Tag: B2 – Upper intermediate

How Green Is Your Money

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

We keep our money in the bank. The bank uses our money to invest in or fund other businesses.

Now, the question is, do you have any idea as to what your money is being used for or are you just very green about it?

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about how banks invest our money to fund other business, at times, even dirty practices and find out how our money can help save the environment.

Be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2023/ep-231019

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “green” mean in this context, Neil: “So, do you know if your money is funding dirty practices like oil drilling?” || Beth: “No, I don’t. I have to admit I’m very green about money, and I don’t mean green as in environmentally friendly.”? Give 2 synonyms and use “green” in this context in your own sentence.
  2. What does “to jump on the bandwagon” mean, “It was always viewed, I think, as a niche thing, something for those that had very clear views on the world, social views. That’s now broadened hugely, and there’s great concern about greenwashing so who’s jumping on the bandwagon? – that’s a huge concern amongst investors.”? Use this expression in your own sentence.
  3. What does ”to put the spotlight on someone/something” mean, ”This in turn puts the spotlight on how pension funds are being used, for example whether they support large oil corporations or renewable energy companies.”? Use this idiom in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What might be reasons public interest in ethical banks has ballooned in recent years?
  2. Are you aware about where your bank invest your money in? Talk about it.
  3. How common are ethical banks in your country? Why do you think this is the case?
  4. What are your thoughts on Richard Curtis’ campaign “Make My Money Matter” which is essentially doing one simple thing, moving your pension to an environmentally sustainable fund? Would you consider doing such financial move? Why or why not?
  5. They say that the most effective way to fight climate change is to move your pension into ethical investments. Share your opinion on this.
  6. Share your thoughts on this, “Luckily, the customer is always right, and by managing our money ethically, we can all help a little.”.

Connect Better with Your Coworkers

B2 – Upper Intermediate

After the isolation we had to go through during the pandemic, some employees had difficulties reconnecting. This brings a new problem that plagues the workplace — employees feeling disconnected from their company, their jobs, and their coworkers.

Not surprisingly though, the kind of relationship we have with the people we work with every single day is proportionally linked to our success at work.

Watch this TED video on ways to help you connect better with your colleagues. 

Be ready to answer the questions that follow.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the adjective “disconnected” mean here, “People feel pretty disconnected at work right now – disconnected from their organizations, from their jobs, and especially from their colleagues.”? Give 2 synonyms or similar expressions and use the word ‘disconnected’ in your own sentence.
  2. What does ”social butterfly” mean, ”I have a few tips and you don’t have to be a social butterfly to give them a try.”? Give 2 synonyms or similar expressions and use the idiom ‘social butterfly’ in your own sentence.
  3. What does “to open up” mean? “Build trust by opening up.” Give 2 synonyms or similar expressions and use the phrasal verb ‘to open up’ in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What might be reasons “people feel pretty disconnected at work”?
  2. “Our relationships with our coworkers play a huge role in determining how successful, innovative, and happy we’ll be at work.” What are your thoughts on this statement?
  3. Explain the ‘vulnerability loop’. Share some personal insights on/personal experiences with this concept. 
  4. What are your thoughts on Mark T. Rivera’s “T-shirt experiment” during onboarding? Would this work in your team/company?
  5. Do you agree or disagree? Share your opinion. “People who had many weak ties that connected different groups in a large organization were more likely to have high performance scores, more likely to be promoted, and even more likely to say they were a part of a creative breakthrough.”
  6. How do you make meaningful connections with your coworkers? 

Seniors in the Workforce: Benefits and Challenges

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The question of whether it is acceptable to hire seniors to work is a topic that has continued to bewilder companies. Some argue that seniors bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to the workplace, making them valuable assets. Others believe that some cases of hiring seniors could lead to age discrimination.

Learn about the advantages and difficulties of recruiting a senior employee by reading the article.

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/seniors-workforce-benefits-challenges-lee-a-mccue/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “minted” mean? “Even if a senior is starting a job in a new field, he or she has already had years of work experience to help them be more professional and poised than many of the newly minted job prospects coming fresh out of high school or college.”  Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does the phrase “open to the idea” mean? “Employers should be open to the idea of hiring senior citizens for their companies.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “to hop from one thing to another” mean? “This is because they are not looking to advance their careers and they are less likely to hop from one job to another for higher salaries or better benefits.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the advantages and disadvantages of hiring senior citizens that the article mentioned?
  2. What is your opinion on continuing to work during your supposed retirement years?
  3. For how long are you going to work and why?
  4. Does age discrimination in hiring practices occur in your country? How can you tell?
  5. What aspects of becoming a senior employee do you look forward to?

Stop Seeing Laziness as a Bad Thing

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Laziness has always been considered negative. However, from a totally different perspective, being lazy isn’t necessarily a bad thing.

Having lazy bones can, in fact, foster efficiency, creativity, and prioritization. Embracing occasional laziness promotes rest, mindfulness, and quality over quantity, preventing burnout, and encouraging adaptability.

