Tag: audio

Afghan Refugees Need Help

B1 – Intermediate

In the face of adversity, Afghan refugees need assistance. Fleeing conflict and instability, they seek refuge and support to rebuild their lives. This is a call to action, emphasizing the importance of global solidarity and humanitarian aid for those facing displacement and uncertainty.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about on Afghans needing help.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/afghan-refugees-need-help-level-2/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the word “expel” mean? “Approaching winter brings colder days and this is a serious problem for Afghan refugees whom Pakistan expels.” Use the word in a sentence.
  2. What does “psychosocial support” mean? “These people need psychosocial support.” Use this term in a sentence.
  3. What does the phrase “make a fresh start“ mean? “Without help, they can’t make a fresh start.” Use this idiom in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How important is it to provide assistance to Afghan refugees?
  2. Why is psychosocial support important for these refugees?
  3. How might not having a place to stay as soon as they arrive impact the safety and well-being of the refugees?
  4. What are other ways to help refugees?
  5. What does your government do to help refugees?

Mushrooms: Medicine or Myth

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Though they are neither plant nor animal, mushrooms never fail to fascinate and strike with wonder.

Aside from being a great ingredient for cooking, mushrooms have also long been considered best for human health. Perhaps the key factor in the medicinal mushroom industry’s boom in the recent years.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about the benefits of mushrooms as medicine.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2023/ep-231012

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Explain what ”have a moment” means. “I think these mushrooms are very much having a moment right now, they’re kind of labelled as ‘super brain drugs’, so things are gonna potentially help with lessening anxiety, improving potentially depression.” Give 2 similar expressions and use this idiom in a sentence.
  2. What does the word “overblown” mean? “Dr. Leeming thinks some of the claims made about mushrooms are overblown.” Give 2 similar expressions and use this word in a sentence.
  3. What does “a fair amount” mean, “Lots of people absolutely want there to be scientific proof for health claims on food and drink because there still is a fair amount of scepticism, distrust, and general confusion around functionality.”? Give 2 similar expressions and use this phrase in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What might be the reasons mushrooms are having a moment right now?
  2. Are medicinal mushrooms becoming more and more common in your country too? Why do you think this is the case?
  3. Cite some benefits of medicinal mushrooms.
  4. What are your thoughts on the health claims on mushrooms?
  5. Would you give medicinal mushrooms a go? Why or why not?
  6. Should ancient knowledge about medicinal plants be kept alive? Explain your stance.
  7. Share your thoughts on this, “Some trust this [ancient knowledge about medicinal plants] wisdom more than modern medicine.”.

Making Male Friends

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Real friends are those you can depend on whatever happens. Even when times get rough, they will be there to give you a helping hand, lend you their ears, or just be a shoulder for you to cry on.

However, it seems that for men, it is not that easy to make friends and keep their relationships with their best mates stand the test of time.

Listen to the audio and read the transcript about how big a challenge it is for men to make friends and maintain their friendships.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2023/ep-230914

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does ”drift away” mean? “So why do we sometimes find it hard to make friends, or that the friends we used to have seemed to have somehow drifted away?” Use this phrase in a sentence.
  2. What does “double-edged sword” mean? “No, it’s a real double-edged sword being the face of a book called ‘Billy No-Mates’ I’ve gotta say… but I think.. so loneliness doesn’t look like me.” Use this idiom in a sentence.
  3. What does “third space” mean, “Max thinks the answer is getting out and meeting people in ‘third spaces’, which are separate from either home or work.”? Use this idiom in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Explain your views on this, “Men find it difficult to make friends.“.
  2. What do you think are reasons men find it harder to maintain strong friendships, especially as they get older?
  3. What are ways you maintain your relationship with your close friends solid?
  4. Why is having close friends important?
  5. What are the downsides of having too many friends?

