Tag: B1 – Intermediate

Hungary’s New Immigration Law

B1 – Intermediate

Hungary is implementing tougher immigration rules for people who are coming to live there because too many people are moving to the country. The government’s objective with this new immigration law is to help control how many people come and to make sure there are enough resources for everyone.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about Hungary’s new immigration law.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/hungarys-new-immigration-law-level-2/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “in effect” mean, “The law is replacing an old one which was in effect for 16 years.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “residence permit” mean, “Residence permits will depend on immigrants’ skills.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “invest” mean, “The law also introduces a ‘golden visa’ for people who want to invest money in Hungary.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How might the rule impact the lives of both Hungarians and immigrants living in Hungary?
  2. What are the potential benefits and drawbacks of Hungary’s new immigration rules? Elaborate and explain.
  3. How might these rules affect the economy and job market in Hungary? Explain.
  4. Do you think it’s fair that Hungarians get jobs first? Why or why not?
  5. What is your opinion about the ‘golden visa’?
  6. How would you compare these immigration rules in Hungary to your country?

App Finds Breast Cancer

B1 – Intermediate

An innovative and user-friendly device designed to help detect breast cancer early. It provides a simple way for individuals to monitor their breast health and identify any concerning changes.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about Dotplot, the app that checks women’s breasts for cancer.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/app-finds-breast-cancer-level-2/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “sound wave” mean? “Dotplot reads the breasts with sound waves, and an app sends a report about the scan.” Use this phrase in a sentence.
  2. What does “scan” mean? “The app also compares the scan with previous scans, which helps see if something changed in the breasts.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “account for” mean? “It now accounts for nearly 12% of new cases worldwide.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your opinion on Dotplot?
  2. How can Dotplot device be helpful in detecting breast cancer? Explain.
  3. Do you think devices like Dotplot could make it easier for women to detect breast cancer early? Why or why not?
  4. What are the challenges that can be associated with using a device like Dotplot? How can those issues be solved?

Bitcoin at a Record High

B1 – Intermediate

Bitcoin is a type of digital currency that isn’t controlled by any government or bank. It’s created and managed using a technology called blockchain. People can use Bitcoin to buy things online or trade it like stocks. Its value can change a lot and there’s only a limited amount of Bitcoin that will ever exist.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about Bitcoin being at a record high.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/bitcoin-at-a-record-high-level-2/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “cryptocurrency” mean, “The cryptocurrency hit 69,202 dollars and surpassed its peak in November 2021.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “surpass” mean? “The cryptocurrency hit 69,202 dollars and surpassed its peak in November 2021.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘surpass’ in your own sentence.
  3. In trading, what does the term “spot” mean? “Investor interest increased rapidly after the Securities and Exchange Commission approved 11 spot bitcoin ETFs.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies?
  2. What are the potential risks and benefits associated with investing in Bitcoin? Elaborate.
  3. What are some potential factors driving the fluctuations in Bitcoin’s value
  4. How might the fluctuation in Bitcoin’s value impact investor sentiment and the market?
  5. Why do you think more people are becoming interested in Bitcoin? Explain.

Trick in London 

B1 – Intermediate

In the heart of London, there’s a special bus stop that’s become very famous. It’s equipped with an incredible screen that displays extraordinary scenes.

As people react to these fantastical images, the bus stop becomes a source of excitement and an escape from the normal busy city life.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about this advertising board at a bus stop in London.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/trick-in-london-level-3/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to get the shock of one’s life” mean in this sentence, “People waiting at a busy central London bus stop got the shock of their lives when they were suddenly faced with an alien invasion, giant robots, or a Bengal tiger on the run.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘to get the shock of one’s life’ in your own sentence.
  2. What does “on the run” mean in this sentence, “People waiting at a busy central London bus stop got the shock of their lives when they were suddenly faced with an alien invasion, giant robots, or a Bengal tiger on the run.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘on the run’ in your own sentence.
  3. What does “augmented reality” mean in this sentence. “Augmented reality technology gave the illusion of the bus stop advertising board being see-through, allowing unexpected anything to be projected over the real imagery.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘augmented reality’ in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your opinion on this special screen?
  2. What are the positive and negative things about it?
  3. Do you think it is a good advertising strategy? Explain.
  4. What are other places where similar screens can be installed? Why do you think these screens are necessary there?
  5. How does the presence of the special screen affect people’s experience waiting at the bus stop?
  6. Talk about your own experiences with public art installations or interactive technology in urban places.

