Technology Is Changing The Travel Industry


B2 – Upper Intermediate

Technology is rapidly transforming the travel industry, reshaping how we plan and experience travel. Today, digital technologies give travelers more control, making services like meal ordering and taxi booking via smartphone convenient. Innovations such as online platforms and AI have made travel more accessible and streamlined for a wider audience.

Read this article to learn how technology is changing the travel industry.

https://techcrayon.com/2024/10/16/how-technology-is-changing-the-travel-industry/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to be at the heart of something” mean? “How technology is changing the travel industry is a question that has been at the heart of transformative change reshaping the travel industry over recent years.” Use this phrase in a sentence.
  2. What does “at large” mean in this context, “Technology is touching every part of travel, from planning trips to improving the experience at large.” Use this phrase in a sentence in the same context. Give another meaning of “at large”.
  3. What is the meaning of “to put the power back into one’s hands“? “This move has put planning and organizing power back into the hands of travellers, who can now custom-make their plans.” Make a sentence with this expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What role does AI play in personalizing the travel experience for users?
  2. What challenges might travelers face as technology becomes more integrated into the travel industry?
  3. How has the increasing reliance on technology affected the traditional roles of travel agents or agencies?
  4. How has technology benefited you in terms of traveling?
  5. What are your thoughts on this statement, “These technologies are likely to improve even more as time goes on, making travel a lot easier and giving us all the opportunity to discover new frontiers.“?

The Rise of Non-Alcoholic Beer

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The increasing demand for non-alcoholic beer is driven by a focus on health and mindful drinking. With advancements in brewing, both major and craft breweries now offer better-tasting options, making it a popular choice for social settings. As wellness trends continue to shape the market, non-alcoholic beer is redefining the way people approach beer consumption.

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


Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the phrase “to get the ball rolling” mean? “We like to think that Athletic [Brewing Company] really got the ball rolling in this space. Non-alcoholic craft beer has been the fastest growing category in beer for four plus years now.” Use the idiom in a sentence.
  2. What does “zebra striping” mean? “Eighty percent of our drinkers do drink alcohol at other occasions. So the trend of “zebra striping” where people drink alcohol, non-alcohol, alcohol, non-alcohol throughout the night to pace out their session, moderate their ABV intake has become increasingly common.” Use the expression in a sentence.
  3. What does “find one’s footing” mean? “Non-alcoholic beer is still finding its footing in the US.” Use the idiom in a sentence.


Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think non-alcoholic beer can ever fully replace traditional beer in social settings? Why or why not?
  2. Is the rise of non-alcoholic beer a passing trend, or do you believe it represents a long-term shift in consumer habits? Explain.
  3. Do you think non-alcoholic beer should be marketed differently than regular beer? If so, how?
  4. What factors do you think have contributed the most to the growing popularity of non-alcoholic beer?
  5. Would you be interested in having non-alcoholic beer? Why or why not?
  6. Have you ever done “zebra striping” at an occasion? Why did you do it? If not yet, why haven’t you done it?
  7. “You don’t always have to have alcohol to have fun.” Do you agree or disagree?

AI Brad Pitt Dupes French Woman

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

One of the uses of technology that has emerged is for meeting someone new or potentially, finding love online.

Unfortunately, many fall victim to love scams that have become so prevalent all over the internet, leaving their victims to hang out dry.

A French woman was conned by people who purported as Brad Pitt and other individuals that were supposedly connected to the Hollywood actor. 

By the end of it, she was conned out of €830,000 which left her not only so heartbroken, but also broke.

Read the article about Anne who was duped by scammers using deepfakes and AI Brad Pitt.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ckgnz8rw1xgo

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is does “come forward” mean? ”She has since told a popular French YouTube show that she was not “crazy or a moron”: “I just got played, I admit it, and that’s why I came forward, because I am not the only one.” Use this phrase in a sentence.
  2. What does “come to light” mean? “Hundreds of social media users mocked Anne, who the programme said had lost her life’s savings and tried to take her own life three times since the scam came to light.” Use this expression in a sentence.
  3. What does the idiom “set off alarm bells” mean? “Somebody purporting to be Pitt got in touch the next day, which set off alarm bells for Anne.” Use this expression in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your reaction and opinion about what happened to Anne?
  2. What are your thoughts on this statement, “Life today is paved with cybertraps… and AI progress will only worsen this scenario.
  3. What are ways to tell that something/a correspondence with somebody on the internet is a scam?
  4. Do you know a similar story about someone who got duped online? Tell that story.

Phones Are Designed to be Addicting

B2 – Upper Intermediate

It’s not just your willpower—phones are deliberately designed to be addictive. With features like infinite scrolling, push notifications, and personalized content, smartphones keep users engaged longer than they intend. Tech companies use psychological tricks to tap into our need for connection, rewards, and instant gratification, making it harder to put our devices down. As a result, many find themselves spending more time on their phones than they planned, raising concerns about the impact on mental health and well-being.

