Tag: B1 – Intermediate

Manuka Honey Trademark Battle

B1 – Intermediate

Manuka honey is premium quality honey made from bees that only pollinate manuka or tea trees which are native in Australia and New Zealand. 

For years, the two countries have had some disputes on who owns the right to manuka honey’s trademark.

Read this lesson about the manuka honey trademark battle between Australia and New Zealand.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2305/230525-manuka-honey-trademark-2.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Explain the definition of the word “trademark”. “The Intellectual Property Office of New Zealand decided that no one could trademark the word “manuka”.”. Use this word in a sentence.
  2. What does “treasured” mean here, “They said manuka was a “treasured” NZ species.”? Give 1-2 synonym/s of ‘treasured’ and use the word in your own sentence.
  3. What does “long history” mean, “Our product has a long history of being recognized as manuka honey.”? Use this idiom in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on The Intellectual Property Office of New Zealand’s decision to not let anyone trademark the word “manuka”?
  2. Are there any products from your country that became controversial due to its trademark? Talk about them.
  3. What are some products that your country is well-known for? Why are they world-famous?

India’s Unwanted Girls

B1 – Intermediate

One of the driving factors to the growing population in India is the family’s preference to have at least one son. Families keep on having children until the mother finally gives birth to a male baby. Although the country has shown improvement in several measures concerning women’s empowerment, the preference for a son has not completely disappeared in their culture.

Let’s read the article and know more about the Indian parents’ undying desire to have a son.

https://www.english-online.at/news-articles/world/asia/indias-unwanted-girls.htm

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the phrase “go missing” mean? “About 2 Indian females go missing across all age groups because of abortions, diseases and malnutrition.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. Define the phrase “would rather“. “Many families would rather have a son than a daughter.” Give two synonyms and use it in a sentence.
  3. What does the phrasal verb “take over” mean? “In upper-class families, sons carry on the family tradition or take over the family business.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why do parents in India desire to have sons instead of daughters?
  2. What is the dowry system? What is your opinion on it?
  3. What could be the long term effects of son preference in India?
  4. Do you have a child? If yes, did you have a gender preference? Why or why not?
  5. In some societies, they prefer a boy for a child. What do you think about this?

Australia Bans Vaping

B1 – Intermediate

Using vapes has become more popular especially among young people. In Australia, they are trying to solve this problem. They will implement new rules that will prohibit recreational vaping, limit the import of non-prescription vapes, and restrict nicotine levels.

The government will try to make it more difficult for young people to have access to vapes. Doctors support these measures. However, there are more things to do in order to stop teenagers from vaping.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about vaping ban in Australia.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/australia-bans-vaping-level-3/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is the meaning of “curtail”, “The government plans to curtail the availability of vapes by imposing restrictions on their sale in convenience stores and cracking down on illegal markets.” Use the word in a sentence.
  2. What does “to take action against someone/something” mean, “Australia is taking strong action against the tobacco industry to address the growing problem of teenage vaping.“? Use the phrase in a sentence.
  3. What does the word “discourage” mean, “Doctors support the measures but want more to be done to discourage young people from vaping.”? Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your opinion on Australia’s decision to ban recreational vaping and implement stricter regulations on vapes?
  2. Do you think the measures taken by Australia will effectively discourage young people from vaping? Why or why not?
  3. What are some anti-smoking laws in your country?
  4. “Philip Morris supports the crackdown on illegal shops.” State your opinion on this.

First Class Travel

B1 – Intermediate

Airlines are spending more money on luxurious first-class cabins that look like hotel rooms as an answer to the increasing demand for luxury travel.

