Tag: First Certificate FCE

Amazon Will Not Disclose US Tariffs Cost on Its Website

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

There were talks that Amazon would display the costs of the US tariffs on its products on their website.  

However, Amazon has denied this and said that they never considered listing tariffs on their main retail website, but did on their low-cost Amazon Haul Store. They considered the idea, but it was never approved and implemented in the end.

Watch this video about Amazon and US tariffs.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Define “on-shoring”. “It’s another reason why we are on-shoring critical supply chains here at home to shore up our own critical supply chain and boost our own manufacturing here.” Use this word in a sentence.
  2. What does “duty” mean here, “This month, Trump signed an executive order that closes a trade loophole that has allowed low-value packages from China and Hong Kong to enter the United States free of duties.”? Use this word in a sentence.
  3. What does “to trade near flat” mean? “The comments by the White House sent Amazon shares down more than 2% in pre-market trading, but they rebounded and were trading near flat by midday.”? Use this phrase in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How is Amazon affected by the growing political and trade tensions between the US and China?
  2. Amazon decided not to display the costs of tariffs on products on its website. What is your opinion on this?
  3. Do you agree or disagree that “Amazon should be more transparent about tariff costs.” What do you think are the advantages and disadvantages of doing this?
  4. The White House accused Amazon of a hostile political act. Share your insights on this.
  5. What are your thoughts on low-value packages from China and Hong Kong entering the United States not duty free anymore? What impact could this have on China and Hong Kong and on the US?

The Great Depression


B2 – Upper Intermediate

Global economic conditions have been profoundly impacted by US tariffs. One significant outcome that many people worry about is a major depression, which is the worst economic collapse in modern history. People would go from lavishly celebrating to losing everything, including their life savings.

Watch the video below to learn more about the great depression.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Define “snowball effect”. “As the public learned about these incredible returns from the stock market, everyone began putting money in it and talking about it more. This created a snowball effect.” Use this term in a sentence.
  2. What does “to fill the air” mean? ” “Extreme greed and unrealistic fantasy filled the air.” Use this phrase in a sentence and give a synonym.
  3. In business, what does it mean “to close the doors“? So if a local bank closed its doors, people lost their money.” Use this idiom to make your own sentence and give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think another Great Depression will begin in this century? If so, why?
  2. How would a Great Depression affect your life right now?
  3. What lessons have we learned from the Great Depression?

Microdosing Psychedelics

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Microdosing medicinal psychedelics has ignited debate in recent years. Although there are a number of research supporting its potential benefits, the overall evidence remains in its early stages, leaving both healthcare professionals and prospective users uncertain about its true therapeutic impact.

Let’s read the article and gain a deeper understanding of the current research and perspectives on microdosing medicinal psychedelics.

https://apnews.com/article/microdosing-lsd-mushrooms-psychedelic-psilocybin-390c99ba54ef9d75727f39e2ec78fb34

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “acid trip” mean? “This isn’t a full-blown acid trip — or even close. If you see visions, it’s not a microdose.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What is the meaning of “to open the door to something“? “Further opening the door to microdosing, a handful of cities have officially directed police to make psychedelics a low priority for enforcement.” Use it in a sentence and give a synonym.
  3. Define the term “altered (state of) consciousness“. “It seems I was able to generate a powerful ‘altered consciousness’ experience based only (on) the expectation around the possibility of a microdose.” Use it in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What does microdosing psychedelics mean? Share your own opinion about microdosing psychedelics.
  2. Do you see psychedelic therapy gaining mainstream acceptance down the line? Why or why not?
  3. How widespread do you think microdosing is in your country? Why do you think this is the case?
  4. What are the laws surrounding psychedelics in your country?

The Mere Thought of Being Hungry Could Alter Your Immune System

B2 – Upper Intermediate

For a long time, scientists believed that fasting altered the immune system simply because the body was deprived of nutrients. However, new research in Science Immunology is rewriting that story. It turns out that neurons in the brain ,and not the gut, play the key role in regulating immune cells. AgRP neurons in the hypothalamus, which trigger feelings of hunger, can influence immune cell levels purely by creating the perception of hunger, rather than actual food deprivation.

Let’s read the article and know more details about the connection between perception of hunger and the immune system.

https://www.sciencealert.com/the-mere-thought-of-being-hungry-could-alter-your-immune-system

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “first line of defense” mean? “These cells are part of the immune system’s first line of defence and play a critical role in regulating inflammation.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “to dial down” mean? “When the hunger neurons were turned on, they dialled down nutrient-sensing in the liver by reducing sympathetic activity.” Use it in your own sentence and give a synonym.
  3. What does “wasting syndrome” mean? “If these findings are confirmed in humans, this new data could, in future, have real-world implications for diseases where the immune system becomes overactive – such as cardiovascular diseases, multiple sclerosis, and wasting syndrome in cancer patients.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on the findings of this research?
  2. How does hunger affect how you feel or how much energy you have?
  3. What comfort foods help you when you’re unwell?
  4. What aspect of the human brain do you find the most remarkable?
  5. If you were a medical researcher, what field would you specialize in? Why?

