Tag: B1 – Intermediate

Germany Wants Workers from India 

B1 –  Intermediate 

Germany has a shortage of workers because many older people are retiring and fewer children are being born. There are not enough young workers to fill the jobs.

To solve this, Germany wants to bring in workers from other countries, especially India, which has many young people. It needs workers in engineering, healthcare, manufacturing, and IT, including many nurses and caregivers.

Read the article about how Germany wants to fix the labor shortage problem by asking Indians to come work in their country.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2603/260326-germany-labour-shortage.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “renewable energy” mean? “Germany is also a leader in renewable energy, pharmaceuticals, and financial services.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  2. What does “labor surplus” mean? “There’s a huge labour surplus in India.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  3. What does “area” mean here, “It is struggling to find enough skilled people to work in many areas.”? Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the pros and cons of hiring Indian workers for Germany?
  2. What is your opinion on this, “The government has made it easier for people to get visas to work in Germany.”?
  3. What causes labor shortage?
  4. What are other solutions to labor shortage in a country?
  5. Do you have the same problem in your country? Discuss it.

OpenAI Deal with Pentagon

B1 –  Intermediate 

After the AI company Anthropic refused to give the Pentagon full access to its AI system, the US government decided to end its agreement with the company.

Right away, OpenAI struck a deal with the Pentagon, with promises of better security measures. 

Listen to the audio and read the transcript about the cooperation between OpenAI and Pentagon.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/openai-changes-the-deal-with-the-pentagon-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “measure” mean here, “In response, CEO Sam Altman said the company would make changes and add more safety measures.”? Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  2. What does “misuse” mean? “Many people worry about risks and the possible misuse of powerful technology.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  3. What does “administration” mean here, “Anthropic didn’t want to give the Pentagon full access to its AI system. Because of this disagreement, the Trump administration ended its cooperation with the company.”? Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. Share your opinion about OpenAI striking a deal with the Pentagon immediately after Anthropic. Do you think they “acted too quickly and tried to take advantage of the situation”?
  2. Do you think that OpenAI could really make changes and add more safety measures when it comes to the government using their AI system? Share your opinion.
  3. Share your opinion about the growing use of AI in wars. 
  4. What could be some risks and the possible misuse associated with AI technology?

Europe Without Visa and Mastercard

B1 –  Intermediate 

A big part of Europe’s payment system depends on Visa and Mastercard which are both American companies.

European leaders think it is risky that Europe depends on foreign companies for an essential part of its economy. It is now Europe’s objective to build its own payment system.

Listen to the audio and read the transcript about Europe’s dependence on American companies for their payment system.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/can-europe-be-without-visa-and-mastercard-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is a “digital wallet”? “One new solution is Wero, a digital wallet created by European banks and payment companies.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  2. What does “middleman” mean here, “It uses instant bank transfer to remove the middleman, reduce fees, and keep data inside Europe.”? Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  3. What does “political pressure” mean? “The European Central Bank warns that strong reliance on a foreign system can lead to political pressure or a sudden problem.” Use the phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. Discuss the reasons Europe wants their own payment system.
  2. What do you think about Europe’s payment system being dependent on foreign system? What problems can originate from this?
  3. What is your opinion about Europe building its own independent payment system? Talk about its advantages and disadvantages.
  4. Share your thoughts on this, “EU leaders say the payment system is key infrastructure, and infrastructure gives power.”

The EU Wants Better Gun Control

B1 –  Intermediate 

Recently, illegal gun trafficking has increased across Europe. The EU wants better gun control measures to address this problem. It is also necessary to make the laws related to firearms stricter.

