Tag: B2 – Upper intermediate

Mindfulness at Work

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Mindfulness at work involves bringing its practice into the professional setting to enhance focus, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being. It encourages present-moment awareness, stress reduction techniques, and better emotional regulation, ultimately fostering a positive work culture and improving individual and organizational performance.

Watch the video about some tips on how to practice mindfulness at work.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the word “disarm” mean in the sentence, “It’s going to disarm some issues that may be popping up because people know that you’re taking the time to figure out what they’re saying”? Think of a synonym and use this word in your own words.
  2. What does the expression “on the right note” mean in the phrase, “to get you started off on the right note“? Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does the expression “run high with something” mean in the sentence, “It takes any stress levels that you have which you’re usually running pretty high with and allows you to bring it down.” Use the expression in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How do you incorporate mindfulness into your daily work routine?
  2. How do you think mindfulness contributes to overall workplace well-being and employee satisfaction?
  3. How do you handle distractions or stressors at work while trying to maintain a mindful mindset?
  4. What advice would you give to someone who wants to start practicing mindfulness at work but doesn’t know where to begin?
  5. Share any mindfulness techniques or practices that have helped you stay focused and productive at work.

What Is Fintech? 

B2 – Upper Intermediate

In the past few years, the blending of money matters with technology has created a new and exciting field called fintech.

Fintech is changing how we do banking and manage money by using new technologies to come up with fresh ideas and challenge old ways of doing things in banks and other financial institutions. It’s brought us things like banking apps on our phones, places to trade digital money, ways to lend money directly to others online, and automated investment advice. Fintech is making financial services easier to use and available to more people, both individuals and businesses, than ever before.

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

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “disrupt” mean in this context, “Here at a major fintech conference in Amsterdam, hundreds of companies are trying to disrupt the banking and finance industries by changing the way we pay and borrow money.” Make a sentence using the word.
  2. What does the expression, “to go big on something” mean? “Some of the world’s biggest companies from Apple to Alibaba are going big on it, too.” Use the expression in a sentence.
  3. What does ” to default on a loan” mean? “Compared to traditional banks, these services might not be required to set aside as much money in case customers default on their loans.” Use the phrase in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How has fintech changed the way we interact with and manage our finances on a day-to-day basis?
  2. What do you think are the most significant benefits of fintech for consumers and businesses?
  3. Do you believe that traditional financial institutions will be able to keep up with the pace of innovation brought by fintech companies? Share some insights.
  4. In your opinion, what are the potential risks or drawbacks associated with relying heavily on fintech for managing personal or business finances?
  5. Do you think fintech has the potential to bridge the gap in financial inclusion and provide services to underserved populations? Why or why not?

Financial Literacy Education

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Financial literacy is defined by Investopedia as the ability to understand and use various financial skills, including personal financial management, budgeting, and investing. This form of literacy is not highlighted in many societies around the globe, or maybe because of its diminished importance, many of us are not as concerned about it.

We frequently hear people lamenting the lack of financial education they receive, or more precisely, the lack of instruction or exposure to budgeting techniques, which they believe has contributed to the financial instability that the majority of Americans currently experience—or perhaps that of the global populace as a whole.

To find out more about why financial literacy instruction in the US is so bad, watch the video.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is the meaning of “driving force“? “And that lack of literacy is one driving force behind the financial instability a lot of American face.”Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘driving force’ in your own sentence.
  2. Do you know what “to take a crack at something” means? “Your history teacher might have taken a crack at teaching you about credit card debt.” Construct your own sentence using this phrase.
  3. What is the meaning of “trickle up”?“Financial education has a trickle up effect on students’ families and even the classes’ teachers.” Use it in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is financial literacy and how important is it in the society?
  2. Should financial literacy be taught at schools? Share your thoughts.
  3. Do you believe that having financial literacy would make people’s lives better? Elaborate on your response.
  4. What is a suitable age to start learning financial management? And why?

The ‘Ninis’: No School, No Job and No More Bank of Mum and Dad?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Parental obligations usually end legally when the child reaches the age of 18. By law, parents are required to support their young children by providing them food, shelter, clothing, education, etc. However, parents feel responsible for their children’s actions or inactions even if they are already grown-ups.

Let’s read the article and know more about these young adults in Spain whom parents can’t seem to get rid of.

https://www.theguardian.com/world/shortcuts/2016/jun/06/spain-ninis-no-school-job-bank-mum-dad

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is the meaning of the word “bankrolling” mean? “Spain’s Nini generation are the equivalent of the UK’s Neets – but they may be about to experience some tough love from their bankrolling parents.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. Define the word “upkeep“. “Instead, their parents have been required to pay for their upkeep.” Use it in your own sentence and give two synonyms.
  3. What does the expression “to squabble over something” mean? “You know how divorced couples often squabble over who gets custody of the children?” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. In your opinion, what factors contribute to these young people becoming “ninis”?
  2. How can this be prevented or resolved?
  3. What is your stand on the parents’ right to abandon their “nini” children?

