Tag: B2 – Upper intermediate

Spot a Fake Louis Vuitton Bag

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

Louis Vuitton is one of the most important brands in the fashion industry, and perhaps the world. Many can only dream about owning a bag or any item from the very expensive designer label.

So many are trying to imitate, make, and sell fake Louis Vuitton products.

The problem is that it is getting more and more difficult to know if they are authentic or not.

Watch the video how to difficult it is to tell an original Louis Vuitton bag from a fake one.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the word “sought-after” mean? “She sells Louis Vuitton, Chanel, and other sought-after brands.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘sought-after’ in your own sentence. 
  2. What does the phrase “telltale sign” mean? “Do they have items that no one else has, but all of a sudden, this website has them? Those are definite telltale signs.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘telltale sign’ in your own sentence.
  3. What does “run-of-the mill” mean? “This is your run-of-the-mill counterfeited piece with the Gucci.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘run-of-the mill’ in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How can the difficulty of spotting fake products affect the original brands?
  2. How can brands fight against counterfeiting?
  3. How can you tell if an item sold online is fake or not?
  4. Share your experience unintentionally buying a fake product on the internet.

Digital Twins Speed Up Drug Discovery

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Digital twins, which are virtual replicas of real-world systems, are being explored for their potential to transform drug discovery. This innovative technology could improve the efficiency of research and accelerate the process of developing new treatments, offering a promising approach to the pharmaceutical industry. By simulating biological systems, digital twins have the potential to change how drugs are developed, making the process more effective and streamlined.

Read this article to learn more about how digital twins can help reduce the number of injuries and deaths caused by medical devices.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cq8v73dkne3o

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “intersperse” mean? “Using biological data from real people, Sanofi creates AI-based simulated patients – not actual clones of specific individuals – that can be interspersed across the control and placebo groups within the trial.” Make a sentence and give a synonym.
  2. Define “next frontier“. “Powering the next generation of digital twins with accurate AI models of complex human biology is the next frontier.” Use this in a sentence.
  3. What does “a fraction of something” mean? “Even a fraction of those deaths – and the associated lawsuits – could have been avoided with more thorough testing.” Create a sentence with this.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What’s your opinion on digital twins?
  2. How do you feel about the idea of using digital twins to replace animal testing in drug development?
  3. What are the potential risks or limitations of using digital twins in drug development?
  4. In your opinion, what impact will digital twins have on patient safety and drug effectiveness?
  5. Do you think digital twins could eventually make clinical trials faster and more efficient, or do you believe traditional trials will always be needed in drug development?

Airships: The Future of Sustainable Travel

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Could airships be the key to sustainable air travel? With concerns over aviation’s environmental impact rising, these eco-friendly vehicles are being revisited as a possible solution. While they offer the promise of lower carbon emissions, questions about their practicality and cost-effectiveness remain.

Read the article to discover whether airships can provide a viable, greener alternative to modern air travel, or if they’re just a nostalgic dream.

https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20241204-could-the-airship-be-the-answer-to-sustainable-air-travel

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “at the height of luxury” mean? “The journey is expected to take two days and will be conducted at the height of luxury in an airship gondola decked out with panoramic windows, fine dining areas and opulent cabins containing eco-luxury beds that take in the views of the icebergs as you go.” Make a sentence with this.
  2. What is “a niche role”? “In my view, airships cannot replace aircraft but might have a niche role to play, like cruise ships, on slower journeys.” Create a sentence with this phrase.
  3. Define the expression, “poised to enter something”. “LTA – which stands for “Lighter Than Air” – is one of a handful of airship manufacturers around the world currently poised to enter the aviation market.” Use this in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What makes airships a potential solution for sustainable air travel?
  2. Do you believe airships could become a viable alternative to airplanes for long-distance travel?
  3. Should governments and industries invest more in the development of airships for sustainable travel?
  4. Would you consider traveling by airship if it were available as a sustainable option?
  5. Do you think the cost of building and operating airships would be justified by their environmental benefits?

Rage-Baiting

B2 – Upper Intermediate

In today’s world of social media and digital news, emotions drive engagement. Rage-baiting—content purposely designed to spark anger or outrage—has become a common tactic to exploit this. But what makes it so effective, and how does it generate profit for platforms and content creators?

