Tag: B1 – Intermediate

Teens Worried about Muscle Size

B1 – Intermediate 

In recent times, we have seen a revolution in people’s interest in physical health. More and more people exercise and go to the gym, including teenagers and young people in their early 20s.

However, an increasing number of youths are suffering from a psychological disorder called muscle dysmorphia or bigorexia. 

Read the article about the rise in the number of young people suffering from bigorexia and be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2502/250224-bigorexia-muscle-dysmorphia.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “self-image” mean? “Bigorexia is a psychological condition…which involves a distorted self-image that focuses specifically on muscle size and physical appearance.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘self-image’ in your own sentence.
  2. What does “exacerbate” mean? “Social media may be a factor in exacerbating the problem.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘exacerbate’ in your own sentence.
  3. What does “overwhelm” mean? “Youngsters can be overwhelmed with images of people with the “perfect” body.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ’overwhelm’ in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Is the same happening to young people in your country? Talk about it in detail.
  2. What might be the factors that contribute to the rise of youths getting anxious about their muscles?
  3. Should there be stricter regulations on muscle-building supplements and anabolic steroids? Share your insights.
  4. How can cases of bigorexia be reduced?
  5. What other disorders could youngsters suffer from and what do you think leads to these conditions?

Warning on AI Books

B1 – Intermediate 

Scottish National Poet Peter Mackay expressed his concerns over the effects artificial intelligence (AI) on the publishing industry. He proposes that all books should be labeled whether they are written by a human or AI.

Read the article about putting a mark or symbol on all books written by AI and be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2502/250213-ai-book-warnings.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to make a living” mean? “It’s very hard to make a living as a writer anyway, and [now] you are having to compete with [all the] knowledge of every book written.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ’make a living’ in your own sentence.
  2. What does “input” mean in this sentence, “He believes the public needs to know about the level of AI input in a book.”? Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ’input’ in your own sentence.
  3. What does “call” mean in this context, “Mr. Mackay’s call comes just before the USA and UK refused to sign an international agreement on AI to keep it “clean” and “ethical”.”? Use this word in a sentence and give 2 synonyms.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Should we really be worried about AI in terms of the creation of new literature? Share your opinion.
  2. Do you agree or disagree with this, “The public needs to know about the level of AI input in a book.”? Share your insights.
  3. How important is it to keep AI “clean” and “ethical”?
  4. What is your opinion on this, “Pro-growth AI policies” were more important than safety.”?
  5. Which would you prefer – a 100% human-written, 100% AI-made or AI-human hybrid books? Explain your choice.

Fake Videos about Santorini Volcanic Eruption

B1 – Intermediate 

Santorini in Greece is one of the most popular holiday destinations in the world. 

Some fake videos has become viral on social media showing a volcanic eruption. But they were later on identified as AI-made.

In another video, it shows an island with what appears to be smoke. This one was not actually AI-made, but it is actually from an eruption in New Zealand in 2019. They only put the wrong caption for it.

Some believe Turkey is responsible for this misinformation so the fake news could negatively affect the tourism in Santorini.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about Santorini being targeted by fake viral videos on social media.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/fake-videos-about-santorini-eruption-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “mislead” mean? “They have gained thousands of views on TikTok and X, misleading many people.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ’mislead’ in your own sentence.
  2. What does “distort” mean? “Another video of people running in fear has distorted figures, proving it was AI-made.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ’distort’ in your own sentence.
  3. What does “in place” mean? “A state of emergency is in place until March, and thousands have left the island.” Use this phrase in a sentence and give 2 synonyms.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your reaction to this news?
  2. How could these fake videos and misinformation affect Santorini, especially their tourism?
  3. What is your opinion about this, “Rumors claim Turkey is behind the misinformation. Allegedly Turkey wants to hurt Santorini’s tourism, but there is no evidence.”?
  4. How serious is the problem with misinformation? Talk about it.
  5. Give other examples of misinformation on social media or the internet that have affected any city in your country or your country itself. And how was that situation handled by the government?
  6. How can we protect ourselves from misinformation?

Man Swallowed by Humpback Whale

B1 – Intermediate 

Adrian Simancas enjoys rafting. One day, as he was kayaking through the sea in Chile, a huge humpback whale appeared from under the water and swallowed him. But, thankfully, only for a short moment.

He was very lucky to escape this very dangerous situation.

