Tag: B1 – Intermediate

Colon Cancer in Young People

B1 — Intermediate 

Bowel cancer, or colorectal cancer cases among younger adults have increased all over the world.

On the bright side, even though bowel cancer cases are higher, it still remains uncommon among young people.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about colon cancer among young adults.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/young-people-and-cancer-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “early detection” mean? ”Factors like improved early detection and genetic changes might also play a role.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “to play a role” mean? ”Factors like improved early detection and genetic changes might also play a role.” Use the expression in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “to prompt” mean here: ”Symptoms like changes in bowel habits, unexplained weight loss, or fatigue should prompt a doctor’s visit.”? Use the verb in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are some reasons for the rise in bowel cancer cases?
  2. Why is early diagnosis important?
  3. Why do you think younger adults might ignore symptoms of serious illnesses?
  4. Do you think modern lifestyles are increasing the risk of diseases among young people? Why or why not?
  5. What can individuals do to reduce their risk of serious illnesses?

Some People Earn a Lot But Are Not Rich

B1 — Intermediate 

About 14% of U.S. households earn more than $200,000 a year. However, many of them do not feel rich. They are often called HENRYs, which means High Earners, Not Rich Yet.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about people who earn high salaries, but do not necessarily feel rich.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/some-people-earn-a-lot-but-arent-rich-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “lifestyle creep” mean? ”Even people making over 300,000 often struggle with credit card debt. This is partly due to lifestyle creep.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “net worth” mean? ”Experts say budgeting, knowing your net worth, and planning for savings are key steps to feeling financially secure.” Use the expression in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “hamster wheel” mean here: ”Emotional spending, social pressure, and a lack of financial planning can keep high earners stuck on a hamster wheel.”? Use the idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think financial success depends more on income or on money management? Explain.
  2. Do you think earning more money always leads to a better life? Why or why not?
  3. What advice would you give someone who earns a high income but still struggles with money?
  4. Do you think social media encourages people to spend more? Why or why not?
  5. How can people enjoy life without overspending?

Companies Take People’s Land to Build Data Centers

B1 — Intermediate 

The fast expansion of AI data centers in Georgia has led to a big rise in electricity demand. To support this growing need, the state’s primary utility company is significantly increasing its network of high-voltage transmission lines.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about companies acquiring private land to build data centers in Georgia.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/companies-take-peoples-land-to-build-data-centers-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is a “utility company”? ”To meet this need, the state’s main utility company is rapidly expanding its high-voltage power lines.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “eminent domain” mean? “While Georgia Power claims it offers fair compensation, many families feel forced into settlements because the company can use eminent domain to seize private land without the owners’ consent.” Use the expression in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  3. What does “to seize” mean? ”While Georgia Power claims it offers fair compensation, many families feel forced into settlements because the company can use eminent domain to seize private land without the owners’ consent.” Use the verb in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. Is it ethical to use eminent domain to build infrastructure that largely benefits the private companies, such as AI data centers? Share your opinion.
  2. What good things can happen when we build more energy infrastructure for AI?
  3. How would you react if transmission lines were planned to pass through your property?
  4. Should companies continue developing new technology even if it causes problems for local communities? Why or why not?
  5. If you were in the government, how would you balance economic growth and people’s rights?

Strength Training Helps to Live Longer

B1 — Intermediate 

Researchers say that regular strength training may help people live longer. They found that this type of exercise may lower the risk of heart disease, stroke, and mental health problems.

Read the article about how regular strength training may help us live longer.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2606/260625-strength-training.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is “strength training”? ”The study found that people who did moderate amounts of strength training on a regular basis had a lower risk of dying at a younger age.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “resistance work” mean? “Keep walking, cycling, swimming, or doing whatever gets your heart rate up. But add some resistance work too.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  3. What does “to burn up” mean here: ”If we do not keep our muscles active, they do not burn up so much sugar and fat.” Use the phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think strength training is important? Why or why not?
  2. Why do many people avoid strength training?
  3. Which do you think is better: strength training or aerobic exercise? Explain your answer.
  4. Should schools encourage students to do strength training? Why?
  5. Do you do any strength training? If yes, what kind?
  6. If you wanted to live a longer and healthier life, what lifestyle changes would you make besides exercising?

Rising Memory Chip Prices to Push Up Tech Costs

B1 — Intermediate 

Gadgets such as mobile phones, laptops, and others are such an essential part of our day-to-day lives. 

Nowadays, the demand for servers in AI data centers has increased very quickly. Because of this, AI systems need to store big amounts of data and process it much faster than regular computers. As a result, catching up with new technology is likely to be more expensive.

Read the article about rising tech products prices.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2606/260629-memory-chip-price-hikes.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is “components crisis”? ”The entire consumer electronics industry is struggling with the current components crisis.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “to be insulated from something” mean here: “However, Apple said its iPhone would be insulated from the price hikes.” Use the expression in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  3. What does “to affect one’s pocket” mean? ”People are now worrying about rising tech prices affecting their pockets.” Use the idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is the impact of the growth of AI on the technology industry?
  2. Do you think AI is worth the higher cost of technology? Explain your answer.
  3. How might higher technology prices affect the consumers and businesses?
  4. If technology becomes more expensive, how will it affect you?
  5. In your opinion, is it better to repair old devices or buy new ones? Explain.

World Cup Fans Struggle with Tipping Culture

B1 — Intermediate 

Football fans at the World Cup are finding it hard to understand tipping in the USA, Canada, and Mexico. In these World Cup host nations, tips of up to 20 per cent are expected.

Many fans say tipping is making their trip more expensive given that it is already too costly to attend the World Cup.

