Tag: First Certificate FCE

Americans Find New Ways to Survive Higher Prices

B2 — Upper Intermediate 

As tensions in Iran persist and inflation drives up expenses, ordinary Americans are trying to find strategies to help them cope with the growing cost of living. They are looking for creative ways to stretch their budgets. 

Some are cutting back on nonessential spending, shopping for discounts, using coupons, and seeking lower-cost alternatives for everyday needs. Others are taking on additional work or adjusting their lifestyles to better manage increasing expenses and maintain financial stability.

Watch the video and find out about how Americans are finding ways to manage higher costs.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to feel the hit” mean? “Luckily, I have a co-teacher where we split everything, but I know she’s feeling a hit herself and we’ve already had conversations that we’re going to have to take it easy.” Use the idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  2. What does “to turn up the heat” mean? ”We’ve told you how rising food prices are turning up the heat on restaurants. In Texas, beef is so expensive, now barbecue joints are losing money on brisket, a staple menu item.” Use the idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “to hold the line on something” mean? ”For now, he’s holding the line on prices, ordering only what he needs” Use the idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the biggest financial challenges people face when the cost of living increases?
  2. How might continued increases in living costs affect people’s quality of life?
  3. What strategies can individuals use to manage higher expenses effectively?
  4. Do you think taking on extra work is a sustainable solution to rising living costs? Why or why not? 
  5. What role should governments play in helping citizens cope with inflation and rising prices?
  6. Have you or someone you know changed spending habits because of higher prices? How?

American Chinese Restaurants Outnumber Fast Food Chains

B2 — Upper Intermediate 

In the United States, there are more Chinese restaurants than most major fast-food chains like McDonald’s. For decades, it was very difficult for authentic Chinese dishes like Peking duck to gain popularity as the Americanized versions were more appreciated by the locals. Many Chinese restaurateurs also faced discrimination and cultural resistance.

Today, as China’s restaurant industry slows, many Chinese chains are expanding into the US, betting that Americans are more open to authentic Chinese cuisine.  

Watch the video and explore how Chinese food became a staple of American dining and how the industry is evolving.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to be shrouded in something” mean? “The origin of fortune cookie is just like the origin of pizza. It is shrouded in mystery.” Use the expression in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  2. What does “to be blown out of proportion” mean? ”It isblown totally out of proportion. Prejudice against Chinese food has become embedded when society needs a scapegoat.” Use the idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What is a “scapegoat”? ”It is blown totally out of proportion. Prejudice against Chinese food has become embedded when society needs a scapegoat.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your impression about the history of how Chinese cuisine became widely-accepted in America?
  2. What do you think it is about Chinese restaurant business that made it very lucrative in the US? Do you think it will work in your country too?
  3. How popular has the Chinese cuisine become in your country? What do you think about that? What are other foreign cuisines popular in your country? Why do you think this is?
  4. Do you think adapting traditional foods to local tastes helps preserve or dilute a culture’s culinary identity? Why?
  5. Should restaurants prioritize authenticity or customer preferences when serving cultural foods? Share your thoughts.

Job Hugging

B2 – Upper Intermediate

In this day and age, the world has begun to feel incredibly unstable. With the rise of artificial intelligence, the onset of large economic wars, and problems with even securing job positions, Gen Z has become paranoid about leaving their current positions.

To find out more about job hugging, watch the video below.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “fly around” mean? “And there are all of these workplace buzzwords that are just flying around, things like ‘quiet quitting, bare minimum Mondays, the great resignation’.” Use this idiom in a sentence. Give a similar expression.
  2. What does “flip something around” mean? “But if you flip that around, you have all these employees saying, “Well, why are you just treating me like a number?”  se this expression in a sentence. Give a similar expression.
  3. What does “canary in the coal mine” mean? “I think the tech sector is a good kind of canary in the coal mine.” Use this idiom in a sentence. Give a similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the positive and negative effects of job hugging?
  2. Do you believe job hugging will be less prevalent in the next few years? Elaborate on your answer.
  3. How will job hugging affect Gen Z in the future?
  4. In your opinion, what does job hugging say about the current state of the job market?
  5. Share your thoughts on this, “Fear is the biggest obstacle to career growth.”

Living with Debt

B2 — Upper Intermediate 

There comes a time in one’s life when they need financial help to pay for something they couldn’t afford right away. Many people rely on loans or credit to cover large expenses, such as purchasing a vehicle or a home. In return, they agree to repay the borrowed amount over a period of time.

