Tag: audio

Europe’s Waste Goes to Other Countries

B1 – Intermediate 

One problem of any city or country in the world is where to dump their millions of tonnes of wastes.

Europe exports a huge amount of their garbage to developing countries. The problem is a lot of these waste trades are not exactly legal.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript to find out where Europe’s waste trades.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/europes-waste-goes-to-other-countries-level-3/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “developing country” mean? “Every year, Europe exports millions of tonnes of waste to developing countries; however, a significant portion of these shipments are illegal.” Use this term in a sentence.
  2. What does “shipment” mean? “Italian customs officers use a new alert system to catch illegal waste shipments.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use this word in your own sentence.
  3. Define “circular economy”. “Recycled materials, like copper from electronic cables, are now being processed within Europe to support the circular economy.” Use this term in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Share your opinion about illegal waste exports from Europe to the developing countries.
  2. What are the new EU rules to prevent illegal waste exportation?
  3. What are the effects of waste exports on the developing countries?
  4. What are your thoughts on Tunisia returning hundreds of containers of waste to Italy?
  5. Discuss one policy or incentive that can be implemented to improve this situation.

Prices of Air Travel

B1 – Intermediate

In recent years, the prices of air travel have fluctuated significantly, influenced by various factors such as fuel costs, economic conditions, and global events.

The COVID-19 pandemic, for instance, led to unprecedented disruptions in the airline industry, causing dramatic shifts in airfare pricing. As airlines adapt to changing demand and new safety protocols, passengers face both opportunities and challenges in securing affordable flights.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about airfares stabilizing.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/prices-of-air-travel-level-3/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “surge” mean? “Airfares in Europe and Asia are stabilizing or dropping, which indicates the end of the post-COVID travel surge.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘surge’ in your own sentence.
  2. What does “budget airline” mean? “Budget airline Ryanair’s CEO noted that ticket prices are increasing less than expected, which affected European airline shares.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “downturn” mean? “Overall, the industry expects a return to normal pricing rather than a major downturn.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘downturn’ in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. In what ways can travelers find the best deals on airline tickets?
  2. What are the pros and cons of budget airlines compared to traditional carriers?
  3. What strategies can airlines use to keep ticket prices competitive while maintaining profitability?
  4. What role do economic conditions play in determining airfare prices? Explain.

Disney Animal Kingdom

B1 – Intermediate

Disney is passionate about animal conservation and has created various programs to support wildlife. They have a large team of experts who care for animals and develop strategies to protect endangered species.

Their commitment to the environment extends to innovative solutions, ensuring the safety and well-being of animals globally.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/disney-animal-kingdom-level-2/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “threatened” mean in this sentence, “Disney’s Animal Kingdom worked for 25 years to increase the population of threatened animals such as lions, giraffes, and rhinos.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “to keep something away” mean, “They partnered with researchers to use bees to keep elephants away from African farms.“? Use it in a sentence.
  3. What is a “pollinator garden”? “On Earth Day, conservation experts asked people to grow their own pollinator gardens which help their local animal kingdom.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are some other ways Disney might help animals besides the ones mentioned in the article?
  2. Do you think it’s important for big companies like Disney to be involved in animal conservation? Why or why not?
  3. What can individuals do to help protect threatened animals?
  4. What challenges might Disney face in their efforts to protect threatened animals?
  5. What role do you think education plays in Disney’s animal conservation efforts?

