Tag: audio

Greenland Women Want Justice from Denmark

B1 – Intermediate

Population explosion can have an impact on how much our natural resources continue to decrease. Many countries have intensified family planning campaigns. Some even restricted the number of children each family could have to address excessive population growth. In the 1960s and 1970s, Denmark had a rather disturbing approach to their population concerns that only came to light recently.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about the injustice brought unto young female Greenlandic Inuits in the past.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/greenland-women-want-justice-from-denmark-level-2/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Define the word “indigenous“. “143 indigenous women in Greenland are suing Denmark.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does the word “implant” mean? “They say that doctors implanted them with intrauterine devices without their permission in the 1960s and 1970s.” Use it in your own sentence.
  3. What does the expression “to violate one’s rights” mean in this context? “They claim that Danish authorities violated their rights because they wanted to control the growing population.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is the Greenland’s birth control scandal about? Share your thoughts on this issue.
  2. Should Denmark compensate these women? Express your opinion.
  3. Aside from this injustice, what other controversial actions in Greenland do you know of?
  4. In your opinion, how can growing population be effectively addressed without resorting to human rights violation?
  5. Does your country have a problem with overpopulation or declining population?
  6. What is your government doing to mitigate the effects of this situation?

Nose Surgery for Cocaine Users

B1 – Intermediate

Cocaine is a highly addictive stimulant that offers euphoria, great sense of confidence, improved mental focus etc. There are different ways to use them. Snorting cocaine is the most common method. Aside from the other well-known harmful effects of cocaine use, losing one’s nose completely could be a consequence of frequent and long-term cocaine snorting.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about the nose surgery cocaine snorters may possibly have to undergo.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/nose-surgery-for-cocaine-users-level-3/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Define the word “perforation“. “Cocaine narrows blood vessels in the nose which leads to tissue damage and perforations.” Use it in a sentence and give two synonyms.
  2. What is the meaning of the word “surge“? “Despite a surge in cocaine use in Belgium over the past five years, the number of operations remains limited.” Use it in your own sentence.
  3. What does the verb “undergo” mean? “The reason is that many patients struggle to undergo surgery due to the need to abstain from cocaine for at least six months for proper healing.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think of this surgery?
  2. How does cocaine snorting lead to irreversible nasal damage?
  3. Aside from nasal damage, what are other long-term effects of cocaine use?
  4. Why do you think long-term cocaine users avoid or refuse to have this nose reconstructive surgery?
  5. Share your thoughts on this statement, “These patients are typically in their forties and with privileged socio-economic backgroundd.”

Robot Makes Fries

B1 – Intermediate

Miso Robotics has created a new robot designed to simplify kitchen tasks in fast food restaurants. With its advanced technology, the robot aims to improve efficiency and lessen the need for human intervention.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about a robot which works in fast food restaurants.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/a-robot-makes-fries-level-2/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “develop” mean, “In California, US, Miso Robotics developed a robot which works in fast food restaurants.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “instruction” mean, “When an order comes, a worker sends instructions to the robot.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “task” mean, “At first, the robot only turned burgers, but workers soon realized that it could do more tasks. Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on Miso Robotics’ burger-flipping robot?
  2. What are the advantages and disadvantages of using robots like the one developed by Miso Robotics in fast food restaurants?
  3. How do you think the introduction of this robot might impact the workers in fast food establishments? Explain.
  4. How else can these robots be improved?
  5. Do you think the introduction of robots in fast food restaurants will lead to job losses or create new opportunities for workers?

