Tag: B2 – Upper intermediate

We Need Scientists Now, More than Ever

B2 – Upper Intermediate

In light of pressing global issues, scientists emphasize the indispensable role of science in safeguarding our planet’s future. Historical successes, like the Montreal Protocol’s role in curbing ozone layer depletion, showcase science’s potential in preventing disasters. However, recent assessments indicate that six out of nine Planetary Boundaries essential for Earth’s stability have been breached.

Read the article to know the urgent need for evidence-based approaches, increased investment in scientific research, and global collaboration to address environmental and health challenges

https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/climate-energy/why-we-need-scientists-now-more-than-ever-2025-05-07/?

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “the list goes on” mean? “Their alarm turned out to be an early warning that was at first dismissed and then attacked, before being proven to be the alarm that would steer us away from catastrophic consequences, as a result millions of cases of skin cancer were averted, eye cataracts prevented as well as the eventual destruction of ecosystems loss that could have led to agricultural system collapse, the list goes on.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “undermine” mean? ” If we want to leave a flourishing future for generations to come, science should consistently be nurtured, celebrated and invested in, not dismissed, undermined and attacked.” Use it in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “to be grounded in something” mean? “Let us not be divided by political narratives, but united by our shared responsibility and grounded in modern and Indigenous people’s science. “ Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What historical example shows how science successfully helped prevent an environmental crisis?
  2. What are the “Planetary Boundaries,” and how many of them have been exceeded according to recent assessments?
  3. Why is it important to use evidence-based approaches when dealing with global issues like climate change or public health?
  4. How can increased investment in scientific research help protect the planet and future generations?
  5. What role should international cooperation play in solving large-scale scientific and environmental problems?

Rising Rates of ‘Early-Onset’ Cancer

B2 – Upper Intermediate

An alarming trend has emerged: a significant increase in cancer diagnoses among young adults. For instance, one in five new colorectal cancer patients in the U.S. is now under 55, nearly double the rate from 1995. Researchers attribute this rise to factors like increasing obesity rates, consumption of ultra-processed foods, higher alcohol intake, sleep disruptions, and exposure to environmental toxins such as microplastics.

Read the article to know why these lifestyle and environmental changes may be altering cancer risks for younger populations.

https://www.yalemedicine.org/news/early-onset-cancer-in-younger-people-on-the-rise

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “early-onset cancer” mean? “Because advancing age is the top risk factor for cancer in general, the recent rise in early-onset cancers is worrisome. “ Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “to warrant something” mean? “Others may not go to the doctor because they have limited or no health insurance—or they believe their health problems are not serious enough to warrant a visit.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “to be thrown by something” mean? “Health-conscious patients who ate well and exercised feel completely thrown by a cancer diagnosis and need to know it’s not their fault.”” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What types of cancer are increasingly being diagnosed in younger adults, particularly under age 55?
  2. How has the rate of colorectal cancer in young adults changed since 1995?
  3. What lifestyle factors are believed to contribute to the rising cancer rates among younger populations?
  4. In what ways might environmental exposures like microplastics and pollutants influence cancer development?
  5. Why is it important to address cancer risks early in life rather than waiting until later adulthood?

Brisk Walk to Reduce Early Death Risk

B2 – Upper Intermediate

A study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine reveals that engaging in just 75 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week about 11 minutes daily can significantly reduce health risks. Activities like brisk walking, gardening, or yoga were associated with a 17% reduction in cardiovascular disease risk, a 7% decrease in cancer risk, and a 23% lower risk of early death.

Read the article to know why even short bursts of daily activity can yield meaningful health benefits.

https://www.cam.ac.uk/research/news/daily-11-minute-brisk-walk-enough-to-reduce-risk-of-early-death

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “study cohort” mean? “In total, they looked at results reported in 196 peer-reviewed articles, covering more than 30 million participants from 94 large study cohorts, to produce the largest analysis to date of the association between physical activity levels and risk of heart disease, cancer, and early death.
    ”     Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “brisk walk” mean? “In a study published today in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, the researchers say that 11 minutes a day (75 minutes a week) of moderate-intensity physical activity – such as a brisk walk – would be sufficient to lower the risk of diseases such as heart disease, stroke and a number of cancers.
    ”     Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “pooling” mean here, “To explore the amount of physical activity necessary to have a beneficial impact on several chronic diseases and premature death, researchers from the Medical Research Council (MRC) Epidemiology Unit at the University of Cambridge carried out a systematic review and meta-analysis, pooling and analysing cohort data from all of the published evidence.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What types of physical activities qualify as moderate-intensity exercise according to the study?
  2. How does just 11 minutes of daily activity impact the risks of cardiovascular disease, cancer, and early death?
  3. Why is this research significant for people with busy lifestyles or limited access to fitness resources?
  4. What might be the long-term public health benefits if more people adopted this minimal exercise routine?
  5. How could governments or workplaces encourage more people to incorporate short bursts of physical activity into their daily routines?