Read this article to learn about the profits of rage-baiting.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c4gp555xy5ro

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “the grip something has on something else” mean? “But the grip negative content has on human psychology is something that is hardwired into us, according to Dr William Brady, who studies how the brain interacts with new technologies.” Make a sentence with this.
  2. Define “to come from a place of something”. “As marketing podcaster Andrea Jones notes: ‘A hook reflects what’s in that piece of content and comes from a place of trust, whereas rage-baiting content is designed to be manipulative.’” Use this in a sentence.
  3. What is the meaning of “to bask in something”? “Winta is part of a growing group of online creators making ‘rage bait’ content, where the goal is simple: record videos, produce memes and write posts that make other users viscerally angry, then bask in the thousands, or even millions, of shares and likes.” Make a sentence with this expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are some common examples of rage-baiting content?
  2. Do you think rage-baiting is a harmful tactic in social media, or is it just part of the game? Share your thoughts.
  3. How can users recognize and avoid falling for rage-baiting content?
  4. Is it fair to say that social media platforms profit from user outrage, or is it a natural result of user behavior? Explain your stand.
  5. In your opinion, what could be done to promote healthier online engagement, aside from limiting rage-baiting?

Manage Your Mental Health During the Holidays

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The festive season can heighten emotions and stress levels, but proactive steps can help maintain a positive outlook.

Read the article below to help ensure a more peaceful and enjoyable Christmas season.

https://www.verywellmind.com/ways-to-manage-your-mental-health-during-the-holidays-6889414

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to get too deep into something” mean? “Before you get too deep into holiday planning and celebrations, pause and ask yourself what you want the holidays to be like this year.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “overindulgence” mean? ” From eating or drinking too much, to spending too much, or even scrolling too much, overindulgence takes a toll on your well-being.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “to feel sluggish” mean? “Or maybe you love to eat holiday chocolates, cookies, and candy. But, you regret your decisions when you feel sluggish from a sugar crash later.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are some realistic expectations you could set for yourself during the holiday season to avoid feeling overwhelmed?
  2. How do you usually stay connected with loved ones during the holidays, and do you find it helps your mental well-being?
  3. What are some self-care activities you enjoy that could help reduce stress during the festive season?
  4. Have you ever found social media affecting your holiday experience? How might taking breaks from it improve your mood?

Maintain Positive Mental Well-Being During Christmas Season

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The holiday season can be both joyful and challenging, with unique pressures that can affect mental well-being.

To protect your mental health this Christmas, read the following tips in the article below.

https://www.psychreg.org/how-maintain-positive-mental-well-being-during-christmas-season/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to offer a respite” mean? “Engaging in activities that promote well-being, such as exercise, meditation, or pursuing hobbies, can offer a respite from holiday pressures.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “bittersweet” mean? ” It’s also a period where the absence of loved ones is felt more acutely, making it a bittersweet time for many.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “sense of community” mean? “Sharing your experiences with others who understand can be incredibly therapeutic and provide a sense of community and understanding.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are some realistic expectations you could set for yourself during the holiday season to avoid feeling overwhelmed?
  2. How do you usually stay connected with loved ones during the holidays, and do you find it helps your mental well-being?
  3. What are some self-care activities you enjoy that could help reduce stress during the festive season?
  4. Have you ever found social media affecting your holiday experience? How might taking breaks from it improve your mood?

Tech that Refuses to Die

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

Technology is constantly changing. That is perhaps the most exciting thing about it. However, do you notice how there are some old pieces of technology that we keep using up to now? 

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about some old technology that refuse to be obsolete.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2024/ep-241017

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “wind up” mean? “Conditions on Venus mean that ordinary electronics simply won’t work. That’s why Jonathan built a clockwork rover, a machine with springs and wheels inside which works when it’s wound up with a key.” Use this phrase in a sentence.
  2. What does “clockwork” mean? “Conditions on Venus mean that ordinary electronics simply won’t work. That’s why Jonathan built a clockwork rover, a machine with springs and wheels inside which works when it’s wound up with a key.” Use this word in a sentence.
  3. What does “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” mean, “Yes, it seems that some old technology just refuses to die – maybe because people still love it, or maybe because of the old English proverb, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”? Use this expression in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are some reasons for not updating technology in some cases?
  2. Do you think the old English proverb, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” applies to technology? Explain your thoughts on this.
  3. What old tech that you see are still being used in your city? How about in your company?
  4. What technology you never want to be obsolete? Why?
  5. Which obsolete piece of technology do you wish we still use until now? Why?

