Tag: B1 – Intermediate

The History of the Michelin Star

B1 – Intermediate

A Michelin Star is awarded to outstanding restaurants. As a result, restaurants around the world strive to earn this. They take into account the quality of the ingredients, the mastery of flavor and cooking techniques, the personality of the chef as represented in the dining experience, value for money, and the consistency between inspector’s visit.

The origins of the Michelin Guide trace back to the turn of the 20th century. Surprisingly, its inspiration has very little to do with cuisines.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript on the history of the Michelin Star.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/the-history-of-the-michelin-star-level-1/

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think about the origin of the Michelin Star?
  2. What do you think about how getting or losing of a star affects a restaurant dramatically?
  3. Have you been to any Michelin Star restaurants? How was your experience? Would you recommend this restaurant? Why or why not?
  4. If you haven’t been to such restaurants, would you consider going there? Why or why not?
  5. What do you think should be considered when giving or taking a star away?
  6. What’s your opinion on a Michelin inspector’s job?

Minister Swims for Hours after Helicopter Crash

B1 – Intermediate

A Madagascar police minister was lucky enough to be one of the few to survive after their helicopter crashed into the Indian Ocean. He was one of only two men to survive the accident by swimming for so many hours.

Read the lesson about Serge Gelle’s incredible story of survival. Be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2112/211227-survival-swim-4.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your reaction to this story?
  2. What do you think about the two men?
  3. Have you ever been involved in an accident? Share your experience.
  4. Share an experience where you have ‘beaten the odds’.
  5. When a situation is very difficult and hopeless, what do you try to do?

Lickable TV Screen

B1 – Intermediate

Has this ever happened to you? You were watching TV and you saw a very delicious dish/food on the screen and you wished you could taste it?

Japanese professor Homei Miyashita has invented a TV screen that can imitate food flavors. Images you can taste indeed!

Read the lesson about lickable TV screen below and be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2112/211230-lickable-tv-1.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think about this invention?
  2. How helpful is this technology?
  3. What other technologies would you like to see in televisions?
  4. How important is TV to you?

Extreme Weather

B1 – Intermediate

There is nothing we can do to prevent natural calamities from occurring. In 2021, we have seen many unusual natural disasters that happened in new places. This must be a sign that our weather is becoming more and more extreme.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about extreme weather in 2021.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/extreme-weather-in-2021-level-1/

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are some examples of extreme weather you have experienced in your country last year?
  2. What do you think of this/these occurrence/s?
  3. Why do you think this is happening?
  4. Is there anything we can do about extreme weather? Explain.
  5. How prepared is your country for natural calamities? Elaborate.

China’s Artificial Sun

B1 – Intermediate

Nowadays, scientists want to develop sources of clean energy. China has a project that aims to do this through nuclear fusion. They tested it recently and set a new record. With this success, advances in this technology could help our planet be cleaner and greener.

Read this article to learn about China’s hottest scientific development.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2201/220106-artificial-sun-1.html

Discussion Questions:

1. What could be the uses of this artificial sun?
2. Who do you think would benefit from using this kind of energy?
3. Do you think this source of energy is safe? Explain.
4. Do you know of other countries that are developing nuclear fusion? Do you think all countries should aim to develop this kind of energy? Why?
5. What are some good sources of clean energy?
6. When would be the right time to shift from fossil fuels to other sources of energy?

People Lose Jobs in Webinar

B1 – Intermediate

Getting fired is such a terrible experience. It puts a worker in a difficult situation. It will leave someone with a lot of questions, especially when they know they were doing well in their job. Now that a lot of companies have also removed employees and have stopped hiring, it would be more difficult to recover and get another job.

For some employees at one company, they were caught by surprise during a conference call. They were left helpless, clueless, and jobless right before the holidays.

Listen to the audio and read the transcript in the link below on how this CEO fired his employees.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/people-lose-jobs-in-webinar-level-1/

Discussion Questions:

  1. How would you feel if you were fired this way?
  2. How could the CEO have handled the situation better?
  3. What are some common reasons why companies remove or fire employees?
  4. Do you know someone who got fired? What happened and how did they take it?
  5. What are your company policies when firing or removing employees?
  6. Do you know of some companies who have removed or fired employees because of the pandemic? What are they?

Dentists

B1 – Intermediate

We all need dental care. Sadly, some people are afraid to visit the dentist for different reasons. Some have the fear of pain, feelings of embarrassment, or inability to pay for the procedure they recommend.

https://listenaminute.com/d/dentists.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you have dental fear? Why or why not?
  2. How often do you visit a dentist and why is this?
  3. When was the last time you visited a dentist? What procedure was done to you?
  4. Is dental care free in your country? If not, is it expensive to seek dental care?

Home Office Injuries Are Workplace Accidents

B1 – Intermediate

Injury sustained within the office premises is considered a workplace accident and it is your employer who is responsible for your medical needs. Most people are working from home these days because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, your home office is your workplace. What happens when you have these accidents while working from home?

Let’s read the German court ruling of this case.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2112/211213-workplace-accidents-4.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think employers are liable for employees’ work from home accidents?
  2. Do you have a workplace accident insurance? If yes, what is your insurance coverage?
  3. What are the common workplace accidents in your line of work?
  4. Are you working from home? Do you have a designated home office?

Getting Married

B1 – Intermediate

Marriage is a serious commitment that should not be made lightly.
Take the time to make sure you and your partner are on the same page by talking about some key issues, checklists, and things to keep in mind as you explore marriage.

Let’s have a look at the transcript and hear the audio about getting married.

https://listenaminute.com/g/getting_married.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think there is anything scary about marriage?
  2. Is marriage different today than it was a hundred years ago? Explain.
  3. Are there any rules to marriage? Name some that you know of.
  4. What would the world be like if there was no marriage?
  5. What is important in a marriage?

Open Borders for Afghan Refugees

B1 – Intermediate

Afghanistan has encountered a huge crisis in their country. Afghans have enjoyed their freedom for the past two decades but this has suddenly changed. Due to the Taliban takeover last August, young human rights activist and Nobel Peace Prize winner, Malala Yousafzai, urged countries to accept and protect Afghan refugees.

Read the article below to find out more about her plead from this lesson.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2108/210820-afghan-refugees-1.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. Does your country accept refugees from other countries? What help does your government offer them?
  2. What would be effective programs to help refugees seeking help in your country?
  3. How effective is it being an activist?
  4. Are there famous activists in your country? What do they advocate for?
  5. What are some causes or movements that you advocate for?