Tag: B1 – Intermediate

Space Travel Changes Astronauts’ DNA

B1 – Intermediate

With the growing interest in both commercial space flights and space exploration, many companies and countries have entered into space industry. This means more astronauts are being sent to space more frequently than in the past. A new study found that astronauts’ DNA have higher level of mutation.

What exactly does this imply?

Let’s read the article and know more about the DNA mutation of astronauts who have traveled to space.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2209/220908-astronauts-dna-1.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the health risks due to DNA mutation for astronauts?
  2. What are the implications of this new study for commercial space exploration?
  3. What measures should countries and companies have to avoid or minimize such health risks?
  4. Given these major health risks, do you think going to space is still worth it?

Anti-Cheating Exam Hats

B1 – Intermediate

Cheating in exams is a dishonest action and it harms an individual. Studying for an examination is very important. Through examinations, it enhances our personality, knowledge, and learning power. We also get to know where we are behind and we can move ahead for improvement.

Let’s read the article below to know more about how creative a college in the Philippines is in fighting against cheating in examinations.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2210/221027-anti-cheating-hats-1.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think of anti-cheating hats?
  2. How much pressure is there to pass exams? What’s the best way to pass exams?
  3. What should happen to students who cheat?
  4. How stressed out do you get about/during exams?
  5. What do schools in your country do to prevent cheating?

Bees Like Playing with Balls

B1 – Intermediate

Bees are small flying insects, buzzing around with its painful stings which always make people afraid and annoyed. They are renowned in facilitating pollination for most plant life. Without bees, there would be a huge decrease in pollination, which later result in reduce in plant growth and food supplies.

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

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2211/221103-bees-and-balls-1.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you know about bees? How do you think bees might play?
  2. What are you thoughts on the results of study?
  3. What do you associate bees with?
  4. Do you like being busy? When are you as busy as a bee?
  5. What are the benefits of bees?
  6. How do you relax after a busy day?

Autumn

B1 – Intermediate

Autumn is one of the most wonderful season out of the four because not only do the leaves change in color, but also the temperature is very inviting. Autumn has its own unique beauty and it is a great time to enjoy the season and create lasting memories.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript below about autumn.

https://listenaminute.com/a/autumn.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think of when you think of the autumn season?
  2. What are the good and bad things about autumn?
  3. Does your town have any festivals or special events in autumn? Talk about it.
  4. Describe your city in autumn.
  5. What’s your favorite autumn memory?
  6. What is your favorite season? Why is it your favorite?

Laughter

B1 – Intermediate

Laughing is contagious. It brings happiness, lifts spirits, and brings about good judgment.

Laughter has very good benefits to our body. Laughter and jokes help boost the immune system, improve your quality of life, promote healing, and protect you from the negative outcomes of stress. Best of all, this medicine is totally organic, fascinating, unlimited, and not to mention, free.

Listen to the audio and read the transcript about laughter.

https://listenaminute.com/l/laughter.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. What usually makes you laugh?
  2. Do you consider it necessary for people to laugh? Why or why not?
  3. Do you like making other people laugh? Why or why not?
  4. Why do some people seem to laugh more frequently than others?
  5. Is laughing synonymous to happiness, contentment, or joy? Explain. 
  6. What is the funniest moment of your life and why?

Night

B1 – Intermediate

Are you a night owl?

The night should be the most peaceful period of the day. It is a great time to look at the stars because they’re beautiful,  lay out on the beach or any other place, and just talk and hang out with friends.

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

https://listenaminute.com/n/night.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you do at night that is different from during the day?
  2. Do you feel different at night than you do during the day? Explain.
  3. What’s the best night out you’ve ever had?
  4. What would life and the world be like if humans were nocturnal – we slept during the day and were active at night?
  5. Talk about an interesting night in your life. What made it special?

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?