Hungary’s New Immigration Law

B1 – Intermediate

Hungary is implementing tougher immigration rules for people who are coming to live there because too many people are moving to the country. The government’s objective with this new immigration law is to help control how many people come and to make sure there are enough resources for everyone.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about Hungary’s new immigration law.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/hungarys-new-immigration-law-level-2/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “in effect” mean, “The law is replacing an old one which was in effect for 16 years.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “residence permit” mean, “Residence permits will depend on immigrants’ skills.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “invest” mean, “The law also introduces a ‘golden visa’ for people who want to invest money in Hungary.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How might the rule impact the lives of both Hungarians and immigrants living in Hungary?
  2. What are the potential benefits and drawbacks of Hungary’s new immigration rules? Elaborate and explain.
  3. How might these rules affect the economy and job market in Hungary? Explain.
  4. Do you think it’s fair that Hungarians get jobs first? Why or why not?
  5. What is your opinion about the ‘golden visa’?
  6. How would you compare these immigration rules in Hungary to your country?

App Finds Breast Cancer

B1 – Intermediate

An innovative and user-friendly device designed to help detect breast cancer early. It provides a simple way for individuals to monitor their breast health and identify any concerning changes.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about Dotplot, the app that checks women’s breasts for cancer.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/app-finds-breast-cancer-level-2/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “sound wave” mean? “Dotplot reads the breasts with sound waves, and an app sends a report about the scan.” Use this phrase in a sentence.
  2. What does “scan” mean? “The app also compares the scan with previous scans, which helps see if something changed in the breasts.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “account for” mean? “It now accounts for nearly 12% of new cases worldwide.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your opinion on Dotplot?
  2. How can Dotplot device be helpful in detecting breast cancer? Explain.
  3. Do you think devices like Dotplot could make it easier for women to detect breast cancer early? Why or why not?
  4. What are the challenges that can be associated with using a device like Dotplot? How can those issues be solved?

Bitcoin at a Record High

B1 – Intermediate

Bitcoin is a type of digital currency that isn’t controlled by any government or bank. It’s created and managed using a technology called blockchain. People can use Bitcoin to buy things online or trade it like stocks. Its value can change a lot and there’s only a limited amount of Bitcoin that will ever exist.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about Bitcoin being at a record high.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/bitcoin-at-a-record-high-level-2/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “cryptocurrency” mean, “The cryptocurrency hit 69,202 dollars and surpassed its peak in November 2021.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “surpass” mean? “The cryptocurrency hit 69,202 dollars and surpassed its peak in November 2021.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘surpass’ in your own sentence.
  3. In trading, what does the term “spot” mean? “Investor interest increased rapidly after the Securities and Exchange Commission approved 11 spot bitcoin ETFs.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies?
  2. What are the potential risks and benefits associated with investing in Bitcoin? Elaborate.
  3. What are some potential factors driving the fluctuations in Bitcoin’s value
  4. How might the fluctuation in Bitcoin’s value impact investor sentiment and the market?
  5. Why do you think more people are becoming interested in Bitcoin? Explain.

Trick in London 

B1 – Intermediate

In the heart of London, there’s a special bus stop that’s become very famous. It’s equipped with an incredible screen that displays extraordinary scenes.

As people react to these fantastical images, the bus stop becomes a source of excitement and an escape from the normal busy city life.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about this advertising board at a bus stop in London.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/trick-in-london-level-3/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to get the shock of one’s life” mean in this sentence, “People waiting at a busy central London bus stop got the shock of their lives when they were suddenly faced with an alien invasion, giant robots, or a Bengal tiger on the run.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘to get the shock of one’s life’ in your own sentence.
  2. What does “on the run” mean in this sentence, “People waiting at a busy central London bus stop got the shock of their lives when they were suddenly faced with an alien invasion, giant robots, or a Bengal tiger on the run.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘on the run’ in your own sentence.
  3. What does “augmented reality” mean in this sentence. “Augmented reality technology gave the illusion of the bus stop advertising board being see-through, allowing unexpected anything to be projected over the real imagery.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘augmented reality’ in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your opinion on this special screen?
  2. What are the positive and negative things about it?
  3. Do you think it is a good advertising strategy? Explain.
  4. What are other places where similar screens can be installed? Why do you think these screens are necessary there?
  5. How does the presence of the special screen affect people’s experience waiting at the bus stop?
  6. Talk about your own experiences with public art installations or interactive technology in urban places.

