Tag: B2 – Upper intermediate

Companies Control Everything You Buy

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Have you ever stopped to consider who’s behind the brands you purchase?

Well, it turns out, they are the ten biggest global players in the food and beverage industry. Nestlé, PepsiCo, Coca-Cola, and Unilever, to name a few, have thousands of people they employ. They generate billions annually.

Oxfam’s infographic in the article below attempts for said companies to strive in creating positive impact and show consumers how closely these corporations interact with each other.

In this article, you’ll learn more about the companies behind the brands and products.

https://www.businessinsider.com/10-companies-control-food-industry-2017-3

Vocabulary Questions

  1. What is the meaning of the idiom “mind-boggling”? “In an effort to push these companies to make positive changes — and for customers to realize who controls the brands they’re buying — Oxfam created a mind-boggling infographic that shows how interconnected consumer brands really are.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does the phrase “move beyond” mean in the sentence “Coca-Cola is moving beyond soda, with beverage brands including Dasani, Fuze, and Honest Tea.”? Use it in a sentence.
  3. Explain the meaning of the adjective “____-centric” in the sentence “This snack-centric company’s brands include Oreo, Trident gum, and Sour Patch Kids.”. Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. After reading the article, are you surprised by the companies’ high level of interconnectedness?
  2. Why is it crucial for consumers to know which companies own the brands they buy? How can this knowledge affect the way we shop?
  3. How can these food and beverage companies improve their impact on society and the environment?
  4. Do you think these companies should focus more on ethical and sustainable practices than on profit? Why or why not?
  5. How can we ensure these companies are doing the right thing, and what can we do if they’re not?

Adapting to Last Minute Project Changes

B2 – Upper Intermediate

How flexible you are when sudden changes happen? Although last-minute changes can be prevented with careful planning, some projects can be a real challenge to maintaining your balance sometimes.

Read the article to know how to quickly adapt to last-minute hiccups at certain project phases.

https://pmtips.net/article/how-to-adapt-to-last-minute-project-changes-or-hiccupshttps://pmtips.net/article/how-to-adapt-to-last-minute-project-changes-or-hiccups

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the expression “best-laid plan” mean, “The best-laid plans sometimes don’t work out. In a perfect world, every project you take on at work would be smooth sailing from start to finish.”? Use this phrase in a sentence.
  2. What does “hiccup” mean, “But that still doesn’t stop the occasional hiccup or unexpected circumstance from happening.”? Use the word hiccup in a sentence.
  3. What does the word “to be knocked out of the groove” mean in this sentence, “When that happens, it can feel as though everyone is instantly knocked out of the “groove” they’ve been in for the project.”? Use this idiom in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How often do you have to deal with bottlenecks created by your colleagues or partners?
  2. How do you usually deal with the situation when unexpected events affect your project timing?
  3. How do you feel when your plan changes suddenly? Do you start panicking or looking for solutions?
  4.  Have you had to deal with any last-minute changes in your workplace?

Job-Hopping Impacts Retirement Savings

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Job-hopping has become a thing nowadays as more people seek greener pastures. It may seem advantageous in terms of your long-term savings. However, it could potentially hurt your retirement savings in the long run.

Read the article to learn about some things to factor in when job-hopping.

https://lifehacker.com/how-job-hopping-impacts-your-retirement-savings-1850274503

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is a “vesting schedule“, “In most cases, increasing your overall income will do more for you in the long-term than any one company’s vesting schedule.“? Use this phrase in your own sentence.
  2. What does the expression “to leave money on the table” mean, “With incentives like a dedicated vesting schedule or matching 401(k) contributions, workers who stick with one company get rewarded for their loyalty—while job-hoppers feel like they’re leaving free money on the table.“? Make a sentence with this idiom.
  3. What does “stick with” mean,  “Workers who stick with one company get rewarded for their loyalty.“? Use this phrase in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How does job-hopping impact retirement savings?
  2. Is job hopping a viable option for those who prioritize their retirement savings? Why or why not?
  3. Have you ever considered job hopping in order to increase your income or advance your career?
  4. How important is retirement planning to you, and what steps are you taking to ensure your future financial security?
  5. Do you believe that job hopping can have a positive impact on your career trajectory, or do you think it is better to stay with one employer for a longer period of time?

Carbon Offsetting Can Help the Planet

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Carbon offsetting is a practice that has gained increasing attention in recent years as a means of addressing the issue of climate change. At its core, carbon offsetting involves investing in projects or initiatives that help to reduce or remove carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions from the atmosphere in order to compensate for emissions that cannot be avoided.

