Tag: B1 – Intermediate

100 Years of the Word Robot

B1 – Intermediate

In the past few decades, there has been rapid progress in modern technology. In some cases, we’ve seen how science-fiction turned into reality. Some people are even warning us of the possible consequences of this fast technological changes.

This year, we celebrate the 100th year of the word “robot” and we have come to a point when such technology has become more common as robots are now being used in major industries.

Let’s get to know more about the origin of the word robot by clicking the link and listening to the audio.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/100-years-of-the-word-robot-level-1/

Discussion Questions:

  1. Are robots used in your industry?
  2. What are some of the uses of robots?
  3. Do you think it is possible for a robot revolt to happen in the future?
  4. What do you think are the pros and cons of fast technological change?
  5. What are some science-fiction concepts in movies that turned into reality?

British Pubs and Coronavirus

B1 – Intermediate

Pubs are probably one of the first things you think of when you hear “the UK”. Going to pubs is a big part of not only the British culture but their day-to-day life.

However, due to the pandemic in 2020, restaurants and pubs had to be closed to prevent the virus from spreading among people.

The life that British knew was never the same.

Read the transcript and listen to this audio about British pubs and Coronavirus.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/british-pubs-and-the-coronavirus-level-1/

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your reaction to this news? What about Lamb and Flag closing?
  2. How important are pubs in the UK?
  3. Do you have the same culture in your country? Talk more about it.
  4. Have there been many restaurants and pubs that had to close because they haven’t been able to recover financially in your country too? How does that make you feel?
  5. Talk about one favorite place you used to go to before but now has closed because of the pandemic. 
  6. Do you think we will go back to our old ways after the pandemic is ended or would some things change?

Electric Car Battery Charger

B1 – Intermediate

With the problems we have with global warming due to carbon emissions, the automotive industry has been keen on developing electric cars to replace petrol cars.

One of the problems with electric car as of now is that there are not a lot of charging stations available on the road and also, charging takes many hours.

Read the article about this new technology on electric car battery chargers and be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2101/210124-car-battery-1.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think of this car battery charger?
  2. What do you think about electric replacing petrol cars?
  3. What are the good and bad things about petrol cars?
  4. What are the good and bad things about electric cars?
  5. Which between the two do you prefer more? Why?

Organizers Say Tokyo Olympics Will Go Ahead

B1 – Intermediate

The Olympic Games is an international sports event that is happens every four years. Japan was chosen to host the next summer Olympic games in 2020, but due to the pandemic, the event was postponed and eventually canceled. Will Tokyo Olympics happen in 2021?

Let’s read the article below to find out plans for Tokyo Olympics.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2101/210130-tokyo-olympics-4.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. Should the Tokyo Olympics go ahead in July? Why/why not?
  2. What will happen the Games does not go ahead?
  3. How would cancelling the Games affect Tokyo?
  4. Do you think the Games could sacrifice people’s lives? Explain further.
  5. How has the coronavirus affected the sports world in Spain?
  6. What would it be like without the Olympics?

Full Moon Gives Bad Night’s Sleep

B1 – Intermediate

Can’t sleep? Look outside your window. See, it’s full moon. That’s why. Is there a connection?

Full moons happen once a month and it is the phase where the moon is round and completely illuminated. It symbolizes growth, completion, and height of power and apparently, affects people’s sleep!

Let’s read the article below to learn more about this new discovery on the relationship between a full moon and a bad night’s sleep.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2102/210201-full-moon-1.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. What effects does the Moon have on us?
  2. What do you think about this news?
  3. What are your sleeping patterns like? How do lights affect your sleep?
  4. What conditions do you need to sleep well?
  5. What do you do if you have troubles sleeping?

Digital Nomad Work Visa in Caribbean Islands

B1 – Intermediate

Digital nomads are workers who often work remotely from places to places. They do not have a permanent base. Because of technology and globalization, this kind of work style and lifestyle has become more popular. 

One problem that digital nomads have is sometimes, they can’t stay for as long as they want in one place because of visa restrictions.

But, in some Caribbean Islands, this won’t be a problem anymore. They have a new visa program for digital nomads.

Know more about it from the article below.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2010/201004-digital-nomad-1.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. What can you say about this work visa for digital nomads in the Caribbean?
  2. Would you like to try the digital nomad life?
  3. What do you think are the good and hard things about this kind of life?

Signal App

B1 – Intermediate

Messaging apps are applications that we can use for instant messaging. Many of such apps have been developed and are used by many around the world. The popularity of these apps greatly differs between countries.

Just like other messaging apps, Signal lets users send messages, make audio and video calls with their friends, and share photos, videos, and links. But how different is it from the leading apps like WhatsApp and Skype?

Listen to the audio and read the transcript about this new messaging app.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/signal-app-level-1

Discussion Questions:

  1. Have you heard of this app? What do you think about it?
  2. Why do you think Signal app is becoming popular?
  3. What is the most popular messaging app in your country? What are its features? Why is it popular?
  4. What feature is important for you in a messaging app?
  5. Why are this kind of apps necessary?

People Eat Less Chocolate

B1 – Intermediate

Chocolate is the most popular sweet treat in the world, thanks to its delicious and sweet taste. People around the world consume a lot of cocoa beans a year.

Although it has many health benefits, chocolate still has a bad reputation for causing weight gain and other illnesses.

Listen to the audio and read the transcript about people consuming less and less chocolates.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/people-eat-less-chocolate-level-1

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you like chocolates? Why or why not? Which kind of chocolate is your favorite?
  2. Do you think chocolate is healthy or not? Support your answer.
  3. Is the Spanish society affected by this issue? If so, what are the reasons?
  4. How will the change of people’s mindset affect the chocolate business, especially the chocolate farmers?

Better Future for Businesses

B1 – Intermediate

Coronavirus has impacted not only the public health system and the economy. The pandemic caused massive disruption among businesses. Many businesses closed due to lower demands and employee health concerns.

Some businesses have been successful in adapting to the new situation, but many still wait for the vaccine so they can go back to their usual operations.

Listen to the audio and read the transcript about better future for businesses.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/better-future-for-businesses-level-1

Discussion Questions:

  1. How has COVID-19 affected businesses in your country?
  2. How have businesses adapted to the ‘new normal’?
  3. How will the vaccine change the current situation?
  4. How will the vaccine change the mindset of the people?
  5. What do you think will be the future of businesses in your country?

Wristband Lets Others Know Your Mood

B1 – Intermediate

If you know how a person is feeling at certain moments, it will be a little easier to communicate and relate with them.

A wearable device lets you do that. You can see a person’s mood when they are wearing this wristband.

Read more about this wearable mood device.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2101/210120-moods-0.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is Moodbeam and what do you think about it?
  2. What are the advantages and disadvantages of such device?
  3. Do you agree or disagree that moods are hard to explain and difficult to talk about?
  4. What causes you to be in a good/bad mood?
  5. What device/technology do you want to invent/to be invented?