Airline to Weigh Luggage and Passengers

B1 – Intermediate 

When we travel by plane, we have to be mindful about how much our luggage weighs.

Airlines set strict weight limits on our baggage allowance to ensure their planes do not go beyond the maximum weight so that they take off and land safely.

Read the article about Finland’s national airline’s plans to weigh their passengers on their flights. Be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2403/240304-weighing-airline-passengers-4.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “exceed” mean, “Airplanes should not exceed the maximum weight for safe take-offs and landings.”? Give 1-2 synonyms or similar expressions and use “exceed” in your own sentence.
  2. What does “to step on scales” mean, “Volunteers are stepping on scales at Helsinki Airport’s departure gates.”? Give 1-2 synonyms or similar expressions and use “to step on scales” in your own sentence.
  3. What does “to have peace of mind” mean, “It said travellers could have “peace of mind” about their personal information.“? Give 1-2 synonyms or similar expressions and use “peace of mind” in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your opinion on weighing passengers on flight? 
  2. What are the pros and cons of weighing airline passengers?
  3. Would you agree to be weighed in at the airport? Why or why not?
  4. Share your views on this statement, “Weight is a personal topic.”.
  5. What are other ways safety standards on flights can be met?

Cold Weather Exercise

B1 – Intermediate 

It is a fact that exercising or working out helps in staying healthy and losing weight. However, this may be hard to do when it is too chilly or freezing outside.

However, experts share the benefits of cold-weather workouts.

Read the article and find out why cold weather exercise is better for us. Be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2402/240229-cold-weather-exercise.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “metabolism” mean, “In the cold, our metabolism slows down, so we can preserve fat and keep warm.”? Use this word in a sentence.
  2. What does “endurance” mean, “This can help to boost your endurance over time.”? Give 1-2 synonyms or similar expressions and use “endurance” in your own sentence.
  3. What does “to lose weight” mean, ”Physical activity in cold temperatures can boost our metabolism, which helps us lose weight.”? Give 1-2 synonyms or similar expressions and use “to lose weight” in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the pros and cons of cold-weather workouts?
  2. What is your opinion on this, “Going for a jog or even a swim when it’s chilly or freezing outside has extra benefits for our physical and mental health.”?
  3. Does this article change your opinion about working out in cold weather? Explain.
  4. Do you enjoy exercising during cold weather? Why or why not?
  5. Does the weather affect your motivation to practice sports or exercise? Why or why not? What do you do when you do not want to exercise when it is very cold?
  6. What are ways to fight against Seasonal Affective Disorder (S.A.D.)?

Eurozone Economy

B1 – Intermediate

The Eurozone economy refers to the collective economic system of the European Union (EU) member states that have adopted the euro as their official currency.

Governed by the European Central Bank (ECB), the Eurozone aims to promote economic stability and facilitate trade and investment among its member states through monetary integration.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about the Eurozone economy.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/eurozone-economy-level-3/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “narrow margin” mean in the sentience, “The eurozone’s economy struggled to grow last year, avoiding a recession by a narrow margin, in contrast to the global economic expansion.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘narrow margin’ in your own sentence.
  2. What does “key player” mean in this sentence, “Germany, a key player in the euro area, faced an industrial downturn, impacting the entire region.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘key player’ in your own sentence.
  3. What does “subside” mean, “Economists predict a slow recovery, with household consumption expected to drive growth as energy prices stabilize and inflation subsides.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘subside’ in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How do economic problems in Germany affect the overall performance of the eurozone economy? Explain.
  2. What are possible long-term implications of the eurozone’s economic problems and how might it affect the future economic policies and strategies within the region? Elaborate and explain.
  3. How might strikes and protests about high prices impact consumer confidence and economic stability within the eurozone?
  4. How do you think the economic struggles of the eurozone might impact the daily lives of individuals living within the member countries?