With prices of goods and services steadily increasing, some individuals now depend on credit not only for major purchases, but also for basic needs like groceries and monthly bills. When borrowing becomes excessive or difficult to manage, it can create financial pressure and negatively affect a person’s mental and emotional well-being.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about living with debt.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260528

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “overdraft” mean? “According to debt support group The Money Charity, roughly how much is the average British adult in debt through credit cards, overdrafts, and personal loans?” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  2. What does “in arrears” mean? “For many people in Woldham, Jason included, debt was an ordinary feature of daily life. And beyond that, being in arrears was part of daily life.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  3. What does “the never-never” mean? ”Jason actually fluctuated between wanting to clear all of his debts on the one hand, and on the other what he described as living on thenever-never and actually questioning the supposed moral obligation to pay his debts.” Use the expression in a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. When is taking on debt a responsible financial decision, and when can it become a problem?
  2. How can debt affect a person’s mental health and overall quality of life?
  3. What strategies can individuals use to prevent debt from becoming overwhelming?
  4. Should financial literacy and debt management be taught in schools? Why?
  5. How can governments and financial institutions help people avoid excessive debt?

Rich Mindset vs Poor Mindset

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

A rich mindset and a poor mindset are often described as different ways of thinking rather than simply the amount of money a person has. A rich mindset focuses on growth, learning, opportunities, and long-term goals, while a poor mindset may be centered on limitations, fear of failure, and short-term survival.

Although circumstances can influence a person’s outlook, these mindsets can change over time through education, experience, and a willingness to adopt new perspectives.

Read the article about the key difference between the rich and the poor mindset.

https://novamoney.com/blog/5-key-differences-between-a-rich-mindset-and-a-poor-mindset

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to live beyond one’s means” mean? “Poor people are those who live beyond their means.” Use the idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  2. What does “to live paycheck to paycheck” mean? “The poor tend to live paycheque to paycheque.” Use the expression in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  3. What does “to make ends meet” mean? “When a crisis hits, making ends meet is nearly impossible.” Use the phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you believe mindset can influence a person’s financial success? Why or why not?
  2. Share your insights on this, “Rich people are said to make money work for them.”
  3. What are your thoughts on this, “Poor people spend on both necessities and desires.”?
  4. Do you agree or disagree, “Poor people care about image.”? Explain.
  5. Why do you think “Rich people tend to be risk takers and poor people risk averse.”?

Mayor Khan Plans to Tackle Online Disinformation about London

B2 — Upper Intermediate 

London Mayor Sadiq Khan has announced a £7 million campaign to promote London globally and combat online misinformation that portrays the city as unsafe or declining.

The move follows a report showing a sharp rise in negative social media content about London, including AI-generated videos spreading false claims, while critics argue the mayor should focus more on addressing the city’s problems directly.

Read the article about London Mayor Sadiq Khan’s £7 million campaign to tackle online disinformation and promote London internationally.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c5yz20qev7zo

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “scourge” mean? “Disinformation about London has become a truly global scourge.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  2. What is the meaning of “relentless”? ”Sir Sadiq Khan said the city had been subjected to a “relentless and unprecedented attack of lies and hatred” on social media.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “in decline” mean? “Between March 2024 and March 2026, online activity describing the capital as a dangerous city in decline increased by between 150 and 200%, while migration-related narratives referencing London surged by more than 350%.” Use the phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. Should governments spend public funds on campaigns to improve their image? Why or why not?
  2. Share your insights on Laila Cunningham’s statement, “If the mayor of London wants to encourage more tourism, he should deal with the crime he has allowed to spiral out of control instead of suggesting that victims of crime are liars.”
  3. How can misinformation affect a city’s image and economy?
  4. How does social media influence people’s perceptions of places they have never visited?
  5. How can individuals help combat misinformation online?
  6. What responsibility do citizens have in shaping their city’s reputation?

Pitching at Work

B2 — Upper Intermediate 

Giving a formal business pitch can be difficult for some people. Many individuals feel nervous about speaking in front of an audience, answering questions, or convincing others to support their ideas. It can also be challenging to organize information clearly and communicate it confidently. 

