Tag: First Certificate FCE

Handling the Parent-Teacher Conference

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Teachers play a crucial role in our children’s lives.

They are not just educators, but also mentors, role models, and caregivers. Despite this, many students may see their teachers as the enemy, especially when they receive bad grades or have conflicts in the classroom. However, it is important to remember that teachers have the best interest of their students at heart and are there to support them in their academic and personal development.

Read the article to learn how to be a better parent and maintain a good relationship with your child’s school teachers.

https://edition.cnn.com/2024/11/21/health/parent-teacher-conference-wellness/index.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is the meaning of “laundry list“? “If you’re thinking of marching into your parent-teacher conference with a laundry list of complaints, think twice.” Create a sentence using the phrase.
  2. What is the meaning of “to give someone the benefit of the doubt“? “Because she decided to give the teacher the benefit of the doubt, she was able to start the conversation calmly.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What is the meaning of “to talk ill about someone? “This also means that parents shouldn’t criticize a teacher in front of their child. “When you talk ill about a coach or a teacher, what you’re doing is you’re undermining that relationship,” she warned.”  Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What did you learn from this article?
  2. Can you describe your relationship with your child/children’s teachers?
  3. Do you agree with this, “Parents shouldn’t criticize a teacher in front of their child.“? Explain your stance.
  4. Share your thoughts on this, “If parents heed the advice to approach teachers as partners in their children’s success, and treat them with civility and gratitude.”.
  5. What is your opinion on this, “Teachers spend a lot of time with their students, so they often have valuable insights to share with parents.“?

Singapore’s Urban Farming Initiatives

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Urban farming is a growing trend in cities worldwide as people become more aware of the benefits of growing their food. This form of agriculture involves growing fruits, vegetables, and herbs in urban environments, such as rooftops, balconies, and vacant lots. One of the main benefits of urban farming is the ability to produce fresh, organic produce right in the heart of the city.

By growing food locally, urban residents can reap the benefits of fresh, organic produce while reducing the environmental impact of food production. With the growing popularity of urban farming, this trend is clear to continue flourishing and bringing positive change to urban communities.

Watch the video to learn how a country that imports more than 90% of its food is changing its way to embrace urban farming.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is the meaning of the noun zoning? “Singapore developed policy and zoning and incentives around urban agriculture that say this is allowed to be done on top of a parking garage or allowed to be done in a vacant area.” Create a sentence using the word.
  2. What is the meaning of the green movement? “Singapore’s architectural community is also joining the green movement.” Use this term in your sentence.
  3. What is the meaning of “to sow the seeds“? “In a world of finite resources, they are sowing the seeds of possibility.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think about Singapore’s urban farming initiatives?
  2. Do you think this project is applicable in your country? Please justify your answer.
  3. What do you think are the benefits and downsides of urban farming?
  4. Do you think you can do this? Why or why not?
  5. Do you know of any plans your government has regarding agriculture? What are those plans?

The Rise in Fake Job Listings

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Hopeful job seekers spend countless hours accomplishing online application questionnaires and going through several initial stages of the job application. That is why it is especially discouraging when they don’t hear anything back from the employers. In most cases, this lack of response is due to a competitive talent market. However, new data shows that some of these jobs never existed in the first place.

Let’s read the article and know more about “ghost jobs”.

https://www.cnbc.com/2024/08/22/ghost-jobs-why-fake-job-listings-are-on-the-rise.html?msockid=3e823237b7b86c5f2f8f21e1b6ac6ddf

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the phrase “intention behind something” mean? “And whether there is truly a hiring intention behind that from the employer’s point of view.” Use it in your own sentence.
  2. Define “tight labor market“. “According to June’s Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey, there are 0.8 unemployed individuals per job opening, indicating a tight labor market.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What is the meaning of the verb “muddying“? “The rise of ghost jobs is muddying the jobs report.” Use it in a sentence and give two synonyms.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your take on companies posting fake job listings?
  2. Why do so many companies post ghost jobs?
  3. How would you feel if you found out a job you had applied for wasn’t real?
  4. How can you spot fake job listings?

Subscriptions Are Ruining Our Lives

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Subscriptions are becoming an inevitable aspect of both online and offline life. There will always be a subscription-based service to suit your demands, whether they are related to entertainment, food, or music. We pay for an increasing number of subscriptions because we desire services in our lives, and the more we pay, the bigger our costs get.

