Tag: B1 – Intermediate

Expensive Trains in England 

B1 – Intermediate

Train travel in England can be quite expensive, with ticket prices often surprising passengers. High costs for both short and long journeys can make rail travel a significant expense. In this case, you need to explore alternative options to save money.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about expensive train tickets in the UK.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/expensive-trains-in-england-level-3/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “cost-conscious” mean? “A cost–conscious teen wanted to travel from Sheffield in northern England to Essex, which was around 300 kilometres from his location.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “to save a few pennies” mean? “All those extra 1,600 kilometres saved Brian a few pennies, but took him 13 hours from door-to-door.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “door-to-door”mean? “All those extra 1,600 kilometres saved Brian a few pennies, but took him 13 hours from door-to-door.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why do you think the teen found the journey to be a “great experience” despite the extra distance and time?
  2. How do you think the price of train tickets could impact travel decisions for others?
  3. Can you think of any other situations where taking a longer or more complicated route might be cheaper or more beneficial?
  4. How important is it for you to save money on travel? Would you consider taking a longer route just to save money?

Missing Australian Sub Finally Found

B1 – Intermediate

A long-lost Australian submarine has finally been discovered after years of mystery. The submarine, which went missing during World War I, has been located, providing closure to one of the country’s enduring maritime enigmas.

The discovery marks a significant moment in naval history and brings resolution to the families of the crew who have waited for answers for over a century.

Let’s read the article below to know more about finding the lost Australian submarine.

https://www.english-online.at/news-articles/history/missing-australian-sub-finally-found.htm

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does in one piece mean? ” It appears to be well-preserved and in one piece.” Use this idiom in a sentence.
  2. What does enemy fire mean? “Experts are now trying to examine the wreck and find out why the sub sank. They think it was probably an accident and not because of enemy fire.” Use this phrase in a sentence.
  3. Explain the term “commemorative service” in this sentence, “When the submarine was found navy officials held a commemorative service for the crew that the Australian navy had lost. Families were contacted and told that the oldest naval mystery in Australian history had finally been solved.” Use the phrase in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How do you think the discovery of the AE-1 submarine might affect future historical research and exploration?
  2. What impact do you think the finding of the AE-1 will have on the families of the crew members?
  3. How important is it to commemorate and honor the lost crew members of historical military vessels? Explain.

Sustainable Cork

B1 – Intermediate 

Cork is used to so many things. For example, as alcoholic beverage bottles stopper or a material for insulation. 

Portugal produces and exports the highest amount of cork in the world. It is a very important part of their economy.

However, despite its many purposes, there had been some problems with growing cork trees.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about sustainable cork.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/sustainable-cork-level-2/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to pass down through generations” mean? “In Portugal, cork harvesting is a skilled tradition passed down through generations.” Use the phrase in your own sentence.
  2. What does “sustainable alternative” mean? “Researchers, like Miguel No at the University of Aveiro, are exploring cork as a sustainable alternative to synthetic materials.” Use this term in a sentence.
  3. What does “eco-friendly” mean? “The long growth cycle of cork trees shows the patience required in this eco-friendly industry.” Give one (1) synonym or similar expression and use ‘eco-friendly’ in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is the problem in the cork industry in Portugal? What is a solution to it?
  2. What do you suppose will happen to the cork industry in Portugal in the future?
  3. What do you think about a cork harvesting job?
  4. Give benefits and uses of cork.
  5. In Portugal, cork harvesting is a skilled tradition passed down through generations. In your country, what is a skilled tradition that is passed down from generation to generation? Are there less people interested in joining this industry, too? Talk all about it.

UK Doctors to Treat Eco-Anxiety

B1 – Intermediate 

In the recent years, there has been an increase in the number of people affected by ecological anxiety or eco-anxiety. This is a relatively new medical condition. A person suffers from it when all the extreme weather and climate changes and other environmental issues make them feel nervous or anxious.

Perhaps it is time to start acknowledging that this condition is real and affects many people. Medical experts need to be prepared to offer help to people with this condition. 

