Category: Homework

Amazon

B1 – Intermediate

Amazon is the world’s largest online retailer and web service provider. It offers a wide selection of products, it has a user-friendly website, it is easy to use, and it offers fast and reliable shipping.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about Amazon.

https://businessenglishmaterials.com/amazon.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the word “diversify” mean in this sentence “His company originally sold only books but has diversified into selling music, video games, toys, electronics and other popular ranges of goods.” Give 2 synonyms for this word and use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “to team up with” mean in this sentence “A year later it teamed up with toy and electronics makers to sell goods with minimal packaging to help the environment.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. “Amazon has cleverly marketed itself worldwide by establishing separate websites in different countries.” What does “to market someone/something” mean? Use it in a sentence..

Discussion Questions:

  1. Have you ever used Amazon? What was the experience like?
  2. What are the pros and cons of online shopping?
  3. How has online shopping and e-commerce affected the physical retail stores?
  4. What are some of the future predictions for the growth of online shopping and e-commerce?

First Impressions

B1 – Intermediate

First impression is everything. It can make or break a person, company, service, or product. It is so important to make a good first impression because they are the basis of how relationships start and how you are seen by other people.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about first impressions.

https://listenaminute.com/f/first_impressions.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the phrase “to set eyes on someone” mean in this sentence, “I think I’m good at judging someone’s character from the first time I set eyes on them.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “one’s kind of person” mean in this sentence, “It’s easy to understand if the person is my kind of person.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “count” mean in this sentence, “First impressions count most when you meet someone important.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you agree or disagree that “First impression lasts.”? Explain.
  2. What are the best ways to make a good first impression?
  3. Do you make first impressions based on their clothes? Why/why not?
  4. How important is first impression to you?
  5. Have you ever experienced being completely wrong about your first impression?
  6. In what jobs do people have to make very quick decisions based on first impressions?

The Rise and Fall of Podcasts

B2 – Upper Intermediate

If you’re curious to learn more about the surging popularity of podcasts, I highly recommend checking out the full article below. The article explains why podcasts have become a popular source of entertainment and information for people worldwide. Dive into the world of podcasts to uncover why they have become a global phenomenon. Happy reading!

https://www.deseret.com/entertainment/2023/2/9/23592684/decline-of-podcasts

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is the meaning of the expression “tables have turned” in the sentence, “Since 2004, this form of entertainment has boomed in popularity, but last year, the tables seemed to have turned.”? Use this idiom in a sentence.
  2. What is the meaning of the phrase “to gain traction” here, “The origin of podcasts is rooted in the late 1900s, but 2004 was the year where podcasts started to gain traction.”? Use it in a sentence.
  3. Explain the meaning of “free-fall” in the sentence, “Coming up on almost two decades after the invention of modern podcasts, it seems that podcasts might be in free-fall.”. Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you listen to podcasts? If so, what types of podcasts do you enjoy and why?
  2. In what situations do you prefer listening to podcasts over watching videos, or vice versa?
  3. What was the last podcast you listened to, and what was it about?
  4. Do you think the popularity of podcasts will continue to grow in comparison to videos? Why or why not?
  5. Do you think the decline in podcast creation is a temporary trend, or do you believe it’s indicative of a larger shift in consumer preferences for audio entertainment? Why?

Building a Personal Brand

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Whether one has got a big online presence or not, that can still be considered as personal brand. How we shape it lies in our own hands. Going through the process of building a personal brand might be intimidating, but it can most definitely be a concrete path to not only professional, but also personal development.

It is important to know how to build a brand that encapsulates what you do, who you want to share your your talents and expertise with, and what kind of impact you wish to create in your industry.

