Tag: B1 – Intermediate

EU Airports Change the Liquid Limit

B1 – Intermediate 

Airports in the EU could soon let travelers have bigger bottles of liquid that can contain more than 100ml in their hand-carry baggage.

Thanks to a new technology, airport security will be able to detect dangerous substances.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about the EU change in the liquid limit.

Be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/eu-airports-change-the-liquid-limit-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “container” mean? “This change is possible thanks to new screening technology that can detect dangerous materials even inside large liquid containers.” Use this word in a sentence. Give a synonym. Also, give another meaning of “container”.
  2. What does “screening” mean? “This change is possible thanks to new screening technology that can detect dangerous materials even inside large liquid containers.” Use this word in a sentence. Give a synonym. Also, give another meaning of “screening”.
  3. What does “equipment” mean? “The European Commission has now confirmed that approval was given in June 2025, so airports that install the approved equipment will be allowed to use it soon.” Use this word in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your opinion on this new rule?
  2. What do you think about this, “This fact means that while the 100ml rule may disappear in some places very soon, passengers should still check the rules at their specific airport before flying.”?
  3. Should this rule be also implemented all over the world? Explain.
  4. Have you ever had any problems because you had a container or bottle of liquid larger than 100ml? Talk about your experience. 
  5. What are other rules that you have to follow at the airports in your country?

AI Model in Fashion Magazine

B1 – Intermediate 

We have seen AI being used in various ways. A new addition to it is in modeling.

On its August 2025 edition, the best-selling fashion magazine Vogue features an AI-generated model for the first time. 

Read the article about AI fashion models.

Be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2507/250731-ai-fashion-models.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to show off” mean here, “In the August edition of the best-selling “Vogue” magazine, a “perfect-looking” blonde model has been used to show off summer clothes from the lifestyle brand Guess.”? Use this phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym. Also, give another meaning of “to show off”.
  2. What does “harness” mean?  “The company added that it wanted to harness the incredible power of AI to revolutionize marketing images.” Use this word in a sentence. Give a synonym. Also, give another meaning of “harness”.
  3. What does “a kick in the teeth” mean? “She called it “akick in the teeth” for diversity in the industry because AI models will replace real models.” Use this idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your reaction to and opinion about AI fashion models?
  2. What might be the good and bad thing about using AI models?
  3. Should brands use AI models more now? State your opinion.
  4. Share your insights about one model’s statement, “It is a kick in the teeth for diversity in the industry because AI models will replace real models.
  5. Share your thoughts on this, “Perfect AI models will make people worry that their own body is not perfect. Poor body image increases the risk of developing an eating disorder.”

Matcha in Short Supply

B1 – Intermediate 

As matcha became a popular favorite all around the world, the demand for the tea has also increased a lot in the recent years.

However, due to high temperatures, there have been lower harvests of the matcha tea in Japan where most of it is grown and the global matcha supply comes from.

And because of this, the price of matcha also had to be increased.

Read the article about the problem with short supply of matcha and be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2507/250728-matcha-shortage-4.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “niche product” mean? “Matcha was once a niche product.” Use this term in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “out of stock” mean?  “The tea store Tealife said demand increased ten-fold. It is always out of stock.” Use this phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “pluck” mean? “Last year’s summer was so scorching that it damaged the bushes, so we couldn’t pluck as many leaves.” Use this word in a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Is matcha popular in your country? Why do you think that is?
  2. Do you like matcha? Why or why not? 
  3. How can the short supply of matcha affect the businesses that use this tea?
  4. What are the impacts of rising temperature on agriculture in your country?
  5. How does the “Matcha mania” affect Japan’s traditional tea ceremonies? 

Airline Pays Staff Bonus for Spotting Oversized Bags

B1 – Intermediate 

In an attempt to solve the problem with passengers’ oversized carry-on suitcases, the Irish budget airline Ryanair plans to give its staff a bonus they call “gate bag bonus”. Essentially, it is an incentive that the airline employees receive for intercepting bags that are bigger than what is stipulated in the airline’s bag policies.

