Tag: audio

Music Festivals Are Becoming Less Popular

B1 – Intermediate 

Very famous music festivals like Coachella, Burning Man, and Lollapalooza have seen some decrease in ticket sales. Live events such as these seems to be getting less interest from its fans.

All-inclusive festival deals can be for several hundred dollars or even up to 1000 dollars.

However, with the increasing costs of travel and the tickets, people would rather spend that amount on other activities.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about the music festivals becoming less popular.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/music-festivals-are-becoming-less-popular-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “lodging” mean? “Festivals can cost several hundred dollars or even up to 1000 dollars for a full experience, including transportation and lodging.” Use this word in a sentence. Give a synonym or similar expression.
  2. What does “stream” mean? “Many prefer to stream concerts or join virtual festivals on gaming platforms like Fortnite and Roblox.” Use this word in a sentence. 
  3. What does “take place” mean? “In 2024, over 1,100 festivals took place in the US, but around 40 were canceled.” Use this phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym or similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the reasons music festivals are becoming less interesting for fans?
  2. What are your thoughts on music festivals becoming less popular?
  3. Share your opinion on this, “Some fans now prefer to spend that money on other things than a music festival.”
  4. Is the same thing happening in your country? Why do you think this is?
  5. Talk about a time you went to a music festival.

EU Countries Bring Back Border Checks

B1 – Intermediate 

The Schengen Agreement was initially signed by Belgium, France, Germany, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands 40 years ago in 1985. At present, it has 29 member countries. 

The treaty was established to abolish border controls which guarantees free movement for people, goods, services, and capital.

This is one of the most important point of the European Union. 

However, Germany and France have reinstated border checks recently saying it is due to problems with security and terrorism, illegal immigration, and the asylum systems.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about the reintroduction of border controls in some European countries.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/eu-countries-bring-back-border-checks-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “in place” mean? “It has been in place for 40 years and is a key part of the European Union.” Use this phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym or similar expression.
  2. What does “go against” mean? “These actions may go against the values of unity and cooperation that the EU supports.” Use this phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym or similar expression.
  3. What does “bring back” mean? “However, countries like Germany and France have recently started to bring back border controls.” Use this phrase in a sentence. Give 2 synonyms or similar expressions.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your opinion about the return of internal border controls?
  2. What are the benefits and downsides of putting border controls again around Europe?
  3. Share your opinion about this, “Some experts argue that countries are using border controls for political purposes, not because of real threats.”
  4. What is your view on this, “The visible problem is the return of internal border checks. This raises questions about how well Schengen can function if countries no longer fully respect the agreement.”?

Crack Down on Ghost Plates

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

In the UK, there is a strong demand for the ministers to launch a strict crack down on ghost plates. 

Some plates suppliers do not register with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) and do not comply with the ministry’s requirements. 

This, in turn, has lead to a heightened problems with ghost plates and cloning.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about the pressure on UK ministers to take urgent action to tighten the regulations on ghost number plates.

https://www.lbc.co.uk/news/uk/ministers-crack-down-ghost-plates

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is a “fringe issue”? “She said, ‘Dodgy number plates are no longer a fringe issue. They’re everywhere and they’re undermining the rule of law on our roads.’ Use this term in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “unscrupulous” mean? “Far from being the tightly regulated industry it should be, number plates are increasingly being sold by unscrupulous below-the-radar suppliers using non-compliant, untraceable materials.“ Use this word in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “below-the-radar” mean? “Far from being the tightly regulated industry it should be, number plates are increasingly being sold by unscrupulous below-the-radar suppliers using non-compliant, untraceable materials.“ Use this idiom in a sentence. Give a similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Share your thoughts on the increasing dodgy number plates in the UK.
  2. What are the problems associated with these illegal plates?
  3. Is there a similar problem in your country? Talk about it. 
  4. What are the laws against ghost plates in your country?
  5. What is the importance of ensuring that all number plates are displayed correctly and legally on the roads?

People in Denmark Trust Each Other

B1 – Intermediate 

Trust and responsibility are some of the most important foundations in Denmark’s society.

