Tag: B2 – Upper intermediate

Origins of the Word “Lesbian” 

B2 – Upper Intermediate

“Etymology” is derived from the Greek word etumos which means “true”. It is the study of the origin of words and how its meaning has changed over time. There are so many fascinating histories of words. One of them is the word “lesbian”.

In ancient Greece, Sappho was a revered singer and erotic poets. She often wrote songs about love, passion, and longing. Coincidentally, Sappho was from Lesbos and people from there were called “Lesbian”.

Watch the video and know more about the surprising origins of the word “lesbian”.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the verb “enrapture” mean? “More than 2,500 years ago, one of ancient Greece’s most celebrated pop stars and erotic poets enraptured listeners.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘enrapture’ in your own sentence.
  2. Define the word “licentiousness“. “One 2nd century Christian leader called Sappho ‘a whore who sang about her own licentiousness.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘licentiousness’ in your own sentence.
  3. What does the idiom “to reach across time” mean? “Sappho’s words reach across time and resonate today.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘to reach across time’ in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Share your thoughts on Sappho’s story.
  2. Share your opinion about how only fragments of Sappho’s works survived.
  3. What were the gender and social inequalities in ancient Greece? And how does this compare to modern times?
  4. Talk about a famous person from your country and their works that have endured the test of time.
  5. Talk about an etymology of a word or phrase that you find rather interesting and explain why you thought this was amusing.

Transplanting a Head to Another Body

B2 – Upper Intermediate

As time moves forward, so as our technology. However, how far can this development go before we stray too far? We have been constantly finding new ways to extend the lives of those around us, and Robert White’s idea to do this is a head transplant.

Finding a way to perform a head transplant is one of the most controversial ideas in all of medicine. Provoking questions of possibility and feasibility, even if it were possible, is this transplant worth pursuing?

To find out more, watch this video:

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Explain “brain cooling”. “Brain cooling revolutionized the field of neurosurgery and put White one step closer to his body transplant goal.”  Create a sentence using this term.
  2. What does “fraught with something” mean? “But this vision was fraught with serious ethical concerns.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘fraught with something’ in your own sentence.
  3. What does “immune rejection” mean? “The brain appeared to survive a head transplant, and with high doses of drugs, could live without immune rejection.” Use this term to make your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your stance on the idea of a head transplant? Elaborate on your answer.
  2. What are the possible benefits of head transplantation?
  3. What are the problems with the idea of a head transplant?
  4. Do you think that a head transplant is possible? Explain your insight.
  5. Do you think scientists should pick up where Dr. White left off? Explain your thoughts.
  6. Do you believe that “part of the ‘self’ reside outside the mind”? Elaborate on your belief.

Florida’s Free Prison Labor

B2 – Upper Intermediate

In the Sunshine State, Florida, the issue of prison labor raises significant ethical and economic questions, as a majority of incarcerated individuals are compelled to work without compensation. This practice, deeply ingrained in the state’s penal system, sparks debate over labor rights, rehabilitation, and the broader implications for justice and society.

Learn more about this issue by reading this article.

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/jun/21/florida-unpaid-prison-labor

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to turn a blind eye” mean? ““Is it shocking that Florida is seeming to turn a blind eye to prison slavery? No, not at all,” said Bianca Tylek.” Make a sentence with this.
  2. Define “in the wake of something”. “No criminal charges were filed against the officers involved and no reforms were enacted in the wake of the incident.” Use this in a sentence.
  3. What does “unabated” mean? “Kimber Tough, an organizer with Florida Prisoner Solidarity based in Gainesville, Florida, helped with efforts to get Alachua county, Florida, in 2019 and the University of Florida in 2020 to stop using prison labor, which included numerous protests and advocacy efforts. But across the state, the practice still continues unabated.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘unabated’ in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How do you personally feel about the practice of unpaid labor by incarcerated individuals in Florida’s prisons?
  2. In your opinion, should inmates be properly compensated for their labor while incarcerated? Why or why not?
  3. How can individuals and communities advocate for changes in the treatment and compensation of incarcerated workers in Florida?
  4. State your insights on this statement, “Florida charges prisoners debt, with prisoners levied $50 a day for their incarceration, which can often leave people trapped in debt once they are released.“.
  5. Talk about the prison labor system in your country.

Brazilian Women Protest Bill Equating Late Abortions with Homicide

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Hundreds of demonstrators assembled outside Brazil’s National Congress in Brasilia on Wednesday to protest against a bill aimed at further criminalizing abortions. This proposed legislation has sparked outrage and mobilized activists across the country, highlighting deep divisions over women’s reproductive rights.

