Category: Homework

AI Model Challenges OpenAI

B2 – Upper Intermediate

This AI can be utilised by students, professionals, and everyday users to enhance productivity, creativity, and problem-solving abilities. Its versatility makes it a powerful tool for both learning and daily tasks.

OLMo 3 is an advanced AI language model that helps people with tasks like answering questions, generating text, and learning new things. It is faster and smarter than previous versions, providing more accurate and helpful responses.

You can watch the video to learn more about this new technology.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the adjective  “open‑source” mean? “It is the new open‑source model that is designed to compete at the highest level.” Use it in a sentence. 
  2. What does the phrase “put every card on the table” mean? “By putting every card on the table, its creators are betting that thousands of developers building in public can out-innovate any single secretive lab.” Use it in a sentence. 
  3. What does the word “out-innovate” mean? “By putting every card on the table, its creators are betting that thousands of developers building in public can out-innovate any single secretive lab.” Use it in a sentence. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. Have you heard of OLMo3? What do you know about it?
  2. What are your thoughts on radical transparency in AI?
  3. Why is radical transparency in AI important?
  4. Compare closed AI models (like ChatGPT) and open-source models (like OLMo 3). Which approach do you prefer and why?
  5. OLMo 3 is called a “glass‑box AI” instead of a “black-box AI.” What do you think this means?

Magnitude 4 Earthquakes in Alava

B2 – Upper Intermediate

A magnitude 4 earthquake struck the province of Álava, giving residents a brief but noticeable jolt. Although relatively moderate in strength, the quake was strong enough to be felt across several nearby towns, prompting many people to pause and check their surroundings.

Local authorities quickly reported that there were no immediate signs of serious damage or injuries, but monitoring continues to ensure everyone’s safety. Events like this serve as a reminder of the region’s seismic activity and the importance of staying informed and prepared.

Read this article to learn more about the earthquakes in Alava.

https://russpain.com/en/news-3/earthquake-magnitude-4-alarms-alava-and-neighboring-regions-347604

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the phrase “a tense atmosphere reigns” mean? “For several minutes, a tense atmosphere reigned in the streets until it became clear the danger had passed.” Use it in a sentence. 
  2. What does the word “rattling” mean? “At 12:10 a.m. local time, residents of Iruña de Oca and nearby areas were awakened by vibrating walls and rattling windows.” Use it in a sentence. 
  3. What does the word “aftershock” mean? “Experts emphasize that the likelihood of aftershocks is extremely low.” Use it in a sentence. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. How would you feel if you were awakened in the middle of the night by shaking walls or rattling windows?
  2. Share your thoughts about the public and the authorities’ response to the earthquakes.
  3. Have you ever experienced an earthquake before? What did you do at that moment?
  4. A magnitude 4 earthquake is considered “moderate.” Why do you think it caused so much alarm in Álava?
  5. Do you think most people in Europe are prepared for earthquakes? Why or why not?
  6. How much do you know about what to do when an earthquake occurs?

First Gene Proven to Directly Cause Mental Illness

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Researchers recently discovered that a single gene GRIN2A can directly trigger mental illness, overturning decades of belief that psychiatric disorders always require many genes acting together. The study suggests that people with certain variants of this gene have a significantly higher risk of developing psychiatric symptoms.

Read the article to know why this breakthrough could change how mental illness is studied and treated worldwide.

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251202052230.htm?

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the word “uncover” mean? “Researchers uncover a rare gene variant that can directly spark mental illness—and may be treatable.” Use it in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “predictor” mean? “Having a close family member with a mental illness remains one of the strongest known predictors.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “polygenic” mean? “This distinguishes it from the polygenic causes of such disorders that have been assumed to date” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why is discovering a single gene that directly causes mental illness an important scientific breakthrough?
  2. How could this discovery change the diagnosis and treatment of mental health conditions?
  3. What ethical concerns might arise from identifying genes linked to mental illness?
  4. How might this finding affect society’s understanding and stigma around mental health?
  5. What further research is needed before this genetic discovery can be used in real-world medical care?

Weight-Loss Drug Liraglutide Slowed Alzheimer’s Decline

B2 – Upper Intermediate

New research shows that a drug commonly used for diabetes and weight loss can reduce brain shrinkage in Alzheimer’s patients by nearly 50%.

Read the article to know more about the significant potential for repurposing existing medications to slow neurodegeneration offering hope for millions affected by Alzheimer’s globally.

https://www.imperial.ac.uk/news/articles/2025/-weight-loss-drug-liraglutide-slowed-alzheimers-decline/?

