Tag: First Certificate FCE

Big Beautiful Bill

B2 – Upper Intermediate

How much do American CEOs make compared to their employees in a year? The reasonable answer would be twenty times, fifty times, or maybe even a hundred times. In truth, these big CEOs can make a thousand times what their employees earn in a year. And worse, this gap will only widen with the advent of Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill.”

To find out more, watch the video below.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “on the floor” mean in this context, “All these companies are super profitable. Wouldn’t it make sense for them to just have enough staff scheduled on the floor?” Use this phrase in a sentence and give a synonym.
  2. What is a “corporate raider”? “Danny Lovito plays a corporate raider who is trying to convince the shareholders of a small New England cable company to sell him their shares so that they can cash out when he liquidates the company.” Use this term in a sentence and give a synonym.
  3. What does “to turn the bull loose” mean? “We’re going to turn the bull loose.” Use this idiom in a sentence and give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. In your opinion, why does the Big Beautiful Bill reduce the taxes of powerful companies?
  2. What is your opinion on the “Big Beautiful Bill”? Do you think it will worsen or improve the gap between the rich and the working classes?
  3. Do you think that the current systems that allow companies to earn big profits should be reformed? If so, why?
  4. If you were given the opportunity, how would you try to fix the money gap between the working and the CEOs of these big companies?

Wearable Devices to Measure Workers’ Temperature

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

We have been experiencing the highest temperatures ever recorded. This causes employers to try using wearable technologies such as sensors and armbands to ensure that their employees’ wellbeing is in check.

These devices can be used to collect body temperatures so the employers can warn the workers if are getting too hot and let them go on a break.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about wearable devices that can measure worker’s body temperatures to prevent heat-related health issues.

https://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/employers-use-wearable-devices-to-measure-workers-temperature-/7758808.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “raise concerns” mean? “He said the idea that companies could keep years of medical information on employees raises privacy concerns.” Use this phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “withhold” mean? “He said the information could be used to withhold health plans or dismiss workers.” Use this word in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “hurt” mean in this context, “Schwartz said, ‘The device could hurt…because you could raise your hand and say, ‘I need a break,’ and the boss could say, ‘No, your heart rate is not elevated, go back to work.’” Use this term in a sentence in the same context. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the advantages and disadvantages of using wearable devices to track workers’ temperatures/heat stress?
  2. Considering its advantages and disadvantages, what do you think about using wearable technologies in the workplace to detect heat stress among workers?
  3. Share your thoughts on this, “Some groups worry that employers will use the technology to punish people for taking needed breaks.”.
  4. What is your opinion on this, “Companies could keep years of medical information on employees raises privacy concerns. He said the information could be used to withhold health plans or dismiss workers.”?
  5. In your country, how do companies protect workers from heat stress?

Undersea Cable Attacks Backed by Russia and China

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

A string of incidents in the Baltic Sea and Taiwan have had many thinking it be a precursor of more attacks backed by Russia and China on submarine cables that account for more than 90% of the intercontinental data traffic in the whole world.

Read the article about the possible threats to the undersea cables and be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/jul/17/risk-undersea-cable-attacks-backed-russia-china-likely-rise-report-warns

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “a spate of something” mean? “The risk of Russia- and China-backed attacks on undersea cables carrying international internet traffic is likely to rise amid a spate of incidents in the Baltic Sea and around Taiwan.” Use this idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “to single out” mean? “A US cybersecurity company, singled out nine incidents in the Baltic Sea and off the coast of Taiwan in 2024 and 2025 as a harbinger for further disruptive activity.” Use this phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “harbinger” mean? “A US cybersecurity company, singled out nine incidents in the Baltic Sea and off the coast of Taiwan in 2024 and 2025 as a harbinger for further disruptive activity.” Use this word in a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Share your reaction and opinion about this news.
  2. Why has the two attacks in the Baltic Sea in November 2024 had minimal impact in Europe? 
  3. “Campaigns attributed to Russia in the North Atlantic-Baltic region and China in the western Pacific are likely to increase in frequency as tensions rise.”? Do you think this is most likely to happen? Share your views.
  4. Share your opinion on this, “Analysts say targeting these cables can be an attractive tactic because the damage can be passed off as an accident.”
  5. What can the governments do to address the potential threats to the countries’ subsea cables?

Nvidia First to Reach Four Trillion in Market Value

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Nvidia just made history, it’s now the first company ever worth $4 trillion. Known for making super-powerful computer chips, Nvidia is a big reason why artificial intelligence (AI) is growing so fast. Its technology powers tools like chatbots, smart cars, and massive data centers.

