Tag: B1 – Intermediate

Restaurants Lie about Food Hygiene

B1 – Intermediate 

Food hygiene ratings ensure that the businesses in the food industry such as restaurants and supermarkets follow the food safety standards. In the UK, these ratings are given by the Food Standards Agency or FSA. 

A BBC undercover investigation discovered that there are many businesses in England and Wales that are not showing their real food hygiene ratings.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about some businesses lying about their food hygiene ratings. Be ready to answer the questions that follow. 

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/restaurants-lie-about-food-hygiene-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Define “undercover”. “An undercover BBC investigation revealed that many businesses in England and Wales have displayed inaccurate food hygiene ratings.“ Use this word in a sentence. Give a synonym or similar expression.
  2. What does “rating” mean? “These food hygiene ratings, provided by the Food Standards Agency (FSA), are meant to ensure customers that food safety standards are met.” Use this word in a sentence. Give a synonym or similar expression.
  3. What does “misleading” mean? “Food safety experts believe this is a widespread problem across the UK, with multiple places misleading the public about their hygiene standards.” Use this word in a sentence. Give a synonym or similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What comes to your mind when you hear “rating”?
  2. Share your reaction to and opinion about this news.
  3. Do you have a similar food hygiene rating system in your country? Do you care about this or not? Why?
  4. Why is it important for businesses to meet food safety standards?
  5. What should be the penalty for businesses who lie about their food hygiene ratings displayed outside their stores?

Pakistan and India Agree to Ceasefire

B1 – Intermediate 

Pakistan and India have come close to war after India blamed Pakistan for an attack on Kashmir wherein 26 civilians died.

The two countries have launched strikes on one another. Pakistan has targeted military bases in India. India fired missiles at air bases in Pakistan.

More recently, the two nations have agreed to a ceasefire and to stick to the truce.

Read the article about Pakistan and India ceasefire and be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2505/250512-india-pakistan-ceasefire-4.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Define “ceasefire”. “Pakistan said the country is committed to a faithful implementation of the ceasefire.“ Use this word in a sentence. Give a synonym or similar expression.
  2. What does “truce” mean? “Both countries are accusing each other of violating the truce.” Use this word in a sentence. Give a synonym or similar expression.
  3. What does “to de-escalate a situation” mean? “Donald Trump urged both parties to find ways to de-escalate the situation.” Use this phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym or similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What comes to your mind when you hear “ceasefire”?
  2. Share your opinion on this ceasefire between India and Pakistan.
  3. What are other ways to de-escalate the situation between countries that have conflicts?
  4. Do you think Trump’s offer to assist Pakistan and India to start talks would be helpful? Why or why not?

Reopening Alcatraz Prison

B1 – Intermediate 

Alcatraz is perhaps one of the most famous prison in the world. It is located in the middle of San Francisco Bay. In 1934, it became a high-security federal penitentiary for holding the most dangerous prisoners in America.

President Trump is thinking about reopening Alcatraz.

Read the article about the possible reopening of Alcatraz as a prison and be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2505/250508-alcatraz-prison-2.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Define “public safety threat”. “He said it could be “an option for significant public safety threats.“ Use this phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym or similar expression.
  2. What does “to be plagued by something” mean here, “America has been plagued by vicious, violent, and repeat criminal offenders.”? Use this phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym or similar expression.
  3. What does “to tear something up” mean? “It’s not realistic to think you can repair it. You’d have to tear it up and start over.” Use this phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym or similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What comes to your mind when you hear “Alcatraz”?
  2. Do you agree with the idea of reopening Alcatraz? Share your opinion.
  3. Share your thoughts on this, “Alcatraz was a symbol of law and order.”.
  4. Would your consider visiting Alcatraz as a tourist attraction? Why or why not?
  5. Are there maximum security prisons in your country? What are they like?
  6. Why are maximum security prisons necessary? 
  7. How can vicious, violent, and repeat criminal offenses be reduced?

Driving in the EU at 17

B1 – Intermediate 

Europe plans to let 17-year-olds to start driving. The EU thinks this could improve road safety. 

