Tag: audio

Problems with E-cigarettes

B1 – Intermediate

In the hopes of avoiding smoking cigarettes and its adverse effects on health, some people turn to e-cigarettes. However, are these actually a good alternative or an even worse thing to smoke?

Listen to the audio and read the transcript about the problems with e-cigarettes.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/problems-with-e-cigarettes-level-1/

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you agree that e-cigarettes can be a problem? Why or why not?
  2. Do you think e-cigs are better than cigarettes? Explain.
  3. Health officials do not know what chemical is in the e-cigarettes. What is your opinion on this?
  4. Some people also smoke marijuana in the e-cigarettes. What is your opinion on this?
  5. Do many people use e-cigarette in your country? Why or why not?

Argentina Crisis

B1 – Intermediate

Argentina used to be a rich country. A century later, it isn’t the case anymore. The country has faced so many crises over the years and it has not been easy for the people. This year, inflation in Argentina could go up to 100%. 

Listen to the audio and read the transcript about the crisis in Argentina and what people are doing to survive it.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/argentina-crisis-level-1/

Discussion Questions:

  1. How is Argentina affected by the economic crisis?
  2. What are some Argentines doing to survive this crisis?
  3. How is your country affected by the economic crisis?
  4. Have you any adjustments in your lifestyle/spending habits due to inflation? Cite some of them.
  5. What are your thoughts on barter clubs?

The Everything App

B2 – Upper Intermediate

In today’s digital world, everything seems to be one click away. There are different mobile apps that can deliver just about any service or product the consumers want. In China, WeChat started as a messaging app and then turned into a one-stop shop. This is what business magnate Elon Musk aspires Twitter to become.

Let’s read the article and know more about the X app.

https://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/elon-musk-suggests-plan-to-create-an-everything-app-/6779792.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is Elon Musk’s X, the everything app?
  2. What are the advantages and disadvantages of such apps?
  3. How do you feel about using just one app for all your online activities and transactions?
  4. Do you find it burdensome to download different apps for different purposes? If yes, how do you manage it?
  5. Are there mobile apps that have multiple functions? State some.

Children’s Books Dealing with Violent Events Like Shootings

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Unfortunately, school shootings have been occurring more frequently recently. It is but natural and sensical for people to mourn the loss of their beloved young ones. However, there is the underlying aftermath that is often overlooked and that is the trauma inflicted on the survivors and other young students who were made unwillingly aware of the tragedy. For the past decade, there has been an increase in sales of books for young readers on how to deal with violence and sorrow brought about by tragic events like school shootings.

Let’s listen to the podcast and know more about this method that could help young children cope with such god-awful situations.

https://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/more-children-s-books-dealing-with-violent-events-like-shootings/6785696.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your opinion on children reading these books?
  2. Do you think children are ready to face this harsh reality of life? If not, is it more reasonable to keep them in the dark?
  3. What other ways might help children after witnessing a tragic event such as a school shooting?
  4. Share your thoughts on this statement, “Bringing up violence when a child is not worried about it could increase their anxiety unnecessarily.”

Restaurant in Water

 B1 – Intermediate

Many businesses were affected by the pandemic. A restaurant that is located near the famous Chao Phraya River has more than the coronavirus as a problem.

Because of big waves, the place gets submerged in water sometimes. The owner thought this could end his business and he had to close his restaurant, but there has been an unexpected twist.

Listen to the audio and read the transcript about a restaurant that is completely covered in water.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/restaurant-in-water-level-1/

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think of this restaurant? Would you like to visit it? Why or why not?
  2. How is getting wet by water while eating affect your experience at a restaurant?
  3. Have you ever visited a restaurant because it is very famous on social media? Talk about this restaurant. How was your experience?
  4. What is the most important thing that you take into consideration when choosing to go to a restaurant?
  5. What is the best restaurant you have ever been to? Describe it.

Inside the Head of Jeff Bezos

B2 – Upper Intermediate

He is Amazon’s Executive Chairman. His whopping loot of around US$139 billion puts him on top of the list of the world’s richest. With all that he has achieved, one must be wondering, “What goes on in that mind of his?”.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript for a peek on how Jeff Bezos thinks.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english/ep-210809

Discussion Questions:

  1. What can we learn from Jeff Bezos’ business sense and his story of success? 
  2. What do you think goes in the mind of super wealthy people such as Bezos most of the time?
  3. If you were very wealthy, what do you think would often occupy your thoughts?
  4. When Jeff Bezos’s friends talk about him, three words they often use are: invention, risk-taking and long-term vision. What do you think are three words your friends would use for and about you and why?
  5. What do you think is the secret to your business/company’s success?
  6. Which business person do you idolize and why?

VR Treat Fears and Phobias

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Virtual reality (VR) is a way for you to escape reality by putting on a headset. Ever since the invention of this device, it has been used in several ways.

One of the most recent ways it is being utilized is helping people treat their phobias and addressing serious issues such as domestic violence.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript to find out how VRs help treat fears and phobias.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2022/ep-220512

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think of using VRs to overcome fears and phobias?
  2. If you had a phobia, would you consider using VR to try and solve your problem?
  3. Cite other uses of VRs.
  4. Discuss your opinion about the VR simulation project of virtual embodiment in a Barcelona prison.
  5. Talk about a time when ‘dropping your defenses’ helped you in a situation.

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.