Tag: B2 – Upper intermediate

Is Human Connection the New Job Security

B2 – Upper Intermediate

What looks radical today may be necessary in the future because it’s difficult to see how human professionals could survive in an era focused on AI. Similar to Jane Wurwand, the creator of the multimillion-dollar skincare brand Dermalogica, she views “high touch,” or human connection, as the counterpart to the evolving technology of today.

To find out more about the jobs that AI can’t replace, watch the video below.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to keep spinning something out” mean?  “Numbers. Checking. Organizing. You keep spinning that out.” Use this idiom in a sentence and give a synonym.
  2. What does “to take the strength” mean?  “So we have to take the strength and move with it.” Use this term in a sentence and give a synonym.
  3. What is the meaning of “t0 box someone/something”? “As do many jobs. And even if and-it’s so-we shouldn’t to box things into that’s tech and this is human.” Use this idiom to make your own sentence and give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your reaction to Jane’s idea of high touch as the counterpart of high-tech?
  2. Why do you think human connection is the “new” job security?
  3. Do you think that soft skills are becoming more important than hard skills? Share your thoughts.

Grit: Traits that Matter for School, Work, and Life

B2 – Upper Intermediate

“Success is not only about talent or intelligence — it’s also about grit.”

Grit is the ability to stay committed, work hard, and keep going even when things become difficult. In school, at work, and in everyday life, people with grit learn from failures, stay motivated, and continue striving toward their goals.

Watch the video to learn more about grit and be able to answer the questions below.


Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Define ‘willpower‘. “Strong willpower helps students and professionals stay focused on their goals, making it an important part of developing grit in school, work, and life.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does the word ‘internalize’ mean here: “Once we internalize that we can improve our skills, we might realize that we can also practice willpower.”? Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What is the meaning of ‘for something to present itself”?“In school and work, challenges will often present themselves, and grit helps us face them with determination instead of giving up.” Use the phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think grit (self-control, passion, and perseverance) is more important than high IQ scores or fine genes when it comes to achieving success? Why or why not?
  2. How has grit helped you navigate through life?
  3. In your opinion, can grit be learned, or is it something people are born with?
  4. How can schools and workplaces encourage the development of grit in students and employees?
  5. Can focusing too much on grit ever be harmful? How might balance play a role in achieving goals?

Grandparents Screen Addicts

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Although screen addiction is usually associated with younger people, many grandparents are now spending more time on their devices. They use smartphones and social media to stay connected and entertained. However, this growing screen use raises concerns about health, balance, and its impact on family life.

Watch the video about the elderlies’ growing obsession with screens and be able to answer the questions that follow.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the phrase ‘clock up’ mean? “Older people clock up longer hours in front of the TV than younger people.” Use it in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does the word ‘caveat’ mean? “There were studies in Japan showing that screen time was associated with less physical activity among the elderly and they came with caveats.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What does the idiom ‘ lose one’s marble” mean? Some people think that grandparents are losing their marbles because they spend so much time glued to their phones and tablets.’ Make a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Is it that more elderlies are able to do less physical activities because of the screens or they’re spending more time on their screens because they’re less able to do physical activities? Which do you think is the case?
  2. In your country, do you think grandparents spend too much time on their phones compared to younger people? Why or why not?
  3. Is screen use helpful or harmful for elderly people? Share your opinion.
  4. How can older adults balance screen time with other activities?
  5. What are some activities that the elderlies usually partake in in your city/country?

Continued Measles Transmission in the Americas

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) issued an international alert because measles outbreaks are rising in multiple countries in the Americas.

Read the article to know more about how the warning suggests declining vaccination coverage after the pandemic has created “immunity gaps,” allowing the highly contagious disease to spread again.

https://www.paho.org/en/news/4-2-2026-paho-issues-epidemiological-alert-amid-continued-measles-transmission-americas-and

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “vulnerable population” mean? Use the term in a sentence. “The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has issued a new epidemiological alert on measles for the Region of the Americas, calling on countries to intensify epidemiological surveillance, vaccination, and rapid outbreak response activities to interrupt transmission and protect vulnerable populations.”
  2. What does “immunity gap” mean? Use the phrase in a sentence. “PAHO recommends strengthening surveillance and active case finding, including laboratory diagnosis; implementing supplementary immunization activities to close immunity gaps; and ensuring a timely response to any suspected measles case.”
  3. What does “active transmission” mean? Use it in a sentence. “At the same time, for all countries in the Region, PAHO stressed the importance of closing vaccination coverage gaps, maintaining sensitive and timely surveillance, and protecting travelers through vaccination, particularly those traveling to areas with active transmission.”

