Tag: audio

Children Cost a Lot of Money

B1 – Intermediate

Many believe that having children is probably the best thing that could ever happen to anyone. While this could be true, it is also not always easy.

As salaries remain the same and the cost of living keep increasing, it gets more and more expensive to raise a child.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about how costly child-rearing is now.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/children-cost-a-lot-of-money-level-2/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “stagnant” mean? “Raising children in the United States has become increasingly expensive, with the cost of living rising while wages remain stagnant.” Give a synonym and use “stagnant” in your own sentence.
  2. What does “rear” mean, “A recent report has revealed the variations in child-rearing costs across different metro areas.” Give another meaning of ‘rear’ and use the word in that context.
  3. What does “household” mean, “By comparing the living costs of a household with one child to that of a childless household, the study found that the average annual cost to raise a child is approximately 20,813 dollars.”? Use this word in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you agree or disagree that raising children has become increasingly expensive? Is it also the case in your own country? Talk about it.
  2. Why does child-rearing cost a lot of money?
  3. What do you think will be the effect of this on people’s opinion about having children?
  4. Is it true that the cost to raise a child depends on the location? Explain your opinion.
  5. Is it a good idea to raise children in smaller cities where the cost of living is lower? Explain your thoughts.

Plants Fighting Pollution

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Over time, pollution has become a serious problem that we have grappled with. Addressing pollution can be expensive and risky. However, a process called phytoremediation, with the use of plants, can help clean up contaminated environments.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about phytoremediation.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2023/ep-230713

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “magic formula” mean? “Taken together, these make Eucharia’s approach a magic formula – a combination of actions that is likely to result in success.” Use this in a sentence.
  2. What does “broken promises” mean, “Local people’s mistrust of big oil companies comes from their broken promises – times when they said they would definitely do something but then failed to.“? Use this word in a sentence.
  3. Define the phrase “bring something back to life“. “The award recognised the personal risks Eucharia takes in her efforts to bring the land back to life.“ Give a synonym and make a sentence with this phrase.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your opinion on phytoremediation?
  2. Are there any examples of pollution in your community or country? How could phytoremediation help address these issues?
  3. What do you think about scientific research and innovation in finding sustainable solutions for environmental challenges?
  4. Have you participated in any initiatives to clean up pollution or restore natural habitats?
  5. What actions do you take to reduce pollution and promote a healthier environment in your daily life?

Activists Challenge Harvard’s Legacy Admissions

B2 – Upper Intermediate

One of the most stressful stage in a young student’s life is trying to get into their dream university. In the recent years, many universities in the US have made this test optional for their applicants. But that doesn’t mean the process has become easier and faster, especially in elite universities. One factor that they allegedly highly consider is the tie the applicant has with its alum.

Let’s listen to the audio and read the transcript to know more about this seemingly discriminating practice in Ivy League universities in the US.

https://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/activists-challenge-harvard-s-legacy-admissions/7168000.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Define “legacy admission“. “A civil rights group is taking legal action against legacy admissions at Harvard University.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “bearing” mean here, “Your family’s last name and the size of your bank account are not a measure of merit, and should have no bearing on the college admissions process.”? Use bearing’ in your own sentence and give two synonyms.
  3. What is the meaning of the phrase “to give a lift to someone“? “They note that the Supreme Court’s ruling says colleges must ignore the race of applicants but schools can still give a lift to the children of alumni and donors.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your opinion on legacy admission at Harvard? Do you think the practice discriminates against students of color? Explain your stand.
  2. Why are opponents of this practice against it? Give their reasons.
  3. Is private donation to public universities allowed in your country? If yes, Do you think it should be forbidden?
  4. What are the college admission policies in your country?
  5. Share your thoughts on this, “Your family’s last name and the size of your bank account are not a measure of merit, and should have no bearing on the college admissions process.“.

Government Bans Phones in Schools

B1 – Intermediate

At present, mobile phones have clearly become a very important device for everyone. However, is it something that should be allowed to be used by students in schools?

