Tag: B1 – Intermediate

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?

Muslim-Friendly Hotels for Islamic Travelers

B1 – Intermediate

The halal travel industry is booming because of the ease and affordability of transportation and the eagerness of Muslims to explore different countries.

Western countries would like to take a bite of the apple by providing this group of travelers with their needs that are in accordance with their religious beliefs.

Let’s read the article and find out how western countries provide hospitality to Muslim travelers.

https://www.english-online.at/news-articles/living/islamic-travellers-in-search-of-muslim-friendly-hotels.htm

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “tend to” mean in this context? “In contrast to other people Muslims tend to travel in larger groups, stay longer and spend more.” Use it in your own sentence.
  2. Define the verb “ignore“. “Western tourism cannot afford to ignore them.” Use it in a sentence and give two synonyms.
  3. What is the meaning of the verb “afford” in this sentence, “Western tourism cannot afford to ignore them.“? Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. According to the article, how do western countries adapt to the needs of Muslim travelers?
  2. Share your thoughts on this trend.
  3. Is your country Muslim-tourist-friendly? How so?
  4. Do you have establishments in your country that are Muslim-friendly? What amenities or special treats do they have for their Muslim clients?
  5. As a traveler, do you usually have special requests when staying at a hotel or eating at a restaurant? What are they?

Starship Spacecraft Explodes

B1 – Intermediate

In the exciting world of space exploration, sometimes things don’t go as planned. Recently, the Starship spacecraft, a super-advanced space vehicle, faced a big problem—it exploded. This event is a reminder that exploring space is not easy, and it comes with challenges.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about SpaceX’s Starship explosions.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/starship-spacecraft-explodes-level-3/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “interplanetary” mean, “SpaceX’s Starship designed for lunar and interplanetary travel achieved its first spaceflight but experienced a failure minutes later.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “uncrewed“, “The rocket was launched from Texas and it aimed for a 90-minute uncrewed flight, intending to land in the Pacific near Hawaii.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “ground” mean? “The Federal Aviation Administration grounded the rocket for safety and environmental assessments.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Question:

  1. What is the purpose of SpaceX’s Starship rocket?
  2. Why do you think SpaceX continues to conduct tests even if there are failures?
  3. What are some potential challenges or risks associated with developing and testing rockets like Starship?
  4. How would you feel about being on a rocket like Starship, considering the recent test failures?
  5. Do you think space exploration, despite its challenges, is important for the future? Why / Why not?

Robots in Our Lives 

B1 – Intermediate

In today’s world, robots are no longer just a part of sci-fi stories—they’re here, right now, impacting how we live. From simplifying daily tasks to working side by side with us, these machines are reshaping our routines and the way we connect with the world.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about advanced robotics in our lives.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/robots-in-our-lives-level-3/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “throughout the ages” mean? “A new exhibition in London charts humanity’s fascination for robots throughout the ages – one model at the exhibition dates back to the 16th century. Almost three meters tall, Cygan, a celebrity robot of the fifties, is the display’s centerpiece.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does the word “enslave“ mean in this sentence, “Ben Russel, the curator, commented on people’s fear of robots ‘turning into terrifying things that enslave us all’ – he thinks that it is quite natural to be afraid of them, but he sees the chances of it actually happening as slim.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does the phrase “the chances of something happening as slim“ mean, “Ben Russel, the curator, commented on people’s fear of robots ‘turning into terrifying things that enslave us all’ – he thinks that it is quite natural to be afraid of them, but he sees the chances of it actually happening as slim.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What would society be like if robots took over our jobs?
  2. How are robots generally perceived? Are they seen more as helpful or potentially concerning? Elaborate.
  3. What could be some challenges or benefits of having humanoid robots in our homes?
  4. If you had a robot, what would you like it to do?

Argentina Has a New President

B1 – Intermediate

Change is in the air as Argentina welcomes a new president to lead the nation. The inauguration ceremony signals not just a transfer of power but also the start of a different chapter in Argentina’s story. People are curious about what this change might bring—how it will affect their lives and the country’s path.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about Argentina’s new president.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/argentina-has-a-new-president-level-3/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the expression “to ride a wave of something“ mean, “Milei, riding a wave of voter anger, pledged economic shock therapy, including shutting the central bank, ditching the peso, and slashing spending.” Use it in sentence.
  2. What does the word “ditch“ mean, “Milei, riding a wave of voter anger, pledged economic shock therapy, including shutting the central bank, ditching the peso, and slashing spending.” Use it in sentence.
  3. What does “economic malaise“ mean? “Despite concerns about his volatile character and radical plans, Milei aims to address the economic malaise that has plagued the country.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How might Milei’s plans to spend less affect the lives of the people in Argentina?
  2. What challenges does a new president might face in solving the country’s existing problems?
  3. How might a new president impact a country’s domestic and international affairs?
  4. What qualities do you think are important for a country leader?