Category: Homework

Challenges of Urbanization in Modern Cities

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Urbanization is one of the most significant trends shaping the world today. As people move from rural areas to urban centers in search of better jobs, education, and services, cities are growing rapidly and becoming home to a large share of the global population. This expansion brings many advantages, such as economic opportunities and cultural exchange. However, it also creates serious challenges that affect the daily lives of millions of urban residents and the environment they live in.

Modern cities often struggle to meet the needs of their expanding populations. High housing demand leads to overcrowding and rising prices, while transportation systems become overwhelmed with traffic and congestion. At the same time, environmental problems like pollution and loss of green spaces threaten public health and quality of life. To build sustainable and equitable urban areas, governments and planners must find solutions that balance growth with social and environmental well-being.

Read this article about challenges of urbanization in modern cities.

Challenges of Urbanization in Modern Cities

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “social unrest” mean in this sentence? “At the same time, inequality in cities can create further divisions between different social groups. As the rich and poor live in separate areas, tensions can rise, contributing to social unrest.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does the word “disparity” mean? “While urbanization brings economic opportunities, it also creates significant disparities between different social groups.” Construct a sentence featuring this word.
  3. What does the term “informal settlement” mean? “This leads to the rise of informal settlements or slums, where people live in substandard conditions with limited access to basic services like clean water and sanitation.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the biggest advantages and disadvantages of living in a large city?
  2. How does the high cost of living affect young people and families?
  3. In your opinion, what should city leaders prioritize to make urban life better?
  4. Do you think future cities will be better or worse than those of today’s? Explain your opinion.

Every Financial Trap Middle Class People Fall Into

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Many people earn more money over time, yet they still feel financially stuck. Raises, promotions, and side jobs should create progress, but for many, nothing really changes. The income increases, but so do the expenses.

This video explains several common financial traps that quietly drain money. It looks at habits such as lifestyle creep, minimum credit card payments, keeping up appearances, and delaying retirement savings. These patterns often feel normal and harmless, but over time they can prevent real financial freedom.

Watch the video to understand these money traps and reflect on which ones might affect everyday financial decisions.

Vocabulary Questions

  1. What does “lifestyle creep” mean in the sentence, “But freedom only exists in the gap between earning and spending. Lifestyle creep closes that gap completely.”? Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “upside down” mean in the sentence, “That gap between what you owe and what it’s worth is called being upside down, and you’re drowning in it”? Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “compound interest” mean in the sentence, “Compound interest runs quietly in the background, growing your debt while you sleep”? Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions

  1. Why do people often increase their spending after getting a raise?
  2. Which financial trap in the video do you think is the most dangerous? Why?
  3. Why do small daily expenses often feel harmless but become serious over time?
  4. Do you think social pressure influences financial decisions? In what ways?
  5. What practical steps can people take to avoid these money traps?

The Psychology of People Who Are Lazy but Ambitious

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Many people have big dreams and clear goals, yet they struggle to take action. They imagine the life they want and believe they are capable of more, but when it is time to start, they delay and fall back into old habits.

This video explores the psychology behind that pattern. It explains why the brain prefers comfort over effort, how perfectionism can prevent progress, and why discipline is built through small, consistent actions rather than waiting for motivation.

Watch the video to learn more about this cycle and how it can be changed.

Vocabulary Questions

  1. What does “survival mode” mean in the sentence, “This is not laziness. This is survival mode”? Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “every excuse in the book” mean in the sentence,
    “Your brain will fight you. It will give you every excuse in the book”? Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “to get back on track” mean in the sentence, “They acknowledge the setback, and they get back on track”? Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions

  1. Why do you think people often choose comfort over action?
  2. Do you agree that motivation is unreliable? Why or why not?
  3. How can perfectionism stop someone from taking action?
  4. What small habit could you start today that moves you toward a goal?
  5. How important is self-compassion when trying to build discipline?

The Rise and Fall of the Mongol Empire

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The Mongol Empire was the largest contiguous land empire in history. It stretched across much of Eurasia and began on the open plains of Central Asia. In the 12th century, the region was home to nomadic groups led by khans, but everything changed under the leadership of Temujin, later known as Chinggis Khan.

Through strategic alliances, military innovation, and strict discipline, Chinggis Khan united the Mongol tribes and began a series of conquests that expanded the empire across China, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe. Although the Mongols were known for their military strength, they also supported trade, religious tolerance, and cultural exchange across the Silk Road.

