Tag: B2 – Upper intermediate

Food Expiration Dates

B2 – Upper Intermediate

We could all be guilty about one thing — tossing food on or before their sell-by dates. Part of the reason is because we do not fully understand what expiration date labels on them actually mean. As a result, massive amounts of food are wasted globally.

Watch the video about the truth about food expiration dates and how to solve food waste.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does ”go bad” mean,“So if the dates on our food don’t tell us that something’s gone bad, what do they tell us?”? Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and make a sentence using ‘go bad’.
  2. Explain “open dating”. “Many supermarkets adopted a system still in place today called ‘open dating’.” Use this term in a sentence.
  3. What does “gauge” mean? “But when supermarkets began stocking processed foods, product ages became harder to gauge.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and make a sentence using ‘gauge’.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on this, “Many foods are safe to eat far beyond their labeled dates.”?
  2. Do you use date labels to decide if food is still edible? Why or why not? Would the info in this video change your ways? Explain.
  3. What are some food preservation hacks you employ on your food items at home?
  4. How do you minimize your food waste?
  5. Should grocers remove date labels on produces and just let consumers use their own judgement? Explain your perspective on this.
  6. Should restaurants and grocers donate unsold food? Share your opinion.

Rules to Control Spending in Video Games 

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Based on recent data, the gaming market worldwide is hundreds of billions worth, besting the music and movie industries combined.

In attempts to battle rampant video games addiction in the country, the Chinese government has outlined new set of regulations to crackdown on spending and rewards in video games so as not to encourage people from playing them too much.

These new rules affect one of the world’s biggest gaming industries which has just started seeing growth again this year.

Watch the video about the new rules to control spending in video games in China.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does ”deal a blow to someone/something” mean,”The decision spooked investors and dealt a blow to the world’s biggest games market which returned to growth this year.”? Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and make a sentence using ‘deal a blow’.
  2. What does “take a hard/tough line on someone/something” mean? “Beijing has taken a tough line on video games over the years.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and make a sentence using ‘take a hard/tough line on someone/something’.
  3. What does “suspend” mean? “It also suspended the approval of new video games for about eight months citing gaming addiction concerns.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and make a sentence using ‘suspend’.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on these new regulations? Are they necessarily crucial at this point given that the gaming industry in China is just starting to gain momentum again?
  2. What impact do these new rules have on the gaming industry in China?
  3. Is video game addiction also a serious problem in your country? Elaborate on the situation.
  4. How else can video game addiction be controlled?
  5. Should video gaming be encouraged or otherwise? State your stance.

Experts Figure What to Focus On

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Experts often determine what to focus on through a combination of experience, knowledge, and strategic thinking. 

In essence, experts use a blend of knowledge, experience, analysis, and adaptability to determine what to focus on in their respective domains. They often prioritize based on the bigger picture, understanding how their actions contribute to overarching goals or solve critical problems.

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

How Experts Figure What to Focus On

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is the meaning of the idiom “cast a wide net”? “If you want to master and deeply understand the core fundamentals of a task you may, paradoxically, need to start by casting a very wide net.” Use in your own sentence.
  2. What does the phrasal verb “whittle something down” mean? “Then you need to edit those words and whittle them down to the most powerful version possible.” Use in your own sentence.
  3. What does “make a call” mean in this context, “Even when you do measure things, however, there comes a point where you have to make a call and decide what to focus on.”? Use this expression in your own words.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Share your thoughts on this, “Focus is a core factor of success.“
  2. What methods or strategies do you think experts use to prioritize their tasks or goals effectively?
  3. Can you share an instance where you had to decide what to focus on? How did you approach this decision-making process?
  4. From your perspective, what could be some common challenges experts face when figuring out what to focus on in their respective fields?
  5. The text mentions the author’s Year of Many Errors. What role do you think failure plays in helping experts refine their focus or direction?
  6. What role does consistent practice or repetition play in an expert’s ability to determine their focus and master their field?

What Do You Love Most about Your Home?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

“What do you love most about your home?” explores the intimate and personal connections individuals have with their living spaces. It delves into the multifaceted reasons why people cherish their homes, highlighting key themes such as comfort, functionality, location, and the nostalgic value of memories.

Through anecdotes and reflections from various individuals, it celebrates the emotional significance of different aspects of home life, whether it’s the coziness of a favorite corner, the adaptability of spaces for work or leisure, the importance of location and community ties, or the treasure trove of memories embedded within the walls. Overall, it emphasizes the diverse and profound reasons why our homes hold such a special place in our hearts.

