Tag: B1 – Intermediate

What is Accounting?

B1 – Intermediate

In simple terms, accounting refers to recording and reporting financial information. It often involves measuring, summarizing, and analyzing a business or corporation’s sales figures and communicating them to tax authorities. 

Watch the video to know more about accounting and how it keeps a systematic and accurate record of company’s activities.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is the meaning of the word “challenging”? “I think you could see that could be quite challenging“. Use it in a sentence.
  2. What is the meaning of the word “proficiency”? “However, if you had some proficiency in the foreign language your trip would likely be enjoyable”. Use it in a sentence.
  3. What is “immersion”? “So, how do students study for language classes? With practice and immersion.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. According to the speaker, how should students study both languages and accounting?
  2. What is accounting for?
  3. Do you agree with the speaker when he said, “Accounting is really a foreign language class?” What do you think he meant by this? Share your points of view.
  4. How is accounting similar to any other subjects?
  5. Why is accounting important in a business?

India’s Luxury Fashion Industry

B1 – Intermediate

The world of luxury fashion is synonymous with high-end style and craftsmanship, often associated with European heritage. However, there is a lesser-known side to this glamorous industry. Behind the scenes, India plays a crucial role in the creation of many luxury garments.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about India’s luxury fashion industry.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/indias-luxury-fashion-industry-level-3/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “lack of transparency” mean? “ This lack of transparency has raised questions about the ethics of the fashion industry.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “finishing touch” mean? “One example is a jacket that retails for 43,000 Euros and underwent over 2,000 hours of embroidery work in India; however, it received less than 100 hours of finishing touches in Europe, despite bearing a ‘Made in France’ label.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “to build on something” mean? “However, it remains a complex issue in an industry built on exploitation and secrecy.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How do you feel about the idea that many luxury fashion brands manufacture their products in countries like India, but often label them as being made in Europe? Elaborate.
  2. What are the reasons luxury fashion brands choose to produce their goods in countries with lower labor costs like India rather than in their home countries?
  3. Are you willing to pay a premium for a luxury fashion item even if you know it was made in a country with lower labor costs, or does the “Made in” label matter to you? Explain.
  4. How do you think the COVID-19 pandemic may have impacted the luxury fashion industry and its reliance on global manufacturing?

China’s Inventions Changed the World

B1 – Intermediate

China, a land steeped in history and culture, has given the world some truly incredible inventions. These inventions have not only shaped China’s own society, but have also had a profound impact on the rest of the world.

Let’s read the article below to know more about Chinese inventions that changed the world.

https://www.english-online.at/news-articles/history/chinese-inventions-during-song-dynasty.htm

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “course of history” mean? “Chinese inventions have changed the world during the course of history.” Give a synonym and use “course of history” in a sentence.
  2. What does “date back” mean? “Most of them date back to the Song Dynasty, which ruled the Asian empire between 960 and 1280 A.D.” Give a synonym and use “date back” in a sentence.
  3. What does “at the height of” mean? “It was during this era that drinking tea was at the height of its popularity.” Give a synonym and use “at the height of” in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How do you think China’s early inventions compare to modern technological innovations in terms of their impact on the world?
  2. How have these Chinese inventions influenced the fields of science and technology on a global scale?
  3. Can you think of any other inventions or discoveries from different cultures that had a similar impact on the world as these Chinese inventions?

Regular Exercise Improves Memory

B1 – Intermediate

Exercise is a simple but powerful way to keep your body and mind healthy. Whether you’re a beginner or an exercise pro, it can make a huge difference in how you feel every day.