Watch the video to learn how the Mongol Empire rose to power, how it was governed, and what legacy it left behind.

Vocabulary Questions

  1. What does “forged” mean in the sentence, “It was the largest contiguous land empire in history—stretching from Korea to Ukraine and from Siberia to southern China, and was forged on the open plains.”? Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “spoil” mean in the sentence, “Temujin promoted soldiers based on merit and distributed spoils evenly among them.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “to vie for” mean in the sentence, “Succession to the Great Khan didn’t automatically go to the eldest son, but rather allowed brothers, uncles, and cousins to vie for leadership”? Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions

  1. What leadership qualities helped Temujin unite the Mongol tribes?
  2. Why do you think the Mongols allowed religious freedom in conquered territories?
  3. How did the Mongol Empire contribute to trade and cultural exchange?
  4. Why did the empire eventually fragment into separate regions?
  5. Do you think the Mongol Empire’s legacy was more destructive or more transformative? Why?

The Richest Man in History: Rockefeller

B2 – Upper Intermediate

John D. Rockefeller showed strong ambition from a young age and later became the richest man of his time through the oil industry. After starting in accounting, he built partnerships that led to the creation of Standard Oil, a company that eventually controlled most of the oil business in the United States.

However, his success came with controversy. He was accused of using aggressive and unfair practices to eliminate competition, which led to a legal battle with the U.S. government. Although his company was eventually divided, Rockefeller remained extremely wealthy. Later in life, he turned to philanthropy and founded The Rockefeller Foundation to support education and medical research.

Watch the video to learn more about Rockefeller’s rise to power, the criticism he faced, and the legacy he left behind.

Vocabulary Questions

  1. What does “monopoly” mean in the sentence, “The company was eliminating competition from the way, with the clear intention of becoming a monopoly”? Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “exclusive discount” mean in the sentence,
    “He promised illegal exclusive discounts to the railroads”? Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “legal battle” mean in the sentence, “Years later, the United States Government entered into a legal battle with the businessman”? Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions

  1. Do you think Rockefeller’s ambition justified his business practices? Why or why not?
  2. Should monopolies be allowed if they create economic growth?
  3. Can philanthropy change the way society views a controversial business leader? Why do you think this is?
  4. Why do you think Rockefeller’s reputation remains debated today?
  5. Do you believe great success often requires aggressive competition? Share your thoughts.

How to Manage Your Budget?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The population works for a living to plan efficiently their finances, but given the current state of affairs and the skyrocketing rate of inflation worldwide, are you among those who find it difficult to plan or budget their income in order to set aside a portion for the future? A very crucial question to everyone who is trying make ends meet particularly this year.

Watch the video below to learn more about how to manage your budget.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “golden rule” mean? “Elizabeth Warren introduced a golden rule that promised to make budgeting obsolete.” Use this term in a sentence. Give a similar expression.
  2. What does “squeeze effect” mean? “Increase in rent causes a deduction in other household expenses which leads to the squeeze effect.”  Use this term in a sentence. Give a similar expression.
  3. What is “factual effect”? “This is a factual way to measure if your housing cost is actually fair compared to the market ” Use this phrase in a sentence and give a similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How do you come up with financial plans?
  2. Which is more financially advantageous in your specific case—owning or renting a property?
  3. What financial strategies do you employ to preserve and endure the current situation?
  4. Share your insights on this, “Efficient budgets are often the most fragile.”
  5. “Finances, like biology, if you don’t evolve, you die.” Share your thoughts.

The Biggest Mistake Lottery Winners Make

B2 – Upper Intermediate

It seems impossible to ever win the lottery, but what if you are extremely lucky and do? If the moment comes, everything could be difficult to understand, and you might not know what to do. For the majority, it’s possible that the overwhelming excitement might lead them to lose it rapidly, which could be disastrous.

Watch the video to find out more about the biggest mistake lottery winners make.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “income stream” mean? “The annuity can provide financial stability from the start, while ensuring a steady income stream for the future.” Use this term in a sentence and give a synonym.
  2. What does “to put someone ahead” mean?  “Creating an emergency fund would put you ahead of most Americans.” Use this idiom in a sentence and give a synonym.
  3. What is the meaning of “to spend with intention”? “Understanding your values also makes it easier to spend with intention and avoid impulsive buys.” Use this idiom to make your own sentence and give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. In general, what are your thoughts on lottery?
  2. Why do you think many lottery winners end up losing all their winnings?
  3. Talk about the pros and cons of annuity and lump sum payment method.
  4. If you won the lottery, which payment option would you choose and why?
  5. Share your thoughts on this, “While lottery winners are rare, building up your own million-dollar jackpot doesn’t have to be.”
  6. Have you heard of anyone winning the lottery in your country? How did it go for the winner?

