Tag: B2 – Upper intermediate

Dream Stage of Sleep

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Sleep is a vital component of human life that has a big impact on both our mental and physical well-being. Our sleep rhythms include rapid eye movement (REM) and non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep at various stages throughout the night. Vivid dreaming is a hallmark of REM sleep, which is important for memory consolidation, emotional control, and cognitive functions.

To learn more about the ideal dream stage duration during sleep and its significance for overall sleep quality, click the link.

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/hours-rem-sleep-need_l_64a6f95ae4b0e87d6552ff3d

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “a host of” mean, “REM sleep is beneficial for a host of important reasons.”? Give a synonym and use this expression in your own sentence.
  2. What does “check out” mean in the sentence, “With that said, you’ll want to get these checked out by a sleep doctor or specialist to see how underlying health conditions, medications and other sleep-related disorders may be affecting your sleep cycle.”? Give a synonym and use this phrase in your own sentence.
  3. What does “worth a chat” mean in the sentence, “It’s also worth a chat if you’re just generally having a rough time getting rest.”? Use this expression in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is the dream stage of sleep and why is it important?
  2. Is there a recommended percentage of sleep time that should be spent in the dream stage? Talk about it.
  3. How does the optimal duration of the dream stage differ across different age groups?
  4. How does the dream stage impact memory consolidation and learning?
  5. What are the potential effects of disrupting or inhibiting the dream stage on emotional well-being and mental health?

Being Thinner Makes You Richer

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Have you ever observed that in the developed world, wealth and weight are somehow related? People tend to become thinner as their wealth increases, yet this association can be strongly inferred or extended to women.

Let’s watch the video below to learn more about the secret economy of thinness.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “economically rational” mean? “It is economically rational for women to try as hard as possible to be thin.” Use this phrase in a sentence.
  2. What does “more likely” mean? “Richer women are much more likely to be thin than poorer ones.” Use this phrase in a sentence.
  3. What does the term “economic pursuit” mean? “In many ways thinness is an economic pursuit.” Use this phrase in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you agree with the correlation between wealth and weight, especially for women in developed countries? Explain.
  2. Are women typically leaner in your country? What could be the reason why their weight is like that?
  3. Can we consider the correlation between wealth and weight a tragedy? Explain your thoughts.
  4. What are your thoughts on this, “In many ways, thinness is an economic pursuit.“?
  5. Share your reaction to this, “Losing 65 pounds could have the same impact on a woman’s wages as gaining a master’s degree.“.

Climate Change Cause More Diseases

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The effects of climate change are hotter temperatures, stronger storms, loss of species, and food supply issues to name a few.

As temperatures get higher and higher, mosquitos now plague new places and Europe is no exception.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about how climate change worsen some mosquito-borne diseases.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2023/ep-230525

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the phrase “critical window” mean? “Sometimes parents don’t know about this critical window, and when they bring the child to the hospital, it’s difficult for us to help.” Use this phrase in your own sentence.
  2. What does the idiom “part of the jigsaw/puzzle” mean, “Manisha also talked about the link between poverty and dengue, which is an important part of this jigsaw isn’t it, because as more and more people move to cities and live in cramped conditions, with poor sanitation, then more and more people are exposed to dengue, so there’s something of a domino effect here.” Use this idiom in your own sentence.
  3. What does “domino effect” mean, “These provide the perfect breeding ground for mosquitos creating a domino effect.”? Use this phrase in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What does climate change have anything to do with mosquito-borne diseases?
  2. Share your thoughts/reaction to this: “The domino effect means that dengue is spreading not just in Asia, but in parts of the world which didn’t have it before, including France, Spain, and Italy.”.
  3. Talk about another disease caused or spread by insects or animals. Discuss its symptoms and treatment.
  4. Talk about other diseases that are made worse by climate change.
  5. How else does climate change impact human health?

Working in Deadly Heat Is Legal

B2 – Upper Intermediate

With climate change getting worse, people from many countries in the Northern Hemisphere have been experiencing heat waves. Although a lot of us can find comfort by using an air conditioner at our own homes and in the office or taking a dip in the neighborhood swimming pool, there are those who cannot afford to do so because their work mainly requires them to be out there in the sun.

