Category: Homework

Don’t Try to be Friends with Your Boss

B2 – Upper Intermediate

When the majority of waking hours are spent at work, it’s natural to want to create stronger bonds and friendships with team members and management.

Many times, we think being friends with our bosses is the key to a great life at work.

However, even if you have a great relationship with your boss, boundaries are essential in the workplace.

Read the article to know more why workplace coaches advise against being friends with your boss.

https://www.cnbc.com/2023/05/08/why-your-boss-cannot-be-your-friend-from-a-workplace-coach.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “pink slip” mean? “They might cry on the Zoom call with you, but they sure are going to hand you that pink slip.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “top-down” mean in this sentence, “Leaders in the workplace are accountable for results, including your performance and the performance of others. Top-down friendships can make these results seem biased– and many American workers agree.”? Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “to do right by someone” mean? “Where their desire to do right by you is going to conflict with their responsibility to their job.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the predisposed troubles caused by having a cordial relationship with the boss?
  2. Do you agree or disagree with this, “No matter how great of a relationship you have with your boss, it’s generally not the best idea to be friends with them.”? Share your thoughts.
  3. Do you believe that a personal relationship can make things complicated when bosses may need to make difficult decisions? Explain.
  4. Managers are responsible for performance reviews. Do you think top-down friendships can affect these results? Explain.
  5. The foundation of your professional relationship with your boss has to be the performance and not interpersonal connection. Share your insights on this.
  6. How can one establish boundaries at work? How do you maintain boundaries between you and your boss? Or if you are a manager, you and your team?
  7. Talk about favoritism in the workplace.

Older Sisters Are the Backbone of Society

B2 – Upper Intermediate

As the first born in the family, older sisters serve as role models, caregivers, and companions, among other things. The effect they have grows beyond the limits of familial connections, bringing an influence on the larger social sphere.

Perhaps it’s time for everyone to admit that they are indeed the unsung heroes of every family unit in the world.

Click on the link to learn more about the so-called elder sister revolution.

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/acknowledge-older-sisters-backbone-of-society_l_654ebb35e4b0373d70b22ad4

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to be put on notice” mean in the sentence, “Younger children everywhere, you’ve been put on notice: Your oldest sister is tired of doing it all.”? Use this in your own sentence.
  2. What does “to hit a nerve” mean in the sentence, “Though not an actual psychological diagnosis, the pop psychology phrase “oldest daughter syndrome” has hit a nerve with many oldest daughters.”? Use this in your own sentence.
  3. What does “the backbone of something” mean in the sentence, “Elsewhere on social media, big sisters joke about how it’s time we acknowledge that older sisters are the backbone of society.”? Use this in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Talk about some concepts: “good daughter trauma” and “oldest daughter syndrome”.
  2. How do older sisters contribute to the well-being and development of their families and communities? In what ways do older sisters serve as mentors and caregivers within their familial roles?
  3. Can you provide examples of the wisdom gained through experience that older sisters bring to their roles as the backbone of society?
  4. How does acknowledging the importance of older sisters contribute to the celebration of familial bonds?
  5. Share your thoughts on this, “On TikTok, youngest brothers ― those diametrically opposed to oldest daughters in responsibilities ― jokingly apologize for doing the bare minimum in life and skirting the emotional labor that’s second nature to women.“.
  6. In your country, to what degree does birth order impact individual roles and responsibilities within a family? Please share.

Companies Are Debranding

C1 – Advanced

Debranding is when companies purposely decide to change or get rid of their familiar brand identity. It’s a smart move that challenges the idea that a strong brand should never change. In this quick look, we’ll uncover why companies debrand, what it means for them, and why businesses are choosing to rethink how they look and tell their story.

Watch the video to know this interesting world of debranding and the stories it creates in the ever-changing business world. Be able to answer the questions below:

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Define “design inflation“. “2D look was the norm until computers took over and design inflation spiraled out of control.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does the expression “to spiral out of control” mean? “2D look was the norm until computers took over and design inflation spiraled out of control.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does the saying “the pendulum swings” mean? “It seems likely that debranding will be with us for a while, but who knows when the pendulum will swing and the trend reverts to detail complexity and personality.” Make one sentence with this idiom.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on the trend of companies debranding in recent years?
  2. Do you believe that one day the pendulum will swing and the trend will revert to detail complexity and personality when it comes to branding? Explain.
  3. Is debranding a risky move for companies, considering the potential loss of brand recognition and identity? Share your insights.
  4. How does debranding impact consumer trust and loyalty towards a company?
  5. Share some branding moves your company has made the past years to reinvent itself.

Questions about Your Job Right Now

B2 – Upper Intermediate

In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, it’s easy to become engrossed in our jobs’ routines without pausing to consider our job satisfaction and overall well-being. Asking yourself significant inquiries about your present position might offer helpful perspectives and assistance in navigating through your professional journey.

