Tag: B1 – Intermediate

Special Emergency Landing

B1 – Intermediate

Plane accidents are rare. Well, they should be! Because surviving it could be very difficult, in fact, almost impossible.

It is always a relief to hear a plane making a safe emergency landing and hearing that no one died or got badly injured.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about an emergency plane landing.

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Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your reaction to this news?
  2. Do you get afraid about being in a plane accident? Why or why not?
  3. What is the most incredible plane accident you’ve ever heard of? Talk about it.
  4. Did you ever dream about learning to fly a plane? Why or why not?

No Necktie, Save Energy

B1 – Intermediate

Hundreds of people have died because of ongoing heatwaves in Spain. It is imperative to find ways to save energy to help with the climate change crisis. At this point, every action is important, no matter how little it is.

Spain’s PM Pedro Sanchez appears at a press conference not wearing a necktie and he encourages everyone to do the same.

Read the article about not wearing a tie as a way to save energy and be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2208/220801-necktie-4.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think of this measure? Do you like this idea or not? Explain.
  2. What are some other energy-saving measures you know of or are you doing?
  3. “Mr Sanchez’s government has already restricted the use of air conditioners and heaters.” What is your opinion on this measure?
  4. “Spain has introduced a relief package of $9.2 billion to help people with energy bills.” In your opinion, is this helpful? Why or why not?
  5. How do you feel about wearing a tie to work everyday?

History for Sale

B1 – Intermediate

When you think of history, you probably think that important things related to them belong to a museum. However, some very important and historical items are auctioned off. The public can bid and buy them and keep them for themselves.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about historical items being sold on an auction.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/history-for-sale-level-1/

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think these items should be sold to the public? Why or why not?
  2. Which historical piece would you like to buy from this auction and why?
  3. Which historical piece would you like to have and why?
  4. Have you ever participated in an auction? Talk about your experience.
  5. What thing do you have do you want to sell on an auction? Describe it and how much it costs.

South Africa’s Women’s Soccer Team Wins

B1 – Intermediate

South Africans have recently experienced so much hardships. South Africa’s women’s soccer team Bafana Bafana finally winning the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations makes this an important victory.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about South Africa’s women’s soccer team’s important win.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/soccer-team-wins-important-award-level-2/

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your reaction to this news?
  2. Why is this an important win for South Africans?
  3. What is your favorite sports team from your country? How about from other countries? And why?
  4. How do you feel when sports teams from your country wins? How about when they lose?
  5. How important are sports teams for every country?

Industrial Zones in Egypt

B1 – Intermediate

The Suez Canal in Egypt is an important way that connects Asia and Europe. Egypt is developing four new industrial zones along the canal and in one of them, a new city where workers can live and so they don’t have to travel far to get to work.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about the new industrial zones in Egypt. Be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/new-industrial-zones-in-egypt-level-1/

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think of all the developments they are planning for the canal?
  2. What are the advantages and disadvantages of having a new city near the industrial zones?
  3. Talk about the most important industrial area/s in your city/country. 
  4. How do these areas help your country’s economy?
  5. What are other things you know about the Suez Canal and Egypt?

Police Turn Criminal’s Ferrari into Patrol Car

B1 – Intermediate

Catching joyriders, illegal road racers, and more aggressive drivers could be a problem for the police. They drive too fast. Police won’t be able to catch up with these law breakers if they drive slow cars.

The solution – the Czech Republic police have used a criminal’s Ferrari into a patrol car. Now this high-powered sports car can help police during high-speed chase. In Dubai, the police also drive fast cars to ensure their citizens’ safety.

Read the article about the police using a criminal’s Ferrari as patrol car. Be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2207/220728-patrol-car-1.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you agree or disagree with police using seized supercars as patrol cars? Explain your point.
  2. Do you think police presence on streets make people feel safe? Why or why not?
  3. What do you think about high-powered cars? Would you like to own one? Why or why not?
  4. Do you enjoy watching car races? Why or why not?

Woman Saves Dogs

B1 – Intermediate

They say dogs are man’s best friend. But in countries like China, they are nothing but juicy meat. Eating them is normal there.

A retired Chinese woman who also is a known animal activist does everything she can to save dogs from being killed and eaten. She takes care of many dogs in her home. Many people support her but there are also a lot who don’t because they think that eating dogs is a normal part of their tradition.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about a woman who rescues dogs.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/woman-saves-dogs-level-1/

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think of what this woman does for these dogs? Would you support her? 
  2. What do you think of some people taking advantage of her and selling her dogs to make money?
  3. What is your opinion on eating dogs as a tradition in some countries?
  4. If you could save an animal and take care of a lot of them, what would it be and why?
  5. What are the advantages and disadvantages of owning a pet?

Man Saves a Driver

B1 – Intermediate

Hundreds of car accidents happen every single day. Human errors and external factors have been associated with collisions on the roads. Getting into a car accident can lead to several unwanted consequences that is why road safety is something that road users must keep in mind at all times.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about how a courageous man saved a driver who was having a seizure.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/man-saves-a-driver-level-2/

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your reaction to this story?
  2. Are road accidents a major cause of death in your country?
  3. Have you ever been involved in a traffic accident? If yes, what happened?
  4. What do you do when you see an accident on the road? Do you stop to watch/help or do you pass?
  5. How strict are the traffic laws in your country?
  6. Are there any groups of people more likely to have car accidents than others? Who and why?

Eiffel Tower in Need of Repair

B1 – Intermediate

Paris is a very famous touristic city. The Eiffel Tower is an equally famous sight in it. Millions of people visit this important tourist spot.

The Eiffel Tower was built for the World’s Fair in 1889. After more than a hundred years, this iconic structure needs some repairs.

Read the article about the Eiffel Tower’s state and be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2207/220707-eiffel-tower-1.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. Have you seen the Eiffel Tower? What do you think of it?
  2. How do you feel about the state it is in?
  3. Should historical structures like this be taken down when they are too old, damaged, or broken down? Why or why not?
  4. What is the most important structure in your city? Talk about it. How is it being maintained?

The Great Barrier Reef

B1 – Intermediate

A lot of places in the world are amazing and they need to be protected. One of them is the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. Tourists go here to the see incredible coral reefs.

However, the UN claims that the reef is dying. Australia disagrees with what the UN is saying. This statement is not good for their country’s tourism industry.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript to know about the UN and Australia and their position on the Great Barrier Reef’s state.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/the-great-barrier-reef-level-1/

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think the UN was right in saying the reef is dying? Explain.
  2. What can you say about Australia’s reaction to this statement?
  3. What do you think is the best thing to do in this situation?
  4. What do you think about the GBR? Would you like to visit it someday? Why or why not?
  5. What are some UNESCO World Heritage Sites in your city/country? Do you think they are properly protected? Why or why not?
  6. Which is more important, protecting places like the Great Barrier Reef or the tourism industry in a country? Explain.