Category: Homework

Gen Z’s Are Ditching College Degrees for Blue-Collar Careers

B2 – Upper Intermediate

US college enrollment is declining as more Gen Z students are choosing trade schools and blue-collar careers over traditional four-year universities. With college costs rising over 100% in the past 20 years and job security in degree-required fields becoming less reliable, many young people are turning to skilled trades like welding, construction, and landscaping, which offer quicker entry into the workforce and solid earning potential.

Stories like Morgan Bradbury’s welding career and Chase Gallagher’s landscaping business show how hands-on careers can lead to financial success without a college degree. This shift reflects a changing view of success, as more young workers respond to market demands and rising costs with practical, skill-based career choices.

Watch the video to learn more about this shift and be able to answer the questions below.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “blue-collar career” mean? “Morgan isn’t alone among her peers in choosing a blue-collar career over college.” Give two (2) synonyms and use this idiom in a sentence.
  2. What does “tout” mean? “Since the last half of the 20th century, a college degree has been touted as a must-have for a stable and successful career.” Give two (2) synonyms and use this term in a sentence.
  3. What does “for the long haul” mean? “Morgan Bradbury says she plans to stick with welding for the long haul but also wants to pass along her skills to others.” Give two (2) synonyms and use this idiom in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What factors do you think have contributed most to Gen Z’s shift away from traditional four-year colleges, and do you think this trend will continue? Why or why not?
  2. How might the rise in skilled trade jobs impact the perception of success and social status in American society over the next decade?
  3. With the increasing cost of college and the availability of good-paying jobs without a degree, should high schools place less emphasis on college preparation and more on trade skills? What are the risks and benefits of doing so?
  4. Morgan and Chase both found success outside of the traditional college route. What qualities or mindsets do you think contributed to their achievements, and how can schools better support students with different career goals?
  5. How might current U.S. tariffs on imported goods (such as steel, aluminum, or foreign machinery) affect the demand for skilled trades like welding, manufacturing, and construction? Could tariffs help or hurt the blue-collar workforce?
  6. In what ways could trade policies and tariffs influence the future career decisions of Gen Z workers, especially those considering careers in industries affected by international supply chains?

Getting Ripped Off by Hidden Inflation

B2 – Upper Intermediate

We all know prices are rising—but what if the true cost of living is climbing even faster than it appears? Hidden inflation is quietly draining our wallets, not just through sticker shock but through shrinking product sizes, sneaky fees, and downgraded quality. Companies are finding clever ways to give you less for more, without officially raising prices.

Watch the video to uncover the tactics behind hidden inflation—and how it’s reshaping our everyday spending without us even noticing.


Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the phrase “rip-off” mean? Hidden inflation is the ultimate rip-off—you’re paying more for less, and most people don’t even realize it’s happening. Make a sentence using this phrase.
  2. What does the word “recoup” mean? “Companies shrink product sizes but keep prices the same to quietly recoup rising costs—leaving consumers ripped off by hidden inflation.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does the phrase “rake in” mean?” While consumers struggle with shrinking product sizes and rising prices, big corporations continue to rake in record profits.” Use it in a sentence.


Discussion Questions:

  1. What are some common examples of hidden inflation that people encounter in everyday life?
  2. How do companies justify practices like shrinkflation or added fees without losing consumer trust?
  3. Should governments or consumer protection agencies do more to regulate or expose hidden inflation tactics? Why or why not?
  4. Do you think hidden inflation is more harmful than traditional price increases? Why or why not?
  5. Would you rather see a clear price increase or experience subtle cost-cutting measures like smaller portions or lower quality?
  6. Is it the consumer’s responsibility to stay informed, or should companies be more transparent about changes?

The “Buy Now, Pay Later” Trap

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Have you ever been duped by a layaway service that charged you for your purchases using “buy now, pay later” shopping platforms? The current global boom has become a trend, particularly with regards to online purchases that appear so promising and may seem to be the ideal way to allay our guilt from spending too much.

