Tag: B1 – Intermediate

Amsterdam Bans Public Ads for Meat and Fossil Fuels

B1 – Intermediate 

Amsterdam has banned public advertisements for meat and fossil fuel products, including burgers, chicken, petrol cars, and airline travel.

The Dutch Meat Association and Dutch Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators disagree with the prohibition. On the other hand, environmental activists support the decision.

Read the article about Amsterdam’s public advertisements ban for meat and fossil fuel products.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2605/260507-public-advertisement-ban.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “carbon neutral” mean? “The ban is to help move Amsterdam towards its target of being carbon neutral by 2050.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  2. What does “consumer behaviour” mean? “The Dutch Meat Association says ban is an undesirable way to influence consumer behaviour.” Use the phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  3. What does “to set a global standard” mean? “By becoming the first capital to legally ban fossil fuels and meat advertising, Amsterdam is setting a global standard.” Use the expression in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your opinion about the ban on public ads for meat and fossil fuel products in Amsterdam?
  2. What might be the pros and cons of this ban?
  3. The Dutch Meat Association says that the ban is an undesirable way to influence consumer behaviour. What is your opinion on this?
  4. Should other cities or countries follow Amsterdam’s example? Why or why not?
  5. Should governments have the power to restrict ads for products they consider harmful? Explain your view.
  6. How do you think advertising influences people’s food choices and travel habits?

Japan’s Snack Packaging Turns Black and White

B1 – Intermediate 

The Iran war caused problems for food companies in Japan. There is a shortage of ink materials. This affects food packaging.

Calbee will use black-and-white packaging for some potato chips. The company will add a message saying it is saving oil materials.

Sanae Takaichi said Japan has enough naphtha for now. Japan will also increase local production and imports from other countries. However, Calbee warned that more problems may happen later.

Read the article about the change in the designs of some snack manufacturers’ food packaging.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2605/260518-food-packaging-ink.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “in a bid to do something” mean? “Meanwhile, food and beverage maker Kagome will make some of the wrapping for its popular ketchup transparent in a bid to deal with the ink shortage.” Use the phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  2. What does “countermeasure” mean? “She said countermeasures would be taken to ensure a supply of the liquid.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  3. What does “ramp up” mean? “These countermeasures include a ramping up of domestic production, and a threefold increase in naphtha imports from countries outside the Middle East. ” Use the phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your opinion about the changes in these Japanese snack products’ designs?
  2. What lessons can other companies learn from this situation?
  3. Do you think simple packaging is a good idea during shortages? Why or why not?
  4. How might customers react to changes in product packaging? How would you react if your favorite products’ packaging suddenly turns black and white?
  5. What is your opinion about transparent packaging?

AI and College Degrees

B1 – Intermediate 

More students in the US are choosing skilled jobs instead of college. Jobs like welding and plumbing pay well and do not need a degree.

At the the moment, some college students use AI to do their schoolwork, which makes people question the value of college. Because of this, more people support training programs that teach practical skills and lead to good jobs.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about US students choosing skilled trades instead of going to college.

https://newsinlevels.com/products/ai-and-college-degrees-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “skilled trade” mean? “More students in the US are choosing skilled trades instead of going to college.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  2. What does “field” mean here, “Many high school students are offered well-paid jobs in welding, plumbing, or similar fields right after graduation.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  3. What does “shop class” mean? “They want to bring back shop classes and support programs where students learn real-life skills.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why are more students choosing skilled trades instead of going to college?
  2. Do you think skilled trade jobs are a good alternative to college? Why or why not?
  3. How is AI affecting students’ learning in college?
  4. Do you think using AI tools for schoolwork is helpful or harmful? Explain. 
  5. Do you think schools should focus more on practical skills like shop classes? Why?  

Northern Lights

B1 –  Intermediate 

The northern lights, or aurora borealis, are a natural phenomenon producing colorful, dancing lights in the night sky, primarily in high-latitude regions.

These natural light shows are caused by geomagnetic storms.

