Tag: B1 – Intermediate

People Will Fall in Love with AI Voices

B1 – Intermediate 

In the film “Her” starring Joaquin Phoenix, he starts using a new operating system. He meets “Samantha”, an AI assistant. At first, they become friends and then eventually, he falls in love with his AI assistant.

Science fiction.

But now, scientists are afraid it is highly likely for humans to form some kind of emotional dependency on or even love for their AIs or chatbots.

Read the article to know more about scientists’ worries about the possibility of people falling in love with AI.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2408/240812-emotional-attachment-to-ai.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “reshape” mean? “They will reshape how we interact with family, friends and colleagues. ” Use the word in your own sentence and give a synonym.
  2. What does “usurp” mean? “They may even usurp communication among humans.” Use the word in your own sentence and give a synonym.
  3. What is “societal bias”? Give a synonym of this term. “Wired.com writes that the new  chatbot includes “the potential to amplify societal biases, spread disinformation, and aid in the development of chemical or biological weapons”.” Use this phrase in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your reaction to this news?
  2. Do you think this is possible to happen? Why or why not?
  3. Share your opinion on this, “Users might form social relationships with the AI, reducing their need for human interaction.”.
  4. What are the pros and cons of talking to AI?
  5. How do you think chatbots could change society?

Why People Stutter

B1 – Intermediate

A fluency disorder that start when a child is very young is also known as “stuttering”. It is a speech disorder which affects around 5%-10% of people during their childhood. Some cases end in childhood while 25% continues to have this speech defect until they become adults.

Stutterers have a lot of problems in their daily lives because they are often misunderstood and the condition is not effectively treated.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about reasons people stutter and its possible treatments.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/why-people-stutter-level-3/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to stutter” mean? “They studied the brains of people who stutter or who recovered from a stutter; they found they are different from the brains of people who don’t.” Use it in a sentence and give a synonym of this verb.
  2. What does the phrase “run in the/one’s family” mean? “The condition often runs in families, and some of the genetic differences are related to sex.” Use it in a sentence and give a synonym of this idiom.
  3. What is the meaning of the word “onset“? “The treatment of stutter differs and depends on whether the person is a young child very close to onset, a school-aged child, or an adult.” Make your own sentence and give a synonym of this word.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the causes of stuttering in childhood?
  2. What causes stuttering adults?
  3. Have you ever stuttered? Talk about this situation.
  4. How can disfluency be treated?
  5. Do you know anyone who has this disorder? What problems do they have to deal with having this condition?
  6. Why do you think stuttering isn’t treated properly/effectively?

Paris Olympics Start

B1 – Intermediate

The Paris Olympics have begun, marking the start of a global celebration of sports and athletic excellence. Athletes from around the world are competing in various events, showcasing their skills and striving for medals.

The city of Paris is alive with energy and excitement as it hosts this major international event, drawing attention and enthusiasm from fans everywhere.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about the start of Paris Olympics.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/paris-olympics-start-level-3/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does iconic mean? “It featured international stars like Lady Gaga and Céline Dion, who performed at iconic Parisian landmarks.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does landmark mean? “It featured international stars like Lady Gaga and Céline Dion, who performed at iconic Parisian landmarks.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does act mean here, “Lady Gaga performed ‘Mon Truc En Plumes’ in a Moulin Rouge-style act, while Céline Dion made an emotional return with ‘I’Hymne à l’Amour’ from the Eiffel Tower.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Question:

  1. What did you think about the Paris Olympics opening ceremony?
  2. How important are landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Moulin Rouge in showcasing a city’s culture during an event? Explain.
  3. In what ways do you think showcasing national symbols and values (like the French motto) helps in promoting a country during international events?
  4. How do you think the success of the Paris Olympics opening ceremony will influence future Olympic events?
  5. What are some other famous events or ceremonies around the world that highlight local culture?

European Roads Are Full of Holidaymakers

B1 – Intermediate

Summer is peak travel season and due to this, European roads become congested with so many people going on their holidays. Families, tourists, and travelers from various countries take to the roads to enjoy their vacations, leading to heavy traffic and busy routes.

This increase in road activity can create challenges such as longer travel times and traffic jams. Understanding this seasonal trend helps in planning trips and managing travel expectations during busy periods.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about traffic jams in Europe this summer.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/european-roads-are-full-of-holidaymakers-level-2/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does traffic jam mean? “Traffic jams are causing problems in Europe as people go on summer holidays.” Use it in a senence.
  2. What does motorway mean? “In Bavaria, tourists are traveling to Italy and Austria. Last weekend, they caused 14 kilometers of traffic jams on the A8 motorway.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does toll plaza mean? “The Croatian Tourist Board is giving water bottles and car air fresheners to tourists at toll plazas and ferry ports.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How do traffic jams affect travelers’ experiences and plans?
  2. What do you think drivers can do to make long trips during busy times easier?
  3. Why do traffic jams become more common during the summer holidays in Europe? Elaborate.
  4. Why is it important to take breaks and drink water during long drives?
  5. Talk about your own experience with traffic jams during peak season in your city/country.

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.