Read the article about a man who was swallowed by a humpback whale.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2502/250217-humpback-whale.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “engulf” mean? “The humpback whale engulfed Mr. Simancas in its mouth.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ’engulf’ in your own sentence.
  2. What does the phrase “no sooner — than” mean? “No sooner had the humpback gulped up Simancas than it spat him back out into the ocean.” Make a sentence using this structure.
  3. What does “fleeting moment” mean? “For a few fleeting moments, Adrian’s fate was in the jaws of the 40-ton [mammal].” Use this phrase in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your reaction to this news?
  2. If this happened to you, what would you do and/or think of?
  3. Have ever had an unfortunate/strange encounter/experience with an animal? Talk about it.
  4. Share your opinion on this, “Adrian said his close encounter with the whale would not stop him from future rafting trips.”.
  5. Talk about a situation where, for a few fleeting moments, your fate was in the hands of someone/something else.

Mexico Opposes Renaming of the Gulf of Mexico

B1 – Intermediate 

US President Donald Trump ordered the Gulf of Mexico to be renamed as the Gulf of America.

This is perhaps a part of his office’ effort to “reclaim America’s rightful place as the greatest, most powerful, most respected nation on Earth”.

However, Mexico President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo strongly opposes this name change.

Read the article about America implementing some name restorations.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2502/250203-gulf-of-mexico.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “surround” mean? “US President Trump wants the body of water, which is surrounded by the USA, Mexico, and Cuba, to be renamed the Gulf of America.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ’surround’ in your own sentence.
  2. What does the phrase “shortly after” mean? “Shortly after his inauguration on the 20th of January, President Trump said: ‘America will reclaim its rightful place as the greatest, most powerful, most respected nation on Earth, inspiring the awe and admiration of the entire world.‘” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ’shortly after’ in your own sentence.
  3. What does “point out” mean? “President Sheinbaum pointed out that the name “Gulf of Mexico” has existed for over four centuries.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use this phrasal verb in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. In your opinion, is it ok to rename the Gulf of Mexico? Elaborate.
  2. Is renaming a place good or bad? Explain.
  3. What impacts might renaming a city, town, or country have on the place itself? How about the people?
  4. Has any place in your country ever been renamed? How did it affect the place?
  5. Mexico’s President Sheinbaum joked that “If there were to be name changes, the United States should be called “Mexican America,” as on a map from 1607.” What is your opinion on what she said?

Flossing Could Reduce the Risk of Stroke

B1 – Intermediate 

Oral health problems like tooth decay and gum diseases affect more than three billion people in the world.

Taking care of your teeth and gums is important not only for your oral health, but apparently, also for your brain. 

According to a new study, flossing is the oral hygiene behavior that could help reduce the risk of suffering from a stroke. This is because when we floss, the possibility of having oral infections that could cause a stroke is also decreased.

Read the article about how flossing your teeth can reduce the risk of stroke.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2502/250206-flossing-oral-hygiene.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “burst” mean? “It happens when blood cannot get to the brain, or when a blood vessel in the brain bursts.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘burst’ in your own sentence.
  2. Define “oral hygiene”. “We aimed to determine which oral hygiene behavior – dental flossing, brushing or regular dentist visits – has the greatest impact on stroke prevention.” Use the phrase in a sentence.
  3. What does “to look into something” mean? “Dr. Sen and his team of researchers looked into the effects of flossing on our health.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use this phrasal verb in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your reaction to the results of this study?
  2. Why do you think some people do not or cannot have proper oral hygiene?
  3. Share your thoughts on this, “Many people have said that dental care is costly.”.
  4. Are you surprised at all by this, “Oral diseases, such as tooth decay and gum disease, affect around 3.5 billion people.”? Why or why not?
  5. Is dental care affordable and accessible in your country? Talk about it.
  6. Do you have any memorable experience at the dentist’s office? Share that story.

Cold Water Immersion Therapy

B1 – Intermediate

Cold water has a significant impact on the human body, influencing circulation, metabolism, and muscle recovery. When exposed to cold water, the body reacts by constricting blood vessels to conserve heat, increasing heart rate, and boosting alertness.

Cold water immersion therapy, also known as cold therapy or ice bathing, is a technique used by athletes and wellness enthusiasts to reduce muscle soreness, inflammation, and stress. It is believed to enhance recovery, improve circulation, and even strengthen the immune system. However, prolonged or extreme exposure to cold water can be risky, potentially leading to hypothermia or shock.

Is cold water immersion therapy truly effective, or is it just a wellness trend?

