Tag: B2 – Upper intermediate

Effective Communication in the Workplace

B2- Upper Intermediate 

Communication in the workplace is the communication you do at work about work. It is important to know how to communicate very well at work to avoid any miscommunication. Effective workplace communication is key in maintaining harmonious working relationships.

Read the article for some tips for effective communication in the workplace.

Be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://extension.psu.edu/effective-communication-in-the-workplace

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “hold one’s temper” mean? “Hold your temper. An angry person takes the wrong meaning from words.” Use this idiom in a sentence and give 2 synonyms or similar expressions.
  2. Explain what a “town hall meeting”is. “Hold town hall meetings and cross-functional check-ins.” Use this term in a sentence.
  3. What does “cross-functional check-in” mean, “Hold town hall meetings and cross-functional check-ins.”  Use this term in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why does workplace communication matter?
  2. What are some strategies to have effective workplace communication?
  3. How does your company make sure that an effective communication in the workplace exist? How can it still be improved?
  4. Share your insights on this, “Effective communication in the workplace is all about where, how, and when you’re communicating.”
  5. What is your opinion on this statement, “Teams that know how to communicate effectively about work are better prepared for difficult situations.”?

The Country that Measures Happiness

B2- Upper Intermediate 

Bhutan is perhaps one of the only few countries that put a huge emphasis on its people’s happiness. While this has been admired all over the globe, the country also faces some challenges.

For a long time, Bhutan remained isolate from the rest of the countries. They were never colonized so they were able to keep their Buddhist culture and traditions intact.

However, the King wanted to introduce modernization into the country while still preserving its traditional culture and natural environment. This is when he invited experts from other countries to develop the idea of Gross National Happiness.

Listen to the audio and read the transcript about Bhutan’s Gross National Happiness.

Be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2025/250306

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to take center stage” mean? “Unlike other Asian countries, Bhutan was never colonised, so its Buddhist culture and traditions are intact – they’re complete and unspoiled. As a result, the happiness of Bhutan’s people took centre stage, it became the most important thing.” Use this phrase in a sentence and give 2 synonyms or similar expressions.
  2. What does “brain drain” mean? “As well as being a futuristic eco-city, the Mindfulness City hopes to stop Bhutan’s brain drain by attracting workers back home to Bhutan.” Use this term in a sentence and give 2 synonyms or similar expressions.
  3. Explain “social fabric”. “So, his idea was: ‘How could we modernise and open our country without losing its culture, its environment, and its very strong social fabric?’” Use this term in a sentence and give 2 synonyms or similar expressions.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are some things that make you happy?
  2. “Happiness means different things to different people.” Share your thoughts on this.
  3. What is your opinion about Bhutan’s Gross National Happiness or GNH? Do you think the government in every country should do the same? Explain.
  4. What can you say about The Mindfulness City? Is there a city in your country that is a lot like it? Talk about this place.
  5. “Briefly, Gross National Happiness means preserving Bhutan’s natural environment and culture through sustainable and eco-friendly development. Bhutan’s government sees these goals as more important than growing the economy at any cost.” Share your perspective on this.

Tesla’s Challenges Run Deeper than Toxic Controversy around Elon Musk

B2- Upper Intermediate 

Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s controversial views and actions as of late have not been taken all too well by many. From Department for Government Efficiency (DOGE)’s  radical reforms and axing to a video appearance at a far-right Alternative für Deutschland party rally, and some online attacks on British politicians, Musk has been in the center of everything.

All this is causing a huge public backlash against Tesla. This may have contributed in the company’s decline in sales. 

Read this article about how Tesla’s problems run deeper than the controversies revolving Elon Musk.

