Tag: audio

iCloud Costs Too Much

B1 – Intermediate 

If you own any Apple device, then you are familiar with iCloud. iCloud is Apple’s cloud-based storage service where your data like photos, files, notes, and passwords are stored and synced across all your devices.

As of 2025, the price plan on iCloud is somewhere around € 0.99 for 50 GB of cloud storage to € 59.99 for 12 TB. 

In 2024, the UK consumer group, Which? filed a £3 billion class-action lawsuit against Apple accusing the company of making it difficult for its customers to use other third-party cloud storage services. They get trapped in Apple’s ecosystem  and continuously have to pay for additional storage every time.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about Which?’s collective claim against Apple, alleging that the company overcharges for iCloud storage.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/icloud-costs-too-much-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “payout” mean? “Which? estimates the claim could lead to a 3-billion-pound payout, with individuals possibly receiving around 70 pounds each.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “discourage” mean? “The consumer group ’Which?’ argues that Apple’s actions violate competition laws by limiting customer choices and discouraging alternatives.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “collective claim” mean?  “This lawsuit, along with others targeting tech giants like Facebook and Google, uses a newer legal mechanism allowing collective claims.” Use the phrase in a sentence. Give a similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your opinion about this lawsuit?
  2. Do you think Apple’s actions violate competition laws? Explain.
  3. What do you think about iCloud’s prices?
  4. Share your opinion about having to pay for cloud storage every month.
  5. Talk about your devices’ storage.

Effects of Gold Mining in the Amazon on the Health of Indigenous Babies

B1 – Intermediate 

Mercury is used in mining gold. This chemical contaminates the Amazon River. Fish from the river accumulate mercury. The fish becomes food to the indigenous people living near the rivers.

Pregnant women absorb mercury that could be passed on to their babies. This results to severe neurological disorders among some children.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about the serious health crisis among babies caused by illegal gold mining in the Amazon.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/amazon-gold-mining-and-childrens-health-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is “food chain”? “Miners use mercury to extract gold, but the chemical contaminates rivers and the food chain.” Use the phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What is “starvation”? “The communities face a moral and survival dilemma: obey health warnings or continue eating contaminated fish to avoid starvation.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “direct causal link” mean? “Establishing a direct causal link is difficult because other factors, like genetics or infections, could contribute to disorders.” Use the phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Explain the link between gold mining and severe neurological disorders in babies in the Amazon.
  2. Share your opinion about this news.
  3. How can the government protect the indigenous communities’ health in the Amazon?
  4. Share your opinion about this: The indigenous communities face a moral and survival dilemma: obey health warnings or continue eating contaminated fish to avoid starvation.
  5. Talk about some health and ecological impacts of mercury in the environment.

Porsche Makes Little Money

B1 – Intermediate 

Porsche is a German luxury car maker that specialize in high-performance sports cars, SUVs and sedans. Its parent company is Volkswagen.

Porsche reports a sharp decrease in their profits by almost 96% in the first three quarters of 2025.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about Porsche’s low profits.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/porsche-makes-little-money-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “restructuring” mean? “This restructuring cost billions of euros, and parent company Volkswagen took a 5-billion-euro hit to support the changes.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “to take a hit” mean in this context: “This restructuring cost billions of euros, and parent company Volkswagen took a 5-billion-euro hit to support the changes.”? Use this idiom in a sentence in this context. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “top-end” mean? “A new CEO, Michael Leiters, will take over in January to help rebuild sales, focus on top-end products, and regain investor confidence.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the causes of very low profits of Porsche in 2025?
  2. What do you think Porsche/Volkswagen can do to improve its situation?
  3. Share your opinion about this: The fall in profits is due to their new strategy to focus on producing more petrol and hybrid vehicles instead of electric cars. 
  4. Do you think car makers should produce electric cars more now? Explain your thoughts.
  5. Talk about a moment where a/your company took a hit? What caused those losses? What did the company do to recover? 

What Makes a Good Citizen?

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

Most of us hope for the best for our cities or countries, but often times, it feels so difficult to know what we can do to help spark changes in our own communities. Many people feel disconnected from politics and politicians. 