Turning Spain’s Desert into Europe’s Orchard

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

Spain is a major agricultural powerhouse. It is also tagged as the “market garden of Europe.” It is the leader in producing and exporting important crops such olive oil, wine, fruits, and vegetables.

Biosabor Farm is just one organic farm in Almeria, one of the driest parts of Southern Spain. Such farms allow the region to produce crops all throughout the year with its high-tech greenhouses.  

Watch this video about turning Spain’s desert into Europe’s orchard.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Define “blight”. “Some would say the sea of plastic is a blight on the landscape. You say it’s impressive.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  2. What is a “drip irrigation”? “Drip irrigation maximizes water use.” Use the term in a sentence.
  3. What does “patch” mean? “This patch of desert has become Europe’s orchard.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your opinion about the shrink wrapped greenhouses in Almeria?
  2. What are the good and bad things about these greenhouses?
  3. Talk about some challenges the agricultural sector of your country is currently facing.
  4. Share your insights about the crackdown on undocumented workers in the region and that despite this, it’s still possible to find a job without proper papers.
  5. More than 70% of growers transition to using natural predators as pest control. Share your thoughts.

Meta Safety Measures Amidst Social Media Fraud

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

Social media websites have become hotspots for fraudulent schemes. Cybercriminals are now using sophisticated methods to scam users leading to them losing a lot of money in the end.

Following this, Meta is implementing new regulations that aim to protect users from these fraudulent schemes on their platform.

Read the article about the safety measures Meta is implementing in Australia amidst social media fraud.

Meta Implements Safety Measures in Australia Amidst Social Media Fraud

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Define “celebrity bait”. “Meta’s move comes in the wake of a rise in “celebrity bait” scams that use AI-generated images and videos of prominent figures such as David Koch, Gina Rinehart and Anthony Albanese to promote fake investment opportunities.” Use the term in a sentence. 
  2. What does “disclaimer” mean? “Once approved, the ad will display a “payment amount” disclaimer, ensuring transparency and helping users distinguish genuine from fraudulent content.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a similar expression.
  3. What does “to come in the wake of something” mean? “Meta’s move comes in the wake ofa rise in “celebrity bait” scams that use AI-generated images and videos of prominent figures such as David Koch, Gina Rinehart and Anthony Albanese to promote fake investment opportunities.” Use the idiom in a sentence. Give a similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Talk about some social media frauds mentioned in the article.
  2. Share your insights about Meta’s new rules.
  3. What is your reaction/are your thoughts about this, “Social media platforms increasingly becoming hotspots for fraud, with cybercriminals using sophisticated techniques to deceive users.“
  4. Share your reaction to this, “AI-generated content was responsible for more than $12 billion in fraud losses last year. Projections suggest that these losses in the US could reach $40 billion by 2027.”
  5. Do you think the same problems exist in your country? Talk about it.

Orthorexia: Healthy Eating Obsession

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Sometimes, a positive habit can turn into something harmful when taken to extremes. What begins as a desire to make better choices may grow into an obsession that affects health, relationships, and daily life. This discussion looks at how balance is lost when the pursuit of “doing the right thing” goes too far.

Let’s read the article and find out more about how this happens, what signs to watch for, and why balance is so important.

Orthorexia: When Healthy Eating Becomes an Obsession

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “hard and fast line” mean? “[There] is no hard and fast line between nutritionally advisable behaviors and potentially dangerous — or even disastrous — ones.” Use it in a sentence and give a synonym.
  2. What does “besiege” mean? “On one side, we are besieged by ultra-processed, factory-farmed, nutrient-poor, and inflammatory food products, many of which are undeniably harming our health.” Use it in a sentence and give a synonym.
  3. What does “to fall squarely into something” mean? “When I first read about orthorexia 10 or so years ago, I fell squarely into that skeptical camp.” Use it in a sentence and give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think motivates people to become overly strict about healthy eating?
  2. How can an obsession with “clean” food affect someone’s social life?
  3. In what ways might orthorexia differ from other eating disorders?
  4. How could healthcare professionals help someone struggling with orthorexia?
  5. What role do social media and wellness trends play in reinforcing orthorexic behaviors?