Tag: audio

How Green Is Your Money

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

We keep our money in the bank. The bank uses our money to invest in or fund other businesses.

Now, the question is, do you have any idea as to what your money is being used for or are you just very green about it?

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about how banks invest our money to fund other business, at times, even dirty practices and find out how our money can help save the environment.

Be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2023/ep-231019

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “green” mean in this context, “No, I don’t. I have to admit I’m very green about money, and I don’t mean green as in environmentally friendly.”? Give 2 synonyms and use “green” in this context in your own sentence.
  2. What does “to jump on the bandwagon” mean, “It was always viewed, I think, as a niche thing, something for those that had very clear views on the world, social views. That’s now broadened hugely, and there’s great concern about greenwashing so who’s jumping on the bandwagon? – that’s a huge concern amongst investors.”? Use this expression in your own sentence.
  3. What does ”to put the spotlight on someone/something” mean, ”This in turn puts the spotlight on how pension funds are being used, for example whether they support large oil corporations or renewable energy companies.”? Use this idiom in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What might be reasons public interest in ethical banks has ballooned in recent years?
  2. Are you aware about where your bank invest your money in? Talk about it.
  3. How common are ethical banks in your country? Why do you think this is the case?
  4. What are your thoughts on Richard Curtis’ campaign “Make My Money Matter” which is essentially doing one simple thing, moving your pension to an environmentally sustainable fund?
  5. Would you consider doing such financial move? Why or why not?
  6. They say that the most effective way to fight climate change is to move your pension into ethical investments. Share your opinion on this.
  7. Share your thoughts on this, “Luckily, the customer is always right, and by managing our money ethically, we can all help a little.”.

Popular Water Bottle

B1 – Intermediate 

In the middle of many environmental problems we have today, people are becoming more and more sustainability-conscious. One of things we want to reduce is the single use of plastics. A solution is using less plastic cups and bottles for drinks or water. 

Then, a new trend started with people using reusable tumblers. 

One of the most famous water tumbler brands is Stanley that is well-known for its durability and double-walled vacuum insulation.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about the popular water bottle brand Stanley cups.

Be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/popular-water-bottle-level-3/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “sought-after” mean, “Stanley cups, particularly limited editions, have become highly sought after and are re-selling for hundreds of dollars.” Give 2 synonyms or similar expressions and use the word ‘sought after’ in your own sentence.
  2. What does “word-of-mouth” mean, “Marketing expert Camille Moore emphasizes that Stanley succeeded by creating a great product, relying on word-of-mouth and social media rather than traditional advertising.”? Use this expression in a sentence.
  3. What does the verb “to skyrocket” mean? “Despite being around since 1913, Stanley’s fortunes skyrocketed after the introduction of the 1.2-liter ‘Quencher’ tumbler in 2016.” Use this word in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why are Stanley cups very popular?
  2. What is your opinion about Stanley’s strategy to promote its products/brand by creating a great product, using word-of-mouth and social media instead of traditional advertising? 
  3. Do you own a reusable water bottle? Why or why not?
  4. What are the good things about using reusable water bottles?
  5. Do you think that they are a solution to our environmental problems? Explain.

Fans Talk about Their Passions

B2 – Upper Intermediate

If you admire or like something like a sport, a music band, or a hobby, then you can consider yourself a fan. But because of technology, we are able to express our shared passions with other fans online.

Being a part of a fandom is more than being a simple fan, but it is being an avid supporter of a particular celebrities, team, fictions, and others that you belong in something that is considered as a community or subculture.

Listen to the podcast below as they talk about how fans talk about their passions.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to tap into something” mean? “It taps into that ancient human impulse to belong to a group of like-minded people.” Use this idiom in a sentence.
  2. What do “BIRGing” and “CORFing” stand for and what is the difference between the two expressions”? “The antithesis of BIRGing is CORFing which means ‘Cutting Off Reflected Failure’ and that is what people sometimes do when their team loses“. Use”BIRGing” and “CORFing” in your own sentences.
  3. What is the meaning of “a piece/a slice of the action“? “When your team wins everyone wants a bit of the action, you take to the streets; dance around.”  Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and make your own sentence using the term ‘a piece/a slice of the action’.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on “fandom”?
  2. Are there misconceptions about fandom you know of?
  3. Share about a time you realized that you were more than just a casual fan.
  4. When do you think being a fan is no longer healthy?
  5. How do you think someone should behave in a fandom community?
  6. Who or what are you so passionate about? How do you showcase your admiration for it? Would you like to share it with others in a fandom community?