Read the article about World Cup fans struggling with the tipping culture.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2607/260702-tipping-world-cup.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is “tipping fatigue”? ”They add that leaving tips makes already expensive food even costlier. Some fans have complained about “tipping fatigue“.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “budget is being stretched” mean? “Travelling fans say their budgets are being stretched.” Use the expression in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  3. What does “hospitality sector” mean? ”A lot of staff say it is impossible to survive in the hospitality sector without tips.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your opinion about tipping fatigue that some World Cup fans are struggling with in the USA, Canada, and Mexico? 
  2. How would you feel if you were asked to tip for buying a bottle of water?
  3. If you traveled to another country, would you follow its tipping customs? Why?
  4. Which is better: paying higher menu prices with no tips or lower prices with expected tips?
  5. Share your thoughts on this, “Workers at restaurants in the US can earn as little as $2.13 per hour. They rely on diners to tip. Without tips, staff may not earn enough money to live on.”

Social Media Makes Scotland Popular

B1 — Intermediate 

Tourism is a very important industry in Scotland and brings in a lot of money. Social media apps like TikTok and Instagram are helping more people discover beautiful places.

Scotland quickly became popular with tourists through these platforms.

However, there are advantages and disadvantages to this.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about how social media made Scotland popular.

https://newsinlevels.com/products/social-media-makes-scotland-popular-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “hotspot” mean? “Beautiful videos are going viral, and they turn quiet and remote natural places into famous hotspots overnight.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  2. What does “short-term rental” mean? “To help save their communities, some cities are now introducing a new tourist tax and putting strict rules on short-term rentals.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  3. What is a “camper van”? ”Thousands of visitors arrive in big camper vans, block narrow single-track roads, and leave lots of rubbish behind.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the pros and cons of a place becoming popular on social media?
  2. What is your opinion on imposing tourist tax and putting strict rules on short-term rentals in some communities in Scotland?
  3. Should influencers be careful and stop promoting tiny places that don’t have enough spaces for crowds? Explain.
  4. Have you ever wanted to visit a place after seeing it online? Why? Talk about it.
  5. What should visitors do to respect local people and the environment?

Bulgaria Stops Helping Ukraine

B1 — Intermediate 

Rumen Radev said that Bulgaria will stop sending weapons to Ukraine. He believes Bulgaria has already helped Ukraine enough. He also thinks that the war should end through peace talks, and not more fighting.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about Bulgaria not giving military aids to Ukraine anymore.

https://newsinlevels.com/products/bulgaria-stops-helping-ukraine-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “stance” mean? “This decision reflects the stance of the newly elected government, as Radev took office in May 2026 after his party won the parliamentary elections.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  2. What is the meaning of “peace negotiation”? ”He also suggested that both sides must begin peace negotiations.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “to call for something” mean? “He also believed that a peaceful solution cannot be achieved through military means and calls for a diplomatic end to the war.” Use the idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your opinion about Bulgaria’s decision?
  2. How could this affect Ukraine?
  3. Bulgaria Prime Minister Rumen Radev believes that a peaceful solution cannot be achieved through military means and calls for a diplomatic end to the war. Share your opinion about this statement.
  4. Another party argues that stopping military aid damages Bulgaria’s reputation and trust among its NATO and European Union allies. Do you agree or disagree? Explain.
  5. Should countries continue to provide military aid to other countries at war? Explain your answer.

Finland Marimekko Designs

B1 — Intermediate 

Marimekko is a famous Finnish design company. It is known for its bright colors and bold patterns. The company was founded after World War II. Its designs are inspired by nature. 

The brand became popular around the world when Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis wore one of its dresses. Today, Marimekko is an important part of Finnish culture, and many Finnish homes have at least one Marimekko item.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about Marimekko.

https://newsinlevels.com/products/big-protests-in-bolivia-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is the meaning of “a core part of something”? ”Today, the brand is a core part of Finnish identity, and almost every Finnish home owns at least one Marimekko item.” Use the expression in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “an everyday woman” mean here, “The name Marimekko means Mary’s dress, and represents an everyday woman.” Use the idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  3. What does “side” mean here, “This allows naturally quiet people to express their colorful side through their clothes.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. Share your opinion about Marimekko’s designs.
  2. Would you be interested to buy something from Marimekko? Why or why not?
  3. Talk about a brand that is a core part of your country’s identity, and almost every citizen  owns at least one item from it.
  4. How did that brand become so famous and important in your country?
  5. How can a struggling business recover and become successful?

Big Protests in Bolivia

B1 — Intermediate 

Bolivia has major anti-government protests and road blockades. About 60 roadblocks are causing shortages of food, fuel, and medicine across the country. 

Protesters want President Rodrigo Paz to resign or hold new elections. The political problems began after economic problems and unpopular government decisions. The President is now considering a state of emergency to end the blockades.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about the protests in Bolivia.

https://newsinlevels.com/products/big-protests-in-bolivia-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is a “blockade”? ”Nearly a month of anti-government protests and road blockades have pushed Bolivia to a breaking point, according to the President.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “to push someone/something to a breaking point” mean? “Nearly a month of anti-government protests and road blockades have pushed Bolivia to a breaking point, according to the President.” Use the idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  3. What does “subsidy” mean? “President Rodrigo Paz was elected last October during a difficult economic crisis, but he later angered low-paid and rural Bolivians by stopping fuel subsidies and joining right-wing parties.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. Share your opinion about the protests and blockades in Bolivia.
  2. What are some things that anger the citizens of your country nowadays?
  3. What is your opinion about President Rodrigo Paz’s solution to consider a state of emergency in Bolivia?
  4. What could happen if these protests continue for a long time?
  5. How would your daily life change if roads in your area were blocked?