Tag: B2 – Upper intermediate

Digital Euro: the Future of Cash in Europe

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

Money has evolved rapidly in recent years, with digital payments through cards and mobile phones increasingly replacing cash.

In response, the European Central Bank is developing the digital euro, a form of electronic public money designed to offer a secure and reliable way to make digital transactions.

Read the article to know more about the digital Euro.

https://theconversation.com/what-is-the-digital-euro-a-guide-to-the-future-of-cash-in-europe-280055

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “solvency” mean? “It will be a balance that does not depend on the solvency of any financial institution.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  2. What does “monetary sovereignty” mean? “In February 2026, the European Parliament formally endorsed the digital euro project, describing it as essential to strengthening EU monetary sovereignty.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  3. What does “to lead the pack” mean? “China leads the pack with its digital yuan – also known as the digital renminbi – which has seen more than 7 trillion yuan in transactions and is used in over 26 cities.” Use the idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on the digital euro and digital currencies in general?
  2. What might the implications of the digital euro be for ordinary people and Europe’s financial systems?
  3. What issues do you foresee with the digital euro?
  4. Share your insights on this statement: “Europe is not alone in this pursuit, as more than 130 countries are exploring or have already launched their own digital currencies.”
  5. Do you think the European Central Bank can roll out the digital euro by 2029? Share your thoughts.

Tighter Immigration Controls in Japan

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

Japan recorded a record 42.4 million foreign arrivals and 4.13 million foreign residents in 2025 while tightening immigration enforcement under its “Zero Plan.”

Overstayers declined for a second year, deportations and entry denials increased, and asylum applications fell as screening became stricter. 

Despite tougher controls, tourism and regional travel continued to surge, raising questions about how Japan will balance stricter enforcement with its growing need for foreign workers amid population decline.

Listen to the audio and read the article about Japan’s tighter immigration controls yielding results.

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/04/09/japan/society/immigration-control-data

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “overstayer” mean? “The government aims to cut asylum processing times to six months by 2030 and reduce the number of illegal overstayers to zero.” Use the word in a sentence in this context. Give a synonym. 
  2. What does “humanitarian ground” mean? “Japan granted refugee status to 187 people in 2025, while 474 were given complementary protection and 525 were allowed to stay on humanitarian grounds.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  3. What does “recognition rate for refugees” mean? “Recognition rates for refugees remain low. ” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why has the number of foreign arrivals increased in Japan despite stricter immigration controls?
  2. What are your insights on Japan’s Zero Illegal Foreign Residents Plan?
  3. Do you think stricter immigration policies can effectively reduce illegal overstayers without discouraging tourism and foreign workers?
  4. What are the possible advantages and disadvantages of faster asylum processing and expanded deportation efforts?
  5. Should Japan prioritize stronger border enforcement or a more welcoming immigration system to address labor shortages?

Companies in China Cannot Fire Workers to Replace Them with AI

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

An employee surnamed Zhou held a quality assurance role at a tech firm. The company, pointing to AI-driven improvements and a need for efficiency, tried to move Zhou to a different role and reduce their monthly salary from 25,000 yuan (about US$3,655) to 15,000 yuan. After Zhou refused the salary reduction, the company terminated their employment.

Zhou quickly filed for labour arbitration and requested compensation for being unfairly dismissed.

The court found that the new role, with its significant pay cut, was not a reasonable offer for reassignment. As a result, it ruled the firing illegal and ordered the company to compensate the employee.

Read the article about the Chinese court ruling prohibiting firms to lay off workers on AI grounds.

https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/international/global/companies-cannot-fire-workers-replace-them-ai-china-courts-rule

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to be hinged on something” mean? “The dispute largely hinged on whether eliminating a job through AI adoption constitutes an objective major change in circumstances under China’s Labour Contract Law.” Use the idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  2. Differentiate “arbitration”, “mediation”, and “litigation”. “According to the country’s Labour Dispute Mediation and Arbitration Law, parties must first take their disagreements to mediation and arbitration commissions; if dissatisfied with the verdict, they can then pursue litigation.” Use each term in a sentence. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. Share your insights on Zhou’s case and the court’s ruling. 
  2. Should companies be prohibited from firing employees simply to replace them with cost-saving artificial intelligence? Share your opinion.
  3. What are your thoughts on this, “If AI restructuring is necessary, corporations should prioritise retraining staff.”?
  4. How can workers’ rights be protected against AI?
  5. Do you believe AI will create more jobs than it replaces in the future? Explain your answer.

Soft Socializing

B2 – Upper Intermediate

At a time when socializing can sometimes feel overwhelming or exhausting, the idea of “soft socializing” offers a more relaxed and meaningful way to connect with others.

In “What Is Soft Socializing?”, America Edwards explains that low-pressure, activity-based interactions can help people build and maintain relationships without the stress of constant conversation or social performance. Through shared activities and simple everyday moments, soft socializing shows that connection can be natural, sustainable, and just as meaningful.

