Category: Homework

Finland Marimekko Designs

B1 — Intermediate 

Marimekko is a famous Finnish design company. It is known for its bright colors and bold patterns. The company was founded after World War II. Its designs are inspired by nature. 

The brand became popular around the world when Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis wore one of its dresses. Today, Marimekko is an important part of Finnish culture, and many Finnish homes have at least one Marimekko item.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about Marimekko.

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Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is the meaning of “a core part of something”? ”Today, the brand is a core part of Finnish identity, and almost every Finnish home owns at least one Marimekko item.” Use the expression in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “an everyday woman” mean here, “The name Marimekko means Mary’s dress, and represents an everyday woman.” Use the idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  3. What does “side” mean here, “This allows naturally quiet people to express their colorful side through their clothes.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. Share your opinion about Marimekko’s designs.
  2. Would you be interested to buy something from Marimekko? Why or why not?
  3. Talk about a brand that is a core part of your country’s identity, and almost every citizen  owns at least one item from it.
  4. How did that brand become so famous and important in your country?
  5. How can a struggling business recover and become successful?

Big Protests in Bolivia

B1 — Intermediate 

Bolivia has major anti-government protests and road blockades. About 60 roadblocks are causing shortages of food, fuel, and medicine across the country. 

Protesters want President Rodrigo Paz to resign or hold new elections. The political problems began after economic problems and unpopular government decisions. The President is now considering a state of emergency to end the blockades.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about the protests in Bolivia.

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Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is a “blockade”? ”Nearly a month of anti-government protests and road blockades have pushed Bolivia to a breaking point, according to the President.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “to push someone/something to a breaking point” mean? “Nearly a month of anti-government protests and road blockades have pushed Bolivia to a breaking point, according to the President.” Use the idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  3. What does “subsidy” mean? “President Rodrigo Paz was elected last October during a difficult economic crisis, but he later angered low-paid and rural Bolivians by stopping fuel subsidies and joining right-wing parties.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. Share your opinion about the protests and blockades in Bolivia.
  2. What are some things that anger the citizens of your country nowadays?
  3. What is your opinion about President Rodrigo Paz’s solution to consider a state of emergency in Bolivia?
  4. What could happen if these protests continue for a long time?
  5. How would your daily life change if roads in your area were blocked?

Chatbot Therapy

B1 — Intermediate 

More people are using AI chatbots like ChatGPT and DeepSeek for emotional support. AI can give helpful and personalized responses, especially for people who cannot afford therapy.

However, AI does not truly understand emotions like human therapists do. Even so, it can provide support to people who might not have other options.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about chatbot therapy.

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Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “companionship” mean? “These tools provide emotional support and a sense of companionship, particularly for people in remote areas or those who cannot afford traditional therapy.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  2. What does “mental well-being” mean? “Experts like Ronnie Das say AI can now copy human emotions and provide helpful responses for mental well-being.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  3. What is the meaning of “remote area”? ”These tools provide emotional support and a sense of companionship, particularly for people in remote areas or those who cannot afford traditional therapy.” Use the phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think about using AI chatbots as personal therapists?
  2. What are the advantages and disadvantages of using chatbots for therapy?
  3. What is your opinion on this, “AI doesn’t truly understand emotions or care about people like human therapists do.”?
  4. What is your opinion on this, “AI’s role in mental health will continue to grow.”?
  5. If you felt sad or had a problem, would you rather talk to a person or an AI chatbot? Why?

Ferrari Shares Slump After Unveiling First Fully Electric Car

B2 — Upper Intermediate 

Luxury sports car manufacturer Ferrari has launched its first fully electric vehicle, the Luce, priced at $640,000 (£474,320). 

In their efforts to take on Chinese EVs, they have been faced with serious backlash. Luce was highly criticized because some think that it betrays the brand’s legacy.

Consequently, shares of the company declined by over 8% on the Milan market and more than 5% on the New York market.