India’s Luxury Fashion Industry

B1 – Intermediate

The world of luxury fashion is synonymous with high-end style and craftsmanship, often associated with European heritage. However, there is a lesser-known side to this glamorous industry. Behind the scenes, India plays a crucial role in the creation of many luxury garments.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about India’s luxury fashion industry.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/indias-luxury-fashion-industry-level-3/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “lack of transparency” mean? “ This lack of transparency has raised questions about the ethics of the fashion industry.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “finishing touch” mean? “One example is a jacket that retails for 43,000 Euros and underwent over 2,000 hours of embroidery work in India; however, it received less than 100 hours of finishing touches in Europe, despite bearing a ‘Made in France’ label.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “to build on something” mean? “However, it remains a complex issue in an industry built on exploitation and secrecy.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How do you feel about the idea that many luxury fashion brands manufacture their products in countries like India, but often label them as being made in Europe? Elaborate.
  2. What are the reasons luxury fashion brands choose to produce their goods in countries with lower labor costs like India rather than in their home countries?
  3. Are you willing to pay a premium for a luxury fashion item even if you know it was made in a country with lower labor costs, or does the “Made in” label matter to you? Explain.
  4. How do you think the COVID-19 pandemic may have impacted the luxury fashion industry and its reliance on global manufacturing?

Albino Whale in Mexico 

B1 – Intermediate

In the watery realms of the ocean, extraordinary occurrences often surprise and amaze us. One such marvel is the presence of albino creatures, which can be found in a range of animals, both on land and in the sea. While this natural anomaly is not unusual among mammals, birds, and reptiles, it remains a rare spectacle when it comes to marine life.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about albino whales.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/albino-whale-in-mexico-level-1/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “albino” mean? “Albino skin sometimes happens in animals and in humans. People see it in mammals, birds, and reptiles. It happens because their skin does not have colour.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “rarely” mean? “It happens because their skin does not have colour. It rarely happens in marine mammals.” Give 2 synonyms and use “rarely” in a sentence.
  3. What does “marine” mean in this sentence, “Albino skin sometimes happens in animals and in humans. People see it in mammals, birds, and reptiles. It happens because their skin does not have colour. It rarely happens in marine mammals.“? Use ‘marine’ in the same context and give one other meaning of this word.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are some other examples of natural anomalies or unique occurrences in the animal kingdom that you’ve heard of or read about?
  2. Do you think it’s important for people to learn about and appreciate the diversity of life in the ocean, even rare occurrences like albino whales? Why or why not?
  3. Can you think of other real-life examples in nature where animals with unique characteristics or appearances have played an important role in their ecosystems?

The Benefits of Doing Nothing

B2 – Upper Intermediate

In our bustling society, the notion of “doing nothing” may appear unconventional, or to some extent, unacceptable. However, these moments of idleness, free from work and responsibilities, can indeed be beneficial. Embracing the art of doing nothing offers an effective means to relieve the pressures and stresses of the modern world.

Listen to the audio to learn the benefits of doing nothing.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2023/ep-230615

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “necessity is the mother of invention” mean? “Boredom is the mother of invention, an idea based on the famous proverb, necessity is the mother of invention.” Make a sentence with this proverb.
  2. Define “lounge about”. “Of course, some animals have a reputation for lounging about – lions, for example, can sleep up to twenty hours a day!” Use this phrase in a sentence.
  3. What does “as busy as a bee” mean? It may not look it, Neil, but I’m actually as busy as a bee!” Use this expression in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why is it important to find moments of idleness in our busy lives?
  2. What are some potential health benefits associated with taking breaks and doing nothing?
  3. What are the societal pressures that make it challenging for people to prioritize downtime?
  4. Have you personally experienced the positive effects of taking moments to do nothing in your life? If so, how has it benefited you?
  5. What are some of your favorite activities or practices that you consider as “doing nothing” and find relaxing or rejuvenating?

Can You Stop a Disaster?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

In a world where both natural and human-caused catastrophes seem to be becoming more prevalent, the issue of whether we are able to prevent or decrease these disastrous events becomes critical. “Can you stop a disaster?” reflects our common search for answers, resilience, and readiness in the face of impending disasters.

