Tag: audio

Indonesia Stops a Documentary Film about Papua Forests

B1 — Intermediate 

The Papua region in Indonesia has the world’s third-largest tropical rainforest and rich biodiversity. However, large government projects are causing serious environmental and human rights problems.

The new film Pesta Babi (Pig Feast) shows how the government exploits the land and people from local communities in Papua. This is why the Indonesian authorities are trying to prevent people from seeing the film.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about the controversial documentary film from Indonesia.

https://newsinlevels.com/products/indonesia-stops-a-movie-about-papua-forests-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is the meaning of “sacred”? ”However, these forests are the home of Indigenous Papuans who depend on them for survival, and their sacred sites are located there.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “screening” mean here, “The military stopped screenings at universities because they said the topic was too sensitive and could cause trouble.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  3. What does “sold-out” mean? “The government’s attempts to ban the documentary have generated massive publicity, which has led to sold-out screenings across the country.” Use the expression in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why is the Indonesian government trying to stop the showing of this documentary film? What is your opinion about that?
  2. What is your opinion about the makers of this film getting serious threats and the police watching them?
  3. If there was a similar documentary in your country, would you like to see it even if your government prohibits it?
  4. Talk about a very controversial issue in your country that you think the government tried to prevent people from knowing about.
  5. What are some of the most politically sensitive topics in your country or in the world right now? 

Swatch Royal Pop Watch

B1 — Intermediate 

Swatch and Audemars Piguet made a new watch collection. The watches are much cheaper than usual. Many people wanted to buy them. A lot of people gathered outside stores. Some stores had problems because of the crowds. Swatch said the watches are not limited and will still be available later.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about Swatch’s Royal Pop watches.

https://newsinlevels.com/products/royal-pop-watch-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is the meaning of “frenzy”? ”The Swiss watchmaker Swatch has experienced global frenzy after the launch of its new Royal Pop collection.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does it mean for “a fight to break out”? “In Paris, local police had to use tear gas to control the crowds, and physical fights broke out in Milan as soon as the doors opened.” Use the expression in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  3. What does “to outpace” mean? “Because demand outpaced the supply, chaos started in many locations.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why do you think so many people wanted to buy these watches? Would you buy one of these watches if you had the chance? Why or why not?
  2. Do you think the chaos at the Swatch stores could have been prevented? If so, how?
  3. Would you wait in a very long queue for a product that you really wanted? Why or why not?
  4. Is it important for companies to limit the number of products people can buy? Explain your opinion.
  5. What is your opinion about luxury brands making cheaper products?

Sagrada Familia and Worried Locals 

B1 — Intermediate 

Sagrada Família is now the tallest church in the world. It took 144 years to build. Antoni Gaudí designed the church. Millions of tourists visit it every year. 

New building plans including a grand staircase and a park in front of the main church entrance are causing concerns. Some residents are worried that they might lose their homes because of these development projects.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about the worries of residents about these future projects at the Sagrada Familia.

https://newsinlevels.com/products/sagrada-familia-and-worried-neighbors-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is the meaning of “demolish”? ”To build the new staircase, the city might need to demolish several blocks of residential houses.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What is the meaning of “residential houses”? “To build the new staircase, the city might need to demolish several blocks of residential houses. ” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  3. What does “identity” mean in this sentence? “Many people fear they will lose their homes and their identity in the neighborhood.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why are some people against the new staircase and park project?
  2. What is your opinion about the future plans for this church?
  3. Have you been to the Sagrada Familia? What do you think about it?
  4. Do you think historical buildings should continue to be expanded or changed? Why or why not?
  5. What problems can occur when cities develop areas around famous landmarks?
  6. Do you think it is fair to remove homes to complete a public project? Explain your answer.
  7. How can we balance tourism, history, and the needs of local residents?
  8. What would you do if a major construction project affected your neighborhood?

Living with ADHD

B1- Intermediate 

Around 5–8% of people worldwide are estimated to have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or ADHD. That means hundreds of millions of people are affected globally.

One of them is Henry.