In this article, we’ll explore why exercise is important and how it can help you stay fit and happy.

https://www.english-online.at/news-articles/health-medicine/regular-exercise-can-improve-your-memory.htm

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “mild form” mean? “More than 6% of all people around the world have a mild form of cognitive impairment.” Give a synonym and use ‘mild form’ in a sentence.
  2. What does “cognitive impairment” mean? “More than 6% of all people around the world have a mild form of cognitive impairment.” Give a synonym and use ‘impairment’ in a sentence.
  3. What does “to cope with” mean” “Unlike people with dementia, those with mild cognitive impairment can cope with their regular routine, like getting dressed or preparing meals.” Give a synonym and use ‘impairment’ in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How does exercise impact the brain and why is this important for memory enhancement?
  2. How can people incorporate exercise into their daily routines to improve memory?
  3. What are some examples of simple memory-boosting exercises that anyone can do?
  4. Are there any potential barriers or challenges people might face when trying to exercise for memory improvement? How can these be overcome?
  5. How do you think society as a whole can encourage more people to prioritize regular exercise for memory improvement and overall health?

Albino Whale in Mexico 

B1 – Intermediate

In the watery realms of the ocean, extraordinary occurrences often surprise and amaze us. One such marvel is the presence of albino creatures, which can be found in a range of animals, both on land and in the sea. While this natural anomaly is not unusual among mammals, birds, and reptiles, it remains a rare spectacle when it comes to marine life.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about albino whales.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/albino-whale-in-mexico-level-1/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “albino” mean? “Albino skin sometimes happens in animals and in humans. People see it in mammals, birds, and reptiles. It happens because their skin does not have colour.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “rarely” mean? “It happens because their skin does not have colour. It rarely happens in marine mammals.” Give 2 synonyms and use “rarely” in a sentence.
  3. What does “marine” mean in this sentence, “Albino skin sometimes happens in animals and in humans. People see it in mammals, birds, and reptiles. It happens because their skin does not have colour. It rarely happens in marine mammals.“? Use ‘marine’ in the same context and give one other meaning of this word.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are some other examples of natural anomalies or unique occurrences in the animal kingdom that you’ve heard of or read about?
  2. Do you think it’s important for people to learn about and appreciate the diversity of life in the ocean, even rare occurrences like albino whales? Why or why not?
  3. Can you think of other real-life examples in nature where animals with unique characteristics or appearances have played an important role in their ecosystems?

Women Are Better at Dealing with Money than Men

B1 – Intermediate

With the rising cost of almost everything, money management has become extremely important. It isn’t only about what you spend on, but also how much you save and what you invest in. Not everyone has the same approach when it comes to handling finances. However, some studies conclude that women tend to be more cautious when it comes to money matters.

Let’s read the article and know more why and how women are better when it comes to financial management.

https://www.english-online.at/economy/women-money/women-are-better-with-money.htm

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Define what it means to be “financially independent“. “They work harder to become financially independent and they are not as likely to get into debt as men.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does the phrasal verb “to lead to something” mean? “Although 40% of women said they used credit cards most of them thought that having more than one credit card could lead to financial problems.” Use it in your own sentence.
  3. What does the phrase “to be responsible for doing something” mean? “However almost half thought that a man should be responsible for paying the mortgage or house payments.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. According to the article, why are women better at dealing with money than men?
  2. Are you good at handling your finances? What personal rules do you follow when making financial decisions?
  3. How can a person become financially independent?
  4. Share you opinion on this, “Women who share their money with their husband often suffer more when a relationship ends.“.
  5. What is your opinion on this, “A man should be responsible for paying the mortgage or house payments.“?

Store Staff Get Body Cameras for Protection

B1 – Intermediate

A new security measure has been rolled out for Tesco workers in the UK following the rise in violent attacks on its staff recently. The company has invested tens of millions of pounds in four years on different security measures such as door access systems, protection screens etc.

