Tag: B2 – Upper intermediate

Florida Airport Shames Scruffy Passengers

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Airports bring together people from all walks of life, often with long waits and tiring journeys. Many travelers dress for comfort in sweatpants, leggings, or even pajamas. Yet, not everyone agrees that comfort should outweigh appearance, and some airports are beginning to challenge this trend.

Let’s take a closer look at how new rules are shaping the debate over airport fashion.

https://www.msn.com/en-ca/travel/news/florida-airport-shames-scruffy-passengers-in-brutal-announcement-banning-crocs-and-pajamas/ar-AA1X8Rl1?ocid=BingNewsSerp

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “overreach” mean? “I mean… as a joke, this is kinda funny. But if it’s real… the government telling people what they can and can’t wear while traveling… can you say “overreach” anyone?’ someone else penned.” Use it in a sentence and give a synonym.
  2. Define the noun phrase “pet peeve“. “Wearing pajamas in public is one of my pet peeves ” Use it in a sentence and give a synonym.
  3. What does “to be in place” mean? “While no real ban seems to be in place on the popular shoes, the Florida-based airport jokingly posted back in September that after a ‘unanimous’ vote, Crocs had been barred from the property for ten years.” Use it in a sentence and give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why do you think many travelers prioritize comfort over appearance when choosing airport outfits?
  2. How might cultural differences influence what people consider appropriate clothing in airports?
  3. In what ways does airport fashion reflect broader social changes in lifestyle and values?
  4. Should airports have the authority to set rules about what passengers can wear? Why or why not?
  5. What are the possible benefits and drawbacks of dressing formally versus casually when traveling?

Travel Trends: Micro-trips, Pain-cations, and Sleep-cations

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Travel habits are changing as people look for new ways to explore the world in 2026. Instead of traditional long vacations, many travelers are choosing shorter, more meaningful trips such as micro-trips and wellness-focused “pain-cations.” These trends show that modern travelers want experiences that fit their busy lifestyles while helping them relax, recharge, and try something new.

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


Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does ‘laser focus’ mean? “Travelers planning micro-trips often need laser focus to organize a meaningful experience in a short time.” Use it in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does ‘grueling’ mean?A pain-cation might include grueling physical therapy sessions, but it’s worth it for long-term wellness. Use it in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What does the concept ‘hard reset’ mean? “The idea is you’re doing a hard reset on your life. You’re getting away from the emails, the phones, and you are focusing on something that is so physically and mentally grueling.” Make one sentence. Give a synonym.


Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think micro-trips are better than long vacations? Why or why not?
  2. Would you be interested in trying a pain-cation? Why or why not?
  3. How about a sleep-cation for relaxation? Why or why not?
  4. Why do you think many travelers are choosing shorter trips like micro-trips instead of long holidays?
  5. How might trends like pain-cations and sleep-cations change the way people think about travel and wellness?
  6. Share your thoughts on this idea behind paincations, “Suffering creates renewal and transformation.“

Morning Routine With Alternatives to Coffee

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Many people start their day with coffee to feel awake and energized. However, coffee isn’t the only way to boost your energy in the morning. Some people look for alternatives because they want less caffeine, better hydration, or a healthier routine. From herbal teas to nutritious drinks, there are several options that can refresh your body and mind.

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


Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the phrase ‘shake up’ mean? “If you want to shake up your morning routine, try alternatives to coffee like matcha latte, apple tea, or a smoothie.” Make a sentence using the expression. Give a synonym.
  2. What does the word ‘jittery’ mean? Starting the day with herbal tea or a fruit smoothie instead of coffee can help you feel energized without becoming jittery. Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What does the idiom ‘crack someone up’ mean? It cracks me up that this is trending now. Use the idiom in your sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think replacing coffee with other morning drinks is a healthier choice? Why or why not?
  2. In your opinion, which alternative to coffee is the best way to start the day?
  3. What are some popular alternatives to coffee that people in your country can drink in the morning?
  4. How can changing your morning routine affect your energy and productivity during the day?
  5. Talk about your own morning routine. If there is anything you can do to shake it up, what would it be and why?

Is it OK to Disagree?

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

Not all the time we see each other eye to eye. Each and everyone of us has our own opinions and beliefs. It is virtually impossible for everyone to have the exact same thoughts about something.

The important thing is to be accepting and tolerant of this difference in viewpoints.