The Future of Steak

B1 – Intermediate

Micro Harvest is on a mission to make protein quick and tasty using tiny living things in a Bioreactor. It only takes them one day! They’re planning to use this protein in various foods, even for pets.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about alternative protein production methods.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/the-future-of-a-steak-level-1/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. How does the phrase “closed space” in the sentence, “They use tiny living things in a closed space, called a Bioreactor”? Use it in a sentence.
  2. What is meant by “to start small” in the sentence, “Bakers wants to start small, like in a local store or restaurant, and then grow“? Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does the word “process” mean in this sentence, “Micro Harvest finishes the process in just one day.”? Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How do you feel about the innovative approach for protein production?
  2. What potential advantages or concerns do you see?
  3. Why do you think there are rules for making the protein, and why is it important for the company to follow them?
  4. How do you think new ways of making food, like Micro Harvest’s method, might change the food we eat in the future? Elaborate.

Very Special Wedding Dress 

B1 – Intermediate

A “very special wedding dress” is like adding a personal touch to your big day. It could be a dress with special meaning, a unique design, or even one made from surprising stuff.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about a very special wedding dress.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/very-special-wedding-dress-level-3/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “masterpiece” mean in the sentence, “Designers are only allowed to use toilet paper, glue, tape, needles, and thread to create their masterpieces.“? Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “twist” mean in this sentence, “The competition offers a more creative twist to bridal attire and the competitors are always excited as they make it down to the final 10 out of over a thousand hopefuls.“? Use it in a sentence.
  3. How is the word “hopeful” used in the sentence “The competition offers a more creative twist to bridal attire and the competitors are always excited as they make it down to the final 10 out of over a thousand hopefuls.“? Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. In your opinion, why might some people prefer unique or unconventional elements in their weddings?
  2. What is your opinion on very “unique” wedding dresses?
  3. How might events that encourage artistic expression, such as the wedding dress contest, contribute to the broader appreciation of art and creativity?
  4. If you were given the challenge to create something unique for a wedding, what would you choose, and why?

Russia Celebrity Party

B1 – Intermediate

A controversial party in Russia, marked by indecent attires, has caused a controversy. With a rapper going to jail, companies ending contracts, and public disapproval, the event took place during the Ukraine war, receiving a lot of criticism. The organizer now faces tax issues, public anger, and calls for accountability.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about this controversial party in Russia.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/russia-celebrity-party-level-2/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to get in trouble” mean in the sentence “A rapper got in trouble and went to jail for 15 days.“? Use it in a sentence.
  2. What is implied by the phrase “tough time” in the sentence, “Some people say the party was bad because soldiers are fighting, and it is a tough time“? Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “punish” mean in the sentence, “People are angry, and they want those who did the party to be punished.”? Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think it’s okay to have a big party when there’s a serious situation like a war going on? Why or why not?
  2. Are fines effective way to punish people for their actions? Why / Why not?
  3. How are famous people affected when companies end contracts with them?
  4. The person who organized the party said sorry two times. Do you believe apologies can fix everything in this case? Explain.
  5. Has something like this ever happened in your country? Talk about it.

China Fog

B1 – Intermediate

Fog, a fascinating weather phenomenon, occurs when the air close to the ground becomes saturated with moisture, causing water droplets to form a thick mist. This natural occurrence often envelops surroundings in an enchanting veil, lending an air of mystery to landscapes.

