Tag: B1 – Intermediate

Computers

B1 – Intermediate

A computer is a machine that can store and process data and information. It is one of the best inventions of modern technology nowadays. People from all walks of life use computers to make our jobs easier, and more convenient and effective.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about computers.

https://listenaminute.com/c/computers.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. How useful are computers for you?
  2. What do you do with a computer? How did you learn these skills? Which software can you work with?
  3. What would happen if all of the world’s computers suddenly stopped forever?
  4. Do you control computers or do they control you? Explain.
  5. What is the worst thing about computers? Why?

World’s First Intestine Transplant

B1 – Intermediate

A baby girl from Spain named Emma was born with an intestine that is too short. This prevents food from being absorbed properly by her body and her health rapidly got worse and worse. She was too young but was already diagnosed with intestinal failure. Emma had to get a new intestine. She became the first to have an intestine transplant. Thankfully, the procedure was a success and her health is now in good condition after the transplant was done.

Listen to the audio and read the transcript about the first intestine transplant in the world.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/worlds-first-intestine-transplant-level-2/

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your reaction to this news?
  2. What do you think of the progress in medical technology?
  3. What comes to your mind when you hear the word “transplant”? Why?
  4. What are your thoughts on organ transplantation?

Problems with E-cigarettes

B1 – Intermediate

In the hopes of avoiding smoking cigarettes and its adverse effects on health, some people turn to e-cigarettes. However, are these actually a good alternative or an even worse thing to smoke?

Listen to the audio and read the transcript about the problems with e-cigarettes.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/problems-with-e-cigarettes-level-1/

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you agree that e-cigarettes can be a problem? Why or why not?
  2. Do you think e-cigs are better than cigarettes? Explain.
  3. Health officials do not know what chemical is in the e-cigarettes. What is your opinion on this?
  4. Some people also smoke marijuana in the e-cigarettes. What is your opinion on this?
  5. Do many people use e-cigarette in your country? Why or why not?

Argentina Crisis

B1 – Intermediate

Argentina used to be a rich country. A century later, it isn’t the case anymore. The country has faced so many crises over the years and it has not been easy for the people. This year, inflation in Argentina could go up to 100%. 

Listen to the audio and read the transcript about the crisis in Argentina and what people are doing to survive it.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/argentina-crisis-level-1/

Discussion Questions:

  1. How is Argentina affected by the economic crisis?
  2. What are some Argentines doing to survive this crisis?
  3. How is your country affected by the economic crisis?
  4. Have you any adjustments in your lifestyle/spending habits due to inflation? Cite some of them.
  5. What are your thoughts on barter clubs?

Restaurant in Water

 B1 – Intermediate

Many businesses were affected by the pandemic. A restaurant that is located near the famous Chao Phraya River has more than the coronavirus as a problem.

Because of big waves, the place gets submerged in water sometimes. The owner thought this could end his business and he had to close his restaurant, but there has been an unexpected twist.

Listen to the audio and read the transcript about a restaurant that is completely covered in water.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/restaurant-in-water-level-1/

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think of this restaurant? Would you like to visit it? Why or why not?
  2. How is getting wet by water while eating affect your experience at a restaurant?
  3. Have you ever visited a restaurant because it is very famous on social media? Talk about this restaurant. How was your experience?
  4. What is the most important thing that you take into consideration when choosing to go to a restaurant?
  5. What is the best restaurant you have ever been to? Describe it.

Eating Late at Night

B1 – Intermediate

We already know that what we eat is important in making sure that we have a healthy body. But did you know that eating very late at night can have some negative effects on your health?

A new study finds that eating very late hours in the night affects how your body burns calories and increases the risk of gaining weight more.

Read the article about how late-night snacking can affect one’s health.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2210/221013-eating-late-at-night-1.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you agree or disagree that late-night eating is bad for us? Explain.
  2. What time do you normally have dinner? Why is it this early or late?
  3. How often do you eat or have a snack at very late hours?
  4. Tell us about your own eating habits.
  5. How important is it for you to maintain your weight? Explain.

Quiet Quitting

B1 – Intermediate

The workplace is a very competitive world. We are taught to do our very best in order to succeed. 

However, it seems times have changed. Workers only work to achieve the minimum of what they should be doing in their job while they are working to later just leave.

Read the article about the concept of quiet quitting and how it is becoming more common in the workplace.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2210/221003-quiet-quitting-4.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are reasons workers are quiet quitting?
  2. Was there ever a time you had to quit quietly at work? Talk about this time.
  3. How to be a good employee?
  4. What is the proper way to quit work? 
  5. Talk about a time you ‘went the extra mile’ at work.
  6. How did the pandemic change the way you do or think about your job?

Charbonnay Wine 

B1 – Intermediate

People are believed to have been consuming wine as early as 5400-5000 B.C. And ever since, there has been a continuing demand for wine all over the world. 

In Northern France, they have invented a new type of wine that is called “Charbonnay”. 

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about this new kind of wine.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/charbonnay-wine-level-1/

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think of charbonnay? Would you like to try it? Why or why not? If you have tried it, what can you say about it?
  2. Are there any new varieties of wine that has been produced in your country recently? Talk about it.
  3. How important is wine and the wine industry in your country?
  4. Do you like drinking wine? Why or why not?
  5. What are the good and bad things about wine/wine drinking?

Patience

B1 – Intermediate

In today’s modern world, life has become a constant pursuit of distraction. Being more patient can do wonders to our mental health, career, and personal relationships. Patience makes us better people.

Let’s listen to the audio and read the transcript below about patience.

https://listenaminute.com/p/patience.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. Are you patient? Is it difficult for you to be as such? Explain your answer.
  2. How can you improve the quality of patience in yourself? What techniques can you think of?
  3. When was the last time you lost your patience?
  4. Who/what requires the most patience in your life?
  5. Do you think you’re getting more patient or impatient as you get older? Explain.

Robots and the US Economy

B1 – Intermediate

The more modern the society and technology become, the more we make use of machines and robots in every industry. 

In the US, more and more companies rely on robots for better and more efficient operations.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about robots and their impact on businesses and ultimately, on the US economy. Be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/robots-and-us-economy-level-1/

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why do more businesses in the US use robots?
  2. Is this a good or bad thing? Explain your opinion.
  3. How is your job easier because of machines/programs?
  4. What are the pros and cons of using robots/machines/programs instead of humans in your own sector/industry?
  5. Will robots replace humans one day? Explain your thoughts.