How can solar power help?
  3. Should people use less electricity? Why?
  4. What can governments do to prevent power shortages? 
  5. What other problems do you know are caused by extreme heat? Discuss them.
  6. Share your point of view about this: “Experts say Europe needs better energy systems.”

Posting Zero

B1 — Intermediate 

Social media feels too much and fake. Many people still use it, but they post less. This is called Posting Zero. People are afraid of judgment or to feel pressure to look perfect. Bots also make social media feel less real. Many users want simple and honest posts again.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about social media use drop.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/posting-zero-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to feel louder than ever” mean? “Social media feels louder than ever, filled with ads, repetitive videos, and artificial content.” Use the idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “honest moment“ mean? ”Many users hope social media can return to a place where real people share small, honest moments again.” Use the expression in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  3. What does “feed” mean here: “In the past, people shared simple photos and everyday moments; however, now, feeds look perfect, commercial, and unreal.”Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why do people used to post on social media in the past? 
  2. Why are they stopping or posting less now?
  3. Do you like posting on social media? Why?
  4. Is it okay to stop posting on social media? Why?
  5. “Bots also make social media feel less real.” Do you agree or disagree?
  6. How can social media feel more real?

EU Digital Passport System

B1 — Intermediate 

The EU is introducing a new digital passport system. It will allow travelers to use digital travel documents on their phones.

The system may make travel faster and easier. However, people may also have concerns about privacy and data security.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about EU´s new digital passport system.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/eus-new-digital-passport-system-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “biometric check” mean? “This digital system replaces manual passport stamps with biometric checks.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “self-service kiosk” mean? ”Travelers first register at self-service kiosks and then meet a border officer for verification.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  3. What does “stretch” mean here: “Long queues stretching hundreds of meters have caused travelers to wait up to five hours, which leads to missed flights.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your opinion about a digital passport and this new digital passport system?
  2. Would you prefer a digital passport or a traditional passport? Why?
  3. What are the advantages of a digital passport?
  4. What problems could people have with digital passports?
  5. Do you think digital passports are the future of travel?
  6. Should digital passports be used around the world?

Canada Flight Cancelled After Child Refuses to Wear Seat Belt

B2 — Upper Intermediate 

A flight in Canada was cancelled after a child refused to wear a seat belt. The situation caused a delay and affected all the passengers on the plane.

This story shows how important it is to follow safety rules on flights. Passengers, especially children, should listen to the crew to help keep everyone safe.

It has also raised new questions about safety rules and children’s behavior while flying.

Read the article about the cancellation of a flight in Canada after a child refused to wear a seat belt.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cj6307x3wdgo

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “reignite” mean? “The cancellation of a flight in Canada after a child refused to wear a seat belt has reignited a debate about the etiquette and safety procedures relating to children travelling on planes.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “to split opinion“ mean? ”The incident has split opinion about how children should be treated in such situations and how airlines should respond.” Use the expression in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  3. What does “to be beyond the pale” mean? “We’ve all been those parents,” he said. “But this is beyond the pale.” Use the idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think the flight was right to be cancelled? Why or why not?
  2. Who should be responsible when a child refuses to follow safety rules—the child, the parents, or the airline?
  3. What should parents do if their child refuses to wear a seat belt on a plane?
  4. Should airlines have stricter rules for children traveling by plane? Share your thoughts.
  5. Have you ever experienced a difficult situation while traveling? What happened?

EU Commends Spain’s Swift Response to Ceuta Migrant Crisis

B2 — Upper Intermediate 

About 72,000 migrants entered the Spanish territory in North Africa. Unfortunately, at least 75 people died on the Spanish side of the border, while Morocco reported 11 deaths.

Many European member states have expressed their concern over the Ceuta migrant crisis in Spain.

Since then, Spain has responded to the large number of migrants arriving in Ceuta by placing a 500-meter floating barrier near the Tarajal breakwater.

It also worked with Morocco to return thousands of migrants, provided emergency aid, and approved €25 million to help unaccompanied children.

Read the article about Spain’s response to the Ceuta migrant crisis.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c80n3j55g0do

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to stand in solidarity with someone” mean? ”Irish Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan, who chaired Tuesday’s meeting, said the EU stood in solidarity with Spain and that migration required “a united European response”.” Use the idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “to draw tension“ mean? ”The meeting had been expected to draw some tension, following earlier criticism of Spain from some EU nations.” Use the expression in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  3. What does “exclave” mean? ”The crossings came after Spain’s Supreme Court ruled that migrants stopped at sea while trying to reach Ceuta or Melilla, another Spanish exclave, cannot be summarily returned to Morocco.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on how Spain dealt with the Ceuta crisis?
  2. “It is thought that the influx was fuelled by criminal networks and social media disinformation.” What is your view on this?
  3. Share your opinion on the other European nations expressing their concerns over the Ceuta migrant crisis.
  4. What is your opinion on Italy suspending its Schengen zone agreement with Spain on free movement in response to the Ceuta crisis?
  5. Share your views on this, “Finland and Denmark backed Italy’s move, while Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš urged a temporary suspension of Spain’s Schengen membership.”
  6. How can countries work together to solve migration problems? 

The Golden Ratio

B1 — Intermediate 

The Golden Ratio is a special number that helps make things look balanced and nice. It is about 1 to 1.618. People use it in art, buildings, and design. It can be seen in the Parthenon, Mona Lisa, and some famous logos like Twitter and Pepsi.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about the golden ratio.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/the-golden-ratio-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Explain the concept of “the golden ratio”. ”In the 1860s, Gustav Fechner claimed people preferred this shape, which helped create the idea that the golden ratio represents beauty.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “disprove“ mean? ”However, his study was later disproved.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  3. What does “view” mean here: ”Everyone’s view of beauty is different.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the positives and negatives of the golden ratio?
  2. Do you think the Golden Ratio is interesting? Why or why not?
  3. Share your opinion on this, “The golden ratio is interesting in art and nature, but it is not a rule for beauty.”
  4. Share your thoughts on this, “Everyone’s view of beauty is different.”
  5. Talk about something that you think has the most beautiful design. Describe it as detailed as you can.
  6. If you could design something, what would you make?

Google Earth Flight Simulator

B1 — Intermediate 

Google’s Flight Simulator is a fun feature in Google Earth. You can fly a virtual plane over cities, mountains, and oceans. It uses real satellite images and 3D maps. The controls are simple, but flying takes practice. It is great for exploring the world from the sky.

Read the article about Google Earth flight simulator.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2606/260618-google-earth.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is a “flight simulator”? ”To use the flight simulator, you will have to open the Google Earth website and click on the “Explore Earth” button in the top right corner.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “high-fidelity“ mean in this context: ”The flight simulator is designed for casual exploration rather than high-fidelity aerodynamic training.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  3. What is a “drop-down menu”? ”To start flying, you need to click on “Tools” in the menu bar and then select “Flight simulator” from the drop-down menu.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How can this simulator help people learn about the world?
  2. What are other things people can learn from using Google’s Flight Simulator? 
  3. Would you ever use Google’s Flight Simulator? Why or why not? Which country would you like to visit in the simulator?
  4. Is it better to explore places online or in real life? Why?
  5. Do you like games or apps that let you explore places?
  6. If you could fly anywhere, where would you go first?