Category: Homework

Stress Isn’t All Bad

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Stress is often seen as something to avoid, but it can serve a useful purpose in certain situations. Rather than simply being harmful, stress can enhance focus and performance when faced with challenges like interviews or presentations. By understanding how stress can work to our advantage, we can begin to view it as a tool for success, rather than just a source of anxiety.

Listen to the audio and read the transcript to learn how to turn stress into a tool for better performance.

https://www.npr.org/sections/shots-health-news/2024/10/18/nx-s1-5115911/stress-manage-anxiety-health-help

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “free pass” mean? “No one gets a free pass when it comes to stress.” Make a sentence with this phrase.
  2. What does “butterflies in the stomach” mean? “Ever felt clammy palms or butterflies in your stomach? In the moments before you walk into a job interview, ask someone out on a date, or step up to a podium to speak to a crowd, your stress response can kick in and create these physical sensations.” Use this phrase in a sentence.
  3. Explain the “fight-or-flight response”. “Humans have long faced threats from predators, and our fight-or-flight response evolved to help us survive these dangers.” Create a sentence with this term.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on the article? Do you agree or disagree with the points made? Why?
  2. Share your thoughts on this, “Your stress response can be your body’s way of preparing to rise to a challenge.“.
  3. How do you think stress affects your performance in challenging situations?
  4. Can you share a personal experience where stress helped you succeed?
  5. What strategies do you use to manage stress when faced with pressure?

Corporate Real Estate on Cliff Edge

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

As companies strive to do anything in their power to make hybrid setup work, it poses imminent consequences on the corporate real estate sector. Companies are now opting for more compact office spaces. As leases expire, this could leave many office buildings empty. 

To cope with this new trend in real estate, mixed-use development could possibly be one solution.

Read the article about the impact of corporate downsizing on the real estate industry.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/worklife/article/20240509-corporate-real-estate-on-cliff-edge-to-rethink-communal-spaces

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “retrofit” mean in business? “Not all vacant buildings can be updated to meet new market demands, nor retrofitted into residential units.” Use this term in a sentence.
  2. What does “gravitational pull” mean here, “As companies pay top dollar for quality, the gravitational pull to newer, higher-quality offices leaves behind a vacuum for lower-grade buildings.”? Use this phrase in a sentence.
  3. What does “to be on a cliff edge” mean, “Developers might be forced to the cliff edge to be creative, but they have around five years to prepare, mobilise and get ready for the future that’s coming.”? Use this idiom in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What problem is being talked about in the article and what are some possible solutions?
  2. What might be some things businesses consider in selecting where to base their headquarters if they want to attract their staff to the office?
  3. What do you like the least and the most about your office?
  4. What are the benefits and drawbacks of mixed-use neighborhoods?
  5. Do you believe you will see multifunctional areas in your city/country more soon? Why or why not?

US Approves Weight-loss Drug to Reduce Heart Disease Risk

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

Wegovy, a drug for weight loss, was approved by the US Food and Drug Agency (FDA) in 2021. They believe it could help lower the risk of death caused by stroke or heart attack in adults who suffer from cardiovascular disease or obesity.

Listen to the audio and read the transcript about the FDA approval of Wegovy in the US.

https://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/us-approves-weight-loss-drug-to-reduce-heart-disease-risk/7532146.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “vanity drug” mean? “The hope is that insurers will start understanding that this is not a vanity drug.” Give a synonym and use this phrase in a sentence.
  2. What does “to cover a drug” mean? “Recent estimates say nearly $3 billion was spent in 2021 covering Ozempic to treat diabetes.” Use this phrase in a sentence.
  3. What does “to open the door” mean here, “She said the change “… will open the door to allow more people on Medicare to gain access to Wegovy.””? Use this word in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on the drug Wegovy? Knowing the side effects and possible effects on some organs of this drug, do you think it is worth taking it or using it for treatments of patients? Explain your opinion.
  2. Share your insights on this, “The new class of obesity medications are useful for improving health, not just losing weight.”
  3. Should obesity-related health issues receive expanded coverage and federal health coverage programs such as Medicare pay for the obesity drug? Share your opinion.
  4. What is your opinion on this, “The FDA’s decision will change the way many heart patients are treated.”? How so, do you think?
  5. Share your thoughts on heart specialist Gulati’s statement, “Everybody (is) waiting to get this medication,” she said. “Lower the cost, do (not) be greedy and make sure the drug is available for use.” 

Asia’s Only Latin Town

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Traveling to a country where one shares a common language can significantly enhance the overall experience. While English serves as a lingua franca in many regions, immersing oneself in a culture that speaks the same language offers unique advantages. This shared linguistic foundation can facilitate smoother interactions and foster relationships that might be challenging to establish in an unfamiliar language.

