Tag: audio

Human Rights

B1 – Intermediate

As humans, we are all entitled to some basic rights and freedom. It’s called human rights.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about human rights.

https://listenaminute.com/h/human_rights.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you agree or disagree that many people seem to not know human rights exist? Elaborate on your opinion.
  2. Why is human rights important?
  3. How can we prevent human rights from being violated?
  4. Speak about some human rights issues in your country.
  5. Give an example of human rights violations that in your opinion is absolutely revolting.

Drones Save People

B1 – Intermediate

Lifeguards are people who help people who have problems while swimming in the water on a pool or on the beach. They have a lot of training so they can do their jobs rescuing people very well.

In Australia, lifeguards started using drones to help them save people who are drowning.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about how drones were used in saving two young boys.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/drone-saves-two-boys-level-2/

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your opinion about using drones to rescue people? What are its advantages and disadvantages?
  2. Do you have a drone? Why or why not? Talk about your experience/s with drones.
  3. In what other situations can drones be useful?
  4. How do you make sure that you are safe when swimming?
  5. Have you ever been in a dangerous situation? Who helped you?

Same Charger for All Devices

B1 – Intermediate

These days, everyone is very dependent on gadgets like smartphones, tablets, cameras, etc. You normally need a different charger for every different device. 

The European Union wants to pass a law so charger ports will be the same for all our devices. This law is also an attempt at reducing electronic wastes.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about the new EU law for universal charger for all devices.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/the-same-charger-for-all-smartphones-level-1/

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on this new EU law?
  2. What are the advantages and disadvantages of having the same charger for all your gadgets?
  3. What other things can we do to reduce e-waste?
  4. Apple strongly opposes this law saying it is a restrain on innovation. Do you agree or disagree with Apple on this? Why?
  5. Among all your gadgets, which one is your favorite and why?

I Love My Language

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Language is a vital part of human connection. It is a huge part of a person’s history, culture, and identity. Unfortunately, some indigenous languages are becoming extinct. This can happen due to disasters, wars, or shifts to other languages.

So what can be done to preserve indigenous languages?

Listen to this audio and read the transcript on a woman’s fight to preserve her language.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english/ep-210923

Discussion Questions:

  1. It seems that languages are disappearing from the world every day and some people want to preserve them. What are your feelings about this?
  2. How many languages can you speak well? Why does one have to learn several languages?
  3. Is there any language which you don’t presently speak but which you would like to learn? Why does this language interest you?
  4. It is sometimes suggested that certain ideas can only be expressed in particular languages. Do you think this is true or not? Explain your opinion.
  5. Do you think the world would be a better or a worse place if everybody spoke the same language? How would the world be better or worse in such a case?

Homestay

B2 – Upper Intermediate

There are people who do not feel safe staying in normal accommodations such as hotels. They prefer to stay in a homey environment where they can interact with the same people in a familiar setting. For these people, homestay is a good option.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript on homestays.

Homestay

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your opinion on homestays as a tourist accommodation?
  2. Are homestays a popular type of accomodation in your city/country? Why or why not?
  3. What are the advantages and disadvantages of homestays?
  4. Have you tried living in a homestay before? If yes, talk about your experience. If not, would you like to?
  5. What’s your most and least favorite type of accommodation and why?
  6. What are the good and bad things about living with other people?

Making Sense of the Census

B2 – Upper Intermediate

In the UK, the census takes place every ten years since 1801. It is the official number of every resident living within the country. Originally, census workers visit people door-to-door to get the basic information such as age, sex, race, and birth origin, etc. Nowadays, questionnaires are mailed out to every household with additional questions like ethnic backgrounds, immigration status, and personal relationships, etc.

Census is very important for many reasons. According to Gordon De Jong, professor of sociology and demography, “The census is most definitely important. Our whole representative democracy is based on it.” In addition, he has stated that “Equitably distributing the billions of dollars of public money requires up-to-date population data.”

Listen to the audio and read the transcript to learn more about Census.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english/ep-210826

Discussion Questions:

  1. What exactly is a census and why is it important?
  2. What is the main purpose of the census before and now?
  3. How does the government acquire the information for census?
  4. Why do some people question the importance of Census?
  5. In your opinion, is the census a breach of privacy? Explain your stand.

Dangerous Egyptian Haircut

B1 – Intermediate

An Egyptian barber was given the nickname ‘The Joker’. He became famous for using unusual tools in cutting his costumers’ hair.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript on a barber’s unusual haircutting tools and techniques.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/dangerous-egyptian-haircut-level-3/

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think about his style of cutting hair?
  2. What are the good and bad things about this barber’s way of working?
  3. Would you like to try getting a haircut from him? Why or why not?
  4. Talk about your favorite barber/hairdresser. Why do you like him/her?
  5. Barbers and salons were not considered essential business during the pandemic lockdowns. In your opinion, are barbers and salons essential business and should remain open during lockdowns? Why or why not?

Traffic Ticket

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Being a good driver starts with the knowledge of all traffic laws and it should be followed by obedience to all traffic laws. Hence, the rigorous driving examination drivers have to take in order to get a license. There are times when drivers are tempted to willingly violate a traffic rule just because no one is looking. But what happens when you are caught? Do you fight it or just pay the fine?

Listen to the audio about getting a traffic ticket and how to get away with it.

Traffic Ticket- Script

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why was the driver pulled over by the traffic police?
  2. How did he try to get out of a traffic ticket? Did it work?
  3. Have you ever been pulled over by a traffic officer before? Talk about your experience.
  4. Have you ever had traffic violations in before? What were they for? If not, why do you think that is?
  5. What is the usual process upon receiving a traffic ticket in your country?

Sweatshops

B1 – Intermediate

Big businesses always want to find ways to cut their costs. One of them is to employ the goods and services from and of sweatshops. The labor cost is extremely cheap but the ugly truth is, the labor condition of people working there is horrible.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about sweatshops.

https://listenaminute.com/s/sweatshops.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your opinion of sweatshops?
  2. What are sweatshops for?
  3. Why are sweatshops a horrible place?
  4. Do you agree or disagree that big multinational companies have a big responsibility to make sure their goods do not come from sweatshops? Explain your opinion.
  5. Is it possible to end businesses such as sweatshops? Explain.

Sky Lantern Causes Fire

B1 – Intermediate

A sky lantern is basically a small hot hair balloon that is made out of paper. It’s simple, festive, and lovely, but it can also be dangerous. Some countries have banned the use of sky lanterns because they can be very dangerous.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript below about the catastrophic fire that happened in Brazil.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/sky-lantern-causes-fire-level-2/

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is the purpose of sky lanterns? Which celebration/s are sky lanterns used?
  2. Why are they dangerous?
  3. What festivals in Spain use light, fire, and/or lanterns? Describe it/them.
  4. What are other ways to celebrate festivals/events safely?
  5. What do you like doing during the festival in your city?