Tag: B1 – Intermediate

Bulgaria’s Rose Industry

B1 – Intermediate

Bulgaria is famous for its rich history and expertise in rose oil production. Their products are important in the global fragrance and cosmetics industry. The country’s unique climate and fertile soil provide ideal conditions for cultivating roses. This is why Bulgaria is one of the top producers of this exquisite oil.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about the rose industry in Bulgaria.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/bulgarias-rose-industry-level-3/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “harvest” mean? “Last week, farmers were busy harvesting petals about a month earlier than usual due to climate change, which has brought warmer and more humid springs.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘harvest’ in your own sentence.
  2. What does “yield” mean? “This year, conditions were more favorable, resulting in better yields.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘yield’ in your own sentence.
  3. What does “unreasonably” mean? “This year’s improved output was due to an unseasonably warm winter and a very warm March.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘unreasonably’ in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How has climate change affected the production of rose oil in Bulgaria?
  2. Do you think the demand for rose oil will increase in the future? Why or why not?
  3. How important is the rose oil industry for Bulgaria’s economy? Elaborate.
  4. What are some potential challenges faced by farmers in Bulgaria when producing rose oil?
  5. How do you think advancements in technology could affect the production of rose oil in the future?

Scarlett Johansson and OpenAI Chatbot

B1 – Intermediate

The intersection of technology and personal rights has now become an issue with artificial intelligence. A recent controversy involving Hollywood star Scarlett Johansson and OpenAI is an example.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about the problem actress Scarlett Johansson had with the company OpenAI.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/scarlett-johansson-and-openai-chatbot-level-2/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “a lot like” mean in this sentence, “Hollywood star Scarlett Johansson felt shocked and angry whenOpenAI used a voice in their chatbot which sounded a lot like hers.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “come out” mean? “Before the new chatbot model came out last week, Johansson said no to OpenAI’s offer to voice the new chatbot. But many people noticed that the Sky voice was similar to Johansson’s voice in the 2013 film Her.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “inspiration” mean in this context, “She was upset that OpenAI’s CEO, Sam Altman, used the word ‘her’ on social media, making it seem like she was the inspiration.“? Use it in a sentence in the same context.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is the problem between Scarlett Johansson and OpenAI?
  2. What is your opinion about this issue?
  3. How can people’s rights be protected from AI?
  4. ‘OpenAI said that they would remove the voice and that they didn’t mean to copy Johansson.’ Do you think it is enough action from OpenAI? Explain.
  5. Should Johansson continue with legal actions against OpenAI? Why or why not?

National Service

B1 – Intermediate

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has proposed a plan to introduce national service for 18-year-olds if his party wins the UK election on July 4th. Under this plan, young people would have two options: one year of military service or voluntary work commitments. The proposal aims to instill valuable skills and foster a stronger national culture in the youths. However, it has faced criticism from various experts and young people alike.

Read this article to learn more about plan to introduce national service for 18-year-olds.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2405/240530-national-service.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “national service” mean?  “The UK leader, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, says he will introduce compulsory national service if his party wins the UK election on July the 4th. Under his plan, young people will have two choices when they become 18. “ Use this phrase in a sentence.
  2. Define “voluntary work”. “The second option is to do voluntary work for one weekend a month.” Use this phrase in a sentence.
  3. What is the meaning of “to take away something/to take something away“? “They believe it takes away their freedom.” Use this phrase in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your opinion about mandatory national service for 18-year-olds?
  2. What could be the good and bad thing about the national service in your country?
  3. What are your thoughts on this statement, “[By doing national service ] people will gain valuable skills, and help to “build a stronger national culture.“?
  4. Do you believe the implementation of national service could be done in your country? Why or why not?
  5. How would compulsory national service impact young people’s personal plans and goals for the future?

Cycling Is Good for Your Knees

B1 – Intermediate 

If you are thinking about how to prepare your body and health for old age, consider getting on a bicycle now!

According to a new study, one surprising benefit of riding bikes is the possibility to have less knee pains when you are older.

Read the article about how cycling is good for your knees.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2405/240523-cycling-and-knees.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Explain the condition “wear-and-tear arthritis”. “Osteoarthritis is often called wear-and-tear arthritis.” Make your own sentence with this term.
  2. What does “less likely to die prematurely” mean? “A lot of research shows that cyclists are around 20 per cent less likely to die prematurely.” Make your own sentence with this phrase.
  3. What does “to wear down” mean? “The cartilage wears down and becomes painful.”  Make your own sentence with this phrase.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on this medical news?
  2. What are the good effects of cycling on our body?
  3. What is your opinion about riding bicycles?
  4. What do you know about wear-and-tear arthritis and other diseases that involve bones, muscles and joints? Talk about them with as much details as you can.

Ukraine’s First Underground School

B1 – Intermediate 

To make sure the students are safe from attacks by Russia, the first underground school in Kharkiv, Ukraine has been opened.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about Ukraine’s first underground school.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/ukraines-first-underground-school-level-3/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “underground” mean? “A new school in Kharkiv, Ukraine is underground to keep children safe from Russian attacks.”  Make your own sentence with this word.
  2. What is a “bunker”? “Many students started classes this week in the bunker that is 6 meters below the ground.” Make your own sentence with this word.
  3. What does “bright” mean in this context, “The entrance is a small white concrete box and the classrooms are bright, but have no windows.”? Make your own sentence with this word.

Discussion Questions:

  1. In your own words, talk about the new school in Kharkiv. State as much details as possible.
  2. What is your opinion about this kind of underground school?
  3. What positive and negative effects of going to underground school could have on children?
  4. Do you think this underground school could really keep students safe in case of an attack? State your opinion.
  5. Do you think this school can really help children live normal lives? Explain.
  6. How might children’s education be affected by the war?