Click on the link to learn more about some questions you should ask yourself to help you level up your career.

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/new-year-career-questions_l_65944414e4b0bf73e1777846

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “pain point” mean in the sentence, “And for many of us, our careers can be a big pain point or a confusing open question.”? Use the phrase in your own sentence.
  2. What does “to be back on one’s feet” mean in the sentence, “And the next time there’s mass layoffs, budget cuts, an economic downturn, the faster you’ll be back on your feet and the more of a cushion you’ll have should you be subject to any of those things.”? Use the idiom in your own sentence.
  3. What does “to fill one’s cup” mean in the sentence, “Licensed clinical psychologist Cynthia Shaw said asking yourself “What fills your cup?” can help you reflect and better identify what you are looking for professionally, “whether that be making financial strides or gaining promotional shifts, taking part in entrepreneurial startups or nonprofit volunteer opportunities, or learning how to incorporate better work-life balance.””? Use the expression in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is the main message of the article?
  2. What are some work-related resolutions you’ve got this year?
  3. Why does the article emphasize the importance of self-reflection in the context of one’s career?
  4. What are the suggested actions for individuals facing a lack of growth opportunities in their current positions?
  5. Do you engage in self-assessment regarding your work? Please share.
  6. What methods do you use to measure your progress and overall job satisfaction? Tell me more.

AI Law to be Voted On in Europe

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Europe is about to decide on new laws for artificial intelligence (AI), and it’s a big deal. As we use AI more in our lives these days, we need rules to make sure it’s ethical and that it abides by certain standards and regulations.

Watch the video to know why these AI laws in Europe matter, how they might affect cool new tech stuff, our privacy, and how we find the right balance between advancing technology and keeping our important human values. Be able to answer the questions that follow.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is the meaning of the phrase “to make rounds“? “But then, there are also those AI-generated photos and videos and music making rounds.” Make a sentence using this idiom.
  2. What does the phrase “to keep score on someone/something” mean? “Acceptable risk is when AI is used for things deemed so unethical such as biometric surveillance or even using it to keep social scores on people.” Make a sentence using this expression.
  3. What is the meaning of the expression “first of its kind?” “Members of the European parliament want to make sure AI is safe, transparent, traceable, non-discriminatory, and environmentally-friendly and if approved, it will be the first of of its kind in the world.” Give 2 synonyms and use “first of its kind” in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on the need for specific laws and regulations addressing artificial intelligence?
  2. How do you believe AI laws can balance the promotion of innovation with ensuring ethical and responsible AI use?
  3. Do you agree the proposals mentioned in the video? In your opinion, what ethical considerations should be prioritized when crafting AI laws?
  4. What role do you think public input and awareness should play in shaping AI laws and regulations?

Fans Talk about Their Passions

B2 – Upper Intermediate

If you admire or like something like a sport, a music band, or a hobby, then you can consider yourself a fan. But because of technology, we are able to express our shared passions with other fans online.

Being a part of a fandom is more than being a simple fan, but it is being an avid supporter of a particular celebrities, team, fictions, and others that you belong in something that is considered as a community or subculture.

Listen to the podcast below as they talk about how fans talk about their passions.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to tap into something” mean? “It taps into that ancient human impulse to belong to a group of like-minded people.” Use this idiom in a sentence.
  2. What do “BIRGing” and “CORFing” stand for and what is the difference between the two expressions”? “The antithesis of BIRGing is CORFing which means ‘Cutting Off Reflected Failure’ and that is what people sometimes do when their team loses“. Use”BIRGing” and “CORFing” in your own sentences.
  3. What is the meaning of “a piece/a slice of the action“? “When your team wins everyone wants a bit of the action, you take to the streets; dance around.”  Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and make your own sentence using the term ‘a piece/a slice of the action’.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on “fandom”?
  2. Are there misconceptions about fandom you know of?
  3. Share about a time you realized that you were more than just a casual fan.
  4. When do you think being a fan is no longer healthy?
  5. How do you think someone should behave in a fandom community?
  6. Who or what are you so passionate about? How do you showcase your admiration for it? Would you like to share it with others in a fandom community?

Marketers Target Your Nose

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Have you ever walked into a store and instantly felt a unique aroma that just screams, ‘This is the place.’? That’s the magic of scent branding.

Scent branding is not just about smelling nice. It’s a powerful tool in the industry that taps into the psychology of our olfactory senses. Companies use carefully crafted scents to create memorable experiences, trigger emotions, and build strong brand connections.

