Category: Homework

Organic Caviar

B1 – Intermediate 

Caviar is considered a high-value luxury when it comes to gastronomy. 

There is a farm of sturgeon fish in Riofrío, Spain that makes the first organic caviar in the world. 

Listen to the audio and read the transcript about organic caviar from Spain.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/organic-caviar-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “organic” mean? “A sturgeon farm in Riofrío, southern Spain, produces what it calls the world’s first organic caviar.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  2. What is an “additive”? “The product contains only sturgeon eggs and salt, with no additives, and is made entirely in the European Union.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a similar expression.
  3. What does “sustainably sourced” mean? “The fish are raised in natural spring water and are fed organic vegetables and sustainably sourced fishmeal.” Use the phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is so special about the caviar made in Riofrío, Spain?
  2. Are you interested in trying the organic caviar from Riofrío? Have you tried caviar? What do you think about it? 
  3. What is your opinion about more restaurants in Spain putting caviar in their menus?
  4. What are your thoughts about caviar becoming more affordable?
  5. Do you prefer food with organic certification? Why or why not?

UK Stores Locking Up Chocolates to Stop Theft

B1 – Intermediate 

They are creamy and sweet. They make people feel happiness and pleasure. These things make chocolates a popular choice of sweets. 

In the UK, it seems chocolates have become a favorite item of thieves. Store owners have to find a way to stop this problem.

Read the article UK stores locking up chocolate to stop theft.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2603/260309-chocolate-shoplifting-5.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is a “shoplifter”? “Shops in the UK are going to extreme lengths to stop shoplifters from stealing chocolate.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a similar expression.
  2. What does “to go to extreme lengths” mean? “Shops in the UK are going to extreme lengths to stop shoplifters from stealing chocolate.” Use the idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  3. What does “to end up in court” mean? “In London, only five per cent of these ended up in the courts.” Use the expression in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. How is chocolate theft a “massive issue” for shops in the UK?
  2. What do you think about the solution to put products that thieves commonly steal in plastic security boxes? How can it affect sales?
  3. How would you feel if you have to ask a store staff to unlock the box to buy an item at a store? Do you think it will affect your interest in buying that product?
  4. Why do you think chocolate is now a target by thieves and has become high value product especially in the black market?
  5. “There were more than 5.5 million reported incidents of shoplifting in the UK last year. In London, only five per cent of these ended up in the courts.” What do you think should the punishment for shoplifting?
  6. What are your thoughts on this, “There are 1,600 violent attacks against shop workers every day.“?

Anxiety Shows Up With a Toxic Boss

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Working with a boss can be stressful, but some bosses make life much harder. A toxic boss can create anxiety, frustration, and even fear at work. These feelings are common, and they can affect your health and your performance.

In this article, we will look at eight ways anxiety can show up when you have a toxic boss, so you can understand your feelings and find ways to cope.

Read this article to learn more.

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/toxic-boss-anxiety-goog_l_69a07b2ce4b059e1adf278e0

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to feel on edge” mean? “You frequently feel on edge and irritable.” Use this in a sentence.
  2. What is the meaning of “to lash out at someone“? “You may find yourself choosing your words extremely carefully and speaking up less in meetings out of fear that they will lash out at you.” Make a sentence with this.
  3. What does it mean when “sh*t hits the fan“? “‘Oftentimes, the dread that you feel when you wake up for the day is about, ‘Is today the day that sh*t hits the fan?” Use this in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are some physical signs of anxiety that the article says people might feel because of a toxic boss? How do these show that stress affects both mind and body?
  2. How can constant stress from a bad boss affect relationships outside of work, like family or friends?
  3. In your country, how common do you think it is for people to have a boss who creates stress, and why?
  4. What are healthy ways people can cope with work stress or anxiety caused by difficult people?
  5. What could governments or workplaces do to reduce the number of toxic bosses and protect workers’ mental health?

Squid Game Ends, South Koreans Return to the Reality

B2 – Upper Intermediate

After the popular TV show Squid Game ended, many people around the world were left shocked by its story. The show showed people struggling with debt, poverty, and unfair treatment. However, for many South Koreans, these problems are not just part of a TV drama. They are real-life challenges that some people still face every day.

