Tag: B2 – Upper intermediate

Jobs AI Won’t Take Yet

B2 – Upper Intermediate

In a time of swift technological progress and the widespread impact of artificial intelligence, the nature of the labor market is changing dramatically. There is no denying that automation and artificial intelligence have revolutionized many industries, but there is a fascinating subset of occupations that are resisting the increasing digital takeover.

Read the article to learn about the jobs that AI will never be able to replace, demonstrating the timeless essence of mankind’s capabilities in an age of unprecedented advancement in technology.

https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20230507-the-jobs-ai-wont-take-yet

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “on the horizon” mean in the sentence, “For the most part, the humans have prevailed. Now, say some experts, with AI ubiquity on the horizon, the threat’s being realised: the robots really are coming for some jobs.”? Give 2 synonyms and use ‘on the horizon’ in your own sentence.
  2. What does “caveat” mean in the sentence, “The experts issue their warnings with a caveat: there are still things AI isn’t capable of – tasks that involve distinctly human qualities, like emotional intelligence and outside-the-box thinking.”? Use this in your own sentence.
  3. What does “fall under the umbrella” mean in the sentences, “Many trade jobs – think electricians, plumbers, welders and the like – fall under this umbrella.”? Use this idiom in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Can you give examples of jobs that require complex decision-making in unpredictable and dynamic environments, as well as why AI struggles to match human versatility? Please elaborate.
  2. In what ways do professions requiring high levels of emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills remain beyond the reach of current AI capabilities?
  3. What significance does compassion serve in positions which involve providing care to others, and how does the human connection make caregiving professions less vulnerable to automation?
  4. Can you discuss the importance of intuition and gut feeling in decision-making within certain professions, and why these qualities are challenging for AI to replicate?
  5. In what ways is your sector experiencing the influence of artificial intelligence? Please share.

Slogan Is Necessary for Business

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Slogans play a strategic role for any business. They say what your company is all about in a few words. Good slogans “play” with customer’s minds, making them believe your product is reliable.

Read the article to know why brand identity is necessary and how catchy slogans help in achieving it.

https://mailchimp.com/resources/is-a-slogan-necessary/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is a “catchphrase”? “”Let’s Go Places,” is the catchphrase for Toyota, the maker of the world’s most popular car, the Corolla.” Give 2 synonyms and use “catchphrase” in a sentence.
  2. What does “rent real estate in someone’s brain” mean? “Imagine that you could rent real estate in your customer’s brain.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “to stay fresh in one’s mind” mean? “We listen to people, and we say things to people, but, at least for most of us, not a lot of what we hear stays fresh in our minds.” Give 2 synonyms and use “to stay fresh in one’s mind” in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How good are you at slogans? Give examples of some catchy slogans.
  2. Do you know any examples of companies failing their marketing strategies?
  3. What can you say about this statement “”If your competitors start copying you, then your marketing strategy is working!”?

What Happens To Your Body If You Drink Soda Every Day

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The convenience of grabbing a cold soda seems almost compelling in today’s hectic society. The sugary, sparkling, carbonated beverage has become a welcome addition to our everyday meals and snacks.

But behind all of that sweetness and fizz, lies a complex web of consequences that unfold within our bodies when we make a habit of daily soda consumption.

Read the article to learn more about the series of intricate reactions of the seemingly innocent act of drinking soda every day.

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/what-happens-to-your-body-drinking-soda-every-day_l_65663d8fe4b066e398b57af1

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “a spike in something” mean in the sentence, “First, you’re going to notice a spike in your energy from the caffeine and sugar.”? Use this in your own sentence.
  2. What does “defeats the point” mean in the sentences, “Just be sure to eye the ingredient list to make sure it doesn’t contain sugar or artificial sweeteners. Otherwise, it defeats the point.”? Use this in your own sentence.
  3. What does “cold turkey” mean in the sentence, “If you’re used to drinking soda every day and then quit cold turkey, Angelone says you might feel more tired because you aren’t getting that hit of caffeine that you’re used to.”? Use this idiom in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Did the article provide any insights or facts that were different from what you might have anticipated, and if so, what were they?
  2. Explain the noticeable changes in skin health associated with long-term soda consumption.
  3. How does consistent soda consumption influence the risk of developing chronic health conditions over the long term?
  4. Is soda something you enjoy drinking, or do you have a different beverage preference? Please share.
  5. Do people in your country commonly indulge in drinking soda? Talk about it.

