Tag: B2 – Upper intermediate

Why the Majority Is Always Wrong

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Many people assume that success comes from following proven methods and sticking to what already works. At work, this often means copying industry standards, routines, and ways of thinking that everyone else accepts without question. The problem is that doing what most people do usually leads to average results, not real progress or innovation.

Watch the video to explore why challenging accepted norms can lead to very different outcomes.

Vocabulary Questions

  1. What does “automatic pilot” mean in the sentence, “Over 95% of our life, we run on automatic pilot”? Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “industry standard” mean in the sentence, “The boundaries of this box, they are called industry standards, or industry norms”? Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “hit a wall” mean in the sentence, “When people, teams, and organizations, whenever they hit a wall, they tend to do one of two things”? Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions

  1. Do you think people are generally comfortable following norms, even if those norms limit creativity? Why or why not?
  2. Can you think of an example where following the usual way of doing things led to poor results?
  3. Why might people be afraid to try “different things” instead of doing more or less of the same?
  4. Have you ever questioned a rule or standard at work or school? What happened?
  5. Do you believe extraordinary results require taking risks? Why or why not?

Information Apocalypse

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Photos, videos, and audio recordings used to feel like reliable evidence. Today, that trust is being challenged as digital content becomes easier to manipulate and harder to verify. From fake social media profiles to AI-generated videos, misinformation can spread quickly and influence how people think, vote, and react to world events.

Watch the video below to learn how deepfakes work, why they are so convincing, and why they pose a serious challenge to our shared understanding of reality.

Vocabulary Questions

  1. What does “carpet-bomb” mean in the sentence, “I can carpet-bomb the internet with these things”? Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “sow civil unrest” mean in the sentence, “We’ve already seen the first nefarious uses of that technology in the creation of fake profiles on Twitter, on YouTube, on Facebook, and on LinkedIn to either start to promote fake news, to sow civil unrest, to commit fraud”? Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “whole cloth” mean in the sentence, “You are synthesizing whole cloth”? Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions

  1. Do you think people trust online images and videos too easily? Why or why not?
  2. Have you ever seen a photo or video online that later turned out to be fake or misleading?
  3. Why do you think social media makes it easier for misinformation to spread?
  4. Should technology companies be more responsible for stopping fake content online? Why or why not?
  5. What can individuals do to be more careful when consuming news on social media?

How Circular Deals Are Driving the AI Boom

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Artificial intelligence is attracting massive investment from some of the world’s biggest companies. Billions of dollars are being poured into data centers, energy infrastructure, and advanced chips, with many investors treating AI as a growth engine that cannot fail. At the same time, questions are growing about profitability, rising costs, and whether this surge could turn into another tech bubble similar to the dot-com crash.

Watch the full video to explore how money is moving through the AI industry, why some experts are worried, and what’s at stake if expectations don’t match reality.

Vocabulary Questions

  1. What does “circular deal” mean in the sentence, “A precarious investment strategy is emerging multi-billion dollar circular deals.”? Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “to bank on something” mean in the sentence, “Investors are really banking on incredible growth”? Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “canary in the coal mine” mean in the sentence, “And these AI data center companies, they are the kind of canary in the coal mine”? Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions

  1. Why do you think so many investors are willing to spend billions on AI even though many projects are not yet profitable?
  2. How is the current AI boom similar to the dot-com bubble, according to the video?
  3. What risks do ordinary people face if an AI bubble were to burst?
  4. Do you think large technology companies are becoming “too big to fail”? Why or why not?
  5. In your opinion, can AI still succeed as a technology even if some companies fail along the way?

You Need to Be Bored

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Most of us do everything we can to avoid boredom. We scroll, stream, or check our phones the moment there’s nothing else to do. But this video challenges that habit and argues that boredom plays an important role in helping us think, reflect, and find meaning in our lives.

Watch the video to hear why boredom isn’t something to escape, and how constantly avoiding it may be affecting our mental health.

