Category: Homework

Very Special Wedding Dress 

B1 – Intermediate

A “very special wedding dress” is like adding a personal touch to your big day. It could be a dress with special meaning, a unique design, or even one made from surprising stuff.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about a very special wedding dress.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/very-special-wedding-dress-level-3/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “masterpiece” mean in the sentence, “Designers are only allowed to use toilet paper, glue, tape, needles, and thread to create their masterpieces.“? Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “twist” mean in this sentence, “The competition offers a more creative twist to bridal attire and the competitors are always excited as they make it down to the final 10 out of over a thousand hopefuls.“? Use it in a sentence.
  3. How is the word “hopeful” used in the sentence “The competition offers a more creative twist to bridal attire and the competitors are always excited as they make it down to the final 10 out of over a thousand hopefuls.“? Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. In your opinion, why might some people prefer unique or unconventional elements in their weddings?
  2. What is your opinion on very “unique” wedding dresses?
  3. How might events that encourage artistic expression, such as the wedding dress contest, contribute to the broader appreciation of art and creativity?
  4. If you were given the challenge to create something unique for a wedding, what would you choose, and why?

Russia Celebrity Party

B1 – Intermediate

A controversial party in Russia, marked by indecent attires, has caused a controversy. With a rapper going to jail, companies ending contracts, and public disapproval, the event took place during the Ukraine war, receiving a lot of criticism. The organizer now faces tax issues, public anger, and calls for accountability.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about this controversial party in Russia.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/russia-celebrity-party-level-2/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to get in trouble” mean in the sentence “A rapper got in trouble and went to jail for 15 days.“? Use it in a sentence.
  2. What is implied by the phrase “tough time” in the sentence, “Some people say the party was bad because soldiers are fighting, and it is a tough time“? Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “punish” mean in the sentence, “People are angry, and they want those who did the party to be punished.”? Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think it’s okay to have a big party when there’s a serious situation like a war going on? Why or why not?
  2. Are fines effective way to punish people for their actions? Why / Why not?
  3. How are famous people affected when companies end contracts with them?
  4. The person who organized the party said sorry two times. Do you believe apologies can fix everything in this case? Explain.
  5. Has something like this ever happened in your country? Talk about it.

China Fog

B1 – Intermediate

Fog, a fascinating weather phenomenon, occurs when the air close to the ground becomes saturated with moisture, causing water droplets to form a thick mist. This natural occurrence often envelops surroundings in an enchanting veil, lending an air of mystery to landscapes.

While fog enhances the aesthetics of nature, it can also impact visibility, making it essential for travelers and communities to adapt to its ever-changing presence.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about the thick fog in China over the holidays.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/china-fog-level-2/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is a “landmark“? “Famous landmarks like the Shanghai Center Tower and Oriental Pearl Tower became almost invisible, which surprised residents.“? Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does the term “cold wind” mean, “Experts expect that the bad weather will improve with a coming cold wave.“? Use it in a sentence.
  3. What is the meaning of “endure” in the sentence “China endured extreme weather throughout the year, from periods of very cold weather to heatwaves and big storms.“? Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How might the thick fog affect the daily lives of people in Shanghai?
  2. What are other ways in which weather conditions, like dense fog, could impact a city’s normal activities?
  3. How can authorities better prepare and communicate with the public in situations like this?
  4. How can individuals and communities manage climate change issues?

Make Smart Decisions More Easily

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Every single thing our bodies do — be it physical or mental— requires energy. We might not notice it, but making decisions, even if it is as simple as what to eat, what to wear, etc., takes up a lot of our energy. Imagine how much more exhausted our brains get when are constantly faced with complex matters that need our deciding prowess. 

Based on numerous research, some people tend to have a “daily threshold for making decisions”. Very long periods of time of making decisions can cause us to suffer from cognitive exhaustion or decision fatigue.

Watch the video to know more about decision fatigue and learn some ways on how to avoid it.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does it mean for “to meet the threshold“? “Once that threshold is met, most people make the conscious choice to “take it easy” and save serious thinking about any new decisions for another day.” Use this expression in your own sentence.
  2. What does “to save something for another day” mean? “Once that threshold is met, most people make the conscious choice to “take it easy” and save serious thinking about any new decisions for another day.” Use this idiom in your own sentence.
  3. What does the adjective “taxing” mean here, “For example, choosing what to eat for breakfast isn’t very taxing.”? Give two synonyms or similar expressions and make a sentence using ‘taxing’.