Read the article about on what we all love most about our homes and be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://hathways.co.uk/blog/what-do-you-love-most-about-your-home/10594

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is the meaning of the adjective “tight-knit”? “I’ve recently moved back to Caerleon and I finally feel ‘home’, being close to my friends and family in a tight-knit community is what I love most about my new house“. Use it in your sentence.
  2. What is the meaning of the idiomatic expression “There’s no place like home”? “As Dorothy once said, “There’s no place like home” and for many of us the area in which we live is what makes our house feel like home“. Use it in a sentence.
  3. What is the meaning of the adjective “roaring”? “I love my new roll-top bath and sitting in front of my roaring log burner”. Use it in your own words.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How important is it for you to have a space at home that provides comfort and relaxation?
  2. How do functional spaces at home impact your daily life, especially considering changes in work or lifestyle habits?
  3. Do you feel a strong connection to your community, and how does that influence your perception of your home?
  4. Has your perception of “home” evolved over time? If so, in what ways?
  5. What factors influence how you define and appreciate your home now compared to the past?

Japan Millennials Turn Down Promotions

B2 – Upper Intermediate

In today’s fast-paced and competitive job market, it is not uncommon for millennials to decline job promotions and for flashy job titles not to motivate them anymore. While this decision may seem perplexing to some, there are several reasons behind this trend.

See why Japanese millennials are rejecting career advancements by reading the article.

https://www.cnbc.com/2023/12/20/ive-lived-in-japan-for-18-years-why-i-am-much-happier-after-turning-down-a-big-job-promotion.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is the meaning of the noun “parity “? “But even with a new title, I wouldn’t be at parity with the other managers.” Use it in your own sentence.
  2. What does the adjective “multifaceted ” mean? “My definition of success today is more multifaceted.” Use it in your own sentence.
  3. Define the phrase “to the detriment of“. “Managers are held accountable for their subordinates’ every mistake, and are expected to display selfless leadership, often to the detriment of their personal lives.”  Use it in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on and the reasons millennials turning down big job promotions?
  2. Discuss how your organization values the division of labor and employee ranking.
  3. Share your sentiments on this, “In Japan, more responsibility doesn’t mean more money.“.
  4. Share your opinion on this, “Managers are held accountable for their subordinates’ every mistake, and are expected to display selfless leadership, often to the detriment of their personal lives.“.
  5. How important is company loyalty in your country? Elaborate.
  6. What are your aspirations career-wise?

New Year’s Resolutions Therapists Make

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Ever aspired to experience the delight that comes with accomplishing something?

As the start of the year opens up like a new chapter in a book of infinite possibilities, New Year’s resolutions are a subject that often triggers lively conversations.

The majority of individuals hold the view that resolutions are basically targets that are of little significance to fulfill, but have you taken note of the people who sincerely persist them? They seemed more upbeat and enthusiastic about life, especially to themselves. However, in a world that is frequently marked by complexity, the beneficial transformation along with individual growth that resolutions promise are nearly impossible to achieve.

This article breaks down the process of creating simple, yet extremely effective New Year’s resolutions. Click on the link to learn more about the four New Year’s resolutions therapists make every year.

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/therapists-new-years-resolutions_l_6580d97de4b0e142c0bee637

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “add all of those pieces together” mean in the sentences, “When you add all of those pieces together, a lot of times the resolution ends up being such a contentious point in that individual’s life.”? Use this in your own sentence.
  2. What does “carve out” mean in the sentence, “I think the best way that I would look at a resolution is what do I want to carve out for myself that I would love to see happen or even commence within the new year.”? Use this in your own sentence.
  3. What does “fill your cup” mean in the sentence, “It’s really looking at filling your cup first and making sure you’re full so that you can then be able to help and be of service to others.”? Use this in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Tell me about your views on the concept of New Year’s resolutions.
  2. What specific goals or resolutions do you plan to set for the upcoming year? Please share.
  3. How do you approach the process of creating feasible New Year’s resolutions? Tell me more.
  4. Have you reflected on your past resolutions and their outcomes? What did you learn?
  5. How do you plan to integrate self-care into your routine as part of your New Year’s resolutions?

Protect Your Home When Going On Holidays

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Most people are excited when they are about to embark on a long-awaited holiday trip. They tend to have a list of things they need for this journey. This list is not limited to the things you need to bring or the travel itinerary. Sometimes, it includes the things you need to do for the things you have to leave behind.

Let’s read the article and know more tips on how to keep your home safe while you are enjoying your holiday elsewhere.

https://www.english-online.at/news-articles/living/how-to-protect-your-home-when-you-go-on-holidays.htm

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the phrase “keep in mind” mean? “Here are some things that you should keep in mind when you go on a holiday.” Use it in a sentence and give two synonyms.
  2. Define the word “burglar“. “Have motion sensitive lights outside your house that keep burglars away when you are not at home.” Use it in your own sentence.
  3. What is the meaning of the adjective “portable“? “Some standard systems can be controlled via your smartphone or portable computer.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How do you try to protect your home when you are away on holiday?
  2. Among the tips mentioned in the article, which ones do you find the most and least helpful? Why?
  3. Have you heard of cases where people’s homes were broken into while they were on holiday? What happened?
  4. What are some fears you have while you are away on holidays? Why?

