Category: Homework

Trick in London 

B1 – Intermediate

In the heart of London, there’s a special bus stop that’s become very famous. It’s equipped with an incredible screen that displays extraordinary scenes.

As people react to these fantastical images, the bus stop becomes a source of excitement and an escape from the normal busy city life.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about this advertising board at a bus stop in London.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/trick-in-london-level-3/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to get the shock of one’s life” mean in this sentence, “People waiting at a busy central London bus stop got the shock of their lives when they were suddenly faced with an alien invasion, giant robots, or a Bengal tiger on the run.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘to get the shock of one’s life’ in your own sentence.
  2. What does “on the run” mean in this sentence, “People waiting at a busy central London bus stop got the shock of their lives when they were suddenly faced with an alien invasion, giant robots, or a Bengal tiger on the run.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘on the run’ in your own sentence.
  3. What does “augmented reality” mean in this sentence. “Augmented reality technology gave the illusion of the bus stop advertising board being see-through, allowing unexpected anything to be projected over the real imagery.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘augmented reality’ in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your opinion on this special screen?
  2. What are the positive and negative things about it?
  3. Do you think it is a good advertising strategy? Explain.
  4. What are other places where similar screens can be installed? Why do you think these screens are necessary there?
  5. How does the presence of the special screen affect people’s experience waiting at the bus stop?
  6. Talk about your own experiences with public art installations or interactive technology in urban places.

Creativity Is a Process, Not an Event

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Creativity is not a singular moment, but a continuous and iterative journey. It challenges the notion that creativity occurs only in spontaneous events. It involves a deliberate and evolving process.

The summary highlights the importance of consistent effort, exploration, and refinement in fostering creativity, urging individuals to view it as an ongoing journey rather than a one-time occurrence.

Read the article below and be ready to answer the questions that follow.

Creativity Is a Process, Not an Event

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “train of thought” mean? “The falling apple was merely the beginning of a train of thought that continued for decades.” Use it in your own sentence. 
  2. What does the idiomatic expression “eureka moment” mean? “It is a symbol of the inspired genius that fills your brain during those “eureka moments” when creative conditions are just right.” Use the expression in your own sentence.
  3. What does the expression “to wrestle with something” mean? “Newton isn’t the only one to wrestle with a great idea for years.” Give 2 synonyms and use ‘to wrestle with something’ in a sentence. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. Share a personal experience when you had a “eureka moment” or a flash of creative brilliance. How did that moment influence your perspective on creativity?
  2. Discuss the notion that creativity is a process that requires years of commitment and deliberate practice. How do you approach the long-term development of your creative skills or talents?
  3. The article suggests that being in the top 1 percent of intelligence doesn’t necessarily correlate with being fantastically creative. How do you perceive the relationship between intelligence and creative thinking? Share examples that support or challenge this idea.
  4. Share practical strategies mentioned in the article, such as constraining oneself, writing more, broadening knowledge, and embracing positive thinking. Which strategies resonate with you, and how do you apply them in your creative pursuits?
  5. How does maintaining a positive mindset contribute to thinking more broadly and making creative connections between ideas in your experience?

The Ultimate Productivity Hack Is Saying No

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The concept that “The Ultimate Productivity Hack is Saying No” emphasizes the strategic importance of setting boundaries and selectively choosing commitments. It underscores the idea that saying no to non-essential tasks, projects, or requests allows individuals to prioritize their time and energy on tasks aligned with their goals. This productivity hack encourages a mindful and intentional approach to workload management, enabling individuals to focus on tasks that truly contribute to their success and well-being.

Read the article below and be ready to answer the questions that follow.

The Ultimate Productivity Hack is Saying No

Vocabulary Questions: 

  1. What does the phrasal verb “to fall back on” in the sentence, “And it is true: turning down opportunities is easier when you can fall back on the safety net provided by power, money, and authority”. Use it in a sentence. 
  2. What does “to strain the relationship” mean in the sentence, “The thought of straining the relationship outweighs the commitment of our time and energy”? Use it in a sentence. 
  3. What does the phrase “balance to strike” mean in the sentence, “There is an important balance to strike here”? Use it in your own words. 

Discussion questions: 

  1. How often do you find yourself saying “yes” to tasks or commitments without considering their necessity?
  2. What strategies could help you become more mindful about your commitments?
  3. The article discusses the challenge of saying “no” to people we like or want to support. How can one strike a balance between being empathetic and maintaining productivity in personal and professional relationships?
  4. How do you currently prioritize and protect your time, and what improvements could you make in this regard?
  5. How can individuals navigate these social expectations without overcommitting? Share personal experiences if applicable.
  6. How did you navigate and prioritize tasks to regain control of your time?

Sustainable Travel

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Sustainable tourism discusses various ways travelers can minimize their environmental impact, importance in preserving the environment, and supporting local communities while exploring the growing trend of eco-tourism.