Read the article about Ryanair’s “gate bag bonus” for its staff and be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2507/250724-oversized-luggage-2.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is a “budget airline”? “The budget airline Ryanair has a plan for the problem of oversized luggage.” Use this phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “spot” mean here, “The airline will increase the bonus it pays to staff for spotting bags that are too big. Staff currently get a “gate bag bonus” of $1.75 a passenger.”? Use this word in a sentence in the same context. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “cap” mean here, “This is capped at about $95 a month. Ryanair’s CEO wants to remove this cap.”? Use this word in a sentence in the same context. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your opinion about the “gate bag bonus” from a business standpoint? 
  2. How about as a passenger?
  3. Why do you think airlines like Ryanair want the problem of oversized luggage to disappear?
  4. “Passengers must pay a fee of up to $88 for oversized bags.” Is this reasonable? Share your opinion.
  5. Have you ever had problems with excess baggage or problems with your suitcases before or after a flight? Talk about your experience.
  6. Share your thoughts on this, “Ryanair’s CEO said stricter rules were necessary, even though most people follow the rules.” 

De-extinction of Giant Moa Bird

B1 – Intermediate 

Moa is a species of birds that has been extinct for 600 years. They were formerly endemic to New Zealand. On average, they are 3.6 feet tall, but they can grow up to 12 feet tall. They are covered in feathers. However, they are avians that can’t fly.

Colossal Biosciences, a biotechnology and genetic engineering company, plans to bringing back extinct species such as the giant moa birds.

Read the article about de-extinction and be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2507/250714-moa-de-extinction.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “on the cusp of doing something” mean? “Biotechnology and genetic engineering company Colossal Biosciences claims it is on the cusp of successfully bringing back extinct species.” Use this idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “resemble” mean? “Colossal defines de-extinction as: ‘The process of generating an organism that both resembles and is genetically similar to an extinct species.” Use this word in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “thrive” mean? “It would also enhance the adaptability of species to “thrive” amid climate change, dwindling resources, disease and human interference.” Use this word in a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the advantages and disadvantages of resurrecting extinct animals?
  2. Considering its advantages and disadvantages, is de-extinction good or bad? Explain.
  3. Which extinct animal would you like to be made revived? Why this animal?

UK to Lower Voting Age

B1 – Intermediate 

Legal voting age refers to the minimum age that an individual is allowed to cast their vote in a democratic process. Most nations in the world have 18 as their voting age.

However, UK is considering to lower it to 16.

Read the article about UK’s plans to lower voting age and be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2507/250721-voting-age.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “a step forward” mean? “By [extending] the vote to younger people, we are taking a generational step forward in restoring public trust and boosting engagement in UK democracy.” Use this idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “to have a say on something” mean? “It’s only right they can have a say on the issues that affect them.” Use this phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. Explain “parent’s consent”. “Some point to the fact that 16-year-olds cannot drink alcohol, buy a lottery ticket, or get married without their parent’s consent, yet they will be able to vote.” Use this term in a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Share your opinion on this, “16-year-olds in Britain work and pay taxes, so they should be allowed to vote.”
  2. Do you think voting age should be lowered in your country, too? Why or why not?
  3. Share your opinion about this statement, “By [extending] the vote to younger people, we are taking a generational step forward in restoring public trust and boosting engagement in UK democracy.“
  4. What are the good and bad things about letting people as young as 16 years old vote?
  5. If 16 year olds will be allowed to vote, then, should they be allowed to drink alcohol, buy a lottery ticket, or get married without their parent’s consent too? Explain your views on this.
  6. What do you think is the best voting age and why?

Drugs and Medication

B1 – Intermediate 

It is normal for people to get sick at times. And when that happens, we need to find something to help us feel better as soon as possible.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about drugs and medication. 