Read this article about Luce, Ferrari’s first ever electric car.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cwy22rddy5no

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is the meaning if something is “made in-house”? ”The firm said that all of the components are made in-house, so that the car can be repaired by the company well into the future, protecting the Luce’s resale value.” Use the phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “a masterclass in something” mean? “Responses on social media to the launch ranged from describing it as “straight to the junkyard trash” to an “absolute masterclass in design”.” Use the idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  3. What does “to scale back on something” mean? “Supercar rivals like Lamborghini and Porsche have scaled back on their EV plans due to poor demand and intense competition from Chinese brands.” Use the phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think about Ferrari’s electric car Luce? What are its promises and pitfalls?
  2. What is your opinion on Lamborghini and Porsche scaling back on their EV plans due to poor demand and intense competition from Chinese brands.
  3. What are some major obstacles of companies like Ferrari facing in shifting to EVs?
  4. Ferrari’s chief design officer Flavio Manzoni believes that critics are part of the innovation process. What is your insight on this?
  5. Do you think that the concept of an electric Ferrari with a new design is “polarising”? Will people eventually come to appreciate it? Share your views.
  6. What are your insights on this, “Yet Ferrari’s shares have dropped by more than 30% over the past year, mirroring a wider slump across luxury brands as inflation around the world has shaken demand for high-end goods.”?

Indonesia Stops a Documentary Film about Papua Forests

B1 — Intermediate 

The Papua region in Indonesia has the world’s third-largest tropical rainforest and rich biodiversity. However, large government projects are causing serious environmental and human rights problems.

The new film Pesta Babi (Pig Feast) shows how the government exploits the land and people from local communities in Papua. This is why the Indonesian authorities are trying to prevent people from seeing the film.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about the controversial documentary film from Indonesia.

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Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is the meaning of “sacred”? ”However, these forests are the home of Indigenous Papuans who depend on them for survival, and their sacred sites are located there.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “screening” mean here, “The military stopped screenings at universities because they said the topic was too sensitive and could cause trouble.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  3. What does “sold-out” mean? “The government’s attempts to ban the documentary have generated massive publicity, which has led to sold-out screenings across the country.” Use the expression in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why is the Indonesian government trying to stop the showing of this documentary film? What is your opinion about that?
  2. What is your opinion about the makers of this film getting serious threats and the police watching them?
  3. If there was a similar documentary in your country, would you like to see it even if your government prohibits it?
  4. Talk about a very controversial issue in your country that you think the government tried to prevent people from knowing about.
  5. What are some of the most politically sensitive topics in your country or in the world right now? 

Swatch Royal Pop Watch

B1 — Intermediate 

Swatch and Audemars Piguet made a new watch collection. The watches are much cheaper than usual. Many people wanted to buy them. A lot of people gathered outside stores. Some stores had problems because of the crowds. Swatch said the watches are not limited and will still be available later.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about Swatch’s Royal Pop watches.

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Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is the meaning of “frenzy”? ”The Swiss watchmaker Swatch has experienced global frenzy after the launch of its new Royal Pop collection.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does it mean for “a fight to break out”? “In Paris, local police had to use tear gas to control the crowds, and physical fights broke out in Milan as soon as the doors opened.” Use the expression in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  3. What does “to outpace” mean? “Because demand outpaced the supply, chaos started in many locations.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why do you think so many people wanted to buy these watches? Would you buy one of these watches if you had the chance? Why or why not?
  2. Do you think the chaos at the Swatch stores could have been prevented? If so, how?
  3. Would you wait in a very long queue for a product that you really wanted? Why or why not?
  4. Is it important for companies to limit the number of products people can buy? Explain your opinion.
  5. What is your opinion about luxury brands making cheaper products?

Sagrada Familia and Worried Locals 

B1 — Intermediate 

Sagrada Família is now the tallest church in the world. It took 144 years to build. Antoni Gaudí designed the church. Millions of tourists visit it every year. 

New building plans including a grand staircase and a park in front of the main church entrance are causing concerns. Some residents are worried that they might lose their homes because of these development projects.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about the worries of residents about these future projects at the Sagrada Familia.