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2501/250113-cold-water-immersion-therapy.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “dip” mean in this sentence? “Recent research suggests taking a dip in very cold water for several hours a week is good for our health. ” Write 3 synonyms of the word and make 1 sentence for each.
  2. What is the meaning of “well-being“? “They found it could have positive effects on our cognition, sleep quality, and overall well-being.” Make 2 sentences using the word.
  3. What does “energy-snapping” mean? “For many decades, ice baths have helped to speed the recovery of athletes following intense, energy-sapping performances. ” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you know about cold water immersion therapy, and have you ever tried it?
  2. What do you think about the idea of using cold water for recovery or health benefits?
  3. What other therapies, aside from ice water immersion, are commonly used in your country to treat muscle soreness?
  4. What are some negatives to using cold water therapy?

Students Using AI to Learn English

B1 – Intermediate

English is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world, serving as a global means of communication in business, education, and daily life. Learning English opens doors to better career opportunities, cultural exchange, and access to a vast amount of knowledge. However, mastering English can be challenging, requiring practice in listening, speaking, reading, and writing.

With advancements in technology, artificial intelligence (AI) has transformed the way people learn English. AI-powered tools, such as language learning apps, chatbots, and virtual tutors, provide personalized learning experiences, real-time feedback, and interactive exercises. These innovations make learning more accessible, efficient, and engaging, helping learners improve their English skills at their own pace.

Can relying on AI for learning English truly improve language skills, or might it limit real-world communication and critical thinking?

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2412/241223-learning-english-ai.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What are some alternative expressions for “face-to-face“? “The researchers said more young people used AI than took face-to-face lessons. ” Make 1 sentence for each expression.
  2. What does the phrase “in the midst of something” mean? “We’re in the midst of an AI revolution.” Make 2 sentences using the phrase.
  3. What is the meaning of the word “impact” in this sentence? “Technology has long had an impact on language learning.” Write 3 synonyms of the word.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Have you ever used AI for learning English? If so, how was your experience?
  2. Do you think AI can replace human teachers in English learning? Why or why not?
  3. What are the advantages and disadvantages of using AI for language learning?
  4. In the future, how do you see AI changing the way people learn English?
  5. What is your most and least preferred way of learning English? Explain why.

President Trump Promises Golden Age of America

B1 – Intermediate 

As Donald Trump was inaugurated as the USA’s 47th President in January of 2025, he promises to ‘make America great again’. In his acceptance speech, he says, “”The golden age of America begins right now.”. 

Read this article about President Trump’s promise of a golden age for America.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2501/250123-golden-age-of-america-2.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “golden age” mean? “President Donald Trump has promised a “golden age” for America.” Use this phrase in a sentence.
  2. What does the phrase “to be sworn in” mean? “He was sworn in as the USA’s 47th President on the 20th of January.” Use this idiom in a sentence.
  3. What is does “administration” mean here, “He added that: “During every single day of the Trump administration, I will very simply put America first.“? Use this word in a sentence in the same context.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Share your thoughts on this news.
  2. What is your opinion on Trump’s promise of a golden age for America?
  3. Which of his promises do you think will be realized and which ones seems difficult to achieve? Explain.
  4. How do you/the citizens in your country normally feel about a new president’s promises at the beginning of their administration? Why do you think you/they feel this way?
  5. When was your country’s golden age? Talk about that period of time.

Trump and Europe’s Wind Energy

B1 – Intermediate 

One of the first things US President Donald Trump is doing is to temporarily stop new offshore wind projects. These new wind energy policies affect some of Europe’s most important green energy companies.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about President Donald Trump’s decision to stop new US offshore wind leasing projects.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/trump-and-europes-wind-energy-level-2

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “offshore” mean? “The company took a 1.69 billion dollar loss on US projects, including Sunrise Wind, which was meant to be the largest US offshore wind farm.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘offshore’ in your own sentence.
  2. What does the phrase “to be/get hit hard” mean? “Denmark’s Orsted got hit hardest, as its shares fell by 17%.” Use this idiom in a sentence.
  3. What is a “wind farm”? “The company took a 1.69 billion dollar loss on US projects, including Sunrise Wind, which was meant to be the largest US offshore wind farm.” Use this phrase in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Share your thoughts on this news.
  2. What are the good and bad things about wind turbines and wind energy?
  3. Mr. Trump believes wind turbines are ugly, too expensive, and harmful to animals. What is your opinion on his views about wind energy?
  4. How does US President Trump’s new policies affect the European wind power companies?
  5. What can these companies do to move forward from this problem/situation?