Category: Homework

The Unfortunate Truth About GMOs

B2 – Upper Intermediate

All across the internet and on traditional outlets, Genetically Modified Organisms or GMOs have been lambasted as dangerous, unnatural, and unhealthy. And in America, GMOs have to be labelled as such, painting these items in a further negative light. But is the negative reputation of GMOs actually true, or have they been unfairly treated?

Watch this video about

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “fear-mongering” mean? “Nah, all of that is nonsense. The real problem is that they need to fire their PR team. Because they’re a victim of a widely successful fear-mongering campaign.” Use this expression in a sentence. Give a similar expression.
  2. What does “school of thought” mean? “Whenever I discuss GMOs online, there are two schools of thought that I frequently have to debunk.”  Use this phrase in a sentence. Give a similar expression.
  3. What does “best bet” mean? “If consuming fewer pesticides is your goal, then maybe reaching for the GMO might be your best bet.”  Use this idiom in a sentence. Give a similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What were your thoughts on GMOs before and after this video?
  2. Why do you believe GMOs were viewed as dangerous despite the contrary scientific research?
  3. How does lack of information negatively affect people’s views about GMOs?
  4. Do you believe more people would buy GMOs if they were properly informed about them?

The EU Taxes Cheap Parcels from China

B1 — Intermediate 

The European Union (EU) has introduced a new 3-euro fee on cheap parcels from China. The new tax rule will affect online shopping sites like Shein, Temu, and AliExpress.

The EU says this change will help create fairer competition for local businesses.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about the new tax rules on inexpensive parcels from China in the EU.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/the-eu-taxes-cheap-parcels-from-china-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “retailer” mean? ”The EU has introduced a new 3-euro fee on low-value e-commerce parcels from China, which targets major online retailers like Shein, Temu, and AliExpress.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “tax loophole” mean? ”Lawmakers argue that this tax loophole was abused on an industrial scale, which gave Chinese giants a massive competitive advantage over local businesses.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “duty-free” mean? ”Previously, these platforms entered the EU bloc duty-free under a long-standing exemption for goods under 150 euros.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your reaction and opinion about this new tax rule?
  2. Should all companies, local and foreign, follow the same tax rules? Why?
  3. Do you think the new fee will help local businesses? Why or why not?
  4. Do you think people will continue shopping on these websites after the new fee? Why or why not? 
  5. Would you be willing to pay extra fees for low-cost products? Explain.

Colon Cancer in Young People

B1 — Intermediate 

Bowel cancer, or colorectal cancer cases among younger adults have increased all over the world.

On the bright side, even though bowel cancer cases are higher, it still remains uncommon among young people.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about colon cancer among young adults.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/young-people-and-cancer-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “early detection” mean? ”Factors like improved early detection and genetic changes might also play a role.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “to play a role” mean? ”Factors like improved early detection and genetic changes might also play a role.” Use the expression in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “to prompt” mean here: ”Symptoms like changes in bowel habits, unexplained weight loss, or fatigue should prompt a doctor’s visit.”? Use the verb in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are some reasons for the rise in bowel cancer cases?
  2. Why is early diagnosis important?
  3. Why do you think younger adults might ignore symptoms of serious illnesses?
  4. Do you think modern lifestyles are increasing the risk of diseases among young people? Why or why not?
  5. What can individuals do to reduce their risk of serious illnesses?

Some People Earn a Lot But Are Not Rich

B1 — Intermediate 

About 14% of U.S. households earn more than $200,000 a year. However, many of them do not feel rich. They are often called HENRYs, which means High Earners, Not Rich Yet.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about people who earn high salaries, but do not necessarily feel rich.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/some-people-earn-a-lot-but-arent-rich-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “lifestyle creep” mean? ”Even people making over 300,000 often struggle with credit card debt. This is partly due to lifestyle creep.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “net worth” mean? ”Experts say budgeting, knowing your net worth, and planning for savings are key steps to feeling financially secure.” Use the expression in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “hamster wheel” mean here: ”Emotional spending, social pressure, and a lack of financial planning can keep high earners stuck on a hamster wheel.”? Use the idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think financial success depends more on income or on money management? Explain.
  2. Do you think earning more money always leads to a better life? Why or why not?
  3. What advice would you give someone who earns a high income but still struggles with money?
  4. Do you think social media encourages people to spend more? Why or why not?
  5. How can people enjoy life without overspending?

Companies Take People’s Land to Build Data Centers

B1 — Intermediate 

The fast expansion of AI data centers in Georgia has led to a big rise in electricity demand. To support this growing need, the state’s primary utility company is significantly increasing its network of high-voltage transmission lines.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about companies acquiring private land to build data centers in Georgia.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/companies-take-peoples-land-to-build-data-centers-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is a “utility company”? ”To meet this need, the state’s main utility company is rapidly expanding its high-voltage power lines.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “eminent domain” mean? “While Georgia Power claims it offers fair compensation, many families feel forced into settlements because the company can use eminent domain to seize private land without the owners’ consent.” Use the expression in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  3. What does “to seize” mean? ”While Georgia Power claims it offers fair compensation, many families feel forced into settlements because the company can use eminent domain to seize private land without the owners’ consent.” Use the verb in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. Is it ethical to use eminent domain to build infrastructure that largely benefits the private companies, such as AI data centers? Share your opinion.
  2. What good things can happen when we build more energy infrastructure for AI?
  3. How would you react if transmission lines were planned to pass through your property?
  4. Should companies continue developing new technology even if it causes problems for local communities? Why or why not?
  5. If you were in the government, how would you balance economic growth and people’s rights?