In the UK, if you go for a health consultation related to eco-anxiety, the doctor could give you a medical diagnosis, some advice on what to do to reduce your negative impact on the environment, and some tips on how to manage eco-anxiety.

Read the article about how doctors in the UK have been advised to start treating eco-anxiety patients.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2407/240722-eco-anxiety.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “hidden in plain sight” mean? “The United Nations has described eco-anxiety as an emergency crisis hidden in plain sight.” Use the phrase in your own sentence.
  2. What does “to raise a topic” mean? “Doctors in the UK have been advised to raise the topic of climate change during consultations with patients.” Use the expression in a sentence.
  3. What does “distressed” mean? “A UN survey found that 59 per cent of young people in a study were distressed about the climate.” Give one (1) synonym or similar expression and use ‘distressed’ in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. In your opinion, who suffers more from climate anxiety? Is it young or older people? Explain your idea.
  2. How can we help people who have eco-anxiety?
  3. What is an extreme weather event that you are scared of? Why?
  4. Should eco-anxiety given more attention by the health ministry of every country now? Share your opinion.
  5. Should your government focus on this problem more now? Why or why not?
  6. What other health problems do you think your government should focus on? Talk about the disease or condition and why is it not given so much attention by the government?

Hoverbikes for American Soldiers 

B1 – Intermediate

Hoverbikes are some of the stuff we see in science fiction. It is a one-person transport that flies above the ground. This dream could soon be a reality thanks to a few British developers and American engineers working on it.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about the prototype hoverbike for the American Department of Defense.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/hoverbikes-for-american-soldiers-level-3/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “running cost” mean? “The aircraft would replace many of the jobs a helicopter is currently used for, with the advantages being safety, price and running costs.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does the word “on-board” mean in this context? “It also has on-board sensors and autopilot features, which allow the hoverbike to act like a drone.” Use it in your own sentence.
  3. Define the adjective “unmanned“. “The US Department of Defence is interested in hoverbike technology because of its versatility – a hoverbike can be used to transport supplies, fly unmanned and operate as a surveillance platform“. Use it in a sentence and give two synonyms.

Discussion Questions:

  1. In your own words, describe this state-of-the-art hoverbike.
  2. What are the practical uses of this modern hoverbike in law enforcement and infrastructure?
  3. What do you think are the risks associated with hoverbikes being used and sold commercially?

UK’s 22-year-old Member of Parliament

B1 – Intermediate 

Sam Carling won a seat as a Member of Parliament or MP in the recent UK general election. He is 22 years old, one of the youngest MPs the UK has ever had.

With his win, he hopes more young people will go into politics and serve the people.

Read this article about UK’s young MP.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2407/240708-member-of-parliament-4.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “beat” mean here, “Mr Carling, from the Labour Party, narrowly beat his Conservative Party rival by 39 votes.”? Give one (1) synonym or similar expression and use ‘beat’ in this context in your own sentence.
  2. What does “a deprived area” mean? “He grew up in “a deprived area” in the north of England.” Give one (1) synonym or similar expression and use ‘a deprived area’ in your own sentence.
  3. What does “an economic powerhouse” mean? “The Conservative Party promised to turn it into an economic “powerhouse”.” Give one (1) synonym or similar expression and use ‘an economic powerhouse’ in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think Sam Carling meant when he described his victory as a “political earthquake”?
  2. How can growing up in “a deprived area” help Sam Carling represent the interests of the people?
  3. Should young people enter politics? Share your opinion.
  4. What are the good and bad things about very young politicians?
  5. How much interest do you think young people in your country have in politics?
  6. Talk about a very young politician from your country.

