Tag: audio

World Anti-Doping Agency

B1 – Intermediate

There have been a number of high profile athletes whose titles have been revoked for using illegal performance-enhancing drugs. These athletes are well-aware of the harmful effects and social consequences of doping in sports events and yet they still chose to do so. One particular doping controversy happened in Russia.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/russia-and-the-olympics-level-1/

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is the World Anti-Doping Agency? Should they have more strict enforcement of their rules?
  2. Why do athletes dope?
  3. Do you think doping athletes should face more repercussions than just being stripped of their titles?

Cyber-Bullying

B1 – Intermediate

Cyber-bullying is quite a common issue nowadays. It is easily done by people who hide their identities by making fake profiles. Peoples lives can be ruined just by bad comments posted in their social media accounts.

Let us hear more about cyber-bullying in the audio.

https://listenaminute.com/c/cyber-bullying.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. Is cyber-bullying a common problem in your country right now?
  2. What are the reasons why people bully others online?
  3. Are there consequences for the people who do this?
  4. What can be the effect of cyber-bullying on the victims?
  5. Is there a way to stop people from cyber-bullying others?

Being Single

B1 – Intermediate

People always wants to find love but others tend to choose to be single for tons of reasons. We could say that being in a relationship gives us happiness and belongingness while being single gives us freedom and thrill.

Let us hear more about the good and bad thing about being single in the audio.

https://listenaminute.com/b/being_single.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the pros and cons of being single?
  2. What are the pros and cons of being in a relationship or being married?
  3. Is it better to settle down when you are young or when you are old?
  4. How does one’s life change when they are single versus when they are in a relationship/married?

First Person Gets Covid-19 Vaccine

B1 – Intermediate

Margaret Keenan is a 90-year-old grandmother who became the first person in the world to receive the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine outside of a trial in Britain. Although she urges people to get the vaccine, there are still some people who are in doubt and worried about its safety.

Listen to the audio and be able to answer the questions below.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/first-person-gets-a-vaccine-level-2/

Discussion Questions:

  1. How do you feel about this news?
  2. What can you say about Margaret Keenan? If you were her, would you like to be the first person in the world to get vaccinated with a new vaccine?
  3. In general, what do you think of vaccines?
  4. Would you get this COVID-19 vaccine when it’s available for everyone? Why or why not?
  5. Why do you think some people are worried about getting this vaccine?

Machine Makes Books Safe

B1 – Intermediate

Libraries in Japan have installed machines that disinfect books using ultraviolet light. This will ensure the health and safety of borrowers and visitors, especially the elderly during the coronavirus pandemic.

Listen to the audio and be able to answer the questions that follow:

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/machine-makes-books-safe-level-2/

Discussion Questions:

  1. How do you feel about the article?
  2. What do you think of these machines that sterilize books in libraries?
  3. Would you want these machines to be installed in all libraries and other public places?
  4. What are some other ways to avoid bringing the virus to homes and families?
  5. Do you enjoy going to libraries? Why or why not?

Why Do We Choose to Text Instead of Talk?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Don’t call until you’ve texted to confirm it’s okay to call. This is one of the cardinal rules of communicating. In general, people prefer to text rather than to call but if we take a closer look at it, calling is much more convenient than texting. You take your phone out, dial the number, then talk to the person on the other end of the line. Also, miscommunication tends to happen more often with texting than calling. So why do we still prefer to text?

Let’s listen to the audio to know some of the reasons why people are more inclined to text rather than talk.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Which form of communication do you prefer: texting or talking? Why?
  2. Have you experienced being misunderstood because of some text that you sent? Describe the experience.
  3. Do you agree or disagree that texting is changing how we interact with each other?
  4. What are the situations in which talking would be a better option than texting?
  5. What are the pros and cons of texting and talking?
  6. What are the possible consequences if we rely too much on texting to convey our messages to others?

People Can Test for COVID-19 at Home

B1 – Intermediate

Testing for COVID-19 is very important. Scientists are working round- the-clock to establish programs that will ensure access to and acceptance of rapid and reliable testing around the country.

Testing can help people determine if they are infected with SARS-CoV-2 – regardless of whether they have symptoms – and whether they are at risk of spreading the infection to others. Taking measures to prevent the spread of infection will be the most effective strategy for getting us safely back to work and school.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about this special test for COVID-19.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/people-can-test-for-covid-19-at-home-level-1/

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think about this special test for COVID-19?
  2. Would you prefer to go to the doctor or take the test at home?
  3. What do you think you can personally do to reduce your chance of being infected in a pandemic?
  4. Do you think that vaccinations are useful or dangerous?
  5. Would you have the vaccine?
  6. How will life in your country change if there is a vaccine?

Flying Car in Slovakia

B1 – Intermediate

In 1989, the second installment of the “Back to the Future” franchise gave us a vivid picture of the year 2015, a time filled with different futuristic technologies.

The sneakers became a reality in 2016, just one year later than predicted. As for the car, however, it appears that the film may have missed the mark with a fifth-generation car having only recently taken flight at an airport in Slovakia, and with autonomous vehicles still being developed.

Nonetheless, finally, the sky is the limit for automobiles. Pun intended.

Read the article and watch the accompanying video to learn more about this automotive advance.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/flying-car-level-1/

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the possible uses for this kind of vehicle? How could it benefit the riding public?
  2. What are the possible drawbacks or dangers of this new mode of transportation?
  3. Would you like to own such a car? Where would you go on your first flight?

Boy’s Dreams Come True

B1 – Intermediate

Messi is one of the biggest football players in the whole world. He is very popular. No wonder many people, including young children idolize him.

Read the transcript and listen to this audio on Messi’s surprise for his 5-year old fan.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/boys-dreams-come-true-level-2

Discussion Questions:

  1. How did you feel hearing this news?
  2. What is your reaction to what Messi did for his young fan?
  3. If you were Messi, would you do the same for a fan?
  4. Do you have an idol? Who is it? What would you like to receive from him/her?
  5. If you could have a conversation with your idol, what would you tell them?

Amazon Germany Strike

B1 – Intermediate

Amazon is probably one of the best companies to work for. However, it looks like for some workers in their German warehouses, this isn’t true. They plan to go on strike for several reasons.

Read the transcript and listen to this audio on German Amazon workers’ plans to go on strike.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/amazon-strike-level-1/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “market” mean here, “Amazon´s biggest market outside the US is Germany.”? Use the word in your own sentence.
  2. What is a “warehouse“? Use the word in your own sentence.
  3. What does the phrase “to go on strike” mean? Use it in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your reaction to this news?
  2. What are the reasons Amazon workers want to go on strike?
  3. What is your opinion on the workers going on strike on Black Friday, an important shopping holiday?
  4. Do you like holidays such as Black Friday? Generally, what do you think of them?
  5. Share some experiences (good or bad) you’ve had with Amazon.