Visiting a country where one’s native language is spoken allows for enriched travel experiences through effective communication and cultural immersion. Such interactions are invaluable in cultivating empathy and global awareness.

Watch the video and explore a little culture of a city.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “creole language” mean? “It’s widely considered as the world’s oldest creole language and as a Spanish speaker myself, I’m completely fascinated by this stuff.” Create a sentence with this term.
  2. What does “to be drawn into” mean? “It’s been years since I wanted to visit Zamboanga. Not only because it has the coolest name or unique location in the southwestern point of the Philippines, but I’ve always been drawn into its culture.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘to be drawn into’ in your own sentence.
  3. What does “to make one’s way” mean? “In 1521, the Spanish made their way to this archipelago of 7,641 islands and stayed for 377 years.” Create a sentence with this idiom.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your reaction to the only ‘Latin town’ in Asia?
  2. Share your thoughts on creole languages?
  3. What would you do if you had to travel to a country where its people don’t know how to speak neither your language nor English?
  4. Have you ever visited a society where most people speak only one language? How was it?
  5. Talk about one unique place you have ever been to or culture you have ever experienced.

SpaceX Catches Starship Rocket Booster Intact

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The SpaceX booster landing represents a significant advancement in aerospace engineering and space travel efficiency. On October 14, 2024, SpaceX successfully executed the unprecedented capture of its Super Heavy-Starship rocket’s first stage using mechanical arms, known as “mechazilla”.

This innovative approach not only demonstrates the potential for fully reusable rockets but also aligns with Elon Musk’s vision of making life multiplanetary. The successful landing and capture mark a pivotal moment in reducing costs associated with space exploration and increasing launch frequency.

Watch the video and get a glimpse of the advancement of space traveling.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is the “all eyes on someone/something”? “All eyes were on Boca Chica Texas as the Starship rocket blasted off at sunrise.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘all eyes on sb/sth’ in your own sentence.
  2. What does the noun “booster” mean here, “Getting its booster to land not in the ocean but instead guiding it back to the same Launchpad into a pair of giant mechanical arms.”? Use this term in a sentence.
  3. What does the phrasal verb “blow someone away” mean? “I mean, to see this even live was… It blew me away to watch it.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘blow someone away’ in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. In your own words, explain the “chopsticks maneuver”. What can you say about this space launch technology?
  2. Share your insights about this, “SpaceX has grown to dominate the space launch business. But for some, that dominance poses another risk — the politicization of space exploration.”
  3. Share your opinion on this, “Elon Musk routinely promotes his far-right views on his social media platform and financially-backs Trump.“
  4. How important is space exploration?
  5. What do you think would be the highlights of space travel in the future?

Touchscreens Out, Bring Back Buttons

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The popularity of touch screens in modern devices is beginning to change, as both manufacturers and users start to appreciate physical buttons again. Touch screens offer sleek designs and flexible features, but they can also be frustrating with accidental taps, no physical feedback, and difficulty using them without looking.

Because of this, there’s a rising interest in bringing back physical buttons, particularly in cars, smartphones, and other devices where accuracy and ease of use are important. This shift aims to combine the convenience of new technology with the comfort and reliability of buttons.

Watch the video to learn more about this hot “button” issue and be able to answer the questions below.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the word “toggle” mean? “You have an array of toggles at the bottom as well as customizable buttons on the steering wheel.” Use this word in a sentence.
  2. What does “tactile feedback” mean? “With the push to bring back buttons, manufacturers aim to offer the best of both worlds—combining the tactile feedback of physical controls with the modern functionality of touchscreens.” Use this term in a sentence.
  3. What does “into high gear” mean? “With the demand for tactile feedback growing, the push to bring back buttons has shifted into high gear.” Give one (1) synonym or similar expression and use ‘into high gear’ in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think physical buttons offer a better user experience than touch screens? Why or why not?
  2. How important is tactile feedback to you when using devices like smartphones or car controls?
  3. Do you believe that the return of physical buttons is just a temporary trend, or is it here to stay? Explain.
  4. In what types of devices do you think physical buttons would be most beneficial, and why?
  5. How might a shift back to physical buttons impact the design and functionality of future technology?

The Reasons US Presidents Are Not Allowed to Drive

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The president of the United States is one of the most powerful people in the world. Along with this power, comes a considerable amount of responsibility. Being the leader of the most influential country in the world comes with many perks for the rest of their lives such as a massive pension, comprehensive health insurance, etc.

However, there is one condition most former and current US presidents do not particularly like.

