Tag: First Certificate FCE

Solving the World’s Plastic Problem

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Plastic pollution is one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time, affecting oceans, wildlife, and human health.

With global plastic production continuing to rise, finding effective solutions has become urgent. This topic explores practical strategies—from reducing single-use plastics to advancing recycling technologies—that can help tackle the world’s plastic problem and build a more sustainable future.

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


Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is the meaning of “outweigh“? “In fact, the amount of plastic on our planet outweighs all the land and sea creatures currently alive.” Use the word in a sentence and give a synonym.
  2. What does the idiom “to grow at scale” mean? “Plastic became very popular with the military during the Second World War, but it only grew at scale commercially in the 1960s.” Make one sentence using the phrase. Give a similar expression.
  3. What is “circular approach“? “One way to address these problems is to take a circular approach to plastic, designing it to stay in use for as long as possible..” Use the term in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you believe banning single-use plastics is an effective solution to the plastic problem? Why or why not?
  2. Should governments and individuals be more responsible for reducing plastic waste? Share your insight.
  3. What are the biggest challenges in reducing global plastic consumption, and how can they be overcome?
  4. How can businesses and industries be encouraged to use less plastic in packaging and production?
  5. What role should education and public awareness play in solving the world’s plastic problem?

Dubai Chocolate Won Over American Businesses

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The Dubai Chocolate craze began as a local treat from Fix Dessert Chocolatier in 2022 and quickly gained international fame, thanks to its rich pistachio-filled flavor and viral exposure on TikTok and Instagram.

Its limited availability only fueled demand, turning it into a status symbol. Major brands like Trader Joe’s, Costco, and Crumbl soon launched their own versions, showing how a regional dessert can influence global food trends and retail strategies.

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


Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “homegrown” mean? “We’re a small homegrown brand. We had just enough chocolate just to serve the community.” Use the word in a sentence and give a synonym.
  2. What does “to shoot at the gut“? “We’re kind of shooting at the gut here and hoping that this works.” Use the idiom in a sentence. Give a similar expression.
  3. What is “price point“? “The price point of the Kataifi and shipping that from another country to the US and with it being so nationally recognized and utilized right now, it was hard to source because we have so many stores across the nation.” Make a sentence using the term.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Share your thoughts on the global popularity of this product.
  2. Do you think social media has too much influence over what becomes popular in the food industry? Share your thoughts.
  3. Should major retailers create their own versions of viral products like Dubai Chocolate, or is that unfair to the original creators? What is your opinion?
  4. Would you buy a product just because it went viral online, even if it’s expensive or hard to find? Why or why not?
  5. What factors do you think contributed most to the global success of Dubai Chocolate—its flavor, its origin, or its social media presence?
  6. Talk about a global food trend that has become famous in your country and a local dish from your nation that won over the world.

Airline Fees Turned Baggage into Billions

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

Back in the days, check-in luggage, seat selection, and meals were free on commercial flights. That was until the UK low-cost carrier FlyBe started charging for check-in baggage. Then, the other airlines started doing the same thing.

Fast forward to today, Air Canada and Southwest added to the list of airlines that charge passengers for check-in luggage. 

From extra fees including checked baggage, seat selection, wifi and lounge access, upgrades, and food and drink alone, airlines are expected to generate $145 billion this year. This constitutes to 14% of the sector’s total revenues.

Read the article about how airlines are now making billions from charging passengers for check-in luggage and other ancillary fees.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c0qg3ylx2g9o

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “grey area” mean? “However, what determines “reasonable requirements” continues to be a grey area in need of an official ruling.” Use this expression in a sentence. Give a similar expression.
  2. What does “ancillary” mean? “With Air Canada and Southwest the latest airlines to charge passengers for check-in luggage, the ballooning cost of such ancillary fees is provoking anger among politicians and consumer groups.” Use this word in a sentence. Give 2 synonyms.
  3. What does “to follow suit” mean? “Other budget carriers then quickly followed suit, with the so-called flag carriers or established airlines then also doing so, at least on shorter flights.” Use this phrase in a sentence. Give a similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your reaction to and opinion to airlines charging passengers for check-in luggage? Also, share your opinion on airlines making billions from check-in baggage and other extra fees.
  2. Are junk fees from airlines also very common in your country? Talk about it.
  3. Share your thoughts on how the rise of the budget airlines contributed to the ballooning of junk fees from airlines.
  4. Do you think checked bags, seat selection, and meals should be for free on commercial flights? Explain.
  5. Share your opinion on the huge boom in the sales of carry-on luggage as a result of passengers’ refusal to pay for check-in bags. 

Watch Out for Summer Events Ticket Traps

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

A warming is being given to festival and concert enthusiasts. As they are usually so desperate to get their hands on much coveted tickets, they fall victims to ticket scams.