Let’s read the article to learn more about how Nvidia rose from a gaming chipmaker to the world’s most valuable company.

https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/jul/09/nvidia-first-company-4-trillion

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the word “volley” mean here, “Nvidia has rebounded about 74% from its April lows, when global markets were jolted by Donald Trump’s tariff volley.” Use it in a sentence and give a synonym.
  2. Define the word “unabated“. “Nvidia achieved a $1tn market value for the first time back in June 2023 and the surge continued unabated with its market value – the total value of its shares – more than tripling in about a year, faster than Apple and Microsoft, the only other US firms with a market value of more than $3tn.” Use it in a sentence and give a synonym.
  3. What does the term “poster child” mean? ““The poster children for the AI revolution are led by Nvidia and Microsoft as both are foundational pieces of building on the biggest tech trend we have seen in our 25 years covering tech stocks on the Street.” Use it in a sentence and give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you make of Nvidia becoming one of the most valuable companies in history?
  2. Where is Nvidia’s stratospheric rise attributed to?
  3. If you had some spare money lying around, which tech giants would you invest in? Why?
  4. How has AI reshaped the landscape of companies in your field?
  5. Which businesses are scaling quickly within your country’s market?

MicroHarvest Scales Up Microbial Protein Production

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

As the global demand for protein continues to increase, there is a race to develop technologies to mass produce protein.

Micro Harvest, a company that focuses on biotechnology and microorganisms, was able to turn non-protein substances into protein. They are able to make huge amounts of protein. Their goal is to also be able to produce food that is fit for human consumption in the future.

Read the article about MicroHarvest’s microbial protein production.

https://www.proteinproductiontechnology.com/post/microharvest-scales-up-production-aiming-for-15-000-tons-of-microbial-protein-annually-by-2026

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “strain” mean in this context, “A recent large-scale production trial confirmed that MicroHarvest’s strain performance and process parameters remain stable at this elevated scale.” Use this word in a sentence. Give another meaning of “strain”.
  2. What does “to pave the way for someone/something” mean? “This breakthrough paves the way for MicroHarvest’s ambitious plan to construct a facility capable of producing up to 15,000 tons of microbial protein annually by the end of 2026, addressing the increasing global demand for sustainable protein solutions.” Use this phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “stringent” mean? “This technological advantage supports the company’s ability to meet the stringent requirements of commercial-scale production.” Use this word in a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What was your reaction to and opinion about this special process of producing protein?
  2. What are the advantages and disadvantages of such method of protein production?
  3. Do you think this protein production process could be adapted in your country? Why or why not?
  4. Would it be interesting for you to try the meat that was produced through this process? Why or why not?
  5. Do you like meat? Why or why?
  6. Do people consume a lot of meat in your country? Talk about it.

Emoji Impacts Relationship Outcomes

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Emojis aren’t just cute, they help couples feel closer. This is according to a new study that shows using emojis in messages can make romantic partners feel more connected and understood, even when they’re far apart.

Let’s review the findings to gain deeper insight into how emojis influence emotional connection.

https://phys.org/news/2025-07-emoji-impact-relationship-outcomes-reveals.html#:~:text=The%20use%20of%20emojis%20in%20text%20messaging%20improves,from%20the%20University%20of%20Texas%20at%20Austin,%20U.S.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “closeness” mean in this context, “The use of emojis in text messaging improves perceived responsiveness and thereby enhances closeness and relationship satisfaction.“? Use it in a sentence and give two synonyms.
  2. What does “to move beyond something” mean? “Despite these caveats, the experimental design of this research helps to isolate the effects of emoji use on friendship dynamics, moving beyond the correlational approaches that dominate much of the existing literature.” Use it in a sentence and give two synonyms.
  3. What does the verb “enrich” mean? “Defined as digital representations of emotions and ideas, emojis enrich text-based communication by conveying emotional nuance and increasing expressiveness.” Use it in a sentence and give two synonyms.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What’s your take on what the research reveals?
  2. Are you an emoji fan when you’re texting? Which ones do you reach for most?
  3. Do you think emojis bring extra meaning to messages? Why or why not?
  4. Are there certain emojis you avoid using—or can’t stand seeing?
  5. What’s your go-to method for keeping up with friends or family, and why?

Chesterton’s Fence Theory

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Chesterton’s Fence is a principle of not destroying things without fully understanding the purpose of their existence. It is a principle that reminds us to think before we destroy or reform a tradition, law, or rule. If we were to remove such things without pondering their purpose, we might face some unintended consequences.

But where does this principle apply in other aspects of the world we live in.

To find out more about Chesterton’s defense of conservation, watch the video below.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “axe” mean here, “As a result, the firm makes pennies on the nuts, but spends thousands hiring new engineers, all because the reformer didn’t understand the purpose of the policy he axed.” Use this word to make your own sentence and give a synonym.
  2. Define “rule of thumb”. “Chesterton’s Fence is a simple rule of thumb that suggests that you should never destroy a fence, change a rule, or do away with a tradition until you understand why it’s there in the first place.” Use this term in a sentence and give a synonym.
  3. What does “to drop dead” mean? ” “And so millions of people hit noisy pots and pans to prevent sparrows from resting, with the goal of causing them to drop dead from exhaustion.” Use this idiom in a sentence and give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Share your thoughts on this statement, “If a fence exists, there is likely a reason for it.“
  2. Do you believe that the Chesterton’s Fence theory is a good principle to live by? Why or why not?
  3. What lessons can we learn from those who do not follow the principle?
  4. How can Chesterton’s Fence can be applied to everyday life, government, and business?
  5. Talk about a situation where someone ignored the idea of the Chesterton’s Fence and its unintended consequences.