These cabins have amenities such as sofas, double beds, televisions, desks, wardrobes, minibars, and even walk-in showers.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about first-class travels.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/first-class-travel-level-3/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is the meaning of “recoup” as used in the article? “The airline aimed to recoup its financial losses by increasing the prices of first-class seats and attracting more affluent passengers.” Make a sentence using the word.
  2. What does the word “goldmine” mean in the context of the article? “The introduction of luxury first-class cabins resembling mini hotel rooms has turned out to be a goldmine for airlines.” Make a sentence using the word.
  3. What does the expression “to enter the fray” mean? “Airlines are entering the fray by investing heavily in revamping their fleets and competing to offer the most luxurious and exclusive services in the industry.” Make a sentence using the idiom.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are some of the amenities included in the first-class cabins?
  2. Would you pay more money for a first-class experience on a flight? Why or why not?
  3. What is your opinion about airlines spending a lot of money on first-class cabins that are like mini hotel rooms?
  4. Other than luxurious cabins, how else can airlines improve the overall travel experience of their passengers?
  5. Talk about your experience traveling first-class.

Animal Testing for Cosmetics to Restart

B1 – Intermediate

After being prohibited for 25 years, the United Kingdom will now be permitting animal testing for cosmetics again. Consequently, this decision has received many criticism.

Learn more about the resumption of animal testing for cosmetics in the U.K. in this article.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2305/230511-cosmetics-testing-on-animals.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “appalling” mean, “Allowing animal testing for cosmetics would be a devastating blow to the millions of people who have supported campaigns to end this appalling practice.“? Give a synonym of this word and make your own sentence.
  2. What does “carry out” mean, “She said that with today’s technology, testing could be carried out without using animals.“? Make your own sentence.
  3. What is a “devastating blow“, “Allowing animal testing for cosmetics would be a devastating blow to the millions of people who have supported campaigns to end this appalling practice.“? Use this phrase in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your opinion about the recent decision by the UK government to allow animal testing for cosmetics again?
  2. What are your thoughts on the use of animals in scientific research in general?
  3. “Testing could be carried out without using animals.” Do you agree or disagree with this? Explain.
  4. Is it possible for animals to be protected when they are part of testing for scientific purposes? Explain.
  5. Have you ever stopped purchasing products from a cosmetics brand because they test their products in animals? Why?

Paying Lonely People to Leave the House

B1 – Intermediate

“Hikikomori” is a Japanese term describing the total withdrawal of teens and young adults from the society. This social withdrawal started in Japan during the 1990’s. This is during the “employment ice age” in Japan when young people were unable to find stable jobs. This phenomenon seems to be affecting some young South Koreans at present.

Let’s read the article about the a new measure in South Korea to help solve this problem.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2304/230420-reclusiveness.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Define the noun “recluse“. “The number of recluses has gone up because of the pandemic.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What is the meaning of the phrasal verb “shut (something/someone) off“? “The government said children shut themselves off from society for many reasons.” Use it in your own sentence.
  3. What does the word “noticeable” mean? “They have noticeable difficulty in living a normal life.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your opinion on this new initiative by the South Korean government?
  2. What are the reasons young people become reclusive?
  3. What possible effects do social withdrawal have on young people?
  4. Have you had temporary moments of social withdrawal? If yes, how long did it take and why did you want to be isolated?
  5. Share your opinion on this, “Korea has an ageing society. It needs young people to work so they can help old people.”.

Internet Use Lowers Risk of Dementia

B1 – Intermediate

Excessive usage of technology, especially, our gadgets can be harmful to our health. However, a recent study suggests that spending time online may be beneficial to the mental health of older people.

Read the article to learn more about this new research on how internet use reduces the risk of dementia in older people.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2305/230508-daily-internet-use.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “plethora” mean, “There is a plethora of research on the potential harm of the Internet.“? Use this word in your own sentence.
  2. What does “exacerbate” mean, “The research also found that excessive Internet use (of 6 to 8 hours a day) may exacerbate the risks of developing dementia.“? Give 2 synonyms of this word and use them in a sentence.
  3. What is the meaning of “compensate” in this context, “Online engagement may help to develop and maintain cognitive reserve, which can in turn compensate for brain aging and reduce the risk of dementia.“”? Use it in a sentence in the same context.