A free kayak, a human library, and a bakery without a cashier are a few examples of just how much the Danes trust each other a lot.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about how much they trust one another in Denmark.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/people-in-denmark-trust-each-other-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “the catch is” mean here, “For example, you can rent a kayak for free with GreenKayak, but the catch is that you must collect trash while paddling through the canals.” Use this idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “to play a key role” mean? “In Denmark, trust plays a key role in society, especially in Copenhagen.“ Use this phrase in a sentence. Give a similar expression.
  3. What does “to rely on someone/something” mean? “The system relies on people returning the kayaks without damage, which shows how trust works in Denmark.” Use this expression in a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why is it important to have trust for one another in a community/society?
  2. Do have trust in humanity? Why or why not?
  3. If the initiatives mentioned in the audio were done in your country, do you think most people will be honest enough? Explain.
  4. How much do you think people in your country trust each other?Give examples on how people in your city or country show trust for each other.
  5. What are some ways that people can build trust with each other?
  6. How important is trust in your job? Speak about how you and your colleagues show that you trust each other.

Sighing at a Colleague Counts as Workplace Harassment

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Workplace harassment can manifest in many forms, including subtle behaviors that create an uncomfortable or even hostile environment.

While sighing at a colleague might seem minor, it can be perceived as dismissive or intentionally disrespectful.

Listen to the audio and read the article and learn more about how sighing at a colleague can be perceived as workplace harassment and its potential impact on office dynamics.

https://www.lbc.co.uk/news/uk/sighing-workplace-harassment-tribunal

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “damning effect” mean? “In the tribunal’s ruling, the judge said that “reactions from others, verbally or as a gesture, can [have] a damning effect on his self-esteem and anxiety”.” Use it in your own sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “to be in line for something” mean in this context? “It means Mr Watson is now in line for compensation from Roke Manor Research, the company that invented the Hawk-Eye technology for sports including cricket, football and tennis.” Use it in a sentence and give a synonym.
  3. Define “net detriment“. “But evidence also showed that the manager had told the employee that he was becoming a “net detriment”. Use it in a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What’s your take on Robert Watson’s case?
  2. What are your thoughts on the ruling by the UK court regarding this case?
  3. How does your workplace approach awareness and understanding of conditions like ADHD?
  4. How does your company offer support for workers with special needs?
  5. How can one navigate workplace challenges when frustrated with a coworker?

Gold is Booming But Investors Could Lose Out

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

Gold has always been regarded as a good investment option or an alternative way to diversify portfolio. 

In the recent years, there has been a gold rush, triggering a massive eagerness among investors.

However, if you are considering to put some of your money into this, it’s crucial to do an extensive research and understand the risks and benefits prior to purchasing gold.

Read the article about the truth behind investing in gold.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c5ygyjy7kz5o

Listen to the article here: 

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p0l9pwd1

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “bric-a-brac” mean? “Emma is the strategies director of Hatton Garden Metals, a family-run gold dealership in London’s Hatton Garden jewellery district, and this unprepossessing tub of bric-a-brac is a small sample of what they buy over the counter each day.” Use this term in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “to conjure something out of thin air” mean? “Gold can’t be printed by central banks, and it can’t be conjured out of thin air.“ Use this phrase in a sentence. Give a similar expression.
  3. What does “to owe a great deal to someone/something” mean? “The recent increases appear to owe a great deal to the way markets have responded to the confusion triggered by the Trump administration.” Use this idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Cite and explain the benefits of investing in gold.
  2. Cite and explain the drawbacks of investing in gold.
  3. Now equipped with some knowledge about gold as an investment, do you think it is a good investment or not? Explain.
  4. What is your opinion on billionaire Warren Buffett tagging gold as “lifeless” and “neither of much use nor procreative”?
  5. Share your thoughts on this, “Central banks have collectively bought more than 1,000 tonnes of gold each year. Central banks may themselves have been trying to build up buffers at a time of growing economic and geopolitical uncertainty.”
  6. Do you think your central bank should buy more gold, too? Why or why not?

AI Therapists Alternative to Human Help

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Many people use AI chatbots for mental health support while waiting for therapy. These chatbots offer 24/7 help and coping strategies, which some find comforting during tough times.

However, experts warn chatbots can give biased or harmful advice and cannot replace human therapists. Despite this, NHS services use chatbots to help with long waiting lists.

Let’s read the article learn more about how AI chatbots support mental health.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ced2ywg7246o

Listen to the article here:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p0lc755g

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to clutch at straws” mean? “There is not a lot of help out there at the moment, so you clutch at straws.“ Use it in a sentence. Give a similar expression.
  2. What is a “stopgap”? “[It] is a stop gap to these huge waiting lists… to get people a tool while they are waiting to talk to a healthcare professional.” Use it in your own sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What is an “escalation pathway”? “It has in-built crisis and escalation pathways whereby users are signposted to helplines or can send for help directly if they show signs of self-harm or suicidal ideation.” Use this term in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your reaction to the idea of using AI chatbots as mental health support tools? Do you think they can genuinely help people?
  2. . What are the pros and cons of relying on chatbots like Wysa or Character.ai during a mental health crisis?
  3. Have you or someone you know ever used an AI chatbot for emotional or psychological support? What was the experience like?
  4. Do you agree with the article’s view that chatbots may work as a stopgap but cannot replace real therapists? Why or why not?
  5. What safeguards do you think should be in place to protect users who turn to AI for mental health support?
  6. Share your thoughts on this, “The fact that this is not a real person is so much easier to handle.“.

