Tag: audio

Living with Debt

B2 — Upper Intermediate 

There comes a time in one’s life when they need financial help to pay for something they couldn’t afford right away. Many people rely on loans or credit to cover large expenses, such as purchasing a vehicle or a home. In return, they agree to repay the borrowed amount over a period of time.

With prices of goods and services steadily increasing, some individuals now depend on credit not only for major purchases, but also for basic needs like groceries and monthly bills. When borrowing becomes excessive or difficult to manage, it can create financial pressure and negatively affect a person’s mental and emotional well-being.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about living with debt.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260528

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “overdraft” mean? “According to debt support group The Money Charity, roughly how much is the average British adult in debt through credit cards, overdrafts, and personal loans?” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  2. What does “in arrears” mean? “For many people in Woldham, Jason included, debt was an ordinary feature of daily life. And beyond that, being in arrears was part of daily life.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  3. What does “the never-never” mean? ”Jason actually fluctuated between wanting to clear all of his debts on the one hand, and on the other what he described as living on thenever-never and actually questioning the supposed moral obligation to pay his debts.” Use the expression in a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. When is taking on debt a responsible financial decision, and when can it become a problem?
  2. How can debt affect a person’s mental health and overall quality of life?
  3. What strategies can individuals use to prevent debt from becoming overwhelming?
  4. Should financial literacy and debt management be taught in schools? Why?
  5. How can governments and financial institutions help people avoid excessive debt?

Social Media Makes Scotland Popular

B1 — Intermediate 

Tourism is a very important industry in Scotland and brings in a lot of money. Social media apps like TikTok and Instagram are helping more people discover beautiful places.

Scotland quickly became popular with tourists through these platforms.

However, there are advantages and disadvantages to this.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about how social media made Scotland popular.

https://newsinlevels.com/products/social-media-makes-scotland-popular-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “hotspot” mean? “Beautiful videos are going viral, and they turn quiet and remote natural places into famous hotspots overnight.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  2. What does “short-term rental” mean? “To help save their communities, some cities are now introducing a new tourist tax and putting strict rules on short-term rentals.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  3. What is a “camper van”? ”Thousands of visitors arrive in big camper vans, block narrow single-track roads, and leave lots of rubbish behind.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the pros and cons of a place becoming popular on social media?
  2. What is your opinion on imposing tourist tax and putting strict rules on short-term rentals in some communities in Scotland?
  3. Should influencers be careful and stop promoting tiny places that don’t have enough spaces for crowds? Explain.
  4. Have you ever wanted to visit a place after seeing it online? Why? Talk about it.
  5. What should visitors do to respect local people and the environment?

Bulgaria Stops Helping Ukraine

B1 — Intermediate 

Rumen Radev said that Bulgaria will stop sending weapons to Ukraine. He believes Bulgaria has already helped Ukraine enough. He also thinks that the war should end through peace talks, and not more fighting.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about Bulgaria not giving military aids to Ukraine anymore.

https://newsinlevels.com/products/bulgaria-stops-helping-ukraine-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “stance” mean? “This decision reflects the stance of the newly elected government, as Radev took office in May 2026 after his party won the parliamentary elections.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  2. What is the meaning of “peace negotiation”? ”He also suggested that both sides must begin peace negotiations.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “to call for something” mean? “He also believed that a peaceful solution cannot be achieved through military means and calls for a diplomatic end to the war.” Use the idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your opinion about Bulgaria’s decision?
  2. How could this affect Ukraine?
  3. Bulgaria Prime Minister Rumen Radev believes that a peaceful solution cannot be achieved through military means and calls for a diplomatic end to the war. Share your opinion about this statement.
  4. Another party argues that stopping military aid damages Bulgaria’s reputation and trust among its NATO and European Union allies. Do you agree or disagree? Explain.
  5. Should countries continue to provide military aid to other countries at war? Explain your answer.

Pitching at Work

B2 — Upper Intermediate 

Giving a formal business pitch can be difficult for some people. Many individuals feel nervous about speaking in front of an audience, answering questions, or convincing others to support their ideas. It can also be challenging to organize information clearly and communicate it confidently. 

However, with practice, preparation, and experience, most people can improve their presentation skills and become more comfortable delivering business pitches.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about delivering a pitch at work.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/office-english/250609

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to pitch one’s idea” mean? “It is stressful because I think until you see the reaction of the person who you’re pitching your idea to, even if you think it’s brilliant, you have a big, big doubt.” Use the idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  2. What is the meaning of “informal setting”? ”I think if it’s an informal setting, then I find it OK, but if there’s pressure to come up with ideas and if I’m asked to think of an idea in advance, I find it more stressful than just kind of having a conversation.” Use the phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “to trail off” mean? “That’s a really good question because you don’t just want your pitch to trail off.” Use the expression in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why do some people find pitching difficult?
  2. Why is it important to give a clear and professional pitch?
  3. What skills should employees have to become better at presenting at work?
  4. Have you ever given a presentation or pitch? How did it go?
  5. What is your opinion on this “Giving a good pitch is more important than having a good business idea.”?
  6. What are your thoughts on this, “Anyone can become a great presenter with enough practice.”

Career Development

B2 — Upper Intermediate 

Career development is the process of improving skills, gaining experience, and setting goals to achieve professional success. It helps individuals grow in their chosen field, adapt to new opportunities, and reach their long-term career objectives. Continuous learning and self-improvement are important parts of career development.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about career development.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/office-english/260511

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is the meaning of “to sound somebody out”? ”What you want to do is to sound your manager out  and see how they feel about your ideas.” Use the expression in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “insider knowledge” mean? “They can help you prepare. They’ve probably been through the process of being promoted if they’re your manager. So, they might have a bit of ‘insider knowledge‘ on those kinds of things.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  3. What does “to check in with someone” mean? “You might want to send fairly regular emails such as ‘Just wanted to check in with you. Wonder if you had any opportunities coming up.” Use the idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. What does career development mean to you, and why do you think it is important?
  2. What challenges do people commonly face in their career development and how can they possibly overcome them?
  3. Talk about some career goals that you have set for yourself and how have you been able to achieve them over the years?
  4. In your personal experience, how important is networking in one’s career growth? 
  5. How can managers or mentors influence career success?
  6. How can a person know when it is time to change careers?

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.

https://newsinlevels.com/products/chatbot-therapy-level-3

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 it mean for “a fight to break out”? “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. Do you think the chaos at the Swatch stores could have been prevented? If so, how?
  3. Would you wait in a very long queue for a product that you really wanted? Why or why not?
  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?