Tag: First Certificate FCE

Data Centres to be Expanded in the UK as Concerns Mount

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

To some extent, large data centres contribute to the drought conditions in the UK. One huge data centre consumes about the same amount of water as 50,000 households.

Amidst growing concerns, the UK is going to go ahead with building additional data centres. Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner said these facilities are necessary in order to continue boosting the country’s economy.

Read the article about the UK’s plans to continue building more data centres despite growing concerns over their environmental impact.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/clyr9nx0jrzo

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “knock-on effect” mean? “But there are concerns about their impact, including the potential knock-on effect on people’s energy bills.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym or similar expression.
  2. What does “appease” mean? “But he insisted “data centres are fixated with becoming as sustainable as possible”, such as through dry-cooling methods. Such promises of future solutions have failed to appease some.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym or similar expression.
  3. What does “offshore” mean? “According to the National Energy System Operator, NESO, the projected growth of data centres in Great Britain could “add up to 71 TWh of electricity demand” in the next 25 years, which it says redoubles the need for clean power – such as offshore wind.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym or similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What concerns revolve around building more data centres in the UK?
  2. According to the article, what are some workarounds for this issue? Do you think they are any good? Discuss.
  3. Share your insights on this, “Data centres are central to the UK’s economic future.” 
  4. Do you think more data centres should be built in a country given the environmental and knock-on effects they bring? Share your thoughts.
  5. Do you think that companies should pay the price for extra energy to power data centres – not consumers? Share your opinion.

Flourishing

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

At present, we have grown more and more conscious about our overall well-being. 

There’s a new buzzword making rounds: “flourishing”. Now, this term doesn’t only mean generally feeling healthy and happy, but it is about feeling good about every other aspect of your life such as happiness, health, relationships and financial security.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about the meaning of flourishing and how to ensure you are thriving in life.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2025/ep-250807

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Define “buzzword”. “I wonder if you all feel that you are ‘flourishing’ in life. This is another psychological buzzword with added evidence.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a similar expression.
  2. What does “small win” mean?  “There’s an old saying – ‘a journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step’ – and savouring each small win along the way is vital to flourishing.” Use the phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  3. Explain the meaning of “to stop and smell the roses”. “Savouring involves taking time out to ‘stop and smell the roses‘, as we say.” Use the idiom in a sentence. Give a similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What can one do in order to cultivate flourishing?
  2. What are things you do to ensure you are flourishing in life?
  3. Does flourishing depend on your nationality, or are there things anyone can do to feel happier wherever they live? Share your insights.
  4. Share your thoughts on this, “While richer countries scored higher on material happiness, middle-income countries did better in terms of kindness and social connection.”
  5. “In Japan, women flourished more than men, while in Brazil the opposite was true.“ Why do you think this is?
  6. What might be the explanation to this: “Across all countries, flourishing increased after the age of 50.” 

Musk Firms X and xAI Sue Apple and OpenAI Over AI Competition

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

Elon Musk’s firms X and xAI has filed a lawsuit claiming that the Apple-OpenAI deal has no valid business reason to be exclusive.

According to the filing, this exclusive arrangement blocks threats from potential competitors, which allegedly violates competition laws.

Read the article about X and xAI filing a lawsuit against Apple and OpenAI over AI competition.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cly6xjg9nnyo

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to join forces” mean? “Two Elon Musk-backed businesses have officially sued Apple and OpenAI, accusing them of joining forces illegally to block threats from potential competitors.” Use the phrase in a sentence. Give a similar expression.
  2. What does “to make good on something” mean?  “The filing makes good on a threat Musk had lobbed against the two tech giants earlier this month, when he alleged that Apple favoured OpenAI in its app store rankings.” Use the idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  3. What is the meaning of “to foreclose competition”. “The Apple-OpenAI arrangement has foreclosed competition among generative AI chatbots, deprived competing generative AI chatbots of scale, and reduced quality and innovation.” Use the term in a sentence. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your opinion on this lawsuit? 
  2. What are your thoughts on Apple and OpenAI’s exclusive deal? Do you think it is a form of monopoly? Explain.
  3. Share your thoughts on OpenAI’s statement regarding the lawsuit, “The filing was consistent with Mr Musk’s ongoing pattern of harassment.”
  4. Talk in details about another anti-monopoly lawsuit you know of.
  5. Share your thoughts on Apple’s talks with Google over using Gemini chatbot to help power Siri, Apple’s voice assistant.

The End of Globalization

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

Globalization has allowed countries to be more connected, with their economies and societies becoming very much dependent on each other.

While globalization is not dead yet, PWC Global Chairman Robert Moritz believes it will go through a very important shift into regionalization.

Will this be the end of globalization as we know it? 