Consumer Spending Up in Anticipation of Tariffs

B2 – Upper Intermediate

In early April 2025, consumer spending in the U.S. surged as Americans rushed to make purchases ahead of President Donald Trump’s planned tariffs, according to data from JPMorgan. While discretionary spending saw the biggest jump, economists warn this spike doesn’t signal long-term economic growth. Instead, it reflects a short-term reaction to anticipated price hikes, with many consumers and businesses accelerating purchases to avoid future costs. Experts, including Chicago Fed President Austan Goolsbee, suggest this “pull-forward” effect could lead to a spending drop-off later in the year, raising questions about the broader economic impact of the tariff strategy.

Read the article to know more about how Trump’s tariff plans are influencing consumer behavior and be prepared to answer the questions below.

https://www.nbcnews.com/business/consumer/consumer-spending-big-early-april-people-buy-anticipation-tariffs-rcna202668

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “big-ticket item” mean? “April data may reflect a pull forward of discretionary spending on big-ticket items if consumers tried to lock in lower prices before tariffs went into effect.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “discretionary spending” mean? “The analysts also pointed to sliding gasoline prices as a possible driver of increased discretionary spending.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “stockpiling” in business mean? “Goolsbee also cited evidence of businesses stockpiling inventory to last two to three months and said so-called preemptive purchasing appeared more common among companies than consumers.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions

  1. What are your thoughts on the surge in consumer spending ahead of Trump’s tariff implementation?
  2. Have you ever rushed to buy something because you heard the price might go up soon? What made you act quickly, and how did it feel afterward? How might that experience relate to how people are reacting to the tariff news?
  3. How do consumer expectations about future economic policies, like tariffs, influence their current spending behaviors? Can you think of examples where fear or uncertainty has affected how people shop?
  4. If you knew your favorite items—like clothes, electronics, or snacks—were about to get more expensive, what would you do? Would you change your spending habits? Why or why not?
  5. If people and businesses are spending more now to avoid higher prices later, do you think this is a smart strategy or could it create bigger problems down the line Why do you think so?

Amazon Will Not Disclose US Tariffs Cost on Its Website

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

There were talks that Amazon would display the costs of the US tariffs on its products on their website.  

However, Amazon has denied this and said that they never considered listing tariffs on their main retail website, but did on their low-cost Amazon Haul Store. They considered the idea, but it was never approved and implemented in the end.

Watch this video about Amazon and US tariffs.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Define “on-shoring”. “It’s another reason why we are on-shoring critical supply chains here at home to shore up our own critical supply chain and boost our own manufacturing here.” Use this word in a sentence.
  2. What does “duty” mean here, “This month, Trump signed an executive order that closes a trade loophole that has allowed low-value packages from China and Hong Kong to enter the United States free of duties.”? Use this word in a sentence.
  3. What does “to trade near flat” mean? “The comments by the White House sent Amazon shares down more than 2% in pre-market trading, but they rebounded and were trading near flat by midday.”? Use this phrase in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How is Amazon affected by the growing political and trade tensions between the US and China?
  2. Amazon decided not to display the costs of tariffs on products on its website. What is your opinion on this?
  3. Do you agree or disagree that “Amazon should be more transparent about tariff costs.” What do you think are the advantages and disadvantages of doing this?
  4. The White House accused Amazon of a hostile political act. Share your insights on this.
  5. What are your thoughts on low-value packages from China and Hong Kong entering the United States not duty free anymore? What impact could this have on China and Hong Kong and on the US?

The Great Depression


B2 – Upper Intermediate

Global economic conditions have been profoundly impacted by US tariffs. One significant outcome that many people worry about is a major depression, which is the worst economic collapse in modern history. People would go from lavishly celebrating to losing everything, including their life savings.

Watch the video below to learn more about the great depression.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Define “snowball effect”. “As the public learned about these incredible returns from the stock market, everyone began putting money in it and talking about it more. This created a snowball effect.” Use this term in a sentence.
  2. What does “to fill the air” mean? ” “Extreme greed and unrealistic fantasy filled the air.” Use this phrase in a sentence and give a synonym.
  3. In business, what does it mean “to close the doors“? So if a local bank closed its doors, people lost their money.” Use this idiom to make your own sentence and give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think another Great Depression will begin in this century? If so, why?
  2. How would a Great Depression affect your life right now?
  3. What lessons have we learned from the Great Depression?

Microdosing Psychedelics

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Microdosing medicinal psychedelics has ignited debate in recent years. Although there are a number of research supporting its potential benefits, the overall evidence remains in its early stages, leaving both healthcare professionals and prospective users uncertain about its true therapeutic impact.

Let’s read the article and gain a deeper understanding of the current research and perspectives on microdosing medicinal psychedelics.

https://apnews.com/article/microdosing-lsd-mushrooms-psychedelic-psilocybin-390c99ba54ef9d75727f39e2ec78fb34

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “acid trip” mean? “This isn’t a full-blown acid trip — or even close. If you see visions, it’s not a microdose.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What is the meaning of “to open the door to something“? “Further opening the door to microdosing, a handful of cities have officially directed police to make psychedelics a low priority for enforcement.” Use it in a sentence and give a synonym.
  3. Define the term “altered (state of) consciousness“. “It seems I was able to generate a powerful ‘altered consciousness’ experience based only (on) the expectation around the possibility of a microdose.” Use it in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What does microdosing psychedelics mean? Share your own opinion about microdosing psychedelics.
  2. Do you see psychedelic therapy gaining mainstream acceptance down the line? Why or why not?
  3. How widespread do you think microdosing is in your country? Why do you think this is the case?
  4. What are the laws surrounding psychedelics in your country?