Read this article to learn more.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cvg665pyn82o

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “cut-throat” mean? “Squid Game was born against the backdrop of cut-throat competition and widening inequality in South Korean society – where people are too stressed to have children and a university placement exam is seen as the defining moment of a person’s life.” Use this in a sentence.
  2. What’s the meaning of “to be brushed to the side“? “Those darker messages seemed to be brushed to the side on Saturday night, as a massive parade celebrated the release of the blockbuster’s final season.” Make a sentence with this.
  3. Define “eponymous”. “In the show’s later seasons, viewers follow Gi-hun’s quest to bring down the eponymous games, which are packaged as entertainment for a group of wealthy VIPs.” Use this in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think entertainment like Squid Game can help people understand serious social problems better than news stories? Why?
  2. Do you think the global popularity of shows that address social issues (like Squid Game) can influence real social change? Why?
  3. What are the advantages and disadvantages of using fiction to highlight real problems like poverty and inequality?
  4. The show includes characters such as a laid-off factory worker whose story is inspired by real events. How does this make the drama more powerful or meaningful?
  5. In your country, what are the biggest financial pressures people face today?
  6. What changes would you like to see in your country to reduce inequality or unfair competition?

Ways to Make Life More Playful

B2 – Upper Intermediate

In a busy and demanding adult life, responsibilities such as work, family, and bills can make play feel like a luxury we no longer have time for. However, research shows that play isn’t just for children — it can help adults reduce stress, boost creativity, and improve overall well‑being. Simple playful activities, whether physical games or lighthearted moments with friends and loved ones, can make everyday life more enjoyable and balanced.

Adding more play into your routine doesn’t need to be difficult or time‑consuming. Studies suggest that finding ways to be playful — such as trying new activities, sharing laughter with others, or simply noticing joyful moments — can help you cope with stress more effectively, think more creatively, and build stronger social connections. Embracing play as a regular part of life supports not only happiness but also mental and emotional health.

Read the article about ways of making life more playful.

10 Ways to Make Your Life More Playful

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “at the drop of a hat” mean? “I had nobody around who knew me well or cared for me, and in the days before cell phones or internet cafes, I couldn’t just get in touch with my friends or family at the drop of a hat.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “to lose oneself in something” mean? “When we lose ourselves in play, whether creating a make-believe world, throwing a ball between friends, frolicking with our dog, or watching silly YouTube videos, we allow ourselves to get out of the linear, problem-solution, adult mindset.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “to light things up” mean? “Having them around will automatically lighten things up, but playing with them when you’re bored or in a bad mood will help even more.” Construct a sentence featuring this phrase.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are benefits of incorporating play in one’s adult life?
  2. Should workplaces encourage playful activities? Why or why not?
  3. Do you think adults feel guilty about taking time to play? Share your thoughts.
  4. How does technology influence play for adults?
  5. What are ways you add more play to your life?

Challenges and Opportunities in a Multigenerational Workforce

B2 – Upper Intermediate

In modern workplaces, employees from multiple generations — including Baby Boomers, Generation X, Millennials, and Generation Z — collaborate daily, each bringing unique viewpoints, work habits, and values. These generational differences can sometimes lead to misunderstandings in communication, expectations, and teamwork, especially as technology and workplace practices evolve quickly. Recognizing and understanding these differences is important because they affect how teams interact, solve problems, and create innovative solutions.

Closing the generational gap involves creating strategies that help people of all ages work together smoothly. This means valuing diverse communication methods, accommodating varying levels of tech proficiency, and acknowledging the strengths and preferences of each generation. Companies that manage to bridge these differences effectively often see stronger collaboration, higher employee engagement, and a richer mix of ideas and experiences within their teams.

Read the article about addressing challenges and uncovering opportunities in a multigenerational workforce.

Bridging the Generational Divide: Addressing Challenges and Uncovering Opportunities in a Multigenerational Workforce

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “adeptness” mean? “These differences can manifest in the workplace, impacting communication styles, technological adeptness, and preferred work environments. Clarifying these distinctions aides mutual understanding and collaboration.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does the word “cohort” mean? “Failing to address these challenges can lead to intergenerational conflicts, reduced team efficiency, and an inability to attract or retain talent from across different generational cohorts.” Construct a sentence featuring this word.
  3. What does the word “dissonance” mean? “The urgency to resolve generational differences is acute, as organizations that do not evolve will struggle with internal dissonance and decreased competitiveness in a rapidly diversifying labor market.” Construct a sentence featuring this word.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think technology increases the generational divide at work? Why or why not?
  2. What strengths do older workers bring to a team? What strengths do younger workers bring to a team?
  3. Why is it important for companies to understand generational diversity?

Challenges of Urbanization in Modern Cities

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Urbanization is one of the most significant trends shaping the world today. As people move from rural areas to urban centers in search of better jobs, education, and services, cities are growing rapidly and becoming home to a large share of the global population. This expansion brings many advantages, such as economic opportunities and cultural exchange. However, it also creates serious challenges that affect the daily lives of millions of urban residents and the environment they live in.

Modern cities often struggle to meet the needs of their expanding populations. High housing demand leads to overcrowding and rising prices, while transportation systems become overwhelmed with traffic and congestion. At the same time, environmental problems like pollution and loss of green spaces threaten public health and quality of life. To build sustainable and equitable urban areas, governments and planners must find solutions that balance growth with social and environmental well-being.

