Category: Homework

Funding Is Vital to End the Scourge of Polio

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Health experts warn that cutting funding for polio eradication efforts could reverse decades of progress. While cases are now low in countries like Pakistan and Afghanistan, continued global support is needed to fully eliminate the disease.

Read the article to know why funding is crucial to eliminate polio.

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2026/apr/08/funding-is-vital-to-end-the-scourge-of-polio?

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “disheartening” mean? “It is extremely disheartening to read that after 2026, the UK government is to end its contributions to the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI), putting at risk the great efforts that have been made over the last 40 years to improve the health and wellbeing of children across the world” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “cornerstone” mean? “The eradication of polio is a cornerstone of the humanitarian work of Rotary International (a GPEI partner).” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “on the ground” mean here, ” Infection numbers in Pakistan and Afghanistan are very low, but this is a result of great efforts on the ground in these last two endemic countries.”? Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think are the biggest risks of wildlife trade when it comes to spreading diseases?
  2. Do you think stricter laws on wildlife trade would actually prevent future pandemics? Why or why not?
  3. How aware do you think people are about the connection between wildlife trade and human health?
  4. Should countries completely ban wildlife trade, or just regulate it better?
  5. What role do you think individuals can play in reducing the risks linked to wildlife trade?

How Did The World Get So Ugly?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

When we look at the structures that surround us in this day and age, the ones that catch our eye are often from a time before most of us were even born. Creations of the modern day do not tend to inspire awe or wonder compared to the gleaming Eiffel Tower, magnificent halls, and even the tiny yet ornate street lamps of the Victorian era. But what has changed from then to now? How has the world become so ugly?

To find out more, watch the video below.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is a “cesspit”? “There would have been open cesspits spilling down the streets, and the stench of sewage boiling in the midday sun would have been unbearable” Use this term in a sentence. Give a similar expression.
  2. What does “embankment” mean? “Those lamps on the embankment did their job, and even though more efficient and better methods of lighting have been invented, they remain 150 years later.” Use this word in a sentence. Give a similar expression.
  3. What does “exuberance” mean? “And yet, it has been designed with the same ornamental exuberance as any church or palace.”  Use this expression in a sentence. Give a similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Have you noticed examples of old structures that look more beautiful than new ones? If so, elaborate on your experiences.
  2. Give your interpretation of this statement: “If you want to understand any society, don’t listen to what it says about itself; look at what it creates.”
  3. Should the aesthetics of public structures be considered more important in modern-day society?
  4. Why do you think designers put less emphasis on the beauty of structures in the modern day?

The Eden Project

B1 –  Intermediate 

The Eden Project in Cornwall, UK is 25 years old. It was built in an old clay pit. Now it has big domes with a rainforest inside.

Many people visit to learn about nature. The site uses energy from underground to keep plants warm.

Now, it has money problems. Fewer people visit after the pandemic. The project lost money and had to cut jobs. Its future is uncertain.

But the founder is still hopeful. The site offers new activities to bring in visitors. It wants to stay open for the future.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about the problems that the Eden Project is facing.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/the-eden-project-is-having-problems-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “world-class attraction” mean? “This famous destination transformed an old clay pit into a world-class attraction with domes that house a giant indoor rainforest.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  2. What is “geothermal energy”? “The site even uses geothermal energy from deep underground to keep the tropical plants warm and healthy. ” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  3. What does “to put something in jeopardy” mean? “Because of these problems, the organization had to cut many staff positions to save money. This situation puts the future of the famous greenhouses in jeopardy.” Use the expression in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why is the Eden Project so popular place for visitors, especially school children?
  2. Talk about a similar place in your city or country.
  3. What are the effects of the pandemic on the Eden Project?
  4. Do you think adding attractions like a zip wire is a good way to bring more visitors? Why or why not?
  5. How can we protect important places like the Eden Project?

New Rules for Bikers in Japan

B1 –  Intermediate 

Japan is now punishing bikers who don’t drive properly. This is because accidents have increased. Many accidents involved pedestrians.

A new law will let police give fines. Riders can be fined for using a phone, not stopping at red lights, or riding with earbuds or an umbrella. The highest fine is about $75.

Last year, there were over 67,000 bicycle accidents. Many happened because riders didn’t follow the rules. Some people were badly hurt.