Australia’s Surfing Industry and Nature

B1 – Intermediate 

Surfing is one thing people like doing in Australia. Some even go there for surfing holidays. This industry generates big revenues for the country.

The problem is, too much activities in the surfing sites cause problems in the surf breaks. These natural sites need to be legally protected more.  

Australia has yet to take steps in order to do that.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about the surfing industry in Australia and its consequences on some natural sites. Be ready to answer the questions that follow. 

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/australias-surfing-industry-and-nature-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Explain “coastal erosion”. “Climate change, coastal erosion, and increasing competition for coastal spaces threaten these natural sites.” Use this term in a sentence. 
  2. What does “to take a legal step” mean? “While countries like New Zealand and Peru have already taken legal steps to protect their surf areas, Australia hasn’t yet done the same.“ Use this phrase in a sentence.” Give a synonym or similar expression.
  3. What does “span” mean in this sentence, “The sport’s popularity spans from beginners to experienced surfers, and many people enjoy being outdoors and near the ocean.”? Use this word in a sentence. Give some synonyms.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What comes to your mind when you hear the word “wave”?
  2. Share your opinion about this problem in Australia.
  3. What are the good and bad things about the surfing industry in this country?
  4. Should surfing be regulated/limited in Australia? Share your opinion.
  5. Have you ever tried surfing? Talk about your experience. If not yet, would you like to go surfing (maybe in Australia) someday? Why or why not?

Flying Private

B1 – Intermediate 

Rich people travel in style. They do not go on commercial flights. Instead, they fly in private jets.

However, doing this is more expensive and not to mention, harmful to the environment.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about flying private jets. Be ready to answer the questions that follow. 

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/flying-private-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “renowned” mean? “In one year, a renowned musician flew 396 times in their jet, with one flight lasting only six minutes.” Use this word in a sentence. Give a synonym or similar expression.
  2. What does “maintenance” mean? “Owners must also pay for fuel, crew, maintenance, and storage, which adds millions more each year.“ Use this word in a sentence.” Give a synonym or similar expression.
  3. What does “fossil fuel” mean? “To reduce emissions, scientists support using Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAFs). SAFs are made from waste or plants and pollute much less than fossil fuels.” Use this term in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What comes to your mind when you hear the phrase “private jet”?
  2. Share your opinion about this, “Flying private jets is very expensive and harmful to the environment.”
  3. What are the good and bad things about flying private?
  4. Should flying in private jets be regulated/limited? Share your opinion.
  5. Have you ever flown in a private jet? Talk about your experience. If not yet, would you like to fly private? Why or why not?

Digital Parenting

B1 – Intermediate 

With children getting exposed with the use of gadgets at a much younger age, what could parents do to make sure that their kids are being safe when using the internet?

It has become quite common for parents to track what their children are doing online or where they are going. But children feel differently about this. Some feel that they are safe when they are being tracked by their parents while others feel that this is somehow a form of invasion of their privacy.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about the effects of parents tracking the locations and online activities of their children on their sense of independence. Be ready to answer the questions that follow. 

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/digital-parenting-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “tracking” mean? “Tracking children’s locations and monitoring their online activity has become more common among parents, raising questions about its effects on children’s independence.” Use this word in a sentence. Give a synonym or similar expression.
  2. What does “bypass” mean? “Adolescents often find ways to bypass these controls, sometimes making them less safe as they hide their activities from their parents.“ Use this word in a sentence. Give a synonym or similar expression.
  3. What does “open conversation” mean? “Parents are advised to have open conversations with their children about technology instead of only relying on controls.” Use this phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym or similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What comes to your mind when you hear the word “tracking”?
  2. Share your opinion about parents tracking their children’s locations and monitoring their online activities.
  3. Do you think tracking kids digitally has an effect on their sense of independence? Share your opinion.
  4. What are the good and bad things about tracking children’s online activities and their locations?
  5. What is your opinion on this, “Some teens believe that by the age of 16, they should have the right to decide whether they are tracked.”?
  6. How can parents make sure that their children are using their gadgets and the internet responsibly?