To learn more about how businesses use the subscription model, watch the video below.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Explain “cash grab”. “ Like most people, I thought that subscriptions were just an annoying and frustrating cash grab by greedy corporations.”. Create a sentence using this phrase.
  2. What does “software tethering” mean? “This tactic is called software tethering and it shows up all over the place” Use this term to make your own sentence.
  3. What is the meaning of “to go public“? “Salesforce went public in 2004 and was the top performing IPO of the year.” Use this term in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How do you feel about subscription-based services in general?
  2. How do you feel about subscription services that force you to pay for something you own?
  3. What is the purpose of subscriptions today? Why were they designed this way? Are they built with good intentions in mind? 
  4. Do you have any subscriptions? If so, is the price worth the services they offer you?

The Human Heart May Have a Hidden Ability to Repair Itself

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Scientists have discovered that the human heart has a previously unknown ability to repair itself under certain conditions.

Read the article to know more about how this discovery could pave the way for new therapies for heart diseases, focusing on activating these natural regenerative processes.

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/11/241121141348.htm

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “standard-of-care” mean? “Standard-of-care for patients with advanced heart failure is a surgically implanted pump that helps propel blood, a so-called left ventricular assist device (LVAD).” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “radioactivity” mean? “For every following year, there is a little less radioactivity in newly formed cells, which means that they can be ‘dated’.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “date” mean here, “For every following year, there is a little less radioactivity in newly formed cells, which means that they can be ‘dated‘.”? Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Did you know our hearts might have the ability to repair themselves naturally? How do you think this discovery could change heart disease treatments?
  2. What do you think triggers the heart to activate its self-repair mechanisms, and can we use that knowledge to help patients?
  3. How important do you think it is to focus on natural regenerative processes compared to using medical interventions like surgeries?
  4. If our hearts have hidden repair abilities, could similar discoveries be made about other organs? Which organ would you hope scientists study next?

Patients with Heart Failure May Benefit from Weight Loss Drug

B2 – Upper Intermediate

A recent clinical trial found that a popular weight-loss drug significantly reduces the risk of early death in patients with heart failure. This adds to the drug’s potential benefits beyond weight loss, such as improved cardiovascular outcomes​.

Read the article to know the other benefits of semaglutide.

https://www.ajmc.com/view/patients-with-heart-failure-may-benefit-from-weight-loss-drug

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “ejection fraction” mean? “Focusing on the 4286 patients with heart failure at enrollment, 53% had heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), 31.4% had heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), and 15.5% had unspecified heart failure.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “baseline characteristics” mean? “While baseline characteristics were similar between patients with and without heart failure, those with heart failure had a higher incidence of clinical events.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “composite” mean here, “We showed, for the first time to our knowledge, that patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, overweight or obesity, and heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (who had a greatest absolute risk) had significant reductions in MACE with semaglutide, and the treatment effect on the heart failure composite was observed to be similar to that seen in the population with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Did you know that a weight-loss drug could reduce the risk of early death in heart failure patients? How do you think this could change treatment approaches?
  2. What might be the benefits of using medications for dual purposes, like weight loss and cardiovascular health?
  3. Why do you think weight management plays such an important role in heart health?
  4. Do you think medications like this could become a standard part of heart failure treatment in the future? Why or why not?

Understanding Overtourism

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Over-tourism is a growing concern, affecting both local communities and the environment. While tourism brings economic benefits, overcrowding leads to problems like environmental degradation, rising living costs, and strained infrastructure. As destinations struggle to manage the increasing flow of visitors, finding sustainable solutions has become more urgent than ever.

Read this article to learn more about the impacts of overtourism.

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/understanding-over-tourism-causes-consequences-pum1f/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “tourist cap” mean in this context? “This can be done through measures such as tourist caps, timed entry systems for popular sites, and differential pricing during peak seasons.” Make a sentence with this.
  2. Define “off the beaten path“. “Marketing efforts can focus on off-the-beaten-path locations, seasonal activities, and cultural experiences that draw tourists away from overcrowded hotspots.” Use this phrase in a sentence and give two synonyms.
  3. What is “equitable tourism“? “Through collaborative efforts, it is possible to create a more sustainable and equitable tourism industry that enriches both travelers and host communities alike.” Make a sentence with this phrase.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How does over-tourism affect the cost of living for local residents?
  2. What role can travelers play in reducing the negative impacts of over-tourism?
  3. In your opinion, what makes a destination “over-touristed,” and how can we identify when a location reaches this point?
  4. How do you think digital platforms like Airbnb contribute to the rise of over-tourism in certain cities?
  5. What are some examples of destinations that have successfully addressed the issue of over-tourism? What strategies did they use?