Henry is a tour guide in central London. He has ADHD. ADHD makes everyday tasks difficult for him.  His family supports him with love and understanding. He shares his story to help people understand ADHD better.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript to know how it is like living with ADHD.

https://newsinlevels.com/products/living-with-adhd-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is the meaning of “embrace” in this sentence? “Despite these difficulties, Henry embraces his ADHD and says he doesn’t need fixing.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “overwhelm” mean? “Sometimes the constant noise and instructions in his head overwhelm him, causing frustration and feelings of shame.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  3. What is the meaning of “detour” in this sentence? “By sharing his story, Henry hopes to help others understand that ADHD affects many parts of life, not just school, and that living with it means taking some detours but still moving forward.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. What did you learn about ADHD from Henry’s story?
  2. What are some strengths that people with ADHD may have? 
  3. What challenges do people with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder face in everyday life?
  4. How can family and friends help someone living with ADHD?
  5. How can schools and workplaces become more supportive for people with ADHD?

Amsterdam Bans Public Ads for Meat and Fossil Fuels

B1 – Intermediate 

Amsterdam has banned public advertisements for meat and fossil fuel products, including burgers, chicken, petrol cars, and airline travel.

The Dutch Meat Association and Dutch Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators disagree with the prohibition. On the other hand, environmental activists support the decision.

Read the article about Amsterdam’s public advertisements ban for meat and fossil fuel products.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2605/260507-public-advertisement-ban.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “carbon neutral” mean? “The ban is to help move Amsterdam towards its target of being carbon neutral by 2050.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  2. What does “consumer behaviour” mean? “The Dutch Meat Association says ban is an undesirable way to influence consumer behaviour.” Use the phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  3. What does “to set a global standard” mean? “By becoming the first capital to legally ban fossil fuels and meat advertising, Amsterdam is setting a global standard.” Use the expression in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your opinion about the ban on public ads for meat and fossil fuel products in Amsterdam?
  2. What might be the pros and cons of this ban?
  3. The Dutch Meat Association says that the ban is an undesirable way to influence consumer behaviour. What is your opinion on this?
  4. Should other cities or countries follow Amsterdam’s example? Why or why not?
  5. Should governments have the power to restrict ads for products they consider harmful? Explain your view.
  6. How do you think advertising influences people’s food choices and travel habits?

AI and College Degrees

B1 – Intermediate 

More students in the US are choosing skilled jobs instead of college. Jobs like welding and plumbing pay well and do not need a degree.

At the the moment, some college students use AI to do their schoolwork, which makes people question the value of college. Because of this, more people support training programs that teach practical skills and lead to good jobs.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about US students choosing skilled trades instead of going to college.

https://newsinlevels.com/products/ai-and-college-degrees-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “skilled trade” mean? “More students in the US are choosing skilled trades instead of going to college.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  2. What does “field” mean here, “Many high school students are offered well-paid jobs in welding, plumbing, or similar fields right after graduation.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  3. What does “shop class” mean? “They want to bring back shop classes and support programs where students learn real-life skills.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why are more students choosing skilled trades instead of going to college?
  2. Do you think skilled trade jobs are a good alternative to college? Why or why not?
  3. How is AI affecting students’ learning in college?
  4. Do you think using AI tools for schoolwork is helpful or harmful? Explain. 
  5. Do you think schools should focus more on practical skills like shop classes? Why?  

Tighter Immigration Controls in Japan

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

Japan recorded a record 42.4 million foreign arrivals and 4.13 million foreign residents in 2025 while tightening immigration enforcement under its “Zero Plan.”

Overstayers declined for a second year, deportations and entry denials increased, and asylum applications fell as screening became stricter. 

Despite tougher controls, tourism and regional travel continued to surge, raising questions about how Japan will balance stricter enforcement with its growing need for foreign workers amid population decline.

Listen to the audio and read the article about Japan’s tighter immigration controls yielding results.

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/04/09/japan/society/immigration-control-data

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “overstayer” mean? “The government aims to cut asylum processing times to six months by 2030 and reduce the number of illegal overstayers to zero.” Use the word in a sentence in this context. Give a synonym. 
  2. What does “humanitarian ground” mean? “Japan granted refugee status to 187 people in 2025, while 474 were given complementary protection and 525 were allowed to stay on humanitarian grounds.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  3. What does “recognition rate for refugees” mean? “Recognition rates for refugees remain low. ” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why has the number of foreign arrivals increased in Japan despite stricter immigration controls?
  2. What are your insights on Japan’s Zero Illegal Foreign Residents Plan?
  3. Do you think stricter immigration policies can effectively reduce illegal overstayers without discouraging tourism and foreign workers?
  4. What are the possible advantages and disadvantages of faster asylum processing and expanded deportation efforts?
  5. Should Japan prioritize stronger border enforcement or a more welcoming immigration system to address labor shortages?