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about the new driving age in Europe.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/driving-in-the-eu-at-17-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Define “road safety”. “The European Union is planning to improve road safety by allowing 17-year-olds to drive with a more experienced person beside them.” Use this phrase in a sentence.
  2. Define “self-assessment”. “There will not be one rule for the whole EU, but countries are encouraged to use similar health checks either through medical exams or self-assessments.” Use this word in a sentence.
  3. What does “concerned” mean? “Some are concerned about data safety, but EU leaders say the new system will protect against fraud and hacking.”? Use this word in a sentence and give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your opinion about this new driving age?
  2. What are the good and bad things about this? 
  3. “Supervision is not enough to prevent accidents.” What is your opinion about this? 
  4. Do you think this will improve road safety? Share your opinion.
  5. What are other ways to improve road safety?
  6. What is your opinion about digital driver license?

Flash-panning

B1 – Intermediate 

When you start dating, it appears like a perfect relationship, everything is exciting, your partner showers with you attention, takes you on romantic dates, and does shared experiences with you.

Then, when things get more serious, he or she just just disappears without giving you any explanation.

This behavior is something called flash-panning.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about this modern dating trend called “flash-panning”.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/what-is-flash-panning-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Define “love bombing”. “Flash-panning is a modern dating trend similar to love bombing and ghosting.” Use this phrase in a sentence.
  2. What does “to come into play” mean? “However, when reality comes into play, like dealing with schedules or responsibilities, the person, called the flashpanner, suddenly disappears. ” Use this idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  3. What does “compromise” mean here, “They enjoy the fun stage but cannot manage conflicts or compromises that come later.”? Use this word in a sentence in the same context.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your opinion about flash-panning?
  2. What other dating trends do you know of? Describe it.
  3. How has dating changed in your country over the years?
  4. Share your thoughts on this, “Since flash-panners don’t know how to handle conflicts and compromises, they vanishwithout explanation, which is emotionally painful for the person left behind.”
  5. Do you agree or disagree, “Conflicts are normal in relationships.”? Explain.

Tourist Arrested for Visiting Forbidden Indian Island

B1- Intermediate 

An American tourist could go to prison for up to five years in India after getting arrested because he tried to visit the forbidden island of North Sentinel. 

The island is home to the indigenous people known as the Sentinelese. The government prohibits any contact with the people from the tribe from outsiders to make sure the tribes people are protected from modern illnesses. The islanders are not immune to modern diseases. So, if they contract them, it could end the whole tribe’s existence.

The Sentinelese are very protective of their isolation from the outside world. They even kill tourists who have tried to visit their island in the past.

Read the article about a man who got arrested for visiting North Sentinel. Be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2504/250407-remote-island-4.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “face” mean? “He could face up to five years in prison.” Use this word in a sentence and give a synonym.
  2. What does “shield” mean? “The ban is to shield the people from modern illnesses.” Use this word in a sentence and give a synonym.
  3. What does “wipe out” mean? “A non-profit group that protects isolated tribes said: “Uncontacted peoples have no immunity to common outside diseases like flu or measles, which could completely wipe them out.” Use this phrase in a sentence and give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your reaction to the American tourist trying to visit the North Sentinel?
  2. Do you think what he did was worth it? Why or why not?
  3. Why is it necessary for tourists to respect a government’s ban to visit some places in their country? 
  4. How can uncontacted indigenous people be protected from outsiders?

Scotland’s Clune Park Demolition

B1- Intermediate 

Clune Park in Scotland was built more than 100 years ago for shipyard workers, but when the industry of shipbuilding started going down, people abandoned the area. 

The council plans to demolish a part of the estate and build new homes. 

Demolishing parts of Clune Park means losing its history. However, the council and some residents just aim for a new neighborhood that can serve the community in the coming years.

