Tag: B1 – Intermediate

Dubai Floods

B1 – Intermediate

Dubai suffered from heavy rainfall. This resulted to big problems with flooding in many areas. The unexpected heavy rains caused many issues in the city’s infrastructure. It caused for the roads to be impassable and the buildings to be damaged.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about the heavy rains and flooding in Dubai.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/dubai-floods-level-2/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “torrential rain” mean, “Last week, a big storm brought torrential rain to the United Arab Emirates and flooded the airport.“? Use this phrase in a sentence.
  2. What does “flood” mean, “Last week, a big storm brought torrential rain to the United Arab Emirates and flooded the airport.“? Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use the verb ‘flood’ in your own sentence.
  3. What does “to get stuck” mean? “Lots of people got stuck at the airport because the airport canceled flights.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use the idiom ‘to get stuck’ in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your reaction to this news?
  2. What effects did the rain and flooding have in Dubai?
  3. What can be done to prevent similar problems in the future?
  4. How might the flooding at Dubai International Airport impact the tourism industry in Dubai?
  5. Does your city/any parts of your country suffer the same problem with flooding? How does the people/city manage such situation?

Space Elevator

B1 – Intermediate

A space elevator is an idea for a structure designed to transport material from Earth into space. This concept involves a tall tower reaching from the surface into space, with a counterweight at the top and a cable extending down to the surface.

The idea of a space elevator has captured the imagination of scientists and engineers for decades, offering a potential solution for more cost-effective and efficient access to space.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about space elevators.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/space-elevator-level-2/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “lift off” mean? “They need a lot of fuel to lift off. It costs millions of dollars to get to the Moon or Mars.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use the phrase verb ‘lift off’ in your own sentence.
  2. What does “orbit” mean? “This material is stronger than any other material, but even if it was possible to build the elevator, small objects which orbit the Earth would probably damage it.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use the verb ‘orbit’ in your own sentence.
  3. Explain what a “nanotube” is. “Experts came up with the idea of using carbon nanotubes.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the advantages and disadvantages of a space elevator?
  2. Why is building a space elevator difficult?
  3. How might a space elevator change the dynamics of space exploration and commercialization? Explain.
  4. How could a space elevator change the way we think about space travel and human presence in space? Elaborate.

Canarians Protest against Mass Tourism

B1 – Intermediate

Recently, the Canary Islands have seen a surge in protests against tourism, with locals expressing concerns about its impact on their way of life. The protests have highlighted issues such as overcrowding, rising costs of living, and environmental degradation, prompting calls for more sustainable tourism practices.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about Canarians’ protest against mass tourism.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/canarians-protest-against-tourism-level-3/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “overwhelm” mean, “Protesters claim it’s overwhelming the islands.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use the verb ‘overwhelm’ in your own sentence.
  2. What does “altogether” mean, “Despite this, they emphasize they’re not against tourism altogether, which is a significant part of the islands’ economy.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use the adverb ‘altogether’ in your own sentence.
  3. What does “complex” mean in this context, “They’re frustrated that politicians prioritize building tourist complexes over residents’ needs.“? Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use the noun ‘complex’ in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the main problems that Canarians are protesting about?
  2. What is your opinion on this, “Tourism is damaging the locals’ lands and lives in the Canary Islands.“
  3. Do you think that politicians prioritize building hotels and not what the locals need? Share your opinion.
  4. How can there be a balance between the economic benefits and the negative impacts of tourism?
  5. What should tourists do when visiting a place so that they do not negatively impact local communities and the environment there?