Northern Lights

B1 –  Intermediate 

The northern lights, or aurora borealis, are a natural phenomenon producing colorful, dancing lights in the night sky, primarily in high-latitude regions.

These natural light shows are caused by geomagnetic storms.

A very strong geomagnetic storm is hitting Earth. It may affect power and communication systems.

It is also causing bright auroras seen far from the poles. These come from strong solar flares and sunspots.

Scientists say it is a concern because modern technology can be affected.

Read the article about geomagnetic storms and the Northern Lights.

https://newsinlevels.com/products/northern-lights-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “disrupt” mean? “Our planet is experiencing a powerful geomagnetic storm, the most potent in over two decades, which might disrupt power and communication systems worldwide.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  2. Define “geomagnetic storm”. “Our planet is experiencing a powerful geomagnetic storm, the most potent in over two decades, which might disrupt power and communication systems worldwide.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “solar flare” mean? “This phenomenon is caused by a large convergence of sunspots, which has produced several moderate to strong solar flares since Wednesday last week.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think about the Northern Lights?
  2. What are the consequences of geomagnetic storms?
  3. Why can strong solar activity affect Earth’s technology?
  4. How can society prepare for future strong geomagnetic storms?
  5. Have you ever seen the Northern Lights? Talk about it.

The Shoe Business Is Changing

B1 –  Intermediate 

The shoe market is changing quickly. Big brands now have strong competitors.

Nike is still the biggest. But it has problems. It focused too much on online sales. It did not make enough new products. Because of this, they lost some customers who looked for other brands.

All shoe brands have a new problem. High tariffs on shoes made from Vietnam could make the prices of sneakers much higher.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about how the shoe business is changing.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/the-shoe-business-is-changing-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “rival” mean? “The footwear market is changing fast as big brands like Nike and Crocs face new rivals.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  2. What does “to make a comeback” mean? “Meanwhile, Crocs has made a huge comeback.” Use the phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  3. What does “clever marketing” mean? “People used to think Crocs were ugly, but clever marketing and colorful charms called Jibbitz made them cool for young people.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. According to the article, why are Nike and Crocs struggling?
  2. How can they recover from these problems?
  3. Share your opinion on this, “Nike made a mistake by focusing too much on selling online and not enough on making new, exciting products.“
  4. Share your thoughts on this, “All these brands face a new problem: high tariffs on shoes made in Vietnam, which could make sneakers much more expensive for everyone.”
  5. Give an example of a product or brand that you think uses clever marketing.
  6. What are some of the most important footwear brands in your country? Why are they very popular?

The Eden Project

B1 –  Intermediate 

The Eden Project in Cornwall, UK is 25 years old. It was built in an old clay pit. Now it has big domes with a rainforest inside.

Many people visit to learn about nature. The site uses energy from underground to keep plants warm.

Now, it has money problems. Fewer people visit after the pandemic. The project lost money and had to cut jobs. Its future is uncertain.

But the founder is still hopeful. The site offers new activities to bring in visitors. It wants to stay open for the future.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about the problems that the Eden Project is facing.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/the-eden-project-is-having-problems-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “world-class attraction” mean? “This famous destination transformed an old clay pit into a world-class attraction with domes that house a giant indoor rainforest.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  2. What is “geothermal energy”? “The site even uses geothermal energy from deep underground to keep the tropical plants warm and healthy. ” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  3. What does “to put something in jeopardy” mean? “Because of these problems, the organization had to cut many staff positions to save money. This situation puts the future of the famous greenhouses in jeopardy.” Use the expression in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why is the Eden Project so popular place for visitors, especially school children?
  2. Talk about a similar place in your city or country.
  3. What are the effects of the pandemic on the Eden Project?
  4. Do you think adding attractions like a zip wire is a good way to bring more visitors? Why or why not?
  5. How can we protect important places like the Eden Project?