Read the article about summer events ticket traps and how to protect yourself from said scams.

https://www.lbc.co.uk/business/9a55a872f7214270a5976562e42541bb

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “coveted” mean? “Music fans desperate to get their hands on coveted tickets could be susceptible to scams.” Use this word in a sentence. Give 2 synonyms.
  2. What does “to get one’s hand on something” mean? “With many events taking place over the summer, fans desperate to get their hands on coveted tickets to see their favourite bands perform live could be susceptible to scams.“ Use this idiom in a sentence. Give 2 similar expressions.
  3. What does “to put right” mean? “Credit reference agencies can help to put right any damage done to reports.” Use this phrase in a sentence. Give 2 synonyms.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your reaction to and opinion to this news?
  2. Have you ever been scammed buying tickets online? What happened? Or talk about your experience booking tickets online in general. 
  3. What can be done to avoid falling victims to ticket traps?
  4. Do you agree or disagree with this, “If a seller is offering you a bargain price for a ticket to a popular event, this could be a red flag.”? Why?
  5. Talk about your experience attending summer events. 

Young and Black Workers at Risk of Workplace Surveillance

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

Among all employees, those young workers that are new to the workforce and black staff are at most risk to be subjected to surveillance at work.

It is urgent to have legal reforms so workers are able to decide on how they are tracked by their companies.

Read the article about workplace surveillance and algorithmic discrimination.

https://www.lbc.co.uk/tech/16c4429688b9400da8666cc60a9c3f6e

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is a “chilling effect”? “If surveillance has a chilling effect on people’s willingness to express themselves in the workplace, that may also decrease their satisfaction at work.” Use this phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “bake into” mean? “Increasing levels of surveillance of certain workers could “deepen the inequalities already baked into the labour market”, said Mr Evans, noting that black workers are more likely to be in jobs with a higher risk of “intrusive surveillance”.“ Use this phrasal verb in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “discrimination by algorithms” mean? “This includes safeguarding against invasion of privacy and discrimination by algorithms.” Use this term in a sentence. Give a similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your reaction to and opinion about this, “Young people new to the labour market and black employees are among the most likely to be subject to surveillance in the workplace.”?
  2. Do you think surveillance in the workplace is fair and necessary? Share your insights.
  3. What are ways your company monitors you and your work?
  4. Do you think employers/companies should disclose to their employees what data are being collected? Share your opinion.
  5. Share your thoughts on this, “If surveillance has a chilling effect on people’s willingness to express themselves in the workplace, that may also decrease their satisfaction at work.”
  6. Share some things you know about discrimination by algorithms. What are your thoughts on it?

Tech CEO’s Warning: AI to Wipe Out Millions of Jobs

B2 – Upper Intermediate

A tech CEO warns that AI could replace millions of jobs, especially entry-level office work in law, marketing, tech, and finance. Some companies are already cutting jobs as they prepare for the AI era.

Experts say young workers with less experience are most at risk. To protect their careers, people should focus on human skills like teamwork and learn how to work with AI tools.

Let’s watch the video to learn more about how AI is about to wipe out millions of jobs.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “early career knowledge job” mean? “These new generative AI technologies pose a real risk to early career knowledge jobs.” Use this term in a sentence.
  2. What does “to get up to speed with someone/something” mean? “Anthropic CEO is pushing lawmakers to get up to speed on AI and to urgently look at ways to regulate this technology.” Give a similar expression and use this phrase in a sentence.
  3. What does it mean “to double down on something”? “Experts say to double down on what AI struggles with — making human connections and doing things in person.” Give a similar expression and use this phrasal verb in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your reaction to the warning that AI could wipe out millions of jobs in the next five years? How do you feel about this possibility?
  2. Do you agree with the advice to “double down on what AI struggles with,” like human connections and in-person work? Can you give examples?
  3. Share your thoughts on this statement: “If you can do your job locked in a closet with a computer, those are the things that are more worrying for AI. Things that have to be in person and really with people tend to be safer.” What jobs do you think fit this description?
  4. What skills do you think workers should develop to protect their careers from AI disruption?
  5. How do you feel about companies restructuring and downsizing due to AI advancements? Is it inevitable or avoidable? Explain.
  6. Do you believe that working alongside AI, rather than competing with it, is a realistic and effective career strategy? Why or why not?

Crack Down on Ghost Plates

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

In the UK, there is a strong demand for the ministers to launch a strict crack down on ghost plates. 

Some plates suppliers do not register with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) and do not comply with the ministry’s requirements. 