Anesthesia Is Causing More Deaths

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The administration of anesthesia makes the surgery emotionally and physically comfortable for the patient. It works as a pain blocker, anxiety reliever, and some types of anesthesia can put the patient in a state of unconsciousness. These are the benefits of using anesthesia during a surgery. However, there are cases where it could actually lead to death.

Let’s read the article and know more about the increasing number of anesthesia-related deaths.

https://www.english-online.at/news-articles/health-medicine/anaesthesia-causing-more-deaths.htm

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the verb “undergo” mean? “The reason for this is that, because of modern medicine, more and more older patients undergo operations.” Use it in a sentence and give two synonyms.
  2. Define the word “means“. “ Ancient  civilizations gave patients plants like  poppy  or alcohol to stop pain. In the 1800s  laughing gas  was discovered   as a  means  of anaesthesia.” Use it in your own sentence.
  3. What does the word “arise” mean? “When  complications due to  anaesthesia  arise , the whole operating team must react quickly to get the situation under control.” Give two (2) synonyms and use ‘arise’ in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why are there more deaths caused by anesthesia?
  2. How does the administration of anesthesia take place before the operation?
  3. According to the article, what were the other forms of anesthesia in the past? Cite some of them.
  4. Name any side effects and risks associated with the administration of anesthesia that you know of.
  5. What concerns you most about anesthesia?

The Most Common COVID Symptoms This Holiday Season

B2 – Upper Intermediate

A new worry as the holiday season approaches is the JN.1 variant, a unique strain of COVID-19 that is spreading throughout the US. This article explores the most widespread symptoms that physicians are seeing in this dynamic environment right now.

Since JN.1 has surfaced, it is mandatory that we stay mindful of the unique traits of this variant to fully understand what makes it rare. Read the article to check out the symptoms linked to this novel strain and acquire important knowledge for managing the COVID-19 pandemic’s ongoing difficulties over the holiday season.

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/covid-symptoms-doctors-winter_l_6582f87ae4b085747d67e8c9

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “uptick” mean in the sentence, “Behind this uptick is a new strain called JN.1, which accounted for 21.4% of cases in the United States as of Dec. 9, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.”? Use this in your own sentence.
  2. What does “at the global level” mean in the sentence, “The World Health Organization has named JN.1 a “variant of interest,” but also noted that “the additional public health risk posed by JN.1 is currently evaluated as low at the global level.” ”? Use this in your own sentence.
  3. What does “red flag” mean in the sentence, “So what are the main red flags to watch for this winter? ”? Use this in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the most common symptoms that doctors are observing with the emergence of the JN.1 variant? Please tell me about them.
  2. How does the JN.1 variant differ from previous strains of COVID-19, and why is it important to be aware of these distinctions? Please elaborate.
  3. How can individuals stay informed about the unique traits of the JN.1 variant to better understand its impact on public health?
  4. What measures does the article suggest for managing and mitigating the potential risks associated with the JN.1 variant?
  5. Is there any information in the article about the origins or characteristics of the JN.1 variant that may be influencing its spread during the holiday season? Please share.

Confidence Dumping

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Ever catch yourself over-enthusiastically sharing your achievements or being nudged about boasting? If the desire for acknowledgment and external validation feels familiar, you might be engaging in “confidence dumping,” as labeled by TikTok creator Connor DeWolfe. Recognizing this behavior is the first step and there’s no need for shame.

Read this article to learn more about “confidence dumping”.

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/what-is-confidence-dumping_l_653a5e99e4b0c855610460a1

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “cut someone some slack” mean? “It’s important to cut folks some slack and assume the best intentions.” Make a sentence with this idiom.
  2. Define “along the lines of something”. “Along the lines of the latter, put a rock, penny or something else you want to collect in a jar.” Use this in a sentence.
  3. What is the meaning of “counterintuitive”? “It might seem counterintuitive, but people with ADHD engage in this behavior when they are in a supportive environment with others where they feel they can be vulnerable and will not be judged.” Give two synonyms and make a sentence with “counterintuitive”.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on “confidence dumping”?
  2. Have you ever noticed instances when you or someone you know engage in “confidence dumping”? How does it make you feel?
  3. What are the potential negative impacts of being on the receiving end of “confidence dumping,” both personally and professionally?
  4. How does “confidence dumping” impact team dynamics, and what strategies can address it in a workplace?
  5. Can you think of a more positive and helpful way of conveying your accomplishments without resorting to confidence dumping?
  6. What are effective ways to feel validated or affirmed?