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “brain shrinkage” mean? “A drug prescribed for diabetes and weight loss has been shown to reduce brain shrinkage in Alzheimer’s patients by almost 50%.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “agonist” mean? “The drug, called liraglutide, is one of the glucagon-like peptide receptor (GLP-1) agonists which also includes semaglutide – known as Wegovy or Ozempic – which are licensed for managing overweight and obesity and for type 2 diabetes.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “double-blind” mean? “The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial included 204 patients with mild Alzheimer’s disease seen at 24 clinics throughout the United Kingdom.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What surprised you most about the idea that a weight-loss drug could help slow Alzheimer’s disease?
  2. Do you think existing medicines should be tested more often for new health benefits? Why or why not?
  3. What concerns might people have about using weight-loss drugs for brain health?
  4. How could this discovery change the way doctors treat Alzheimer’s patients in the future?
  5. Would you personally feel comfortable taking a medication for a different purpose than it was originally made for? Why?

Apple, Google, Meta Face Casino App Lawsuits

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Apple, Google, and Meta are now facing renewed legal pressure after a federal judge ruled that lawsuits accusing their platforms of hosting casino-style gambling apps can move forward. The cases claim that these companies allowed apps that mimic real gambling to operate and profit from users, raising concerns about consumer protection and regulatory responsibility. This decision opens the door for a deeper examination of how major tech firms manage gaming content on their platforms.

Read this article to learn more.

https://www.freepressjournal.in/tech/apple-google-meta-must-face-casino-app-lawsuits-judge-rules

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “illegal racketeering conspiracy” mean? “The lawsuits allege that Apple’s App Store, Google’s Play Store, and Meta’s Facebook promoted what plaintiffs describe as an “authentic Vegas-style experience of slot machine gambling” through an illegal racketeering conspiracy.” Make a sentence with this.
  2. Define “the crux of plaintiffs’ theory“. “The judge wrote that “the crux of plaintiffs’ theory is that defendants improperly processed payments for social casino apps.”” Use this in a sentence.
  3. What is the meaning of “plaintiff“? “Dozens of plaintiff claim the companies collected 30 percent commissions—estimated at more than $2 billion—on transactions processed through these casino-style apps” Make a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think tech companies should be responsible for the content on their platforms? Why or why not?
  2. Could stricter regulation of social casino apps create opportunities for innovation in ethical gaming, or would it stifle growth?
  3. How can tech companies implement responsible gaming practices without compromising user engagement or revenue?
  4. How do the lawsuits against Apple, Google, and Meta challenge existing regulations on digital platforms and consumer protection?
  5. In your opinion, are social casino apps morally wrong, or is it the user’s responsibility to manage their own behavior?


Hierarchy or Flat Structure?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Workplaces can be organized with a traditional hierarchy, where everyone reports to a specific manager and communication flows up and down the chain, or with a flat structure, where teams work more collaboratively, make decisions together, and rely less on rigid reporting lines.

Many modern teams are leaning toward flat structures because they encourage teamwork, transparency, and flexibility while still keeping some leadership guidance at the top. After all, who really wants a boss constantly looking over their shoulder?

Watch the video to hear different perspectives on hierarchy and flat structures in modern workplaces.

Vocabulary Questions

  1. What does “hierarchy” mean in the sentence, “If you have a hierarchy, then everybody in the organization knows exactly who they’re reporting to”? Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “flat structure” mean in the sentence, “My preference would be for a flat structure, where people work in partnership and enjoy a flexible working environment in today’s modern world.”? Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “an even playing field” mean in the sentence, “It’s much more about team working and an even playing field where people are working remotely”? Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions

  1. Which do you think works better, a hierarchy or a flat structure? Why?
  2. How can a company balance leadership and teamwork in its structure?
  3. Do you think remote work encourages flatter structures? Why or why not?
  4. What challenges can come from having too many levels in a company?
  5. What type of structure would you prefer to work in personally? Explain your answer.

The Problem with Job Titles

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Many people take pride in their job titles, but this video challenges that idea. The speaker explains that job titles don’t always reflect a person’s real skills or value. In smaller or growing companies, titles are often made up or mean something only within that team. What truly matters, he says, are your actual abilities, what you contribute, and how well you fit in with your company’s culture.

Watch the video about the problem with job titles and why they shouldn’t matter.

