Tag: audio

Wearable Devices to Measure Workers’ Temperature

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

We have been experiencing the highest temperatures ever recorded. This causes employers to try using wearable technologies such as sensors and armbands to ensure that their employees’ wellbeing is in check.

These devices can be used to collect body temperatures so the employers can warn the workers if are getting too hot and let them go on a break.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about wearable devices that can measure worker’s body temperatures to prevent heat-related health issues.

https://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/employers-use-wearable-devices-to-measure-workers-temperature-/7758808.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “raise concerns” mean? “He said the idea that companies could keep years of medical information on employees raises privacy concerns.” Use this phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “withhold” mean? “He said the information could be used to withhold health plans or dismiss workers.” Use this word in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “hurt” mean in this context, “Schwartz said, ‘The device could hurt…because you could raise your hand and say, ‘I need a break,’ and the boss could say, ‘No, your heart rate is not elevated, go back to work.’” Use this term in a sentence in the same context. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the advantages and disadvantages of using wearable devices to track workers’ temperatures/heat stress?
  2. Considering its advantages and disadvantages, what do you think about using wearable technologies in the workplace to detect heat stress among workers?
  3. Share your thoughts on this, “Some groups worry that employers will use the technology to punish people for taking needed breaks.”.
  4. What is your opinion on this, “Companies could keep years of medical information on employees raises privacy concerns. He said the information could be used to withhold health plans or dismiss workers.”?
  5. In your country, how do companies protect workers from heat stress?

Drugs and Medication

B1 – Intermediate 

It is normal for people to get sick at times. And when that happens, we need to find something to help us feel better as soon as possible.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about drugs and medication. 

Drugs and Medication – Script

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “in no time” mean, “You’ll be up and dancing around in no time.” Use this idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “to stay off one’s feet” mean? “He also told me to stay off my feet for a day or so, but I’m so busy these days.” Use this phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “to get rid of” mean? “I have just the thing to get rid of bad colds.” Use this phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is Steve’s problem? What is Carla’s suggestion?
  2. If you were Steve, would you take Carla’s advice? Why or why not?
  3. Have you ever tried taking herbal medicines? How was it? If not yet, would you try it?
  4. When was the last time you got sick? What did you do to feel better?

How Important Is Politeness?

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

From a very young age, we are taught that being polite is good manner. 

We teach children to be polite because it’s the rule of the society. This is so they do not come across as rude or ill-mannered.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about the importance of politeness.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2025/ep-250605

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “well disposed to someone” mean? “You don’t see him as insulting you, and you’re actually quite kindly disposed to that person.“ Use this phrase in a sentence. Give 2 synonyms/similar expressions.
  2. What does “mind one’s Ps and Qs” mean? “When her daughter didn’t say hello to an adult, Louise told her daughter to mind her Ps and Qs.” Use this idiom in a sentence. Give 2 synonyms/similar expressions.
  3. What does “embarrassed” mean? “So, imagine how embarrassed she felt when her two-year-old daughter repeatedly ignored the cook at her nursery school and refused to say hello.” Use this word in a sentence. Give 2 synonyms/similar expressions.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your definition of being polite and how important is politeness to you? 
  2. Share your thoughts on this, “Politeness is subjective.” Elaborate and cite examples.
  3. Are people from your country perceived to be very polite? Share something about this.
  4. What are some of the first things parents teach children in your country on how to be polite?
  5. Talk about a time someone did not show politeness towards you.

Music Festivals Are Becoming Less Popular

B1 – Intermediate 

Very famous music festivals like Coachella, Burning Man, and Lollapalooza have seen some decrease in ticket sales. Live events such as these seems to be getting less interest from its fans.

All-inclusive festival deals can be for several hundred dollars or even up to 1000 dollars.

However, with the increasing costs of travel and the tickets, people would rather spend that amount on other activities.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about the music festivals becoming less popular.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/music-festivals-are-becoming-less-popular-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “lodging” mean? “Festivals can cost several hundred dollars or even up to 1000 dollars for a full experience, including transportation and lodging.” Use this word in a sentence. Give a synonym or similar expression.
  2. What does “stream” mean? “Many prefer to stream concerts or join virtual festivals on gaming platforms like Fortnite and Roblox.” Use this word in a sentence. 
  3. What does “take place” mean? “In 2024, over 1,100 festivals took place in the US, but around 40 were canceled.” Use this phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym or similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the reasons music festivals are becoming less interesting for fans?
  2. What are your thoughts on music festivals becoming less popular?
  3. Share your opinion on this, “Some fans now prefer to spend that money on other things than a music festival.”
  4. Is the same thing happening in your country? Why do you think this is?
  5. Talk about a time you went to a music festival.

