Tag: B2 – Upper intermediate

What Is Degrowth?

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

A new school of thought is emerging. Some people think that in order to deal with climate change and other environmental issues, we need to stop the economy from growing.

This is idea is referred to as “degrowth”. “In essence, degrowth is a call for a fundamental transformation of our economic and social systems to create a more just and sustainable future.” 

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about the concept of degrowth.

Be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2025/ep-250724

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Explain the concept of “degrowth”. “Some economists believe degrowth would actually make it harder to solve the climate crisis.” Use this word in a sentence. 
  2. What is “fast fashion”? “It’s saying that we need to decrease some elements of our production that are not beneficial. An example of those elements would be fast fashion, private jets, the beef and meat industry.” Use this term in a sentence. 
  3. What does “underestimate” mean here, “Degrowth underestimates the need for investment that we need in new technology and in new solutions.” Use this word in a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on the idea of degrowth?
  2. What might be the impact/consequences of degrowth?
  3. Talk about some examples of degrowth initiatives.
  4. Share your thoughts on this, “Degrowthunderestimates the need for investment that we need in new technology and in new solutions.”
  5. Should we shrink the economy to save the planet? Share your insights.
  6. What are some things you do that you think are good for the planet? 

BRICS: The Rise of a New Global Order

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

According to Wikipedia, the New World Order is a term often used in conspiracy theories which hypothesize a secretly emerging totalitarian world government.

The BRICS, originally a group of countries including Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, has been growing economically and politically. Since its foundation, the intergovernmental organization has gained more members including Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates.

The question in everyone’s mind is: Is the BRICS going to topple the Western-led institutions like The Group of Seven or G7? Until such time that they figure out their shared values and identity, can they really be considered a powerful global force?

Watch the video about the BRICS and the new world order.

Be ready to answer the questions that follow.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Explain the meaning of “trading block”. “BRICS is not a trading block or group. It wasn’t meant to be one.” Use the phrase in a sentence.
  2. What does “united front” mean?  “A variety of tensions between different BRICS members have kept the group from forming a united front, but they have managed it with the New Development Bank, which finances projects across the Global South and provides loans with fewer economic and political conditions compared to the World Bank.” Use the phrase in a sentence. 
  3. Explain the meaning of “multipolar world”. “They want a multipolar world in which there are multiple centuries of geopolitical influence.” Use the phrase in a sentence. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your insights on the formation of BRICS?
  2. Do you think they are a worthy rival of the Western-led G7? Do you believe they can actually stand up to Trump’s trade war? Share your thoughts.
  3. What are the pros and cons of trading blocs?
  4. Share your opinion on this, “The trade war has increased the solidarity between BRICS nations.”
  5. Share your insights regarding this, “BRICS has talked about a shared currency. BRICS countries support reduced trade in US dollar as a tool, as a method to reduce overall Western economic dominance in the global economy.”
  6. Russia was removed from G8. Thus, it is now known as G7. What are your thoughts on BRICS keeping Russia within the intergovernmental organization?

Seoul Tackles Loneliness with Mind Convenience Stores

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Seoul, one of Asia’s busiest and most connected cities, is facing a growing challenge: loneliness. In response, the city is trying new ways to bring people together, improve mental health, and make the community more welcoming.

Let’s read the article and learn how Seoul is investing over $330 million in a five-year plan to help alleviate loneliness.

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2025/jul/16/instant-noodles-foot-spas-and-counsellors-seoul-tackles-loneliness-with-mind-convenience-stores

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is the meaning of the phrase “to draw on a touchstone“? “The “convenience store” concept deliberately sidesteps stigma while drawing on a touchstone of Korean culture.” Use it in a sentence and give a synonym.
  2. What does “to pull oneself together” mean? “I became powerless and didn’t want to do anything,” she recalls. “But I had children to raise, so I had to pull myself together.” Use it in a sentence and give a synonym.
  3. What does “to feel low” mean? “When you’re feeling low, staying at home just makes things worse.” Use it in a sentence and give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think about Seoul’s mind convenience stores?
  2. Will these mind convenience stores really help people feel less alone in a city like Seoul? Why or why not?
  3. How well do you think this kind of place fare in your own city/country?
  4. How does your country/the government addresses the issue of loneliness among the citizens?
  5. What’s your thought on this, “The idea is that even passive interactions can help combat the city’s loneliness epidemic.“?
  6. Share your thoughts on this, “62% of single-person households report experiencing loneliness, while city estimates suggest 130,000 young people suffer from social isolation.“
  7. Share your view on this, “The centre represents something that formal services often miss: genuine human connection. That’s something money can’t buy.“

How the Big Beautiful Bill Will Transfer Trillions From Workers to Wall Street

B2 – Upper Intermediate

How much do American CEOs make compared to their employees in a year? The reasonable answer would be twenty times, fifty times, or maybe even a hundred times.

In truth, these big CEOs can make a thousand times what their employees earn in a year. And worse, this gap will only widen with the advent of Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill.”