Striking a balance allows for a more thoughtful and effective approach to life’s demands.

Read the article below and have a better understanding as to why being lazy isn’t always bad and be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://www.fastcompany.com/90416439/why-being-lazy-isnt-always-a-bad-thing

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the idiom “to fall off the agenda” mean in the sentence, “Today, mere survival has fallen off the agenda, and it is long-term vision and commitment that lead to the best outcomes?” Use it in your sentence.
  2. What does the idiomatic expression “written into our genes” mean in the sentence, “But it could be that laziness is written into our genes?” Give a sentence using the expression.
  3. What does the expression “rat race” mean in the sentence, “But strategic idleness is a high art and hard to pull off—not least because we are programmed to panic the moment we step out of the rat race?” Use it in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Can laziness be seen as a form of self-preservation, especially in today’s world where burnout is a prevalent concern? Explain.
  2. How does the connection between laziness and poverty impact the understanding of an individual’s work ethic?
  3. How do psychological factors like fear and hopelessness contribute to the manifestation of laziness in individuals?
  4. How does the modern concept of busyness, even when imposed, affect our perception of self-worth and happiness?
  5. Can laziness, in certain cases, be a manifestation of a deeper existential dilemma, as suggested by Albert Camus and others? Share your opinion.

The Ethical Dilemma of Self-Driving Cars

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The arrival of self-driving cars presents numerous opportunities and challenges, leading to a significant dilemma in the fields of transportation and technology.

As we explore the exciting world of cars that can drive themselves, we must address questions about safety, ethics, and how it affects society.

This investigation into the self-driving car dilemma focuses on finding the right balance between creating new and innovative technology and being responsible, while also examining the ethical aspects of this transformative change.

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

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is a “thought experiment“? “This is a thought experiment. Let’s say at some point in the not so distant future, you’re barreling down the highway in your self-driving car, and you find yourself boxed in on all sides by other cars.” Give 2 synonyms or similar expressions and use “thought experiment” in a sentence.
  2. What does “to barrel down” mean? “Let’s say at some point in the not so distant future, you’re barreling down the highway in your self-driving car, and you find yourself boxed in on all sides by other cars.” Use this phrase in a sentence.
  3. Explain what “to remove something from the equation” means. “Now, to be fair, self-driving cars are predicted to dramatically reduce traffic accidents and fatalities by removing human error from the driving equation.” Make your own sentence using this expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you believe that the widespread adoption of self-driving cars will present significant ethical dilemmas? Why or why not?
  2. In your opinion, should self-driving cars prioritize the safety of their occupants over pedestrians and other drivers, or should all lives be treated equally in ethical decision-making algorithms?
  3. What ethical principles should guide the programming of self-driving cars in situations where there is a risk of harm? How can these principles be balanced?
  4. Do you think society is adequately prepared for the ethical challenges posed by self-driving cars, or are there aspects that need more attention and discussion?

Maximizing the Value of Your Business Trip

B2 – Upper Intermediate

In the fast-paced world of sales, every business trip presents a unique opportunity for growth, networking, and closing deals. Understanding how to make the most of these trips can be the difference between a mediocre sales period and a record-breaking one. 

Read the article to help you maximize the value of your next business trip.

Maximizing the Value of Your Business Trip

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to miss out on something” mean? “While these trips are primarily about work, it’s essential not to miss out on the opportunities to explore and enjoy the destination you’re visiting.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “to mix business with pleasure” mean? “After all, mixing business with pleasure can lead to a more fulfilling and productive experience.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “pocket of something” mean? “While business trips can be demanding, they often come with pockets of free time, such as evenings or weekends.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think it is a good idea to mix business with pleasure? Share your thoughts/experiences.
  2. How do you ensure that you are able to maximize the value of your work travels?
  3. What are the benefits and drawbacks of business travels?
  4. What do you like doing in your free time on business trips?
  5. How do you take advantage of your business trips for networking opportunities?
  6. How do you document your work travels both on a personal and professional level?

Detecting Lack of Trust in a Team

B2 – Upper Intermediate

A lack of trust in the workplace is the virus that can create a diseased workplace culture.

It often begins with leadership and spreads throughout the team, leading to a cycle of unhealthy responses that affect engagement and productivity.

Read the article to learn ways to detect lack of trust in a team.

7 Ways to Detect Lack of Trust in a Team

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “underpinning” mean? “Underpinning the ability to take risks in teams is psychological safety.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “to put forward” mean? “This is the belief team members have that they will not be ridiculed or punished if they put forward new ideas, concerns or questions.” Give 2 synonyms and use ‘to put forward’ in a sentence.
  3. What does “silo” mean? ” Closely related to a lack of communication is the formation of silos“ Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Share your thoughts on this, “Trust is a key ingredient for high performance teams.“.
  2. Do you agree or disagree with this, “If they do not trust each other, team mates will avoid spending any time together that they do not absolutely have to.” Explain.
  3. Is there enough trust among team members in your team? How can you tell? If not, why do you think this is the case?
  4. What does a lack of trust in a team lead to?
  5. What can management do to help foster trust among teams and employees?