Watch the video below to learn more about the “buy now, pay later” trap.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Define “down the road”. “I can just sign up for these payments and then worry about paying it sometime down the road.” Use this term in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “in a vacuum” mean? ” “But this explosion wasn’t just happening in a vacuum.” Use this phrase in a sentence and give a synonym.
  3. Expound on the term “last hurdle”? “You see, brands have mastered psychological manipulation through their website, but specifically on the last hurdle, which is the checkout page.” Use this idiom to make your own sentence and give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Have you availed of a “Buy now, pay later” scheme, and how does it make you feel after purchasing something online and not having to pay immediately?
  2. Do you think that we failed to recognize the financial trap of “buy now, pay later”? Explain.
  3. Explain the differences between a “buy now, pay later” plan and a credit card payment scheme.
  4. In your opinion, how can we stay out of any financial pitfalls that result in mounting debts?
  5. What are the most important financial education lessons you can impart to us, and how did you come to know them?

Koreans Cut Spending on Eating Out and at Home

B2 – Upper Intermediate

South Korea is witnessing an unprecedented trend as consumers sharply reduce spending both on dining out and at home. Driven by rising living costs, economic uncertainty, and changing lifestyle habits, this shift marks a significant change in the country’s consumption patterns and raises concerns about broader impacts on the food and restaurant industries.

Watch this video and more about how Koreans are cutting corners.


Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “frugal” mean? “Amid rising living costs, many Koreans have adopted a more frugal lifestyle, cutting back on both dining out and home food expenses.” Use the word in your sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does the word “sluggish” mean? “The sluggish economy has further pushed many Koreans to embrace a frugal lifestyle, reducing spending on both dining out and meals at home.” Make a sentence using the word.” Give a synonym.
  3. What does “at play” mean? “There’s a wider issue at play too with the sluggish economy creating job uncertainty and financial challenges causing people to spend less.” Use the idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym.


Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the main factors causing Koreans to cut back on both dining out and home meals?
  2. How might this shift affect small restaurants, grocery stores, and food producers?
  3. Could this trend lead to long-term changes in Korean eating habits and culture? Explain.
  4. Do you think cutting back on food spending is a wise way to handle financial pressure? Share your opinion.
  5. Would you personally reduce eating out and cooking at home if prices kept rising? Explain.

Airlines Betting Billions on First-Class Flights

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Airlines around the world are investing billions of dollars to expand and upgrade their first-class cabins, signaling a shift in strategy as they cater to growing demand for premium travel experiences. This trend reflects changing passenger expectations, the rise of luxury tourism, and increased profitability in the high-end travel segment. As competition intensifies, carriers are betting that enhanced comfort, privacy, and exclusivity will win over affluent travelers and boost long-term revenue.

Watch the video and be able to answer the questions that follow:


Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the phrase “to bet on someone or something” mean? “Airlines are betting on the idea that growing demand for comfort and exclusivity will make first-class cabins a major source of future profits.” Use it in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does the word “tailwind” mean in this sentence, “The airline industry is experiencing tailwinds from increased demand for luxury travel.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a similar expression.
  3. What is the meaning of “overhead cost“? “The global aviation industry has about $900 billion in annual expenses, largely fuel, labor, equipment and various overhead costs.” Make a sentence using the word.


Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think investing in first-class cabins is the best way for airlines to increase profits? Explain.
  2. Would you personally pay more for a first-class experience if given the option? Why or why not?
  3. Is it fair for airlines to focus more on luxury travel rather than improving economy class? Share your thoughts.
  4. Do you believe the rise in first-class spending reflects growing inequality in air travel? What is your opinion?
  5. What factors are driving airlines to invest more in first-class rather than economy or business class?

Digital Detox Retreats

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Digital detox retreats are growing in popularity as more people seek to disconnect from technology and reconnect with nature and themselves. From minimalist off-grid cabins to luxury resorts, these getaways offer tech-free environments that promote relaxation, better sleep, and mindfulness in a world overwhelmed by digital noise.

