Category: Homework

World’s Next Superfood: Bamboo Shoots

B1 – Intermediate 

Superfoods are the types of foods that are full of nutrients and are supposed to be very good for your health. 

We see a lot of information about superfoods everywhere. The most recent superfood that people are talking about is bamboo shoots.

Read the article about bamboo shoots being a potential superfood.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2601/260129-bamboo-superfood.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “emerge from” mean? “However, people may not know that bamboo shoots are harvested as they emerge from the ground, while they are still soft.” Use the phrasal verb in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “stalk” mean here, “We do not eat the hard, woody stalks.”? Use the word in a sentence. Give another meaning of “stalk”.
  3. What does “contain” mean here, “However, raw bamboo shoots contain toxins and must be cooked before eating.”? Use the word in a sentence. Give another meaning of “contain”.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What comes to your mind when you hear the word “superfood” and why?
  2. Are superfoods really beneficial, or just marketing? What is your opinion?
  3. Talk about other superfoods that you know of and what their benefits are.
  4. What are the benefits that we can get from bamboo shoots?
  5. Would you be interested to try bamboo shots? Why or why not?

The Restaurant of Mistaken Orders

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Lately, some restaurants are trying new ways to change how we think about hospitality. Instead of focusing only on perfect service, they show the importance of kindness, inclusion, and accepting mistakes. These efforts remind both workers and customers that mistakes can bring connection and understanding, not just problems.

Let’s read the article and know more about how restaurants are redefining service, building empathy, and creating new experiences for everyone.

The Restaurant of Mistaken Orders: Celebrating a Language of Inclusion in Tokyo’s Kitchen

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the phrase “to go astray” mean? “Orders may go astray, but the purpose is never lost.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “to raise one’s eyebrows at” mean? “Why raise our eyebrows at the difference between sizzling steak and gyoza?” Use it in a sentence and give two synonyms.
  3. What is the meaning of the phrase “to soften the pitch“? “The website doesn’t soften the pitch: “You may think it’s crazy.” Use it in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think the concept of the Restaurant of Mistaken Orders reveals about how society views mistakes and imperfection?
  2. How does this restaurant challenge traditional ideas of what “good service” means?
  3. What does this project suggest about the abilities of people with dementia that society often overlooks?
  4. How could similar initiatives help reduce stigma around dementia in other countries?
  5. If you visited the restaurant, how do you think you would react to receiving the wrong order?

Consumer Attitudes Toward AI-Generated Ads 

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Artificial intelligence is reshaping the way companies connect with consumers, especially through advertising. While AI promises efficiency and personalization, not everyone is convinced. Many people feel uneasy about ads created by machines, raising questions about trust, authenticity, and the future of marketing.

Let’s read the article and know more about how AI in advertising is being received, what challenges it faces, and what this means for the future of consumer engagement.

NIQ research uncovers hidden consumer attitudes toward AI-generated ads 

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to push the boundaries of ” mean here? “As Gen AI continues to push the boundaries of creative industries, NielsenIQ (NIQ), the world’s leading consumer intelligence company, unveiled groundbreaking new research on how the consumer brain processes AI-generated advertisements—with critical implications for advertisers navigating the opportunities and challenges of this emerging technology.” Use it in a sentence and give a synonym.
  2. Define the phrase “halo effect” mean? “These sentiments suggest that AI-generated ads may create a negative halo effect that could dampen consumer perceptions of both the ad and the brand.” Use it in a sentence and give a synonym.
  3. What is the meaning of the idiom “fine line between“? “Our neuroscience-driven approach reveals how consumers nonconsciously process AI-generated content and highlights the fine line between innovation and discomfort.” Use it in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why do you think many consumers feel turned off by AI-generated ads?
  2. In what ways could companies make AI-generated ads feel more authentic or trustworthy?
  3. How might cultural differences affect how people perceive AI-generated advertising?
  4. What ethical concerns arise when businesses use AI to personalize ads?
  5. How might AI-generated ads “give themselves away” compared to human-created ads?

Evictions Put on Hold in Spain

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Spain has once again extended its eviction freeze, keeping protections in place for people in vulnerable situations as part of its ongoing “social shield.” The measure aims to prevent households from being evicted without alternative housing, continuing policies first introduced during the pandemic.

The extension mainly protects vulnerable tenants and occupants, such as families with children or those facing financial hardship, for a limited period while social services assess each case. Knowing who qualifies, how long the protection lasts, and what steps to take next is key for anyone affected by the rules.