Listen to the audio and read the transcript to learn more about these work practices in the U.S. that could threaten the health of outdoor laborers.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2023/07/14/heat-workers-osha-protections/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Define the word “bevy”. “The result, experts say, is that workers in a bevy of industries — from farmworkers to roofers and delivery drivers to sanitation professionals — are left to defend themselves under the scorching sun.” Use it in a sentence and give two synonyms.
  2. What is the meaning of the word “strafe“? “July 4 was Earth’s hottest day on record as a heat dome smothered parts of Texas and conditions from El Niño, the infamous climate pattern that provokes stifling heat and harsh rains, began to strafe the West Coast.” Use it in your own sentence.
  3. What does the word “catchall” mean? “Extreme heat risk falls under the OSHA’s “general duty” clause, a catchall for job-site hazards without specific guidelines.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Share your thoughts on forcing people to work in deadly heat being legal.
  2. What jobs are mostly affected by extreme weather conditions?
  3. In your opinion, how does extreme heat affect the productivity of workers?
  4. How is the summer weather in your country? Is it tolerable? If not, how do you deal with this extreme summer weather?
  5. What are the workers’ legal protections related to extreme heat conditions in your country?

Plants Fighting Pollution

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Over time, pollution has become a serious problem that we have grappled with. Addressing pollution can be expensive and risky. However, a process called phytoremediation, with the use of plants, can help clean up contaminated environments.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about phytoremediation.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2023/ep-230713

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “magic formula” mean? “Taken together, these make Eucharia’s approach a magic formula – a combination of actions that is likely to result in success.” Use this in a sentence.
  2. What does “broken promises” mean, “Local people’s mistrust of big oil companies comes from their broken promises – times when they said they would definitely do something but then failed to.“? Use this word in a sentence.
  3. Define the phrase “bring something back to life“. “The award recognised the personal risks Eucharia takes in her efforts to bring the land back to life.“ Give a synonym and make a sentence with this phrase.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your opinion on phytoremediation?
  2. Are there any examples of pollution in your community or country? How could phytoremediation help address these issues?
  3. What do you think about scientific research and innovation in finding sustainable solutions for environmental challenges?
  4. Have you participated in any initiatives to clean up pollution or restore natural habitats?
  5. What actions do you take to reduce pollution and promote a healthier environment in your daily life?

Activists Challenge Harvard’s Legacy Admissions

B2 – Upper Intermediate

One of the most stressful stage in a young student’s life is trying to get into their dream university. In the recent years, many universities in the US have made this test optional for their applicants. But that doesn’t mean the process has become easier and faster, especially in elite universities. One factor that they allegedly highly consider is the tie the applicant has with its alum.

Let’s listen to the audio and read the transcript to know more about this seemingly discriminating practice in Ivy League universities in the US.

https://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/activists-challenge-harvard-s-legacy-admissions/7168000.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Define “legacy admission“. “A civil rights group is taking legal action against legacy admissions at Harvard University.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “bearing” mean here, “Your family’s last name and the size of your bank account are not a measure of merit, and should have no bearing on the college admissions process.”? Use bearing’ in your own sentence and give two synonyms.
  3. What is the meaning of the phrase “to give a lift to someone“? “They note that the Supreme Court’s ruling says colleges must ignore the race of applicants but schools can still give a lift to the children of alumni and donors.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your opinion on legacy admission at Harvard? Do you think the practice discriminates against students of color? Explain your stand.
  2. Why are opponents of this practice against it? Give their reasons.
  3. Is private donation to public universities allowed in your country? If yes, Do you think it should be forbidden?
  4. What are the college admission policies in your country?
  5. Share your thoughts on this, “Your family’s last name and the size of your bank account are not a measure of merit, and should have no bearing on the college admissions process.“.

Easy to be Thin in Japan

B2 – Upper Intermediate

In a world where obesity rates are on the rise, Japan stands out as a remarkable exception. Renowned for its slender population, Japan has consistently held one of the lowest obesity rates among developed nations. The question stands, “What factors contribute to the ease of maintaining a thin physique in the Japanese society?”.

