Tag: audio

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.” 

Grown-ups Buying Kids’ Toys

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

The toys that we used to love playing with as kids are a very nostalgic way to reminisce our childhood. 

This must be the reason why some adults still enjoy the idea of buying kids’ toys and playing with them.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about grown-ups buying and playing with kids’ toys.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2025/ep-250814

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Define “disposable income”. “Once I kind of had a stable job with disposable income, I kind of rediscovered my love for soft toys, and I started buying them again because I’ve always loved collecting things, because, you know, they bring me happiness, they bring me joy.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a similar expression.
  2. What does “inner child” mean?  “And I think also a big pillar of my channel and my content is reconnecting with my childhood, and healing that inner child, and I think the toys also play a part in that.” Use the phrase in a sentence. Give a similar expression.
  3. Explain the meaning of “to have time on one’s hands”. “During the pandemic, people had time on their hands. Many adults went online, hoping to find the toys they remembered from childhood.” Use the idiom in a sentence. Give a similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What might be the reasons grown-ups like buying and/or playing with toys?
  2. What do you think about adults still buying and playing with toys?
  3. Share your insights on this, “Adults buying kids’ toys for themselves account for between 30 and 40% of the entire toy market.” 
  4. Do you consider yourself a “kidult”? Why or why not? What are some things/activities you still enjoy that are normally for younger people? Why do you think you still like them until now?
  5. During the pandemic, people had time on their hands. What did you do with yours?

What Is Degrowth?

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

A new school of thought is emerging. Some people think that in order to deal with climate change and other environmental issues, we need to stop the economy from growing.

This is idea is referred to as “degrowth”. “In essence, degrowth is a call for a fundamental transformation of our economic and social systems to create a more just and sustainable future.” 

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about the concept of degrowth.

Be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2025/ep-250724

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Explain the concept of “degrowth”. “Some economists believe degrowth would actually make it harder to solve the climate crisis.” Use this word in a sentence. 
  2. What is “fast fashion”? “It’s saying that we need to decrease some elements of our production that are not beneficial. An example of those elements would be fast fashion, private jets, the beef and meat industry.” Use this term in a sentence. 
  3. What does “underestimate” mean here, “Degrowth underestimates the need for investment that we need in new technology and in new solutions.” Use this word in a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on the idea of degrowth?
  2. What might be the impact/consequences of degrowth?
  3. Talk about some examples of degrowth initiatives.
  4. Share your thoughts on this, “Degrowth underestimates the need for investment that we need in new technology and in new solutions.”
  5. Should we shrink the economy to save the planet? Share your insights.
  6. What are some things you do that you think are good for the planet? 

The Tech and La Sagrada Familia

B1 – Intermediate 

La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona is without a doubt one of the most fascinating pieces of architecture in the world. The Spanish architect and designer Antoni Gaudí began this project in the 1880s and until today, isn’t finished yet.

Modern-day architects employ 3D scans, models, and printing to understand Gaudí’s original plans and designs and to rebuild parts of the basilica that had been destroyed during the Spanish Civil War. 

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about the use of technology to improve the design and structure of the world-famous La Sagrada Familia.

Be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/the-tech-and-la-sagrada-familia-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to feel close to someone” mean? “Gaudí designed the church to make people look up and feel close to God.” Use this phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  2. In architecture, what does “ruled surface” mean? “He used special shapes and ruled surfaces in his designs, based on geometry.” Use this term in a sentence. 
  3. What does “panel” mean here, “Engineers used a modern method with stone panels and steel cables to solve this.” Use this word in a sentence. Give another meaning of “panel”.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your opinion about using technology to continue working on La Sagrada Familia?
  2. Share your thoughts on this, “The basilica is now close to completion and will soon be the tallest church in the world.”.
  3. Talk about your experience visiting La Sagrada Familia or any similar structure.

Chinese Baby Companies Have Problems

B1 – Intermediate 

From 1980 to 2015, China used to have the one-child policy. Even when they allowed couples to have up to three children in 2021, many couples still decide to delay having children, have less kids, or even not have children at all.

As a direct result, the population is declining. At present, some Chinese companies that produce children’s products have to continue thinking of ways to diversify their product lines as the birth rate in their country continue to go down which only means a smaller and smaller market for their products.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about companies that produce children’s products having problems due to declining birth rates in China.

Be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/chinese-baby-companies-have-problems-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “margin” mean here, “Market analyst Shaun Rein warns that companies in the baby industry will face declining margins, bad revenues, and falling stock prices.”? Use this word in a sentence. Give a synonym. Also, give another meaning of “margin”.
  2. What does “stock” mean here, “Market analyst Shaun Rein warns that companies in the baby industry will face declining margins, bad revenues, and falling stock prices.”? Use this word in a sentence. Give a synonym. Also, give another meaning of “stock”.
  3. What does “reluctant” mean? “While the limit has been raised to three children in 2021, couples are still reluctant to have babies.” Use this word in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your reaction to and opinion about children products companies’ problems in China?
  2. What solutions do you think companies can come up with to deal with this problem?
  3. How has your company diversified its products/services over the years?

EU Airports Change the Liquid Limit

B1 – Intermediate 

Airports in the EU could soon let travelers have bigger bottles of liquid that can contain more than 100ml in their hand-carry baggage.

Thanks to a new technology, airport security will be able to detect dangerous substances.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about the EU change in the liquid limit.

Be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/eu-airports-change-the-liquid-limit-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “container” mean? “This change is possible thanks to new screening technology that can detect dangerous materials even inside large liquid containers.” Use this word in a sentence. Give a synonym. Also, give another meaning of “container”.
  2. What does “screening” mean? “This change is possible thanks to new screening technology that can detect dangerous materials even inside large liquid containers.” Use this word in a sentence. Give a synonym. Also, give another meaning of “screening”.
  3. What does “equipment” mean? “The European Commission has now confirmed that approval was given in June 2025, so airports that install the approved equipment will be allowed to use it soon.” Use this word in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your opinion on this new rule?
  2. What do you think about this, “This fact means that while the 100ml rule may disappear in some places very soon, passengers should still check the rules at their specific airport before flying.”?
  3. Should this rule be also implemented all over the world? Explain.
  4. Have you ever had any problems because you had a container or bottle of liquid larger than 100ml? Talk about your experience. 
  5. What are other rules that you have to follow at the airports in your country?

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.