Learn more about this protest by reading this article.

https://apnews.com/article/brazil-abortion-bill-protests-rape-21ee9a590cafdaa11108b54029660ba8

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is the meaning of “to take to the streets”? “Thousands of demonstrators took to the streets of Sao Paulo on Saturday as protests sweep across Brazil in opposition to a bill that would further criminalize abortions.” Use this in a sentence.
  2. Define “to be whipped from all sides” in this context. “We are being whipped from all sides, us women. It’s past time we do something.” Use this in a sentence in this context.
  3. What does “emblazoned” mean? “Placards, stickers and banners emblazoned with the slogan have abounded during demonstrations.” Make a sentence with this expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How do you feel about equating late abortions with homicide?
  2. In your opinion, how should the government respond to the concerns raised by the protesters?
  3. How do you think international attention could impact the debate over this bill in Brazil?
  4. How does the abortion law in your country compare to the proposed legislation in Brazil?
  5. What is your insight on this, “Late access to abortion reflects inequalities in health care.“?

World’s Strangest Levies

B2 – Upper Intermediate

From blueberries to piercings, junk food to baby name approval taxes, the world is full of unusual levies that go beyond the standard income, property, and sales taxes we’re all familiar with. Imagine being taxed on the junk food you eat or the number of times you flush the toilet. These peculiar taxes not only reflect the diverse strategies of local governments but also ignite debates on their fairness and effectiveness.

Read this article to know the most unconventional taxes implemented across the globe.

https://www.euronews.com/business/2024/06/21/what-a-taxing-thought-where-in-the-world-you-find-the-strangest-levies

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to draw the purse strings tight” mean? “These and several more odd taxes might make you pause and draw the purse strings tight again.” Use this expression in a sentence.
  2. Define “eating away at something”. “It cites rising interest rates, labour costs and inflation which are all eating away at blueberry profit margins.“ Make a sentence.
  3. What is the meaning of “to face the brunt of something”? “I fear that in the not-so-distant future, lesser skilled employees will face the brunt of redundancies as their jobs are taken by robots.” Use this in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Which of the levies in the article do you think are the most and least reasonable?
  2. How do you personally feel about governments using taxes to influence people’s behavior, such as with junk food taxes or carbon emission taxes?
  3. In your opinion, what are the potential benefits and drawbacks of implementing a robot tax in industries that rely heavily on automation?
  4. If you could propose a new tax to address a pressing issue in your country or community, what would it target and why?
  5. Should taxes be used as a tool to address environmental issues, such as reducing carbon emissions or promoting sustainable practices? Why or why not?

Barcelona to Ban Apartment Rentals to Tourists

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Barcelona, a top tourist destination known for its vibrant culture and stunning architecture, has announced a bold plan to shut down all holiday apartments by 2028. This move aims to address the growing concerns over the impact of tourism on local communities and housing availability. The decision marks a significant shift in the city’s approach to managing its tourism industry and balancing the needs of residents and visitors alike.

Read this article to learn more about Barcelona’s plan to shut down holiday apartments by 2028.

https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/jun/22/barcelona-to-ban-apartment-rentals-to-tourists-in-bid-to-cut-housing-costs#:~:text=Barcelona%2C%20a%20top%20Spanish%20holiday,the%20city%20livable%20for%20residents.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “in a bid to do something” mean? “Barcelona has announced plans to ban apartment rentals to tourists from 2028 in a bid to bring down housing costs for residents.” Make a sentence with this idiom.
  2. What does “to rein in something” mean? “Barcelona, a top Spanish holiday destination, has announced it will bar apartment rentals to tourists by 2028, an unexpectedly drastic move as it seeks to rein in soaring housing costs and make the city livable for residents.” Use this expression in a sentence.
  3. What is the meaning of “priced out”? “National governments relish the economic benefits of tourism – Spain ranks among the top-three most visited countries in the world – but with local residents priced out in some places, gentrification, and owner preference for lucrative tourist rentals are increasingly a hot topic across Europe.” Make a sentence with this phrase.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think about this plan?
  2. Talk about the benefits and problems associated with short-term holiday rentals in a city.
  3. How will this choice impact residents in Barcelona who depend on earnings from holiday rentals?
  4. How do you expect this move to influence Barcelona’s cultural and tourism scenery in the future?
  5. Should other cities consider adopting Barcelona’s approach to managing tourism and housing issues? Why or why not?
  6. Cite other strategies Barcelona could consider to strike a balance between the demands of residents and tourists.

Banning Social Media for Children Under 14

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Florida has recently approved a groundbreaking law that bans children under the age of 14 from having a social media account. This legislation aims to address concerns about the impact of social media on very young users and to promote a safer online environment for children.