The Mere Thought of Being Hungry Alters Your Immune System

B2 – Upper Intermediate

For a long time, scientists believed that fasting altered the immune system simply because the body was deprived of nutrients. However, new research in Science Immunology is rewriting that story. It turns out that neurons in the brain ,and not the gut, play the key role in regulating immune cells. AgRP neurons in the hypothalamus, which trigger feelings of hunger, can influence immune cell levels purely by creating the perception of hunger, rather than actual food deprivation.

Let’s read the article and know more details about the connection between perception of hunger and the immune system.

https://www.sciencealert.com/the-mere-thought-of-being-hungry-could-alter-your-immune-system

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “first line of defense” mean? “These cells are part of the immune system’s first line of defence and play a critical role in regulating inflammation.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “to dial down” mean? “When the hunger neurons were turned on, they dialled down nutrient-sensing in the liver by reducing sympathetic activity.” Use it in your own sentence and give a synonym.
  3. What does “wasting syndrome” mean? “If these findings are confirmed in humans, this new data could, in future, have real-world implications for diseases where the immune system becomes overactive – such as cardiovascular diseases, multiple sclerosis, and wasting syndrome in cancer patients.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on the findings of this research?
  2. How does hunger affect how you feel or how much energy you have?
  3. What comfort foods help you when you’re unwell?
  4. What aspect of the human brain do you find the most remarkable?
  5. If you were a medical researcher, what field would you specialize in? Why?

Chronoworking Helps Workers Excel

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

Some believe that the best way to get the most out of employees is to allow them to do ”chronoworking”. This basically means you let them choose the work hours that best suits their biological clocks.

Read the article about what asynchronous working can do to workers’ productivity.

https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20240220-chronoworking-productivity-hack

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “knock-on effect” mean? “Allowing staff to work when they’re at their best could boost performance and wellbeing, with a knock-on positive effect on employee retention.” Use this word in a sentence and give a synonym.
  2. What does “to level the playing field” mean? “The approach has the added benefit of normalising flexible hours for parents or those with other responsibilities that make it tricky to stick to 9-to-5 restrictions, she adds. It levels the playing field.” Use this idiom in a sentence and give a synonym.
  3. What does “chronotype” mean? “Originally coined by journalist Ellen C Scott, chronoworking enables employees to ditch standard office hours and pick schedules that match their personal “chronotypes” instead.” Use this term in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How is chronoworking beneficial to employees and companies alike?
  2. What might the downsides be of asynchronous work?
  3. What do you personally think about this work approach? 
  4. When do you think are you most productive during the day and why is that?
  5. Do you think your company could afford to implement this approach? Why or why not?
  6. Share your thoughts on this, “It’s nonsensical that we all need to be working together all at one time. You get far more out of people if you operate around different chronotypes.”.

Teens Test Virtual Technology Aimed at Helping Anxiety

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Virtual technology is being explored as a new tool to help teenagers cope with anxiety and school-related stress. In Wales, an augmented reality (AR) therapy app developed with input from young people allows users to express emotions through creative, interactive experiences. Early testing shows the app can reduce anxiety and improve social connection, offering a promising new approach to mental health support for teens, especially those who are neurodivergent or reluctant to speak openly.

To learn more about this innovation, read the article and be prepared to answer the questions below.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c4g40wwn54eo

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to give a voice” mean? “Cardiff council said young people had “been given a voice and had valuable input in developing this tool which provides a way for them to communicate using an approach that they feel comfortable with.” Give two (2) synonyms and use this term in a sentence.
  2. What does “ice-breaker” mean? “If someone didn’t really like talking, then it can be like an ice-breaker to open up conversations with their counsellor.” Use this word in a sentence.
  3. What does “neurodivergent” mean? “The technology aims to help certain individuals, particularly those who are neurodivergent, feel more comfortable using images to express their feelings.” Use this term in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on using augmented reality technology as a tool to support teenagers’ mental health, and do you think it can be as effective as more traditional forms of therapy?
  2. In what ways might augmented reality technology change the way we approach mental health support for young people, and what are the potential limitations of relying on technology in this context?
  3. How could giving young people a voice in the development of mental health tools, like the AR therapy app, influence the effectiveness and acceptance of such interventions?
  4. What role does creativity and play have in supporting emotional wellbeing, and why might this be especially important for teenagers experiencing anxiety?
  5. How can schools balance the use of innovative technologies with the need for human connection and traditional therapeutic approaches in supporting students’ mental health? Can you think of specific situations or examples where this balance might be especially important?
  6. What ethical considerations should be taken into account when designing digital mental health tools for children and teenagers, particularly those who are neurodivergent or socially isolated?