Learn more on how to create a personal brand that you are happy about through this video.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Define “personal brand”. “In our connected world, every single one of us has a personal brand, whether we like it or not.” Use this phrase in your own sentence.
  2. What does “stumped” mean, “If you’re stumped, think about how you can stand out from the crowd in your industry.“? Give a similar word or phrase and use ‘stumped’ in your own sentence.
  3. What does ”to stand out from the crowd” mean, “If you’re stumped, think about how you can stand out from the crowd in your industry.”? Give a similar word or phrase and use ‘to stand out from the crowd’ in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How important is personal brand important?
  2. People often think of personal branding as bragging, self-promotion, and all about yourself thing. Do you agree or disagree? Explain.
  3. What specific talents or expertise would you like to acquire and what impact do you think it will have on your career if you had them?
  4. What do you think is the biggest impact you’ve created on others so far in your years of being in your profession?
  5. Try to come up with your own mission statement containing the following: who you are, what you do, who you do it for, and the transformation you can create in people’s lives.
  6. What are your thoughts on this: “70% of hiring professionals have rejected a candidate because of something they found online.”?

Finland Joins NATO

B1 – Intermediate

Finland had not been a part of any alliance since 1945. However, with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the country changed its position and decided to join NATO. 

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about Finland joining NATO.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/finland-joins-nato-level-2/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does ”alliance” mean, “Since 1945, Finland wasn’t part of any alliance, but when Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, the country changed its policy.“? Use this idiom in your own sentence.
  2. What does “escalate” mean, “In a reaction, Russia said that it would increase its military activity in the northwest and that the fact that Finland joined NATO could escalate the conflict in Ukraine.“? Use this phrase in your own sentence.
  3. What does “pact” mean, “The NATO Collective Defense Pact says that if an attack on one NATO member happens, it is an attack on all.“? Use this word in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the pros and cons of being a member of NATO?
  2. What is your opinion about Finland’s decision to join NATO?
  3. In your opinion, should Sweden and other countries do the same? Why or why not?
  4. One of the founding principles of NATO is that an armed attack on one member nation would be considered as an attack on all. Share your opinion on this.
  5. Share something you know about NATO.

Italy May Punish English Use

B1 – Intermediate

Having English skills has become increasingly important in today’s globalized world. Nevertheless, some people consider it a threat as it may harm their native language.

Read the article to learn more about Italy’s stand on the use of English.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2304/230406-anglomania.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is “Anglomania“, “He is worried about the growing number of English words in Italian. He called it Anglomania.” Make your own sentence.
  2. What does “fine” mean here, ” He wants people to get a fine if they use English words.“? Use this in your own sentence.
  3. What does “linguistics” mean, “A top Italian linguistics society, the Accademia della Crusca, said it totally disagreed with Mr. Rampelli’s idea.“? Use this word in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your opinion about this new law?
  2. What are its potential consequences?
  3. Do you think you need the same law in your country? Why or why not?
  4. How important is English in today’s globalized world? What opportunities can you get by speaking English fluently?
  5. Do you think English is harming your country’s native language? Share your opinion.

Every Job Is An Opportunity

B2 – Upper Intermediate

A job is more than a paycheck. It’s a platform for learning, growth, and advancement. By seeing every job as an opportunity, individuals can unlock their full potential, extract valuable lessons, and make the most out of their career journey.

Discover 5 reasons why every job can be a stepping stone towards career dreams. Despite feeling uninspired sometimes, jobs offer growth opportunities. Don’t miss this eye-opening article by Jakob Sauppe!

https://possibilitychange.com/every-job-is-an-opportunity/

Vocabulary Questions:

1. What is the meaning of the phrase “Achilles’ heel” in a sentence “Every one of us has an Achilles’ heel in our work lives.” Use it in a sentence.

2. In a sentence “If you made a positive, memorable impression, that could be your ticket to moving up.”, explain the meaning of the word “ticket” and use it in a sentence.

3. Explain the idiom “right off the bat” in the sentence “I sincerely doubt many people turn out successful right off the bat.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you agree that every job is an opportunity? Why or why not?
  2. What other values did you learn from the article?
  3. How can you use your job as an opportunity to improve?
  4. How does the mindset of viewing every job as an opportunity to excel impact your approach to your work and your overall job performance?
  5. Share success stories of individuals who turned challenges into opportunities for career growth.