While fog enhances the aesthetics of nature, it can also impact visibility, making it essential for travelers and communities to adapt to its ever-changing presence.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about the thick fog in China over the holidays.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/china-fog-level-2/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is a “landmark“? “Famous landmarks like the Shanghai Center Tower and Oriental Pearl Tower became almost invisible, which surprised residents.“? Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does the term “cold wind” mean, “Experts expect that the bad weather will improve with a coming cold wave.“? Use it in a sentence.
  3. What is the meaning of “endure” in the sentence “China endured extreme weather throughout the year, from periods of very cold weather to heatwaves and big storms.“? Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How might the thick fog affect the daily lives of people in Shanghai?
  2. What are other ways in which weather conditions, like dense fog, could impact a city’s normal activities?
  3. How can authorities better prepare and communicate with the public in situations like this?
  4. How can individuals and communities manage climate change issues?

Starship Spacecraft Explodes

B1 – Intermediate

In the exciting world of space exploration, sometimes things don’t go as planned. Recently, the Starship spacecraft, a super-advanced space vehicle, faced a big problem—it exploded. This event is a reminder that exploring space is not easy, and it comes with challenges.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about SpaceX’s Starship explosions.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/starship-spacecraft-explodes-level-3/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “interplanetary” mean, “SpaceX’s Starship designed for lunar and interplanetary travel achieved its first spaceflight but experienced a failure minutes later.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “uncrewed“, “The rocket was launched from Texas and it aimed for a 90-minute uncrewed flight, intending to land in the Pacific near Hawaii.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “ground” mean? “The Federal Aviation Administration grounded the rocket for safety and environmental assessments.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Question:

  1. What is the purpose of SpaceX’s Starship rocket?
  2. Why do you think SpaceX continues to conduct tests even if there are failures?
  3. What are some potential challenges or risks associated with developing and testing rockets like Starship?
  4. How would you feel about being on a rocket like Starship, considering the recent test failures?
  5. Do you think space exploration, despite its challenges, is important for the future? Why / Why not?

Robots in Our Lives 

B1 – Intermediate

In today’s world, robots are no longer just a part of sci-fi stories—they’re here, right now, impacting how we live. From simplifying daily tasks to working side by side with us, these machines are reshaping our routines and the way we connect with the world.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about advanced robotics in our lives.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/robots-in-our-lives-level-3/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “throughout the ages” mean? “A new exhibition in London charts humanity’s fascination for robots throughout the ages – one model at the exhibition dates back to the 16th century. Almost three meters tall, Cygan, a celebrity robot of the fifties, is the display’s centerpiece.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does the word “enslave“ mean in this sentence, “Ben Russel, the curator, commented on people’s fear of robots ‘turning into terrifying things that enslave us all’ – he thinks that it is quite natural to be afraid of them, but he sees the chances of it actually happening as slim.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does the phrase “the chances of something happening as slim“ mean, “Ben Russel, the curator, commented on people’s fear of robots ‘turning into terrifying things that enslave us all’ – he thinks that it is quite natural to be afraid of them, but he sees the chances of it actually happening as slim.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What would society be like if robots took over our jobs?
  2. How are robots generally perceived? Are they seen more as helpful or potentially concerning? Elaborate.
  3. What could be some challenges or benefits of having humanoid robots in our homes?
  4. If you had a robot, what would you like it to do?

Argentina Has a New President

B1 – Intermediate

Change is in the air as Argentina welcomes a new president to lead the nation. The inauguration ceremony signals not just a transfer of power but also the start of a different chapter in Argentina’s story. People are curious about what this change might bring—how it will affect their lives and the country’s path.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about Argentina’s new president.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/argentina-has-a-new-president-level-3/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the expression “to ride a wave of something“ mean, “Milei, riding a wave of voter anger, pledged economic shock therapy, including shutting the central bank, ditching the peso, and slashing spending.” Use it in sentence.
  2. What does the word “ditch“ mean, “Milei, riding a wave of voter anger, pledged economic shock therapy, including shutting the central bank, ditching the peso, and slashing spending.” Use it in sentence.
  3. What does “economic malaise“ mean? “Despite concerns about his volatile character and radical plans, Milei aims to address the economic malaise that has plagued the country.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How might Milei’s plans to spend less affect the lives of the people in Argentina?
  2. What challenges does a new president might face in solving the country’s existing problems?
  3. How might a new president impact a country’s domestic and international affairs?
  4. What qualities do you think are important for a country leader?