Discussion Questions:

  1. “Individuals have a daily threshold for decision-making.” In your opinion or personal experience, when is it the best time to just choose to “take it easy” and why so? In other words, what is your decision-making threshold?
  2. What is your process when it comes to decision-making?
  3. What factors affect your decisions, whether minor or big ones?
  4. What are ways we can avoid decision fatigue?
  5. Share your thoughts on this: “Many researchers are especially concerned about decision fatigue in medicine.”.

Paying Attention to Our Dreams

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Paying attention to our dreams can offer valuable insights into our subconscious thoughts, emotions, and concerns. While some view dreams as random mental chatter, others believe they hold significant meaning and that they can provide clues to unresolved issues or desires.

Psychologists and researchers often explore the potential connections between dreams and waking life, studying patterns and themes to understand their potential impact on our mental well-being.

Ultimately, the importance of paying attention to dreams varies from person to person, but many find that acknowledging and reflecting on their dreams can offer unique perspectives and foster personal growth.

Read the article about how much should we be paying attention to our dreams and some benefits of keeping a dream log. Be ready to answer the questions that follow.

How Much Should We Be Paying Attention To Our Dreams?

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the verb “decipher” mean, “People have been recording, analyzing, and attempting to decipher dreams for centuries, as is seen in evidence of cave drawings and early literature.”? Give two synonyms and use ‘decipher’ in a sentence.
  2. What does “omen” mean, “Some believed they were prophecies from God, others interpreted dreams as omens from demonic forces”? Give two synonyms and use ‘omen’ in a sentence.
  3. What does “wiring” mean in the sentence, “Keeping a dream log is just one more way we can get to know ourselves and better understand our unique wiring.”? Use this word in a sentence. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you typically remember your dreams? How do you perceive the importance of dreams in your life?
  2. What are your thoughts on making a dream log? How might keeping one contribute to personal growth or understanding oneself better? 
  3. Do you believe dreams have psychological significance, or do you see them as random brain activity during sleep? Explain.
  4. Have you experienced instances where your dreams seemed influenced by your activities or thoughts before sleep? How do you think external factors affect dream content?
  5. What are your thoughts on the idea that dreams might reflect physical health or conditions in the body? Do you find this concept plausible or far-fetched? Explain.

New Year’s Resolutions Cardiologists Make

B2 – Upper Intermediate

It’s the start of a new year which means it’s time for people to make their new year’s resolutions. Individuals often vow to have healthier habits and make positive personal changes.

Cardiologists, in particular, understand the importance of leading a heart healthy-lifestyle. Hence, they focus on resolutions to maintain their own heart health.

Read this article to learn what new year’s resolutions cardiologists always make for better cardiovascular health.

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/heart-health-cardiologists-new-years-resolutions_l_65831ae9e4b0d9bdbf6876af

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “out of whack” mean? ““It’s important to know where you’re at in terms of those numbers, but also not to be discouraged if numbers are out of whack,” Jackson noted.” Give two synonyms and make a sentence using ‘out of whack’.
  2. What does “to turn on a switch” mean? ““Our cardiovascular health is not just turning on a switch.” Use this expression in this context in your own sentence.
  3. What does “to cut someone some slack” mean? “You should cut yourself some slack if you miss a day at the gym or fall back into an old habit you’re trying to break.” Give two synonyms or similar expressions and make a sentence using ‘to cut someone some slack’.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Talk about the four resolutions mentioned in the article and share your thoughts on them.
  2. Have you considered your heart health while making New Year’s resolutions, and if yes, what changes are you contemplating?
  3. How might cardiologists’ resolutions inspire you to incorporate heart-conscious habits into your own life?
  4. Which habits have you adopted that are influenced by cardiologists’ resolutions for heart health in your own lifestyle?

Harmless Habits May Increase Risk of Dementia

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Dementia is an umbrella term for loss of thinking ability, memory attention, problem-solving, and other cognitive abilities that are severe enough to interfere with daily life. In our every day lives, habits create a pattern that we often overlook. While some habits contribute to our well-being, some may harbor hidden risks especially to our mental health.