Bulgaria’s Rose Industry

B1 – Intermediate

Bulgaria is famous for its rich history and expertise in rose oil production. Their products are important in the global fragrance and cosmetics industry. The country’s unique climate and fertile soil provide ideal conditions for cultivating roses. This is why Bulgaria is one of the top producers of this exquisite oil.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about the rose industry in Bulgaria.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/bulgarias-rose-industry-level-3/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “harvest” mean? “Last week, farmers were busy harvesting petals about a month earlier than usual due to climate change, which has brought warmer and more humid springs.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘harvest’ in your own sentence.
  2. What does “yield” mean? “This year, conditions were more favorable, resulting in better yields.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘yield’ in your own sentence.
  3. What does “unreasonably” mean? “This year’s improved output was due to an unseasonably warm winter and a very warm March.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘unreasonably’ in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How has climate change affected the production of rose oil in Bulgaria?
  2. Do you think the demand for rose oil will increase in the future? Why or why not?
  3. How important is the rose oil industry for Bulgaria’s economy? Elaborate.
  4. What are some potential challenges faced by farmers in Bulgaria when producing rose oil?
  5. How do you think advancements in technology could affect the production of rose oil in the future?

Scarlett Johansson and OpenAI Chatbot

B1 – Intermediate

The intersection of technology and personal rights has now become an issue with artificial intelligence. A recent controversy involving Hollywood star Scarlett Johansson and OpenAI is an example.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about the problem actress Scarlett Johansson had with the company OpenAI.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/scarlett-johansson-and-openai-chatbot-level-2/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “a lot like” mean in this sentence, “Hollywood star Scarlett Johansson felt shocked and angry whenOpenAI used a voice in their chatbot which sounded a lot like hers.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “come out” mean? “Before the new chatbot model came out last week, Johansson said no to OpenAI’s offer to voice the new chatbot. But many people noticed that the Sky voice was similar to Johansson’s voice in the 2013 film Her.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “inspiration” mean in this context, “She was upset that OpenAI’s CEO, Sam Altman, used the word ‘her’ on social media, making it seem like she was the inspiration.“? Use it in a sentence in the same context.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is the problem between Scarlett Johansson and OpenAI?
  2. What is your opinion about this issue?
  3. How can people’s rights be protected from AI?
  4. ‘OpenAI said that they would remove the voice and that they didn’t mean to copy Johansson.’ Do you think it is enough action from OpenAI? Explain.
  5. Should Johansson continue with legal actions against OpenAI? Why or why not?

Ukraine’s First Underground School

B1 – Intermediate 

To make sure the students are safe from attacks by Russia, the first underground school in Kharkiv, Ukraine has been opened.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about Ukraine’s first underground school.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/ukraines-first-underground-school-level-3/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “underground” mean? “A new school in Kharkiv, Ukraine is underground to keep children safe from Russian attacks.”  Make your own sentence with this word.
  2. What is a “bunker”? “Many students started classes this week in the bunker that is 6 meters below the ground.” Make your own sentence with this word.
  3. What does “bright” mean in this context, “The entrance is a small white concrete box and the classrooms are bright, but have no windows.”? Make your own sentence with this word.

Discussion Questions:

  1. In your own words, talk about the new school in Kharkiv. State as much details as possible.
  2. What is your opinion about this kind of underground school?
  3. What positive and negative effects of going to underground school could have on children?
  4. Do you think this underground school could really keep students safe in case of an attack? State your opinion.
  5. Do you think this school can really help children live normal lives? Explain.
  6. How might children’s education be affected by the war?

Rome’s New Metro Line

B1 – Intermediate 

Rome’s Metro C line has been in progress for almost 20 years and has now finally reached an important phase in its construction.  When completed, Metro C will connect the Vatican and improve Rome’s public transportation system. 

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about Rome’s new metro line.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/romes-new-metro-line-level-3/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is a “flagship”? “The flagship station at Piazza Venezia has an 85-meter-deep wall and will be completed by 2034.” Make your own sentence with this word.
  2. What does “funding delay” mean? “The Metro C line has been in progress for two decades because of bureaucratic and funding delays.”  Make your own sentence with this phrase.
  3. What does “ruins” mean in this context, “The main obstacle is the underground ruins of Imperial Roman and Medieval civilizations that require extensive archaeological work.”? Make your own sentence with this word.

