Tag: B1 – Intermediate

A Trillion Humans in the Solar System

B1 – Intermediate

With all the space explorations being done these days, is it crazy to think that one day, humans would eventually populate space? Could this be the answer to our growing problem with overpopulation on this planet?

Billionaires such as Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk want to turn this into reality.

Read the article about Jeff Bezos’ vision to have a trillion people live in space.

Be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2312/231225-a-trillion-humans-4.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “at any given time” mean? “He said if that happened, “we would have at any given time 1,000 Mozarts and 1,000 Einsteins.” Use this expression in your own sentence.
  2. What does ”collapse” mean in this context, ”Population collapse due to low birth rates is a bigger risk to civilization than global warming.”?Use this word in your own sentence.
  3. What does “resource” mean? “He said they could get resources from asteroids instead of from Earth.” Give two synonyms or similar expressions and make a sentence using ‘resource’.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on Jeff Bezos’ ambition?
  2. What do you think about living in giant space stations?
  3. What could be the good and bad things about it?
  4. Will it be possible for humans to live in space? Explain your thoughts.

Muggers Target Luxury Winter Coats

B1 – Intermediate

Among all the types of crimes, the incidence of mugging has recently increased in some countries, among them, the UK. A new crime trend is emerging, though.

More victims have reported being robbed of their branded coats that cost thousands of pounds.

Read the article about the latest muggings wherein people’s luxury coats were stolen from them. Be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2401/240108-winter-coat-muggings-4.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “mugging” mean? “A criminologist in the U.K. warned that the muggings were the start of a new “luxury crime trend”.” Give two synonyms or similar expressions and  use ‘mugging’ in your own sentence.
  2. What does ”knifepoint” mean in this context, ”In recent weeks, people have had their coats stolen at knifepoint.”? Use this expression in a sentence in the same context.
  3. What does it mean when something is “a real concern”? “A London Transport spokesperson said the muggings were “a real concern“.” Give two synonyms or similar expressions and make a sentence using the expression ‘a real concern’.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your reaction to this news about this current luxury crime trend?
  2. Is this crime trend also happening in your country? Talk about it.
  3. What might be the reasons the incidence of this type of crime is increasing? How can it be prevented or stopped?
  4. What comes to your mind when you hear the word ‘mugging’?
  5. Have you any experience getting mugged? What happened, what was stolen from you, and what did you do?

The Future of Steak

B1 – Intermediate

Micro Harvest is on a mission to make protein quick and tasty using tiny living things in a Bioreactor. It only takes them one day! They’re planning to use this protein in various foods, even for pets.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about alternative protein production methods.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/the-future-of-a-steak-level-1/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. How does the phrase “closed space” in the sentence, “They use tiny living things in a closed space, called a Bioreactor”? Use it in a sentence.
  2. What is meant by “to start small” in the sentence, “Bakers wants to start small, like in a local store or restaurant, and then grow“? Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does the word “process” mean in this sentence, “Micro Harvest finishes the process in just one day.”? Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How do you feel about the innovative approach for protein production?
  2. What potential advantages or concerns do you see?
  3. Why do you think there are rules for making the protein, and why is it important for the company to follow them?
  4. How do you think new ways of making food, like Micro Harvest’s method, might change the food we eat in the future? Elaborate.

Very Special Wedding Dress 

B1 – Intermediate

A “very special wedding dress” is like adding a personal touch to your big day. It could be a dress with special meaning, a unique design, or even one made from surprising stuff.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about a very special wedding dress.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/very-special-wedding-dress-level-3/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “masterpiece” mean in the sentence, “Designers are only allowed to use toilet paper, glue, tape, needles, and thread to create their masterpieces.“? Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “twist” mean in this sentence, “The competition offers a more creative twist to bridal attire and the competitors are always excited as they make it down to the final 10 out of over a thousand hopefuls.“? Use it in a sentence.
  3. How is the word “hopeful” used in the sentence “The competition offers a more creative twist to bridal attire and the competitors are always excited as they make it down to the final 10 out of over a thousand hopefuls.“? Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. In your opinion, why might some people prefer unique or unconventional elements in their weddings?
  2. What is your opinion on very “unique” wedding dresses?
  3. How might events that encourage artistic expression, such as the wedding dress contest, contribute to the broader appreciation of art and creativity?
  4. If you were given the challenge to create something unique for a wedding, what would you choose, and why?

Russia Celebrity Party

B1 – Intermediate

A controversial party in Russia, marked by indecent attires, has caused a controversy. With a rapper going to jail, companies ending contracts, and public disapproval, the event took place during the Ukraine war, receiving a lot of criticism. The organizer now faces tax issues, public anger, and calls for accountability.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about this controversial party in Russia.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/russia-celebrity-party-level-2/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to get in trouble” mean in the sentence “A rapper got in trouble and went to jail for 15 days.“? Use it in a sentence.
  2. What is implied by the phrase “tough time” in the sentence, “Some people say the party was bad because soldiers are fighting, and it is a tough time“? Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “punish” mean in the sentence, “People are angry, and they want those who did the party to be punished.”? Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think it’s okay to have a big party when there’s a serious situation like a war going on? Why or why not?
  2. Are fines effective way to punish people for their actions? Why / Why not?
  3. How are famous people affected when companies end contracts with them?
  4. The person who organized the party said sorry two times. Do you believe apologies can fix everything in this case? Explain.
  5. Has something like this ever happened in your country? Talk about it.

