Why Go to Your High School Reunion

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The purpose of reunions is to give former classmates the chance to reconnect and reminisce about the good or not-so-good old days.

Read the article below to know why it’s good to attend class reunions.

https://lifehacker.com/why-you-really-should-go-to-your-high-school-reunion-1848779696

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is the meaning of the phrase “to say the least”? “Receiving an invitation to your high school class reunion can be emotionally complex, to say the least.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “brown-noser” mean? “That tracked with my personality at the time, as I was obsessed with being successful in extracurriculars and generally being a pretentious brown-noser.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “cutthroat” mean? “Once you have a beer and get some hugs from old friends, your mind won’t be on cutthroat competition.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you agree that school reunion is boring and stressful? Why or why not?
  2. What are the good and bad things about school reunions?
  3. Do you enjoy going to class reunions? Why or why not?
  4. How often do you meet up with your ex-classmates? Why is this the case?
  5. Were you a lazy or hard-working student? Talk about it.

Robots in Our Lives 

B1 – Intermediate

In today’s world, robots are no longer just a part of sci-fi stories—they’re here, right now, impacting how we live. From simplifying daily tasks to working side by side with us, these machines are reshaping our routines and the way we connect with the world.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about advanced robotics in our lives.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/robots-in-our-lives-level-3/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “throughout the ages” mean? “A new exhibition in London charts humanity’s fascination for robots throughout the ages – one model at the exhibition dates back to the 16th century. Almost three meters tall, Cygan, a celebrity robot of the fifties, is the display’s centerpiece.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does the word enslave mean in this sentence, “Ben Russel, the curator, commented on people’s fear of robots ‘turning into terrifying things that enslave us all’ – he thinks that it is quite natural to be afraid of them, but he sees the chances of it actually happening as slim.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does the phrase the chances of something happening as slim mean, “Ben Russel, the curator, commented on people’s fear of robots ‘turning into terrifying things that enslave us all’ – he thinks that it is quite natural to be afraid of them, but he sees the chances of it actually happening as slim.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What would society be like if robots took over our jobs?
  2. How are robots generally perceived? Are they seen more as helpful or potentially concerning? Elaborate.
  3. What could be some challenges or benefits of having humanoid robots in our homes?
  4. If you had a robot, what would you like it to do?

Argentina Has a New President

B1 – Intermediate

Change is in the air as Argentina welcomes a new president to lead the nation. The inauguration ceremony signals not just a transfer of power but also the start of a different chapter in Argentina’s story. People are curious about what this change might bring—how it will affect their lives and the country’s path.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about Argentina’s new president.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/argentina-has-a-new-president-level-3/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the expression “to ride a wave of something mean, “Milei, riding a wave of voter anger, pledged economic shock therapy, including shutting the central bank, ditching the peso, and slashing spending.” Use it in sentence.
  2. What does the word “ditch mean, “Milei, riding a wave of voter anger, pledged economic shock therapy, including shutting the central bank, ditching the peso, and slashing spending.” Use it in sentence.
  3. What does “economic malaise mean? “Despite concerns about his volatile character and radical plans, Milei aims to address the economic malaise that has plagued the country.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How might Milei’s plans to spend less affect the lives of the people in Argentina?
  2. What challenges does a new president might face in solving the country’s existing problems?
  3. How might a new president impact a country’s domestic and international affairs?
  4. What qualities do you think are important for a country leader?

Doctors Operate Without Electricity

B1 – Intermediate

In a world powered by electricity, imagine doctors performing surgeries without it. In certain corners of the globe, and in unexpected moments, medical professionals find themselves in situations where the lights go out, but they need to proceed with the operation.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about doctors operating without electricity.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/doctors-operate-without-electricity-level-3/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the word rain down on someone/something” mean, “Russian missiles rained down on the Ukrainian capital city on Wednesday when the Kyiv Heart Institute unexpectedly lost light, power, and water.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “jump into action” mean, “Hospital staff jumped into action and started a backup generator to keep the support system running.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does blackout” mean? “The blackout happened amid heavy Russian bombardment in Ukraine that cut electricity and water across the capital and other parts of the country.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Question:

  1. How did the hospital workers respond to the interruption in electricity?
  2. What challenges do you think the doctors faced when operating without electricity?
  3. Why do you think the doctors decided not to wait for the electricity to be restored?
  4. Have you ever experienced a situation where there was a power outage? How did people around you respond?
  5. How important do you think electricity is for hospitals and medical procedures?
  6. How could the lack of electricity and water affect the daily lives of people in the city?

