Category: Homework

Cold Water Immersion Therapy

B1 – Intermediate

Cold water has a significant impact on the human body, influencing circulation, metabolism, and muscle recovery. When exposed to cold water, the body reacts by constricting blood vessels to conserve heat, increasing heart rate, and boosting alertness.

Cold water immersion therapy, also known as cold therapy or ice bathing, is a technique used by athletes and wellness enthusiasts to reduce muscle soreness, inflammation, and stress. It is believed to enhance recovery, improve circulation, and even strengthen the immune system. However, prolonged or extreme exposure to cold water can be risky, potentially leading to hypothermia or shock.

Is cold water immersion therapy truly effective, or is it just a wellness trend?

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2501/250113-cold-water-immersion-therapy.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “dip” mean in this sentence? “Recent research suggests taking a dip in very cold water for several hours a week is good for our health. ” Write 3 synonyms of the word and make 1 sentence for each.
  2. What is the meaning of “well-being“? “They found it could have positive effects on our cognition, sleep quality, and overall well-being.” Make 2 sentences using the word.
  3. What does “energy-snapping” mean? “For many decades, ice baths have helped to speed the recovery of athletes following intense, energy-sapping performances. ” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you know about cold water immersion therapy, and have you ever tried it?
  2. What do you think about the idea of using cold water for recovery or health benefits?
  3. What other therapies, aside from ice water immersion, are commonly used in your country to treat muscle soreness?
  4. What are some negatives to using cold water therapy?

Students Using AI to Learn English

B1 – Intermediate

English is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world, serving as a global means of communication in business, education, and daily life. Learning English opens doors to better career opportunities, cultural exchange, and access to a vast amount of knowledge. However, mastering English can be challenging, requiring practice in listening, speaking, reading, and writing.

With advancements in technology, artificial intelligence (AI) has transformed the way people learn English. AI-powered tools, such as language learning apps, chatbots, and virtual tutors, provide personalized learning experiences, real-time feedback, and interactive exercises. These innovations make learning more accessible, efficient, and engaging, helping learners improve their English skills at their own pace.

Can relying on AI for learning English truly improve language skills, or might it limit real-world communication and critical thinking?

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2412/241223-learning-english-ai.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What are some alternative expressions for “face-to-face“? “The researchers said more young people used AI than took face-to-face lessons. ” Make 1 sentence for each expression.
  2. What does the phrase “in the midst of something” mean? “We’re in the midst of an AI revolution.” Make 2 sentences using the phrase.
  3. What is the meaning of the word “impact” in this sentence? “Technology has long had an impact on language learning.” Write 3 synonyms of the word.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Have you ever used AI for learning English? If so, how was your experience?
  2. Do you think AI can replace human teachers in English learning? Why or why not?
  3. What are the advantages and disadvantages of using AI for language learning?
  4. In the future, how do you see AI changing the way people learn English?
  5. What is your most and least preferred way of learning English? Explain why.

Big Tech Jobs Have Lost Their Glamour

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

For some time, holding a much coveted a job in Big Tech companies was the envy of everyone. The industry was once even dubbed as “the pinnacle of employment” being renowned for their model work cultures.

Cut to 2025, with increasing layoffs and cutbacks, employees who once strived to land a job in these tech giants do not bear the same enthusiasm as before.

Read this article about how working for Big Tech is losing its once shining star with layoffs and perk cuts here and there.

https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20240207-big-tech-layoffs-perks-cuts

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to test one’s mettle” mean? “Initially, the move went well. Michael says he got to work on high-impact features, testing his mettle against senior developers.” Use this idiom in a sentence.
  2. What does the phrase “to come out strong out the gate” mean? “After coming too strong out the gate in 2021, tech companies had to suddenly pull back their recruitment.” Use this expression in a sentence.
  3. What is does “the place to be” mean? “I was wowed by the office – it made it feel as though tech was the place to be. It was its fast-paced and innovative nature that stood out most to me: as though I could be part of something new.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use this phrase in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is causing tech slowdown and industry-wide layoffs?
  2. What is your opinion about the decline of Big Tech jobs glamour? Do people have the same sentiments in your country? Explain.
  3. Share your thoughts on how “employees who once clamoured to work for Big Tech companies are changing their tunes as layoffs proliferate and perks are cut”.
  4. If you worked in this industry, what do you think your next move would be and why?
  5. How has the growth of the tech industry in your country been affected by the pandemic? And how is it doing at the moment? 
  6. Share your point of view on this statement, “The glory days [of jobs in the tech sector] will be back: a couple of years post-economic downturn and it’ll be back to 2021.”.