Read this article about challenges of urbanization in modern cities.

Challenges of Urbanization in Modern Cities

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “social unrest” mean in this sentence? “At the same time, inequality in cities can create further divisions between different social groups. As the rich and poor live in separate areas, tensions can rise, contributing to social unrest.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does the word “disparity” mean? “While urbanization brings economic opportunities, it also creates significant disparities between different social groups.” Construct a sentence featuring this word.
  3. What does the term “informal settlement” mean? “This leads to the rise of informal settlements or slums, where people live in substandard conditions with limited access to basic services like clean water and sanitation.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the biggest advantages and disadvantages of living in a large city?
  2. How does the high cost of living affect young people and families?
  3. In your opinion, what should city leaders prioritize to make urban life better?
  4. Do you think future cities will be better or worse than those of today’s? Explain your opinion.

Every Financial Trap Middle Class People Fall Into

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Many people earn more money over time, yet they still feel financially stuck. Raises, promotions, and side jobs should create progress, but for many, nothing really changes. The income increases, but so do the expenses.

This video explains several common financial traps that quietly drain money. It looks at habits such as lifestyle creep, minimum credit card payments, keeping up appearances, and delaying retirement savings. These patterns often feel normal and harmless, but over time they can prevent real financial freedom.

Watch the video to understand these money traps and reflect on which ones might affect everyday financial decisions.

Vocabulary Questions

  1. What does “lifestyle creep” mean in the sentence, “But freedom only exists in the gap between earning and spending. Lifestyle creep closes that gap completely.”? Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “upside down” mean in the sentence, “That gap between what you owe and what it’s worth is called being upside down, and you’re drowning in it”? Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “compound interest” mean in the sentence, “Compound interest runs quietly in the background, growing your debt while you sleep”? Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions

  1. Why do people often increase their spending after getting a raise?
  2. Which financial trap in the video do you think is the most dangerous? Why?
  3. Why do small daily expenses often feel harmless but become serious over time?
  4. Do you think social pressure influences financial decisions? In what ways?
  5. What practical steps can people take to avoid these money traps?

The Psychology of People Who Are Lazy but Ambitious

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Many people have big dreams and clear goals, yet they struggle to take action. They imagine the life they want and believe they are capable of more, but when it is time to start, they delay and fall back into old habits.

This video explores the psychology behind that pattern. It explains why the brain prefers comfort over effort, how perfectionism can prevent progress, and why discipline is built through small, consistent actions rather than waiting for motivation.

Watch the video to learn more about this cycle and how it can be changed.

Vocabulary Questions

  1. What does “survival mode” mean in the sentence, “This is not laziness. This is survival mode”? Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “every excuse in the book” mean in the sentence,
    “Your brain will fight you. It will give you every excuse in the book”? Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “to get back on track” mean in the sentence, “They acknowledge the setback, and they get back on track”? Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions

  1. Why do you think people often choose comfort over action?
  2. Do you agree that motivation is unreliable? Why or why not?
  3. How can perfectionism stop someone from taking action?
  4. What small habit could you start today that moves you toward a goal?
  5. How important is self-compassion when trying to build discipline?

The Rise and Fall of the Mongol Empire

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The Mongol Empire was the largest contiguous land empire in history. It stretched across much of Eurasia and began on the open plains of Central Asia. In the 12th century, the region was home to nomadic groups led by khans, but everything changed under the leadership of Temujin, later known as Chinggis Khan.

Through strategic alliances, military innovation, and strict discipline, Chinggis Khan united the Mongol tribes and began a series of conquests that expanded the empire across China, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe. Although the Mongols were known for their military strength, they also supported trade, religious tolerance, and cultural exchange across the Silk Road.

Watch the video to learn how the Mongol Empire rose to power, how it was governed, and what legacy it left behind.

Vocabulary Questions

  1. What does “forged” mean in the sentence, “It was the largest contiguous land empire in history—stretching from Korea to Ukraine and from Siberia to southern China, and was forged on the open plains.”? Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “spoil” mean in the sentence, “Temujin promoted soldiers based on merit and distributed spoils evenly among them.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “to vie for” mean in the sentence, “Succession to the Great Khan didn’t automatically go to the eldest son, but rather allowed brothers, uncles, and cousins to vie for leadership”? Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions

  1. What leadership qualities helped Temujin unite the Mongol tribes?
  2. Why do you think the Mongols allowed religious freedom in conquered territories?
  3. How did the Mongol Empire contribute to trade and cultural exchange?
  4. Why did the empire eventually fragment into separate regions?
  5. Do you think the Mongol Empire’s legacy was more destructive or more transformative? Why?