This, in turn, has lead to a heightened problems with ghost plates and cloning.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about the pressure on UK ministers to take urgent action to tighten the regulations on ghost number plates.

https://www.lbc.co.uk/news/uk/ministers-crack-down-ghost-plates

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is a “fringe issue”? “She said, ‘Dodgy number plates are no longer a fringe issue. They’re everywhere and they’re undermining the rule of law on our roads.’ Use this term in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “unscrupulous” mean? “Far from being the tightly regulated industry it should be, number plates are increasingly being sold by unscrupulous below-the-radar suppliers using non-compliant, untraceable materials.“ Use this word in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “below-the-radar” mean? “Far from being the tightly regulated industry it should be, number plates are increasingly being sold by unscrupulous below-the-radar suppliers using non-compliant, untraceable materials.“ Use this idiom in a sentence. Give a similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Share your thoughts on the increasing dodgy number plates in the UK.
  2. What are the problems associated with these illegal plates?
  3. Is there a similar problem in your country? Talk about it. 
  4. What are the laws against ghost plates in your country?
  5. What is the importance of ensuring that all number plates are displayed correctly and legally on the roads?

The First Lawyer with Down Syndrome

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Ana Victoria Espino is a remarkable individual who is making history as the first lawyer with Down Syndrome. Her journey is not just a personal achievement but also a significant step forward for the representation of individuals with disabilities in professional fields. 

In recent years, awareness and acceptance of people with disabilities have increased, but there is still much work to be done. Ana Victoria’s accomplishments highlight the possibilities that lie ahead when barriers are broken down. 

Read the article and hear a little story about her journey.

https://www.latintimes.com/meet-ana-victoria-espino-latina-making-history-first-lawyer-down-syndrome-556529


Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is a “shadow professor”? “However, her determination, coupled with the invaluable support of a dedicated shadow professor, helped her navigate the rigorous demands of her legal studies.” Use it in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “to break down barriers” mean? “For Espino and her parents, her journey through university was not just about earning a degree; it was about breaking down barriers and setting a precedent for others with similar conditions.” Use it in a sentence. Give a similar expression.
  3. What does “coupled with” mean?”However, her determination, coupled with the invaluable support of a dedicated shadow professor, helped her navigate the rigorous demands of her legal studies.” Use it in a sentence.


Discussion Questions:

  1. Share your thoughts on Ana Victoria’s achievements.
  2. What inspired Ana Victoria to pursue a law degree, and how did she overcome the challenges she faced during her studies?
  3. How does Ana Victoria’s achievement challenge societal perceptions of individuals with Down Syndrome or people with disabilities in general?
  4. What lessons can educational institutions learn from Ana Victoria’s experience to better support students with disabilities?
  5. How prepared do you think the education system in your country is for students with specific needs? Talk about it.

The Pros and Cons of Digital Parenting

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Digital parenting involves using technology to monitor, guide, and support children’s online activities. While it offers benefits like increased safety and better communication, it also raises concerns about privacy, trust, and overdependence on digital tools. Understanding the pros and cons can help parents find the right balance in today’s connected world.

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


Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to keep an eye on someone” mean? “Research suggests at least 40% of parents in the UK use a GPS tracking app to keep an eye on their kids.” Use it in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “to have a way around” mean? “If he ever puts a guideline and he says, “Oh, don’t go on this website, or if it’s like Instagram and I want to go on Instagram, there will always be a way around.” Use the phrase in a sentence. Give a similar expression.
  3. What does “circumvent” mean? “Tech-savvy teens sometimes try to circumvent parental control settings to access restricted apps or websites.” Make a sentence using the word. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the main benefits of digital parenting for both children and parents?
  2. How can digital parenting affect the trust between parents and children?
  3. In what ways can digital parenting prepare children for responsible technology use?
  4. What are the potential downsides or risks of relying too heavily on digital tools to parent?
  5. How can parents balance supervision and independence when it comes to screen time and online activity?
  6. Should schools play a role in teaching digital responsibility, or is that solely the parents’ job?

Ergonomics Expert Explains How to Set Up Your Desk

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Setting up your workspace correctly can make a huge difference in your comfort, productivity, and long-term health. In this video,, an ergonomics expert walks you through the key principles of desk setup—from chair height and monitor placement to keyboard positioning—so you can work smarter, avoid strain, and feel better throughout the day.

Watch the video and be able to answer the discussion questions below.


Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “ergonomic” mean? “To set up your work desk properly, start by selecting an ergonomic chair that supports your posture and reduces strain during long hours of sitting.” Use the word in a sentence.
  2. What does the word “strain” mean in this sentence: “Position your monitor at eye level and keep your keyboard within easy reach to reduce strain on your neck and shoulders.“? Make a sentence using the word.
  3. What does the word “slouch” mean? “To maintain good posture at your work desk, adjust your chair and monitor height so you don’t have to slouch while working.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think investing in ergonomic furniture is worth the cost? Why or why not?
  2. In your opinion, which part of the desk setup has the biggest impact on comfort—chair, monitor, or keyboard?
  3. How important do you think proper desk ergonomics are for remote workers compared to office workers?
  4. How can poor desk ergonomics affect a person’s health and productivity over time?
  5. What are some simple, affordable changes people can make to improve their desk setup?