Perhaps it is worth understanding what it really takes to be an upstanding citizen in order for us to know our roles and duties. This way, we might be able to start the changes that we long for.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about what it means to be a good citizen.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2025/ep-251009

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “erosion in the trust” mean? “We have seen a quick erosion in the trust of the population in the democratic institutions, such as the National Parliament, such as the government in office.” Use the idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym or similar expression.
  2. What does “to hold someone accountable” mean? “MyPolis mirrors the political activities that children will need as adult citizens – things like voting and holding politicians accountable.” Use the phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym or similar expression.
  3. What does “the thing that strikes someone” mean? “It’s good to know that this is happening in other places, but the thing that also really strikes me here is that politicians are actually listening to these kids and taking them seriously, giving them answers, because politicians, as we know, can be hard to pin down.” Use the idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym or similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. In your own opinion, what makes a good citizen?  How do you try to be one?
  2. What do you think will happen if the gap between democratic institutions and young people continues to grow?
  3. Share your thoughts on this: Being a good citizen goes beyond following the rules and paying taxes. It is to improve the place where you live. 
  4. What do you think about Portugal’s MyPolis? Do you think other countries should follow suit, including yours?
  5. In your country, what projects does the government have to help young people re-engage with their citizenship? 

Heineken Sells Less Beer 

B1 – Intermediate 

Heineken, is one of the biggest brewing companies in the world. Due to the continuing lower demands for beers in Latin America and Europe, the brewer foresees a significant decrease in their sales for 2025.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about lower sales of Heineken beers.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/heineken-sells-less-beer-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Explain “market share gain”. “Despite facing challenges such as lower beer consumption, competition from alcohol alternatives, and growing health awareness, Heineken reported market share gains in Brazil, Mexico, and Vietnam.” Use the term in a sentence. 
  2. What does “revenue” mean? “The company’s revenue fell 0.3% in the third quarter, but that was still above expectations.” Give a synonym and use ‘revenue’ in a sentence.  
  3. What does “to struggle with something” mean? “Overall, the results show that while Heineken continues to struggle with slow sales, investors remain cautiously optimistic about future recovery.” Use the phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym or similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the reasons Heineken’s sales is decreasing?
  2. How can Heineken recover from this?
  3. Do you think Heineken’s situation will improve once economic conditions stabilize? Share your insights.
  4. Why do you think there is lower demand for beer in Latin America and Europe?
  5. How popular is beer in your country and why is this?

Labubu Maker Pop Mart Learns from Disney

B1 – Intermediate 

The collectible plush toys Labubu has become a global phenomenon over night. It is interesting how a character could become a viral trend worldwide.

Everyone wants a piece of this toy. It doesn’t matter that they are expensive and sometimes hard to come by. Many have become a fan and wish to collect every piece of Labubu.

Pop Mart, the maker of Labubu, learned a thing or two about their business strategy from Disney.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about what Labubu maker Pop Mart learned from Disney’s business strategy.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/labubu-maker-learns-from-disney-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Define “intellectual property”. “Like Disney’s Mickey Mouse, Labubu is becoming a strong intellectual property with potential for theme parks, entertainment, and merchandise.” Use the term in a sentence. 
  2. What does “one big hit” mean? “Pop Mart doesn’t want only one big hit. Instead, it hopes to create five to ten characters with similar global potential.” Use the idiom in a sentence.  
  3. What does “to enter the market” mean? “Labubu’s success has also increased competition in China’s art toy industry, where many new companies and artists are trying to enter the market.” Use the term in a sentence. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think Pop Mart has what it takes to stay relevant long-term? Share your thoughts on Pop Mart Labubu’s global success.
  2. Pop Mart’s strategy is inspired by Disney, aiming to turn short-term popularity into long-term growth. What is your opinion about this business strategy?
  3. Talk about another company/business/brand that you know used the same strategy.
  4. What is your reaction to this: Pop Mart is now more valuable than major toy makers like Hasbro, Mattel, and Sanrio.
  5. Do you know any famous toy makers from your country? Talk about their business. How well do you think they do in the global market?

China New Rules on EU Brandy

B1 – Intermediate 

China is going to take some temporary anti-dumping actions on importing EU brandy. This comes as a result of EU voting to put tariffs on electric vehicles (EVs) from China. This new measure will definitely impact famous French brands of brandy such as Hennessy and Remy Martin.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about China’s new rules on EU brandy.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/china-has-new-rules-on-eu-brandy-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “anti-dumping” mean? “China has introduced temporary anti-dumping measures on brandy imports from the EU, especially affecting famous French brands like Hennessy and Remy Martin.” Use the term in a sentence. 
  2. What does “measure” mean here, “China has introduced temporary anti-dumping measures on brandy imports from the EU, especially affecting famous French brands like Hennessy and Remy Martin.”? Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “trade tension” mean? “These actions are seen as part of growing trade tensions between China and the EU, particularly targeting France, which has supported the new EV tariffs.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your personal opinion about this move by China?
  2. Do you think this will have a big effect on EU brandy industry? Share your insight.
  3. What is your opinion on EU voting to impose tariffs on Chinese EVs? What impact do you think this will have on the growing China and the EU’s trade tensions? 
  4. Share your opinion about EU-China trade tensions.
  5. Give another example of anti-dumping that you know of.