Read this article to know more about soft socializing.

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-ties-that-connect-us/202604/what-is-soft-socializing

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Define “parallel playing“. “Think craft nights, book clubs, casual walks, or simply parallel playing.” Make a sentence with this term. Give a similar expression.
  2. What does “for something to unfold” mean?  Soft socializing creates the conditions for that process to unfold naturally.” Use this expression in a sentence. Give a similar expression.
  3. What is a “social biome“? “Recent work by Jeffrey A. Hall and Andy J. Merolla reframes this idea through what they call the social biome.” Make a sentence with this. Give a similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your opinion on soft socializing?
  2. Do you think people can build strong relationships through low-pressure activities? Why or why not?
  3. Do you think meaningful connection always requires deep conversation? Why or why not?
  4. Would soft socializing be popular in your culture or community? Why do you think so?
  5. What are some examples of low-pressure social activities that you have partaken in? How was your experience?

Confessions of a Former Body Positivity Influencer

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Many people on the internet quickly judge and scorn people with bigger bodies, thinking of them as lazy and less deserving of personhood. In response, many influencers promote body positivity, encouraging fat and obese people to love themselves at any size. However, loving yourself doesn’t always mean taking care of yourself. Instead of using positivity as simple encouragement, many people and influencers have taken body positivity as a message to ignore their health.

Watch the video about the confessions of a former body positivity influencer.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “run for the hills” mean? “It was actually something people found disgusting. “Run for the hills. It’s Fatzilla! ” Use this idiom in a sentence. Give a similar expression.
  2. What does “stayed silent” mean?“I was scared to say the wrong thing, so I stayed silent..”  Use this expression in a sentence. Give a similar expression.
  3. What does “to brand someone a pariah” mean? “The body positivity community branded me a pariah, and so I left.” Use this term in a sentence. Give a similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the positive and negative effects of body positivity?
  2. In your opinion, can body positivity and healthy living coexist? If yes, how?
  3. Have you witnessed real examples of fatphobia toward others or yourself? If so, elaborate on your experiences.
  4. What are the positive and negative effects of body positivity
  5. Share your thoughts on this statement: “Not every fat person is unhealthy, and not every skinny person is healthy.”

Psychology of People Who Don’t Post their Photos on Social Media

B2 – Upper Intermediate

This video introduces an engaging topic and presents its main idea in a simple and clear manner. It quickly captures the viewer’s attention by explaining why the subject matters and what can be learned from it.

Through easy-to-follow explanations, the video helps viewers understand the key message while encouraging them to think about how it connects to real-life situations. It sets the stage for a deeper discussion and leaves a strong first impression.

Watch the video and learn more about the psychology behind people who don’t post their photos on social media.

Vocabulary Questions: 

  1. What does “to seek validation ” mean? “While most people seek validation through likes and comments, they rely on self validation.” Give a synonym. Use the term in a sentence. 
  2. What does “internal locus of evaluation” mean? “People who stay quiet online have developed a strong internal locus of evaluation, trusting their own intuition over the criticism of others.” Give a synonym. Use the term in a sentence.
  3. What does “grounded”  mean here: “Don’t assume they are antisocial. They might just be more grounded, emotionally intelligent, and self-aware than most people online.“? Give a synonym. Use the term in a sentence. 

Discussion Questions: 

  1. Why do you think some people choose not to post their photos on social media?
  2. Do you agree that people who don’t post often have stronger self-esteem? Why or why not?
  3. How does social media affect the way people compare themselves to others?
  4. Which idea from the video do you find the most interesting or surprising?
  5. Do you think privacy is more important than popularity in today’s world? Why or why not?

Press Freedom at Lowest Level

B1 – Intermediate 

According to a report by the Reporters Without Borders, press freedom is at its lowest level in 25 years.

In most countries, press freedom is “problematic” or very bad. Only countries in northern and western Europe have good press freedom.

The report says pressure on journalists is increasing. Governments are limiting the media. Some countries use laws to control reporting.

Read the article about press freedom being at its lowest level in 25 years.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2605/260504-press-freedom.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Define “press freedom”. “Press freedom is at its lowest level in 25 years.” Use this term in a sentence. Give synonyms.
  2. What does “systematic policy” mean? “It says there was a “systematic policy” of attacks on journalists in the USA.” Use the term in a sentence. Give synonyms.
  3. What does “authoritarian tendency” mean? “Political pressure on the press is intensifying, authoritarian tendencies are growing, and the media market is heavily weakened.” Use the term in a sentence. Give synonyms.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts about the current state of press freedom?
  2. Why do you think press freedom is getting worse in many countries?
  3. Why is press freedom important in a country? What can happen if there is no press freedom?
  4. What problems do journalists have in your country?
  5. How can people support or protect journalists?
  6. How can press freedom be improved in the whole world?