Listen to the audio and read the transcript and be ready to ponder whether it is OK to disagree.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260101

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to take the heat out of the environment” mean here, “Generally, people make better decisions and are more engaging and more open when they’re happier, but much of the time it will be just a case of calming down to try and take some of the heat out of the environment.” Use the expression in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  2. What is does “silver bullet” mean? “Political scientists think the silver bullet is to get offline and meet people.” Use the idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  3. What does “divided” mean here, “By meeting people who have different opinions and beliefs to you, the more you’ll realise they’re not that different to you at all. And that could make you more accepting and lead to a society that is less divided.” Use the word in this context in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. Is it OK to disagree? Share your opinion. 
  2. What are the pros and cons of disagreements?
  3. Share your perspective on this, “We are becoming a more divided society.”
  4. Share your thoughts on this, “We might like to believe that we’re accepting and tolerant of others’ beliefs, but for many people it can be difficult to communicate with people who have very different opinions to our own.”
  5. Talk about your own experience disagreeing with others. How did you handle that situation?

Indian Young Adults Rank Lowly in Mental Health Study

B2 – Upper Intermediate

A 2025 international mental health assessment by US-based Sapiens Lab placed Indian young adults (ages 18–34) at 60th out of 84 countries in overall mental well-being.

Read the article to know why the study indicates rising mental health concerns among this age group, emphasizing the need for enhanced support and accessible services worldwide.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/indian-young-adults-rank-lowly-60th-in-84-nation-mental-health-study/articleshow/128831188.cms?

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “predominantly” mean? “Those at the bottom included Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, the UK, and China, while countries with relatively better mind health were predominantly in sub-Saharan Africa, including Ghana, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Kenya and Tanzania.” Use it in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “aggregate” mean? “The mind health quotient is a metric that aggregates respondent ratings of 47 cognitive, social, and physical capacities and problems that enable or diminish our ability to function effectively.” Use it in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “generational gap” mean? “The ‘Global Mind Health in 2025’ released Thursday by US-based Sapien Labs reveals not just a serious mental health crisis among young Indian adults, but also a profound generational gap, as older people enjoyed significantly better mental health scores.” Use it in a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why do you think young adults in some countries struggle more with mental health than older generations?
  2. What factors (social media, job pressure, finances, family expectations) might affect young people’s mental well-being?
  3. Do you think mental health awareness has improved in your country? Why or why not?
  4. How can schools and workplaces better support young adults’ mental health?
  5. What personal habits or lifestyle changes can help improve mental well-being?

Global Debt Surges as Governments Invest in National Security and Resilience

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Total global debt reached an unprecedented $348 trillion by the end of 2025. This surge is mainly driven by heavy government borrowing in major economies like the U.S., China, and Europe.

Read the article to know why debt-to-GDP ratios slightly declined due to economic growth, high borrowing levels pose challenges for future fiscal stability.

Global Debt Surges as Governments Invest in National Security and Resilience

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “deficit spending” mean? “Total global debt rose by nearly $29 trillion, reaching a new all-time high of $348 trillion, with roughly two-thirds of the increase originating in mature markets as deficit spending rose.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “sovereign debt” mean? “Beyond the continued surge in China, the buildup in sovereign debt across emerging.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “capital expenditure (CapEx) supercycle” mean? “A powerful new wave of global capital expenditure supercycles is set to reinforce this momentum, with large-scale investment in AI-driven data centers, energy security and transition, and resilient infrastructure emerging as a major growth engine for global debt markets.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why do you think global debt has reached such a record-high level?
  2. How can high government debt affect ordinary people in everyday life?
  3. Do you think borrowing money is necessary for economic growth, or is it too risky? Why?
  4. Which countries do you think are most vulnerable to a global debt crisis?
  5. What strategies can governments use to reduce debt without harming their economy?

Donor Nation Cuts to Global Health Financing Affect Millions

B2 – Upper Intermediate

A report by Human Rights Watch highlights major donor nations cutting financial support for global health programs, particularly those fighting HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria.

Read the article to know why these reductions in funding risk reversing years of progress and could lead to increased preventable deaths in vulnerable populations.

https://www.hrw.org/news/2026/01/22/donor-nation-cuts-to-global-health-financing-affect-millions?