Guidelines for Employees’ Responsible Use of Generative AI

B2 – Upper Intermediate

As of writing, ChatGPT has gained around 180.5 million users in a short span of time since it was launched. It is just one among many generative artificial intelligence (GAI) apps. More employees are using ChatGPT, but majority do not let their managers know about it. There is still the question of how it can be maximized and used responsibly at work.

Read the article about how companies can tap generative AI’s benefits and the ways to use it in a safe, productive, and responsible way in the workplace.

https://www.linkedin.com/business/talent/blog/talent-acquisition/guidelines-for-using-gai-responsibly

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the idiom ”There is a good chance (that)” mean? “There’s a good chance that more people are using generative AI (GAI) than you think, and most of them are doing it without your knowledge or permission.” Use this expression in a sentence.
  2. What does the expression “without one’s knowledge” mean? “However, 68% admit they’re using it without their boss’s knowledge.” Give 2 similar expressions and make a sentence using ‘without one’s knowledge’.
  3. What is “user interface”? “You can’t blame people for being interested in the recent buzz around generative AI given the simplicity of new user interfaces for using AI to create high-quality text, images, and videos in a matter of seconds.” Use this term in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are some ways to use generative AI productively, safely, and responsibly in the workplace?
  2. How do you think is GAI being used by employees in your company? How are you using GAI at work?
  3. Share your thoughts on this, “More than 40% of professionals have used ChatGPT or other generative AI in some capacity at work. However, 68% admit they’re using it without their boss’s knowledge. This suggests a level of uncertainty around how companies might perceive using such technology within the workplace.”.
  4. What other benefits could GAI provide for businesses/companies?
  5. Talk about other things you know about GAI.

Should Parents Let Teens Drink Alcohol If It’s Under Their Roof

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The question of whether parents should allow their teenagers to consume alcohol in the condition that it is under their roof sparks a controversial debate as it involves striking a delicate balance between encouraging responsible behavior and accepting the inevitable curiosity of adolescence.

As long as it is believed that teenagers may experiment with alcohol in any case, there will be discussions about the benefits and drawbacks of parents introducing their children to alcohol at an early age.

Should parents condone alcohol consumption at home in order to explain the experience, or does such an approach mistakenly endorse a potentially harmful behavior?

Click on the provided link to learn more.

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/parents-teens-drink-alcohol-home_l_6564aeace4b0f35896f6c78f

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “under no illusion” mean in the sentence, “I’m under no illusion that they’re going to college and not drinking.” ? Use this in your own sentence.
  2. What does “find oneself in a bind” mean in the sentence, “It’s a sensitive subject, and parents of teens find themselves in a bind. ”? Use this in your own sentence.
  3. What does “draw a hard line” mean in the sentence, “Some parents may feel like their kids won’t be honest with them if they draw a hard line when it comes to underage drinking, but research shows that kids whose parents have a “permissive stance” on alcohol are more likely to drink and to experience negative consequences as a result of their drinking.” ? Use this in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Share your perspective on this article.
  2. What are the potential benefits and risks of allowing teenagers to consume alcohol under parental supervision? Tell me more.
  3. What role does parental guidance play in shaping responsible drinking behavior among adolescents?
  4. In what ways can parents effectively educate and communicate with their teens about responsible alcohol consumption?
  5. Were you given the green light by your parents to drink alcohol either at home or when you’re out socializing in your teenage years? Please talk about it.