Watch the video or read the transcript to learn whether it’s possible to prevent a disaster.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2023/ep-230803

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “within one’s grasp” mean? “Fortunately, ways to limit the damage are within our grasp.” Use this phrase in a sentence.
  2. Define “act of God”. “But Roy isn’t the only victim of an unpredictable natural event, sometimes called an act of God.” Make a sentence with this phrase.
  3. What does “hundredfold” mean? “Bangladesh has seen a hundred fold decrease in cyclone deaths since the introduction of its new monitoring and alert system.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Have you ever faced a natural disaster, and what impact did it have on you and your community?
  2. Do you believe we can prevent or reduce the effects of natural disasters, or do some events remain beyond human control, like Roy Sullivan’s lightning strikes?
  3. How do you see technology’s role in disaster management? Do you think advanced or simpler solutions are more effective?.
  4. Can you share how your community prepared for or responded to natural disasters, and how well did these efforts work?

Iran-US Prisoner Swap

B1 – Intermediate

Prisoner swap or exchange is the return of personnels from the opposing nations at war. As a general rule, captured enemies cannot be enslaved and should be handed over to the nation they served by the end of the war.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript to find out more about the recent prisoner exchange between the U.S. and Iran.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/iran-us-prisoner-swap-level-3/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the adjective “unfrozen” mean in this context? “…alongside the transfer of $6 billion in unfrozen Iranian funds to banks in Qatar.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What is the meaning of the word “detained“? “This carefully orchestrated exchange will see detained US dual nationals released from Iran.” Use it in your own sentence and give two synonyms.
  3. Define the verb “hint at“. “...followed by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken hinting at their eventual return.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What does this prisoner swap entail?
  2. Do you agree that this exchange can be likened to a ransom? Why or why not?
  3. What do you know about the US-Iran tension?
  4. Does your country have a prisoner exchange treaty with other countries? What is your opinion on this kind of treaty?

Being Unhappy at Work

B2 – Upper Intermediate

It is a fact that most of us dedicate majority of our time to working.

So, it is rather imperative that we make sure that we hold a job that does not bring us sorrow.

Being happy at our work is so much more than high compensation and great benefits.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about being happy at work.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2023/ep-230817

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to be on one’s feet” mean? “When I waitressed in cafes I was on my feet ten hours a day – it was exhausting!” Use this idiom in your own sentence.
  2. Define “presenteeism”. “In the work that we’ve done within the construction industry, we have trialled what we would call an ‘output-based’ way of working, which means we shift away from this sense of presenteeism.” Use this word in a sentence.
  3. What does “to breathe down one’s neck” mean, “The pressure to work quickly means you might have your boss breathing down your neck.”? Use this idiom in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What makes a workplace horrible? On the other hand, what is a good job/workplace?
  2. What should someone do if they had a terrible job/workplace? Give them some pieces of advice on how to handle this ordeal.
  3. Share your thoughts on shifting away from presenteeism and instead, heading toward an output-based way of working.
  4. What’s the worst job you’ve ever held? How did you go through with it?
  5. How can burnout be prevented?
  6. According to a Forbes magazine survey done in the UK, being a call center agent is voted the worst job. What is your reaction to this?

Eco-Anxiety

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The impact of climate change is undoubtedly on Mother Nature. However, this problem isn’t only affecting the planet, but also people’s mental health.

According to experts, more and more people suffer from ‘eco-anxiety’. Knowing the state that our world is in now is enough to bring people stress and anxiety.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about climate anxiety.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2023/ep-230810

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does ”ball game” mean? “We perhaps have these models… now we have the exact science, so it is an absolutely different ball game… we actually know what to do now.” Use this idiom in your own sentence.
  2. What does ”impassioned” mean? “It is about getting on with it, and the young people are the furthest ahead in this they can see the future as theirs and they’re impassioned to do something about it.” Give 2 synonyms and use “impassioned” in your own sentence.
  3. What does “to reach net zero” mean, “And also, you know, at the moment the government is trying to reach net zero by 2050 and all that, and they committed to creating 2 million new green jobs.”? Use this idiom in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on eco-anxiety?
  2. How do the climate change-related issues take a toll on you and/or the people around you? 
  3. How can we deal with eco-anxiety?
  4. What is your reaction to this, “Many of those suffering from eco-anxiety are young people.“? Why do you think this is the case?
  5. Do you think young people are truly impassioned to do something about the state we have left the planet in? Why or why not?
  6. Do you think dedicating one’s entire working life to building a green sustainable future has a huge effect on their psychology? Explain your thoughts.