Watch the video on why it is easy for Japanese to stay thin.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the word “establishment” mean here, “As of 2017, there are over 243,000 fast food establishments in America.“? Give another meaning of this word and use ‘establishment’ in your own sentence.
  2. What does the phrase “walking distance” mean, “For most, these places are in walking distance.“? Give a synonym of ‘walking distance’ and use this phrase in your own sentence.
  3. What does the phrase “over and over” mean, “It’s going to be much easier to stick to healthier options if you aren’t getting bored of having to eat the same thing at the same places over and over.“? Give 2 synonyms of ‘over and over’ and use this phrase in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. In your opinion, which factors discussed in the video do you believe are the most influential in maintaining a slim figure in Japan? Are there any other factors that you think should be considered?
  2. What are the key dietary factors that contribute to the ease of maintaining a slim figure in Japan? How does the traditional Japanese diet differ from the diet in your country?
  3. What’s your country’s food environment like?
  4. While Japan’s low obesity rates are notable, is it realistic or desirable for other countries to replicate the same level of slimness? Why or why not?
  5. Explain why people’s diet is a societal concern.

Slow Fashion

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Slow fashion is a movement that advocates for environmental and social justice in the fashion industry. Will you accept the challenge of buying fewer things and follow a more sustainable lifestyle?

Read the article to know how can slow fashion solve the problem of overproduction and overconsumption.

Explainer: What Is Slow Fashion and How Can You Join the Movement?

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the idiom “be hell-bent on something” mean? “It’s not hell-bent on constant growth or accumulating more.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does the word “splurge” mean? “Splurging on new clothes and trends was something that only aristocrats indulged in; so regular folk without a royal budget invested in fabrics that were made to last.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What is the meaning of “innocuous”?  “It was only after disasters like the 2013 Rana Plaza garment factory collapse or the 2011 “killer jeans” silicosis expose that the public started to pay attention to the silent workers suffering from the deadly practices of an industry that makes seemingly innocuous items.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. According to the article, how can you make the shift to slow fashion?
  2.  Do you spend a lot of time choosing what to wear? Talk about our shopping habits.
  3. What can people do to minimize the negative effect of their shopping habits?
  4. How do you think people’s shopping habits will change in  30 years?

A Happier Summer Vacation

B2 – Upper Intermediate

It goes without saying that every vacation should be enjoyed. Even so, we still don’t get to cherish our holidays as much as we should—our phones being one of the reasons. Checking your phone constantly when traveling is a waste of time and takes the moments you should be enjoying.

Read this article to learn how to have a phone-free vacation.

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/cellphone-use-vacation_l_649c7d7ae4b0ffbe3abc577a

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “spill into” mean? “Behaviors like this can help create a vacation habit that maybe even spills into your day-to-day life, too.” Use this phrase in a sentence.
  2. Define “make the most of“. “The move is meant to help people make the most of their vacation.” Make a sentence with this phrase.
  3. What is an “toggle off“? “And, if you do end up needing your phone for directions or a translation app, you can toggle off airplane mode.” Make a sentence with this word.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think of the tips listed in the article? Do you think they are actually helpful?
  2. What is your opinion on the “phone-free island” mentioned in the article?
  3. Are you guilty of using your phone most of the time during a trip? Talk about it.
  4. What are the things you do to limit your screen time?
  5. What is your idea of a fun-filled vacation?

Traded-In Apple iPhone Refurbished

B2 – Upper Intermediate

In the world of technology, smartphones have become an essential part of our daily lives, and one of the most popular brands in the market is Apple. With each new release, millions of people eagerly anticipate getting their hands on the latest iPhone model, leading to a growing number of previously owned devices that are traded in or sold. But have you ever wondered what happens to these traded-in iPhones?

In this video, we will explore the fascinating journey of how a traded-in Apple iPhone gets refurbished, giving it a new lease on life before finding its way into the hands of a new owner.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is the meaning of “trade in”? “Many iPhone users choose to trade in their old devices for credit towards a new purchase.” Make one sentence using the word.
  2. What does the word “refurbished” mean? “In 2022, 73.5 million used and refurbished phones were shipped in North America alone.” Use the word in a sentence.
  3. What does “triage” mean? “The first stop for our iPhone 11: data erasure and triage.” Use the word in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. From an environmental perspective, do you believe refurbishing traded-in Apple iPhones is a more sustainable practice compared to manufacturing new devices? Why or why not?
  2. In your opinion, what are the key advantages of purchasing a refurbished iPhone over a brand-new one? Are there any potential drawbacks to consider?
  3. Do you think the refurbished iPhones market poses a significant threat to Apple’s sales of new devices? Why or why not?