Tag: audio

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?

Saving Water in the Driest Place on Earth

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

Living in the driest place on Earth can be a real challenge for people who reside there. It is especially a serious problem in agriculture. Farmers rely on steady irrigation to water their crops.

Yuma, an area on the border of California and Mexico and famous for date farming, is one of the hottest places on the planet. It has been suffering the worst drought in more than five centuries.

Ole Sivertsen and his company Desert Control have come up with a solution. They have invented a liquid that converts sandy desert soil into a sponge that retains water and nutrients.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about liquid clay that helps farmers grow fruit and vegetables in the desert.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2024/ep-240919

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “kick-start” mean? “Ole makes a liquid by mixing clay and water which changes the soil composition and kick-starts the growth of his trees – the liquid makes the trees start growing more quickly.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘kick-start’ in your own sentence. 
  2. What does the idiom “down the line” mean? “Ole’s liquid clay involves manipulating soil – using and controlling it skillfully to achieve some result. Myra worries that when people do this, they could create problems down the line.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘down the line’ in your own sentence.
  3. What does “cling” mean? “But clay soil is made up of much smaller particles that cling together and naturally stop water from escaping.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘cling’ in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What can you say about the liquid clay? Cite its advantages and disadvantages.
  2. What could be some problems associated with liquid clay down the line? 
  3. Is drought also a problem in your country? What are some initiatives to fight against water shortage? Talk about it.
  4. Share your thoughts/reaction to this, “But globally, over two billion people, around a quarter of the world’s population, live in water stressed countries, where access to water for drinking, cooking, and washing is not guaranteed.”.
  5. What might be some other problems farmers need to deal with in your country? How are they being addressed?
  6. What are the potential impacts of drought in agriculture?

Tech that Refuses to Die

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

Technology is constantly changing. That is perhaps the most exciting thing about it. However, do you notice how there are some old pieces of technology that we keep using up to now? 

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about some old technology that refuse to be obsolete.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2024/ep-241017

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “wind up” mean? “Conditions on Venus mean that ordinary electronics simply won’t work. That’s why Jonathan built a clockwork rover, a machine with springs and wheels inside which works when it’s wound up with a key.” Use this phrase in a sentence.
  2. What does “clockwork” mean? “Conditions on Venus mean that ordinary electronics simply won’t work. That’s why Jonathan built a clockwork rover, a machine with springs and wheels inside which works when it’s wound up with a key.” Use this word in a sentence.
  3. What does “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” mean, “Yes, it seems that some old technology just refuses to die – maybe because people still love it, or maybe because of the old English proverb, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”? Use this expression in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are some reasons for not updating technology in some cases?
  2. Do you think the old English proverb, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” applies to technology? Explain your thoughts on this.
  3. What old tech that you see are still being used in your city? How about in your company?
  4. What technology you never want to be obsolete? Why?
  5. Which obsolete piece of technology do you wish we still use until now? Why?

Trusting Ancestry DNA Kits

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

Many have been very curious about their ancestry. So they turn to DNA ancestry kits to trace the origins of their family.

The question is just how accurate is DNA ancestry tracing.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript on whether or not we can trust DNA ancestry kits.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2024/ep-241205

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to take (it) with a pinch of salt” mean? “Not so long ago I sent off a home DNA testing kit and the results that came back were broadly in line with expectations, but it had some little glitches in there which made me think, is this accurate? Or is it to be taken with a pinch of salt?” Use this idiom in a sentence.
  2. What does “forebears” mean? “So ‘ancestry’ is really about people, it’s about your actual forebears.” Use this word in a sentence.
  3. What does “to blow one’s mind” mean here, “The second company’s DNA test blows Greg’s mind. There’s no evidence of his ancestors being English at all!”? Use this expression in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Should DNA ancestry kits be taken with a pinch of salt? Share your insights.
  2. Is tracing our genealogy important? Why or why not?
  3. Would you be interested to research about your roots? Why or why not?
  4. Share the most interesting thing you know of about any of your forebears.

Global Growth Is Expected to Remain Stable Yet Underwhelming

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The IMF’s recent World Economic Outlook indicates that while global growth remains steady, it is underperforming compared to pre-pandemic levels. Key risks include geopolitical tensions, volatility in financial markets, and potential challenges in China’s property sector. These issues are prompting economists to push for structural reforms and a “policy pivot”.