Mushroom Coffee Craze

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The world of caffeine lovers has recently been intrigued with mushroom coffee, which has become a viral sensation that has many questioning its authenticity. Blending the familiar kick of coffee beans with the earthy goodness of ground mushrooms, this non-traditional brew promises a taste similar to regular coffee along with an assortment of other benefits. While supporters acknowledge it, critics cast doubt on it, raising the question, “Is mushroom coffee a real game-changer or just another trend wrapped in excitement and speculation?”

Click on the provided link to learn more.

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/mushroom-coffee-health-benefits_l_655cbde8e4b0c91d827890b9

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “purportedly” mean in the sentence, “The beverage, which is made with ground-up mushrooms and coffee beans, purportedly tastes like regular coffee while offering more benefits.”? Use this in your own sentence.
  2. What does “in the name of something / someone” mean in the sentence, “In the name of mental and physical health, more and more brands are infusing coffee with blended-up mushrooms, sparking a viral craze online.” ? Use this expression in your own sentence.
  3. What does “jitter” mean in the sentence, “Companies claim that mushroom coffee decreases the amount of caffeine you’re drinking and helps with things like the jitters, inflammation, immunity, stress relief and better sleep.”? Give a synonym and use ‘jitter’ in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Please share your thoughts on the craze for mushroom coffee.
  2. What specific benefits are attributed to mushroom coffee, and how do they differ from those of traditional coffee? Tell me more.
  3. What might be some potential side effects or risks associated with consuming mushroom coffee, especially for individuals with certain health conditions?
  4. Can mushroom coffee be considered a sustainable or environmentally friendly alternative to traditional coffee production? Talk about your opinion.
  5. What drinks do people generally opt for in your locality? Please talk about it.

Payless’ Fake Luxury Shoe Store

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Payless, the affordable shoe retailer, played a clever prank by opening a fake luxury shoe store. They set up a high-end atmosphere, complete with sleek designs and fancy displays, tricking customers into thinking they were shopping for expensive designer shoes. Little did they know, the shoes were actually affordable Payless ones. It was a humorous way to challenge perceptions of value and brand prestige.

Watch the video to know more about this effective PR stunt and be ready to answer the questions that follow.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “markup” mean? “$35 shoe going for $645, an 1800% markup.” Use this word in a sentence.
  2. What does the idiom “sit on one’s heels” mean? “Store owners sat on their heels as fashion influencers emptied their wallets.” Use this expression in a sentence.
  3. What does the phrase “let on” mean? “Then, they’re letting on the prank.” Make a sentence using the expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on Payless’s prank of opening a fake luxury shoe store? Do you find it humorous or do you think it might have crossed any boundaries?
  2. In your opinion, does this prank challenge your perception of brand value and the psychology behind luxury purchases? Why or why not?
  3. Do you think experiments like Payless’s fake luxury store are effective in highlighting the influence of branding on consumer choices? Why or why not?
  4. How do you believe the participants in the prank felt when they discovered the true nature of the shoes they were admiring? Would you have a similar reaction?

Increasing Your Business Vocabulary

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Increasing your business vocabulary holds significant value in the professional world for several reasons:

  1. Clear Communications
  2. Professional Image
  3. Enhanced Collaboration
  4. Career Advancement
  5. Global Communication
  6. Negotiation Skills
  7. Adaptability
  8. Confidence in Communication
  9. Improved Writing Skills
  10. Networking Opportunities

In essence, expanding your business vocabulary is an investment in your professional development, offering tangible benefits in terms of effective communication, career advancement, and overall success in the business world.

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

https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/business-vocabulary

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Explain the phrase “corporate jargon”. “Having an extensive business vocabulary can help you navigate the corporate jargons used in business environment.” Cite a similar expression or a similar word and use ‘corporate jargon’ in a sentence.
  2. Define “accrued expense”. “Liabilities include mortgages, outstanding loans and accrued expenses.” Use the phrase in your own sentence.
  3. What does “opportunity cost” mean? “If you can choose only one option, calculating the opportunity cost of each can help you determine the best course of action.”. Use the phrase in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Which of the listed business words do you find particularly crucial in discussions related to marketing, finance, production, and business management?
  2. Have you ever taken a business course, and if so, what benefits did you gain from it?
  3. In what way might an improved business vocabulary positively impact professional networking and career advancement?
  4. How can an individual leverage a strong business vocabulary when crafting a resume or participating in a job interview?
  5. In what ways do you continue to enhance your business vocabulary?