Don’t Try to be Friends with Your Boss

B2 – Upper Intermediate

When the majority of waking hours are spent at work, it’s natural to want to create stronger bonds and friendships with team members and management.

Many times, we think being friends with our bosses is the key to a great life at work.

However, even if you have a great relationship with your boss, boundaries are essential in the workplace.

Read the article to know more why workplace coaches advise against being friends with your boss.

https://www.cnbc.com/2023/05/08/why-your-boss-cannot-be-your-friend-from-a-workplace-coach.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “pink slip” mean? “They might cry on the Zoom call with you, but they sure are going to hand you that pink slip.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “top-down” mean in this sentence, “Leaders in the workplace are accountable for results, including your performance and the performance of others. Top-down friendships can make these results seem biased– and many American workers agree.”? Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “to do right by someone” mean? “Where their desire to do right by you is going to conflict with their responsibility to their job.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the predisposed troubles caused by having a cordial relationship with the boss?
  2. Do you agree or disagree with this, “No matter how great of a relationship you have with your boss, it’s generally not the best idea to be friends with them.”? Share your thoughts.
  3. Do you believe that a personal relationship can make things complicated when bosses may need to make difficult decisions? Explain.
  4. Managers are responsible for performance reviews. Do you think top-down friendships can affect these results? Explain.
  5. The foundation of your professional relationship with your boss has to be the performance and not interpersonal connection. Share your insights on this.
  6. How can one establish boundaries at work? How do you maintain boundaries between you and your boss? Or if you are a manager, you and your team?
  7. Talk about favoritism in the workplace.

Older Sisters Are the Backbone of Society

B2 – Upper Intermediate

As the first born in the family, older sisters serve as role models, caregivers, and companions, among other things. The effect they have grows beyond the limits of familial connections, bringing an influence on the larger social sphere.

Perhaps it’s time for everyone to admit that they are indeed the unsung heroes of every family unit in the world.

Click on the link to learn more about the so-called elder sister revolution.

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/acknowledge-older-sisters-backbone-of-society_l_654ebb35e4b0373d70b22ad4

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to be put on notice” mean in the sentence, “Younger children everywhere, you’ve been put on notice: Your oldest sister is tired of doing it all.”? Use this in your own sentence.
  2. What does “to hit a nerve” mean in the sentence, “Though not an actual psychological diagnosis, the pop psychology phrase “oldest daughter syndrome” has hit a nerve with many oldest daughters.”? Use this in your own sentence.
  3. What does “the backbone of something” mean in the sentence, “Elsewhere on social media, big sisters joke about how it’s time we acknowledge that older sisters are the backbone of society.”? Use this in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Talk about some concepts: “good daughter trauma” and “oldest daughter syndrome”.
  2. How do older sisters contribute to the well-being and development of their families and communities? In what ways do older sisters serve as mentors and caregivers within their familial roles?
  3. Can you provide examples of the wisdom gained through experience that older sisters bring to their roles as the backbone of society?
  4. How does acknowledging the importance of older sisters contribute to the celebration of familial bonds?
  5. Share your thoughts on this, “On TikTok, youngest brothers ― those diametrically opposed to oldest daughters in responsibilities ― jokingly apologize for doing the bare minimum in life and skirting the emotional labor that’s second nature to women.“.
  6. In your country, to what degree does birth order impact individual roles and responsibilities within a family? Please share.

Questions about Your Job Right Now

B2 – Upper Intermediate

In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, it’s easy to become engrossed in our jobs’ routines without pausing to consider our job satisfaction and overall well-being. Asking yourself significant inquiries about your present position might offer helpful perspectives and assistance in navigating through your professional journey.

Click on the link to learn more about some questions you should ask yourself to help you level up your career.

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/new-year-career-questions_l_65944414e4b0bf73e1777846

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “pain point” mean in the sentence, “And for many of us, our careers can be a big pain point or a confusing open question.”? Use the phrase in your own sentence.
  2. What does “to be back on one’s feet” mean in the sentence, “And the next time there’s mass layoffs, budget cuts, an economic downturn, the faster you’ll be back on your feet and the more of a cushion you’ll have should you be subject to any of those things.”? Use the idiom in your own sentence.
  3. What does “to fill one’s cup” mean in the sentence, “Licensed clinical psychologist Cynthia Shaw said asking yourself “What fills your cup?” can help you reflect and better identify what you are looking for professionally, “whether that be making financial strides or gaining promotional shifts, taking part in entrepreneurial startups or nonprofit volunteer opportunities, or learning how to incorporate better work-life balance.””? Use the expression in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is the main message of the article?
  2. What are some work-related resolutions you’ve got this year?
  3. Why does the article emphasize the importance of self-reflection in the context of one’s career?
  4. What are the suggested actions for individuals facing a lack of growth opportunities in their current positions?
  5. Do you engage in self-assessment regarding your work? Please share.
  6. What methods do you use to measure your progress and overall job satisfaction? Tell me more.