Be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cz61vwjel2zo

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “unequivocal” mean? “Musk has also been unequivocal in his response. “This level of violence is insane and deeply wrong,” he said in a recent interview with Fox News. “Tesla just makes electric cars and has done nothing to deserve these evil attacks.”.” Use this word in a sentence and give 2 synonyms or similar expressions.
  2. What does “at the helm” mean? “And if that is the case, can Tesla really build on its past success with Musk remaining at the helm?” Use this idiom in a sentence and give 2 synonyms or similar expressions.
  3. What is a “figurehead”? “Musk, the figurehead of the company, has driven this all forward, since he joined Tesla in 2004 as its chairman and principal funder.” Use this term in a sentence and give 2 synonyms or similar expressions.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How do you think Tesla will be affected by Musk’s views and involvement in the Trump administration?
  2. How can Tesla retain its position as the world’s best-selling maker of electric vehicles (EVs)?
  3. This violence against US showrooms should be treated as “domestic terrorism”. What is your opinion on this?
  4. If you were an EV enthusiast, would you stop supporting TESLA because of these controversies Musk have been entangled with recently? Explain.
  5. Does the company leaders or businesses’ views and actions affect your support of or loyalty to a brand? Why or why not?

The Robots Are Coming for Your Job Sooner Than You Think

B2 – Upper Intermediate

AI is advancing rapidly, and researcher Adam Dorr warns it will soon replace not just repetitive tasks, but entire professions. As automation spreads, industries will transform faster than expected, forcing societies to rethink jobs and the economy.

Read the article about the risks and possibilities of AI dominance, from job losses to a future of abundance and be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/technology/the-robots-are-coming-for-your-job-sooner-than-you-think-ai-researcher/ar-AA1Afk7w

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “stark warning” mean? “For those clinging to the belief that automation and robots are still decades away from significantly impacting the workforce, Adam Dorr, director of research at the think tank RethinkX, has a stark warning: this change is going to be fundamental, and it’s coming faster than nearly anyone thinks.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ’stark warning’ in your own sentence.
  2. What does “at a breakneck pace” mean? “The future of AI isn’t a distant possibility—it’s already here, Dorr says, reshaping industries at a breakneck pace.” Use it in a sentence and give 2 synonyms.
  3. What does “watershed event” mean? “AI will not remain confined to a computer, Dorr said, arguing that one of the big watershed events on the horizon will be the marriage of advanced AI with robotics.”  Use it in a sentence and give 2 synonyms.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How do you feel about Adam Dorr’s prediction that AI will automate entire professions faster than expected? Do you think his timeline is realistic? Why or why not?
  2. The article suggests that AI will take over jobs gradually by replacing tasks first. How might this impact job training and career planning for future generations?
  3. Dorr envisions a future where AI eliminates scarcity and makes human labor optional. Do you think this is an achievable utopian vision, or are there obstacles that could prevent it?
  4. The rise of AI-driven automation could increase economic inequality if controlled by a few powerful entities. What steps can governments or businesses take to ensure that AI benefits everyone?
  5. With AI advancing rapidly, some experts propose solutions like universal basic income (UBI) to support displaced workers. Do you think UBI is a viable solution? Explain. Or are there better ways to address job displacement? If so, what are they?

Trump Wants to End Penny Production

B2 – Upper Intermediate

President Donald Trump recently proposed ending the production of the penny, reigniting a long-running debate. Supporters argue that eliminating the one-cent coin could save the government money and reduce inefficiencies, while opponents believe it could lead to rounding issues and impact charitable donations. Is it time to say goodbye to the penny, or does it still have a place in our pockets?

Watch the video and be able to answer the questions below.


Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is “seigniorage“? “The coin has had a negative seigniorage for almost 20 years and part of the reason for the increased production cost is the metal, in this case, zinc, has gotten more expensive.” Use the word in a sentence.
  2. What does the phrase “round off ” mean? “Canada rounds off all cash transactions to the nearest 5 cents interval.” Make a sentence using the phrase.
  3. What does the word “mint” mean here, “Last year, the mint lost more than $85 million tom make more than 3 billion pennies.“? Use the word in a sentence.


Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think eliminating the penny would have a significant impact on everyday transactions? Why or why not?
  2. Should sentimental or historical value be a factor in deciding whether to keep the penny? Explain.
  3. Would rounding prices to the nearest nickel be fair to consumers and businesses? Explain.
  4. How do the costs of producing pennies compare to their actual usefulness in today’s economy?
  5. What potential effects could removing the penny have on low-income individuals and cash-based transactions?
  6. How have other countries handled getting rid of low-denomination coins, and what lessons can the U.S. learn from them?