Let’s read the article and learn more about the reason US presidents can’t drive.

https://www.mentalfloss.com/posts/why-us-presidents-cant-drive-cars

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is the meaning of the phrase “unnerve“? “In 2012, Barack Obama said he unnerved agents when he climbed into a Chevy Volt and coasted around the White House.” Use it in a sentence and give two synonyms of ‘unnerve’.
  2. Define the verb “rankle“. “That he distanced himself from Secret Service protection rankled the press, which—like the country—was still reeling from Kennedy’s death.” Use it in a sentence and give two synonyms of ‘rankle’.
  3. What does “to hold an office” mean? “The policy is enforced by the Secret Service, the government security arm tasked with the safety of those holding the highest public offices in the country.” Use it in a sentence and give two synonyms of ‘to hold an office’.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on the rule preventing US presidents from driving? What is the exception?
  2. What might be the perks and downsides of being the president of a country?
  3. How would you feel if you had to give up driving?
  4. Would you enjoy having a personal driver? Why or why not?
  5. What would you say is the worst part of your job?

The Importance of Team Building

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Team building can be a demanding and occasionally stressful task for HR professionals, but the investment of time and effort pays off significantly. Why is team building essential, and what is the true return on investment (ROI) of organizing events and activities beyond regular work routines?

Read the article to find out more about the importance of team building.

https://teambuilding.com/blog/team-building-importance

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the adjective “close-knit” mean? “The following are reasons to foster a close-knit relationship among employees.” Give 1 synonym and use it in a sentence.
  2. What does the term “turnover cost” mean? “With fewer employees leaving, you save on turnover costs and valuable time since you do not have to undergo an onboarding process.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does the expression “to pull in the same direction” mean? “Thus, employees can more easily see how their individual efforts fit into the larger organizational mission. This alignment is vital because it ensures that the various teams pull in the same direction.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your definition of team building, and why do you think it is important in the workplace?
  2. Do you believe team building has a long-term impact on employee performance? Why or why not?
  3. In your opinion, what are the most important benefits of organizing team-building events?
  4. Do you think team building is necessary for all organizations, regardless of their size? Why or why not?

Trends Shaping the Future of Work

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The future of work is being fundamentally transformed by five key trends: globalization, technological innovation, shifting demographics, evolving workplace behaviors, and greater mobility. Each of these factors is driving change in its own way, but what is unprecedented now is how they are converging simultaneously.

Watch this video about the five trends that are challenging everything we know about work.

Vocabulary Questions:

1. What does “tap into” mean? “Organizations can tap into talents anywhere in the world.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘tap into’ in your own sentence.
2. What does the expression “digital native” mean? “Millennials are digital natives that expect and want to work in ways that reflect the year we live in.” Use it in a sentence.
3. What does the term “rethink” mean? “This is forcing organizations to fundamentally rethink and reimagine the way we work technologies.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Is your company keeping up with current employment trends?
  2. How is your company thinking about and planning for the future of work? Elaborate.
  3. How has every aspect of business behavior changed in your country over the years?
  4. Share your insights on this, “In the future of work, technology is the central nervous system of the organization that enables everything else to function.“.
  5. Are there any jobs that you think will not exist in 20 years’ time? What are they?
  6. What impact has migrant labour had on your country in recent years? Would you like to see more or less in future?

Hurdles for Women’s Equality

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Although women’s rights have advanced over the years, ongoing progress is far from certain. With increasing conflicts and growing authoritarianism, women continue to confront numerous challenges in areas such as education, employment, healthcare, legal rights, and violence. Addressing these issues is essential for the global effort to achieve gender equality, strengthen human rights protections, and ensure safety for everyone. In this article, we will examine 11 of the most pressing issues facing women and girls today.

https://www.unwomen.org/en/news-stories/feature-story/2023/09/the-11-biggest-hurdles-for-womens-equality-by-2030

Vocabulary Questions:

1. What does the adjective “staggering” mean? “This represents a staggering 8 percent of the global female population surviving on less than USD 2.15 a day.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘staggering’ in your own sentence.
2. What does “unpaid care” mean? “On the current trajectory, the gap between the time spent by women and men on unpaid care will narrow slightly, but by 2050, women globally will still be spending 9.5 per cent more time (2.3 more hours per day) on unpaid care work than men.” Use the term in a sentence.
3. What does the phrase “attitudinal shift” mean? “The prevalence of child marriage highlights the need for attitudinal shifts and the promotion of legal frameworks that safeguard women and girls’ rights.” Make a sentence using the phrase.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Share your insights on the info presented in this article.
  2. In your view, do you believe men and women are treated equally and fairly in your country? Elaborate on your stand.
  3. What have feminist movements achieved in your country so far?
  4. Do you think feminist movements are still needed in this century? Share your thoughts.
  5. In your opinion, what are some of the biggest worldwide problems women are facing at present? Give specific examples.