Listen to the audio and read the transcript about the European Commission’s new proposals to reduce illegal gun trafficking and close legal loopholes.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/the-eu-wants-better-gun-control-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is “trafficking”? “Possessing illegal firearms or key components could bring up to five years, while trafficking or manufacturing illegal weapons could lead to eight years behind bars.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  2. What is a “loophole”? “The European Commission has proposed new EU-wide prison sentences for firearms offences to reduce illegal gun trafficking and close legal loopholes between member states.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  3. What does “behind bars” mean? “Possessing illegal firearms or key components could bring up to five years, while trafficking or manufacturing illegal weapons could lead to eight years behind bars.” Use the idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. Explain the European Commission’s new gun control proposals.
  2. What do you think of these measures?
  3. Do you think stricter gun control is necessary in your country? Why or why not?
  4. According to the Commission, around 620,000 firearms are lost or stolen in the EU, which contributes to organised crime, terrorism, and about 1,300 deaths each year. Share your reaction and opinion to this.
  5. Share your thoughts on how new technologies like 3D printing and weapons flowing from war zones increase the risks in Europe.

Weather Changes Where Wine Grows

B1 –  Intermediate 

Stable weather is very important in the production of wine. However, climate change makes it more difficult for wine producers to have the conditions necessary for their vineyards.

Listen to the audio and read the transcript about how the weather is changing the global wine map.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/weather-changes-where-wine-grows-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is a “vineyard”? “In Chile, long droughts, higher temperatures, and unpredictable weather create serious problems for vineyards.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  2. What does “to ripen” mean? “Wine quality has improved because grapes now ripen more easily.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  3. What is a “pest”? “Rising soil temperatures, new pests, and extreme weather events could create future risks for these regions as well.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. In your own words, explain how the weather is affecting wine production.
  2. What do you think will happen if this problem continues to exist?
  3. Is there a similar problem in your country? What are the solutions to this issue?
  4. Share your opinion, “Across the world, climate change is slowly changing the global wine map. Some regions gain new opportunities, while others face problems.” 
  5. Talk about other industries being affected by climate change in your country. How is it being affected?

Scared of Speaking English

B1 – Intermediate 

Learning a foreign language is not easy. Conversing in a language other than one’s mother tongue could make someone feel intimidated and nervous. Sometimes, it could even make a person frustrated.

However, there are ways on how to be more self-confident when you need to speak in a different language.

Listen to the audio and read the transcript about how to deal with speaking anxiety.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/260122

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to relate to” mean? “I’m sure that’s a situation lots of people can relate to.” Use the phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  2. What is a “new joiner”? “So when I first joined the BBC, the Learning English team made an assessment of my English level, which they used to do for all new joiners to see if they need any help or courses.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  3. What does “to stress” mean here, “I couldn’t really understand what the barista was saying, and I felt pretty nervous to order coffee and was trying to stress every single word, hoping that my grammar is correct and I am pronouncing the words right.” Use the verb in this context in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why is speaking in a foreign language so stressful?
  2. How did having to speak in another language make you feel at first? How about over time?
  3. Share your opinion, “Mistakes are normal. Mistakes can be a good thing. They can help us learn.”
  4. What are some ways to fight anxiety when speaking a foreign language? In your case, which one is the most effective and why?
  5. Talk about your own experience where you got a little nervous about speaking in another language.

Organic Caviar

B1 – Intermediate 

Caviar is considered a high-value luxury when it comes to gastronomy. 

There is a farm of sturgeon fish in Riofrío, Spain that makes the first organic caviar in the world. 

Listen to the audio and read the transcript about organic caviar from Spain.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/organic-caviar-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “organic” mean? “A sturgeon farm in Riofrío, southern Spain, produces what it calls the world’s first organic caviar.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  2. What is an “additive”? “The product contains only sturgeon eggs and salt, with no additives, and is made entirely in the European Union.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a similar expression.
  3. What does “sustainably sourced” mean? “The fish are raised in natural spring water and are fed organic vegetables and sustainably sourced fishmeal.” Use the phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is so special about the caviar made in Riofrío, Spain?
  2. Are you interested in trying the organic caviar from Riofrío? Have you tried caviar? What do you think about it? 
  3. What is your opinion about more restaurants in Spain putting caviar in their menus?
  4. What are your thoughts about caviar becoming more affordable?
  5. Do you prefer food with organic certification? Why or why not?