Watch the video where Bloomberg’s New Economy Forum’s delegates give their two cents about the future of every nation’s interconnectivity.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to rewire” mean?  “Globalization is not dead, it’s going to be rewired.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  2. Explain the meaning of “fragmentation” in trade. “That doesn’t mean you will have fragmentation in the sense of totally competitive blocs because they’re also trying very hard to increase their trade exposure and exports to each other in order to grow their economies.” Use the term in a sentence. 
  3. What does “disaggregation” mean in economics? “The possible outcome is that we’re going to have economic growth not stemming from global integration, but from disaggregation.” Use the word in a sentence. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. Share your insights on nations shifting to doing trade more on the regional, bilateral, or just among smaller number of countries.
  2. What might be the impacts when countries shift to regionalization instead of globalization?
  3. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of globalization, regionalization, and fragmentation.
  4. Do you agree or disagree that what we have now is regionalization and not fragmentation? Discuss.
  5. Do you think that the breakdown of the global economy into distinct economic and trade blocs in North America, Europe, and Asia will not result to fragmentation? Explain.

‘Skibidi’ and ‘Tradwife’ Words in the Cambridge Dictionary

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The Cambridge Dictionary has updated its entries to reflect how people speak today. These changes show how internet culture, social media, and everyday conversations are shaping the way we use language. As new expressions become popular, dictionaries adapt to keep up with the times.

Let’s read the article and explore how this reflects the evolution of English in the digital age.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ce93ygv4zzlo

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the phrase “staying power ” mean? “We only add words where we think they’ll have staying power.” Use it in your own sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does the phrase “to make the cut” mean? “Other work-related words to make the cut include “work wife” and “work spouse”.” Use in a sentence and give two synonyms.
  3. Define the idiom “to stand the test of time“. “Mr McIntosh said Cambridge Dictionary only added words which they believed could stand the test of time.” Use it in a sentence. Give a similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you make of the latest words added to the Cambridge Dictionary?
  2. Share your insights on this, “Internet culture is changing the English language and the effect is fascinating to observe and capture in the dictionary.“
  3. How do the words in the article connect with the way you see language changing today?
  4. In what ways has the internet influenced the way you speak or write?
  5. What differences have you noticed in the way younger and older people use language?
  6. Can you think of times when you’ve heard English slang that left you puzzled?

Grown-ups Buying Kids’ Toys

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

The toys that we used to love playing with as kids are a very nostalgic way to reminisce our childhood. 

This must be the reason why some adults still enjoy the idea of buying kids’ toys and playing with them.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about grown-ups buying and playing with kids’ toys.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2025/ep-250814

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Define “disposable income”. “Once I kind of had a stable job with disposable income, I kind of rediscovered my love for soft toys, and I started buying them again because I’ve always loved collecting things, because, you know, they bring me happiness, they bring me joy.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a similar expression.
  2. What does “inner child” mean?  “And I think also a big pillar of my channel and my content is reconnecting with my childhood, and healing that inner child, and I think the toys also play a part in that.” Use the phrase in a sentence. Give a similar expression.
  3. Explain the meaning of “to have time on one’s hands”. “During the pandemic, people had time on their hands. Many adults went online, hoping to find the toys they remembered from childhood.” Use the idiom in a sentence. Give a similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What might be the reasons grown-ups like buying and/or playing with toys?
  2. What do you think about adults still buying and playing with toys?
  3. Share your insights on this, “Adults buying kids’ toys for themselves account for between 30 and 40% of the entire toy market.” 
  4. Do you consider yourself a “kidult”? Why or why not? What are some things/activities you still enjoy that are normally for younger people? Why do you think you still like them until now?
  5. During the pandemic, people had time on their hands. What did you do with yours?

The Best Way to Give a Presentation

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

Giving a presentation can be taxing to some. However, as soon as you are decided on your speech’s topic, you are now ready to come up with a persuasive and pretty compelling presentation.

Watch the TED-Ed video to learn the best way to give a presentation and be ready to answer the questions that follow.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Explain the meaning of a “throughline”. “Deciding on a clear throughline is an essential part.” Use the term in a sentence.
  2. What does “best shot” mean here,  “If you have time to do that, it will probably give you the best shot at delivering a powerful talk that says everything you want it to say without sounding robotic.”? Use the phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  3. Explain the meaning of “to make eye contact”. “Look up from the page as often as you can, and make eye contact with your audience members.” Use the phrase in a sentence. Give a similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Share your thoughts on this, “Speech is power: speech is to persuade, to convert, to compel.” 
  2. How do you usually prepare for and deliver a talk?
  3. Do you prefer to make a script or be spontaneous when you are to give a presentation? Share some experience giving an unscripted talk.
  4. For you, what makes an effective speech?
  5. Talk about the most powerful speech that you have ever heard. 