Read this article and listen to the audio to learn more about this law.

https://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/florida-bans-social-media-for-children-under-14/7545764.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is the meaning of “veto”? “DeSantis vetoed that version of the bill, saying he thought it was too restrictive of parental rights.” Give a synonym of the word “veto” and make a sentence with it.
  2. What does “to leave it up to someone” mean? “The new law leaves it up to parents to decide whether their 16- and 17-year-olds can sign up for social media accounts.” Make a sentence with this expression.
  3. Define “strike down”. “DeSantis noted that another bill he signed into law two years ago was recently struck down by a federal appeals court.” Use this in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your opinion on Florida’s new legislation prohibiting social media use for children under 14? Do you think this kind of bill is need in your country? Expound.
  2. Do you believe this law will effectively protect children from the dangers of social media? Explain.
  3. Share your opinion on this, “Parents – not the government – should be the ones to decide which restrictions are best for their child.”.
  4. How could this law impact the way children interact and communicate with their peers?
  5. Do you think there are more effective ways to address the challenges social media presents to young children instead of an outright ban?

Miniature Fiber Laser

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Scientists have developed a new miniature fiber laser that is sharper, smaller, and smarter than previous versions.

Read the article to know how this laser technology could have significant applications in fields such as medical diagnostics, communications, and environmental sensing, due to its enhanced precision and reduced size​.

https://scitechdaily.com/sharper-smaller-smarter-scientists-develop-groundbreaking-miniature-fiber-laser/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is “optical gain source”? “Fiber lasers use an optical fiber doped with rare-earth elements (erbium, ytterbium, neodymium, etc) as their optical gain source.“ Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “gold standard” mean here, “Fiber lasers are also the ‘gold standard’ for low-phase noise, meaning that their beams remain stable over time.”? Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “tunability” mean? “Now, scientists led by Dr Yang Liu and Professor Tobias Kippenberg at EPFL have built the first ever chip-integrated erbium-doped waveguide laser that approaches the performance with fiber-based lasers, combining wide wavelength tunability with the practicality of chip-scale photonic integration.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the key advancements in the new miniature fiber laser that make it sharper and smaller than previous versions?
  2. How might this new fiber laser technology be applied in medical diagnostics?
  3. What specific improvements does this fiber laser offer for communications and environmental sensing applications?
  4. Which research institutions or scientists were involved in the development of this groundbreaking miniature fiber laser?

Virtual Reality as a Reliable Shooting Performance-Tracking Tool

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Virtual reality (VR) technology has shown promise beyond training scenarios. A recent study indicates that VR can accurately track and record shooting performance, offering a reliable tool for law enforcement and military training.

Read this article to know why this development could lead to more effective and personalized training programs.

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/06/240611171431.htm#:~:text=Summary%3A,track%20individuals’%20progress%20over%20time.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “marksmanship” mean? “We’ve figured out how to export the data and interpret it. We’ve focused on the three big challenges of marksmanship, decision-making and reaction time to measure 21 relevant variables — allowing us to put a report in a user’s hand and say, ‘This is how accurate, precise, focused and fast you are.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “reproducibility” mean? “We were using it as an outcome variable for research, and we found that it has very good day-to-day reproducibility of performance, which is crucial for research.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “screening tool” mean? “This equipment is close to what the military and police use every day, so this has potential to be used as a screening tool across the country.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Share your thoughts on incorporating virtual reality technology into training protocols.
  2. How does virtual reality technology accurately track and record shooting performance in training scenarios?
  3. What are the potential benefits of using VR for law enforcement and military training compared to traditional methods?
  4. How might the integration of VR into training programs improve the personalization of training for individuals?
  5. What specific features of the VR system make it a reliable tool for monitoring and enhancing shooting performance?

New Dimensions in Quantum Computing: Majorana Particles Go 2D

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Researchers have made a breakthrough in quantum computing by developing a method to produce Majorana particles in a two-dimensional plane. This innovation could lead to more stable and efficient qubits.

Read the article to know why this innovation is crucial for the advancement of quantum computing technology​.

https://scitechdaily.com/new-dimensions-in-quantum-computing-majorana-particles-go-2d/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is “qubit”? “While classical computers use bits as the basic unit of information, which can be either 0 or 1, quantum computers use qubits, which can exist in a state of 0, 1, or both simultaneously.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “quantum computing” mean? “Researchers have innovated a 2D method for producing Majorana particles, aiming to improve quantum computing with stable and efficient qubits.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “readout” mean? “In the longer term, the flexibility and scalability of the 2D platform should allow us to think about concrete strategies to create networks of Majoranas and integrate them with auxiliary elements needed for control and readout of a Majorana qubit.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Talk about the things you know about Majorana particles.
  2. How does the two-dimensional production method of Majorana particles contribute to the stability of qubits in quantum computing?
  3. What specific advantages do Majorana particles offer over traditional qubits in quantum computing systems?
  4. What institutions or research teams are leading the innovation in producing Majorana particles in two dimensions?
  5. How might the development of 2D Majorana particles impact the future scalability and efficiency of quantum computers?