Challenges of Hybrid Work

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Navigating the challenges of remote work in business requires a thoughtful approach to ensure productivity and employee well-being. Addressing issues such as communication barriers, maintaining team cohesion, and implementing effective project management tools are crucial. Additionally, businesses must prioritize cybersecurity measures to safeguard sensitive information in a decentralized work environment. Balancing flexibility with accountability, providing proper technology support, and fostering a strong organizational culture can contribute to a successful transition to remote work.

Read the article on the challenges of hybrid work, discover strategies to overcome them, and prepare to respond to the questions that follow.

https://trainingindustry.com/articles/remote-learning/5-challenges-of-a-hybrid-workplace-and-how-to-overcome-them/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the phrase “growing pains” mean? “A hybrid model comes with its share of challenges or growing pains, even as the world settles into this new normal.”. Use the phrase in a sentence.
  2. What does the expression “the thread that binds something” mean. “Communication is the thread that binds the two sides in a hybrid model.” Give 2 similar expressions and use it in a sentence.
  3. Explain the phrase “across the board“. “For instance, Salesforce has created a digital HQ, which provides its employees with a single source of information and knowledge sharing that helps them securely co-create, access data, collaborate and unite teams across the board.”. Give 2 similar expressions and write a sample sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How can organizations strike a balance between the benefits of remote work and the need for in-person collaboration to ensure productivity and employee satisfaction?
  2. In a hybrid work model, how can companies effectively address communication challenges to ensure seamless collaboration among teams, whether working remotely or in-office?
  3. Do you personally prefer the flexibility of remote work, or do you value the in-person collaboration offered by the traditional office setting? Explain.
  4. As organizations navigate a mix of in-person and remote work, how can they effectively socialize and integrate new employees into the company’s culture, especially when physical presence is limited?
  5. What communication tools or apps do you find most effective in bridging the gap between remote and in-office teams, and how have they impacted your work experience?

Americans’ YOLO Spending Baffles Economists

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Amid rising interest rates, reduced savings, and persistent inflation, some Americans are still spending unrestrainedly. This year’s Black Friday saw U.S. shoppers spending more money compared to the previous year, showing a trend of increased spending despite tough economic conditions. Thus, economists are on pins and needles.

Read the article to learn more about Americans’ ‘YOLO’ spending sprees and why economists are confounded about it.

https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20231130-why-americans-yolo-spending-attitude-baffles-economists

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is a “brick-and-mortar store”? “On Black Friday, sales at brick-and-mortar stores were up 1.1% from last year; online alone, US shoppers spent a record $9.8bn (£7.72bn) online alone. Consumers spent another $12.4bn (£9.77bn) on Cyber Monday – an eye-popping 9.6% increase over last year.” Make a sentence with this term.
  2. Define “chug on”. “If 18 months ago, you’d have said the Federal Reserve Bank could raise interest rates by 500 basis points, and the consumer would chug on, relatively unfazed, I would have been extremely surprised.” Make a sentence.
  3. What does “square the circle” mean? “Given how much of our life is related to work, how can analysts square that circle?” Use this in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What drives Americans’ ‘YOLO’ spending spree?
  2. How do you feel about ‘YOLO’ affecting spending habits amid economic uncertainties?
  3. Have your spending habits shifted towards a ‘YOLO’ mentality, and what factors contributed to this change?
  4. How do you balance embracing the present (‘YOLO’) with maintaining financial responsibility in today’s economic landscape?
  5. What societal or cultural changes do you think lead individuals to adopt a ‘You Only Live Once’ spending approach?