Read the article to know more about choosing eco-friendly accommodations, supporting local businesses, and participating in responsible wildlife experiences. The article also highlights destinations that are leading the way in sustainable tourism practices.

https://www.graygroupintl.com/blog/sustainable-travel#:~:text=Sustainable%20tourism%20encompasses%20preserving%20the,on%20the%20places%20we%20visit.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to lie at the heart of something” mean? “At the heart of sustainable travel lies the principles of sustainable tourism.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘to lie at the heart of something’ in your own sentence.
  2. What does “carbon footprint” mean? “By opting for sustainable transportation options, such as walking, cycling, or using public transportation, we can reduce our carbon footprint and minimize air pollution.” Use ‘carbon footprint’ in a sentence.
  3. What does “carbon offset” mean? “Additionally, offsetting the carbon emissions of our flights by investing in carbon offset projects can help to neutralize our travel-related carbon footprint.” Use ‘carbon offset’ in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How has the rise of sustainable tourism impacted traditional travel destinations, and what measures are being taken to ensure local communities benefit from this shift?
  2. In what ways do businesses and governments collaborate to promote sustainable tourism practices, and what challenges do they face in implementing these initiatives effectively?
  3. Can you discuss some innovative approaches or technologies being utilized to minimize the environmental footprint of tourism while still providing enriching experiences for travelers?

How Crocs Became a Fashion Statement

B2 – Upper Intermediate

In the last few years, a unique type of shoes called Crocs has become really popular in fashion. At first, Crocs were known for being really comfortable and practical. But now, they’re seen as a symbol of being stylish and expressing your own personality.

Watch the video to know more about how Crocs went from just being comfortable shoes to being a big fashion trend.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the idiom “to make a name for (oneself)” mean? “How did Crocs make a name for itself during the pandemic?” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘to make a name for oneself’ in your own sentence.
  2. What does the phrase “on one’s feet” mean? “When Crocs was first released, they were intended for a consumer that was looking at them as a functional thing, so probably gardeners, people that were on boats, people that work all day on their feet, people that worked on a line at a kitchen.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘on one’s feet’ in your own sentence.
  3. What does the word “simmer” mean in this sentence? “Though the initial craze had simmered, the brand still managed to hang on to a relatively large customer base.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘simmer’ in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think about Crocs?
  2. How has the marketing strategy of Crocs contributed to their transformation from practical shoes to a fashion statement?
  3. What do you think has been the biggest factor contributing to Crocs’ success?
  4. Do you believe that Crocs are a passing trend in fashion, or do you think they will remain popular for years to come? Share your insights.
  5. Do you think the comfort of Crocs outweighs their unconventional appearance when it comes to making a fashion statement? Share your opinion.

AI Boyfriend More Desirable than a Human

B2 – Upper Intermediate

In today’s digitally interconnected world, the concept of romantic relationships is undergoing a profound transformation with the advent of AI technology.

A growing number of women in China have chosen to be in a relationship with so-called “Artificial Intelligence (AI) boyfriends”.

As society embraces artificial intelligence (AI) in various facets of life, including companionship, the question arises: Can an ‘AI boyfriend’ be more desirable than its human counterpart?

Watch the video and be ready to answer questions that follow.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the idiom “to take something too far” mean? “The desire for companionship at the click of a button could be taken too far.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘to take something too far’ in your own sentence.
  2. What does “to have everything one could ask for” mean? “She says her boyfriend has everything she could ask for in a romantic partner.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘to have everything one could ask for’ in your own sentence.
  3. What does “to resort to something” mean? “A growing number or women in China are resorting to so-called AI boyfriends.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘to resort to something’ in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How do you perceive ‘AI boyfriends’ in the context of modern relationships? Do you believe it could provide genuine companionship and emotional support comparable to human partners?
  2. In your view, what are the potential advantages and disadvantages of having an ‘AI boyfriend’ versus a human partner? Which factors would influence your preference?
  3. Do you believe an ‘AI boyfriend’ could potentially alleviate certain challenges or barriers to traditional romantic relationships, such as geographical distance or cultural differences? Or do you think it might create new challenges?
  4. In your opinion, do you foresee ‘AI boyfriends’ becoming more desirable than human partners in the future? What societal changes or technological advancements might influence this trend?

Airline to Weigh Luggage and Passengers

B1 – Intermediate 

When we travel by plane, we have to be mindful about how much our luggage weighs.

Airlines set strict weight limits on our baggage allowance to ensure their planes do not go beyond the maximum weight so that they take off and land safely.

Read the article about Finland’s national airline’s plans to weigh their passengers on their flights. Be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2403/240304-weighing-airline-passengers-4.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “exceed” mean, “Airplanes should not exceed the maximum weight for safe take-offs and landings.”? Give 1-2 synonyms or similar expressions and use “exceed” in your own sentence.
  2. What does “to step on scales” mean, “Volunteers are stepping on scales at Helsinki Airport’s departure gates.”? Give 1-2 synonyms or similar expressions and use “to step on scales” in your own sentence.
  3. What does “to have peace of mind” mean, “It said travellers could have “peace of mind” about their personal information.“? Give 1-2 synonyms or similar expressions and use “peace of mind” in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your opinion on weighing passengers on flight? 
  2. What are the pros and cons of weighing airline passengers?
  3. Would you agree to be weighed in at the airport? Why or why not?
  4. Share your views on this statement, “Weight is a personal topic.”.
  5. What are other ways safety standards on flights can be met?