Chronoworking Helps Workers Excel

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

Some believe that the best way to get the most out of employees is to allow them to do ”chronoworking”. This basically means you let them choose the work hours that best suits their biological clocks.

Read the article about what asynchronous working can do to workers’ productivity.

https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20240220-chronoworking-productivity-hack

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “knock-on effect” mean? “Allowing staff to work when they’re at their best could boost performance and wellbeing, with a knock-on positive effect on employee retention.” Use this word in a sentence and give a synonym.
  2. What does “to level the playing field” mean? “The approach has the added benefit of normalising flexible hours for parents or those with other responsibilities that make it tricky to stick to 9-to-5 restrictions, she adds. It levels the playing field.” Use this idiom in a sentence and give a synonym.
  3. What does “chronotype” mean? “Originally coined by journalist Ellen C Scott, chronoworking enables employees to ditch standard office hours and pick schedules that match their personal “chronotypes” instead.” Use this term in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How is chronoworking beneficial to employees and companies alike?
  2. What might the downsides be of asynchronous work?
  3. What do you personally think about this work approach? 
  4. When do you think are you most productive during the day and why is that?
  5. Do you think your company could afford to implement this approach? Why or why not?
  6. Share your thoughts on this, “It’s nonsensical that we all need to be working together all at one time. You get far more out of people if you operate around different chronotypes.”.

Teens Test Virtual Technology Aimed at Helping Anxiety

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Virtual technology is being explored as a new tool to help teenagers cope with anxiety and school-related stress. In Wales, an augmented reality (AR) therapy app developed with input from young people allows users to express emotions through creative, interactive experiences. Early testing shows the app can reduce anxiety and improve social connection, offering a promising new approach to mental health support for teens, especially those who are neurodivergent or reluctant to speak openly.

To learn more about this innovation, read the article and be prepared to answer the questions below.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c4g40wwn54eo

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to give a voice” mean? “Cardiff council said young people had “been given a voice and had valuable input in developing this tool which provides a way for them to communicate using an approach that they feel comfortable with.” Give two (2) synonyms and use this term in a sentence.
  2. What does “ice-breaker” mean? “If someone didn’t really like talking, then it can be like an ice-breaker to open up conversations with their counsellor.” Use this word in a sentence.
  3. What does “neurodivergent” mean? “The technology aims to help certain individuals, particularly those who are neurodivergent, feel more comfortable using images to express their feelings.” Use this term in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on using augmented reality technology as a tool to support teenagers’ mental health, and do you think it can be as effective as more traditional forms of therapy?
  2. In what ways might augmented reality technology change the way we approach mental health support for young people, and what are the potential limitations of relying on technology in this context?
  3. How could giving young people a voice in the development of mental health tools, like the AR therapy app, influence the effectiveness and acceptance of such interventions?
  4. What role does creativity and play have in supporting emotional wellbeing, and why might this be especially important for teenagers experiencing anxiety?
  5. How can schools balance the use of innovative technologies with the need for human connection and traditional therapeutic approaches in supporting students’ mental health? Can you think of specific situations or examples where this balance might be especially important?
  6. What ethical considerations should be taken into account when designing digital mental health tools for children and teenagers, particularly those who are neurodivergent or socially isolated?

How the World Learned to Love Fast Food

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

Fast food is extremely popular. A huge number of people consumes it on a regular basis. Globally, the fast food market is valued at over $700 billion and it seems that it is only going to continue to grow. 

Do you sometimes wonder, despite it’s infamous reputation now being very unhealthy they are for our body, how cheap and easy food spread and become so popular around the world?

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about on how the world came to love fast food.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2025/ep-250123

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “can-do attitude” mean? “In the 1950s, when the famous brands we know today were just beginning, anyone with a can-do attitude could sell fast food.” Use this phrase in a sentence and give a synonym.
  2. What does “the final nail in the coffin” mean? “McDonald’s weren’t as successful in Iceland as they’d been elsewhere. And the global financial crash of 2008 was the final nail in the coffin.” Use this idiom in a sentence and give a synonym.
  3. What does “to open one’s arms in welcome” mean? “Nowadays, you can visit two McDonald’s on opposite sides of the planet and eat exactly the same meal. But not every country opened its arms in welcome – the tiny island of Iceland for one.” Use this expression in a sentence and give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Share your thoughts on this: To this day, there are no McDonald’s in Iceland.
  2. How about this, There are 42,000 fast-food restaurants in Britain?
  3. Are you a fast food fan? Why or why not?
  4. How popular is fast food in your country? Why do you think this is the case?
  5. Is there a long-standing burger culture in your country? Talk about it.

Trump Tariffs on China Will Bring Irreversible Damage to American Businesses

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The trade relationship between the United States and China has become a topic of considerable debate, especially with the tariff war that escalated around 2018. This conflict has raised questions about whether America is specifically targeting China or if it is pursuing broader economic strategies. 