Trusting Ancestry DNA Kits

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

Many have been very curious about their ancestry. So they turn to DNA ancestry kits to trace the origins of their family.

The question is just how accurate is DNA ancestry tracing.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript on whether or not we can trust DNA ancestry kits.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2024/ep-241205

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to take (it) with a pinch of salt” mean? “Not so long ago I sent off a home DNA testing kit and the results that came back were broadly in line with expectations, but it had some little glitches in there which made me think, is this accurate? Or is it to be taken with a pinch of salt?” Use this idiom in a sentence.
  2. What does “forebears” mean? “So ‘ancestry’ is really about people, it’s about your actual forebears.” Use this word in a sentence.
  3. What does “to blow one’s mind” mean here, “The second company’s DNA test blows Greg’s mind. There’s no evidence of his ancestors being English at all!”? Use this expression in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Should DNA ancestry kits be taken with a pinch of salt? Share your insights.
  2. Is tracing our genealogy important? Why or why not?
  3. Would you be interested to research about your roots? Why or why not?
  4. Share the most interesting thing you know of about any of your forebears.

Australia Bans Social Media for Children Under 16

B2 – Upper Intermediate

In December 2024, Australia introduced a strict new law that stops children under 16 from using social media. The goal is to protect kids from dangers like online bullying and mental health problems. Big platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook could be fined up to 50 million AUD ($33 million USD) if they don’t block underage users. Unlike other countries, Australia won’t make exceptions for parents giving permission, and old accounts won’t be allowed to stay active.

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

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the informal phrase “I got your back” mean? “Banning social media use for children under 16 is the strictest regulation of its kind globally. “We’ve got your back” is our message to Australian parents.” Make your own sentence using this expression.
  2. What does the word “loophole” mean? “Young Australians affected by the ban say they would resort to finding loopholes.” Use the word in a sentence.
  3. What does the idiom “to go behind one’s back” mean? “Teens are going to go behind their parents’ backs if they are banned from social media.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What potential benefits and drawbacks could arise from banning social media for children under 16 in Australia?
  2. Do you think banning social media for children under 16 is the best way to protect their mental health, or are there better alternatives?
  3. Should governments have the authority to restrict access to social media for specific age groups, or should this be a parental responsibility?
  4. How might this law affect the development of digital literacy and social skills among young people in Australia?

Apple’s New AirPods Are Also Hearing Aids

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Hearing loss can have a great impact on one’s quality of life.
While aging adults are more commonly affected by it, people of all ages can be affected too. There are several ways to deal with this condition such as cochlear implants or something less invasive such as assistive devices or hearing aids.

Let’s read the article and know more about this earphones that could be used as hearing aids.

https://edition.cnn.com/2024/09/10/tech/apple-airpods-pro-hearing-aids/index.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the “clinical grade” mean? “The company said the wireless headphones will double as clinical-grade over-the-counter hearing aids for those who need them.” Use it in your own sentence.
  2. What does the term “over-the-counter“? “Over-the-counter hearing aids, such as Apple’s offering, also are not a treatment for “severe or profound” hearing loss, according to the FDA.” Use it in a sentence and give two synonyms.
  3. What does the phrase “to open up the market” mean? “She had hoped for an announcement like Apple’s after the FDA opened up the market to over-the-counter offerings two years ago.” Use it in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on the hearing aid update for AirPods?
  2. What is your opinion on the importance of normalizing hearing aids?
  3. What health features or apps does your mobile phone have? What feature/s do you wish it had?
  4. Share your thoughts on this, “Today’s marketing authorization of an over-the-counter hearing aid software on a widely used consumer audio product is another step that advances the availability, accessibility and acceptability of hearing support for adults with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss.“.