The law is for people aged 16 and older. Small first mistakes may only get a warning.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about the new rules for bikers in Japan.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/new-rules-for-bikers-in-japan-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “recklessly” mean? “Japanese police are starting to punish people who ride bicycles recklessly, following a record number of accidents that involved pedestrians.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  2. What does “a record number of something” mean? “Japanese police are starting to punish people who ride bicycles recklessly, following a record number of accidents that involved pedestrians.” Use the idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  3. What does “fine” mean here: “It allows officers to issue tickets and fines for breaking rules.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your opinion about these new rules for bikers in Japan?
  2. “The highest fine is about $75.” What is your opinion on this amount?
  3. What is your reaction to this, “Last year, there were more than 67,000 bicycle accidents in Japan.”?
  4. How can bike accidents be prevented?
  5. Talk about some rules for bikers in your country.
  6. Is your city suitable for biking? Talk about it.

Fermented Food Expel Nanoplastics

B1 –  Intermediate 

Scientists say tiny plastic particles are everywhere, including in our bodies. Microplastics are small, and nanoplastics are even smaller.

A new study in South Korea found that bacteria from the food kimchi can help remove nanoplastics from the body. The bacteria attach to the plastic in the gut, and it leaves the body as waste. This may stop the plastic from building up in organs.

Nanoplastics are a growing health concern because their effects are still unknown. People may take in thousands of tiny plastic pieces each year. Scientists believe this new discovery could help reduce plastic in the body.

Read the article about how fermented food like kimchi can help expel nanoplastics from our body.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2604/260402-kimchi-nanoplastics-2.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “fermented” mean? “A new study has found that bacteria from the fermented Korean dish  kimchi can help to take nanoplastics out of the body.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  2. What does “side effect” mean? “Nanoplastics are worrying the medical community. There are many side effects.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  3. What does “tackle” mean? “The lead researcher said fermented  foods could be “a new biological approach” to tackle the nanoplastic problem.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your opinion about what this study found about kimchi?
  2. What is your opinion and reaction to this, “Our body has 7 grams of plastic. This is about the size of a credit card.“?
  3. What are your thoughts on this, “Fermented  foods could be a new biological approach to tackle the nanoplastic problem.”?
  4. Do you worry about microplastics and nanoplastics and their effects on our health? Share your insights.
  5. Do you like fermented food? Why or why not?

Germany Wants Workers from India 

B1 –  Intermediate 

Germany has a shortage of workers because many older people are retiring and fewer children are being born. There are not enough young workers to fill the jobs.

To solve this, Germany wants to bring in workers from other countries, especially India, which has many young people. It needs workers in engineering, healthcare, manufacturing, and IT, including many nurses and caregivers.

Read the article about how Germany wants to fix the labor shortage problem by asking Indians to come work in their country.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2603/260326-germany-labour-shortage.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “renewable energy” mean? “Germany is also a leader in renewable energy, pharmaceuticals, and financial services.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  2. What does “labor surplus” mean? “There’s a huge labour surplus in India.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  3. What does “area” mean here, “It is struggling to find enough skilled people to work in many areas.”? Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the pros and cons of hiring Indian workers for Germany?
  2. What is your opinion on this, “The government has made it easier for people to get visas to work in Germany.”?
  3. What causes labor shortage?
  4. What are other solutions to labor shortage in a country?
  5. Do you have the same problem in your country? Discuss it.

Dusking 

B2 – Upper Intermediate

At the end of the day, many people struggle to disconnect from work, technology, and constant stimulation. A growing trend encourages people to pause during dusk, the natural transition from day to night, as a way to slow down, reflect, and prepare for rest. This practice highlights the importance of reconnecting with natural rhythms and finding balance between productivity and well‑being.

Let’s read the article and explore how this approach can help us unwind, restore calm, and create healthier evening routines.

https://theconversation.com/dusking-is-a-trend-aimed-at-helping-people-switch-off-at-the-end-of-the-day-how-does-it-work-277814

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “detriment” mean in this context? “Of course, watching the sunset is hardly a new idea as Gray’s poem shows, but one it seems we may have forgotten to value to our detriment.” Make a sentence using this word and give a synonym.
  2. What does “wind down” mean? “Simply observing changes in light, sound, and atmosphere may also encourage a shift from the constant hustle of the work day to winding down, potentially moving people towards sleep.” Make a sentence using this phrase and give a synonym.
  3. What is the meaning of the phrase “the emergence of something“? “The emergence of evening sounds, and the quiet rhythms that mark the close of the day.” Make a sentence using this phrase and give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How do you usually feel at dusk, and what activities do you associate with that time of day?
  2. In what ways might pausing at dusk help people transition from work mode to rest mode?
  3. How does artificial light or technology change the way we experience evening time?
  4. What cultural traditions or personal memories do you connect with dusk?
  5. How could practicing “dusking” influence your sleep or overall well‑being?