The idea behind carbon offsetting is that by investing in projects that reduce carbon emissions, individuals and organizations can offset their own carbon footprints and take responsibility for their impact on the environment.

While the practice of carbon offsetting is not without its controversies and complexities, it is increasingly being seen as a necessary tool for combating climate change and achieving a more sustainable future.

Watch the video to know more about how carbon offsetting can help the planet and be able to answer the questions below.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the idiom “buy one’s way out of (something) ” mean? Ex. Can you really buy your way out of responsibility for creating greenhouse gas emissions which harm the planet? Use it in your own sentence.
  2. What does the word “carbon offsetting” mean? Ex. Carbon offsetting can play some role in mitigating the immediate impact on the environment. Make a sentence using the word.
  3. What does “net zero” mean? Ex. The global aim is to reach net zero no later than 2050. Use this term in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is carbon offsetting and how does it work in the context of corporate sustainability?
  2. Why do companies choose to engage in carbon offsetting, and what benefits can they expect to achieve?
  3. What challenges or criticisms have been raised regarding the effectiveness or legitimacy of carbon offsetting programs in the business world?
  4. How can companies use carbon offsetting as part of a broader sustainability strategy, and what other practices or initiatives should they consider alongside it?

Stretch my Legs

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Leg lengthening surgery is an invasive and costly medical procedure that has become more popular in the recent years. A less advanced leg-lengthening device was first invented by an orthopedic surgeon in Russia in the 1950’s for injured soldier. Nowadays, this surgery is done mostly for aesthetic purposes.

Let’s read the article and know more about this surgical procedure and its growing popularity in China.

https://www.fullspate.digitalcounterrevolution.co.uk/archive/chinalegs.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Define the expression, “to get a post“. “To get a post in the foreign ministry, for instance, male applicants need not bother applying unless they are at least 5ft 7in, while women must be at least 5ft 3in.” Use it in your own sentence.
  2. What is the meaning of the word “counterpart“?”Chinese diplomats are expected to be tall to match the height of their foreign counterparts.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does the expression “at ground level” mean? “But height discrimination is evident even at ground level: in some places, people under 5ft 3in are not even eligible to take a driving test.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on this kind of procedure?
  2. How does leg lengthening surgery work?
  3. According to the article, why is it popular in China?
  4. Based on the article, which professions have a height requirement in China?
  5. Is this surgery available in your country? Do you think it should be banned?

Cope With Layoff Anxiety

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Being employed in a company is surely not all rainbows and butterflies. There’s always that fear of getting laid off or fired out of nowhere.

Read the article to learn how to deal with layoff anxiety.

https://lifehacker.com/how-to-cope-with-layoff-anxiety-1850097349

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is a “safety net” mean, “Even if having a financial safety net isn’t feasible, coming up with a backup plan gives you some sort of control over your situation.“? Use this phrase in your own sentence.
  2. What does “cobble” mean, “According to a 2022 survey, roughly 36% of employed Americans are gig workers—cobbling an income together from multiple sources, none of which likely come with benefits.“? Use this word in your own sentence.
  3. What does “to channel something into” mean, “Channel your anxiety into learning new skills.“? Use this phrase in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why do people experience anxiety after being laid off from their jobs?
  2. What are other ways to deal with layoff anxiety?
  3. How can talking to someone about your layoff anxiety help you cope?
  4. How can employers help ease their employees’ anxiety during a period of potential layoffs?
  5. Can seeking professional help, such as counseling, be beneficial for coping with layoff anxiety?
  6. Have you experienced getting laid off? If yes, how did you deal with it? If not, how do you think will you handle this situation?

Get a Refund on a ‘Non-refundable’ Hotel Reservation

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Cancellations, especially last-minute ones, are the bane of the hospitality industry as a whol,e but most places will offer a refund if you have a reasonable excuse. 

Read the article to know what to say and do to get a difficult hotel refund.

https://lifehacker.com/how-to-get-a-refund-on-a-nonrefundable-hotel-reservatio-1848372634https://lifehacker.com/how-to-get-a-refund-on-a-nonrefundable-hotel-reservatio-1848372634

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Define the expression “life gets in the way“, “Pandemic or not, sometimes life gets in the way of your travel plans.” Use this expression in your own sentence.
  2. Define “to save a few bucks“, “When you request for a nonrefundable rate to be refunded you are essentially asking the hotel to disregard the risk that you took in order to save a few bucks.”. Use this phrase in your own sentence.
  3. Define “to have a better shot at something“, “We should note that it’s always left to the discretion of the hotel or booking site as to whether or not to give you your money back—these are just situations where you have a better shot at being successful.“. Use this phrase in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you prefer to call or email a hotel when you want to discuss something with them? Why is this the case?
  2. What are some reasons why people cancel their reservations?
  3. What do you usually pre-pay when you book a hotel?
  4. Do you know anyone who paid a cancellation fee? How much was it?
  5. What will you do if you have to cancel a non-refundable service?
  6. When was the last time you asked for a refund? Why?