EU Countries Bring Back Border Checks

B1 – Intermediate 

The Schengen Agreement was initially signed by Belgium, France, Germany, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands 40 years ago in 1985. At present, it has 29 member countries. 

The treaty was established to abolish border controls which guarantees free movement for people, goods, services, and capital.

This is one of the most important point of the European Union. 

However, Germany and France have reinstated border checks recently saying it is due to problems with security and terrorism, illegal immigration, and the asylum systems.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about the reintroduction of border controls in some European countries.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/eu-countries-bring-back-border-checks-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “in place” mean? “It has been in place for 40 years and is a key part of the European Union.” Use this phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym or similar expression.
  2. What does “go against” mean? “These actions may go against the values of unity and cooperation that the EU supports.” Use this phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym or similar expression.
  3. What does “bring back” mean? “However, countries like Germany and France have recently started to bring back border controls.” Use this phrase in a sentence. Give 2 synonyms or similar expressions.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your opinion about the return of internal border controls?
  2. What are the benefits and downsides of putting border controls again around Europe?
  3. Share your opinion about this, “Some experts argue that countries are using border controls for political purposes, not because of real threats.”
  4. What is your view on this, “The visible problem is the return of internal border checks. This raises questions about how well Schengen can function if countries no longer fully respect the agreement.”?

Crack Down on Ghost Plates

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

In the UK, there is a strong demand for the ministers to launch a strict crack down on ghost plates. 

Some plates suppliers do not register with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) and do not comply with the ministry’s requirements. 

This, in turn, has lead to a heightened problems with ghost plates and cloning.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about the pressure on UK ministers to take urgent action to tighten the regulations on ghost number plates.

https://www.lbc.co.uk/news/uk/ministers-crack-down-ghost-plates

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is a “fringe issue”? “She said, ‘Dodgy number plates are no longer a fringe issue. They’re everywhere and they’re undermining the rule of law on our roads.’ Use this term in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “unscrupulous” mean? “Far from being the tightly regulated industry it should be, number plates are increasingly being sold by unscrupulous below-the-radar suppliers using non-compliant, untraceable materials.“ Use this word in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “below-the-radar” mean? “Far from being the tightly regulated industry it should be, number plates are increasingly being sold by unscrupulous below-the-radar suppliers using non-compliant, untraceable materials.“ Use this idiom in a sentence. Give a similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Share your thoughts on the increasing dodgy number plates in the UK.
  2. What are the problems associated with these illegal plates?
  3. Is there a similar problem in your country? Talk about it. 
  4. What are the laws against ghost plates in your country?
  5. What is the importance of ensuring that all number plates are displayed correctly and legally on the roads?

People in Denmark Trust Each Other

B1 – Intermediate 

Trust and responsibility are some of the most important foundations in Denmark’s society.

A free kayak, a human library, and a bakery without a cashier are a few examples of just how much the Danes trust each other a lot.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about how much they trust one another in Denmark.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/people-in-denmark-trust-each-other-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “the catch is” mean here, “For example, you can rent a kayak for free with GreenKayak, but the catch is that you must collect trash while paddling through the canals.” Use this idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “to play a key role” mean? “In Denmark, trust plays a key role in society, especially in Copenhagen.“ Use this phrase in a sentence. Give a similar expression.
  3. What does “to rely on someone/something” mean? “The system relies on people returning the kayaks without damage, which shows how trust works in Denmark.” Use this expression in a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why is it important to have trust for one another in a community/society?
  2. Do have trust in humanity? Why or why not?
  3. If the initiatives mentioned in the audio were done in your country, do you think most people will be honest enough? Explain.
  4. How much do you think people in your country trust each other?Give examples on how people in your city or country show trust for each other.
  5. What are some ways that people can build trust with each other?
  6. How important is trust in your job? Speak about how you and your colleagues show that you trust each other.

Sighing at a Colleague Counts as Workplace Harassment

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Workplace harassment can manifest in many forms, including subtle behaviors that create an uncomfortable or even hostile environment.

