Tag: B1 – Intermediate

Climate Change Extends Allergy Season

B1 – Intermediate

Spring may be such a lovely season for most. But for some people who have pollen allergies, it is a nightmare. 

Due to climate change, spring could arrive weeks earlier and could be longer too. This means allergy or hay fever season will also last longer.

Read the article about how climate change extends allergy season.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2303/230320-allergies-4.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is “hay fever”? “This is because pollen from flowers bring allergies like hay fever.” Use this phrase in your own sentence.
  2. What does “trajectory” mean, “The scientists said this was not surprising, given the trajectory our planet is on.”? Give a synonym and use “trajectory” in your own sentence.
  3. What does “to act on something” mean, “Acting on climate change will help people’s health.”? Give a synonym and use “to act on something” in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your opinion on this news about climate change making allergy season last longer?
  2. What are other allergies that you know of? Talk about them.
  3. Do you or anyone you know suffer from any kind of allergies? Speak about how you or they feel during an allergy attack.
  4. What other health problems do people have during spring?
  5. How else does weather / climate change affect people’s health?
  6. How else does weather / climate change affect your health?

Government Bans Phones in Schools

B1 – Intermediate

At present, mobile phones have clearly become a very important device for everyone. However, is it something that should be allowed to be used by students in schools?

The Dutch government plans to prohibit gadgets in the classrooms by 2024.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about the Dutch government’s plan to prohibit mobile phones in schools.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/dutch-government-bans-phones-in-schools-level-2/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to do something in one’s way” mean, “Schools have the flexibility to implement the ban in their way.”? Use this phrase in your own sentence.
  2. What does “outcome” mean,  “If the desired outcomes are not achieved by the summer of 2024, legal rules will be enforced.”? Give 2 synonyms and use “outcome” in your own sentence.
  3. What does ”enforce” mean, “If the desired outcomes are not achieved by the summer of 2024, legal rules will be enforced.”? Give 2 synonyms and use “enforce” in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your opinion on this prohibition?
  2. Do you agree or disagree that gadgets aren’t suitable for classrooms? Explain.
  3. What are the pros and cons of letting students use devices in the classroom?
  4. How would people react if this ban was implemented in your country?
  5. Talk about an issue in education that you think the government should focus on.

Switzerland Imports More Cheese 

B1 – Intermediate

Perhaps the first thing that comes to mind when you hear ‘Switzerland’ is cheese. The country is very famous for making cheese. It is a very important product from this nation.

However, for the first time, Switzerland is importing cheese more than exporting it.

Read the article about the Swiss cheese import-export trade.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2307/230713-swiss-cheese-2.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “open up” mean, “The reason is that Switzerland opened up its milk market.”? Use this phrase in your own sentence.
  2. What does “compete” mean,  “This means it is difficult for Swiss farmers to compete with cheaper, imported milk.”? Use this word in your own sentence.
  3. What does “a big part of one’s life” mean, “Cheese is a big part of life in Switzerland.”? Use this phrase in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What was your reaction to this news about Switzerland importing cheese more than exporting it?
  2. Why are dairy farms disappearing in Switzerland?
  3. What products does your country import and export?
  4. Are there any industries that are disappearing in your country? What are they and why is it happening?
  5. Do people in your country eat a lot of cheese? Why or why not?

Baby Boards Bus Alone

B1 – Intermediate

In a surprising turn of events, a bus ride took an unexpected twist when an unanticipated passenger made their presence known. This incident caught both passengers and the bus driver off guard, creating a moment of intrigue and curiosity.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about a baby who rode a bus alone.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/baby-boards-a-bus-alone-level-3/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “track down” mean in this sentence, “Officers managed to track down his parents an hour later with the mother saying that her little boy was playing outside her cell phone store when she realized that he had gone off somewhere.” Give a synonym and use “track down” in a sentence.
  2. What does “pull over” mean in this sentence “Neither the passengers or the bus driver could see if an adult was taking care of the toddler, and the bus driver pulled over and called police for help.” Give a synonym and use “pull over” in a sentence.
  3. What does “volunteer” mean in this sentence, “Passengers volunteered to take care of the baby until the police got there.” ” Give a synonym and use “volunteered” in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How did the passengers and the bus driver react to the situation? How would you react if you were also on that bus?
  2. What are some measures that can be taken to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future?
  3. What are some lessons that can be learned from this incident to improve child safety measures in public spaces?

Lucky Bus Driver

B1 – Intermediate

If you are driving a public transport vehicle, the lives of many people’s is your responsibility.

A bus was hit by a truck. The bus driver was not wearing a seatbelt. Fortunately, there was no passenger in the bus and the bus driver was not seriously hurt.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about the accident a bus driver luckily survived.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/lucky-bus-driver-level-3/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “graze” mean, “Miraculously, the bus driver only suffered cuts and grazes, and fortunately, there were no passengers onboard the bus.”? Use this word in your own sentence.
  2. What does “to run a red light” mean,  “A bus driver in New Mexico was not wearing his seat belt when a pickup truck allegedly ran a red light, sending the driver through the windscreen.”? Use this expression in your own sentence.
  3. What does ”footage” mean, “The city transit department released the dramatic footage of the incident.”? Use this word in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What was your reaction to this news?
  2. What lesson/s do you think the bus driver learned from this incident?
  3. What is your opinion about the driver not wearing a seat belt at the time of the accident?
  4. What do you think about the truck that ran a red light?
  5. What do you do to be safe on the road?

Microscopic Handbag

B1 – Intermediate

For so many years, miniaturization has been done on different things. This means products are made smaller and smaller. One example is our mobile phones and computers.

