Category: Homework

When Capitalism Doesn’t Need Workers Anymore

B2 – Upper Intermediate

As AI continues to rapidly evolve, the global fear of it replacing human workers rapidly increases as well. Though many countries have experienced similar technological booms in the past and have been able to recover, AI still proves a major threat to non-specialized workers globally.

Low-income countries like the Philippines and Bangladesh may take the brunt of the economic damage, while countries with vast resources and AI investment like the US and China may gain large sums of profit.

To find out more, watch the video below.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “the first domino to fall” mean? “Tools like LLMs can now handle those tasks in seconds at a fraction of the cost and these jobs which make up a big share of GDP in many developing countries are looking like they might be the first dominoes to fall.” Use this phrase in a sentence. Give a similar expression.
  2. What does “brain drain” mean in this context, “The result is an accelerating brain drain that leaves poorer nations with fewer start-ups, fewer teachers and researchers and dramatically fewer chances to catch up in the global AI race and it’s clear which countries are leading that race.” Use this phrase in a sentence. Give a similar expression.
  3. What is a “clanker”? “These factory jobs may have been replacing US workers with Chinese workers, but there is no critical reason why human workers couldn’t be replaced with clankers.” Use this term in a sentence and give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. While AI supercharges growth in rich nations what happens to the rest of the countries?
  2. If one person armed with AI can replace four people, what can those four deal with the situation?
  3. In your opinion, can workers and economies adapt fast enough to survive the shift to AI?
  4. Discuss the impact of AI growth on your country’s workforce and economy.
  5. If you were in a position of power, how would you mitigate the potential damages AI could cause?

BrainCo Collects Brain Data from Elite Athletes and Schoolchildren

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

An investigation is underway regarding China accessing neural data from BrainCo’s focus-training headband that some top athletes use.

Athletes wear this wearable headband because it helps them get in the zone. It enables them to monitor their brainwaves which could help them optimize their performance.


Read the article to know more about BrainCo and the rise of brain-computer interface (BCI) technology.

BrainCo: The “Harvard” Startup That Became A “Little Dragon” in China — With Brain Data From U.S. Olympians and Schoolchildren

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “brain-computer interface (BCI) technology” mean? “That was long before Beijing’s announcement of its major goal this year: leading the world in brain-computer interface (BCI) technology by 2030.” Use the term in a sentence. 
  2. What does “dual-use potential” mean? “This dual-use potential is why both superpowers are racing to control it. Whoever has the most neural data and best algorithms could gain an unprecedented advantage in medicine, commerce, or warfare.” Use the term in a sentence. 
  3. What does “aggregated data” mean? “BrainCo’s privacy statement explicitly saying it collects brain wave data from users and that aggregated data may be sent to any office worldwide or even third parties.” Use the term in a sentence. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the positives and negatives of BrainCo’s wearable focus-training headband?
  2. Do you believe BrainCo is telling the truth when they say that any brain data collected is “purged from the application at the conclusion of each use”? Share your insights.
  3. Share your opinion about some Democratic U.S. senators’ warning about the potential exploitation of sensitive neural data and that Chinese companies are purportedly developing brain-control weaponry.
  4. Share your thoughts that some companies are promised special government support for technologies deemed critical to military dominance.
  5. “The potential applications of BCI unlocked by AI could be boundless — and dangerous.” Share your opinion.
  6. Share your insights on BCI tech’s dual-use potential.

Billions Lack Basic Services in Health Care Facilities

B2 – Upper Intermediate

A new report from WHO and UNICEF finds that although over 100 countries are working to upgrade basic services in health care facilities (like water, sanitation, hygiene, waste management, and reliable electricity), billions of people still receive care in facilities lacking these essentials.

Read the article to know why the authors warn that without adequate infrastructure, health workers struggle to prevent infections and deliver safe care.

https://www.who.int/news/item/24-09-2025-countries-making-unprecedented-efforts-but-billions-still-lack-basic-services-in-health-care-facilities—who-unicef-new-report-warns

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “roadmap” mean here, “While there is progress in establishing standards, conducting baseline assessments, and developing national roadmaps, billions are still served by facilities without the basics.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “baseline assessment” mean? “More than 80% of countries have implemented at least one national action, such as developing standards or conducting baseline assessments.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “scale up” mean? “National action is scaling up.” Use it in a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why do you think some hospitals and clinics still don’t have clean water or electricity?
  2. How important is sanitation and hygiene in health care facilities?
  3. What could happen to patients if these basic services are missing?
  4. Who do you think should be responsible for improving health care facilities, governments, communities, or international groups?
  5. If you were a health worker, how would you feel working in a place without proper resources?

Revenge Quitting

B1 – Intermediate 

There is a new workplace trend that is on the rise. It’s when an employee intentionally causes damage to an employer image to express dissatisfaction at work. This is called “revenge quitting”.

We are seeing an increase in revenge quitting because of dissatisfaction of employees with their place of work.