Cold Weather Exercise

B1 – Intermediate 

It is a fact that exercising or working out helps in staying healthy and losing weight. However, this may be hard to do when it is too chilly or freezing outside.

However, experts share the benefits of cold-weather workouts.

Read the article and find out why cold weather exercise is better for us. Be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2402/240229-cold-weather-exercise.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “metabolism” mean, “In the cold, our metabolism slows down, so we can preserve fat and keep warm.”? Use this word in a sentence.
  2. What does “endurance” mean, “This can help to boost your endurance over time.”? Give 1-2 synonyms or similar expressions and use “endurance” in your own sentence.
  3. What does “to lose weight” mean, ”Physical activity in cold temperatures can boost our metabolism, which helps us lose weight.”? Give 1-2 synonyms or similar expressions and use “to lose weight” in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the pros and cons of cold-weather workouts?
  2. What is your opinion on this, “Going for a jog or even a swim when it’s chilly or freezing outside has extra benefits for our physical and mental health.”?
  3. Does this article change your opinion about working out in cold weather? Explain.
  4. Do you enjoy exercising during cold weather? Why or why not?
  5. Does the weather affect your motivation to practice sports or exercise? Why or why not? What do you do when you do not want to exercise when it is very cold?
  6. What are ways to fight against Seasonal Affective Disorder (S.A.D.)?

European Armies Struggling to Recruit Soldiers

B2 – Upper Intermediate

In almost every country in the world, an armed forces is a crucial part of its system. Nations maintain an armed forces to secure exclusive rights and ownership of its territory. Recently, most European countries are scrambling to strengthen its military forces especially when the Ukraine war broke out. Unfortunately, the process of recruitment proved to be much harder than it used to be.

Let’s read the article and know more about the army recruitment crisis in European countries.

https://www.euronews.com/2024/02/16/why-are-european-armies-struggling-to-recruit-soldiers

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to be spared from something” mean? “The problem is one that all European countries share – including France, Italy, Spain,” Vincenzo Bove, professor of political science at Warwick University in UK, told Euronews. “I don’t think there’s one country that’s spared from it.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘to be spared from something’ in your own sentence.
  2. What is the meaning of “society at large” in this context? “According to Bove, the ideological distance between society at large and military forces has gotten wider in recent years.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘society at large’ in your own sentence.
  3. Define the word “conscription“. “While there’s no clear explanation for why this gap is getting wider, Bove said this might be related to the end of conscription…” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the reasons for European countries military recruitment crisis?
  2. Is a military career an appealing option for young civilians in your country? Why or why not?
  3. In your opinion, how can these countries boost recruitment?
  4. Do you agree or disagree that, “Immigration could be the answer.”? Elaborate on your stance.
  5. Share your thoughts on this statement, “Young civilians are overwhelmingly against wars, against increasing spending on the military and against military operations abroad; they are also more individualistic and less patriotic than those serving in the military forces.”
  6. Share your views on this, “What a smaller pool of applicants might mean for European armies now is that the quality of recruits accepted might not be up to the same strict standards armed forces have imposed for decades – which could in turn allow for dodgy individuals like neo-Nazi sympathisers to slip in.“.

The Danger of Staying in Bed for Too Long

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The ideal length of time spent in bed differs for each individual and is influenced by factors like age, lifestyle, and overall health. Although sufficient sleep is vital for both physical and mental health, remaining in bed excessively can lead to adverse effects.

Watch the video and find out the danger of staying in bed for far too long.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to shift one’s weight” mean in the sentence, “You twitch, you change positions, and you shift your weight all in an effort to keep your tissue safe from developing pressure-ulcers.”? Use this expression in your own sentence.
  2. What is “pressure ulcer”? “If the pressure ulcers reach Stage 4, the tissue damage can get all the way to the bone.” Use this term in your own sentence.
  3. What does “hindlimb-unloaded” mean in the sentence, “In a 2008 Journal of Applied Physiology study, rats who were hindlimb-unloaded, which is like bedrest for rats, showed signs of depression after only two weeks.”? Use this phrase in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Share a few points you found interesting from the video.
  2. What are your thoughts on the experiment Drew Iwanicki participated in?
  3. Do you suspect that you’re acquiring an excessive amount of sleep? If not, what strategies do you use to ensure you get enough sleep without oversleeping?
  4. How do you prioritize your sleep schedule alongside other daily responsibilities? Please share.
  5. Are there any lifestyle factors or habits that you think may affect your sleep duration? Please share.
  6. How else can bedrest studies be useful?