Vocabulary Questions

  1. What does “default mode network” mean in the sentence, “Boredom is a tendency for us to not be occupied otherwise cognitively, which switches over our thinking system to use a part of our brain that’s called the default mode network”? Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “doom loop” mean in the sentence, “Well, that’s a big problem. That’s a doom loop of meaning”? Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “get your arms around” mean in the sentence, “Because it sends you to the types of questions that you can’t get your mind around. You can’t get your arms around”? Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions

  1. Why do you think people are so uncomfortable with boredom?
  2. How does boredom help people think about meaning and purpose, according to the video?
  3. Do you agree that smartphones make it harder to reflect on life? Why or why not?
  4. Have you ever had good ideas when you were bored? What were you doing at the time?
  5. Would you be willing to try short periods without your phone during the day? Why or why not?

Overcoming Midafternoon Energy Slump

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Many people experience a sudden drop in energy during the middle of the afternoon. This energy dip can make it harder to focus, stay productive, and maintain motivation. Understanding why it happens and learning simple ways to manage it can help you stay alert and keep your day on track.

Let’s read the article and find out practical tips to overcome the midafternoon slump and keep your energy steady throughout the day.

https://www.businessinsider.com/why-you-get-tired-2pm-what-to-do-2021-5

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “energy lag” mean? “A good way to fight off tiredness during that midafternoon energy lag is to do some stretches.” Use it in a sentence and give a synonym.
  2. What does “to feel sluggish” mean? “Fat takes a long time to digest and makes the body feel sluggish.” Use it in a sentence and give a synonym.
  3. Define the word “jittery“. “Side effects of having too much caffeine can include feeling jittery.” Use it in a sentence and give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why do you think many people feel tired in the afternoon?
  2. How does the midafternoon slump affect your productivity or mood?
  3. What strategies have you tried to stay energized during the day?
  4. In your opinion, is the afternoon slump more physical or psychological? Share your insights.
  5. How might cultural or workplace habits influence when people feel most tired during the day?

Navigating the Dating World: Know What You Want

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Researchers at McGill University found that having a clear sense of what you’re seeking in a relationship what they call “relationship clarity” is linked to lower loneliness and higher life satisfaction among young adults who date. The study, involving over 180 single adults, suggests that going into dating without clear goals or boundaries can lead to confusion and emotional strain.

Read the article to know why knowing your relationship expectations helps you navigate romantic connections with more confidence and emotional health.

https://www.mcgill.ca/newsroom/channels/news/navigating-dating-world-its-important-know-what-you-want-researchers-say-369522?

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “relationship clarity” mean? “People low in relationship clarity may be less selective in dating contexts, which could lead to unfulfilling dating experiences with incompatible partners.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “construct” mean here, The team also validated the concept of relationship clarity through additional studies, which allowed them to compare it to related constructs, such as satisfaction with singlehood.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “ambiguous cue” mean? “Lacking relationship clarity may also lead people to interpret ambiguous cues as negative during their dates.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why do you think some people start dating without being clear about what they want?
  2. Do you believe knowing your relationship goals reduces confusion and heartbreak? Why or why not?
  3. How can unclear expectations affect both people in a dating situation?
  4. Is it possible to discover what you want while dating, or should you know it beforehand?
  5. How does setting boundaries early change the quality of a relationship?

Stop Letting AI Run Your Social Life

B2 – Upper Intermediate

A recent Time article discusses how generative AI tools (like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude) are increasingly being used not just for convenience, but to draft personal texts, resolve disputes, and even shape dating profiles. While some people use these tools to help with social anxiety or communication, experts warn that overreliance can weaken emotional skills like patience, listening, and authenticity in real relationships.

Read the article to know more about why they caution that outsourcing emotional labor to AI might distort how we connect with others, and they advocate for technology that supports human agency rather than replaces it.

https://time.com/7357217/ai-social-life-texting-chat-gpt-clause-gemini/?