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


Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is “push notification“? “When push notifications were first introduced for email on Blackberries in 2003, they were actually seen as a way for you to check your phone less.” Use the term in a sentence.
  2. What does “puppet master” mean here, “If Facebook sends you a push notification that a friend is interested in an event near you, they’re essentially acting like a puppet master, leveraging your desire for social connections so that you use the app more.” Make a sentence using this expression.
  3. What does “grab bag” mean? “But today, you can get notifications from any app on your phone. So every time you check it, you get a grab bag of notifications that can make you feel a broad variety of emotions.” Use the phrase in a sentence.


Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you believe smartphone companies intentionally design their devices to be addictive? Why or why not?
  2. What are your thoughts on how tech companies profit off of users’ attention?
  3. How has smartphone use impacted your ability to focus or be present in daily life?
  4. Should tech companies be held responsible for the addictive nature of their devices, or is it up to users to control their own habits?
  5. What steps can individuals and society take to reduce smartphone addiction without completely giving up technology?
  6. Share your thoughts on this statement, “Addiction is money.

Brands Use Anchoring in Advertising

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Brands use anchoring in advertising to influence consumer perception and decision-making by presenting an initial reference point—often a price, feature, or comparison—that shapes how customers evaluate a product. This psychological tactic can make discounts seem more appealing, premium options appear more valuable, or certain products stand out as the best choice. From “original price” comparisons to strategic product placements, anchoring plays a crucial role in shaping purchasing behavior and maximizing sales.

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


Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the phrase “pull up” mean in this sentence? “You’re heading to a store and when you pull up, you see a sign saying, “Cheeseburgers, buy two get one free!” Make a sentence using it.
  2. What does the phrase “go for” mean? “When you see the sign, “Buy two get one free” you go for it.” Use this phrase in a sentence.
  3. What does the word “deal” mean in this sentence? “Buy two get one free” sounds like a great deal.” Use it in a sentence.


Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think brands use anchoring ethically in advertising, or is it a manipulative tactic? Why?
  2. Have you ever made a purchase because an initial price or comparison influenced your decision? How did you feel afterward?
  3. Should there be regulations to limit how brands use anchoring in marketing strategies? Why or why not?
  4. How do brands use anchoring in pricing strategies, such as discounts and “original price” displays, to influence consumer behavior?
  5. Can anchoring be used positively in advertising, such as promoting healthier choices or sustainable products? Why or why not?





Wildfire Victims Face Insurance Crisis

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Wildfire victims are facing a growing insurance crisis as rising disaster risks make coverage harder to obtain and more expensive. In wildfire-prone areas, many homeowners are seeing their policies canceled, premiums skyrocket, or insurers pull out altogether. As climate change fuels more frequent and severe fires, the insurance industry is struggling to keep up, leaving victims with fewer options for rebuilding their lives. This crisis raises urgent questions about the future of home insurance, government intervention, and how communities can better prepare for wildfire risks.

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


Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is the meaning of the phase “pull back“? “With insurers pulling back, thousand of California homeowners have been left without coverage.” Make a sentence using the expression.
  2. What does “moratorium” mean? “The California Insurance Commissioner is issuing a one-year moratorium to protect homeowners.” Use the word in a sentence.
  3. What does the word “cascade” mean? “The report suggesting the insurance crisis could lead to a housing one with echo of 2008, saying this is predicted to cascade into plunging property values in communities where insurance becomes impossible to find or prohibitively expensive.” Use the word in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Should the government step in to provide insurance assistance for wildfire victims, or should it be left to private insurers? Why?
  2. Do you think insurance companies are justified in raising premiums or dropping coverage in wildfire-prone areas?
  3. Is it fair to require homeowners in high-risk wildfire zones to pay significantly higher insurance rates?
  4. How can insurance companies balance financial risk while still providing coverage for wildfire victims?
  5. How should communities and governments prepare for the increasing risks of wildfires and their impact on home insurance?




How Will the Global Economy Fare in 2025?

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

As the new year starts, questions on how some of the world’s Powerhouse economies will fare arise.

While, the US saw strong growth, China and Germany’s economies did not see much boost in the previous year. They struggled to deal with fundamental challenges.

How will President Donald Trump’s return to office and America’s tariff-centred policies affect the global economy?