President Trump Promises Golden Age of America

B1 – Intermediate 

As Donald Trump was inaugurated as the USA’s 47th President in January of 2025, he promises to ‘make America great again’. In his acceptance speech, he says, “”The golden age of America begins right now.”. 

Read this article about President Trump’s promise of a golden age for America.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2501/250123-golden-age-of-america-2.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “golden age” mean? “President Donald Trump has promised a “golden age” for America.” Use this phrase in a sentence.
  2. What does the phrase “to be sworn in” mean? “He was sworn in as the USA’s 47th President on the 20th of January.” Use this idiom in a sentence.
  3. What is does “administration” mean here, “He added that: “During every single day of the Trump administration, I will very simply put America first.“? Use this word in a sentence in the same context.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Share your thoughts on this news.
  2. What is your opinion on Trump’s promise of a golden age for America?
  3. Which of his promises do you think will be realized and which ones seems difficult to achieve? Explain.
  4. How do you/the citizens in your country normally feel about a new president’s promises at the beginning of their administration? Why do you think you/they feel this way?
  5. When was your country’s golden age? Talk about that period of time.

Trump and Europe’s Wind Energy

B1 – Intermediate 

One of the first things US President Donald Trump is doing is to temporarily stop new offshore wind projects. These new wind energy policies affect some of Europe’s most important green energy companies.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about President Donald Trump’s decision to stop new US offshore wind leasing projects.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/trump-and-europes-wind-energy-level-2

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “offshore” mean? “The company took a 1.69 billion dollar loss on US projects, including Sunrise Wind, which was meant to be the largest US offshore wind farm.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘offshore’ in your own sentence.
  2. What does the phrase “to be/get hit hard” mean? “Denmark’s Orsted got hit hardest, as its shares fell by 17%.” Use this idiom in a sentence.
  3. What is a “wind farm”? “The company took a 1.69 billion dollar loss on US projects, including Sunrise Wind, which was meant to be the largest US offshore wind farm.” Use this phrase in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Share your thoughts on this news.
  2. What are the good and bad things about wind turbines and wind energy?
  3. Mr. Trump believes wind turbines are ugly, too expensive, and harmful to animals. What is your opinion on his views about wind energy?
  4. How does US President Trump’s new policies affect the European wind power companies?
  5. What can these companies do to move forward from this problem/situation?

LinkedIn Accused of Using Private Messages to Train AI

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

The world’s largest professional social networking platform, LinkedIn, faces a lawsuit filed by their premium users alleging the social network website to be sharing said premium subscribers’ private messages and personal data with other third-party companies in order to train artificial intelligence (AI).

Read more about how LinkedIn allegedly shares users’ private messages and personal data with third parties to train AI.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cdxevpzy3yko

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Explain the “Stored Communications Act”. “It seeks $1,000 (£812) per user for alleged violations of the US federal Stored Communications Act as well as an unspecified amount for breach of contract and California’s unfair competition law.“ Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “false claim” mean? “A LinkedIn spokesperson told BBC News that “these are false claims with no merit”.” Use this phrase in a sentence.
  3. What does “to cover one’s tracks” mean? “LinkedIn’s actions indicate a pattern of attempting to cover its tracks,” the lawsuit said.” Use this idiom in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Share your thoughts on this news.
  2. What is your opinion on platforms/apps enabling user data sharing for AI purposes?
  3. Share your point of view on this, “Lawsuit accuses LinkedIn of trying to conceal its actions but the firm says the claims are false.”.
  4. Do you believe that this lawsuit will stand up in court? Explain your viewpoint.

French Town Inherits $10.2mn from Unknown Benefactor


B2 – Upper Intermediate

Imagine receiving a generous amount of money from a total stranger. How would that make you feel? This is exactly what happened to the small town of Thiberville as it becomes the unexpected beneficiary of an astounding amount of inheritance from a Parisian meteorologist who never once set foot in the town.