Stop Consuming, Start Creating

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The article you are about to read will encourage you to break free from the endless cycle of consumption and take intentional steps toward self-expression, innovation, and personal fulfillment.

Explore how the author benefited from adopting a “stop consuming, start creating” mindset and how it led her to a more fulfilling and purpose-driven life.

https://possibilitychange.com/start-creating/

Vocabulary Questions:

1. What does the word “ball game” mean in the sentence “Until this artistic awakening, I had taken lessons in piano and dance, but doing my own thing was a completely different ball game.”? Use it in a sentence.

2. What does the term “muse” mean in the sentence “Music was my first muse.”? Use it in a sentence.

3. Explain the meaning of the expression “to show somebody the ropes”, “Ask someone to show you the ropes.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

1. According to the author, what happens when you shift from a consumer to a creator?

2. Are you a consumer or a creator?

3. What do you think is the role of creativity in problem-solving and innovation?

4. Can creativity be developed and nurtured, or is it something people are born with? Explain.

5. What would you stop consuming, and what would you create instead?

Disney’s Magic Spell Wearing Off

B2 – Upper Intermediate

In a world where cinema sales are falling, pay TV subscribers are cancelling their subscriptions, and online streaming are making film companies lose revenues, Disney bases its hopes on their loyal fans who would watch just anything they produce and release.

Read the article about Disney’s struggles to boost its share price.

https://www.bbc.com/news/business-64632514

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does ”give something a leg up” mean, “Jessica Reif Ehrlich, an analyst at Bank of America, says the resonance of Disney’s brands give it a leg up on its competitors, but investors have yet to be convinced.”? Use this idiom in your own sentence.
  2. What does “to bank on” mean, “That’s the kind of commitment that Disney is banking on as it tries to forge a profitable path in a world of falling cinema sales, pay TV cancellations and money-losing online streaming.“? Use this phrase in your own sentence.
  3. What does “playbook” mean, “Will the traditional playbook be enough?”? Use this word in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your reasons Disney’s magic is wearing off?
  2. Will the traditional business playbook be enough for Disney to stay afloat?
  3. How has your cinema habits changed after the pandemic?
  4. What do you think about film franchises and spin-offs?
  5. Give your opinion on this: “The rise of streaming has fractured audiences, making it difficult to generate the kind of buzz that propels people to pay for entertainment.”

Lucky Rituals Bring Success

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The habits or rituals that lead to rich and famous people to their success are secrets everyone is dying to know, thinking it could hopefully bring them the same fortune.

Read the article about superstitious learning and how the eccentric habits of high-flying individuals bring them success.

https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20220708-superstitious-learning-can-lucky-rituals-bring-success

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the phrase “gospel truth” mean, “Some of their behaviours will have been acquired through superstitious learning – and we may then follow their advice as if it were the gospel truth.”? Use it in your own sentence.
  2. What does “rife” mean, “Creative tasks are especially rife with uncertainty – which may explain why thinkers like Gates, Beethoven and Dickens adopted such specific behaviours to get their thoughts flowing.“? Use this word in your own sentence.
  3. What does “spurious” mean, “It is notoriously difficult to get a new paper accepted by a prestigious journal, she says, and researchers will often find spurious reasons for their successes and failures.”? Use this word in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on superstitious learning?
  2. Give a benefit and a downside of over-imitation.
  3. People sometimes attribute success to something so random rather than their own talent or hard work. Share your thoughts on this.
  4. What are some rituals that you think bring you luck and success? Where did you learn this from? 
  5. Have you ever taken a famous and successful person’s idiosyncratic rites and rituals in the hope that you can somehow achieve the same success? Share about it.
  6. Why do successful people follow eccentric habits?