The U. S. is motivated by a desire to protect its economic interests, promote fair trade practices, and limit China’s technological advancements. This trade conflict illustrates a broader geopolitical struggle that transcends mere economics, impacting global alliances and the future of international trade. Ultimately, the path forward will require careful negotiation and mutual understanding to avoid further escalation and foster a healthier trade relationship. 

Please read the article and let’s talk about it later.

https://www.cnbc.com/2025/04/12/trump-tariffs-on-china-mean-irreversible-damage-for-most-businesses.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does  “to hit like a ton of bricks” mean? “Canceled freight orders and abandoned freight from China are quickly becoming the norm in the trade war between the U.S. and China, according to supply chain executives, as businesses across U.S. industries put a full stop on container exports, with the tariffs hitting like a ton of bricks.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “low margin good ” mean? “As it became clear over the last week that China would remain the main target of the Trump administration’s tariffs policy — after the 90-day reprieve was granted to all other countries expected to be hit with new tariffs — the message that came through is that lower-margin goods cannot sustainably be produced in China.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “liner service” mean? “Murphy warned that on the container liner side of the freight business, the drop in bookings coupled with the possibility of shipbuilding fees on “Chinese” vessels also going into effect next week, will result in a “massive restructuring of all liner services to North America.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What can you say about the article?
  2. “And it will take months to sort out the mess, with congestion and freight rate spikes for months to come.” When do you think this will end?
  3. “The biggest concern here is a complete uncertainty of the actual end-game of the Trump administration.” What do you think are the administration’s motives?
  4. “Many shippers are deploying a ‘wait and see’ approach.” How long do you think they can wait?

Costco Went All in on Kirkland and It Paid Off

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Costco’s Kirkland brand is a strategic success, built on aligning low prices, quality control, and member loyalty. By consolidating its private labels under a single brand, Costco has strengthened its ability to negotiate with suppliers while consistently delivering high-quality products at competitive prices.

Despite the risk of using a single brand, this approach has boosted customer loyalty and now accounts for over a third of Costco’s sales. With limited product options and strict quality oversight, Kirkland thrives in Costco’s membership-based model, setting it apart from other retailers with multiple store brands.

Watch the video to learn more about the innovative approaches that have allowed Costco to thrive in a competitive market and be prepared to answer the questions below.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. .What does “profit margin” mean? “That opportunity came down to profit margins.“ Use this term in a sentence.
  2. What does “commodity input” mean? “Our buyers are very aware of the commodity inputs, the raw ingredients that go into something.” Use this term in a sentence.
  3. What does the idiom “hit someone right in the face” mean? “because everything that’s presented at Costco is presented pretty big, hitting you right in the face whenever you walk in there.” Give two (2) synonyms and use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. As a buyer, which type of product do you prefer: name brands or private label brands? What influences your decision?
  2. What factors might influence shoppers to choose a private label product over a name brand?
  3. How does placing a private label product beside a name brand item shape perceptions of quality and value? Provide examples of how this tactic might backfire or succeed.
  4. How does the perceived risk associated with different product categories (e.g., low-risk staples vs. high-risk electronics) influence trust in private labels? What could retailers do to bridge this trust gap?
  5. Does a membership model inherently create a sense of exclusivity or loyalty that enhances trust in private labels? How might this differ from non-membership retailers?
  6. Can a single bad experience with a private label product damage a retailer’s reputation more than a similar experience with a well-known brand? Why do you think that is? What strategies can retailers use to reduce this risk?

North America Is Dripping Down into Earth’s Mantle

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Geologists have identified a massive ancient slab of Earth’s crust beneath North America that is slowly sinking into the mantle, a process described as “dripping.” This phenomenon is occurring beneath regions from Michigan to Alabama and provides new insights into the dynamic processes shaping our planet’s interior.

Read the article to know why understanding these subterranean movements is crucial for comprehending seismic activity and the geological evolution of continents.

https://www.livescience.com/planet-earth/geology/north-america-is-dripping-down-into-earths-mantle-scientists-discover

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “slab” mean here, “An ancient slab of Earth’s crust buried deep beneath the Midwest is sucking huge swatches of present-day’s North American crust down into the mantle.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “splinter” mean? “The Farallon plate splintered due to the advance of the Pacific plate roughly 20 million years ago, and remnant slabs subducted beneath the North American plate slowly drifted off.“ Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “full-waveform inversion” mean? “The discovery was possible thanks to a wider project led by Hua to map what lies beneath North America using a high-resolution seismic imaging technique called “full-waveform inversion.“ Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you imagine life would be like if we could actually see this crust sinking beneath our feet? How would it change how we view the Earth’s inner workings?
  2. Do you think understanding this process could help us predict future geological events, like volcanic eruptions or earthquakes?
  3. How does this “dripping” crust affect the way we think about seismic activity and earthquakes in areas like Michigan or Alabama?
  4. Isn’t it fascinating that there’s an ancient piece of Earth’s crust slowly sinking into the mantle—what do you think that means for the planet’s long-term evolution?