Tag: B2 – Upper intermediate

How the World Ends According to Nostradamus

B2 – Upper Intermediate

In the 15th century, a man would shake the foundations of Europe’s history by virtue of prophecy while remaining untouched by the many powerful forces who disregarded his visions. And depending on how you read his predictions, the chaos and turmoil we encountered today may have been long foretold by this French astrologer, apothecary, physician, and renowned seer, known for his book Les Prophéties, more commonly recognized around the world as Nostradamus.

Watch the video below to learn more about how Nostradamus predicted about a war.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is a “splintered off”? “The soldier’s lance shattered, and a piece of wood splintered off and pierced Henry’s eye and brain ” Use this term in a sentence. Give a similar expression.
  2. What does “word on the street” mean? “What started as targeted assassinations of Huguenot quickly spiraled into a mas slaughter. And word on street was that Queen Catherine was behind it all”  Use this expression in a sentence. Give a similar expression.
  3. What does “to swell into slums” mean? “The poor suffered, and the rich grew colder toward the new working class. Cities swelled into slums, and unrest followed.” Use this idiom in a sentence. Give a similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Have you heard of Nostradamus before? What have you heard about him?
  2. What are your thoughts on his prophecies?
  3. How can prophecies be helpful and harmful?
  4. Are prophecies real? Share your stand.
  5. Is foreseeing the future a gift or a curse? Share your thoughts.

Could the Dollar Lose Its Dominance?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Since the end of World War II, the dollar has dominated and shaped global trade and finance. Investors have generally felt secure and confident in the United States. However, reserve managers’ diversification into other currencies has led to a noticeable decline in dollar holdings in recent years, signaling a shift in confidence as they seek to mitigate risks associated with currency fluctuations and geopolitical uncertainties.

To discover more about the potential for the dollar to lose its dominance, watch the video below.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is a “linchpin”? “For eight decades the US dollar has been the linchpin of global trade and finance.” Use this term in a sentence. Give a similar expression.
  2. What does “to hedge someone’s exposure” mean? “Over the past year in particular investors have become much keener to hedge their exposure to dollars.”  Use this expression in a sentence. Give a similar expression.
  3. What does “fiscal and monetary trajectory” mean? “The more people use it use it, the more others want to use it too, but anxiety about America’s fiscal and monetary trajectory is growing” Use this idiom in a sentence. Give a similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What factors might put an end to the dollar’s hegemony?
  2. Is it difficult to dethrone the dollar dominance? Elaborate your answer.
  3. If the dollar starts losing its dominance, which currency could best replace the dollars? Why this currency?
  4. How difficult is it to develop trust in international and financial trade?

Samsung Rolls Out More AI and Privacy Shield Mode on Galaxy S26

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Samsung has unveiled its new Galaxy S26 lineup, emphasizing a bigger push into artificial intelligence alongside a new privacy-focused display feature. The latest smartphones introduce tools designed to automate everyday tasks and enhance photos, while also adding a “Privacy Display” mode that limits screen visibility to prevent onlookers from peeking at sensitive information.

The upgrades come with notable price increases for most models, even as Samsung continues to position AI as a central selling point. While the company is betting on smarter, more integrated features to attract buyers, questions remain about whether consumers truly value AI enough to drive upgrades in an already competitive smartphone market.

Read the article for more information.

https://apnews.com/article/samsung-galaxy-s26-artificial-intelligence-b23e8c9c51c2d09e772fe8709b867ca7

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does  “shoulder surfing” mean? “The screen appears off when viewed from the side, preventing “shoulder surfing” from people standing or sitting nearby.” Use this in a sentence. 
  2. What does “sleeper hit” mean? “PP Foresight analyst Paolo Pescatore predicts Privacy Display could turn out to be “the sleeper hit, a standout feature in a sea of AI noise.” Use this in a sentence. 
  3. What does “to pony up” mean? “Samsung is also dangling a new reason to pony up for its most expensive Galaxy S26 with a built-in feature called “Privacy Display” that will only be available on the Ultra.”  Use this in a sentence. 

Discussion Questions:

  1.  Do you think AI features are becoming a real necessity in smartphones, or are they still more of a “party trick”? Why?
  2. Would a privacy feature like Samsung’s “Privacy Display” influence your decision to buy a phone? Why or why not?
  3. Why do you think AI is “not a sought-after feature” yet, according to the analyst interviewed for the article?
  4. Do you think Samsung’s strategy can help it compete more effectively with Apple and Google? Why or why not?