Afghan Refugees Need Help

B1 – Intermediate

In the face of adversity, Afghan refugees need assistance. Fleeing conflict and instability, they seek refuge and support to rebuild their lives. This is a call to action, emphasizing the importance of global solidarity and humanitarian aid for those facing displacement and uncertainty.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about on Afghans needing help.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/afghan-refugees-need-help-level-2/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the word “expel” mean? “Approaching winter brings colder days and this is a serious problem for Afghan refugees whom Pakistan expels.” Use the word in a sentence.
  2. What does “psychosocial support” mean? “These people need psychosocial support.” Use this term in a sentence.
  3. What does the phrase “make a fresh start mean? “Without help, they can’t make a fresh start.” Use this idiom in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How important is it to provide assistance to Afghan refugees?
  2. Why is psychosocial support important for these refugees?
  3. How might not having a place to stay as soon as they arrive impact the safety and well-being of the refugees?
  4. What are other ways to help refugees?
  5. What does your government do to help refugees?

Lockdown Drills for School Shootings

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Drills are conducted for us to be prepared for unforeseen events such as natural disasters or school shootings, which we have unfortunately seen happening in the US.

Now, schools are conducting lockdown drills for children to know exactly what they need to do when such unprecedented event happens.

However, some of these drills are so realistic that they trigger unpleasant reactions from trauma.

To learn more about the lockdown exercise, watch the video below.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the phrase “out of sight” mean? “Lock down. Locks. Lights. Out of sight. This is a drill.” Use this expression in your own sentence.
  2. What is the meaning of “one wrong move“? “If we do just one wrong move then we can be like goners.” Kindly create you own sentence.
  3. What does “siege” mean? “Although there is evidence hiding behind a locked door saves lives, it is very unlikely a child would be involved in a Columbine style siege.” Please make your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think lockdown drills at schools are a good idea? Explain.
  2. What are the pros and cons of these lockdown drills?
  3. How do drills prepare you and your family/community for an unprecedented event?
  4. Talk about the different drills conducted in your school or community.
  5. What are some necessary drills that should be run in your country? What significance will it bring to your community?

Airports on High Alert after Bomb Warning

B2 – Upper Intermediate

There’s no denying that practically everyone aspires to travel as much as possible.

An airport bomb threat is a grave concern that poses a significant risk to the safety and security of air travel. With the increasing number of terrorist activities around the world, airports have become prime targets for such threats. The consequences of an airport bomb threat are far-reaching, not only causing panic and chaos among passengers, but also disrupting the entire aviation industry.

Read the article to see how airport security procedures are impacted by bomb threats.

https://www.voanews.com/a/philippine-airports-on-high-alert-after-anonymous-bomb-warning-/7299417.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is the meaning of the idiom “to beef up”? “On Friday the aviation regulator released to media a Wednesday memo of the order given to airport security managers to beef up security, thoroughly inspect baggage and conduct round-the-clock surveillance after receiving the email threat.” Give 2 similar expressions and use “to beef up” in a sentence.
  2. What is the meaning of the idiom  “round-the-clock”? “On Friday the aviation regulator released to media a Wednesday memo of the order given to airport security managers to beef up security, thoroughly inspect baggage and conduct round-the-clock surveillance after receiving the email threat.”  Give 2 similar expressions and use “round-the-clock” in a sentence.
  3. What does “flag carrier” mean in aviation, “A source at Philippines Airlines, who declined to be identified because they were not authorized to speak to media, said the flag carrier was operating “business as usual.“? Make a sentence using this phrase.

    Discussion Questions:

    1. What happened after the airports received a bomb threat?
    2. If you are an avid traveler yourself, how does this news make you feel?
    3. When you are at an airport, do you always feel safe? Why or Why not?
    4. How do airports in your country handle safety and security?
    5. Talk about any untoward incident you’ve encountered while at an airport..

    The End of the Mediterranean Beach Holiday

    B2 – Upper Intermediate

    The beach is one of the most visited places during the holidays. A summer getaway seems incomplete without taking a trip to the coast.

    As the years pass, the climate has been noticeably getting worse. That said, staying under the sun may be more harmful to us as heat waves have been recurring. Hence, beach travels to the Mediterranean might come to an end.