Eurozone Economy

B1 – Intermediate

The Eurozone economy refers to the collective economic system of the European Union (EU) member states that have adopted the euro as their official currency.

Governed by the European Central Bank (ECB), the Eurozone aims to promote economic stability and facilitate trade and investment among its member states through monetary integration.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about the Eurozone economy.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/eurozone-economy-level-3/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “narrow margin” mean in the sentience, “The eurozone’s economy struggled to grow last year, avoiding a recession by a narrow margin, in contrast to the global economic expansion.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘narrow margin’ in your own sentence.
  2. What does “key player” mean in this sentence, “Germany, a key player in the euro area, faced an industrial downturn, impacting the entire region.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘key player’ in your own sentence.
  3. What does “subside” mean, “Economists predict a slow recovery, with household consumption expected to drive growth as energy prices stabilize and inflation subsides.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘subside’ in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How do economic problems in Germany affect the overall performance of the eurozone economy? Explain.
  2. What are possible long-term implications of the eurozone’s economic problems and how might it affect the future economic policies and strategies within the region? Elaborate and explain.
  3. How might strikes and protests about high prices impact consumer confidence and economic stability within the eurozone?
  4. How do you think the economic struggles of the eurozone might impact the daily lives of individuals living within the member countries?

Egypt’s Pyramid Restoration

B1 – Intermediate

The pyramids in Egypt are ancient wonders that have fascinated people for centuries. From the famous pyramids at Giza to the smaller ones across Egypt, these historical monuments are part of our shared human history. Yet, keeping them safe and strong is a not an easy job.

To preserve the pyramids, Egypt is working hard on trying to restore them. This means fixing up the old stones and making sure the pyramids stay strong against elements such as the wind, sun, and rain.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about Egypt’s pyramid restoration.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/egypts-pyramid-restoration-level-1/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to break all the rules” mean in the sentence, “It breaks all the rules for fixing old things.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘to break all the rules’ in your own sentence.
  2. What does “a big gift” mean in the sentence, “The workers say that it is a big gift for the world.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘a big gift’ in your own sentence.
  3. What does “think carefully about something” mean in the sentence, “The country must think carefully about what to do with old buildings.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘think carefully about something’ in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why do you think many people in Egypt emphasize the importance of taking care of old buildings and special places? Elaborate.
  2. How important is it to balance modern aesthetic improvements and preserving the historical value of ancient structures like the Menkaure Pyramid? Explain.
  3. What are the positive and negative impact of historical landmarks’ restorations on local communities/on a country?
  4. Are there any specific examples of old buildings or special places in Spain that have been successfully preserved and restored? Elaborate.
  5. Which World Wonder do you want to visit and why?

The Language of Menus

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Restaurants around the world offer different menus with unique and distinctive names for their listed dishes, which can be perplexing most of the time.

We often wonder if they have their own language that they use to name and describe their food.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about how restaurants come up with the food descriptions on their menus that make their dishes seem “appealing, tasty, or poetic”.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2024/ep-240125

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “haute cuisine” mean? “Many of the words used to describe gourmet food – that’s food which is higher-quality and more sophisticated than usual – are French, coming from a country with a long tradition of high-level cooking called haute cuisine.” Construct your own sentence using this phrase.
  2. Do you know the meaning of “turn (someone) off“? “Some diners like the French names, but it turns other diners off.” Use this expression in your own sentence.
  3. How about the word “not available to everyone“? “Caroline thinks French makes her cooking sound too posh, too fashionable, expensive and not available to everyone.” Use this idiom in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on the confusing menu selection?
  2. What steps do you typically take to make sure you don’t regret your menu selections? What are the usual questions you ask if you are confused about the name or description of a certain dish?
  3. Do you think the language used to describe food affect our psychology? Explain your insights.
  4. What are your thoughts on this, “There’s a tendency to not use French because it sounds pretentious.“? Would it turn you off as a diner? Why or why not?
  5. Could you share a funny or embarrassing experience with menu selection? What’s the moral lesson you learned from that experience?