Egypt’s Pyramid Restoration

B1 – Intermediate

The pyramids in Egypt are ancient wonders that have fascinated people for centuries. From the famous pyramids at Giza to the smaller ones across Egypt, these historical monuments are part of our shared human history. Yet, keeping them safe and strong is a not an easy job.

To preserve the pyramids, Egypt is working hard on trying to restore them. This means fixing up the old stones and making sure the pyramids stay strong against elements such as the wind, sun, and rain.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about Egypt’s pyramid restoration.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/egypts-pyramid-restoration-level-1/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to break all the rules” mean in the sentence, “It breaks all the rules for fixing old things.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘to break all the rules’ in your own sentence.
  2. What does “a big gift” mean in the sentence, “The workers say that it is a big gift for the world.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘a big gift’ in your own sentence.
  3. What does “think carefully about something” mean in the sentence, “The country must think carefully about what to do with old buildings.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘think carefully about something’ in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why do you think many people in Egypt emphasize the importance of taking care of old buildings and special places? Elaborate.
  2. How important is it to balance modern aesthetic improvements and preserving the historical value of ancient structures like the Menkaure Pyramid? Explain.
  3. What are the positive and negative impact of historical landmarks’ restorations on local communities/on a country?
  4. Are there any specific examples of old buildings or special places in Spain that have been successfully preserved and restored? Elaborate.
  5. Which World Wonder do you want to visit and why?

The World’s First Trillionaire

B1 – Intermediate 

According to Oxfam, an anti-poverty charitable organization, in about 10 years, the world will see its first trillionaire.

The Oxfam report revealed that the fortune of five of the world’s wealthiest has increased by more than 100% since 2020. Moreover, the top five billionaires also doubled their wealth. 

But there is a sharp contrast with the situation of almost five billion people who have become even poorer in the past couple of years.

Read the article about the growing wealth inequality. Be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2401/240118-trillionaire-2.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Define “wealth gap”. “Oxfam said the wealth gap between the rich and poor is growing.” Give 1-2 synonyms or similar expressions and use “wealth gap” in your own sentence.
  2. What does “to supercharge” mean, “The gap “supercharged” after the coronavirus pandemic.”? Give 1-2 synonyms or similar expressions and use “supercharge” in your own sentence.
  3. What does ”milestone” mean, ”The AP news agency said someone with a trillion-dollar milestone would “have the same value as oil-rich Saudi Arabia”.”? Give 1-2 synonyms or similar expressions and use “milestone” in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your opinion on this, “In the next ten years, the world will have its first trillionaire.”?
  2. Share your thoughts on this, “Almost five billion people have become poorer.”.
  3. How can the wealth gap between the rich and poor be reduced?
  4. Why do you think ‘The world will see a “decade of division”’’?
  5. Is there a huge wealth gap between the rich and the poor in your country? Talk about some circumstances where it is evident.

Popular Water Bottle

B1 – Intermediate 

In the middle of many environmental problems we have today, people are becoming more and more sustainability-conscious. One of things we want to reduce is the single use of plastics. A solution is using less plastic cups and bottles for drinks or water. 

Then, a new trend started with people using reusable tumblers. 

One of the most famous water tumbler brands is Stanley that is well-known for its durability and double-walled vacuum insulation.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about the popular water bottle brand Stanley cups.

Be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/popular-water-bottle-level-3/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “sought-after” mean, “Stanley cups, particularly limited editions, have become highly sought after and are re-selling for hundreds of dollars.” Give 2 synonyms or similar expressions and use the word ‘sought after’ in your own sentence.
  2. What does “word-of-mouth” mean, “Marketing expert Camille Moore emphasizes that Stanley succeeded by creating a great product, relying on word-of-mouth and social media rather than traditional advertising.”? Use this expression in a sentence.
  3. What does the verb “to skyrocket” mean? “Despite being around since 1913, Stanley’s fortunes skyrocketed after the introduction of the 1.2-liter ‘Quencher’ tumbler in 2016.” Use this word in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why are Stanley cups very popular?
  2. What is your opinion about Stanley’s strategy to promote its products/brand by creating a great product, using word-of-mouth and social media instead of traditional advertising? 
  3. Do you own a reusable water bottle? Why or why not?
  4. What are the good things about using reusable water bottles?
  5. Do you think that they are a solution to our environmental problems? Explain.