A very strong geomagnetic storm is hitting Earth. It may affect power and communication systems.

It is also causing bright auroras seen far from the poles. These come from strong solar flares and sunspots.

Scientists say it is a concern because modern technology can be affected.

Read the article about geomagnetic storms and the Northern Lights.

https://newsinlevels.com/products/northern-lights-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “disrupt” mean? “Our planet is experiencing a powerful geomagnetic storm, the most potent in over two decades, which might disrupt power and communication systems worldwide.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  2. Define “geomagnetic storm”. “Our planet is experiencing a powerful geomagnetic storm, the most potent in over two decades, which might disrupt power and communication systems worldwide.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “solar flare” mean? “This phenomenon is caused by a large convergence of sunspots, which has produced several moderate to strong solar flares since Wednesday last week.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think about the Northern Lights?
  2. What are the consequences of geomagnetic storms?
  3. Why can strong solar activity affect Earth’s technology?
  4. How can society prepare for future strong geomagnetic storms?
  5. Have you ever seen the Northern Lights? Talk about it.

Risky “Looksmaxxing” Trend

B1 –  Intermediate 

“Looksmaxxing” is a trend where young men try to make their looks better. 

Some people use dangerous methods like hitting or pressing their face bones. Others get cosmetic treatments like fillers or surgery.

Doctors say this can be very bad for the body. It can also affect mental health and self-confidence. Experts advise to focus on healthier ways to feel good about yourself.

Read the article about the risky trend of looksmaxxing.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2604/260423-looksmaxxing.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Define “looksmaxxing”. “A new trend among young men is causing doctors to worry. It is called looksmaxxing.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “bone smashing” mean? “Many things can go wrong with bone smashing and cosmetic surgery.” Use the phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  3. What does “the only thing in one’s life” mean? “Anda Solea, an expert on looksmaxxing, said problems start for men when looks become the only thing in their lives.” Use the idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  4. What does “self-esteem” mean? “Too many young men are falling into the trap of dissatisfaction and low self-esteem.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your opinion sbout looksmaxxing?
  2. Why do you think young men are doing it?
  3. Why do too many young men feel dissatisfaction and have low self-esteem?
  4. How can people build self-esteem without focusing too much on looks?
  5. Do you think society puts too much value on physical appearance? Why or why not?

Apple Maps Was a Big Mistake

B1 –  Intermediate 

Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO, will step down in September. He said Apple Maps was a big mistake because it gave wrong directions when it launched in 2012. He even told users to try other map apps.

Cook became CEO in 2011 after Steve Jobs. He grew Apple’s value from $350 billion to $4 trillion. He said the Apple Watch is his best achievement, especially for health and fitness.

Read the article about outgoing Apple CEO Tim Cook’s tenure at Apple and his thoughts on Apple Maps.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2604/260427-tim-cook-apple-maps.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to bow out” mean here, “Mr. Cook will bow out as Apple boss in September.”? Use the phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  2. What does “tenure” mean? “During his tenure, Cook transformed Apple from a $350 billion company into a $4 trillion company.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  3. What does a “superlative lifestyle choice” mean? “Cook has ensured Apple’s brand represents a superlative lifestyle choice.” Use the idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on Tim Cook calling Apple Maps a “big mistake”?
  2. What can other companies learn from Apple’s mistakes with Apple Maps?
  3. What is your opinion on this, “Apple’s greatest contribution will be in the health and wellness area.”?
  4. What is your opinion about people seeing Apple a superlative lifestyle choice?
  5. What is your company’s CEO’s greatest achievement?

War in Middle East Creating Fertilizer Shortage

B1 –  Intermediate 

The war in Iran has raised fertilizer prices. Shipping in the Strait of Hormuz is disrupted. About 30–40% of fertilizer trade is affected. Farmers now pay more and may grow fewer crops. The United Nations warns of higher food prices and possible shortages.