Watch this video and explore how scent branding works, its impact on consumer behavior, and how businesses leverage the power of fragrances to enhance their brand identity. Be able to answer the questions that follow.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “touch point” mean? “Scent marketing is the idea of using scent and incorporating to all the touch points of the customer experience.” Use this term in a sentence.
  2. Explain “scentscaping“. “For example, museums have used “scentscaping” to intensify their exhibits.” Use the word in sentence.
  3. What does the term “billboard scenting” mean? “Abercrombie and Fitch or Hollister stores are most extreme form of scent marketing called “billboard scenting.” Make a sentence using the expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your personal experience with encountering scent branding in various places, and how did it impact your perception of those spaces?
  2. Do you believe that scent branding is a genuine and effective method for businesses to establish a unique brand identity? Why or why not?
  3. In your opinion, should businesses invest more in scent branding or focus on traditional branding methods? What factors contribute to your viewpoint?
  4. How ethical do you find the use of scent in marketing, especially when it comes to influencing consumer behavior? Are there any boundaries that businesses should adhere to?
  5. Considering the potential impact of scent on emotions and memories, how might scent branding be used in non-commercial spaces, such as healthcare environments or educational institutions?

Instagram Traps Are Changing Art Museums

B2 – Upper Intermediate

New art installations in cities worldwide are shifting away from traditional exhibits and historical artifacts. Instead, these installations focus on providing picturesque backdrops for photos, particularly on Instagram. This trend reflects a changing landscape in the museum world. Both new temporary museums and traditional ones are adapting to the prevalence of smartphones, creating spaces designed for easy selfie-taking. As online experiences become more prevalent, these selfie-friendly spaces are becoming increasingly common.

Watch the video to learn more about pop-out museums and be able to answer the questions that follow.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is the meaning of “installation art“. “You can see installation art‘s influence on today’s pop-up museums pretty clearly.” Make one sentence using the word.
  2. What is a “pop-up museum“? “Pop-up museums figured out that there was a business to be made out of that photographability.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “to put away” mean? “At Refinery29’s pop-up experience, that means having some rooms where phones are supposed to be put away.” Give 2 synonyms and use ‘to put away’ in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do Instagram traps enhance or detract from the traditional art museum experience? Share your opinion.
  2. How do you feel about art museums adapting to the trend of Instagram traps to attract a younger audience?
  3. Do you believe that the rise of Instagram traps in art museums is a positive evolution or a departure from the core purpose of these cultural institutions? Explain.
  4. How do you think the presence of Instagram traps affects the way people engage with and appreciate art within the museum setting?
  5. Do you think the popularity of Instagram traps might overshadow the significance of the artworks themselves in traditional art museums? Elaborate.

Using Savings to Start an Amazon Side Hustle

B2 – Upper Intermediate

In today’s fast-paced and competitive world, many individuals find themselves contemplating whether to continue on their current path or pursue a side hustle that shows potential for success. While the decision to leave behind stability and venture into the unknown can be daunting, it is important to carefully consider the benefits and drawbacks before taking such a leap.

One common thread among various definitions of success is the idea of accomplishment. Success often implies reaching a desired outcome or fulfilling one’s aspirations. However, it is important to recognize that success is not solely measured by external achievements but also by internal satisfaction and fulfillment.

See how a 17-year-old turned her $2,000 savings into a side hustle that is now bringing her more than $30,000 a month.

https://www.cnbc.com/2024/01/05/teen-used-savings-to-start-lucrative-amazon-side-hustle-guinealoft.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to mock up” mean here,  “After a year of mocking up prototypes, Lin got distracted by a different idea: She wanted to sell athleisure for girls at a lower price point than large, trendy brands.”? Use this phrase in a sentence.
  2. What does “to fizzle out” mean,  “It was one of a few signs that TLeggings was fizzling out: Despite the lofty revenue numbers, the company was never profitable, and Lin struggled to keep up with her competitors.”?  Use this phrase in a sentence.
  3. What does the phrase “to reek of something” mean in the sentence, “They are difficult to clean, Lin says, and often reek of excrement.”? Use this phrase in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on Bella Lin’s business journey?
  2. What do you think about her products?
  3. What are your thoughts on having a side hustle?
  4. “She’s also considering taking a gap year after graduating high school.” If you were Bella Lin, would you also temporarily halt your education to run and expand your business? Why or why wouldn’t you?
  5. Have you ever had to make a significant decision on your professional path? Tell me the details of what happened.

The Future of Steak

B1 – Intermediate

Micro Harvest is on a mission to make protein quick and tasty using tiny living things in a Bioreactor. It only takes them one day! They’re planning to use this protein in various foods, even for pets.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about alternative protein production methods.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/the-future-of-a-steak-level-1/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. How does the phrase “closed space” in the sentence, “They use tiny living things in a closed space, called a Bioreactor”? Use it in a sentence.
  2. What is meant by “to start small” in the sentence, “Bakers wants to start small, like in a local store or restaurant, and then grow“? Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does the word “process” mean in this sentence, “Micro Harvest finishes the process in just one day.”? Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How do you feel about the innovative approach for protein production?
  2. What potential advantages or concerns do you see?
  3. Why do you think there are rules for making the protein, and why is it important for the company to follow them?
  4. How do you think new ways of making food, like Micro Harvest’s method, might change the food we eat in the future? Elaborate.