Most Unusual Festivals

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Across the globe, people celebrate unique festivals that showcase fascinating traditions. For example, in England, participants roll cheese down a steep hill. Meanwhile, in Thailand, monkeys are honored with grand feasts. These events highlight the creativity and diversity of different cultures. Moreover, they invite everyone to enjoy extraordinary and unforgettable experiences.

Read this article to learn about the 13 most unusual festivals in the world.

https://theculturetrip.com/europe/united-kingdom/articles/the-13-most-unusual-festivals-in-the-world

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “decommodification” mean? “Some of the group’s values include ‘radical’ inclusion, self-reliance, self-expression, community cooperation, decommodification and more.” Use this word in a sentence.
  2. Define “drive something up“. ” The festival first occurred in 1989, run by a local businessman who thought of this unique way to drive up tourism in Lopburi.” Make a sentence and give two synonyms.
  3. What is a “peat bog“? “Armed with a snorkel and flippers, participants must complete two consecutive lengths in a 60-yard trench of water cut through a peat bog, relying only on their flippers to push them through.” Make a sentence with this.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What makes a festival “unusual” in your opinion?
  2. Why do you think people celebrate festivals in such creative or unconventional ways?
  3. Do you think unusual festivals help promote tourism? Why or why not?
  4. If you could attend only one unusual festival, which one would you choose and why?
  5. If you could create your own unusual festival, what would it involve?

America’s Biggest Brands Are Failing to Keep Up in China

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Despite their global reputation, many of America’s biggest brands are struggling to maintain a competitive edge in China. Shifting consumer preferences, the rise of local competitors, and increasing regulatory challenges are making it harder for these brands to thrive. Chinese consumers are favoring domestic products that better align with their tastes, values, and budgets. This evolving market landscape highlights the challenges of adapting to a rapidly changing and highly competitive environment.

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

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “squeeze out” mean in this sentence, “Tastien” is just one example of a Chinese brand squeezing out U.S. rivals.“? Use the phrase in a sentence.
  2. What does “to make inroads” mean? “Younger Chinese consumers are increasingly gravitating towards brands that incorporate elements of traditional Chinese culture and style and it has allowed brands like Anta to make inroads in a market that long has been dominated by Nike and other Western brands.” Use the phrase in a sentence.
  3. What does the phrase “an untapped gold mine” mean? “The country’s more than 1 billion shoppers were once seen as an untapped gold mine for Western brands.” Use the phrase in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why do you think some American brands struggle to connect with Chinese consumers, despite their global popularity?
  2. Do you believe American companies should prioritize adapting their products to local tastes, even if it means changing their identity?
  3. What strategies can American brands adopt to compete effectively with Chinese companies in their home market?
  4. How does the rise of national pride and preference for local brands influence consumer behavior in China?

Inflation Impacts Americans’ Social Lives

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Inflation doesn’t just impact money—it changes how people spend time together. As prices for things like food, transportation, and entertainment rise, many are cutting back on eating out, going to events, or hosting get-togethers. Budgets now play a bigger role in planning social activities, with more people choosing cheaper or free options. This shows how financial challenges can also affect relationships and how communities connect.

Watch the video to learn more and be able to answer the following questions.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does ” disposable income” mean? “Gen X and Millennials are struggling with having disposable income.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does the idiom, “to keep up with the Joneses‘ mean? “It’s a whole new ‘keeping up with the Joneses‘. I can’t have friends because it doesn’t live up to an Instagram ideal.” Make one sentence using the word.
  3. What does “to live up to” mean in this sentence, “I can’t have friends because it doesn’t live up to Instagram ideal.“? Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think inflation has had a noticeable effect on your social life or the social lives of people you know?
  2. In your opinion, is it possible to maintain a vibrant social life despite financial challenges?
  3. How do rising costs of entertainment and dining out influence the way communities interact and socialize?
  4. What alternative ways of socializing might emerge or grow in popularity during periods of economic hardship?