To find out more, watch the video below.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “on the floor” mean in this context, “All these companies are super profitable. Wouldn’t it make sense for them to just have enough staff scheduled on the floor?” Use this phrase in a sentence and give a synonym.
  2. What is a “corporate raider”? “Danny Lovito plays a corporate raider who is trying to convince the shareholders of a small New England cable company to sell him their shares so that they can cash out when he liquidates the company.” Use this term in a sentence and give a synonym.
  3. What does “to turn the bull loose” mean? “We’re going to turn the bull loose.” Use this idiom in a sentence and give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. In your opinion, why does the Big Beautiful Bill reduce the taxes of powerful companies?
  2. Do you think that the Big Beautiful Bill will worsen or improve the gap between the rich and the working classes? Share your thoughts.
  3. Do you think that the current systems that allow companies to earn big profits should be reformed? Share your insights.
  4. How can the pay gap between the workers and the CEOs be fixed?

Wearable Devices to Measure Workers’ Temperature

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

We have been experiencing the highest temperatures ever recorded. This causes employers to try using wearable technologies such as sensors and armbands to ensure that their employees’ wellbeing is in check.

These devices can be used to collect body temperatures so the employers can warn the workers if are getting too hot and let them go on a break.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about wearable devices that can measure worker’s body temperatures to prevent heat-related health issues.

https://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/employers-use-wearable-devices-to-measure-workers-temperature-/7758808.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “raise concerns” mean? “He said the idea that companies could keep years of medical information on employees raises privacy concerns.” Use this phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “withhold” mean? “He said the information could be used to withhold health plans or dismiss workers.” Use this word in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “hurt” mean in this context, “Schwartz said, ‘The device could hurt…because you could raise your hand and say, ‘I need a break,’ and the boss could say, ‘No, your heart rate is not elevated, go back to work.’” Use this term in a sentence in the same context. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the advantages and disadvantages of using wearable devices to track workers’ temperatures/heat stress?
  2. Considering its advantages and disadvantages, what do you think about using wearable technologies in the workplace to detect heat stress among workers?
  3. Share your thoughts on this, “Some groups worry that employers will use the technology to punish people for taking needed breaks.”.
  4. What is your opinion on this, “Companies could keep years of medical information on employees raises privacy concerns. He said the information could be used to withhold health plans or dismiss workers.”?
  5. In your country, how do companies protect workers from heat stress?

Undersea Cable Attacks Backed by Russia and China

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

A string of incidents in the Baltic Sea and Taiwan have had many thinking it be a precursor of more attacks backed by Russia and China on submarine cables that account for more than 90% of the intercontinental data traffic in the whole world.

Read the article about the possible threats to the undersea cables and be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/jul/17/risk-undersea-cable-attacks-backed-russia-china-likely-rise-report-warns

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “a spate of something” mean? “The risk of Russia- and China-backed attacks on undersea cables carrying international internet traffic is likely to rise amid a spate of incidents in the Baltic Sea and around Taiwan.” Use this idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “to single out” mean? “A US cybersecurity company, singled out nine incidents in the Baltic Sea and off the coast of Taiwan in 2024 and 2025 as a harbinger for further disruptive activity.” Use this phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “harbinger” mean? “A US cybersecurity company, singled out nine incidents in the Baltic Sea and off the coast of Taiwan in 2024 and 2025 as a harbinger for further disruptive activity.” Use this word in a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Share your reaction and opinion about this news.
  2. Why has the two attacks in the Baltic Sea in November 2024 had minimal impact in Europe? 
  3. “Campaigns attributed to Russia in the North Atlantic-Baltic region and China in the western Pacific are likely to increase in frequency as tensions rise.”? Do you think this is most likely to happen? Share your views.
  4. Share your opinion on this, “Analysts say targeting these cables can be an attractive tactic because the damage can be passed off as an accident.”
  5. What can the governments do to address the potential threats to the countries’ subsea cables?

Nvidia First to Reach Four Trillion in Market Value

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Nvidia just made history, it’s now the first company ever worth $4 trillion. Known for making super-powerful computer chips, Nvidia is a big reason why artificial intelligence (AI) is growing so fast. Its technology powers tools like chatbots, smart cars, and massive data centers.

Let’s read the article to learn more about how Nvidia rose from a gaming chipmaker to the world’s most valuable company.

https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/jul/09/nvidia-first-company-4-trillion

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the word “volley” mean here, “Nvidia has rebounded about 74% from its April lows, when global markets were jolted by Donald Trump’s tariff volley.” Use it in a sentence and give a synonym.
  2. Define the word “unabated“. “Nvidia achieved a $1tn market value for the first time back in June 2023 and the surge continued unabated with its market value – the total value of its shares – more than tripling in about a year, faster than Apple and Microsoft, the only other US firms with a market value of more than $3tn.” Use it in a sentence and give a synonym.
  3. What does the term “poster child” mean? ““The poster children for the AI revolution are led by Nvidia and Microsoft as both are foundational pieces of building on the biggest tech trend we have seen in our 25 years covering tech stocks on the Street.” Use it in a sentence and give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you make of Nvidia becoming one of the most valuable companies in history?
  2. Where is Nvidia’s stratospheric rise attributed to?
  3. If you had some spare money lying around, which tech giants would you invest in? Why?
  4. How has AI reshaped the landscape of companies in your field?
  5. Which businesses are scaling quickly within your country’s market?