Discussion Questions:

  1. In your own words, talk about the new metro line in Rome. State as much details as possible.
  2. What are the reasons it has taken two decades to complete this project?
  3. What might be pros and cons having this new metro line in Rome?
  4. Do you think this metro line is necessary? State your opinion.
  5. How can public transport be improved in your city/country?

Severe Turbulence Hits Singapore Airlines Flight

B1 – Intermediate 

Singapore Airlines flight flying from London to Singapore experienced severe turbulence when they hit an air pocket.

This resulted to the plane making an emergency landing in Bangkok, one death and multiple injuries, some were critical ones.

Thankfully, extremely strong turbulence such as this does not happen very often, but it is possible.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about severe turbulence that Singapore Airlines flight suffered. 

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/a-man-dies-on-a-plane-level-3/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is a “turbulence”? “A plane traveling from London to Singapore experienced severe turbulence and was forced to an emergency landing at Bangkok Airport.” Make your own sentence with this word.
  2. Define “air pocket”. “The Boeing 777 hit an air pocket in Thai airspace, which led to turbulence.” Make your own sentence with this phrase.
  3. What does “tarmac” mean? “Many passengers and crew members were treated at a field hospital on the tarmac.”  Make your own sentence with this word.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What happened during this flight. State as much details as possible.
  2. What was your reaction to this news?
  3. How can Singapore Airlines help the affected passengers on this flight?
  4. How can airlines be more prepared for this kind of mid-flight incidents?

Marks & Spencer Makes More Money

B1 – Intermediate 

By 2021, Marks & Spencer (M&S) had incurred debts of about £200m. Their sales decreased by almost a third when the lockdowns during the pandemic happened.

Fast forward to 2024, we’ve heard some positive news for this clothing and homeware brand. Their profits have increased a lot.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about M&S’ growth.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/ms-makes-more-money-level-3/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is a “retailer”? “British retailer Marks & Spencer (M&S) saw a 58% rise in yearly profit, beating expectations.” Make your own sentence with this word.
  2. Define “margin target”. “M&S hit their margin targets early, with 4.8% in food and 10.3% in clothing and home.” Make your own sentence with this phrase.
  3. What does “market share” mean? “They aim to increase their market share by 2027/28 and are confident about the future.”  Make your own sentence with this phrase.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the things you know about M&S?
  2. What can you say about Marks & Spencer’s higher profits?
  3. What have they been doing to improve their sales?
  4. How can a company increase their market share?
  5. What has your company done to improve sales and increase market share?

Selling Yourself

B2 – Upper  Intermediate 

Knowing how to talk about your accomplishments at work is quite the skill to have. This could come handy if you wish to step up the corporate ladder or land that job you are applying for. In some instances, you will have to make the gatekeepers in your workplace to take notice of and come to appreciate your work.

Listen to the audio and read the transcript about selling yourself at work.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/office-english/240325

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to sell yourself” mean? “Now, some people hate saying good things about themselves, so we’ll start with how to talk about your strengths and then we’ll discuss the kinds of questions you might be asked in an interview or by your manager that give you an opportunity to sell yourself.” Use this phrase in a sentence.
  2. What does “to have confidence in someone” mean, “I definitely think it’s important to be able to sell yourself at work, not only for your managers and your bosses and even your colleagues to have confidence in you and your work and what you’re able to produce, but also to give yourself that confidence.” Use this phrase in your own sentence.
  3. What does “appraisal” mean here, “So we’ve got lots of ways to talk about our strengths. But when’s the best time to do it? When we’re in a job interview or an appraisal, sometimes it’s not clear what the best answers are, Phil.”? Use this word in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why is important to know how to sell yourself?
  2. What might be other situations where this skill would be useful?
  3. Generally, how does talking about your achievements make you feel?
  4. If you are to sell yourself, how would you do it?
  5. Talk about an instance where you had to sell yourself at work. What could you have said differently?