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why do you think measles is starting to spread again in different countries?
  2. How did the pandemic affect vaccination rates?
  3. Who is most at risk when measles outbreaks happen?
  4. Why is measles considered a dangerous disease even though it can be prevented?
  5. What can governments and families do to stop measles from spreading?

Obesity Linked to Infections and Deaths

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Scientists believe excess body fat disrupts the immune system, making the body less able to fight viruses and bacteria. Experts are urging governments to promote healthier food access and physical activity to prevent hospitalizations and deaths as obesity rates continue rising worldwide.

Read the article to know why obesity is not only a weight problem; it also weakens immunity.

https://www.euronews.com/health/2026/02/11/obesity-is-linked-to-70-higher-risk-of-infection-and-1-in-10-deaths-worldwide-study-says

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “infectious disease” mean? Use the phrase in a sentence. “Our finding that obesity is a risk factor for a wide range of infectious diseases suggests that broad biological mechanisms may be involved.”
  2. What is “dataset”? Use the term in a sentence. “The study analysed data from over 67,000 adults in Finland and over 470,000 adults in the UK Biobank dataset to look at the relationship between obesity and severe infectious disease.”
  3. What does “underlying” mean? Use the word in a sentence. “Kivimäki noted, however, that additional research is required to confirm the mechanisms underlying these associations.”

Discussion Questions:

  1. What surprised you most about how obesity affects the immune system?
  2. Which illnesses become more dangerous for people who are obese?
  3. The article says some infection-related deaths are linked to obesity why do you think that happens?
  4. Why do experts say obesity is more than just a “weight” problem?
  5. What do you think governments or people can actually do to lower these health risks?

How is Denmark So Rich?

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

A country that is small, cold, not oil-rich, with very high taxes, no industrial base, and where citizens work the least number of hours could not possibly be rich.

Oh, but Denmark really is. 

Despite its sky-high taxes, it didn’t stunt the economy’s growth. The country boasts a well-educated and healthy citizens.

Watch the video explaining how Denmark is so rich.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is “the crack in the foundation”? “But before we crown Denmark the “perfect economy, it’s worth noting the cracks in the foundation.” Use the idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “fluke” mean? “How is Denmark pulling this off? Is it a fluke or is there a formula behind its success?” Use the word in a sentence and give a synonym.
  3. What does “to punch above one’s weight” mean? “Despite its small size, Denmark punches way above its weight. It is home to Novo Nordisk, Europe’s most valuable company, Maersk, one of the biggest shipping giants in the world, and Vestas, a global leader in wind energy.” Use the idiom in a sentence and give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How is Denmark continuously getting richer and richer?
  2. What are some of the “cracks in the Danish economy’s foundation”?
  3. What is your opinion? “Is this equitable dreamland really sustainable in the long run?”
  4. After the WWII, Denmark had to make a major choice: stay a low-productivity agrarian economy or modernize and integrate into the rapidly developing global trade. It chose the latter. Share your insights on this.
  5. Share your thoughts on the Nordic model: combining capitalism and strong welfare state.
  6. What do you think about Denmark’s principle that universal healthcare is a prudent economic strategy? 
  7. What are your thoughts on investing in better cycling infrastructure? 

How AI Is Making Everything More Expensive

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Are you familiar with the cost of surveillance? where your personal consumption habits and demographics decide prices. By simply altering the costs of essentials like food, clothing, and services, many companies have been said to employ this pricing strategy to increase their profits in the face of minimal regional competition.

To find out more about surveillance pricing and AI price gouging, watch the video below.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is “estimated conversion probability”? “Between 2000 and 2010, the massive collection of data such as cookies, IP location, and purchase frequency transformed how online retailers tracked consumers. Using this information, they developed models that adjusted prices based on each user’s estimated conversion probability.” Use this term in a sentence.
  2. What is “surge pricing”? “Powered by algorithms and artificial intelligence, surge pricing is now being used across a growing number of consumer industries, from theme parks to restaurants, retail outlets, and rock concerts.” Use this term in a sentence.
  3. What is “take rate”? “Research showed that the system significantly increased fares without an equivalent increase in driver earnings. Uber’s take rate in the United States rose from 32% to 42%.” Use this phrase in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on surveillance pricing? As a consumer, what is your reaction to how many companies practice personalized pricing?
  2. Does this pricing strategy make sense for a large number of customers who are unaware that their purchasing patterns determine the costs of the products they purchase? Share your thoughts.
  3. Share your insights on this, “Companies defend these models as mechanisms of efficiency and optimization. Critics, on the other hand, argue that they deepen economic inequalities.“
  4. How can we control this price structure to prevent deception of customers?
  5. What benefits and risks does dynamic pricing have for customers?