CEO Tells Parents to Keep Kids Off Roblox

B2- Upper Intermediate 

Roblox is an online game platform that was created in 2004 and released in 2006. In the UK, the site is the most popular among gaming enthusiasts from ages eight to 12.

Amidst allegations that children using the platform are constantly exposed to explicit or harmful contents, the company’s CEO Dave Baszucki advised parents to keep their children off the site if they have concerns over their safety.

Read this article about Roblox CEO’s message to parents.

Be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c5yrjkl7dd6o

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “dogged” mean? “The site, which is the most popular in the UK among young gamers aged eight to 12, has been dogged by claims of some children being exposed to explicit or harmful content through its games, alongside multiple reported allegations of bullying and grooming.” Use this word in a sentence and give 2 synonyms or similar expressions.
  2. What does “counter-intuitive” mean? “That sounds a little counter-intuitive, but I would always trust parents to make their own decisions.” Use this word in a sentence and give 2 synonyms or similar expressions.
  3. What does “with the best will in the world” mean? “There are parental controls, and our users would urge constant parental supervision. But we all know that with the best will in the world, life sometimes gets in the way.” Use this idiom in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your opinion on this statement by Roblox CEO Dave Baszucki? “My first message would be, if you’re not comfortable, don’t let your kids be on Roblox.” 
  2. How do you think this statement could affect the company? 
  3. What can companies and parents alike do to ensure children’s safety on gaming platforms?
  4. Do you agree or disagree with what Ellie Gibson said that Mr. Baszucki’s message risked sounding “a bit of a get out”? Share your thoughts.
  5. If a site or app a child is using is dogged by claims of kids’ exposure to explicit or harmful contents, what should their parents do?

Singapore’s Sewage Beer

B2 – Upper Intermediate

When it comes to creative beverages, Singapore has taken things to a whole new level with its unconventional yet sustainable drink — sewage beer. This innovative brew is crafted using recycled wastewater, turning what might seem unappealing into a clean, safe, and environmentally friendly product.

Read this article to know how this unusual idea came about.

https://www.euronews.com/green/2024/11/21/sewage-is-the-secret-ingredient-in-singapores-beer-a-country-with-no-natural-water-resourc

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “ramp up” mean? “Authorities have said they need to ramp up all water sources, as demand is expected to double by 2065.” Make a sentence with this.
  2. What’s the meaning of “hail from“? “Rummel told onlookers he was in a good position to judge beer, as he hailed from Munich, Germany, home to the Oktoberfest beer festival.” Use this in a sentence.
  3. Define “biennial“. “The idea was to showcase treated wastewater at the country’s biennial International Water Week.” Give two synonyms and make a sentence with this word.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think about this type of beer? Would you try it? Why or why not?
  2. Do you think other countries should try this idea? How could it help them?
  3. How does this type of beer help the environment?
  4. Share your thoughts on this statement, “It’s important not to use the term ‘wastewater’ and instead call it ‘used water.‘“.
  5. Have you heard of any other drinks or products made using recycled water? What do you think about them?

The ‘Golden Handcuffs’ of High-Earning Jobs

B2- Upper Intermediate 

Perhaps one of the things that entice people to high-paying corporate jobs is the privileges that come with that job title. A fat paycheck, for one, remains a strong drive to pursue and persevere in such positions no matter the toll it could take on one’s personal life.

However, isn’t it a cliche that the bigger pay one receives, the greater the responsibilities put on their shoulders, which comes at a price of sacrificing their quality of life.

Unfortunately, it is very difficult to break free from the “golden handcuffs” of a top-tier salary.

Read this article about the so-called “golden handcuffs” of a six-figure payday.