Listen to the audio and/or read the transcript to know how this policy pivot can sustain economic recovery through targeted fiscal and monetary adjustments.

https://www.imf.org/en/Publications/WEO/Issues/2024/10/22/world-economic-outlook-october-2024

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Explain “sectoral dynamics”. “As global disinflation continues, services price inflation remains elevated in many regions, pointing to the importance of understanding sectoral dynamics and of calibrating monetary policy accordingly.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. Define “cyclical imbalance“. “With cyclical imbalances in the global economy waning, near-term policy priorities should be carefully calibrated to ensure a smooth landing.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “bolster” mean? “These have been compensated for by upgrades to the forecast for emerging Asia, where surging demand for semiconductors and electronics, driven by significant investments in artificial intelligence, has bolstered growth, a trend supported by substantial public investment in China and India.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘bolster’ in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are some potential impacts on consumers if financial market volatility increases?
  2. Why do you think a policy pivot is important for maintaining economic stability right now?
  3. How might challenges in China’s property market influence other economies around the world?
  4. How do you think rising geopolitical tensions affect the global economy and international trade?
  5. Do you agree or disagree with this, “Support for the most vulnerable should be maintained.” Share your thoughts.

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?

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.” 

Man Regains His Voice after a Rare Medical Operation

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

Larynx or more commonly known as the “voice box is the organ responsible for speech. It also is important in breathing and swallowing.

Laryngeal cancer patients go through the ordeal of not being able to breathe, swallow, or speak on their own. Hence, a total larynx transplant should be performed on them. Unfortunately, larynx transplantation is not performed on patients with active cancer.

Marty Kedian is just one of many cancer of the larynx patients who was lucky enough to successfully undergo one and now on his way to recovery.

Listen to the audio and read the transcript about Marty Kedian’s larynx transplant.

https://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/man-regains-his-voice-with-the-help-of-a-rare-medical-operation/7692852.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to keep up something” mean? “His voice sounded rough, but he was able to keep up a discussion for an hour.” Give a synonym and use this phrase in a sentence.
  2. What does “to push the boundaries” mean? “We want to be able to push those boundaries, but do it as safely and ethically as we can.” Use the idiom in your own sentence and give a synonym.
  3. What does “tracheostomy” mean? “His tracheostomy will remain in place for at least a few more months.” Use this word in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on larynx transplant? What might be the pros and cons of this kind of surgery?
  2. Share your thoughts on this, “Doctors have not fully accepted these larynx transplants because people can survive without a larynx.”
  3. “Kedian would not let doctors remove his entire larynx to cure the cancer because he wanted to read bedtime stories to his granddaughter, with his own voice rather than what he called robotic-sounding speech devices.” Share your thoughts on this.
  4. Talk about the time you or someone you know had some problems with your/their voice box and/or voice.

China Ends Foreign Adoptions

B1 – Intermediate

In the past, a large number of children were placed with families in other countries, particularly in the United States, where approximately 82,000 children were adopted. However, China has recently announced that children should no longer be sent abroad for adoption and should instead stay within the country.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about prohibiting international adoptions.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/china-ends-foreign-adoptions-level-3/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is the meaning of “to align with something”? “This change aligns with international agreements and only allows the adoption of stepchildren or close relatives.” Use this phrase in a sentence.
  2. What does the idiom “to be open to something” mean? “Social attitudes are changing, and many families are now more open to adoption, especially if having biological children is difficult.” Use this phrase in your own sentence.
  3. What does “sentiment” mean here, “There is a growing sentiment that Chinese children should remain in their home country due to cultural differences.” Use this word in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think of China’s decision to end foreign adoptions?
  2. Is adopting children from other countries common in your country? Why or why not?
  3. What do you think about the adoption system for foreign children in your country?
  4. Should the adoption process of foreign children be more or less difficult than it is now?
  5. Should people be able to decide what type of children they want to adopt? For example: boy or girl, hair color, age, ethnicity etc. Explain your opinion.

German Carmakers Have Problems

B1 – Intermediate

Germany is famous for making cars and is seen as a world leader in car design and technology. For more than 100 years, it has been home to top car brands like Volkswagen, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi. The car industry in Germany focuses on high quality and new technology, including electric and self-driving cars. Germany’s central location in Europe, along with its skilled workers and good infrastructure, helps make it a strong player in the world car market.

Although Germany is a global leader in the car manufacturing industry, its car makers are currently facing challenges.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about the problems that German carmakers have.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/german-carmakers-have-problems-level-3/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “job cut” mean? “Volkswagen, Germany’s largest employer, is facing the possibility of making significant job cuts due to declining car sales.” Use this term in your own sentence.
  2. What is “acknowledge”? “The company acknowledges that it must find ways to reduce costs.” Use this verb in a sentence.
  3. What does the phrase “lay off” mean? “Volkswagen denied reports that it was planning to lay off up to 30,000 workers, which would be around a quarter of its workforce in Germany.” Use this phase in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are of the causes of the problems that German carmakers have?
  2. What was your reaction that according to reports, Volkswagen was planning to lay off up to 30,000 workers?
  3. How does the government in your country help companies that are struggling?
  4. Share your opinion about the sales of electric cars dropping in Europe.