Read the article and know more about this news.

https://euroweeklynews.com/2026/01/17/evictions-put-on-hold-again-in-spain-who-is-protected-for-how-long-and-what-to-do-next/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “at the heart of something” mean? “At the heart of the measure is a principle that has remained unchanged since 2020: no vulnerable household should be evicted if it has nowhere else to go.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does  “breathing space” mean here, “For families who were approaching the previous deadline with growing anxiety, the new timeline provides some much-needed breathing space.”? Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “to step in” mean? “Once that request is filed, the court handling the case steps in and asks local social services to assess whether the household meets the vulnerability criteria.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What basic household supplies are protected until 2026, and what discounts apply to vulnerable households?
  2. Why might the government describe these measures as “exceptional and temporary”?
  3. Spain has extended eviction protections and social support for vulnerable households, but the underlying housing crisis remains. Do you think temporary measures like this are enough to address housing insecurity, or should the government focus on long-term solutions? Why?
  4. Should governments prioritize temporary protections for vulnerable households or focus more on creating long-term solutions to housing shortages? Support your answer with examples or reasoning.
  5. Imagine a family meets the vulnerability criteria but the local authority cannot find alternative housing. How should the family, landlord, and government handle this situation?

Spanish PM Plans To Regularize Undocumented Migrants

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has defended his government’s plan to regularise around 500,000 undocumented migrants, calling it a pragmatic and humane response to Spain’s social and economic realities. The proposal would grant legal status and work permits to migrants already living in the country, with Sánchez arguing it will help address labour shortages and promote integration.

The plan has sparked political controversy, with opposition parties accusing the government of electoral opportunism and warning of pressure on public services. Sánchez, however, insists the measure is lawful, necessary, and reflects Spain’s commitment to a more inclusive migration policy, even as much of Europe moves in the opposite direction.

Read this article and learn more about this news.

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/feb/02/pedro-sanchez-spain-defends-plans-regularise-migrants?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to go against the current” mean? “Some say we’ve gone too far, that we’re going against the current.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “to be woven into the fabric of” mean? “Sánchez said the plans would offer an orderly path to residence for those whose lives were already woven into Spain’s social fabric.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does  “to strike a deal” mean? “The initiative had languished for months until the leftwing Podemos party said last week that it had struck a deal with the Socialists to approve the plans in exchange for parliamentary support.”  Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What reasons does Pedro Sánchez give for regularizing undocumented migrants and asylum seekers?
  2. Do you think regularizing undocumented migrants strengthens or weakens a country’s social cohesion? Why?
  3. How convincing is the criticism that migration regularization is a form of “electoral engineering”? Share your insights.
  4. Is there a moral obligation for states to regularize people who have already built lives within their borders? Why?

Samsung to Double AI Mobile Devices

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Samsung plans to add artificial intelligence (AI) to about 800 million devices around the world. These devices include smartphones, TVs, and home appliances. With AI, devices can become smarter and easier to use. Samsung’s goal is to make AI a normal part of daily life, helping people at home, at work, and on the go.

Watch the video to learn about Samsung’s plan to use AI in its devices.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to give someone a major boost in the race” mean? “Samsung could give Google a major boost in the AI race.” Use this in a sentence and give a synonym.
  2. Define “roll out“. “Samsung already rolled out Gemini-backed AI features to about 400 million mobile product last year.” Use this in a sentence and give a synonym.
  3. What is the meaning of “fend off“? “Samsung seeks to reclaim its lost crown from Apple in the smartphone market and fend off competition from Chinese rivals not only in mobile telephones, but televisions and home appliances, all overseen by Roh.” Use this in a sentence and give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Which device do you use most in your daily life, and in what specific ways could AI improve your experience with it?
  2. How might widespread use of AI change the way people interact with technology on a daily basis?
  3. If your phone or TV became significantly “smarter” with AI, which task would you want it to handle first, and why?
  4. In your opinion, is Samsung’s plan mainly focused on improving user experience, or on staying competitive in the global market? Support your answer with reasons.
  5. How could AI-powered home appliances influence family life or everyday routines, both positively and negatively?

Why Can’t We Admit to Not Enjoying a Bad Holiday?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Holidays are often seen as special times meant for relaxation, adventure, and enjoyment. Yet, not every trip turns out the way we hope. Sometimes plans go wrong, expectations aren’t met, or the experience simply isn’t enjoyable. Still, many people find it hard to admit when a holiday has been disappointing.