Read this article to learn about those seemingly harmless habits that may actually increase your risk of dementia.

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/habits-raise-dementia-risk_l_6595a041e4b0912833aeb922

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “somebody’s way or the highway” mean? “Additionally, “try to be flexible with your reactions and avoid the ‘my way or the highway’ mentality, which can be common in older adults,” Steel said.” Use this in a sentence.
  2. Define the expression “put something on the back burner“. “Let’s face it, sleep tends to be put on the back burner.” Make a sentence with this.
  3. What does “unplug” mean in this context, “Try unplugging at least 30 minutes before bed.”? Give two synonyms and make a sentence with “unplug”.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Which habits mentioned in the article do you have?
  2. Are there other habits in your daily routine that seem harmless, but might potentially pose a risk to your cognitive health?
  3. How do you prioritize activities that promote brain health in your personal lifestyle?
  4. What specific cognitive health goals have you set for yourself, considering your current habits and lifestyle?

Hospitals Sue Patients for Medical Debts

B2 – Upper Intermediate

We often hear about patients suing doctors or hospitals for negligence or some kind of medical malpractice.

However, some hospitals in America are doing it the other way around. They are taking some legal actions against their patients.

Read the article to find out why some US hospitals sue patients.

https://www.chiefhealthcareexecutive.com/view/many-hospitals-sue-patients-or-turn-to-collectors-for-medical-debts-report

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is “wage garnishment“? “More than two-thirds of hospitals are filing lawsuits or taking other legal measures, including garnishing wages and placing liens on homes or property.” Use this word in a sentence.
  2. What does “(property) lien” mean? “More than two-thirds of hospitals are filing lawsuits or taking other legal measures, including garnishing wages and placing liens on homes or property.” Use this word in a sentence.
  3. What does “saddled with” mean? “At a White House event in April, Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra said, “Too many families across the country are saddled with crushing medical debt.” Use this phrase in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on hospitals aggressively going after patients for unpaid medical bills?
  2. How can this impact patients with huge medical debts?
  3. What are things being done in order to address the issue of hospitals suing patients who have increasing unpaid hospital bills?
  4. What impact could these solutions have on the healthcare system in America?
  5. Does this also happen in your country? Why or why not?

Biocomputers

B1 – Intermediate

We are so close to seeing a fusion between humans and computers. Organoids are lab-grown tissues that are much like human organs. Bioengineers have successfully, though still in its early stages, built a cross between organoids and AI.

Read the article about biocomputers.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2312/231218-brainoware-biocomputer-4.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the noun ”merging” mean,“Humans and machines are closer to merging.”? Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and make a sentence using ‘merging’.
  2. What does “early stage” mean? “Brainoware is in its early stages, but can already do complex tasks like voice recognition.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and make a sentence using ‘early stage’.
  3. What does the phrase “proof-of-concept” mean? “A researcher said: “This is just proof-of-concept to show that we can do the job.” Use this term in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is a biocomputer?
  2. What is your opinion on this technology?
  3. What makes this invention important?
  4. What are some good uses of biocomputers? Can you think of more? 
  5. How about the disadvantages/challenges we have with it?

Food Expiration Dates

B2 – Upper Intermediate

We could all be guilty about one thing — tossing food on or before their sell-by dates. Part of the reason is because we do not fully understand what expiration date labels on them actually mean. As a result, massive amounts of food are wasted globally.

Watch the video about the truth about food expiration dates and how to solve food waste.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does ”go bad” mean,“So if the dates on our food don’t tell us that something’s gone bad, what do they tell us?”? Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and make a sentence using ‘go bad’.
  2. Explain “open dating”. “Many supermarkets adopted a system still in place today called ‘open dating’.” Use this term in a sentence.
  3. What does “gauge” mean? “But when supermarkets began stocking processed foods, product ages became harder to gauge.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and make a sentence using ‘gauge’.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on this, “Many foods are safe to eat far beyond their labeled dates.”?
  2. Do you use date labels to decide if food is still edible? Why or why not? Would the info in this video change your ways? Explain.
  3. What are some food preservation hacks you employ on your food items at home?
  4. How do you minimize your food waste?
  5. Should grocers remove date labels on produces and just let consumers use their own judgement? Explain your perspective on this.
  6. Should restaurants and grocers donate unsold food? Share your opinion.