Meningitis Cases in Kent Rises

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Kent is experiencing a rapid meningitis outbreak, with 20 cases reported, including six MenB infections. Most cases involve university students linked to social events, and experts describe it as the fastest-growing outbreak they’ve seen.

The UK Health Security Agency is responding with antibiotics for close contacts and vaccinating 5,000 students, urging anyone exposed at early March events to seek treatment to prevent further spread.

Read the article and know more about the situation.

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2026/mar/18/meningitis-cases-investigated-kent-uk-health-security-agency?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the adjective “unprecedented” mean? “It’s the explosive nature that is unprecedented here – the number of cases in such a short space of time.” Use this in a sentence. 
  2. What does “super-spreader event” mean? “This looks like a super-spreader event, with ongoing spread within the halls of residence in the universities.” Use this in a sentence. 
  3. What does “to stand something up” mean here, “We are being so proactive in the provision of antibiotics, because they’re an effective treatment, but also standing up vaccination at a pace and in a way that we wouldn’t normally do.”? Use this in a sentence. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why is prompt treatment with antibiotics important in meningitis cases?
  2. Do you think universities should cancel large or all social events during outbreaks? Why or why not?
  3. If you were in charge of the response, what other measures might you take to control the outbreak?
  4. Do you think news coverage of outbreaks help or do they only cause unnecessary panic? Share your insights.
  5. If a similar outbreak happened in your city, how would you personally respond?

Norovirus Outbreak Sickens People Aboard Star Princess

B2 – Upper Intermediate

A norovirus outbreak sickened more than 150 passengers and crew aboard the cruise ship Star Princess during a Caribbean voyage. According to health officials, over 100 passengers and dozens of crew members reported symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea, with the virus identified as the cause of the illness.

In response, the cruise line implemented strict sanitation measures, including isolating sick individuals and increasing disinfection across the ship. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is now investigating the outbreak to help control its spread and prevent similar incidents in the future.

Read the article and know more about the situation/

https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/medical/norovirus-outbreak-sickens-153-people-aboard-star-princess/ar-AA1YzfBV?apiversion=v2&domshim=1&noservercache=1&noservertelemetry=1&batchservertelemetry=1&renderwebcomponents=1&wcseo=1

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “threshold” mean? “So far in 2026, the CDC has recorded two cruise ship outbreaks that met its threshold for public notification.” Use this in a sentence. 
  2. What does “field response” mean? “The CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program is conducting a field response that includes an environmental assessment and outbreak investigation to help control the outbreak.” Use this term in a sentence. 
  3. What does “outbreak” mean? “A norovirus outbreak sickened more than 150 passengers and crew aboard a cruise ship during a Caribbean voyage.” Use this word in a sentence. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. Share your thoughts and reaction to this norovirus outbreak on a cruise ship.
  2. What lessons can passengers, cruise companies, and health authorities alike learn from this incident?
  3. Do you think cruise ships are safe when it comes to disease outbreaks? Why or why not?
  4. What would you do if you got sick during a cruise like this?
  5. Would this outbreak stop you from going on a cruise? Explain your answer.

Things Productivity Experts Do When They Come Back To Work After Vacation

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Returning to work after a vacation can be challenging. Many people feel tired or overwhelmed when they come back. Productivity experts have ways to make this transition easier. In this article, we will look at 6 things productivity experts do when they return to work after vacation. These tips can help anyone feel more focused, organized, and ready to get back to work.

Read this article to learn this article to learn these habits.

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/productivity-experts-back-to-work-from-vacation-goog_l_6940618ce4b0fa125e7f502a

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “balm to weary souls” mean? “Vacations are a much-needed balm to weary souls.” Make a sentence with this. Give a synonym.
  2. Define “pep talk“. “I give myself a pep talk. I tell myself I just returned from vacation.” Use this in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What is the meaning of “task at hand“? “Now I have everything organized in my brain, it is written down, and I can finally start conquering the tasks at hand.” Make a sentence with this. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Some experts take an extra day off before returning to work. Why might this help you switch back into “work mode”?
  2. Why do some productivity experts prefer to start with tasks that take only a few minutes on the first day back?
  3. How do you personally feel when you return from a holiday or vacation?
  4. Do you prefer to work right away after a holiday or take it slow? Why?
  5. If you could give one tip to someone returning from vacation, what would it be?

Ukraine Hit Russian Missile Component Plant

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Ukrainian forces launched a missile strike on the Kremniy El microelectronics factory in Russia’s Bryansk region. The factory reportedly produces electronic components used in Russian missile systems, including the Iskander-M.