Cold Weather Makes You Sick

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Our parents and grandparents often warn us about dressing appropriately in cold weather to avoid getting sick. We tend to believe them because there seems to be more cases of cold and flu cases at this time of the year. However, medical experts have explained that the cold weather alone is not the culprit.

Let’s watch the video and read the article to find out how people get sick when the temperature drops.

https://www.euronews.com/my-europe/2024/02/21/fact-check-can-cold-weather-actually-make-you-sick

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the idiom “old wives’ tale” mean? “You’ve probably heard of the old wives’ tale that you should cover up once the temperatures drop.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What is the meaning of the adverb “suppressed“? “In some respects, when we’re exposed to cold air, we can think that our immune system is suppressed.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘suppressed’ in your own sentence.
  3. Define the phrase “fend off“. “Well, one legacy of the COVID pandemic was the popularisation of one important device for fending off these pesky germs: a face mask.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘fend off’ in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is the connection between cold weather and falling ill?
  2. How can one protect oneself against viruses during winter?
  3. How do you feel/What do you think about wearing a mask in winter?
  4. What are your thoughts on topical nasal medications?
  5. What other medical myths have you heard of?

Job Plateau

B2 – Upper Intermediate

When you hold a job that’s just alright, it can pose challenges. As time passes, you may become accustomed to the routine, yet advancement in your career remains gradual. This feeling of being at a standstill is known as a ‘job plateau’. It emerges when you start feeling disconnected or uninterested in your job after a while.

Read this article to learn the signs that you’ve hit your ‘job plateau’.

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/job-plateau-career-question_l_65e0dfc9e4b0d2a24758851f

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to hit the job plateau” mean? “Don’t ignore the warnings that you’ve hit your job plateau.” Use this expression in a sentence.
  2. What does “to coast along” mean? “That kind of thing can keep you coasting along for a really long time.” Use this phrase in a sentence.
  3. What does “to go through the motions” mean? “Oftentimes when people are in a plateau, they’re not really thinking about it. They’re just going through the motions more than anything.” Use this phrase in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Have you experienced a sense of being stuck and unable to advance in your career, similar to what’s known as a job plateau? How did you identify this phase?
  2. Despite recognizing the need to leave a job plateau, why do individuals often choose to remain in that state?
  3. How do you typically manage feelings of stagnation or monotony in your job, similar to those associated with a job plateau?
  4. What criteria do you use to distinguish between a temporary rough patch in your job and a more prolonged period of being in a job plateau?
  5. When faced with significant decisions like whether to stay in a job plateau or seek new opportunities, what steps do you take to navigate through the dilemma?

The Environmental Impact of Online Shopping

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Online shopping offers unparalleled convenience, but hides significant environmental impact, from packaging waste to increased carbon emissions. While it may seem more environmentally-friendly than traditional in-store shopping, this perception isn’t always accurate.

Read this article to learn more about the environmental impact of online shopping.

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/environmental-impact-online-shopping-carrybagslimited/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “a way of life” mean? “We are living in a world where online shopping is becoming a way of life, resulting in a global supply chain that is unable to recover, and our planet is being negatively affected by this practice.” Give a similar expression and use “a way of life” in a sentence.
  2. Define “projected growth” in this sentence. “There is a projected growth of 36% in the number of delivery vehicles by 2030, resulting in approximately 7.2 million vehicles.” Make a sentence with this phrase.
  3. What does “e-commerce revolution” mean? “Although the e-commerce revolution has greatly benefited society, it is important not to ignore the impact it has on the environment.” Use this in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. According to the article, how does online shopping impact the environment?
  2. How often do you purchase online, and have you ever considered its environmental impact?
  3. In your opinion, what can individuals do to decrease the environmental effect of their online shopping habits?
  4. Do you think there are more pros or cons to purchasing online in terms of environmental impact? Explain.
  5. How do you think the projected growth in the number of delivery vehicles will affect your local area and commute times?

Mark Zuckerberg Richer

B2 – Upper Intermediate

In today’s society, the pursuit of wealth and material possessions has become a common goal for many individuals. The desire to be richer drives people to work harder, take risks, and make sacrifices in order to achieve financial success.

To become richer, one must first set clear goals and develop a strategic plan to achieve them. This may involve investing in education or acquiring new skills to increase earning potential. Additionally, saving and investing wisely can help grow wealth over time.