Read the article to know more about the rise of digital detox retreats.

https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20250507-the-unstoppable-rise-of-digital-detox-retreats

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to put something away” mean? “It’s not just a White Lotus thing: A growing number of resorts and retreats are asking their guests to put their digital devices away during their stay.” Make a sentence with this phrase. Give a synonym.
  2. Define “tech-lite“. “Echoing this interest, global luxury home-rental platform Plum Guide has seen a 17% rise in searches for unplugged, tech-lite properties.” Create your own sentence using this expression. Give a synonym.
  3. What’s the meaning of “to whisk away“? “In Mexico, the luxury Grand Velas Resorts has launched a Digital Detox Program that would not be out of place on The White Lotus, complete with a “Detox Concierge” to whisk away all electronic devices on arrival. “ Use this in a sentence and give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think digital detox retreats are necessary in today’s tech-driven world? Why or why not?
  2. In your opinion, can being unplugged for a while really improve a person’s mental health?
  3. Would you recommend an offline travel to someone who feels overwhelmed or burned out? Why?
  4. Would you personally find it difficult to give up your devices for several days? Why?
  5. Do you believe people rely too much on technology? What are the consequences of this?

The EU Commission’s Survival Kits

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The European Commission has introduced a “resilience kit” to help citizens prepare for emergencies such as natural disasters, cyberattacks, or conflicts by being self-sufficient for 72 hours. The kit includes essentials like food, water, medicine, and important documents. While some see this as a sensible move toward preparedness, far-right critics have labeled it as fearmongering and “war hysteria.” However, many European countries—especially those near Russia—have already adopted similar initiatives, reflecting a growing emphasis on civil protection. Supporters argue that being prepared does not create panic but instead empowers people to respond confidently to crises.

Read the article to learn why the EU’s survival kits are stirring debate and be prepared to answer the questions below.

https://www.euronews.com/my-europe/2025/04/02/the-eu-commissions-survival-kits-fearmongering-or-necessary-preparedness

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “fear mongering” mean? “Are the EU Commission’s survival kits fearmongering or necessary preparedness?” Use this term in a sentence and give a synonym or similar expression.
  2. What does “to keep something at hand” mean? “The Minister of the Interior and the emergency services advised on how to prepare an emergency bag and keep it at hand.” Use this term in a sentence and give a synonym.
  3. What does “worst-case scenario” mean? “In Spain, First Vice-President and Minister of Finance María Jesús Montero said that she works for peace while saying it is “logical” to prepare for the worst-case scenario.” Use this term in a sentence and give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on this emergency-preparedness kit?
  2. Have you ever experienced a situation where you wished you had been more prepared? Share this story.
  3. What would you include in your own resilience kit, and why?
  4. Does this news promote practical preparedness, or does it lean more toward fear mongering? Explain your answer.
  5. How did the recent power outage in Spain and Portugal highlight the need for better emergency preparedness among households?
  6. How can schools or local communities contribute to building a culture of preparedness without causing unnecessary alarm?

Scientists Resurrected the Dire Wolf

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Colossal Biosciences, a biotech company, has successfully de-extincted the dire wolf, a species that vanished 12,500 years ago. By using ancient DNA and advanced cloning techniques, scientists created three dire wolf pups from the genes of a gray wolf, its closest living relative.

These pups resemble the prehistoric predator, which once roamed North America and inspired the iconic dire wolves in the popular television series “Game of Thrones.”