More Help for Ukraine

B1 – Intermediate

The US is providing additional help to Ukraine, showing its support for the country’s defense and democracy. This aid includes military support, like weapons and training, to help Ukraine defend itself against Russian aggression. The US also gives economic and humanitarian aid to support Ukraine’s stability and growth.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about US’ increased help for Ukraine.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/more-us-help-for-ukraine-level-3/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “aid package” mean, “After a long delay, the US Congress finally passed a significant foreign aid package.“? Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘aid package’ in your own sentence.
  2. What does “bill” mean in this context, “The Senate and House of Representatives approved four bills, combining them into one comprehensive package.“? Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘bill’ in your own sentence.
  3. What does “counter” mean in this context, “Additionally, the package includes funds to counter China’s influence in the Indo-Pacific.“? Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘counter’ in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How can this foreign aid package help Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan?
  2. What are some potential problems with US’ involvement in issues in this region?
  3. What could be some long-term implications of increased US assistance for Ukraine, both for the region and for global security?
  4. How can the US work with its allies to make sure that increased assistance for Ukraine is effective?

Environmental E-waste Catastrophe

B1 –  Intermediate 

The technological revolution also means people need more devices that are needed in using technology. More and more gadgets like computers, laptops, mobile phones, and tablets are manufactured and then, thrown away. Therefore, producing tons of electronic wastes or e-wastes.

The amount of e-waste we produce has become bigger and bigger. The United Nations (UN) warns about its impact on the environment.

Read the article about electronic wastes and the catastrophe we might face if we don’t try to reduce them.

Be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2403/240325-electronic-waste-catastrophe-4.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “e-waste” mean? “The UN reported that in 2022, we created 62 million tons of e-waste.” Use this word in a sentence.
  2. What does the phrase “at a record level” mean? “The UN issued a warning about the amount of electronics we are throwing away. It is at record levels.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘at a record level’ in your own sentence.
  3. Define “food chain”. “Worryingly, 58 tons of mercury entered the environment and food chain last year.” Use this phrase in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What effects does e-waste have on the environment?
  2. What is your reaction to this news about our huge amount of e-waste?
  3. Should electronic devices manufacturers be responsible for the disposal of their products? Explain your opinion.
  4. How can we reduce our e-waste? How do you reduce your e-waste?
  5. Share your opinion on this, “A lot of e-waste is sent to poor countries for recycling.”.

Rising Auto Insurance Premiums Fueling Inflation

B1 –  Intermediate 

The increase in car insurance costs are making the impact of inflation even worse for many people.

Read the article about how the increasing car insurance premiums fuels inflation. Be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2404/240415-auto-insurance-4.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “wreck” mean, “If you [wreck] your car, the replacement cost is really high.“? Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘wreck’ in your own sentence.
  2. What does “burden” mean, “Insurance is a huge burden for people struggling to survive in the cost of living crisis.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘burden’ in your own sentence.
  3. What does ”fender bender” mean, “Even a simple fender bender could damage sensors and cameras.”? Use this expression in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your reaction to this news?
  2. Is the same thing happening in your country? Talk about the situation.
  3. Explain why the biggest factor for costlier insurance was the number of new cars.
  4. Share your thoughts on this, “Rising prices are affecting the lowest paid most.”.
  5. Do you agree with this statement, “Insurance is a huge burden for people struggling to survive in the cost of living crisis.”? Explain your point.

Milan to Ban Takeaway Food after Midnight

B1 – Intermediate

Some areas in cities are known for their wild nightlife. This means noisy people on the streets even in the late hours of the night.

In Milan, Italy, the local government wants to impose a ban on takeaway food after midnight to help the local residents get some peace and quiet beyond 12:00.

Read the article about Milan’s plans to prohibit takeaway food after midnight. Be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2404/240425-takeaway-food-ban-2.html

Vocabulary Questions:

1. What does “at the stroke of” mean, “He said a 25-year-old will not go home "at the stroke of midnight" because they cannot get a takeaway.” Use this phrase in a sentence.
2. What does “takeaway” mean, “Officials want to ban takeaway food and drink in 12 areas of the city.”? Use this term in a sentence.
3. What does ”to take a stroll” mean, ”A rule banning people from…eating an ice cream or pizza while taking a stroll won't solve a thing, as people will still stay outside.”? Use this expression in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

1. What is your opinion on this ban on takeaways after midnight in some areas in Milan?
2. Share your thoughts on this, “The goal [of this ban] is a balance between entertainment, and the peace and tranquility of residents.”.
3. In your opinion, how can there be a balance between “entertainment of partygoers and tourists and the peace and tranquility of residents” in areas that are known for their wild nightlife?
4. How do you think it is like living in a place/area like this?