Rome’s New Metro Line

B1 – Intermediate 

Rome’s Metro C line has been in progress for almost 20 years and has now finally reached an important phase in its construction.  When completed, Metro C will connect the Vatican and improve Rome’s public transportation system. 

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about Rome’s new metro line.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/romes-new-metro-line-level-3/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is a “flagship”? “The flagship station at Piazza Venezia has an 85-meter-deep wall and will be completed by 2034.” Make your own sentence with this word.
  2. What does “funding delay” mean? “The Metro C line has been in progress for two decades because of bureaucratic and funding delays.”  Make your own sentence with this phrase.
  3. What does “ruins” mean in this context, “The main obstacle is the underground ruins of Imperial Roman and Medieval civilizations that require extensive archaeological work.”? Make your own sentence with this word.

Discussion Questions:

  1. In your own words, talk about the new metro line in Rome. State as much details as possible.
  2. What are the reasons it has taken two decades to complete this project?
  3. What might be pros and cons having this new metro line in Rome?
  4. Do you think this metro line is necessary? State your opinion.
  5. How can public transport be improved in your city/country?

Severe Turbulence Hits Singapore Airlines Flight

B1 – Intermediate 

Singapore Airlines flight flying from London to Singapore experienced severe turbulence when they hit an air pocket.

This resulted to the plane making an emergency landing in Bangkok, one death and multiple injuries, some were critical ones.

Thankfully, extremely strong turbulence such as this does not happen very often, but it is possible.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about severe turbulence that Singapore Airlines flight suffered. 

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/a-man-dies-on-a-plane-level-3/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is a “turbulence”? “A plane traveling from London to Singapore experienced severe turbulence and was forced to an emergency landing at Bangkok Airport.” Make your own sentence with this word.
  2. Define “air pocket”. “The Boeing 777 hit an air pocket in Thai airspace, which led to turbulence.” Make your own sentence with this phrase.
  3. What does “tarmac” mean? “Many passengers and crew members were treated at a field hospital on the tarmac.”  Make your own sentence with this word.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What happened during this flight. State as much details as possible.
  2. What was your reaction to this news?
  3. How can Singapore Airlines help the affected passengers on this flight?
  4. How can airlines be more prepared for this kind of mid-flight incidents?

Marks & Spencer Makes More Money

B1 – Intermediate 

By 2021, Marks & Spencer (M&S) had incurred debts of about £200m. Their sales decreased by almost a third when the lockdowns during the pandemic happened.

Fast forward to 2024, we’ve heard some positive news for this clothing and homeware brand. Their profits have increased a lot.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about M&S’ growth.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/ms-makes-more-money-level-3/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is a “retailer”? “British retailer Marks & Spencer (M&S) saw a 58% rise in yearly profit, beating expectations.” Make your own sentence with this word.
  2. Define “margin target”. “M&S hit their margin targets early, with 4.8% in food and 10.3% in clothing and home.” Make your own sentence with this phrase.
  3. What does “market share” mean? “They aim to increase their market share by 2027/28 and are confident about the future.”  Make your own sentence with this phrase.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the things you know about M&S?
  2. What can you say about Marks & Spencer’s higher profits?
  3. What have they been doing to improve their sales?
  4. How can a company increase their market share?
  5. What has your company done to improve sales and increase market share?

Forever Chemicals in Seafood

B1 –  Intermediate 

A new study found that some seafood like shrimps and lobsters may contain high levels of toxic PFAS, also known as ‘forever chemicals’.

Because these man-made toxins do not break down, they remain in our blood. This could then cause cancer and kidney and liver problems.

Read this article about a study that found out seafood contain high levels of forever chemicals.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2404/240418-seafood-forever-chemicals-2.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “toxin” mean, “The level of these toxins is highest in marine creatures like prawns and lobster.”? Make a sentence using this word.
  2. What does “to break down” mean in this context, “Forever chemicals do not break down. They can stay in our blood and lead to a variety of health issues.”? Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘to break down’ in your own sentence.
  3. What does “rethink” mean, “This could mean people who love sushi and prawn cocktails may have to rethink their diet and eat less seafood.“? Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘rethink’ in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the things you know about forever chemicals?
  2. Share your reaction to the results of this study.
  3. Share your thoughts to this, “Over the decades, the chemicals have entered our food chain.”.
  4. According to researchers, what do we need to do to address this problem?
  5. Do you agree or disagree with this, “This could mean people who love sushi and prawn cocktails may have to rethink their diet and eat less seafood.”? Explain your point.

Men Sleep Better than Women

B1 –  Intermediate 

Sleep is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle. Getting quality sleep is very important in order to improve our brain performance, lift our mood, and maintain overall good health. 

A study found that men get better sleep than women for a few differents reasons.

Read this article about a study that discovered men sleep better than women.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2405/240506-sleep-4.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “deprivation” mean, “Around 30 per cent of people experience sleep deprivation.”? Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘deprivation’ in your own sentence.
  2. What does “life-threatening” mean? “Lack of sleep can lead to life-threatening illnesses.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘life-threatening’ in your own sentence.
  3. What does “underlying” mean, “There is a high correlation with underlying psychiatric disorders and insomnia.“? Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘underlying’ in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Share your thoughts on the results of this study.
  2. According to the article, what are reasons men sleep better than women? What do you think about this?
  3. How can a person sleep better?
  4. What are reasons you can sleep well sometimes and what do you do when you can’t seem to get good sleep?
  5. What is your opinion on this statement, “The stress of everyday life means more of us are finding it difficult to sleep.”?