The Dutch government plans to prohibit gadgets in the classrooms by 2024.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about the Dutch government’s plan to prohibit mobile phones in schools.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/dutch-government-bans-phones-in-schools-level-2/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to do something in one’s way” mean, “Schools have the flexibility to implement the ban in their way.”? Use this phrase in your own sentence.
  2. What does “outcome” mean,  “If the desired outcomes are not achieved by the summer of 2024, legal rules will be enforced.”? Give 2 synonyms and use “outcome” in your own sentence.
  3. What does ”enforce” mean, “If the desired outcomes are not achieved by the summer of 2024, legal rules will be enforced.”? Give 2 synonyms and use “enforce” in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your opinion on this prohibition?
  2. Do you agree or disagree that gadgets aren’t suitable for classrooms? Explain.
  3. What are the pros and cons of letting students use devices in the classroom?
  4. How would people react if this ban was implemented in your country?
  5. Talk about an issue in education that you think the government should focus on.

Baby Boards Bus Alone

B1 – Intermediate

In a surprising turn of events, a bus ride took an unexpected twist when an unanticipated passenger made their presence known. This incident caught both passengers and the bus driver off guard, creating a moment of intrigue and curiosity.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about a baby who rode a bus alone.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/baby-boards-a-bus-alone-level-3/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “track down” mean in this sentence, “Officers managed to track down his parents an hour later with the mother saying that her little boy was playing outside her cell phone store when she realized that he had gone off somewhere.” Give a synonym and use “track down” in a sentence.
  2. What does “pull over” mean in this sentence “Neither the passengers or the bus driver could see if an adult was taking care of the toddler, and the bus driver pulled over and called police for help.” Give a synonym and use “pull over” in a sentence.
  3. What does “volunteer” mean in this sentence, “Passengers volunteered to take care of the baby until the police got there.” ” Give a synonym and use “volunteered” in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How did the passengers and the bus driver react to the situation? How would you react if you were also on that bus?
  2. What are some measures that can be taken to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future?
  3. What are some lessons that can be learned from this incident to improve child safety measures in public spaces?

Lucky Bus Driver

B1 – Intermediate

If you are driving a public transport vehicle, the lives of many people’s is your responsibility.

A bus was hit by a truck. The bus driver was not wearing a seatbelt. Fortunately, there was no passenger in the bus and the bus driver was not seriously hurt.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about the accident a bus driver luckily survived.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/lucky-bus-driver-level-3/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “graze” mean, “Miraculously, the bus driver only suffered cuts and grazes, and fortunately, there were no passengers onboard the bus.”? Use this word in your own sentence.
  2. What does “to run a red light” mean,  “A bus driver in New Mexico was not wearing his seat belt when a pickup truck allegedly ran a red light, sending the driver through the windscreen.”? Use this expression in your own sentence.
  3. What does ”footage” mean, “The city transit department released the dramatic footage of the incident.”? Use this word in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What was your reaction to this news?
  2. What lesson/s do you think the bus driver learned from this incident?
  3. What is your opinion about the driver not wearing a seat belt at the time of the accident?
  4. What do you think about the truck that ran a red light?
  5. What do you do to be safe on the road?

Israel Politics Changes

B1 – Intermediate

Israel’s current government wants its Supreme Court to have less power. Some politicians started discussing about a new law to do this. However, not everyone is in favor of this law.

The Supreme Court is part of the judiciary system. In most countries, there are three equal and separate branches of government. This should guarantee the other two branches would not be able to control too much power.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about about this proposed amendment on Israel’s legal system.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/israel-politics-changes-level-2/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is the meaning of the word “bill” in this context? “Israeli lawmakers started discussing a bill on Sunday to limit the powers of the Supreme Court.” Give a synonym and use “bill” in a sentence.
  2. What is the meaning of “hold” in this context? “Protests against the government caused Netanyahu to stop the plan in March and hold talks with opposition parties.” Give a synonym and use “hold” in a sentence.
  3. What does “to rule against someone/something” mean? “The new bill will be a less extreme version of the previous proposals which wanted to greatly reduce the Supreme Court’s power to rule against the government.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think are the consequences of weakening Israel’s Supreme court?
  2. What laws in your country had been amended? Do you agree with these changes? Why or why not?
  3. What are the main branches of government in your country? What are their functions?
  4. Do you know any countries at present where its leaders have total control? What do you think of these countries?
  5. What are some changes in your country politics that allowed for corruption?