Let’s read the article and know more about why people often feel pressure to present their holidays as enjoyable, even when the reality is unpleasant.

https://theconversation.com/why-cant-we-admit-to-not-enjoying-a-bad-holiday-267978

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the verb “decompress” mean here?”Holidays present a chance to unwind, relax and decompress from life’s day-to-day struggles”. Use it in a sentence and give a synonym.
  2. Define the verb “pervade“. “Echoes of that aristocratic impulse still pervade the way we talk about holidays to this day.” Use it in a sentence and give a synonym.
  3. What is the meaning of “conspicuous consumption“? “The American economist and sociologist Thorstein Veblen described this over a century ago: the affluent signal status through what he called “conspicuous consumption”.” Use it in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Can you describe a holiday that didn’t meet your expectations, and what made it disappointing?
  2. In what ways does the idea of the “tourist gaze” shape how we talk about our travel experiences?
  3. Do you think people curate their holiday experiences more for themselves or for their audience? Why?
  4. Why might admitting to a bad holiday feel like a personal failure rather than just an unfortunate experience?

Why the Majority Is Always Wrong

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Many people assume that success comes from following proven methods and sticking to what already works. At work, this often means copying industry standards, routines, and ways of thinking that everyone else accepts without question. The problem is that doing what most people do usually leads to average results, not real progress or innovation.

Watch the video to explore why challenging accepted norms can lead to very different outcomes.

Vocabulary Questions

  1. What does “automatic pilot” mean in the sentence, “Over 95% of our life, we run on automatic pilot”? Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “industry standard” mean in the sentence, “The boundaries of this box, they are called industry standards, or industry norms”? Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “hit a wall” mean in the sentence, “When people, teams, and organizations, whenever they hit a wall, they tend to do one of two things”? Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions

  1. Do you think people are generally comfortable following norms, even if those norms limit creativity? Why or why not?
  2. Can you think of an example where following the usual way of doing things led to poor results?
  3. Why might people be afraid to try “different things” instead of doing more or less of the same?
  4. Have you ever questioned a rule or standard at work or school? What happened?
  5. Do you believe extraordinary results require taking risks? Why or why not?

Information Apocalypse

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Photos, videos, and audio recordings used to feel like reliable evidence. Today, that trust is being challenged as digital content becomes easier to manipulate and harder to verify. From fake social media profiles to AI-generated videos, misinformation can spread quickly and influence how people think, vote, and react to world events.

Watch the video below to learn how deepfakes work, why they are so convincing, and why they pose a serious challenge to our shared understanding of reality.

Vocabulary Questions

  1. What does “carpet-bomb” mean in the sentence, “I can carpet-bomb the internet with these things”? Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “sow civil unrest” mean in the sentence, “We’ve already seen the first nefarious uses of that technology in the creation of fake profiles on Twitter, on YouTube, on Facebook, and on LinkedIn to either start to promote fake news, to sow civil unrest, to commit fraud”? Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “whole cloth” mean in the sentence, “You are synthesizing whole cloth”? Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions

  1. Do you think people trust online images and videos too easily? Why or why not?
  2. Have you ever seen a photo or video online that later turned out to be fake or misleading?
  3. Why do you think social media makes it easier for misinformation to spread?
  4. Should technology companies be more responsible for stopping fake content online? Why or why not?
  5. What can individuals do to be more careful when consuming news on social media?

How Circular Deals Are Driving the AI Boom

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Artificial intelligence is attracting massive investment from some of the world’s biggest companies. Billions of dollars are being poured into data centers, energy infrastructure, and advanced chips, with many investors treating AI as a growth engine that cannot fail. At the same time, questions are growing about profitability, rising costs, and whether this surge could turn into another tech bubble similar to the dot-com crash.

Watch the full video to explore how money is moving through the AI industry, why some experts are worried, and what’s at stake if expectations don’t match reality.

Vocabulary Questions

  1. What does “circular deal” mean in the sentence, “A precarious investment strategy is emerging multi-billion dollar circular deals.”? Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “to bank on something” mean in the sentence, “Investors are really banking on incredible growth”? Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “canary in the coal mine” mean in the sentence, “And these AI data center companies, they are the kind of canary in the coal mine”? Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions

  1. Why do you think so many investors are willing to spend billions on AI even though many projects are not yet profitable?
  2. How is the current AI boom similar to the dot-com bubble, according to the video?
  3. What risks do ordinary people face if an AI bubble were to burst?
  4. Do you think large technology companies are becoming “too big to fail”? Why or why not?
  5. In your opinion, can AI still succeed as a technology even if some companies fail along the way?