Tag: audio

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.

https://newsinlevels.com/products/big-protests-in-bolivia-level-3

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?

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.

https://newsinlevels.com/products/indonesia-stops-a-movie-about-papua-forests-level-3

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.

https://newsinlevels.com/products/royal-pop-watch-level-3

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 “to break out” mean here, “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. Would you wait in line for a product you really wanted? Why or why not?
  3. Do you think the chaos at the stores could have been prevented? How?
  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.

https://newsinlevels.com/products/sagrada-familia-and-worried-neighbors-level-3

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?

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?

Amsterdam Bans Public Ads for Meat and Fossil Fuels

B1 – Intermediate 

Amsterdam has banned public advertisements for meat and fossil fuel products, including burgers, chicken, petrol cars, and airline travel.

The Dutch Meat Association and Dutch Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators disagree with the prohibition. On the other hand, environmental activists support the decision.

Read the article about Amsterdam’s public advertisements ban for meat and fossil fuel products.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2605/260507-public-advertisement-ban.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “carbon neutral” mean? “The ban is to help move Amsterdam towards its target of being carbon neutral by 2050.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  2. What does “consumer behaviour” mean? “The Dutch Meat Association says ban is an undesirable way to influence consumer behaviour.” Use the phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  3. What does “to set a global standard” mean? “By becoming the first capital to legally ban fossil fuels and meat advertising, Amsterdam is setting a global standard.” Use the expression in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your opinion about the ban on public ads for meat and fossil fuel products in Amsterdam?
  2. What might be the pros and cons of this ban?
  3. The Dutch Meat Association says that the ban is an undesirable way to influence consumer behaviour. What is your opinion on this?
  4. Should other cities or countries follow Amsterdam’s example? Why or why not?
  5. Should governments have the power to restrict ads for products they consider harmful? Explain your view.
  6. How do you think advertising influences people’s food choices and travel habits?

AI and College Degrees

B1 – Intermediate 

More students in the US are choosing skilled jobs instead of college. Jobs like welding and plumbing pay well and do not need a degree.

At the the moment, some college students use AI to do their schoolwork, which makes people question the value of college. Because of this, more people support training programs that teach practical skills and lead to good jobs.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about US students choosing skilled trades instead of going to college.

https://newsinlevels.com/products/ai-and-college-degrees-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “skilled trade” mean? “More students in the US are choosing skilled trades instead of going to college.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  2. What does “field” mean here, “Many high school students are offered well-paid jobs in welding, plumbing, or similar fields right after graduation.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  3. What does “shop class” mean? “They want to bring back shop classes and support programs where students learn real-life skills.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why are more students choosing skilled trades instead of going to college?
  2. Do you think skilled trade jobs are a good alternative to college? Why or why not?
  3. How is AI affecting students’ learning in college?
  4. Do you think using AI tools for schoolwork is helpful or harmful? Explain. 
  5. Do you think schools should focus more on practical skills like shop classes? Why?  

Tighter Immigration Controls in Japan

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

Japan recorded a record 42.4 million foreign arrivals and 4.13 million foreign residents in 2025 while tightening immigration enforcement under its “Zero Plan.”

Overstayers declined for a second year, deportations and entry denials increased, and asylum applications fell as screening became stricter. 

Despite tougher controls, tourism and regional travel continued to surge, raising questions about how Japan will balance stricter enforcement with its growing need for foreign workers amid population decline.

Listen to the audio and read the article about Japan’s tighter immigration controls yielding results.

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/04/09/japan/society/immigration-control-data

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “overstayer” mean? “The government aims to cut asylum processing times to six months by 2030 and reduce the number of illegal overstayers to zero.” Use the word in a sentence in this context. Give a synonym. 
  2. What does “humanitarian ground” mean? “Japan granted refugee status to 187 people in 2025, while 474 were given complementary protection and 525 were allowed to stay on humanitarian grounds.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  3. What does “recognition rate for refugees” mean? “Recognition rates for refugees remain low. ” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why has the number of foreign arrivals increased in Japan despite stricter immigration controls?
  2. What are your insights on Japan’s Zero Illegal Foreign Residents Plan?
  3. Do you think stricter immigration policies can effectively reduce illegal overstayers without discouraging tourism and foreign workers?
  4. What are the possible advantages and disadvantages of faster asylum processing and expanded deportation efforts?
  5. Should Japan prioritize stronger border enforcement or a more welcoming immigration system to address labor shortages?