Greenland Women Want Justice from Denmark

B1 – Intermediate

Population explosion can have an impact on how much our natural resources continue to decrease. Many countries have intensified family planning campaigns. Some even restricted the number of children each family could have to address excessive population growth. In the 1960s and 1970s, Denmark had a rather disturbing approach to their population concerns that only came to light recently.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about the injustice brought unto young female Greenlandic Inuits in the past.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/greenland-women-want-justice-from-denmark-level-2/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Define the word “indigenous“. “143 indigenous women in Greenland are suing Denmark.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does the word “implant” mean? “They say that doctors implanted them with intrauterine devices without their permission in the 1960s and 1970s.” Use it in your own sentence.
  3. What does the expression “to violate one’s rights” mean in this context? “They claim that Danish authorities violated their rights because they wanted to control the growing population.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is the Greenland’s birth control scandal about? Share your thoughts on this issue.
  2. Should Denmark compensate these women? Express your opinion.
  3. Aside from this injustice, what other controversial actions in Greenland do you know of?
  4. In your opinion, how can growing population be effectively addressed without resorting to human rights violation?
  5. Does your country have a problem with overpopulation or declining population?
  6. What is your government doing to mitigate the effects of this situation?

Nose Surgery for Cocaine Users

B1 – Intermediate

Cocaine is a highly addictive stimulant that offers euphoria, great sense of confidence, improved mental focus etc. There are different ways to use them. Snorting cocaine is the most common method. Aside from the other well-known harmful effects of cocaine use, losing one’s nose completely could be a consequence of frequent and long-term cocaine snorting.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about the nose surgery cocaine snorters may possibly have to undergo.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/nose-surgery-for-cocaine-users-level-3/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Define the word “perforation“. “Cocaine narrows blood vessels in the nose which leads to tissue damage and perforations.” Use it in a sentence and give two synonyms.
  2. What is the meaning of the word “surge“? “Despite a surge in cocaine use in Belgium over the past five years, the number of operations remains limited.” Use it in your own sentence.
  3. What does the verb “undergo” mean? “The reason is that many patients struggle to undergo surgery due to the need to abstain from cocaine for at least six months for proper healing.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think of this surgery?
  2. How does cocaine snorting lead to irreversible nasal damage?
  3. Aside from nasal damage, what are other long-term effects of cocaine use?
  4. Why do you think long-term cocaine users avoid or refuse to have this nose reconstructive surgery?
  5. Share your thoughts on this statement, “These patients are typically in their forties and with privileged socio-economic backgroundd.”

Robot Makes Fries

B1 – Intermediate

Miso Robotics has created a new robot designed to simplify kitchen tasks in fast food restaurants. With its advanced technology, the robot aims to improve efficiency and lessen the need for human intervention.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about a robot which works in fast food restaurants.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/a-robot-makes-fries-level-2/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “develop” mean, “In California, US, Miso Robotics developed a robot which works in fast food restaurants.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “instruction” mean, “When an order comes, a worker sends instructions to the robot.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “task” mean, “At first, the robot only turned burgers, but workers soon realized that it could do more tasks. Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on Miso Robotics’ burger-flipping robot?
  2. What are the advantages and disadvantages of using robots like the one developed by Miso Robotics in fast food restaurants?
  3. How do you think the introduction of this robot might impact the workers in fast food establishments? Explain.
  4. How else can these robots be improved?
  5. Do you think the introduction of robots in fast food restaurants will lead to job losses or create new opportunities for workers?