Read the article about how the war in Middle East is creating fertilizer shortage.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2603/260330-fertilizer-shortages-5.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “yield” mean here, “In the worst case, this means lower yields and crop failures next season.”? Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  2. What is “input cost”? “In the best case, higher input costs will be included in food prices next year.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  3. What does “dual cost shock” mean? “Farmers are facing a dual cost shock.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. Explain how the conflict in the Middle East affect global food prices.
  2. What could the United Nations or governments do to reduce the impact of this crisis?
  3. How can countries reduce their dependence on imported fertilizers?
  4. How could rising fertilizer prices affect farming in your country? 
  5. Do you think food prices will continue to rise in the future? Why or why not?
  6. Do you think consumers in your country would change their eating habits if food prices increase? Why or why not?

US Wants Gamers to Become Air Traffic Controllers

B1 –  Intermediate 

There is a shortage of about 3,000 air traffic controllers. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the USA is recruiting gamers to become air traffic controllers.

The FAA thinks gamers may have useful skills. Officials want more young people to apply.

Read the article about USA’s FAA recruiting gamers to become air traffic controllers.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2604/260413-air-traffic-controller-gaming.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “recruitment campaign” mean in this context, “The USA’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has launched a recruitment campaign aimed at gamers.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  2. What is a “candidate pool”? “Our union welcomes innovative approaches to expanding the candidate pool, including outreach to individuals with high-level skills, such as gamers, so long as all pathways maintain the rigorous standards required of this safety-critical profession.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  3. What is a “tagline”? “The tagline is explicitly aimed at gamers.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think about FAA trying to recruit gamers as air traffic controllers?
  2. What skills from gaming might help in this job?
  3. Do you think gamers are a good fit for this job? Why or why not?
  4. What do you think about the job of being an air traffic controller?
  5. Why do you think there is a shortage of air traffic controllers in America? Is it the same situation in your country? Talk about it.

Free Electricity in the UK

B1 –  Intermediate 

People in the UK may get free or cheap electricity this summer.

NESO made this idea to use extra energy better and help the system work well.

Read the article about getting discounted or even free electricity in the UK this summer.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2604/260416-free-electricity.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “in excess” mean? “Power companies say that on sunny days, weather conditions result in excess supply.” Use the phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  2. What does a “zero-carbon future” mean? “National Energy System Operator (NESO) also says it will deliver what is needed to reach a zero-carbon future.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  3. What is a “solar panel”? “There is also more energy coming from  solar panels.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your opinion about discounted or free power?
  2. Have you ever experienced getting free or discounted electricity? If not, do you think it should be done too? Share your opinion.
  3. “The market has the capacity to deliver sufficient supply.” Is it the same situation in your country? Discuss.
  4. What are your thoughts on this, “There could be free summer power even with the war in the Middle East.”?
  5. Do you believe we can reach a zero-carbon future? Share your opinion.

The Shoe Business Is Changing

B1 –  Intermediate 

The shoe market is changing quickly. Big brands now have strong competitors.

Nike is still the biggest. But it has problems. It focused too much on online sales. It did not make enough new products. Because of this, they lost some customers who looked for other brands.

All shoe brands have a new problem. High tariffs on shoes made from Vietnam could make the prices of sneakers much higher.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about how the shoe business is changing.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/the-shoe-business-is-changing-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “rival” mean? “The footwear market is changing fast as big brands like Nike and Crocs face new rivals.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  2. What does “to make a comeback” mean? “Meanwhile, Crocs has made a huge comeback.” Use the phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  3. What does “clever marketing” mean? “People used to think Crocs were ugly, but clever marketing and colorful charms called Jibbitz made them cool for young people.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. According to the article, why are Nike and Crocs struggling?
  2. How can they recover from these problems?
  3. Share your opinion on this, “Nike made a mistake by focusing too much on selling online and not enough on making new, exciting products.“
  4. Share your thoughts on this, “All these brands face a new problem: high tariffs on shoes made in Vietnam, which could make sneakers much more expensive for everyone.”
  5. Give an example of a product or brand that you think uses clever marketing.
  6. What are some of the most important footwear brands in your country? Why are they very popular?