China Fog

B1 – Intermediate

Fog, a fascinating weather phenomenon, occurs when the air close to the ground becomes saturated with moisture, causing water droplets to form a thick mist. This natural occurrence often envelops surroundings in an enchanting veil, lending an air of mystery to landscapes.

While fog enhances the aesthetics of nature, it can also impact visibility, making it essential for travelers and communities to adapt to its ever-changing presence.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about the thick fog in China over the holidays.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/china-fog-level-2/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is a “landmark“? “Famous landmarks like the Shanghai Center Tower and Oriental Pearl Tower became almost invisible, which surprised residents.“? Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does the term “cold wind” mean, “Experts expect that the bad weather will improve with a coming cold wave.“? Use it in a sentence.
  3. What is the meaning of “endure” in the sentence “China endured extreme weather throughout the year, from periods of very cold weather to heatwaves and big storms.“? Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How might the thick fog affect the daily lives of people in Shanghai?
  2. What are other ways in which weather conditions, like dense fog, could impact a city’s normal activities?
  3. How can authorities better prepare and communicate with the public in situations like this?
  4. How can individuals and communities manage climate change issues?

Biocomputers

B1 – Intermediate

We are so close to seeing a fusion between humans and computers. Organoids are lab-grown tissues that are much like human organs. Bioengineers have successfully, though still in its early stages, built a cross between organoids and AI.

Read the article about biocomputers.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2312/231218-brainoware-biocomputer-4.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the noun ”merging” mean,“Humans and machines are closer to merging.”? Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and make a sentence using ‘merging’.
  2. What does “early stage” mean? “Brainoware is in its early stages, but can already do complex tasks like voice recognition.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and make a sentence using ‘early stage’.
  3. What does the phrase “proof-of-concept” mean? “A researcher said: “This is just proof-of-concept to show that we can do the job.” Use this term in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is a biocomputer?
  2. What is your opinion on this technology?
  3. What makes this invention important?
  4. What are some good uses of biocomputers? Can you think of more? 
  5. How about the disadvantages/challenges we have with it?

Economic Shock Treatment in Argentina

B1 – Intermediate

After his surprise win in the last elections, President Javier Milei has outline his plans on how to alleviate Argentina from the economic crisis that the country is currently suffering.

Read the article about Argentina’s new president Javier Milei’s economic plans for his nation.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2312/231214-javier-milei-2.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does ”austerity” mean,”He said they would have to live in “austerity” to help the economy.”? Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and make a sentence using ‘austerity’.
  2. What does “fruit of one’s efforts” mean? “We know that in the short term, the situation will worsen, but then we will see the fruits of our efforts.” Use this idiom in a sentence.
  3. What does “turning point” mean? “His election victory was a surprise. He called it a turning point in Argentina’s history, like the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989.” Use this phrase in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think President Milei mean with “The economy needed ‘shock treatment’.”.
  2. How exactly do you think can a country live in austerity during an economic crisis?
  3. How can a country cut inflation and national debt? How does your government do it?
  4. Do you agree with Milei on this, “We know that in the short term, the situation will worsen, but then we will see the fruits of our efforts.”? Why or why not?
  5. How’s the economic state of your country like in year 2023?

Cure for Itchiness and Eczema

B1 – Intermediate

Perhaps one of the most irritating and exasperating feeling is when an itch doesn’t seem to go away no matter what you do.

Eczema is a very common skin condition that affects hundreds of millions of people around the world. Scientists have not stopped trying to understand why we itch and how to treat it.

Read the article about a possible cure for itchiness and eczema.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2311/231130-eczema-cure.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does ”bug” mean here,”The most common disease is eczema. It’s not the nicest bug to have on you, for sure.”
  2. Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and make a sentence using ‘bug’.
  3. What does “induce mean? “Many patients carry on their skin the very microbe we’ve now shown for the first time can induce itch.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and make a sentence using ‘induce’.
  4. What does “debilitating mean? “Itches can be quite debilitating in patients who suffer from chronic skin conditions.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and make a sentence using ‘debilitating’.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your reaction to this news?
  2. What are your thoughts on this anti-itch medication on humans?
  3. What is your reaction to this, “Eczema affects around 245 million people globally.”?
  4. What do you know about eczema?
  5. What problems do people with eczema have?

Diseases in Factor X

B1 – Intermediate

Permafrost is a permanently frozen layer on or under Earth’s surface. Ancient microbes and viruses have been trapped there for thousands of years.

Scientists believe it is possible that this frozen ground could be containing many deadly diseases. 

Due to climate change, the permafrost is melting and this could cause the release of some unknown viruses scientists are calling ‘Factor X’.

Read the article about Factor X.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2311/231116-factor-x.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does ”encounter” mean here, “Professor Claverie said “ancient viruses up to a million years old” would be the most terrifying because they are unknown and we have never encountered them before.” Use this word in a sentence.
  2. What does the expression “on a large scale” mean? “He added that deadly bacterial diseases like smallpox and anthrax could be released on a large scale.” Give 2 similar expressions and make a sentence using ‘on a large scale.
  3. Define “greenhouse gas”. “However, many scientists agree that a bigger danger from melting permafrost is the release of methane. This is a greenhouse gas that is 80 times more harmful than CO2.” Use this term in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your reaction to this news?
  2. What are the problems associated with the permafrost melting?
  3. What are your thoughts on Factor X?
  4. What comes to your mind when you hear ‘infectious disease’?
  5. How can we prepare for the possible threats brought about by Factor X?