Tag: audio

Dirty UK Waters

B1 – Intermediate

In order to stop sewage pollution, several organizations such as Surfers Against Sewage continue to work to ensure the continuous improvement in the water quality in the UK.

However, water companies and big firms are not doing their part to keep the water in the UK clean. As a result, protests against sewage pollution have been held in different parts of the UK.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about protests to end sewage pollution in the UK.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/dirty-uk-waters-level-2/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Explain the definition of the word “sewage”. “Sewage pollution has a bad impact on rivers, seas, and people, too.”. Use this word in a sentence.
  2. What does “discharge” mean? “The goal is to stop sewage discharge into bathing waters and reduce sewage discharges by 90% by 2030.” Give 1-2 synonym/s of ‘discharge’ and use the word in your own sentence.
  3. What does “to put money into something” mean? “The problem is that companies don’t want to put money into modern technologies, and also, the current water quality testing system is not good enough.” Use this phrase in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your opinion on this: “The problem is that companies don’t want to put money into modern technologies…”?
  2. What are some effects of sewage pollution?
  3. How can we prevent sewage pollution?
  4. Is sewage pollution also a problem in your country? Talk about it.
  5. Talk about anything you know about sewage management.

Crowds

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Every individual’s reaction to being in a sea of people differs. When people get together in a crowd, some good and some bad come out of it.

Listen to this podcast and read the transcript about the role of crowds in modern life.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2023/ep-230323

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “mob mentality” mean? “But according to John, the idea of mob mentality, that people in crowds are irrational and prone to destructive behaviour, just isn’t backed up by research.”? Use this phrase in a sentence.
  2. What does “flip side” mean? “The flip side of that is when you don’t feel as much part of the group, and you’re not having a positive experience.” Give 1-2 synonym/s of ‘flip side’ and use the phrase in your own sentence.
  3. What does “gullible” mean? “When people get together in a crowd, they regress psychologically, their thinking is more primitive, they become more gullible, and that’s also associated with the supposed tendency towards violence as well.” Use this word in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How do you feel about crowds?
  2. What might be the good and bad things about crowds?
  3. What are your thoughts on this statement, “When people get together in a crowd, they regress psychologically.”?
  4. Cite an incident/s where you’ve witnessed “mob mentality”.
  5. What is your opinion on this, “In today’s world, crowds are important because of the feeling of power they give us.”?
  6. Talk about a time when you were amidst a huge crowd. How was this experience for you?

Addicted to War

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The body’s fight or flight response has a number of components. One of which is the hormone called adrenaline. Adrenaline is released when the body perceives danger and the initial response is to flee.

Not surprisingly, there are people who find this sensation pleasurable and instead of fleeing they prefer to stay in this dangerous situation.

Let’s listen to the podcast and find out more about one profession where adrenaline rush is manifested.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2023/ep-230511

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Define the phrase “call it a day“. “You might expect Fergal to call it a day at this point, but that’s not how addiction works.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does the expression “to find one’s self doing something” mean? “Despite the danger, Fergal found himself going back again and again to report from war zones.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “erosion” mean here, “I reach a point where I can’t carry that anymore, and it’s not dramatic, it’s a slow, steady erosion…” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think of a war correspondent’s job?
  2. What self-destructive behaviors could people suffering from PTSD have?
  3. Why do you think some people have adrenaline addiction?
  4. What is one thing/are some things that you found yourself doing again and again? Why do you think you had the need to do it/them?
  5. If one of your family or friends is like Fergal Keane, would you support or discourage them? Explain.

Australia Bans Vaping

B1 – Intermediate

Using vapes has become more popular especially among young people. In Australia, they are trying to solve this problem. They will implement new rules that will prohibit recreational vaping, limit the import of non-prescription vapes, and restrict nicotine levels.

The government will try to make it more difficult for young people to have access to vapes. Doctors support these measures. However, there are more things to do in order to stop teenagers from vaping.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about vaping ban in Australia.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/australia-bans-vaping-level-3/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is the meaning of “curtail”, “The government plans to curtail the availability of vapes by imposing restrictions on their sale in convenience stores and cracking down on illegal markets.” Use the word in a sentence.
  2. What does “to take action against someone/something” mean, “Australia is taking strong action against the tobacco industry to address the growing problem of teenage vaping.“? Use the phrase in a sentence.
  3. What does the word “discourage” mean, “Doctors support the measures but want more to be done to discourage young people from vaping.”? Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your opinion on Australia’s decision to ban recreational vaping and implement stricter regulations on vapes?
  2. Do you think the measures taken by Australia will effectively discourage young people from vaping? Why or why not?
  3. What are some anti-smoking laws in your country?
  4. “Philip Morris supports the crackdown on illegal shops.” State your opinion on this.

First Class Travel

B1 – Intermediate

Airlines are spending more money on luxurious first-class cabins that look like hotel rooms as an answer to the increasing demand for luxury travel.

These cabins have amenities such as sofas, double beds, televisions, desks, wardrobes, minibars, and even walk-in showers.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about first-class travels.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/first-class-travel-level-3/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is the meaning of “recoup” as used in the article? “The airline aimed to recoup its financial losses by increasing the prices of first-class seats and attracting more affluent passengers.” Make a sentence using the word.
  2. What does the word “goldmine” mean in the context of the article? “The introduction of luxury first-class cabins resembling mini hotel rooms has turned out to be a goldmine for airlines.” Make a sentence using the word.
  3. What does the expression “to enter the fray” mean? “Airlines are entering the fray by investing heavily in revamping their fleets and competing to offer the most luxurious and exclusive services in the industry.” Make a sentence using the idiom.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are some of the amenities included in the first-class cabins?
  2. Would you pay more money for a first-class experience on a flight? Why or why not?
  3. What is your opinion about airlines spending a lot of money on first-class cabins that are like mini hotel rooms?
  4. Other than luxurious cabins, how else can airlines improve the overall travel experience of their passengers?
  5. Talk about your experience traveling first-class.