Let’s read the article and know more about this new protective measure Tesco has for its staff.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2309/230907-supermarket-workers.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is the meaning of the verb “punch“? “More and more staff are being punched or threatened with knives by angry people.” Use it in your own sentence.
  2. Define the word “assault“.”A spokesperson said the number of physical assaults on its workers has risen by a third in a year.” Use it in a sentence and give two synonyms.
  3. What does the word “scourge” mean in this context? “Crime is a scourge on society, and an insult to shoppers and [shop] workers.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why are Tesco workers offered to wear body cameras?
  2. According to the article, why are supermarket staff being attacked in the UK?
  3. What security measures do supermarkets in your country have for its workers?
  4. What do you think of body cameras as a means to protect supermarket employees from possible attacks?
  5. Share your thoughts on this, “Attacks on supermarket staff are a sign that Britain is “broken”.“.
  6. What are some safety and security measures at your job?

Company’s Booth for Vertical Napping

B1 – Intermediate

In Japan, it is common to see people catnapping on trains or in their workplace during working hours. This is mainly due to the country’s long work hours. Recently, a Hokkaido-based company came up with a novel product to promote napping and space-efficiency.

Let’s read the article and know more about this vertical napping booths.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2309/230925-vertical-napping-4.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the phrase “a sign of something” mean? “It’s time to break the stereotype that nodding off on the job is a sign of boredom or laziness.” Use it in your own sentence.
  2. What is the meaning of the word “ingenuity“? “Napping reduces drowsiness and improves ingenuity and creativeness.” Use it in a sentence and give two synonyms.
  3. Define the idiom “to catch forty winks“. “Office workers can now catch forty winks without a bed.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is the Giraffenap pod and what makes it special?
  2. Give your opinion about Giraffenap.
  3. In your opinion, is vertical sleeping a good idea? Why or why not?
  4. Do you agree or disagree that a 20-minute nap is beneficial? Why or why not?
  5. Should companies motivate the workers to stop for a rest in the middle of their workday? Why or why?

Iran-US Prisoner Swap

B1 – Intermediate

Prisoner swap or exchange is the return of personnels from the opposing nations at war. As a general rule, captured enemies cannot be enslaved and should be handed over to the nation they served by the end of the war.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript to find out more about the recent prisoner exchange between the U.S. and Iran.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/iran-us-prisoner-swap-level-3/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the adjective “unfrozen” mean in this context? “…alongside the transfer of $6 billion in unfrozen Iranian funds to banks in Qatar.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What is the meaning of the word “detained“? “This carefully orchestrated exchange will see detained US dual nationals released from Iran.” Use it in your own sentence and give two synonyms.
  3. Define the verb “hint at“. “...followed by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken hinting at their eventual return.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What does this prisoner swap entail?
  2. Do you agree that this exchange can be likened to a ransom? Why or why not?
  3. What do you know about the US-Iran tension?
  4. Does your country have a prisoner exchange treaty with other countries? What is your opinion on this kind of treaty?

Over-Tourism Threatens Mt. Fuji’s World Heritage Status

B1 – Intermediate

Mt. Fuji is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It got this status in 2013. 

Many people, not just from Japan, but from all over the world, dream of visiting and climbing this famous mountain that in Japan, is even considered sacred.

Especially after the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a massive increase in the number of people who has visited and wishes to visit Mt. Fuji. This has caused a lot of problems for this World Heritage Site.

Read the article about how Mt. Fuji’s World Heritage status is at risk because of over-tourism. Be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2309/230911-climbing-mt-fuji-5.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “eyesore” mean in this sentence, “These are an eyesore on the mountain’s once-pristine habitat.”? Use this word in a sentence in the same context.
  2. What is a “bullet climber“? “Another headache for authorities is “bullet climbers“.” Use this term in a sentence.
  3. What does “altitude sickness” mean? “They risk getting altitude sickness.” Use this term in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are some problems in Mt. Fuji?
  2. What is your reaction to this news about over-tourism in Mt. Fuji?
  3. What should the Japanese authorities do to tackle this problem with over-tourism in Mt. Fuji?
  4. Would you like to climb Mt. Fuji? Why or why not?
  5. What other World Heritage Sites that would you like to visit one day? Why do you want to visit these places?