Email Fatigue

B2 – Upper Intermediate

In today’s fast‑paced digital world, email has become an essential tool for communication. Yet the constant flow of messages can feel overwhelming, leaving many people drained and less productive. This growing challenge highlights the need to rethink how we manage our inboxes and balance technology with well‑being.

Let’s read the article together to explore why this issue is becoming more common and discover practical ways to address it.

https://mailstrom.co/articles/why-email-fatigue-is-a-growing-problem-and-what-can-be-done-about-it

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to whittle something down”? “To whittle the volume down to zero can take hours or even days.” Use it in your own sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What is the meaning of the expression “nagging feeling“? “Plus, there’s that nagging feeling of leaving something undone.
    ” Use it in your own sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “trouble brewing” mean? “If your staff is doing that, there’s a different kind of trouble brewing.” Use it in a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How does the constant flow of emails affect your daily productivity?
  2. In what ways can email communication be both helpful and overwhelming?
  3. Why do you think people feel stressed when their inbox is full?
  4. What strategies have you tried (or heard of) to manage email overload?
  5. How might email fatigue impact teamwork and collaboration?

How the World Ends According to Nostradamus

B2 – Upper Intermediate

In the 15th century, a man would shake the foundations of Europe’s history by virtue of prophecy while remaining untouched by the many powerful forces who disregarded his visions. And depending on how you read his predictions, the chaos and turmoil we encountered today may have been long foretold by this French astrologer, apothecary, physician, and renowned seer, known for his book Les Prophéties, more commonly recognized around the world as Nostradamus.

Watch the video below to learn more about how Nostradamus predicted about a war.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is a “splintered off”? “The soldier’s lance shattered, and a piece of wood splintered off and pierced Henry’s eye and brain ” Use this term in a sentence. Give a similar expression.
  2. What does “word on the street” mean? “What started as targeted assassinations of Huguenot quickly spiraled into a mas slaughter. And word on street was that Queen Catherine was behind it all”  Use this expression in a sentence. Give a similar expression.
  3. What does “to swell into slums” mean? “The poor suffered, and the rich grew colder toward the new working class. Cities swelled into slums, and unrest followed.” Use this idiom in a sentence. Give a similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Have you heard of Nostradamus before? What have you heard about him?
  2. What are your thoughts on his prophecies?
  3. How can prophecies be helpful and harmful?
  4. Are prophecies real? Share your stand.
  5. Is foreseeing the future a gift or a curse? Share your thoughts.

Could the Dollar Lose Its Dominance?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Since the end of World War II, the dollar has dominated and shaped global trade and finance. Investors have generally felt secure and confident in the United States. However, reserve managers’ diversification into other currencies has led to a noticeable decline in dollar holdings in recent years, signaling a shift in confidence as they seek to mitigate risks associated with currency fluctuations and geopolitical uncertainties.

To discover more about the potential for the dollar to lose its dominance, watch the video below.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is a “linchpin”? “For eight decades the US dollar has been the linchpin of global trade and finance.” Use this term in a sentence. Give a similar expression.
  2. What does “to hedge someone’s exposure” mean? “Over the past year in particular investors have become much keener to hedge their exposure to dollars.”  Use this expression in a sentence. Give a similar expression.
  3. What does “fiscal and monetary trajectory” mean? “The more people use it use it, the more others want to use it too, but anxiety about America’s fiscal and monetary trajectory is growing” Use this idiom in a sentence. Give a similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What factors might put an end to the dollar’s hegemony?
  2. Is it difficult to dethrone the dollar dominance? Elaborate your answer.
  3. If the dollar starts losing its dominance, which currency could best replace the dollars? Why this currency?
  4. How difficult is it to develop trust in international and financial trade?