More recently, mini bags have been in fashion. However, what do you think about a bag that is microscopic?

Read the article about a handbag that is one of the latest miniaturized things.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2307/230703-microscopic-handbag-4.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Define “miniaturize”, “The latest miniaturized thing is a handbag.” Use this word in your own sentence.
  2. What does “trend” mean, “This trend led to the mobile phone.”? Use this word in your own sentence.
  3. What does ”______-inspired” mean, “The art group MSCHF created the Louis Vuitton-inspired bag.”? Use this word in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your opinion on miniaturizing things?
  2. What are the good and bad things about miniaturization?
  3. What do you think of this miniature handbag? Would you buy this bag for $63,000? Why or why not?
  4. The chief creative officer of MSCHF thought the bag was funny because handbags are usually highly functional, but it is now an item of jewelry. What is your opinion on this?
  5. What other things do you want to be miniaturized and why?

Israel Politics Changes

B1 – Intermediate

Israel’s current government wants its Supreme Court to have less power. Some politicians started discussing about a new law to do this. However, not everyone is in favor of this law.

The Supreme Court is part of the judiciary system. In most countries, there are three equal and separate branches of government. This should guarantee the other two branches would not be able to control too much power.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about about this proposed amendment on Israel’s legal system.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/israel-politics-changes-level-2/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is the meaning of the word “bill” in this context? “Israeli lawmakers started discussing a bill on Sunday to limit the powers of the Supreme Court.” Give a synonym and use “bill” in a sentence.
  2. What is the meaning of “hold” in this context? “Protests against the government caused Netanyahu to stop the plan in March and hold talks with opposition parties.” Give a synonym and use “hold” in a sentence.
  3. What does “to rule against someone/something” mean? “The new bill will be a less extreme version of the previous proposals which wanted to greatly reduce the Supreme Court’s power to rule against the government.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think are the consequences of weakening Israel’s Supreme court?
  2. What laws in your country had been amended? Do you agree with these changes? Why or why not?
  3. What are the main branches of government in your country? What are their functions?
  4. Do you know any countries at present where its leaders have total control? What do you think of these countries?
  5. What are some changes in your country politics that allowed for corruption?

Situation in the Himalayas


B1 – Intermediate

When someone accidentally falls into a deep pit and can’t climb out, it is a very scary situation. It can happen in different places like caves or construction sites. Being trapped in a hole can be confusing and can cause fear. It’s important to stay calm and look for ways to escape or get help.

Let’s read the article below to know more about a man who was in a dramatic situation in the Himalayas.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/dramatic-situation-in-the-himalayas-level-2/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “give up” mean in this sentence, “The man thought that he was going to die. His arm and five ribs were broken, but he didn’t give up and he moved out of the gap.” Give a synonym and use “give up” in a sentence.
  2. What does “trapped” mean in this sentence, “The crack in the ice was 22 metres deep, and the man got trapped in it.” Give a synonym and use “trapped” in a sentence.
  3. What does “gap” mean in this sentence, “His arm and five ribs were broken, but he didn’t give up and he moved out of the gap.” Give a synonym and use “gap” in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. In your opinion, will this experience affect the professor’s future adventures or activities? Why or why not?
  2. What do you think were some of the problems the professor had while climbing out of the hole?
  3. If you were in a similar situation, what would be your biggest fear or concern and why?
  4. How can someone stay calm in this kind of situation?
  5. What do you think are some important lessons we can learn from this incident about preparedness and safety during outdoor activities?

Multinational Companies to Hire Refugees

B1 – Intermediate

Wars and political problems have increased in many countries. This puts many people in danger. Due to this, they try to find a way to escape their country and they go to another where it is safer. 

To start a new life in a new country, refugees need a job. The good news is that big companies such as Adidas, Amazon, Pepsi, and Starbucks have promised to give refugees jobs.

Read the article about some multinational companies’ promise to give jobs to refugees.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2306/230622-multinational-companies-1.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Define “homeland”here, “Many people are fleeing wars or feel unsafe in their homeland.” Use this word in your own sentence.
  2. What does “refugee” mean, “Multinational companies will give jobs to 250,000 refugees.”? Use this word in your own sentence.
  3. What does ”diversity” mean, “It said refugees would add diversity and make the company stronger.”? Use this word in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why do refugees leave their country?
  2. What is your opinion on multinational companies hiring refugees?
  3. What are other ways to help refugees?
  4. Do you agree or disagree that “refugees would add diversity to its workforce and would make the company stronger.”?
  5. Share your opinion on this, “Diversity brings creativity and different points of view.”.

Gran Canaria Mystery 

B1 – Intermediate

Gran Canaria is a beautiful island in the Atlantic Ocean. It is known for its beautiful landscapes and pleasant weather. With its picturesque beaches, mountains, and charming villages, it is a perfect place for nature lovers and adventurers.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about the mystery Gran Canaria Island.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/gran-canaria-mystery-level-2/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “take control of something” mean in this sentence, “The men were face-down with their hands tied and stones on top of them. They probably died violently a long time ago, even before Spain took control of the island in the 15th century. ” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “symbolic” mean in this sentence, “This type of burial wasn’t normal, which means that it could be a symbolic death.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “conquer” mean in this sentence, “The bodies could be from after Spain conquered the island or from the time before.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is Gran Canaria known for?
  2. How do archaeological findings contribute to our knowledge of pre-colonial history in different regions?
  3. What can we learn from this archaeological finding about the island’s past?
  4. How might this archaeological discovery impact future research or exploration on Gran Canaria?
  5. Talk about a place in your country/city that is also known for a mystery.