Tag: audio

The EU Checks Meta

B1 — Intermediate 

The European Commission is preparing to intensify its formal investigation into Meta Platforms over claims that it uses addictive design elements to keep children using its social media apps.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about the European Commission’s official investigation into Meta Platforms.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/the-eu-checks-meta-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “hooked on something” mean? “According to recent reports, EU regulators are preparing preliminary findings that accuse the tech giant of using addictive design practices specifically to keep children hooked on its social media platforms.” Use the phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “breaching” mean? “This move follows previous charges from April, where the EU accused Meta of breaching tech rules and failing to block children under 13 from accessing its networks.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “a landmark court verdict” mean? “In the US, the company is lobbying Congress for legal immunity against claims of harming children, especially after a landmark court verdict found both Meta and Google negligent in designing platforms harmful to youth.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. Is social media helpful or harmful to children and teenagers? Explain your answer.
  2. Should children below 13 years old be allowed to use social media? Explain your answer.
  3. Do you think social media platforms are designed to keep users addicted? Why?
  4. Who should be most responsible for protecting children on social media: parents, schools, governments, or technology companies? Why?
  5. “Social media companies should face legal penalties if their platforms harm children.” Do you agree or disagree?

Oil-Free Lego Bricks

B1 — Intermediate 

Lego has ended its ambitious plan to replace the oil-based plastic in its bricks after finding out that recycled polyethylene terephthalate (RPET) would only result to higher carbon emissions than the current material.

Even though they have not found a suitable alternative, Lego says it is still committed to sustainability and plans to make its toys from eco-friendly materials by 2032.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about Lego ending its project to use RPET in replacing oil-based plastics in their bricks.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/oil-free-lego-bricks-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “high-profile” mean? ”Danish toymaker Lego has abandoned a high-profile project to replace oil-based plastics in its bricks.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “retain” mean? ”The main challenge was finding a material that was both environmentally friendly and retained the same color, shine, and sound as the oil-based plastic bricks.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “embark” mean? ”The company embarked on this journey in 2020 to replace its plastic bricks with sustainable options.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think it was the right decision to stop the project? Why or why not? 
  2. Which is more important: product quality or protecting the environment? Why?
  3. Do you think companies like Lego should keep trying to make their products more environmentally friendly? Why or why not?
  4. Why is it sometimes difficult for companies to become more environmentally friendly?
  5. Would people still buy Lego if the bricks looked or felt a little different, but were better for the environment? Why?

Fake AI Ads

B1 — Intermediate 

Nowadays, you will see a lot of advertisements made using AI on social media. These ads usually sell products that are cheap, low-quality, or sometimes, do not exist at all.

Scammers use AI to make realistic videos and fake customer reviews. They can make these ads quickly and at a low cost. The ads appear on dodgy websites and even on trusted platforms like Amazon.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about fake AI advertisements.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/fake-ai-ads-level-2

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to be flooded with something” mean? ”Social media platforms are being flooded with ultra-realistic ads created by AI to sell products that either don’t exist or turn out to be cheap junk.” Use the idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “to slip through” mean? ”Experts note that these ads easily slip through automated moderation systems due to the sheer volume of new content.” Use the phrasal verb in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “shady” mean? ”These ads appear on both shady websites and legitimate platforms like Amazon.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. Have you ever seen an AI-generated ad online? What is your opinion about them? 
  2. Do you think AI-generated ads are dangerous? Why or why not?
  3. Should social media platforms do more to stop fake ads? Discuss your opinion.
  4. What do you do before buying a product you see in an online ad?
  5. Have you ever bought something that looked different from the ad? Talk about your experience.

The EU Taxes Cheap Parcels from China

B1 — Intermediate 

The European Union (EU) has introduced a new 3-euro fee on cheap parcels from China. The new tax rule will affect online shopping sites like Shein, Temu, and AliExpress.