However, with practice, preparation, and experience, most people can improve their presentation skills and become more comfortable delivering business pitches.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about delivering a pitch at work.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/office-english/250609

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to pitch one’s idea” mean? “It is stressful because I think until you see the reaction of the person who you’re pitching your idea to, even if you think it’s brilliant, you have a big, big doubt.” Use the idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  2. What is the meaning of “informal setting”? ”I think if it’s an informal setting, then I find it OK, but if there’s pressure to come up with ideas and if I’m asked to think of an idea in advance, I find it more stressful than just kind of having a conversation.” Use the phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “to trail off” mean? “That’s a really good question because you don’t just want your pitch to trail off.” Use the expression in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why do some people find pitching difficult?
  2. Why is it important to give a clear and professional pitch?
  3. What skills should employees have to become better at presenting at work?
  4. Have you ever given a presentation or pitch? How did it go?
  5. What is your opinion on this “Giving a good pitch is more important than having a good business idea.”?
  6. What are your thoughts on this, “Anyone can become a great presenter with enough practice.”

Epidemic of Ebola Disease an International Public Health Emergency

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The World Health Organization announced that the outbreak of Ebola disease caused by the Bundibugyo virus in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda constitutes a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.

Read the article to know why the declaration aims to strengthen international coordination and response to contain the disease.

https://www.who.int/news/item/17-05-2026-epidemic-of-ebola-disease-in-the-democratic-republic-of-the-congo-and-uganda-determined-a-public-health-emergency-of-international-concern?

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “epidemiological link” mean? “In addition, there is limited understanding of the epidemiological links with known or suspected cases.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “case management” mean? “These measures must include enhanced surveillance including contact tracing, infection prevention and control (IPC), risk communication and community engagement, laboratory diagnostic testing, and case management.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “nosocomial infection” mean? “Strengthen measures to prevent nosocomial infections, including systematic mapping of health facilities, triage, targeted IPC interventions and sustained monitoring and sustained supervision.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you know about Ebola and how it spreads?
  2. Why do you think the World Health Organization declared the outbreak a global health emergency?
  3. How can countries work together to prevent the spread of infectious diseases?
  4. Do you think people should be concerned about outbreaks happening in other countries? Why or why not?
  5. What lessons have we learned from past health emergencies, such as COVID-19, that could help manage Ebola outbreaks?

Dengue Vaccine Safety for Older and Chronic-risk Travelers

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Researchers analyzed data from 1,028 vaccinated individuals and found that the dengue vaccine TAK-003 showed good safety and tolerability, including among older adults and people with chronic illnesses.

Read the article to know why the findings support wider use of the vaccine to help prevent dengue infections in vulnerable populations.

https://www.news-medical.net/news/20260604/New-data-confirms-dengue-vaccine-safety-for-older-and-chronic-risk-travelers.aspx?

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “mosquito vector” mean? ” In recent decades, dengue incidence has increased due to the geographical spread of mosquito vectors, driven in part by climate change, as well as the rise in international travel, which contributes to the global circulation of the virus.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “pharmacovigilance” mean? “To help address this knowledge gap, we conducted a pharmacovigilance study across eight travel health centers in Catalonia.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “concomitant vaccine” mean? “The analysis found that female participants, people with a previous dengue infection, and those who received concomitant vaccines against other flaviviruses (such as the yellow fever vaccine) had a higher risk of adverse events.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Have you ever received a vaccine before traveling to another country?
  2. Why do you think it is important for older adults and people with chronic illnesses to be protected against dengue?
  3. Would you feel more confident traveling to a tropical country if a dengue vaccine was available? Why or why not?
  4. What are some ways travelers can protect themselves from mosquito-borne diseases besides vaccination?
  5. Do you think governments should recommend dengue vaccines to high-risk travelers? Why?

Career Development

B2 — Upper Intermediate 

Career development is the process of improving skills, gaining experience, and setting goals to achieve professional success. It helps individuals grow in their chosen field, adapt to new opportunities, and reach their long-term career objectives. Continuous learning and self-improvement are important parts of career development.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about career development.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/office-english/260511

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is the meaning of “to sound somebody out”? ”What you want to do is to sound your manager out  and see how they feel about your ideas.” Use the expression in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “insider knowledge” mean? “They can help you prepare. They’ve probably been through the process of being promoted if they’re your manager. So, they might have a bit of ‘insider knowledge‘ on those kinds of things.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  3. What does “to check in with someone” mean? “You might want to send fairly regular emails such as ‘Just wanted to check in with you. Wonder if you had any opportunities coming up.” Use the idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. What does career development mean to you, and why do you think it is important?
  2. What challenges do people commonly face in their career development and how can they possibly overcome them?
  3. Talk about some career goals that you have set for yourself and how have you been able to achieve them over the years?
  4. In your personal experience, how important is networking in one’s career growth? 
  5. How can managers or mentors influence career success?
  6. How can a person know when it is time to change careers?