A Man Tries to Kill Donald Trump

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Many government agencies work together to secure major political events in the USA. Tight security is expected especially for political big shots. Despite all these, a security breach still ensued during Donald Trump’s political rally recently.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript to know more details on the assassination attempt of a U.S. presidential candidate.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/a-man-tries-to-kill-donald-trump-level-3/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “critically injured” mean? “The attack also resulted in the death of one spectator and critically injured two others. ” Give one (1) synonym or similar expression and use ‘critically injured’ in your own sentence.
  2. What does “subsequently neutralized” mean? “The Secret Service released a statement detailing how the gunman fired from an elevated position and was subsequently neutralized.” Give one (1) synonym or similar expression and use ‘subsequently neutralized’ in your own sentence.
  3. What does “to have no place for someone/something” mean? “President Biden condemned the attack, called it sick, and stated that there is no place for such violence in America.” Give one (1) synonym or similar expression and use this idiom in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your opinion on the failed assassination attempt of Donald Trump?
  2. What other assassination attempts of popular personalities have you heard of? Share details about this incident.
  3. What security measures do you have in your country to keep political candidates safe?

Cocoa Farmers Grow Rubber Trees

B1 – Intermediate 

One of the biggest cocoa producer in the world is Ivory Coast. However, many farmers do not want to grow cocoa anymore. Instead, they are planting more rubber trees.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about Ivory Coast shifting from cocoa to rubber cultivation.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/cocoa-farmers-grow-rubber-level-3/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “shift” mean? “Ivory Coast, the world’s largest cocoa producer, is seeing a shift among farmers toward rubber cultivation.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘shift’ in your own sentence.
  2. What does “labor-intensive” mean? “Farmers find rubber farming cheaper and less labor-intensive.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘labor-‘intensive’ in your own sentence.
  3. What does “drive” mean in this context? “Climate change and high production costs are driving this change.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘drive” in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on the world’s largest cocoa producer shifting to rubber cultivation?
  2. What are the reasons farmers are do not want to grow cocoa anymore?
  3. What effects will this have on the cocoa industry?
  4. What can the government do to help cocoa farmers?
  5. What crops are most commonly cultivated in your country? Which ones are gaining more popularity among farmers in the recent years and why?

Doctor Wants Social Media Health Warnings

B1 – Intermediate 

A survey in 2022 revealed that young people between the ages of 13 to 17 use at least one out of five social media platforms more than several times every day. There are several effects of massive social media use on teenagers. The most alarming effect is the negative impact on their mental health.

Read the article and know more about the proposal by a top US doctor for social media platforms to put mental health warnings on their websites.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2406/240620-social-media-health-warnings.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is the meaning of the verb “address” in this context? “This is something the USA’s top doctor wants to address.” Use it in a sentence and give two synonyms.
  2. Define the word “youngster“.”He said algorithms lead youngsters to extreme sexual and violent content.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What is the meaning of the word “profound“? In 2023, he warned that social media presented, “a profound risk of harm to the mental health and well-being of children and adolescents”. Use it in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your opinion about Dr. Murthy’s idea?
  2. What are the long-term and short-term negative effects of social media on teens?
  3. What are the positive effects of social media on teens?
  4. How does a display of mental health warnings on social media platform help reduce these negative effects?
  5. Do you think ‘healthy social media’ exists? If yes, how can we have it?

Electric Salt Spoon

B1 – Intermediate 

According to the World Health Organization, a person should only consume less than 5 grams of salt per day. Very high amounts of salts can cause health issues like heart problems, high blood pressure, and stroke.

Now, if you are trying to be healthy, salt is probably one thing that you need to cut down on. How can we do it if food taste like nothing without it?

A new invention in Japan could be the solution. 

Read this article to know more about the Electric Salt Spoon.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2406/240613-electric-salt-spoon-1.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to cut down on something” mean? “They hope their spoon will help people to cut down on the amount of salt they eat.” Use this expression in a sentence.
  2. What does “to tend to favour someone/something” mean? “Japan has a food culture that tends to favour salty tastes.” Use this phrase in a sentence.
  3. What does “intake” mean? “The World Health Organization recommends a daily salt intake of less than 5 grams.” Use this word in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What could be the good and bad things about the Electric Salt Spoon?
  2. Would you be interested to buy and use it? Why or why not?
  3. This electric salt spoon costs about $99. What do you think of this price? 
  4. Do you think this electric spoon will sell well in the future? Why or why not?
  5. How can we reduce our salt intake?