Hantavirus Outbreak on Cruise Ship

B2 – Upper Intermediate

A cruise ship (MV Hondius) reported a suspected hantavirus outbreak three people died, several others infected. The ship was blocked from docking due to health risks.

Hantavirus spreads mainly through rodent droppings or urine WHO called it a “public health event”, but said global risk is low. Countries are coordinating medical evacuation and investigation.

Read the article about confirmed or suspected cases of hantavirus on the luxury cruise ship MV Hondius.

https://www.theguardian.com/science/2026/may/04/cruise-ship-suspected-hantavirus-outbreak-blocked-docking-cape-verde?

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to scramble” mean? “The statement on Monday came hours after global health officials said they were scrambling to investigate the suspected outbreak of hantavirus, a disease primarily found in rodents, on the cruise ship in the Atlantic.” Use it in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “stricken” mean? “On Monday the WHO said seven cases of hantavirus – a disease primarily found in rodents – were either confirmed or suspected as the stricken ship was held off west Africa with mostly British, American and Spanish passengers on board.” Use it in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “contact tracing” mean? “South Africa’s National Institute for Communicable Diseases was carrying out contact tracing in and around Johannesburg in order to assess whether people had been exposed to the infected passengers.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think should be the priority during this kind of medical incidents: is it protecting the passengers and crew of the ship or protecting the countries they want to dock in?
  2. If you were a passenger on the cruise ship, how would you feel about not being allowed to dock? What would you expect from the government?
  3. In your opinion, who should be more responsible in situations like this: the cruise company, the government, or global health organizations? Explain your answer.
  4. Do you still think that cruise ships are safe despite hearing about virus outbreaks like this? Why or why not?
  5. How can countries balance touristic activities (like cruises) with public health safety especially during a possible disease outbreak?

The Wealthy Always Leave Before the Room Empties

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

It’s rarely pointed out, but the way someone leaves a party can reveal a lot about their social standing.

Those with wealth are taught to view their time as inherently valuable, while others learn to keep contributing until they’re told they can stop.

And it doesn’t stop at parties—it shows up in workplaces, relationships, and even across societies.

Read the article about the hidden rule of power wherein how people leave a party reveals everything about class. 

https://medium.com/@elsamehary/why-the-wealthy-always-leave-before-the-music-stops-2f086a1df965

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to earn one’s keep” mean? “The rest of us are taught to earn our keep until we’re dismissed.” Use the idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  2. What does “the heartbeat of something” mean? “Priceless texts on science, law, astronomy, and philosophy — the intellectual heartbeat of a civilization — carried across deserts in metal trunks, boats, and even donkeys.” Use the expression in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  3. What does “to make space for something” mean? “When the lights come on and the room empties, someone still has to reset the chairs, sweep the floor, and make space for what’s next.” Use the phrase in a sentence in this context. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts this, “The unspoken lesson was clear: you don’t leave until the powerful say so.”?
  2. What do you think this means, “The wealthy preserve wealth by leaving early. The stewards preserve culture by staying behind.”? You may give situations where this is observed.
  3. Share your insight on this, “The wealthy are conditioned to believe their time has inherent value. The rest of us are taught to earn our keep until we’re dismissed.”
  4. What mindset would you say differentiates the wealthy from the Average Joes?
  5. Talk about an interaction you’ve had with a very wealthy individual. How did it go?

Surprising Things about Partying with Rich People

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

Sociologist Ashley Mears attended VIP parties to understand how wealthy people view extravagant spending that can seem excessive to others. She discovered a strange mix of money and beauty, shaped by traditional gender roles and a blend of enjoyment and exploitation. 

Read the article about some surprising things Ashley Mears discovered as she joined the world’s Very Important People at their parties.

Five Surprising Things I Learned from Partying with Rich People

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “hand-me-down” mean? “Over the next few years, I interviewed 44 promoters by day and followed them out at night, first in New York, and then in Miami, the Hamptons, and Cannes, donning the requisite four-inch high heels and a hand-me-down Chanel purse.” Use the idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  2. What does “spending spree” mean? “I joined the VIP party because I wanted to understand how the rich think about spending sprees that, to outsiders, border on ridiculous.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  3. What does “whale” mean here, “When the whales get to spending, the club feels electric: people cheer and take photos while beautiful cocktail waitresses carry sparkler-clad bottles of champagne to rich people’s tables.” Use the word in a sentence in this context. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on rich people’s high-priced art, yachts, and private planes, all broadcasted in lurid detail on their social media accounts?
  2. What can you say about this, “Rich people are ridiculous, and they know it.”?
  3. Share your thoughts on this: “Girls are currency, but it is most valuable to men.”
  4. Share your insight on this: “Through their looks, they could get close to what they and most other women are otherwise excluded from: economic power. In this exploitative arrangement, women are active participants, and seeking pleasure, too.”
  5. Do you think you would also find partying in this setting fun? Why or why not?