Watch the video on some insights on how the global economy will fare in 2025.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is does “economic laggard” mean? “Traditionally, the German economy is seen as the Powerhouse of Europe. It is after all, the largest economy in Europe, but increasingly, it’s the economic laggard.” Use this phrase in a sentence.
  2. What does “a lump of coal in one’s stocking” mean? “If Donald Trump comes into office in January and imposes huge tariffs on imports to the US, then economies everywhere will face a big disruption and Wall Street might find a lump of coal in its stocking.” Use this idiom in a sentence.
  3. What does the phrase “in the doldrums” mean? “We think the impact of rate easing on the economy will be marginal because most of the credit-intense sectors are still in [the] doldrums.” Use this expression in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. According to the video, how will the US, German, and Chinese economy fare this year? Talk about some challenges and possible workarounds for each country.
  2. What might be the effects of US tariff-centered policies in the global economy? How about in your country?
  3. How do you think the economy of your country will fare this year?
  4. What are your thoughts on supporting the crypto industry? Could it boost a country’s economy? Explain.

Fast Food Goes High Tech with New A.I. Drive-Thrus

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Fast food chains are embracing artificial intelligence (AI) to revolutionize the drive-thru experience. From voice-activated ordering systems to automated menu suggestions, AI-powered drive-thrus aim to speed up service, reduce errors, and enhance customer convenience. Wendy’s is investing in this technology, using machine learning and natural language processing to understand orders more accurately and personalize recommendations. While AI drive-thrus promise efficiency and innovation, they also raise some questions. As the fast food industry goes high-tech, AI is reshaping the way customers order their favorite meals.

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


Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “behind-the-scenes” mean”? “Wendy is now using AI to take your drive-thru orders. Let’s take a look at the behind-the-scenes of the new technology and put it to the test.” Make a sentence using this expression.
  2. What does the phrasal verb “step in” mean? “Ordering something not on the menu, that’s when human stepped in.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What is the meaning of “driven by” in this sentence? “Using AI drive-thrus seems much faster, a new trend driven by technology.” Make a sentence using the phrase.


Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think AI-powered drive-thrus will improve the customer experience, or will they make it less personal? Why?
  2. Should fast food companies prioritize speed and efficiency over human jobs when implementing AI technology? Share your insights.
  3. Would you feel comfortable ordering from an AI drive-thru, or do you prefer interacting with a human employee?
  4. What are the potential benefits and risks of using AI in fast food ordering systems?
  5. How can companies balance technological advancements with the need to maintain human jobs in the industry?




AI Enhances Maternal Health Care in Kenya

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Every two minutes, a pregnant woman dies due to complications, lack of timely medical intervention, or limited access to healthcare in rural areas. In Kenya, AI is revolutionizing maternal health by helping doctors to detect early complications like pre-eclampsia and fetal distress. AI-powered tools allow real-time monitoring of vital signs, helping healthcare workers provide timely care, even in remote areas, and ultimately saving lives.

Read this article to learn how AI helps pregnant women in Kenya.

https://www.voanews.com/a/ai-enhances-maternal-health-care-in-kenya-experts-say/7789467.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to prevent the onset of something” mean? “The project objective is to prevent the onset of pre-eclampsia, which may cause death to mothers and even infants after their delivery,’ Saruni said. ” Use this in a sentence.
  2. Define “to boil down to something” . “All this boils down to timely and accurate information about the mother.” Make a sentence with this and give a similar phrase/word.
  3. What’s the meaning of “roll out” in this context? “It has been tested in prenatal clinics in the Rift Valley city of Nakuru, with the aim of rolling out to the rest of the country.” Make a sentence with this and give a similar phrase/word.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on using AI in maternity care?
  2. In your opinion, how could AI improve the maternal care system in your country? Cite specific ways it could help.
  3. Why do you think access to healthcare is particularly important for people living in rural areas?
  4. How can AI help reduce the gap in healthcare between urban and underserved communities? What challenges do you think need to be addressed?
  5. Looking ahead, how do you imagine AI will change healthcare in the next decade?

Relationship Goals


B2 – Upper Intermediate

Collaboratively establishing objectives, whether they’re related to travel, finances, or personal growth, can provide a sense of purpose and unity — much more to couples.

Read the article to know why working towards common aspirations strengthens your partnership.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to take stock” mean? Beyond your career aspirations and opportunities for personal growth, it’s important to also take stock of your relationships.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “to keep the spark alive” mean? “Make it a priority to have a date night every week or every other week, regardless of how long you’ve been together. This keeps the spark alive and ensures you’re spending uninterrupted time with each other.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “to keep things fresh” mean? “Commit to trying something new together each month. Think kayaking, rock climbing, or even a dance class. The excitement of sharing new experiences strengthens your bond and keeps things fresh.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How can couples ensure that they spend uninterrupted quality time together amidst busy schedules?
  2. What are your thoughts on “couple check-ups”?
  3. One of the suggested goals is to create small, recurring relationship rituals, like having coffee together every Sunday morning. Share your thoughts on this.
  4. How can digital distractions be managed to prioritize relationships?
  5. Planning a monthly adventure day is suggested as a way to create shared memories and deepen your bond. What new and exciting activities can you suggest couples try together and why?