MicroHarvest Scales Up Microbial Protein Production

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

As the global demand for protein continues to increase, there is a race to develop technologies to mass produce protein.

Micro Harvest, a company that focuses on biotechnology and microorganisms, was able to turn non-protein substances into protein. They are able to make huge amounts of protein. Their goal is to also be able to produce food that is fit for human consumption in the future.

Read the article about MicroHarvest’s microbial protein production.

https://www.proteinproductiontechnology.com/post/microharvest-scales-up-production-aiming-for-15-000-tons-of-microbial-protein-annually-by-2026

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “strain” mean in this context, “A recent large-scale production trial confirmed that MicroHarvest’s strain performance and process parameters remain stable at this elevated scale.” Use this word in a sentence. Give another meaning of “strain”.
  2. What does “to pave the way for someone/something” mean? “This breakthrough paves the way for MicroHarvest’s ambitious plan to construct a facility capable of producing up to 15,000 tons of microbial protein annually by the end of 2026, addressing the increasing global demand for sustainable protein solutions.” Use this phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “stringent” mean? “This technological advantage supports the company’s ability to meet the stringent requirements of commercial-scale production.” Use this word in a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What was your reaction to and opinion about this special process of producing protein?
  2. What are the advantages and disadvantages of such method of protein production?
  3. Do you think this protein production process could be adapted in your country? Why or why not?
  4. Would it be interesting for you to try the meat that was produced through this process? Why or why not?
  5. Do you like meat? Why or why?
  6. Do people consume a lot of meat in your country? Talk about it.

Emoji Impacts Relationship Outcomes

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Emojis aren’t just cute, they help couples feel closer. This is according to a new study that shows using emojis in messages can make romantic partners feel more connected and understood, even when they’re far apart.

Let’s review the findings to gain deeper insight into how emojis influence emotional connection.

https://phys.org/news/2025-07-emoji-impact-relationship-outcomes-reveals.html#:~:text=The%20use%20of%20emojis%20in%20text%20messaging%20improves,from%20the%20University%20of%20Texas%20at%20Austin,%20U.S.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “closeness” mean in this context, “The use of emojis in text messaging improves perceived responsiveness and thereby enhances closeness and relationship satisfaction.“? Use it in a sentence and give two synonyms.
  2. What does “to move beyond something” mean? “Despite these caveats, the experimental design of this research helps to isolate the effects of emoji use on friendship dynamics, moving beyond the correlational approaches that dominate much of the existing literature.” Use it in a sentence and give two synonyms.
  3. What does the verb “enrich” mean? “Defined as digital representations of emotions and ideas, emojis enrich text-based communication by conveying emotional nuance and increasing expressiveness.” Use it in a sentence and give two synonyms.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What’s your take on what the research reveals?
  2. Are you an emoji fan when you’re texting? Which ones do you reach for most?
  3. Do you think emojis bring extra meaning to messages? Why or why not?
  4. Are there certain emojis you avoid using—or can’t stand seeing?
  5. What’s your go-to method for keeping up with friends or family, and why?

Chesterton’s Fence Theory

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Chesterton’s Fence is a principle of not destroying things without fully understanding the purpose of their existence. It is a principle that reminds us to think before we destroy or reform a tradition, law, or rule. If we were to remove such things without pondering their purpose, we might face some unintended consequences.

But where does this principle apply in other aspects of the world we live in.

To find out more about Chesterton’s defense of conservation, watch the video below.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “axe” mean here, “As a result, the firm makes pennies on the nuts, but spends thousands hiring new engineers, all because the reformer didn’t understand the purpose of the policy he axed.” Use this word to make your own sentence and give a synonym.
  2. Define “rule of thumb”. “Chesterton’s Fence is a simple rule of thumb that suggests that you should never destroy a fence, change a rule, or do away with a tradition until you understand why it’s there in the first place.” Use this term in a sentence and give a synonym.
  3. What does “to drop dead” mean? ” “And so millions of people hit noisy pots and pans to prevent sparrows from resting, with the goal of causing them to drop dead from exhaustion.” Use this idiom in a sentence and give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Share your thoughts on this statement, “If a fence exists, there is likely a reason for it.“
  2. Do you believe that the Chesterton’s Fence theory is a good principle to live by? Why or why not?
  3. What lessons can we learn from those who do not follow the principle?
  4. How can Chesterton’s Fence can be applied to everyday life, government, and business?
  5. Talk about a situation where someone ignored the idea of the Chesterton’s Fence and its unintended consequences.