Vocabulary Questions

  1. What does “boutique team” mean in the sentence, “Small kinds of boutique teams make up job titles that don’t make sense.”? Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “make up” mean in the sentence, “They would make up job titles; things that didn’t even make sense.”? Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does the term “bucketing” mean in the sentence, “I think job titles have become a naming scheme for bucketing.”? Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions

  1. Do you think job titles are important when applying for a new job? Why or why not?
  2. What do you think matters more, a person’s title or their actual skills?
  3. Have you ever had a job where your title didn’t match what you really did?
  4. How do job titles affect the way people see themselves or others at work?
  5. If you could create your own job title, what would it be and why?

Even Harvard’s Smartest Graduates Can’t Get a Job

B2 – Upper Intermediate

In today’s world, everyone should have ample opportunities to find good jobs, with strong technology, better infrastructure, and easy-to-access knowledge globally. But that ideal isn’t our current reality. Many youths among Gen Z struggle to find jobs; even those that have attended universities as prestigious as Harvard cannot find good jobs, let alone any jobs at all. But why?

To find out more, watch the video below.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “vicious circle” mean? “This requirement contradicts the purpose of such positions and places young people in a vicious circle.” Use this term in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “to string together” mean?  ”“More than 60% believe they will have to string together multiple temporary or gig economy jobs before accessing a stable position.” Use this phrase in a sentence and give a synonym.
  3. What does “hybrid job” mean?  “For many, that meant a remote or hybrid job. And for some, it meant throwing out the 9 to 5 altogether.” Use this expression to make your own sentence and give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Should companies continue requiring prior job experience for entry-level positions? Elaborate on your answer.
  2. Do you believe that in the current economy Gen Z is facing, they will be able to earn good jobs after finishing college with good grades?
  3. If you recently graduated in the US, how would you handle the lack of job opportunities?
  4. In your opinion, what are the main factors contributing to the lack of job opportunities among Generation Z?
  5. Share your thoughts on this, “Generation Z youth believe they will not achieve financial independence until age 28 or 30.”
  6. Share your insights, “Companies, for their part, show a clear tendency to retain current employees instead of expanding their workforces.”

Zero-Click Search

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Nowadays, people like to search for information online and expect quick, direct answers. This change has reshaped how we connect, learn, and share, turning familiar habits upside down and encouraging new ways of communication. One clear example of this shift is the rise of zero‑click, where answers appear instantly without the need to go further.

Let’s read the article and see how this pattern is shaping behavior, shifting expectations, and pushing people and organizations to adapt to instant access.

Zero-Click Search: What It Is and How to Adapt

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the phrase “organic traffic” in digital marketing mean? “This shift has a big impact on organic traffic, and it’s forcing marketers to rethink their strategies.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. Define “click-through rate“. “The most direct impact of zero-click searches is the decline in organic click-through rates (CTR).” Use it in your own sentence.
  3. What is a “snippet“? “For example, if a customer is interested in learning about the latest smartphone features, they may receive a summary of key specs directly on the search results page through AI-driven snippets or Knowledge Panels.” Use it in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. In what ways do you use AI tools to look up information, and how often do you rely on them?
  2. What do you think about the fact that many online searches end without any clicks, and how does this affect the way people find and use information?
  3. What challenges might organizations face when audiences expect information to be available immediately?
  4. How do you think the rise of zero‑click experiences could reshape the future of marketing and online interaction?

Louvre Ticket Price Hike for non-EU Tourists

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The Louvre Museum in Paris has recently drawn attention for changes to its ticketing policy. The decision has sparked conversations about fairness, accessibility, and how cultural institutions balance welcoming international visitors with maintaining their operations.

Let’s read the article and explore the different perspectives surrounding this change.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/clyd4llgrego

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “structural concern” mean? “Earlier this month, the Louvre announced the closure of a gallery showcasing Greek ceramics due to structural concerns.” Use it in your own sentence.
  2. Define the phrase “a brazen heist“. “The museum’s security and management have faced criticism since a brazen heist in October, when a four-person gang stole jewellery worth $102m (£76m) and fled within minutes.” Use it in your own sentence.
  3. What is the meaning of the verb “flock“? “Most of the Louvre’s 30,000 daily visitors flock to see Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece.” Use it in a sentence and give two synonyms.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What’s your perspective on the Louvre charging higher entrance fees to non-European tourists?
  2. What’s your reaction to this, “The investigation after October’s heist found the museum had spent significantly more on buying new artworks, but far less on maintenance and restoration.“?
  3. In what ways could setting ticket prices by nationality influence fairness, accessibility, or tourism?
  4. Have you been to Paris? If so, did you visit the Louvre? If not, would you like to visit someday?
  5. Can you share an experience where the cost of an attraction influenced your travel plans or feelings about the trip?