UK Stores Locking Up Chocolates to Stop Theft

B1 – Intermediate 

They are creamy and sweet. They make people feel happiness and pleasure. These things make chocolates a popular choice of sweets. 

In the UK, it seems chocolates have become a favorite item of thieves. Store owners have to find a way to stop this problem.

Read the article UK stores locking up chocolate to stop theft.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2603/260309-chocolate-shoplifting-5.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is a “shoplifter”? “Shops in the UK are going to extreme lengths to stop shoplifters from stealing chocolate.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a similar expression.
  2. What does “to go to extreme lengths” mean? “Shops in the UK are going to extreme lengths to stop shoplifters from stealing chocolate.” Use the idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  3. What does “to end up in court” mean? “In London, only five per cent of these ended up in the courts.” Use the expression in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. How is chocolate theft a “massive issue” for shops in the UK?
  2. What do you think about the solution to put products that thieves commonly steal in plastic security boxes? How can it affect sales?
  3. How would you feel if you have to ask a store staff to unlock the box to buy an item at a store? Do you think it will affect your interest in buying that product?
  4. Why do you think chocolate is now a target by thieves and has become high value product especially in the black market?
  5. “There were more than 5.5 million reported incidents of shoplifting in the UK last year. In London, only five per cent of these ended up in the courts.” What do you think should the punishment for shoplifting?
  6. What are your thoughts on this, “There are 1,600 violent attacks against shop workers every day.“?

Mark Zuckerberg In Court

B1 – Intermediate 

Many young people use social media. Sometimes, a bit too much. This compulsive use of social networks could potentially have serious impact on the youths. 

In a court hearing, CEO Mark Zuckerberg spoke about how websites such as his own Meta affect young people.

Listen to the audio and read the transcript about the trial about the effects of social media on young people.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/mark-zuckerberg-in-court-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Define “age limit”. “The lawyer also pointed to a company email about age limits.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “to face” mean in this context, “A 20-year-old woman says she began to use Instagram and YouTube at a very young age and later faced addiction, depression, and suicidal thoughts.” Use the verb in a sentence. Give a similar expression.
  3. What does “over time” mean? “He also said the company tried to improve its rules over time.” Use the phrase in a sentence. Give a similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. “Zuckerberg said he regrets that the company didn’t act faster. He also said the company tried to improve its rules over time.” What is your opinion on Zuckerberg’s statement?
  2. The young woman believes social media platforms caused serious harm in her life. What is your opinion about this?
  3. Share your opinion about this, “Children under 13 cannot join Meta, but this rule didn’t always work.”
  4. How can social media platforms protect young people?
  5. “The result of this trial may affect future law and the way social media companies work.”  Do you believe this could happen? Share your thoughts.
  6. Talk about your social media use. How has social media affected you so far?

Making Singapore Travel Easier

B1 – Intermediate 

Even in places with very good transport systems, people still have difficulties finding their way sometimes.

Veric, a young Singaporean man has been putting up his own signs in order to help people with directions around the city. 

Listen to the audio and read the transcript about Veric, the gorilla way-finder from Singapore.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/a-young-man-makes-singapore-travel-easier-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Define “blind spot”. “Singapore has a very good public transport system, but one advocate says even the best systems have blind spots.” Use the phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “guerilla” mean in this context, “The signs look official, but they are done by Veric, a young man who calls himself a guerilla way-finder.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a similar expression.
  3. What is a “commuter”? “The man’s goal is to make travel easier and clearer for commuters.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why did Veric start doing this?
  2. What is your opinion about what he is doing?
  3. What is your opinion about what Veric said about signages, “A good design is simple and easy to use, so people don’t have to think about it.”?
  4. Is it easy to find your way around your own city? Why or why not?
  5. How can going around a city be made easier and clearer for commuters?