Strength Training Helps to Live Longer

B1 — Intermediate 

Researchers say that regular strength training may help people live longer. They found that this type of exercise may lower the risk of heart disease, stroke, and mental health problems.

Read the article about how regular strength training may help us live longer.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2606/260625-strength-training.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is “strength training”? ”The study found that people who did moderate amounts of strength training on a regular basis had a lower risk of dying at a younger age.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “resistance work” mean? “Keep walking, cycling, swimming, or doing whatever gets your heart rate up. But add some resistance work too.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  3. What does “to burn up” mean here: ”If we do not keep our muscles active, they do not burn up so much sugar and fat.” Use the phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think strength training is important? Why or why not?
  2. Why do many people avoid strength training?
  3. Which do you think is better: strength training or aerobic exercise? Explain your answer.
  4. Should schools encourage students to do strength training? Why?
  5. Do you do any strength training? If yes, what kind?
  6. If you wanted to live a longer and healthier life, what lifestyle changes would you make besides exercising?

Rising Memory Chip Prices to Push Up Tech Costs

B1 — Intermediate 

Gadgets such as mobile phones, laptops, and others are such an essential part of our day-to-day lives. 

Nowadays, the demand for servers in AI data centers has increased very quickly. Because of this, AI systems need to store big amounts of data and process it much faster than regular computers. As a result, catching up with new technology is likely to be more expensive.

Read the article about rising tech products prices.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2606/260629-memory-chip-price-hikes.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is “components crisis”? ”The entire consumer electronics industry is struggling with the current components crisis.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “to be insulated from something” mean here: “However, Apple said its iPhone would be insulated from the price hikes.” Use the expression in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  3. What does “to affect one’s pocket” mean? ”People are now worrying about rising tech prices affecting their pockets.” Use the idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is the impact of the growth of AI on the technology industry?
  2. Do you think AI is worth the higher cost of technology? Explain your answer.
  3. How might higher technology prices affect the consumers and businesses?
  4. If technology becomes more expensive, how will it affect you?
  5. In your opinion, is it better to repair old devices or buy new ones? Explain.

Taking a 5-Minute Walk Every Hour May Help Offset the Effects of Sitting

B2 – Upper Intermediate

A recent study suggests that taking a 5-minute walk every hour may help reduce the harmful effects of sitting for long periods. Participants who took regular walking breaks reported feeling less tired, having a better mood, and experiencing improved blood circulation.

Read the article to know how short walks can help people stay active. They also recommend getting at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week for overall health.

https://www.health.com/five-minute-walk-every-hour-offsets-effects-of-sitting-12005804

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “cardiometabolic” mean? “They tested five-minute walks because previous studies have found that this time frame yields better cardiometabolic, mood, and fatigue outcomes than shorter intervals, while still being a realistic goal.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “reset button” mean here: “
    Walking breaks serve as physiological reset buttons—they reactivate the muscles in your legs, improve circulation, and give your brain a much-needed break.”     Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “hidden cost” mean? “There is a hidden cost to our sedentary lifestyles.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the benefits of taking a 5-minute walk every hour?
  2. Why can sitting for long periods be harmful to our health?
  3. Do you usually take breaks while working or studying? Why or why not?
  4. What are some easy ways to stay active during a busy day?
  5. Do you think you could make this habit part of your daily routine? Why or why not?

World Cup Fans Struggle with Tipping Culture

B1 — Intermediate 

Football fans at the World Cup are finding it hard to understand tipping in the USA, Canada, and Mexico. In these World Cup host nations, tips of up to 20 per cent are expected.

Many fans say tipping is making their trip more expensive given that it is already too costly to attend the World Cup.

Read the article about World Cup fans struggling with the tipping culture.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2607/260702-tipping-world-cup.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is “tipping fatigue”? ”They add that leaving tips makes already expensive food even costlier. Some fans have complained about “tipping fatigue“.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “budget is being stretched” mean? “Travelling fans say their budgets are being stretched.” Use the expression in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  3. What does “hospitality sector” mean? ”A lot of staff say it is impossible to survive in the hospitality sector without tips.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your opinion about tipping fatigue that some World Cup fans are struggling with in the USA, Canada, and Mexico? 
  2. How would you feel if you were asked to tip for buying a bottle of water?
  3. If you traveled to another country, would you follow its tipping customs? Why?
  4. Which is better: paying higher menu prices with no tips or lower prices with expected tips?
  5. Share your thoughts on this, “Workers at restaurants in the US can earn as little as $2.13 per hour. They rely on diners to tip. Without tips, staff may not earn enough money to live on.”

Hydration Breaks at the World Cup 

B2 — Upper Intermediate 

A hydration break is a short pause during a World Cup match when play is temporarily stopped. During this time, players drink water and rest. This helps them maintain body temperature and prevent fatigue, especially in hot conditions.

However, many people have expressed dissatisfaction with the said water breaks.

Read the article about the controversial hydration breaks at the World Cup.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2606/260622-hydration-breaks-world-cup.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is a “hydration break”? ”Football fans worldwide are not happy about the introduction of hydration breaks at the World Cup.” Use the idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “jeering” mean? “Spectators in the stadiums have been expressing their dissatisfaction with the breaks in play by booing and jeering.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  3. What does “consternation” mean? ”They are not the only ones to express their consternation.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the good and bad things about hydration breaks during a sports event such as football?
  2. Personally, what is your opinion about the hydration breaks at the World Cup?
  3. Do you agree or disagree, “The breaks disrupting the free-flowing nature and momentum of games.”?
  4. Share your opinion, “The breaks are mainly for commercial reasons.”
  5. What is your opinion on this, “Given the financial benefits, it is highly likely that the breaks will remain a long-term feature.”?