While sighing at a colleague might seem minor, it can be perceived as dismissive or intentionally disrespectful.

Listen to the audio and read the article and learn more about how sighing at a colleague can be perceived as workplace harassment and its potential impact on office dynamics.

https://www.lbc.co.uk/news/uk/sighing-workplace-harassment-tribunal

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “damning effect” mean? “In the tribunal’s ruling, the judge said that “reactions from others, verbally or as a gesture, can [have] a damning effect on his self-esteem and anxiety”.” Use it in your own sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “to be in line for something” mean in this context? “It means Mr Watson is now in line for compensation from Roke Manor Research, the company that invented the Hawk-Eye technology for sports including cricket, football and tennis.” Use it in a sentence and give a synonym.
  3. Define “net detriment“. “But evidence also showed that the manager had told the employee that he was becoming a “net detriment”. Use it in a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What’s your take on Robert Watson’s case?
  2. What are your thoughts on the ruling by the UK court regarding this case?
  3. How does your workplace approach awareness and understanding of conditions like ADHD?
  4. How does your company offer support for workers with special needs?
  5. How can one navigate workplace challenges when frustrated with a coworker?

Gold is Booming But Investors Could Lose Out

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

Gold has always been regarded as a good investment option or an alternative way to diversify portfolio. 

In the recent years, there has been a gold rush, triggering a massive eagerness among investors.

However, if you are considering to put some of your money into this, it’s crucial to do an extensive research and understand the risks and benefits prior to purchasing gold.

Read the article about the truth behind investing in gold.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c5ygyjy7kz5o

Listen to the article here: 

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p0l9pwd1

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “bric-a-brac” mean? “Emma is the strategies director of Hatton Garden Metals, a family-run gold dealership in London’s Hatton Garden jewellery district, and this unprepossessing tub of bric-a-brac is a small sample of what they buy over the counter each day.” Use this term in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “to conjure something out of thin air” mean? “Gold can’t be printed by central banks, and it can’t be conjured out of thin air.“ Use this phrase in a sentence. Give a similar expression.
  3. What does “to owe a great deal to someone/something” mean? “The recent increases appear to owe a great deal to the way markets have responded to the confusion triggered by the Trump administration.” Use this idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Cite and explain the benefits of investing in gold.
  2. Cite and explain the drawbacks of investing in gold.
  3. Now equipped with some knowledge about gold as an investment, do you think it is a good investment or not? Explain.
  4. What is your opinion on billionaire Warren Buffett tagging gold as “lifeless” and “neither of much use nor procreative”?
  5. Share your thoughts on this, “Central banks have collectively bought more than 1,000 tonnes of gold each year. Central banks may themselves have been trying to build up buffers at a time of growing economic and geopolitical uncertainty.”
  6. Do you think your central bank should buy more gold, too? Why or why not?

AI Therapists Alternative to Human Help

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Many people use AI chatbots for mental health support while waiting for therapy. These chatbots offer 24/7 help and coping strategies, which some find comforting during tough times.

However, experts warn chatbots can give biased or harmful advice and cannot replace human therapists. Despite this, NHS services use chatbots to help with long waiting lists.

Let’s read the article learn more about how AI chatbots support mental health.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ced2ywg7246o

Listen to the article here:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p0lc755g

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to clutch at straws” mean? “There is not a lot of help out there at the moment, so you clutch at straws.“ Use it in a sentence. Give a similar expression.
  2. What is a “stopgap”? “[It] is a stop gap to these huge waiting lists… to get people a tool while they are waiting to talk to a healthcare professional.” Use it in your own sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What is an “escalation pathway”? “It has in-built crisis and escalation pathways whereby users are signposted to helplines or can send for help directly if they show signs of self-harm or suicidal ideation.” Use this term in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your reaction to the idea of using AI chatbots as mental health support tools? Do you think they can genuinely help people?
  2. . What are the pros and cons of relying on chatbots like Wysa or Character.ai during a mental health crisis?
  3. Have you or someone you know ever used an AI chatbot for emotional or psychological support? What was the experience like?
  4. Do you agree with the article’s view that chatbots may work as a stopgap but cannot replace real therapists? Why or why not?
  5. What safeguards do you think should be in place to protect users who turn to AI for mental health support?
  6. Share your thoughts on this, “The fact that this is not a real person is so much easier to handle.“.