Read the article and be ready to talk about revenge quitting.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2509/250922-revenge-quitting.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “disgruntled” mean, “Disgruntled employees are posting details of their resignations online.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym or similar expression.
  2. What does “handover” mean? “Examples of this are deleting data and files, not helping with the handover of duties, and exposing sensitive information.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym or similar expression.
  3. What does “to vent rants” mean? “Other posts show workers suddenly walking off the job, viral resignation messages, or venting frustrations with rants against former bosses.” Use the idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym or similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your opinion about revenge quitting?
  2. “Gen Z workers were more likely to engage in revenge quitting.” Why do you think this is?
  3. What can employers do to prepare or respond to such actions from dissatisfied employees?
  4. If you know a candidate did revenge quitting on their former employers, would you hire them? Why or why not?
  5. Talk about an example of revenge quitting that you know of. 

A New Drug Shows Promise for Hard-to-Treat High Blood Pressure

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The drug, called baxdrostat, was tested in people with treatment-resistant hypertension (high blood pressure that doesn’t respond well to existing medicines). In the trial, those taking baxdrostat plus standard medication had their systolic blood pressure fall about 9-10 mmHg more than people on placebo.

Read the article to know more about baxdrostat.

A new drug shows promise for hard-to-treat high blood pressure

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “resistant hypertension” mean? “The results of a large clinical trial, published August 30 in the New England Journal of Medicine, suggest that baxdrostat could offer an alternative for people with resistant hypertension.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “hyperfiltration” mean? “Kidney effects were minor and may even be beneficial, he says, because they may reduce harmful hyperfiltration.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “withdrawal phase” mean in a clinical trial? “The trial also included an eight-week withdrawal phase.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the potential benefits of baxdrostat? How about the What are the concerns and side effects?
  2. Share your thoughts on this, “Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a serious condition where blood pressure is consistently too high, affecting over 1.2 billion adults globally.“
  3. Why do you think it is important to keep find new hypertension medicines?
  4. What are some ways people can lower their blood pressure without medicine?
  5. Do you know anyone who struggles with hypertension? How is it like for them?

Amazon Zoox Jumps Into US Robotaxi Race

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Amazon’s Zoox is stepping into the future of transportation, joining a growing movement toward autonomous ride services. This marks a new chapter in how technology is reshaping everyday travel and urban mobility.

Watch the video about how Zoox’s robotaxi is unfolding.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “BOM” stand for and what does the phrase “BOM cost” mean? “This is confidential information that we don’t really disclose. BOM cost is something that we watch and manage very carefully.” Use it in a sentence. Give a synonym or similar expression.
  2. What does the verb “shoehorn” mean in business context? “
    You can shoehorn a robotaxic into something that used to be a car. It’s just not an ideal solution.    ” Use it in your own sentence. Give a synonym or similar expression.
  3. What does “retrofit” mean when describing modified vehicles? “Zoox will soon begin testing robotaxis in those markets, and said it’s already driving retrofitted test vehicles in Los Angeles, Atlanta and Seattle.” Use it in a sentence and make two synonyms.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What’s your take on Zoox introducing autonomous vehicles to a major tourist hub like Las Vegas?
  2. What’s your experience with autonomous vehicles—have you ever taken a ride in one?
  3. How soon do you think driverless taxis will be a regular part of daily life where you live?
  4. How might self-driving cars change the way we think about road safety?
  5. Describe your daily habits when it comes to using ride-hailing services. How often do you rely on them, and for what kinds of trips?

Robot Companion

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

A technological field that is gaining some traction lately is robotics. Tech companies have taken on the challenge of designing and creating robots that look and behave like humans.

They are supposed to help humans do things for them.

All thanks to the continuous developments in AI, these robots have become smart enough to form meaningful relationships with humans. 

People now have their robot therapists to share their secrets with. There are those turn to companion robots to ease feelings of loneliness.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about robot companions.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2025/ep-250918

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “taken aback” mean, “And I think when people meet her, they’re always taken aback by Abi.” Use the phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym or similar expression.
  2. What does “to have a mind of its own” mean? “Abi has got a mind of her own.” Use the idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym or similar expression.
  3. What does “endearing” mean? “So, I was very much trying to replicate the qualities of being approachable and endearing of these different Pixar characters that you’d watch in all of these films.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym or similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What would you say are the promises and pitfalls of robot companions?
  2. Generally, what are your thoughts on humanoids? How would you feel about having a companion robot?
  3. What are your thoughts on humans forming relationships with robots?
  4. “Elderly residents who regularly chat with Abi say the robot companion brings them joy and a sense of community.” Do you think robots are capable of bringing joy and a sense of community to humans? Share your views.
  5. What ethical guidelines and international treaties should be put in place before the widespread deployment of humanoids? 
  6. How can companion robots be designed to interact with humans in a way that is beneficial and with the least possible disruption? 

