Tag: audio

Tattoo Health Device

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Scientists in South Korea are developing a health device that can signal users about any possible health problems. Perhaps the most unique thing about it is that it is in the form of a tattoo. 

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about electronic ink.

https://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/south-korean-scientists-develop-tattoo-health-device-/6683886.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think of this medical technology?
  2. Do you think this device will be popular in the future? Why or why not?
  3. What might be its pros and cons?
  4. What devices do you use to monitor your health? Describe each of them.

Charbonnay Wine 

B1 – Intermediate

People are believed to have been consuming wine as early as 5400-5000 B.C. And ever since, there has been a continuing demand for wine all over the world. 

In Northern France, they have invented a new type of wine that is called “Charbonnay”. 

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about this new kind of wine.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/charbonnay-wine-level-1/

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think of charbonnay? Would you like to try it? Why or why not? If you have tried it, what can you say about it?
  2. Are there any new varieties of wine that has been produced in your country recently? Talk about it.
  3. How important is wine and the wine industry in your country?
  4. Do you like drinking wine? Why or why not?
  5. What are the good and bad things about wine/wine drinking?

Patience

B1 – Intermediate

In today’s modern world, life has become a constant pursuit of distraction. Being more patient can do wonders to our mental health, career, and personal relationships. Patience makes us better people.

Let’s listen to the audio and read the transcript below about patience.

https://listenaminute.com/p/patience.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. Are you patient? Is it difficult for you to be as such? Explain your answer.
  2. How can you improve the quality of patience in yourself? What techniques can you think of?
  3. When was the last time you lost your patience?
  4. Who/what requires the most patience in your life?
  5. Do you think you’re getting more patient or impatient as you get older? Explain.

Earliest Medical Operation

B2 – Upper Intermediate

When we look at how much the medical field has progressed over time, wouldn’t it be interesting to glance back at how it all started and how the first surgeries were like? 

A new research reveals that contrary to our beliefs that healthcare is a newer concept, prehistoric people were not exactly just left to their own device when it comes to their medical needs.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about possibly the earliest medical operation that dates back to 31,000 years ago.

https://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/earliest-medical-operation-might-have-been-31-000-years-ago/6737970.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think about this discovery?
  2. What comes to your mind when you hear the word “surgery”?
  3. Picture yourself living 31,000 years ago. How do you imagine the medical services would have been like? 
  4. Talk about a surgery or any medical procedures you have had and describe the procedures and medical technologies used for your treatment.
  5. Talk about a few of the most modern medical treatments and technologies that you know of and what do you think about them.

Used Luxury Goods Growing Popularity

B2 – Upper Intermediate

In the midst of the economic crisis and financial uncertainties, the market for used luxury products is booming in China. More and more owners of such items now know that they can make good money from their luxury goods and on the buyers’ end, they get a good bargain.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about the growing popularity of used luxury goods in China.

https://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/in-china-used-luxury-goods-growing-in-popularity-/6768412.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why are second-hand luxury products becoming popular in China?
  2. Is this trend happening in your country too? Why or why not?
  3. Do you think it is a good investment to buy luxury items in the middle of an economic crisis? Explain your point.
  4. Do you have luxury items and would you be willing to sell and why?
  5. What are ways to get through an economic crisis?

Experimental Drug Slows Decline among Alzheimer’s Patients

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Good news for loved ones and sufferers of Alzheimer’s disease. Biogen and Eisai claim that their experimental drug showed a significant decrease in rate of mental decline of Alzheimer’s patients.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about an experimental Alzheimer’s drug. Be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/experimental-drug-slows-decline-among-alzheimer-s-patients/6767483.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. Talk about things you know about Alzheimer’s disease.
  2. Do you know anyone who suffers/suffered from this? How severe was it? What kind of treatments were given to them?
  3. What are your thoughts on/What is your reaction to this news?
  4. Would you be willing to take experimental drugs if it were your only hope?
  5. What are ways to improve our memory?

Robots and the US Economy

B1 – Intermediate

The more modern the society and technology become, the more we make use of machines and robots in every industry. 

In the US, more and more companies rely on robots for better and more efficient operations.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about robots and their impact on businesses and ultimately, on the US economy. Be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/robots-and-us-economy-level-1/

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why do more businesses in the US use robots?
  2. Is this a good or bad thing? Explain your opinion.
  3. How is your job easier because of machines/programs?
  4. What are the pros and cons of using robots/machines/programs instead of humans in your own sector/industry?
  5. Will robots replace humans one day? Explain your thoughts.

Japanese People and Alcohol

B1 – Intermediate

It is believed that drinking alcohol is a very social activity. In Japan, people used to go to bars to hang out with friends or colleagues on weekends or after work. This has changed. Less and less people like drinking.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about Japanese people’s changing behavior about alcohol consumption. Be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/japanese-people-and-alcohol-level-1/

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think the same is happening in your country? What is the reason for it?
  2. Is drinking an important custom in your country? Why or why not?
  3. Is it positive or negative if people didn’t drink alcohol anymore? Explain your opinion?
  4. How has your drinking behavior changed over the years?
  5. Do you think it’s true that people care more about their health now? Why or why not?

Campaigns and Elections

B2 – Upper Intermediate

When election period is just around the corner, along with it are political candidates and their campaign events. In these events, it is typical for candidates to persuade voters by putting their proposals forward should they be elected. Some campaign speeches are too long and boring that they easily lose their audience while some are short, direct, and entertaining.

Let’s listen to the recording for an example of a campaign speech.

Campaigns and Elections

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is the candidate running for? What are his proposed plans and programs?
  2. Do you like listening to political candidates’ campaign speeches? Why or why not? How can political candidates persuade you to vote for them?
  3. From a voter’s perspective, what do you think should a political campaign speech include?
  4. How are electoral campaigns like in your country?
  5. How are local and national elections carried out in your country?

AdSense: Making Money

B2 – Upper Intermediate

We live in a society that cannot be separated from the internet. This is why online ads have become very significant. Some online ads can be very helpful not only to consumers, but also to the website owners and the advertisers. Today, placing ads on websites have been made easier by AdSense.

Let’s listen to the audio and read the transcript to know more about AdSense.

Adsense: Making Money Online

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is AdSense? How does it work? How can AdSense help grow online businesses?
  2. What might be benefits and drawbacks of using AdSense?
  3. What can you say about AdSense ads on some websites you have visited?
  4. Are you inclined to purchase products or services through online ads? Why or why not?
  5. How important is making money to you? Explain.