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “marginalized group” mean? “Human Rights Watch found that global health funding cuts in 2025 have already had a dire impact, especially for marginalized groups that face systemic discrimination and barriers to health care, including men who have sex with men, transgender people, sex workers, and people who use drugs.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “systemic discrimination” mean? “Human Rights Watch found that global health funding cuts in 2025 have already had a dire impact, especially for marginalized groups that face systemic discrimination and barriers to health care, including men who have sex with men, transgender people, sex workers, and people who use drugs.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “outreach worker” mean? “Human Rights Watch interviewed 47 nongovernmental organization workers, health care outreach workers, and aid recipients affected by recent cuts to global health financing in Indonesia, Laos, and Nepal, focusing specifically on HIV/AIDS prevention and care.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How do you think cutting global health funding could affect developing countries the most?
  2. Should wealthy nations prioritize global health aid even if they face economic challenges at home? Why or why not?
  3. What diseases or health programs do you think would be impacted first by funding reductions?
  4. How might global health funding cuts affect the world beyond the countries receiving aid?
  5. What solutions could governments or organizations explore to prevent millions of lives from being at risk?

Are Women with Kids Happier?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

These days, it’s uncommon to hear women choosing to have children over a profession due to the daily tiredness that comes with it. However, a recent survey may refute this assertion.

To find out more about women are happier with kids, watch the video below.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to go out of the window” mean?  “That whole myth of kind of having it all seems to have gone out of the window.” Use this idiom in a sentence and give a synonym.
  2. What is the meaning of “zeitgeist”? “I mean that is actually a very zeitgeist conversation to be having right at this moment when we’re hearing about the renewal of the idea of having families.” Use this word to make your own sentence.
  3. What does “socially ostracized” mean?  “This idea that they’re going to be socially ostracized. It’s completely untrue.” Use this phrase in a sentence and give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think having kids makes women happier? Share your insights.
  2. How do unfavorable stereotypes of women who have children affect your desire to have children?
  3. Do you believe that enforcing regulations leads to a better parenting experience? Share your thoughts or personal experience.

Anxiety Shows Up With a Toxic Boss

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Working with a boss can be stressful, but some bosses make life much harder. A toxic boss can create anxiety, frustration, and even fear at work. These feelings are common, and they can affect your health and your performance.

In this article, we will look at eight ways anxiety can show up when you have a toxic boss, so you can understand your feelings and find ways to cope.

Read this article to learn more.

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/toxic-boss-anxiety-goog_l_69a07b2ce4b059e1adf278e0

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to feel on edge” mean? “You frequently feel on edge and irritable.” Use this in a sentence.
  2. What is the meaning of “to lash out at someone“? “You may find yourself choosing your words extremely carefully and speaking up less in meetings out of fear that they will lash out at you.” Make a sentence with this.
  3. What does it mean when “sh*t hits the fan“? “‘Oftentimes, the dread that you feel when you wake up for the day is about, ‘Is today the day that sh*t hits the fan?” Use this in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are some physical signs of anxiety that the article says people might feel because of a toxic boss? How do these show that stress affects both mind and body?
  2. How can constant stress from a bad boss affect relationships outside of work, like family or friends?
  3. In your country, how common do you think it is for people to have a boss who creates stress, and why?
  4. What are healthy ways people can cope with work stress or anxiety caused by difficult people?
  5. What could governments or workplaces do to reduce the number of toxic bosses and protect workers’ mental health?

Squid Game Ends, South Koreans Return to the Reality

B2 – Upper Intermediate

After the popular TV show Squid Game ended, many people around the world were left shocked by its story. The show showed people struggling with debt, poverty, and unfair treatment. However, for many South Koreans, these problems are not just part of a TV drama. They are real-life challenges that some people still face every day.

Read this article to learn more.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cvg665pyn82o

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “cut-throat” mean? “Squid Game was born against the backdrop of cut-throat competition and widening inequality in South Korean society – where people are too stressed to have children and a university placement exam is seen as the defining moment of a person’s life.” Use this in a sentence.
  2. What’s the meaning of “to be brushed to the side“? “Those darker messages seemed to be brushed to the side on Saturday night, as a massive parade celebrated the release of the blockbuster’s final season.” Make a sentence with this.
  3. Define “eponymous”. “In the show’s later seasons, viewers follow Gi-hun’s quest to bring down the eponymous games, which are packaged as entertainment for a group of wealthy VIPs.” Use this in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think entertainment like Squid Game can help people understand serious social problems better than news stories? Why?
  2. Do you think the global popularity of shows that address social issues (like Squid Game) can influence real social change? Why?
  3. What are the advantages and disadvantages of using fiction to highlight real problems like poverty and inequality?
  4. The show includes characters such as a laid-off factory worker whose story is inspired by real events. How does this make the drama more powerful or meaningful?
  5. In your country, what are the biggest financial pressures people face today?
  6. What changes would you like to see in your country to reduce inequality or unfair competition?