Robot Companion

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

A technological field that is gaining some traction lately is robotics. Tech companies have taken on the challenge of designing and creating robots that look and behave like humans.

They are supposed to help humans do things for them.

All thanks to the continuous developments in AI, these robots have become smart enough to form meaningful relationships with humans. 

People now have their robot therapists to share their secrets with. There are those turn to companion robots to ease feelings of loneliness.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about robot companions.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2025/ep-250918

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “taken aback” mean, “And I think when people meet her, they’re always taken aback by Abi.” Use the phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym or similar expression.
  2. What does “to have a mind of its own” mean? “Abi has got a mind of her own.” Use the idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym or similar expression.
  3. What does “endearing” mean? “So, I was very much trying to replicate the qualities of being approachable and endearing of these different Pixar characters that you’d watch in all of these films.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym or similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What would you say are the promises and pitfalls of robot companions?
  2. Generally, what are your thoughts on humanoids? How would you feel about having a companion robot?
  3. What are your thoughts on humans forming relationships with robots?
  4. “Elderly residents who regularly chat with Abi say the robot companion brings them joy and a sense of community.” Do you think robots are capable of bringing joy and a sense of community to humans? Share your views.
  5. What ethical guidelines and international treaties should be put in place before the widespread deployment of humanoids? 
  6. How can companion robots be designed to interact with humans in a way that is beneficial and with the least possible disruption? 

Young Europeans and University

B1 – Intermediate 

Based on a recent OECD report, young Europeans are among those who have the highest educational attainment in the world.

Ireland, Luxembourg, and Lithuania are the top European countries with the most number of university degree holders. While Czech Republic, Hungary, and Italy were on the bottom.

The gap across the EU when it comes to access to higher education is evident per this report.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about young Europeans’ access to higher education.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/young-europeans-and-university-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to play a key role” mean, “Family background plays a key role.” Use the idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym or similar expression.
  2. What does “gap” mean? “Denmark shows the smallest gap: 70% of young adults with graduate parents have a degree.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym or similar expression.
  3. What does “obtain” mean? “In every country, young people whose parents studied at university are much more likely to obtain a degree themselves.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym or similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your reaction to this, “Young Europeans have the highest university education.”? 
  2. Do you agree or disagree that family background is an important factor for a young person to go to the uni? Explain why. Is this true in your country? Talk about it.
  3. “The OECD report highlights major contrasts across the EU in terms of higher education access.” Share your views. 
  4. How accessible is higher education in your country? Why is this the case? 
  5. What might be the reasons young people won’t go to the uni?
  6. Do you agree or disagree, “A degree is linked to better chances of employment, higher salaries, and improved health.”? Share your opinion.

Flourishing

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

At present, we have grown more and more conscious about our overall well-being. 

There’s a new buzzword making rounds: “flourishing”. Now, this term doesn’t only mean generally feeling healthy and happy, but it is about feeling good about every other aspect of your life such as happiness, health, relationships and financial security.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about the meaning of flourishing and how to ensure you are thriving in life.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2025/ep-250807

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Define “buzzword”. “I wonder if you all feel that you are ‘flourishing’ in life. This is another psychological buzzword with added evidence.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a similar expression.
  2. What does “small win” mean?  “There’s an old saying – ‘a journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step’ – and savouring each small win along the way is vital to flourishing.” Use the phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  3. Explain the meaning of “to stop and smell the roses”. “Savouring involves taking time out to ‘stop and smell the roses‘, as we say.” Use the idiom in a sentence. Give a similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What can one do in order to cultivate flourishing?
  2. What are things you do to ensure you are flourishing in life?
  3. Does flourishing depend on your nationality, or are there things anyone can do to feel happier wherever they live? Share your insights.
  4. Share your thoughts on this, “While richer countries scored higher on material happiness, middle-income countries did better in terms of kindness and social connection.”
  5. “In Japan, women flourished more than men, while in Brazil the opposite was true.“ Why do you think this is?
  6. What might be the explanation to this: “Across all countries, flourishing increased after the age of 50.”