Discussion Questions:

  1. According to the article, what are some of the benefits of using the internet frequently?
  2. Do you think that older people should use the Internet as a way to maintain cognitive function? Explain.
  3. Do you believe that spending time online can benefit your mental health? Explain.
  4. What steps do you take to balance your online and offline activities to ensure optimal mental health?
  5. How do you think society as a whole is affected by the prevalence of internet use?

Future of Jobs

B1 – Intermediate

The future of jobs is a big topic now. Many people want to know what jobs will be available in the coming years. Technology is changing fast and it will impact the job market a lot.

Some jobs that are easy and routine may soon be done by robots or computers. This means that some jobs may disappear. But, new jobs will also be created such as those that require knowledge of technology like robots and artificial intelligence.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about the future of jobs.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/future-of-jobs-level-2/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “cut” mean in this sentence, “According to the report, technology and digitalization will both create and cut jobs.“? Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “to keep up with something“ mean, “Companies will need to adapt to new technologies and increase their digitalization to keep up with the changing job market.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. “All this means that the job market will see big changes in the coming years.” What is “job market“? Define and use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are some technological advancements that are changing the job market?
  2. What skills do you think will be most important for workers in the future job market?
  3. How might the increase in teleworking impact the job market in the future?
  4. What are some problems related to the job market changes and how can they be solved?
  5. How might advancements in artificial intelligence impact the job market in the future?

All Things Remembered

B1 – Intermediate

The expression “All things remembered” means that it’s important to cherish our memories. Memories are the things we remember from our past, like happy times, sad times, or important events. It helps us understand who we are and make sense of the world around us. They also bring us comfort and joy when we think about them.

Let’s read the article below and learn more things about it.

http://headsupenglish.com/index.php/lower-intermediate-students/lower-intermediate-news-lessons/lower-intermediate-science-and-technology-lessons/556-perfect-memory

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “a fact of life” mean in this sentence, “For Brad Williams, this is a fact of life, as he can remember everything with perfect clarity.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “rerun” mean in this sentence, “Imagine you could remember every action and event in your life. For example, you could remember that on June 15th, 1992, you ate a hamburger with extra cheese and onions for dinner, and you also watched a rerun on TV” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “how something works” mean in this sentence, “The doctor is studying Williams because he wants to understand how memory works.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think about being able to having a perfect memory of everything in your past?
  2. Why are memories important in our lives?
  3. How can we make sure we don’t forget important memories? How do you preserve your memories?
  4. Can we rely on our memories to be completely accurate? Why / Why not?
  5. How do our memories of past experiences shape our current behavior and decision-making?

Themed Restaurants

B1 – Intermediate

Themed restaurants have become increasingly popular in recent years, providing diners with a unique and immersive dining experience that goes beyond simply enjoying a meal. They are designed around a particular concept or theme, ranging from historical eras to popular movies or television shows.

Themed restaurants can be a fun and engaging dining experience for diners of all ages. They offer a break from the mundane dining experiences and transport diners to a different time and place.

Let’s read the article below.

http://headsupenglish.com/index.php/lower-intermediate-students/lower-intermediate-mini-lessons/202-themed-restaurants

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. “Successful restaurants not only rely on great food and superior service, but they also rely on the atmosphere.” What does “rely on/upon” mean? Use it in a sentence.
  2. “Other such restaurants may look like a prison. Customers are locked in cell-like rooms with “guards” serving as waiters.” What does “look like someone/something” mean? Use it in a sentence.
  3.  What does “tie together” mean in this sentence, “The decoration, music, and food all tie together to create a unique and unusual dining experience.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How does the décor in a themed restaurant contribute to the dining experience?
  2. Do you think themed restaurants are popular in your country? Why / Why not?
  3. Have you ever been to a themed restaurant? If so, what was the theme and what was your experience like?
  4. What do you think are the benefits of going to a themed restaurant?
  5. Are themed restaurants more expensive than regular restaurants? Why / Why not?
  6. What are some challenges that themed restaurants may face?