Listen to the audio and read the transcript about the plan to demolish Clune Park in Scotland. Be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/scotlands-clune-park-demolition-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “vandalism” mean? “It was built over 100 years ago for shipyard workers, but when shipbuilding declined, people left, and the area became known for vandalism and very low property prices.” Use this word in a sentence and give a synonym.
  2. What does “eerie” mean? “The estate is often compared to Chernobyl because of its abandoned and eerie appearance.” Use this word in a sentence and give a synonym.
  3. What does “landlord” mean? “The area’s decline has been made worse by a long conflict between the local council and private landlords.” Use this word in a sentence and give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think it is for the best to demolish Clune Park? Explain.
  2. What is your opinion on this, “Locals are sad about losing a part of their history but also hope for a better future. The council wants to create a new neighborhood that serves the community for years to come.“? 
  3. What comes to your mind when you hear “demolition”? Talk about it.
  4. Is there a place in your country that is similar to Clune Park? Share about this estate.
  5. If you were a resident of a place similar to Clune Park, would you choose to continue to live there? Why or why not?

Global Warming Will Delay the Next Ice Age

B1- Intermediate 

Scientists predict that the next ice age or “the long period of reduction in the temperature of Earth’s surface and atmosphere” will come in about 10,000 years.

However, due to human activities that contribute to global warming, the possibility of the next ice age might be delayed.

Read the article about how global warming will delay the occurrence of the next ice age. Be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2503/250306-ice-age.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to push something back” mean? “The scientists said melting glaciers in the North and South Poles will push back the next ice age.” Use this phrase in a sentence and give a synonym.
  2. What does “at regular intervals” mean? “When the amount of ice on the continental ice sheets was stable, ice ages happened at regular intervals.” Use this expression in a sentence and give a synonym.
  3. What does “gap” mean? “However, Professor Barker said less ice means a longer gap between ice ages.” Use this word in a sentence and give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think this is good news? Why or why not?
  2. What comes to your mind when you hear “ice age”? Talk about it.
  3. Is studying about past ice ages important? Why or why not?
  4. Share your insights on this statement, “Earth’s climate is an interconnected system of complex processes, all acting together to produce the changes we observe.”.
  5. Have you joined a glacier tour before? Share your experience. If not yet, would you be interested? Why or why not?

Way to Target Sound to Individuals

B1- Intermediate 

The way we listen to music is changing. At present, we can hear audios or listen to music using high-tech earbuds. Someday, listening to music even when you are out in public will be possible without using any headphones.

When someone sets up an audible enclave, only they can hear something that is supposed to be for them.

Read the article about audio enclaves.  Be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2503/250327-audio-enclaves-4.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “beam of sound” mean here, “New technology will aim beams of sound at us, without others hearing.” Use this phrase in a sentence and give a synonym or similar expression.
  2. What does “enclave” mean? “Someone within an audible enclave can hear something meant only for them, enabling…quiet zones.” Use this word in a sentence and give a synonym or similar expression.
  3. What does “overhear” mean? “People could set up an enclave to make sure their conversations are not overheard.” Use this word in a sentence and give a synonym or similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on this technology?
  2. What are the pros and cons of this technology?
  3. Would you be interested to use an audio enclave? Why or why not?
  4. What other uses can you think of for the audible enclaves?
  5. What is your opinion about receiving personalized ads through this device?

Gen Z Faces Career Apocalypse

B1- Intermediate 

Gen Zs are having a hard time finding work. Some experts are warning of a career apocalypse. 

Read the article how finding a job is getting more difficult for Gen Zs.  Be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2504/250403-career-apocalypse.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “employment” mean? “Students who have just graduated from university cannot find employment.” Use this word in a sentence and give a synonym or similar expression.
  2. What does “to be better off” mean? “He said young people would “be much better off” if they became plumbers or electricians.” Use this expression in a sentence and give a synonym or similar expression.
  3. What does “entry-level job” mean? “However, some people say many graduates no longer want to do ‘entry-level‘ jobs.” Use this phrase in a sentence and give a synonym or similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the reasons it is difficult for Gen Zs to find a job?
  2. Is there a similar problem among young people in your country? Speak about it.
  3. Are people studying for “worthless degrees” in your country too? Talk about this.
  4. Do you agree or disagree: “Young people would “be much better off” if they became plumbers or electricians.”? Explain.
  5. What is your opinion on this, “New graduates do not want to do “entry-level” jobs. Instead, they want to enter a company at a management level and get well paid in their very first job.”?