Category: Homework

What It Takes to Crush a Pandemic

B2 – Upper Intermediate

COVID is exposing all of us to the same challenges. That’s why it’s necessary for all the countries to be able to fight this pandemic in sync. How do we do that? Finding an effective tool is just one step in this big fight because we still have to consider the existence of the product and access to that product.

Watch as global health strategist Johanna Benesty talks about how to find the arsenal tools to fight COVID and why we need to make them accessible to all.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think of the COVID19 vaccine? Do you think it’s going to be effective?

2. What will happen if there is not enough vaccines for everyone?

3. What has COVID/the pandemic taught you?

4. How strong is the health care system in your country?

Why Do We Choose to Text Instead of Talk?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Don’t call until you’ve texted to confirm it’s okay to call. This is one of the cardinal rules of communicating. In general, people prefer to text rather than to call but if we take a closer look at it, calling is much more convenient than texting. You take your phone out, dial the number, then talk to the person on the other end of the line. Also, miscommunication tends to happen more often with texting than calling. So why do we still prefer to text?

Let’s listen to the audio to know some of the reasons why people are more inclined to text rather than talk.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Which form of communication do you prefer: texting or talking? Why?
  2. Have you experienced being misunderstood because of some text that you sent? Describe the experience.
  3. Do you agree or disagree that texting is changing how we interact with each other?
  4. What are the situations in which talking would be a better option than texting?
  5. What are the pros and cons of texting and talking?
  6. What are the possible consequences if we rely too much on texting to convey our messages to others?

People Can Test for COVID-19 at Home

B1 – Intermediate

Testing for COVID-19 is very important. Scientists are working round- the-clock to establish programs that will ensure access to and acceptance of rapid and reliable testing around the country.

Testing can help people determine if they are infected with SARS-CoV-2 – regardless of whether they have symptoms – and whether they are at risk of spreading the infection to others. Taking measures to prevent the spread of infection will be the most effective strategy for getting us safely back to work and school.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about this special test for COVID-19.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/people-can-test-for-covid-19-at-home-level-1/

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think about this special test for COVID-19?
  2. Would you prefer to go to the doctor or take the test at home?
  3. What do you think you can personally do to reduce your chance of being infected in a pandemic?
  4. Do you think that vaccinations are useful or dangerous?
  5. Would you have the vaccine?
  6. How will life in your country change if there is a vaccine?

Flying Car in Slovakia

B1 – Intermediate

In 1989, the second installment of the “Back to the Future” franchise gave us a vivid picture of the year 2015, a time filled with different futuristic technologies.

The sneakers became a reality in 2016, just one year later than predicted. As for the car, however, it appears that the film may have missed the mark with a fifth-generation car having only recently taken flight at an airport in Slovakia, and with autonomous vehicles still being developed.

Nonetheless, finally, the sky is the limit for automobiles. Pun intended.

Read the article and watch the accompanying video to learn more about this automotive advance.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/flying-car-level-1/

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the possible uses for this kind of vehicle? How could it benefit the riding public?
  2. What are the possible drawbacks or dangers of this new mode of transportation?
  3. Would you like to own such a car? Where would you go on your first flight?

Righteousness

B2 – Upper Intermediate

There’s a saying that “Righteousness and Wisdom will keep us safe on earth”. People tend to forget this because most of us are busy and so concentrated in living our lives and thinking and achieving the things that are only best for and will benefit us.

Some often forget to be more considerate and kind to others just because they only consider themselves.

In this inspiring story, we will somehow realize why being righteous will help us in instances that we can never imagine.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is righteousness?
  2. How do you show being righteous to other people?
  3. How did “righteousness” save the duke’s life?
  4. Explain the meaning of “Doing the right thing, the right way for the right reasons”.
  5. Do you know a self-righteous person? How do you deal with him/her?

Boy’s Dreams Come True

B1 – Intermediate

Messi is one of the biggest football players in the whole world. He is very popular. No wonder many people, including young children idolize him.

Read the transcript and listen to this audio on Messi’s surprise for his 5-year old fan.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/boys-dreams-come-true-level-2

Discussion Questions:

  1. How did you feel hearing this news?
  2. What is your reaction to what Messi did for his young fan?
  3. If you were Messi, would you do the same for a fan?
  4. Do you have an idol? Who is it? What would you like to receive from him/her?
  5. If you could have a conversation with your idol, what would you tell them?

Amazon Germany Strike

B1 – Intermediate

Amazon is probably one of the best companies to work for. However, it looks like for some workers in their German warehouses, this isn’t true. They plan to go on strike for several reasons.

Read the transcript and listen to this audio on German Amazon workers’ plans to go on strike.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/amazon-strike-level-1/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “strike” mean? “The strike will start on November 25.” Use this word in a sentence. Give 2 synonyms.
  2. What does “market” mean? “Amazon’s biggest market outside the US is Germany. ” Use this word in a sentence. Give 2 synonyms.
  3. What does “warehouse” mean? “Seven German warehouses plan to go on strike.” Use this word in a sentence. Give 2 synonyms.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your reaction to this news?
  2. What are the reasons Amazon workers want to go on strike?
  3. What is your opinion on the workers going on strike on Black Friday, an important shopping holiday?
  4. Do you like holidays such as Black Friday? Generally, what do you think of them?
  5. Share some experiences (good or bad) you’ve had with Amazon.

Green Flights

B1 – Intermediate

Transport makes up approximately one-fifth of the world’s carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. More and more companies are thinking to go green in their practices. Lufthansa, a big German airline, is one of them. The company plans to make their flights CO2-neutral.

Read the transcript and listen to this audio about green flights.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/green-flight-level-1/

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your reaction to this news?
  2. How did coronavirus impact the oil industry?
  3. Do you think it is a good thing that some companies will use biofuel instead of normal oil?
  4. What is the current problem with biofuels?
  5. Do you think biofuels will be used more and more in the near future? Why or why not?

Good Etiquette for Foreign Students

B1 – Intermediate

Studying abroad is a great opportunity for students. It is an opportunity to widen horizons, expand knowledge, and boost personal and professional lives.

As a foreign student, one must not only follow the rules of the receiving country but also follow good social etiquettes.

Watch this video on good etiquettes for international students.

Good Etiquette

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the points on good etiquette Randall advises to international students?
  2. What are other points can you add to these?
  3. What is a ‘host family’? Why are they important?
  4. Have you lived abroad before? If yes, how did you show respect for the country you were living in?
  5. Do you have any experience studying abroad? If so, share about it. If not, what are the reasons and given a chance, would you do it?

To Future Generations of Women, You Are the Roots of Change

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Feminism was misunderstood in the beginning and people are still baffled by what really it is about. Feminism as described can dispense with the labels of gender and class and race and begin to realize our unique individuality. Feminism is not about female superiority or not a movement for lesbians only.

Watch as Gloria Steinem explains why we shouldn’t wait for somebody to tell us what to do and start being the roots of change.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is feminism?
  2. Do you agree that there’s still a lot to be done to reach gender equality? Why?
  3. Do you think women could be better leaders?
  4. What are the usual things that you notice that show women are still not equal to men? What can we do about them?
  5. What can you say about this quote “Follow the fear and do it anyway”?