What Is Degrowth?

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

A new school of thought is emerging. Some people think that in order to deal with climate change and other environmental issues, we need to stop the economy from growing.

This is idea is referred to as “degrowth”. “In essence, degrowth is a call for a fundamental transformation of our economic and social systems to create a more just and sustainable future.” 

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about the concept of degrowth.

Be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2025/ep-250724

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Explain the concept of “degrowth”. “Some economists believe degrowth would actually make it harder to solve the climate crisis.” Use this word in a sentence. 
  2. What is “fast fashion”? “It’s saying that we need to decrease some elements of our production that are not beneficial. An example of those elements would be fast fashion, private jets, the beef and meat industry.” Use this term in a sentence. 
  3. What does “underestimate” mean here, “Degrowth underestimates the need for investment that we need in new technology and in new solutions.” Use this word in a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on the idea of degrowth?
  2. What might be the impact/consequences of degrowth?
  3. Talk about some examples of degrowth initiatives.
  4. Share your thoughts on this, “Degrowthunderestimates the need for investment that we need in new technology and in new solutions.”
  5. Should we shrink the economy to save the planet? Share your insights.
  6. What are some things you do that you think are good for the planet? 

BRICS: The Rise of a New Global Order

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

According to Wikipedia, the New World Order is a term often used in conspiracy theories which hypothesize a secretly emerging totalitarian world government.

The BRICS, originally a group of countries including Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, has been growing economically and politically. Since its foundation, the intergovernmental organization has gained more members including Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates.

The question in everyone’s mind is: Is the BRICS going to topple the Western-led institutions like The Group of Seven or G7? Until such time that they figure out their shared values and identity, can they really be considered a powerful global force?

Watch the video about the BRICS and the new world order.

Be ready to answer the questions that follow.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Explain the meaning of “trading block”. “BRICS is not a trading block or group. It wasn’t meant to be one.” Use the phrase in a sentence.
  2. What does “united front” mean?  “A variety of tensions between different BRICS members have kept the group from forming a united front, but they have managed it with the New Development Bank, which finances projects across the Global South and provides loans with fewer economic and political conditions compared to the World Bank.” Use the phrase in a sentence. 
  3. Explain the meaning of “multipolar world”. “They want a multipolar world in which there are multiple centuries of geopolitical influence.” Use the phrase in a sentence. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your insights on the formation of BRICS?
  2. Do you think they are a worthy rival of the Western-led G7? Do you believe they can actually stand up to Trump’s trade war? Share your thoughts.
  3. What are the pros and cons of trading blocs?
  4. Share your opinion on this, “The trade war has increased the solidarity between BRICS nations.”
  5. Share your insights regarding this, “BRICS has talked about a shared currency. BRICS countries support reduced trade in US dollar as a tool, as a method to reduce overall Western economic dominance in the global economy.”
  6. Russia was removed from G8. Thus, it is now known as G7. What are your thoughts on BRICS keeping Russia within the intergovernmental organization?

Seoul Tackles Loneliness with Mind Convenience Stores

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Seoul, one of Asia’s busiest and most connected cities, is facing a growing challenge: loneliness. In response, the city is trying new ways to bring people together, improve mental health, and make the community more welcoming.

Let’s read the article and learn how Seoul is investing over $330 million in a five-year plan to help alleviate loneliness.

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2025/jul/16/instant-noodles-foot-spas-and-counsellors-seoul-tackles-loneliness-with-mind-convenience-stores

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is the meaning of the phrase “to draw on a touchstone“? “The “convenience store” concept deliberately sidesteps stigma while drawing on a touchstone of Korean culture.” Use it in a sentence and give a synonym.
  2. What does “to pull oneself together” mean? “I became powerless and didn’t want to do anything,” she recalls. “But I had children to raise, so I had to pull myself together.” Use it in a sentence and give a synonym.
  3. What does “to feel low” mean? “When you’re feeling low, staying at home just makes things worse.” Use it in a sentence and give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think about Seoul’s mind convenience stores?
  2. Will these mind convenience stores really help people feel less alone in a city like Seoul? Why or why not?
  3. How well do you think this kind of place fare in your own city/country?
  4. How does your country/the government addresses the issue of loneliness among the citizens?
  5. What’s your thought on this, “The idea is that even passive interactions can help combat the city’s loneliness epidemic.“?
  6. Share your thoughts on this, “62% of single-person households report experiencing loneliness, while city estimates suggest 130,000 young people suffer from social isolation.“
  7. Share your view on this, “The centre represents something that formal services often miss: genuine human connection. That’s something money can’t buy.“