    Read the article to learn more about the possible end of the Mediterranean beach holiday.

    https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20231016-is-this-the-end-of-the-mediterranean-beach-holiday

    Vocabulary Questions:

    1. What does “tighten one’s belt” mean? “Part of this could be down to consumers tightening their belts, with the ETC finding that nearly a quarter of respondents expressed concern about the rise of travel costs.” Use this in a sentence.
    2. Define “driven by something“. “We believe it’s partly driven by the cooler climate, which makes walking and cycling delightful rather than a sweat.” Make a sentence with this phrase.
    3. What does “fare” mean in this context? “Other regions fare better: the same climate scenario would see a 16% annual rise in tourism to west Wales, for example.” Give two synonyms and make a sentence with this word.

    Discussion Questions:

    1. How do you feel about the potential decline of the Mediterranean beach holiday and what impact might it have on your future travel plans?
    2. In what ways might over-tourism be contributing to the decline of the Mediterranean beach holiday experience?
    3. What measures can be taken to ensure the sustainability and longevity of the Mediterranean beach holiday industry?
    4. What factors do you consider when choosing a beach holiday destination? Are environmental concerns a priority for you?
    5. Have you ever been on a Mediterranean beach holiday? If so, which destination did you visit and how was your experience?

    Mushrooms: Medicine or Myth

    B2 – Upper Intermediate

    Though they are neither plant nor animal, mushrooms never fail to fascinate and strike with wonder.

    Aside from being a great ingredient for cooking, mushrooms have also long been considered best for human health. Perhaps the key factor in the medicinal mushroom industry’s boom in the recent years.

    Listen to this audio and read the transcript about the benefits of mushrooms as medicine.

    https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2023/ep-231012

    Vocabulary Questions:

    1. Explain what ”have a moment” means. “I think these mushrooms are very much having a moment right now, they’re kind of labelled as ‘super brain drugs’, so things are gonna potentially help with lessening anxiety, improving potentially depression.” Give 2 similar expressions and use this idiom in a sentence.
    2. What does the word “overblown” mean? “Dr. Leeming thinks some of the claims made about mushrooms are overblown.” Give 2 similar expressions and use this word in a sentence.
    3. What does “a fair amount” mean, “Lots of people absolutely want there to be scientific proof for health claims on food and drink because there still is a fair amount of scepticism, distrust, and general confusion around functionality.”? Give 2 similar expressions and use this phrase in a sentence.

    Discussion Questions:

    1. What might be the reasons mushrooms are having a moment right now?
    2. Are medicinal mushrooms becoming more and more common in your country too? Why do you think this is the case?
    3. Cite some benefits of medicinal mushrooms.
    4. What are your thoughts on the health claims on mushrooms?
    5. Would you give medicinal mushrooms a go? Why or why not?
    6. Should ancient knowledge about medicinal plants be kept alive? Explain your stance.
    7. Share your thoughts on this, “Some trust this [ancient knowledge about medicinal plants] wisdom more than modern medicine.”.

    What Multitasking Does to Your Brain

    B2 – Upper Intermediate

    Ever wondered what happens to your brain when you’re multitasking? It turns out, our brains are more like jugglers than seamless multitasking machines.

    In this brief exploration, we’ll uncover the effects of multitasking on our cognitive functions and delve into why it might not be the brain’s favorite act.

    Watch the video to learn more and be able to answer the questions that follow.

    Vocabulary Questions:

    1. What does the idiom “under one’s nose” mean, “Being able to filter out irrelevant detail is an amazingly useful tool, but it means we can miss things that are right under our noses.” Write a sentence using this expression.
    2. What does “to miss something” mean? “When attention is overloaded, we miss things, and the result is nearly always that we perform tasks less well than we would doing them one at a time.” Use the phrase in a sentence.
    3. What does the expression “to make it through to something” mean, “Not everything will make it through to conscious awareness.” Use the phrase in a sentence.

    Discussion Questions:

    1. Do you believe that multitasking enhances or hinders your overall productivity and efficiency? Explain.
    2. Do you think our brains are naturally wired to handle multiple tasks simultaneously, or is it a skill that can be developed over time? Share your insights.
    3. How would you weigh the importance of focus and concentration against the allure of multitasking in a fast-paced work environment?
    4. In your experience, do you find that multitasking helps or hampers your ability to retain information and learn effectively?
    5. What consequences do the pressure to multitask in today’s society has long-term?