Future of Jobs

B1 – Intermediate

The future of jobs is a big topic now. Many people want to know what jobs will be available in the coming years. Technology is changing fast and it will impact the job market a lot.

Some jobs that are easy and routine may soon be done by robots or computers. This means that some jobs may disappear. But, new jobs will also be created such as those that require knowledge of technology like robots and artificial intelligence.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about the future of jobs.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/future-of-jobs-level-2/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “cut” mean in this sentence, “According to the report, technology and digitalization will both create and cut jobs.“? Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “to keep up with something“ mean, “Companies will need to adapt to new technologies and increase their digitalization to keep up with the changing job market.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. “All this means that the job market will see big changes in the coming years.” What is “job market“? Define and use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are some technological advancements that are changing the job market?
  2. What skills do you think will be most important for workers in the future job market?
  3. How might the increase in teleworking impact the job market in the future?
  4. What are some problems related to the job market changes and how can they be solved?
  5. How might advancements in artificial intelligence impact the job market in the future?

Coca-Cola

B1 – Intermediate

Coca-Cola is a well-known and loved beverage all over the world. Their mission, as stated, is to refresh the world in mind, body, and spirit, inspire moments of optimism and happiness through their brands and actions, and to create value and make a difference.

Coca-Cola takes pride in their product and it is shown through their values: leadership, collaboration, integrity, diversity, and quality.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about the company Coca-Cola.

https://businessenglishmaterials.com/coca-cola.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the word “catchy” mean in this sentence, “Another is its catchy advertising slogans, such as “Coke Is It”.” Give 2 synonyms for this word and use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “phenomenal success” mean in this sentence, “One secret to the company’s phenomenal success is what it calls the ‘Coca-Cola system’ – the more than 300 worldwide bottling partners that work together to distribute its products.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does the word “strive” mean in this sentence, “Its mission is to strive to refresh the world, inspire moments of optimism and happiness, create value and make a difference.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Can you tell me about the history of Coca-Cola and how it came to be such a popular brand?
  2. How has Coca-Cola’s marketing strategy evolved over time?
  3. What do you think about the Coca-Cola system?
  4. What is your company’s mission and what do you think about it?
  5. Which beverages do you think are the most popular in the world and in your country? And what makes them so well-known?

UK Public Alert System

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Natural or man-made disasters and major events could disrupt people’s everyday life. The dissemination of news of such events is usually communicated through mainstream and social media, but not everyone is on these platforms. The UK will be be testing a new alert system to inform its citizens about such events by mobile phone.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about this new public alert system.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/uk-public-alert-system-level-1/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “vibrate” mean? “…millions of phones in the UK will make a loud noise and vibrate.” Give two synonyms and use this word in a sentence.
  2. Define the word “warning“. “It will be a warning sound“. Use it in your own sentence.
  3. What does the word “marathon” mean? “For example the London Marathon or football matches.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How does the new UK public alert system work?
  2. What are the pros and cons of this new alert system?
  3. What public alert system do you have in your country? In what situations, do you receive such an alert?
  4. Do you find this public alert system helpful or distracting? Why or why not?
  5. How do you prefer to be alerted about emergencies or natural disasters? Why is this your choice?

Bulletproof Rooms in US Schools

B1 – Intermediate

Mass shooting frequently happens in the US each year, especially in schools. It’s difficult to predict when and where these tragic incidents may occur. Therefore, a security company creates a safe room for students and teachers.

Read the article to learn more about these bulletproof rooms:

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/bulletproof-rooms-in-us-schools-level-1/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is “mass shooting“, “In the United States, there are many mass shootings.“? Use this phrase in your own sentence.
  2. What does “lawmaker” mean, “But lawmakers work slowly.“? Use this word in your own sentence.
  3. What does “put something up” mean, “People can put it up quickly in the corner of a classroom.“? Use this phrase in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your opinion about these bulletproof rooms?
  2. Do you think bulletproof rooms in schools is the solution to the problem of gun violence in the US? Why or why not?
  3. What might be potential negative sides to the bulletproof rooms in schools?
  4. Should this idea be a priority for public spending or should funds be used on other things? Explain your opinion.

People Get Bad Blood

B1 – Intermediate

People who have certain medical conditions need blood transfusion. To do this, they depend on other people to donate their blood.

The government tries to supply safe blood. They motivate citizens to donate blood. In some rare cases, these blood donations are unfortunately contaminated.

Let’s listen to the audio and read the transcript to know more about this problem with infected blood donation in the UK.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/people-get-bad-blood-level-1/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is the meaning of the medical term “hemophilia“? “In the 1970s and 80s, thousands of hemophilia patients in the UK need new blood.” Use this word in a sentence.
  2. What is the meaning of the word “bleeding“? “It means that the body has problems stopping bleeding“. Use it in your own sentence.
  3. What is the meaning of the expression “to take responsibility for something“? “Many people want the government to take responsibility for what happens.” Use the phrase in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Does your country have problems with blood supply? If yes, what is your government’s solution to this problem?
  2. What safety measures should public health agencies take to maintain the quality of blood donations?
  3. In your country, how can a person become a blood donor?
  4. What are the benefits of blood donation for donors?
  5. Have you ever donated blood? If not yet, would you like to do it? Why/why not?