Read this article about Mark Zuckerberg’s increasing wealth.

https://www.msn.com/en-ph/money/companies/mark-zuckerberg-is-almost-54-billion-richer-this-year-and-he-s-closing-in-on-elon-musk/ar-BB1jH3zY?ocid=winp1taskbar&cvid=5f61fbcfc9494e4ff0e890f56d7ebcf3&ei=14#image=AA1iQDPs|9

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to close in on someone/something” mean? “Mark Zuckerberg has become a lot wealthier this year 2024 — and is closing in on his would-be cage-fight rival Elon Musk for the title of the world’s third-richest person.”  Use it in your own sentence. 
  2. What does the term “closing bell” mean here, “As of Friday’s closing bell, he was worth $182 billion — just $7 billion behind Musk. Zuckerberg hasn’t been richer than the Tesla CEO since November 2020.” Use it in your own sentence. 
  3. What does the idiom “to settle differences” mean? “At one point, the two billionaires even promised to settle their differences in a cage match, although it appears unlikely that is ever going to happen.” Use it in your own sentence. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. How did Mark Zuckerberg become richer this year?
  2. Share your thoughts on Mark Zuckerberg’s net worth surging.
  3. Talk about your opinion about Zuckerberg and Musk’s rivalry and their efforts to play it up.
  4. Who is the wealthiest person from your country and how do they acquire their fortune?
  5. What questions would you like to ask a wealthy person like Mark Zuckerberg?
  6. How can one acquire more wealth and manage it well?
  7. How do you think your company achieve growth year by year?

Creativity Is a Process, Not an Event

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Creativity is not a singular moment, but a continuous and iterative journey. It challenges the notion that creativity occurs only in spontaneous events. It involves a deliberate and evolving process.

The summary highlights the importance of consistent effort, exploration, and refinement in fostering creativity, urging individuals to view it as an ongoing journey rather than a one-time occurrence.

Read the article below and be ready to answer the questions that follow.

Creativity Is a Process, Not an Event

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “train of thought” mean? “The falling apple was merely the beginning of a train of thought that continued for decades.” Use it in your own sentence. 
  2. What does the idiomatic expression “eureka moment” mean? “It is a symbol of the inspired genius that fills your brain during those “eureka moments” when creative conditions are just right.” Use the expression in your own sentence.
  3. What does the expression “to wrestle with something” mean? “Newton isn’t the only one to wrestle with a great idea for years.” Give 2 synonyms and use ‘to wrestle with something’ in a sentence. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. Share a personal experience when you had a “eureka moment” or a flash of creative brilliance. How did that moment influence your perspective on creativity?
  2. Discuss the notion that creativity is a process that requires years of commitment and deliberate practice. How do you approach the long-term development of your creative skills or talents?
  3. The article suggests that being in the top 1 percent of intelligence doesn’t necessarily correlate with being fantastically creative. How do you perceive the relationship between intelligence and creative thinking? Share examples that support or challenge this idea.
  4. Share practical strategies mentioned in the article, such as constraining oneself, writing more, broadening knowledge, and embracing positive thinking. Which strategies resonate with you, and how do you apply them in your creative pursuits?
  5. How does maintaining a positive mindset contribute to thinking more broadly and making creative connections between ideas in your experience?

The Ultimate Productivity Hack Is Saying No

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The concept that “The Ultimate Productivity Hack is Saying No” emphasizes the strategic importance of setting boundaries and selectively choosing commitments. It underscores the idea that saying no to non-essential tasks, projects, or requests allows individuals to prioritize their time and energy on tasks aligned with their goals. This productivity hack encourages a mindful and intentional approach to workload management, enabling individuals to focus on tasks that truly contribute to their success and well-being.

Read the article below and be ready to answer the questions that follow.

The Ultimate Productivity Hack is Saying No

Vocabulary Questions: 

  1. What does the phrasal verb “to fall back on” in the sentence, “And it is true: turning down opportunities is easier when you can fall back on the safety net provided by power, money, and authority”. Use it in a sentence. 
  2. What does “to strain the relationship” mean in the sentence, “The thought of straining the relationship outweighs the commitment of our time and energy”? Use it in a sentence. 
  3. What does the phrase “balance to strike” mean in the sentence, “There is an important balance to strike here”? Use it in your own words. 

Discussion questions: 

  1. How often do you find yourself saying “yes” to tasks or commitments without considering their necessity?
  2. What strategies could help you become more mindful about your commitments?
  3. The article discusses the challenge of saying “no” to people we like or want to support. How can one strike a balance between being empathetic and maintaining productivity in personal and professional relationships?
  4. How do you currently prioritize and protect your time, and what improvements could you make in this regard?
  5. How can individuals navigate these social expectations without overcommitting? Share personal experiences if applicable.
  6. How did you navigate and prioritize tasks to regain control of your time?