Situation in the Himalayas


B1 – Intermediate

When someone accidentally falls into a deep pit and can’t climb out, it is a very scary situation. It can happen in different places like caves or construction sites. Being trapped in a hole can be confusing and can cause fear. It’s important to stay calm and look for ways to escape or get help.

Let’s read the article below to know more about a man who was in a dramatic situation in the Himalayas.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/dramatic-situation-in-the-himalayas-level-2/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “give up” mean in this sentence, “The man thought that he was going to die. His arm and five ribs were broken, but he didn’t give up and he moved out of the gap.” Give a synonym and use “give up” in a sentence.
  2. What does “trapped” mean in this sentence, “The crack in the ice was 22 metres deep, and the man got trapped in it.” Give a synonym and use “trapped” in a sentence.
  3. What does “gap” mean in this sentence, “His arm and five ribs were broken, but he didn’t give up and he moved out of the gap.” Give a synonym and use “gap” in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. In your opinion, will this experience affect the professor’s future adventures or activities? Why or why not?
  2. What do you think were some of the problems the professor had while climbing out of the hole?
  3. If you were in a similar situation, what would be your biggest fear or concern and why?
  4. How can someone stay calm in this kind of situation?
  5. What do you think are some important lessons we can learn from this incident about preparedness and safety during outdoor activities?

Upcycle Leftover Food

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Food waste is an all too common problem in households and among food establishments. Leftover food at home are more often thrown away after some time. Fortunately, more and more people and businesses are using leftover food in another dish in the name of environmental sustainability and additional profits.

Listen to the audio and read the transcript about the ways some US companies are upcycling their leftover food.

https://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/us-restaurants-companies-upcycle-leftover-food-/7150515.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is the meaning of the word “upcycling“. “Malek’s ice cream company is among those at the start of a movement called upcycling.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does the word “seal” mean in this sentence, “The Upcycled Food Association gives out an official “Upcycling Certified” seal to qualifying products.”? Use it in a sentence and give two synonyms.
  3. Define the idiom “to gain ground“. “The movement is gaining ground as buyers want to know what is in their food, where their food comes from, and how it affects the environment.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is upcycling?
  2. What leftover food can be upcycled?
  3. How do you feel about restaurants upcycling their food? Would you buy them?
  4. Do you think upcycled food should cost less? Why or why not?
  5. What are other ways to fight food wastage?

Gran Canaria Mystery 

B1 – Intermediate

Gran Canaria is a beautiful island in the Atlantic Ocean. It is known for its beautiful landscapes and pleasant weather. With its picturesque beaches, mountains, and charming villages, it is a perfect place for nature lovers and adventurers.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about the mystery Gran Canaria Island.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/gran-canaria-mystery-level-2/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “take control of something” mean in this sentence, “The men were face-down with their hands tied and stones on top of them. They probably died violently a long time ago, even before Spain took control of the island in the 15th century. ” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “symbolic” mean in this sentence, “This type of burial wasn’t normal, which means that it could be a symbolic death.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “conquer” mean in this sentence, “The bodies could be from after Spain conquered the island or from the time before.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is Gran Canaria known for?
  2. How do archaeological findings contribute to our knowledge of pre-colonial history in different regions?
  3. What can we learn from this archaeological finding about the island’s past?
  4. How might this archaeological discovery impact future research or exploration on Gran Canaria?
  5. Talk about a place in your country/city that is also known for a mystery.