Things You Need to Make It Through a Power Cut

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

On April 28, 2025, a massive power outage hit Spain and Portugal which resulted to disruption across said countries.

No one thought this could happen and so, no one was prepared enough for it. When there is no electricity and nothing works, how do we overcome?

Having experienced one of the worst power interruptions in history, people realized what things do they need in case of a power cut.

Read the article about some things we need to make it through a power cut.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cwy6d0987r0o

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to piece something together” mean? “The complete loss of communication was the most confusing and concerning thing… we were only left to speculate as to the cause and piece together news from people in the neighbourhood.” Use this phrase in a sentence. Give 2 synonyms/similar expressions.
  2. What does “to get through something” mean in this context, “The power is out and nothing is working. How am I supposed to get through the day?” Use this expression in a sentence. Give another meaning of “get through”.
  3. What does “to go off” mean in this context, “We bought a lot of food that wasn’t going to go off, like tuna in cans, just in case.” Use this phrase in a sentence. Give another meaning of “go off”.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you agree with the five things you need to make it through a blackout mentioned in the article? Which ones do you think are the most important and which one the least? What items would you add to this list and why?
  2. What helped you get on with your day during the massive blackout in your country?
  3. How did not having access to the internet make you feel?
  4. Is it necessary to have an emergency kit? Why or why not? Do you have one at home and why? 
  5. Share your thoughts on this statement, “This thing that happened was important to make us be more aware and be more conscious about our habits.”
  6. Do you agree or disagree, “Cash is king.”? Explain.

Venice Divided Over Bezos Wedding

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

The extravagant 3-day wedding party of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and journalist Lauren Sanchez in Venice had just come its conclusion.

While what was dubbed as “the wedding of the year” was thought to bring glitz and glamour and the much-needed high-quality tourism to the delicate city on the water, some citizens feel that billionaires come to Venice and turn the city into their “amusement park”.

So, as the wedding festivities took place, Venetians took to the streets to protest against issues such as over-tourism, climate change, and capitalism.

Read the article about Jeff Bezos’ lavish wedding in Venice and what the Venetians make of it.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c5ylk5nznkyo

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “a drop in the lagoon [ originally ocean ]” mean? “As for the 30 million euros the wedding might net the city in other ways – activists call that “a drop in the lagoon” for one of the richest men on earth.” Use this idiom in a sentence. Give 2 synonyms/similar expressions.
  2. What does “what to make of someone/something” mean? “Spotted heading into Harry’s Bar for lunch on Saturday, Bezos blew kisses towards the cameras when a local journalist asked what he made of the protests.” Use this expression in a sentence. Give 2 synonyms/similar expressions.
  3. What does “to bring something to a halt” mean? “It seems, however, that talk of this wedding bringing the city to a halt was overblown.” Use this phrase in a sentence. Give 2 synonyms/similar expressions.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on the Venetians protesting Bezos’ wedding?
  2. What do you think about rich people choosing a specific city to hold big events such as their weddings? What impact do you think it has on the city?
  3. How would you feel about your city being chosen as a venue for a very important event? What could this event bring to your town?
  4. Share your insights on this, “The fears of Venice becoming a tourist playground, forcing locals out of town, are no exaggeration.”
  5. According to one resident of Venice, “I think there should be more people like Bezos here. Right now, we get trash tourism and Venice doesn’t deserve that.” What do you think about her statement?

The Silent Agony of Getting Your Food First

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Getting your food first might feel lucky, but it can also be awkward. You’re hungry, but unsure if it’s rude to start eating before everyone else. It’s a small moment that shows how even meals come with their own quiet rules.

Let’s read the article to learn more about why this simple dining moment can feel so uncomfortable when you’re the first to be served.

https://scienceblog.com/the-silent-agony-of-getting-your-food-first

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to show restraint” mean? “… even when those same people wouldn’t expect their dining companions to show such restraint.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. Explain the phrase “in the company of others“. “The decision of when to start eating food in the company of others is a very common dilemma.” Use it in your own sentence.
  3. Define the phrase “twinge of guilt“. “When you’re the one with hot food cooling on your plate, you can feel every twinge of guilt, every moment of social awkwardness, and every benefit of appearing considerate.” Use it in a sentence and give two synonyms.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What’s your take on the study’s conclusions?
  2. What’s the customary practice in your country when it comes to starting a meal? Do people wait until all are served?
  3. How do you react when others start eating before your food has been served?
  4. Which table etiquette rules are most valued where you’re from?
  5. What distinct dining customs have stood out to you during your travels?