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Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is the meaning of “demolish”? ”To build the new staircase, the city might need to demolish several blocks of residential houses.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What is the meaning of “residential houses”? “To build the new staircase, the city might need to demolish several blocks of residential houses. ” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  3. What does “identity” mean in this sentence? “Many people fear they will lose their homes and their identity in the neighborhood.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why are some people against the new staircase and park project?
  2. What is your opinion about the future plans for this church?
  3. Have you been to the Sagrada Familia? What do you think about it?
  4. Do you think historical buildings should continue to be expanded or changed? Why or why not?
  5. What problems can occur when cities develop areas around famous landmarks?
  6. Do you think it is fair to remove homes to complete a public project? Explain your answer.
  7. How can we balance tourism, history, and the needs of local residents?
  8. What would you do if a major construction project affected your neighborhood?

Vitamin Patch

B2 — Upper Intermediate 

Vitamin patches are wearable supplements that deliver vitamins through the skin. People usually place the patch on their arm, shoulder, or another area of the body for several hours. These vitamin patches are wearable supplements designed to deliver vitamins through the skin in a simple and convenient way.

Barrière is a company seeking to innovate the supplement industry. Its slogan, “Wear your vitamins,” reflects its focus on wearable vitamin patches as an alternative to traditional supplements.

Watch the video about vitamin patches and how Barriere is trying to disrupt the US supplement market.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is the meaning of “cost prohibitive”? ”We’ve done user trials. There’s one trial available, but it’s been cost prohibitive and it’s unfortunately not required to sell in America.” Use the phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What is the meaning of “clinical efficacy”? “From what I see, we are choosing convenience over clinical efficacy.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  3. What does “bioavailability” mean? “The assumption is that because they’re so small, they’re going to penetrate the skin. Therefore, you will have bioavailability of these supplements and herbs.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the advantages and disadvantages of using vitamin patches?
  2. What are your thoughts on this supplement? Would you try a vitamin patch instead of taking supplements by mouth? Why or why not?
  3. Do you trust new health trends easily, or do you prefer to do more research first? Explain your answer.
  4. The FDA has declared that it plans to end its war on vitamins. What are your thoughts on this?
  5. How important is marketing for health products like vitamin patches?
  6. Could wearable health products become more popular in the future? Why or why not?

Living with ADHD

B1- Intermediate 

Around 5–8% of people worldwide are estimated to have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or ADHD. That means hundreds of millions of people are affected globally.

One of them is Henry.

Henry is a tour guide in central London. He has ADHD. ADHD makes everyday tasks difficult for him.  His family supports him with love and understanding. He shares his story to help people understand ADHD better.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript to know how it is like living with ADHD.

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Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is the meaning of “embrace” in this sentence? “Despite these difficulties, Henry embraces his ADHD and says he doesn’t need fixing.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “overwhelm” mean? “Sometimes the constant noise and instructions in his head overwhelm him, causing frustration and feelings of shame.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  3. What is the meaning of “detour” in this sentence? “By sharing his story, Henry hopes to help others understand that ADHD affects many parts of life, not just school, and that living with it means taking some detours but still moving forward.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. What did you learn about ADHD from Henry’s story?
  2. What are some strengths that people with ADHD may have? 
  3. What challenges do people with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder face in everyday life?
  4. How can family and friends help someone living with ADHD?
  5. How can schools and workplaces become more supportive for people with ADHD?

Ube: The Purple Food Taking Over Your Feed

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Following the popularity of bright green matcha, a new food trend has become an internet sensation: the vibrant purple ube or purple yam.

Although it has only recently become popular internationally, ube has been popular in its native country, the Philippines, for a long time.

To find out more, watch the video below.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to come on the back of something” mean? “I think it is because of its color, coming on the back of big trends with matcha or acai bowls.” Use this idiom in a sentence. Give a similar expression.
  2. What does “commonplace” mean? “So, like you said, it’s been around for thousand of years and it’s super commonplace in Filipino kitchens.”  Use this expression in a sentence. Give a similar expression.
  3. What does “slow burn” mean? “It’s a slow burn trend that really took off at the end of 2025 and into this year.” Use this term in a sentence. Give a similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Have you heard or seen anything about this purple food known as “ube”? Tell us about your experience. Why do you think it’s becoming a trend nowadays?
  2. What are the benefits of having food trends gain global attention?
  3. How does increasing demand help the country of origin develop sustainability?
  4. Talk about a local food from your country that gained global recognition.
  5. What other food trends or food items have become popular in your country?