China Bans Hidden Car Door Handles

B2 – Upper Intermediate

China has decided to ban hidden door handles after several deadly accidents. In some crashes, passengers and rescuers had difficulty opening car doors. These handles are common in modern electric cars because of their sleek design and aerodynamic benefits. The decision highlights growing concerns about balancing modern design with passenger safety and may influence safety standards in other countries.

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

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the word “deem” mean? They simply deem these concealed door handles to be too unsafe. Use the word in a sentence.
  2. What does ” high-profile” mean? There are a number of high-profile cases where an electric vehicle crashed in which the doors weren’t able to open because of these concealed doors. Make one sentence using the word.
  3. What does the idiom ” drive one’s nuts” mean? Trying to figure out how to open the hidden door handles in a Tesla for the first time can really drive someone nuts. Use the idiom in your sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think banning hidden car door handles is the right decision to improve passenger safety? Why or why not?
  2. In your opinion, should car design focus more on safety than appearance and modern features?
  3. How can car manufacturers balance innovative design with safety requirements?
  4. Do you think other countries should follow China’s decision to ban hidden car door handles? Why or why not?

OpenAI Sora to Generate AI Videos of Disney Characters

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Disney’s new deal with OpenAI has caused concern in Hollywood. The agreement will allow OpenAI to use many of Disney’s famous characters in its AI tools to create videos and images.

While Disney says this partnership will bring new creative opportunities, many writers and actors are worried. They believe AI could reduce job opportunities and change the way movies and shows are made.

The deal has started an important discussion about the future of creativity and technology in the entertainment industry.

Read this article or watch the video to learn more.

https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/tech-news/openai-disney-sora-ai-videos-rcna248617

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Define “to play whack-a-mole” in this context. “With OpenAI, Disney would be creating a legitimate avenue through which a generative AI program could deploy its characters, rather than playing whack-a-mole with every AI company, as Disney has done with other kinds of media in the past.” Make a sentence with this phrase.
  2. What does “sprawling portfolio” mean? “The deal is notable in part because Disney is famously protective of its sprawling portfolio of intellectual property, from the animated shorts of the 1920s to modern superhero and fantasy franchises.” Make a sentence with this phrase.
  3. What is the meaning of “to close the avenue for someone/something“? “As Disney seeks to open the path to copyrighted usage of its characters by OpenAI, it simultaneously appears to be trying to close the avenue for a top competitor: Google.” Make a sentence with this phrase.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why are writers and actors worried about this deal?
  2. Why do you think Disney decided to partner with OpenAI?
  3. Is this partnership more exciting or more dangerous for the entertainment industry? Explain your opinion.
  4. Should companies ask for permission before using characters or creative work in AI tools?
  5. Would you feel comfortable watching a movie mostly created by AI? Why or why not?

Emerging Risks Tied to Short-Form Video

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Short videos have become a big part of our daily lives. Platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts provide fast, entertaining content that keeps us scrolling for hours. While these videos may seem harmless and fun, they can have a powerful effect on how our brains work. From attention span and memory to dopamine and motivation, short-form content can change the way we think, focus, and process information. Understanding how short videos affect the brain is important so we can use them wisely and maintain a healthy balance in our digital lives.

Read this article to learn more about this topic.

https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/brain-rot-research-short-form-video-consumption-rcna245739

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “cornerstone” mean? “From TikTok to Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts, short-form video content has become a cornerstone of just about every online platform, including LinkedIn and even Substack.” Make a sentence with this.
  2. What does “to crusade against something“. “James Jackson, a neuropsychologist at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, said there’s a long history of people crusading against new technologies and cultural phenomena, whether it’s video games or Elvis concerts.” Use this in a sentence.
  3. What’s the meaning of “parse“? “But it will take more research to parse the nuances, such as who’s most vulnerable, how permanent the effects are and which particular mechanisms cause harm.” Make a sentence with this. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How do short videos influence memory retention compared to long-form content?
  2. Do you think watching many short videos can reduce our ability to focus on long tasks? Why or why not?
  3. How can we create a healthy balance when using social media?
  4. How has your own behavior changed because of short videos?
  5. Do you think children and teenagers are more affected than adults? Why?