Be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20240221-workers-shake-off-golden-handcuffs

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Explain “golden handcuffs” in this context, “While some can shake off golden handcuffs for a healthier work-life balance, others find them nearly impossible to walk away from – and pay the price.” Use this term in a sentence.
  2. What does “to be at someone’s whim” mean? “Handsome compensation means employees are at the company’s whim.” Use this phrase in a sentence and give 2 synonyms or similar expressions.
  3. What does “to push someone over the edge” mean? “He says on top of “a poor work-life balance, the long hours negatively impacting my relationship, the bullying culture,” he didn’t see a path to promotion, which pushed him over the edge.” Use this idiom in a sentence and give 2 synonyms or similar expressions.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Have you ever been in a situation where you thought this way, “You accept those conditions in return for such a high salary – that’s the game. If you’re not working 12 hours straight, the response is ‘you’re being paid this much, so you have to’.”? Talk about it.
  2. Do you think this is fair, “Higher up the chain, the financial packages sweeten – and the golden handcuffs tighten.“? Share your point of view.
  3. Share your insights on this, “It’s more than a salary you’re tied to: it’s also lifestyle, friendship group and sense of worth.”.
  4. “These financial packages will be here to stay – and in an uncertain economy, more workers may end up sticking it out, no matter the circumstances.” Share your thoughts on this statement.
  5. How important is high compensation and job prestige for you personally?

Focusing on Neurodiverse Talent

B2- Upper Intermediate 

In this interview with global vice chair of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusiveness (DEI) Karyn Twaronite of Ernst & Young’s (EY), she talks about how tapping into the pool of neurodiverse talents benefits not only the workers, but also the company.

Read this article about how focusing on neurodiverse workers can help benefit both businesses and employees.

Be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20240320-ey-karyn-twaronite-neurodiversity-bbc-executive-interview

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to climb the ranks” mean? “Throughout more than 30 years – all spent at Ernst & Young, now EY – Twaronite has climbed the ranks, rotating through different departments.” Use this phrase in a sentence and give 2 synonyms or similar expressions.
  2. What does “to keep someone on one’s toes” mean? “Today, as EY’s global vice chair of diversity, equity and inclusiveness, she oversees DEI programmes for 400,000 people across 150 countries. The group, says Twaronite, is around 80% Gen Z and millennial workers, average age about 27. “That keeps us on our toes innovation-wise.” Use this idiom in a sentence and give 2 synonyms or similar expressions.
  3. What does “all tides rise together” mean? “And this talent base has really been extremely beneficial for us, because all tides rise together on this population.” Use this expression in a sentence and give 2 synonyms or similar expressions.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Share your thoughts about hiring neurodiverse talent.
  2. What are the benefits and challenges that companies might face should they commit to inclusion for neurodiverse talent?
  3. Are companies in your country generally inclusive? Share something about this topic.
  4. What are some things your company does to embrace diversity, equity, and inclusiveness in the workplace?
  5. Is it important for you that a company you work for strive for diversity, equity, and inclusiveness? Explain. 

Genetic Risk Factors for Depression

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The study calculated 308 genes associated with a higher risk of depression and explored the impact of over 1,600 medications, identifying existing drugs like Pregabalin and Modafinil that could potentially treat depression. The findings aim to enhance the accuracy of predicting depression risks and diversify treatment options.

Read the article to know how experts welcomed the study’s diverse representation and emphasized addressing broader societal factors, such as poverty and racism, for depression prevention.

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2025/jan/14/scientists-find-hundreds-more-genetic-risk-factors-for-depression

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Explain the term “genetic risk factor”. ” A global study has identified 300 previously unknown genetic risk factors for depression because it included a much wider population sample.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “gene pool” mean? “Responding to the findings, Dr David Crepaz-Keay, the head of research and applied learning at the Mental Health Foundation, said that the study’s diverse gene pool was “a significant step forward” but that genetic risk factors should not be used as a definitive guide to treatment.
    “     Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does the word “cumulative” mean? “While each genetic risk factor for depression is very small, the cumulative impact for individuals with multiple DNA variants, can increase their risk, the study found.” Use it in a sentence and give 2 synonyms.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How do you feel about the idea that genetics play a significant role in depression?
  2. Does it change how you view mental health conditions?Now that researchers have identified hundreds of genetic risk factors for depression, do you think this will lead to more effective treatments in the near future?
  3. Would you consider taking a genetic test to assess your risk for depression if it could help with early intervention? Why or why not?
  4. Since genetics is only one factor in depression, what other influences—like environment, lifestyle, or stress—do you think play an equally important role?
  5. Share your thoughts on this, “Previous research into depression has primarily involved white, richer populations.“.