Let’s read the article and know more about the circumstances around this generous inheritance.

https://www.msn.com/en-in/news/world/small-french-town-in-normandy-inherits-102mn-from-unknown-benefactor/ar-BB1rjUpg

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the phrase “to leave someone in disbelief” mean? “The unexpected inheritance amounts to five times the town’s annual budget, leaving officials and residents in disbelief.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does the word “windfall” mean in this context? “Mayor Guy Paris described the windfall as“exceptional” and shared that the town would manage the money carefully.” Use it in a sentence and give two synonyms.
  3. What does it mean to “to set foot in some place“? “The quiet town of Thiberville in Normandy, France, was left stunned when it inherited an astonishing fortune of $10.2 million from a man who had never set foot in the town.” Use it in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think of Roger Thiberville leaving $10 million to a town?
  2. What would you consider doing with your money if you didn’t have anyone to leave it to?
  3. What would you do if you unexpectedly inherited a huge amount of money?
  4. Who are some of the most generous people you’ve met? What makes them generous?
  5. What do you know about the laws on inheritance tax in your country?

Los Angeles Wildfires Lead to Sky-High Rents  

B1 – Intermediate 

There have been more than 15,000 structures destroyed and hundreds of thousands of people affected by the wildfires in Los Angeles recently.

Those residents that lost their homes need to find a place to live in after this devastating incident. 

Unfortunately, some landlords seem to be taking advantage of this situation to increase their profits by raising the rents.

Read more about the high rents in Los Angeles after the wildfires.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2501/250116-los-angeles-fires-2.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “price gouging” mean? “The California governor introduced a price gouging law on January the 7th.” Use this phrase in a sentence.
  2. What does “upmarket” mean? “Actress Paris Hilton lost her house in upmarket Malibu.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘upmarket’ in your own sentence.
  3. What does “to break/shatter one’s heart into pieces” mean? “Actress Paris Hilton lost her house in upmarket Malibu. She wrote on social media: It feels like my heart has shattered into a million pieces.” Use this idiom in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your opinion about some landlords increasing the rents by thousands of dollars in the middle of the wildfires in LA?
  2. Is price gouging ever justifiable or fair? Explain your thoughts.
  3. Talk about another incident of price gouging that you know of.
  4. “Many people are blaming climate change for the fires. Little rain left Los Angeles very dry. The risk of wildfires is high.” Share your opinion about this statement. 
  5. Has your country ever been affected by wildfires? Talk about this instance.

Financially Smart Ways to Start the New Year


B2 – Upper Intermediate

As we step into 2025, it’s time to reassess and strengthen your financial strategies. Here are six actionable tips to help you navigate 2025 with greater financial confidence and security.

Read the article to know more about the steps to help you achieve financial wellness this year.

https://www.morganstanley.com/articles/financial-planning-new-year-financial-resolutions

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “liquid account” mean? A general rule of thumb for an emergency fund is saving three to six months’ worth of living expenses in a safe, liquid account.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “asset consolidation” mean? “Think about revisiting your asset allocation, or how your investments are split within your portfolio amongst equities, fixed income and cash.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “market volatility” mean? “If recent market volatility has caused your portfolio investments to stray away from your target allocation, it may be time to rebalance.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are some areas in your current budget where you feel you could cut back or reallocate funds to improve your financial health this year?
  2. Do you already have an emergency fund in place, or is building one a priority for you in 2025? How do you plan to achieve this goal?
  3. Have you revisited your investment portfolio recently? What factors do you consider when deciding how to diversify or adjust your investments?
  4. What are your top financial goals for 2025, and how do you plan to stay motivated to achieve them?

The Hidden Cost of Korea’s Beauty Industry

B2 – Upper Intermediate

South Korea is regarded as the global center for cosmetics, providing the state-of-the-art procedures that have kept them at the forefront of the beauty industry. And they continue to prosper and expand over the years as they successfully promote their medical sector to foreigners who are prepared to pay for their promising services.

See the video below to learn more about the dark side of Korea’s beauty business success.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Explain “biggest draw“. “The biggest draw was people were very satisfied with their results.”  Create a sentence using this term.
  2. What does “to put someone/something at the top of the game” mean? “These cutting-edge treatments are putting South Korea at the top of the beauty game.” Use this idiom to make your own sentence.
  3. What is the meaning of “to turn back the clock“? “From non-invasive lifting ultrasound, to skin boosting injections using DNA from salmon, she’s hoping to turn back the clock on her appearance.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘turn back the clock’ in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What effects does medical tourism have on the nation’s healthcare system, as discussed in the video? And by being the cosmetic capital of the world, secure better healthcare?
  2. How did Korea manage to succeed in the beauty game?
  3. What are your thoughts on chasing beauty through state-of-the-art aesthetic procedures? Will you patronize it given the chance? Why or why not?
  4. Share your thoughts on how South Korean government promotes medical tourism? Does your government promote it to boost the economy? Why or why not?