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “the bedrock of something” mean? “I wholeheartedly believe that AI is shifting the relational bedrock of society.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “someone to seem checked out” mean? “They might also ask: Does the LLM think the person they’re corresponding with is a narcissist? Does he seem checked out?” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “airtight argument” mean? “They use AI to try to create these airtight arguments where they can analyze a friend’s statements or a boyfriend’s statements, or they especially like to use it with their parents.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think using AI to write messages or replies makes communication easier or less genuine? Why?
  2. Where do you personally draw the line between “AI helping” and “AI replacing” real emotional effort in relationships?
  3. Have you ever felt misunderstood because a message lacked tone or emotion? Would AI make that better or worse?
  4. Do you think relying on AI for dating profiles or conflict messages could affect trust between people?
  5. In the future, do you see AI strengthening human relationships or slowly weakening our social skills?

World Is Short of Nearly a Million Midwives

B2 – Upper Intermediate

A new global report reveals a shortfall of nearly 1 million midwives, severely affecting maternal and newborn care worldwide. Around 90% of this shortage is in low- and middle-income countries, especially across Africa.

Read the article to know why experts warn that increasing training and deploying more midwives could prevent 4.3 million deaths annually by 2035, but this requires urgent investment and policy action.

https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2026/jan/20/world-shortage-million-midwives-icm-healthcare-mothers-babies-intervention?

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “antenatal care” mean? ” The tasks included counselling on contraception, antenatal care and screening, and care during childbirth.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “stillbirth” mean? “According to previous research, universal access to midwife-delivered care could prevent two-thirds of maternal and newborn deaths and stillbirths, saving 4.3 million lives annually by 2035.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “shortfall” mean? “Shortfalls were much smaller, although still present, in other regions including south-east Asia and Europe.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why do you think there is a global shortage of midwives?
  2. How can the lack of midwives affect mothers during pregnancy and childbirth?
  3. Which countries or regions do you think are most affected by this problem, and why?
  4. What should governments do to encourage more people to become midwives?
  5. Do you think international support is necessary to solve this issue? Why or why not?

US Officially Leaves World Health Organization

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The United States has officially withdrawn from the World Health Organization (WHO), ending almost 80 years of membership. Health experts warn this decision could weaken global disease surveillance and pandemic preparedness, disrupt funding, and reduce U.S. influence in critical health data sharing with potential global impacts on vaccine coordination and future outbreak responses.

Read the article to know more about this major international health policy shift.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cn9zznx8qdno

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “arrear” mean? “Although WHO lawyers suggest the US is obliged to pay the arrears – estimated at $260m (£193m) – Washington said it saw no reason to do so.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “pathogen sharing” mean? “The US department said it would have bilateral relations with other countries to ensure disease surveillance and pathogen sharing, but were unable to provide information about which specific countries they had such links with so far.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “governing body” mean? “It told the BBC that its secretariat will act according to the advice from the governing bodies.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think could be the biggest global impact when a powerful country changes its health policy?
  2. How might this decision affect poorer countries or those with weaker healthcare systems?
  3. How could this policy shift affect future pandemics or global disease control?
  4. Do you think international organizations like the WHO are still important today? Why or why not?
  5. Should health policies be decided nationally or globally? Explain your opinion.

Brand Name vs. Generic

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Strolling through the grocery aisles, we tend to see millions of different products, all with different brands. Most of us tend to trust in the more well-known brands like Coca-Cola, Pringles, Oreos, and so much more, perceiving these products as high-quality and worth their price. However, all across the aisles are dozens upon dozens of rip-off brands, emulating their well-known counterparts but at a much cheaper price.

Could there be a difference between the two types of brands?

To find out more, watch the video below.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to give someone a sense of something” mean?  “Even if they aren’t identical, which they sometimes are, it will give you a sense of how similar they can be.” Use this idiom in a sentence and give a synonym.
  2. What does “bioequivalence” mean?  “The generic drugs go through a series of stringent regulatory testing to prove their bioequivalence to the brand name.” Use this term in a sentence and give a synonym.
  3. What is the meaning of “counterpart”? “
    Next time you are at the grocery store, try and compare the ingredient list and nutritional information of a generic item with its brand counterpart.”     Use this word to make your own sentence and give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. In your opinion, is there a quality difference between store brand and name brand products?
  2. What makes a product stand out to you in the grocery? Is it the brand or something else?
  3. Has your perception of product brands influenced your decision-making before? If yes, how so?