The EU says this change will help create fairer competition for local businesses.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about the new tax rules on inexpensive parcels from China in the EU.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/the-eu-taxes-cheap-parcels-from-china-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “retailer” mean? ”The EU has introduced a new 3-euro fee on low-value e-commerce parcels from China, which targets major online retailers like Shein, Temu, and AliExpress.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “tax loophole” mean? ”Lawmakers argue that this tax loophole was abused on an industrial scale, which gave Chinese giants a massive competitive advantage over local businesses.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “duty-free” mean? ”Previously, these platforms entered the EU bloc duty-free under a long-standing exemption for goods under 150 euros.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your reaction and opinion about this new tax rule?
  2. Should all companies, local and foreign, follow the same tax rules? Why?
  3. Do you think the new fee will help local businesses? Why or why not?
  4. Do you think people will continue shopping on these websites after the new fee? Why or why not? 
  5. Would you be willing to pay extra fees for low-cost products? Explain.

Colon Cancer in Young People

B1 — Intermediate 

Bowel cancer, or colorectal cancer cases among younger adults have increased all over the world.

On the bright side, even though bowel cancer cases are higher, it still remains uncommon among young people.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about colon cancer among young adults.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/young-people-and-cancer-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “early detection” mean? ”Factors like improved early detection and genetic changes might also play a role.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “to play a role” mean? ”Factors like improved early detection and genetic changes might also play a role.” Use the expression in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “to prompt” mean here: ”Symptoms like changes in bowel habits, unexplained weight loss, or fatigue should prompt a doctor’s visit.”? Use the verb in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are some reasons for the rise in bowel cancer cases?
  2. Why is early diagnosis important?
  3. Why do you think younger adults might ignore symptoms of serious illnesses?
  4. Do you think modern lifestyles are increasing the risk of diseases among young people? Why or why not?
  5. What can individuals do to reduce their risk of serious illnesses?

Some People Earn a Lot But Are Not Rich

B1 — Intermediate 

About 14% of U.S. households earn more than $200,000 a year. However, many of them do not feel rich. They are often called HENRYs, which means High Earners, Not Rich Yet.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about people who earn high salaries, but do not necessarily feel rich.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/some-people-earn-a-lot-but-arent-rich-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “lifestyle creep” mean? ”Even people making over 300,000 often struggle with credit card debt. This is partly due to lifestyle creep.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “net worth” mean? ”Experts say budgeting, knowing your net worth, and planning for savings are key steps to feeling financially secure.” Use the expression in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “hamster wheel” mean here: ”Emotional spending, social pressure, and a lack of financial planning can keep high earners stuck on a hamster wheel.”? Use the idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think financial success depends more on income or on money management? Explain.
  2. Do you think earning more money always leads to a better life? Why or why not?
  3. What advice would you give someone who earns a high income but still struggles with money?
  4. Do you think social media encourages people to spend more? Why or why not?
  5. How can people enjoy life without overspending?

Companies Take People’s Land to Build Data Centers

B1 — Intermediate 

The fast expansion of AI data centers in Georgia has led to a big rise in electricity demand. To support this growing need, the state’s primary utility company is significantly increasing its network of high-voltage transmission lines.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about companies acquiring private lands to build data centers in Georgia.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/companies-take-peoples-land-to-build-data-centers-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is a “utility company”? ”To meet this need, the state’s main utility company is rapidly expanding its high-voltage power lines.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “eminent domain” mean? “While Georgia Power claims it offers fair compensation, many families feel forced into settlements because the company can use eminent domain to seize private land without the owners’ consent.” Use the expression in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  3. What does “to seize” mean? ”While Georgia Power claims it offers fair compensation, many families feel forced into settlements because the company can use eminent domain to seize private land without the owners’ consent.” Use the verb in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. Is it ethical to use eminent domain to build infrastructure that largely benefits the private companies, such as AI data centers? Share your opinion.
  2. What good things can happen when we build more energy infrastructure for AI?
  3. How would you react if transmission lines were planned to pass through your property?
  4. Should companies continue developing new technology even if it causes problems for local communities? Why or why not?
  5. If you were in the government, how would you balance economic growth and people’s rights?

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.