Read the article to learn about the return of the dire wolf.

https://edition.cnn.com/2025/04/07/science/dire-wolf-de-extinction-cloning-colossal/index.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “standoffish” mean? “We’re still seeing a lot of juvenile behaviors. I think they are much more standoffish, much more skittish (than gray wolves). “ Make a sentence with this word. Give a similar word.
  2. Define “skittish“. “We’re still seeing a lot of juvenile behaviors. I think they are much more standoffish, much more skittish (than gray wolves). .” Use this adjective in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. Explain the phrase, “carbon copy“. “The debate over whether the wolves are a carbon copy of their extinct forerunners misses the point, Shapiro said, adding that the team had been successful in resurrecting the “functional essence” of the dire wolf.” Make a sentence using the phrase. Give a similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on using cloning and gene-editing to bring back extinct animals like the dire wolf? Do you think there are potential benefits or risks?
  2. What ethical considerations should be taken into account when deciding whether to resurrect extinct species?
  3. Should scientists focus on resurrecting extinct species like the mammoth or dire wolf, or should they prioritize conserving endangered species?
  4. Regarding Meachen’s statement, “I don’t think they are actually dire wolves. I don’t think what we have is dire wolves. What we had is something new — a mostly gray wolf that looks like a dire wolf.”, do you agree or disagree? Why?
  5. Could bringing extinct animals back to life contribute to biodiversity, or might it disrupt the balance of ecosystems? Share your opinion.

Test Calculates Biological Age and Longevity

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Researchers at the University of Washington School of Medicine have developed the Health Octo Tool, a novel method to estimate an individual’s biological age and predict health outcomes. By analyzing eight clinical and bloodwork metrics, the tool assesses aging more comprehensively than traditional methods. It introduces concepts like “health entropy” and assigns a “body organ disease number” to evaluate the condition and aging rate of individual organs.

Read the article to know why the researchers aim to develop a digital application to help individuals track their aging metrics and the effects of lifestyle changes.

https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/old-really-test-calculates-biological-123000895.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “a slew of something” mean? “A new way of calculating your biological age called the Health Octo Tool uses a slew of different metrics to figure out your biological age.” Use it in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “health entropy” mean? “The tool centers around an aging concept called health entropy.” Use it in a sentence. Give a similar expression.
  3. What does “susceptibility to something” mean? “Ultimately, the researchers say that the Health Octo tool is better than major tests used for assessing biological age, including the frailty index, a widely-used test that looks at a person’s susceptibility to age-related health issues.” Use it in a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on this tool?
  2. Why is knowing a person’s aging process necessary?
  3. What types of data does the Health Octo Tool use to determine a person’s biological age?
  4. How does the tool evaluate the aging process of individual organs?
  5. What is the reported accuracy of the tool in predicting age-related outcomes like mortality and functional decline?
  6. Why do some experts advise caution despite the tool’s high accuracy and potential benefits?

We Need Scientists Now, More than Ever

B2 – Upper Intermediate

In light of pressing global issues, scientists emphasize the indispensable role of science in safeguarding our planet’s future. Historical successes, like the Montreal Protocol’s role in curbing ozone layer depletion, showcase science’s potential in preventing disasters. However, recent assessments indicate that six out of nine Planetary Boundaries essential for Earth’s stability have been breached.

Read the article to know the urgent need for evidence-based approaches, increased investment in scientific research, and global collaboration to address environmental and health challenges

https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/climate-energy/why-we-need-scientists-now-more-than-ever-2025-05-07/?

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “the list goes on” mean? “Their alarm turned out to be an early warning that was at first dismissed and then attacked, before being proven to be the alarm that would steer us away from catastrophic consequences, as a result millions of cases of skin cancer were averted, eye cataracts prevented as well as the eventual destruction of ecosystems loss that could have led to agricultural system collapse, the list goes on.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “undermine” mean? ” If we want to leave a flourishing future for generations to come, science should consistently be nurtured, celebrated and invested in, not dismissed, undermined and attacked.” Use it in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “to be grounded in something” mean? “Let us not be divided by political narratives, but united by our shared responsibility and grounded in modern and Indigenous people’s science. “ Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What historical example shows how science successfully helped prevent an environmental crisis?
  2. What are the “Planetary Boundaries,” and how many of them have been exceeded according to recent assessments?
  3. Why is it important to use evidence-based approaches when dealing with global issues like climate change or public health?
  4. How can increased investment in scientific research help protect the planet and future generations?
  5. What role should international cooperation play in solving large-scale scientific and environmental problems?