Young Europeans and University

B1 – Intermediate 

Based on a recent OECD report, young Europeans are among those who have the highest educational attainment in the world.

Ireland, Luxembourg, and Lithuania are the top European countries with the most number of university degree holders. While Czech Republic, Hungary, and Italy were on the bottom.

The gap across the EU when it comes to access to higher education is evident per this report.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about young Europeans’ access to higher education.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/young-europeans-and-university-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to play a key role” mean, “Family background plays a key role.” Use the idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym or similar expression.
  2. What does “gap” mean? “Denmark shows the smallest gap: 70% of young adults with graduate parents have a degree.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym or similar expression.
  3. What does “obtain” mean? “In every country, young people whose parents studied at university are much more likely to obtain a degree themselves.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym or similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your reaction to this, “Young Europeans have the highest university education.”? 
  2. Do you agree or disagree that family background is an important factor for a young person to go to the uni? Explain why. Is this true in your country? Talk about it.
  3. “The OECD report highlights major contrasts across the EU in terms of higher education access.” Share your views. 
  4. How accessible is higher education in your country? Why is this the case? 
  5. What might be the reasons young people won’t go to the uni?
  6. Do you agree or disagree, “A degree is linked to better chances of employment, higher salaries, and improved health.”? Share your opinion.

Artificial Intelligence to Forecast Future Health

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

Another way experts is developing on how to utilize artificial intelligence is for it to be able to predict possible health issues years ahead of time.

Delphi-2M has been learning to spot patterns using anonymous medical records so it can foretell what comes next and when.

However, it won’t be able to say exactly when the date will be of a medical event like a heart attack or stroke. It estimates the probability of 1,231 diseases though.

Read the article about artificial intelligence’s ability to forecast people’s health issues.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cx2pj502ev6o

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “stack up” mean here, “The model was then tested to see if its predictions stacked up using data from other Biobank participants, and then with 1.9 million people’s medical records in Denmark.” Use the phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym or similar expression.
  2. What does “cut back” mean? “This could include medicines or specific lifestyle advice – such as people likely to develop some liver disorders benefitting from cutting back their alcohol intake more than the general population.” Use the phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym or similar expression.
  3. What does “scalable” mean? “This research looks to be a significant step towards scalable, interpretable, and – most importantly – ethically responsible form of predictive modelling in medicine.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym or similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Share your thoughts on this technology. What do you think are its promises and pitfalls?
  2. Do you see this technology “following a similar path to the use of genomics in healthcare where it took a decade to go from scientists being confident in the technology to healthcare being able to use it routinely“? Why or why not?
  3. What can you say about this, “The technology has learned to spot patterns in people’s medical records to calculate their risk of more than 1,000 diseases.”
  4. “The researchers say it is like a weather forecast that anticipates a 70% chance of rain – but for human health.” Is this reliable enough? Share your opinion.
  5. Do you think this technology can be considered an “ethically responsible form of predictive modelling in medicine“? Share your insights.

NHS to Lose Out on New Drugs, Novartis Warns

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

According to the pharmaceutical giant Novartis, NHS patients will not have the opportunity to gain access to new cutting-edge drugs due to the steep, continuous increase in drug pricing.

Read the article about UK’s NHS losing access to new innovative treatments due to failed drug pricing deals with the pharmaceutical giant Novartis.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c4gzk1p90q1o

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “outlier” mean? “Mr Kahlstrom, managing director of Novartis’ UK and Ireland operations, told the BBC’s Today programme that the UK remains an outlier and patients still lose out and I think we have to be honest about that.” Use the word in a sentence. 
  2. What does “rebate rate” in healthcare mean? “However, the actual rebate rate has risen to 23.5%, which Novartis said was more than triple the 7% rate in Germany, for example.” Use the term in a sentence. 
  3. What does “Qaly” mean? “The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) considers medicines costing between £20,000 and £30,000 per Qaly as good value for money.” Use the term in a sentence. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. Share your insights regarding this, “A body assesses whether a new drug is value for money before approving it for use on the NHS, but Novartis said its methods were outdated and made it harder for innovative drugs to be approved and launched.” Is it the same process in your country?
  2. Share your opinion on these statements from Novartis boss and UK Health Secretary, “Norvartis’ [sic] UK boss Johan Kahlstrom said costs meant the UK was “largely uninvestable”, but Streeting has vowed he will not allow firms to “rip off” taxpayers.”
  3. “Novartis was not considering the UK for major new investments in manufacturing, research, or advanced technology because of systemic barriers.” What might be the effect of this to the UK’s healthcare system?
  4. “Another drug company, Gilead Sciences, would not submit its breast cancer drug for assessment by Nice, blaming the UK for undervaluing medicines.” Do you believe the UK is indeed undervaluing medicines? Share your thoughts.
  5. What do you make of this, “The UK was under invested on medicines with “only 9% of the healthcare budget in the NHS” being spent on drugs compared to about 14% in France and 15% in Germany.”?