Read the article to know more about the strike that caused major damage, 6 deaths, and 42 injuries, according to local officials.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ckg1eqw30l9o

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to reach a stalemate” mean? “Both sides have continued attacks, even though the war has reached a stalemate recently.” Use it in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “to hinge” mean? “The outcome of the talks hinges on part of his proposals that envisages Ukraine giving up to Russia areas it does not currently control in the Donbas – an industrial area composed of the administrative regions of Donetsk and Luhansk.” Use it in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “relinquish” mean? “Russia currently controls more than 80% of those areas – which Ukraine says it cannot agree to relinquish.” Use it in a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think about Ukraine striking a Russian electronics factory that produces missile components?
  2. Do you think attacking military-related factories is justified during a war? Why or why not?
  3. How might this kind of strike affect the future of the war between Ukraine and Russia?
  4. Do you think attacks on factories like this could increase tensions between countries involved in the conflict?
  5. In your opinion, what impact could these strikes have on civilians living near military facilities?

How to Tell What’s Real and What’s AI-Generated on Social Media

B2 – Upper Intermediate

As artificial intelligence becomes more advanced, it is increasingly difficult to tell whether content on social media is real or AI-generated. From realistic photos to convincing videos and text, AI tools can create content that looks authentic but may be misleading. Because of this, it is important for users to develop critical thinking and digital literacy skills to help them identify what is genuine and what may have been created by AI.

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


Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does it mean “to be past the point of no return“? “Are we past the point of no return? Are our efforts, at this point, futile?” Use it in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “to come to terms with something” mean? “We have not come to terms with what this means for the society.” Use it in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “to grapple with” mean? “Many celebrities grapple with deepfakes on different social media platforms.” Use it in a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think it is becoming harder to tell what is real and what is AI-generated on social media? Share your experience.
  2. Should social media platforms clearly label AI-generated content? Share your opinion.
  3. What signs might help people recognize AI-generated photos, videos, or text on social media?
  4. How can users improve their critical thinking skills when evaluating information they see on social media?

AI Overuse Can Lead to Brain Fry

B2 – Upper Intermediate

A growing number of people rely on artificial intelligence to write, research, and solve problems. However, new research suggests that too much AI use may have unexpected mental effects. A recent study describes a phenomenon called “AI brain fry,” a type of mental fatigue that occurs when people interact with or supervise AI tools beyond their cognitive limits.

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


Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to resonate with someone” mean? The idea that too much AI use can cause “brain fry” may resonate with people who feel mentally tired after relying on AI tools all day. Make a sentence using the phrase. Give a similar expression.
  2. What does “beg the question” mean?The rise of AI tools begs the question: are people becoming too dependent on technology? Use the phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What is the meaning of “cognizant”? People should remain cognizant of the risks of overusing AI tools so they can protect their own critical thinking skills. Use it in your sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think using AI too often can make people think less for themselves?
  2. In your opinion, should people limit their use of AI to avoid “brain fry”?
  3. What are some possible effects of overusing AI tools on people’s thinking and productivity?
  4. How can people balance using AI technology and maintaining their own critical thinking skills?
  5. In your opinion, should people limit their use of AI to avoid “brain fry”?

Signs of a Toxic Workplace You Can Spot On Your Very First Day

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Starting a new job is always exciting—but sometimes, the workplace isn’t what it seems. Toxic environments can quickly drain your energy, affect your mental health, and even impact your career growth. The good news? Many red flags appear right from the very first day. In this article, we’ll explore seven signs of a toxic workplace so you can spot them early and protect your well-being.

Read the article to learn the signs of a toxic workplace.

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/7-signs-of-toxic-workplace-goog_l_695fcefbe4b088e2524d6b5f

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Define “harried“. “You can tell when people are stressed. Are they harried, are they curt? That’s not a sign of a healthy work culture.” Make a sentence and give a synonym.
  2. What does “decimated” mean? “If people stay too long, their self-esteem gets decimated and they don’t think they are good enough to do something else.”  Use this in a sentence and give a synonym.
  3. What does “to mess with one’s head” mean?  “Toxic jobs mess with your head.” Use this in a sentence and give a similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why is it important to recognize toxicity in a workplace on the first day? How can early awareness help in making career decisions?
  2. “A toxic job should be avoided at all costs because the longer you are stuck in a stressful, backstabbing or exploitative work culture, the harder it is to escape it.” What is your opinion on this?
  3. What can employees and employers do to prevent toxicity in the workplace? Are there proactive measures that make a difference?
  4. Have you ever experienced or witnessed a toxic work environment? What signs were present, and how did you cope with it?