Drugs and Medication – Script

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “in no time” mean, “You’ll be up and dancing around in no time.” Use this idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “to stay off one’s feet” mean? “He also told me to stay off my feet for a day or so, but I’m so busy these days.” Use this phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “to get rid of” mean? “I have just the thing to get rid of bad colds.” Use this phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is Steve’s problem? What is Carla’s suggestion?
  2. If you were Steve, would you take Carla’s advice? Why or why not?
  3. Have you ever tried taking herbal medicines? How was it? If not yet, would you try it?
  4. When was the last time you got sick? What did you do to feel better?

What is Success?

B1 – Intermediate 

Perhaps, each person has his or her own definition of success. For some, it is about being always on top, while for others, it just means to have family and friends and a job.

What is Success? – Interview

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to live paycheck to paycheck” mean, “Success is also the ability that you’re not living paycheck to paycheck.” Use this idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “rainy day” mean here, “You know, you can also save up money for a rainy day.” Use this term in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “well taken care of” mean? “ One of the big things for me, though, is having enough money to support my family. Uh, so I have a child. So making sure that he is well taken care of. ” Use this phase in a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. For you, what is success?
  2. What is your biggest success so far?
  3. Talk about a moment when you were on the brink of success, but failed.
  4. What must a person do when they fail?
  5. We can have successes every day, especially at work or in our hobbies. What are your successes for today at work and in your hobbies? How do you feel about it?

North Korea to Open Beach Resort to Woo Tourists

B1 – Intermediate 

For the longest time, North Korea has been one of the most elusive countries in the world. Very little is known about the country because it has remained closed to the world.

Recently, North Korea has announced that they are to open a beach resort to help attract tourists into the country and subsequently, boost the tourism sector.

Read the article about North Korea’s flagship resort. 

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2506/250630-north-korea-beach-resort.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Define “flagship”. “State media reported that the flagship resort is the first of many developments planned throughout the country.” Use this term in a sentence. Give 2 synonyms/similar expressions.
  2. What does “gleaming” mean? “Its gleaming new hotels can accommodate 20,000 guests.” Use this word in a sentence. Give 2 synonyms/similar expressions.
  3. What does “feat” mean? “He also said it was one of the country’s “greatest feats” of the year.” Use this word in a sentence. Give 2 synonyms/similar expressions.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What was your reaction to North Korea’s first beach resort open to foreign tourists?
  2. What could be the benefits and disadvantages of North Korea opening up for tourism?
  3. Would it be interesting for you to visit this beach resort given a chance? Why or why not?
  4. What things has your country/government done to expand its travel sector?
  5. Do you like staying at beach resorts? Why or why not?

France Bans Smoking for Tobacco-Free Generation

B1 – Intermediate 

France aims to create a tobacco-free generation by 2032. In order to do this, the government has banned smoking, especially in public places, particularly in spaces where children usually stay in such as parks, schools, etc.

Read the article about the smoking ban in France in hopes of a tobacco-free generation.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2507/250703-tobacco-free-generation.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Define “passive smoking”. “The new smoking ban is to protect children from passive smoking.” Use this term in a sentence. Give 2 synonyms/similar expressions.
  2. What does “to break the law” mean? “Any smoker who lights up a cigarette in public will be breaking the law.” Use this phrase in a sentence. Give 2 synonyms/similar expressions.
  3. What does “disorder” mean in this context, “One large survey found that 30-40 percent of individuals will have a clinically significant sleep disorder in their lifetime.” Use this word in a sentence. Give 2 synonyms/similar expressions.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What comes to your mind when you hear the word “tobacco”?
  2. What was your reaction to the smoking ban in France?
  3. Do you agree or disagree with this, “Tobacco must disappear from places where there are children … a park, a beach, a school. These are places to play, learn, and breathe; not for smoking.”? Share your thoughts.
  4. Is it possible for your country to create a tobacco-free generation? Share your views on this goal.
  5. “Smoking is slowly falling in France.” Is it the same in your country? Why do you think this is?