Game-Changing Travel Hacks

B2 – Upper Intermediate

For people who don’t travel often, it’s stressful to get ready for a trip. Do you have any travel tips on how to enjoy the journey and not stress out about everything?

Read the article to know how you can ensure you see everything you want and don’t lose anything before traveling to your next destination.

https://theeverygirl.com/travel-hacks/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Define “all-time high“, “With airports as busy as ever and flight prices at what seems like an all-time high, we could all use a few travel hacks to get us through the trips we have coming up.” Use this phrase in your own sentence.
  2. Define the phrase “to shove something into“, “When you’re shoving all your clothes into a suitcase with shoes, bags, jackets, and more, it’s possible that they will lose their freshly cleaned laundry scent—especially if you’re going on a long trip.” Use this phrase in your own sentence.
  3. Define the expression”to find one’s self in a pinch, “We would recommend investing in a travel jewelry case, but if you ever find yourself in a pinch before a trip without one (or if you just don’t feel like buying one), there is another solution.” Use this expression in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think of these recommendations? Do you like them? Why/why not?
  2. How do you usually plan for your trips? Do you like planning them? Why/why not?
  3. What do you do to make your trips interesting and safe?
  4. What do you do to not feel stressed and worried before your trip?
  5. Share any special travel hacks you use.

Life Lessons from Centenarians

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Older people typically have distinct viewpoints and a plethora of worthwhile experiences that can help us navigate through life.

They have lived ahead of us, thus mistakes and disadvantages can be avoided by utilizing the priceless knowledge they are kindly imparting to us.

Watch the video below to learn some valuable life lessons from centenarians.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is meant by “touch wood“? “I’ve never been unlucky, touch wood.” Use it in your own words.
  2. Do you the meaning of “misspent”? “Another part of my misspent youth.” Please make your own sentence.
  3. How about “make the most of it“?” Make the most of it. Especially if it’s the first love there is nothing like it.” Try to use this phrase in your sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think as a society we value the experiences and wisdom of the elderly?
  2. Have older people ever taught you anything? If so, kindly impart the knowledge they have given you.
  3. Do you believe that advice from the elderly is helpful in navigating through life?

Cause of Grey Hair May Be Stuck Cells

B2 – Upper Intermediate

One of the many changes that occur to our bodies as we age is the graying of our hair. It has long been assumed that this results from a reduction in the production of melanin, the pigment responsible for hair color. Recent studies, however, claimed that the build-up of “stuck” cells in hair follicles may actually be the root of the grey hair problem.

According to research, these old cells don’t always get pushed out of the hair follicle as they ought to be. Instead, they “stick” in the follicle and can then cause issues.

So, what can be done to prevent or reverse the greying of hair?

Gain further knowledge on the reason behind grey hair by reading the full text.

https://www.bbc.com/news/health-65309374

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “coming out of the other side” mean in the sentence, “Post-lockdown, there is a feeling of liberty – many got into a grey hair rut because they couldn’t see their colourists, but came out of the other side and actually enjoyed the change.”? Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “stuck in limbo” mean, “New ones are made from stem cells and it’s these cells that the researchers believe become “stuck” in limbo in people whose hair has turned grey.”? Use this phrase in your own sentence.
  3. What does “fully-fledged” mean in the sentence, “The stem cells stop roaming around the follicle and become fixed, thereby failing to mature into fully-fledged melanocytes.”? Give 2 synonyms for this word and use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How does the accumulation of ‘stuck’ cells in hair follicles contribute to other hair-related problems, such as inflammation and scarring?
  2. Are there any medications or treatments that can reverse the greying of hair? Share some procedures that you know of.
  3. What are some steps that people can take to keep their hair looking healthy and vibrant as they age?
  4. Can certain vitamins and minerals prevent or reverse the greying of hair, and if so, which ones?
  5. How might a better understanding of the cause of grey hair help to develop new treatments for hair loss and other related conditions?