Tag: First Certificate FCE

Driverless Taxis Set to Launch in UK

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Driverless taxis are starting to appear on city streets as companies test how well this technology works in real traffic. These vehicles are designed to operate without a human driver, using sensors, cameras, and artificial intelligence to move safely and efficiently. While they offer convenience and innovation, they also raise questions about safety, trust, and the future of transportation.

Read this article to learn more about it.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/czej9n578k9o

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “at the wheel” mean? “But when the service launches to paying passengers, there will be no human at the wheel.” Use this in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. Define “fleet“. “The firm, which is owned by Google-parent Alphabet, showed off a fleet of cars it brought to the UK at London’s Transport Museum on Wednesday.” Make a sentence with this. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “hail‘ mean in this context? “Passengers will be able to hail Waymo robotaxis via an app once the rules permit.” Use this in a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Would you feel comfortable riding in a driverless taxi? Why or why not?
  2. What do you think are the biggest advantages of driverless taxis?
  3. What concerns might people have about using a taxi with no human driver?
  4. How might driverless taxis affect the jobs of taxi drivers and ride-hailing drivers?
  5. What kind of rules should governments create before allowing driverless taxis on public roads?
  6. Do you think people will trust self-driving cars easily, or will it take a long time?

How Where You Grow Up Affects Your Personality

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The place where a person grows up can have a strong influence on their personality. Their home environment, the people around them, their culture, and the experiences they have while growing up can all shape the way they think, feel, and interact with others. For example, someone raised in a quiet rural area may develop different habits and values than someone who grows up in a busy city. These differences can affect communication style, confidence, interests, and even the way a person handles problems and relationships.

Read this article to learn about it.

https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20260206-is-our-identity-affected-by-where-we-live/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to take with a grain of salt” mean? “These results are always to be taken with a grain of salt, though, says Vignoles, as it is extremely difficult to disentangle behaviour, personality, culture and many other influences that come into play in this realm – and there is still so much more research to be done in the field.” Use this in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “how someone sees themselves” mean? “While the basic idea that culture shapes how people see themselves is now well supported in psychology, it did come as a surprise to some psychologists in the mid-20th Century, Vignoles says.” Use this in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. Define “encapsulate“. “Similarly, about 14% supported theories suggesting the self isn’t biological but rather encapsulated in something like a soul, and that that is what makes us who we are, no matter where we’ve grown up. “ Use this in a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think the place where you grew up strongly affects your personality? Why or why not?
  2. If you had grown up in a different country or city, how do you think you would be different today?
  3. Which shapes a person more: genes, family, culture, or the environment? Explain.
  4. Do people from big cities and small towns usually have different personalities? In what ways?
  5. Have you ever noticed changes in your own personality after moving, traveling, or meeting people from different backgrounds?
  6. Which part of your personality do you think comes most from where you grew up?

Australia EV Sales Surge

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Electric vehicle sales in Australia increased sharply in March as more people looked for alternatives to petrol cars. With fuel prices rising and concerns about fuel shortages growing, many buyers are turning to EVs, although challenges such as charging access and affordability still remain.

Read this article to learn more about it.

http://abc.net.au/news/2026-04-07/australia-ev-sales-spike-amid-fuel-fears-rising-petrol-prices/106516598

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “iron out” mean? “But as fuel supply disruptions ripple through global markets and households look to lower their costs, experts are warning that now is the time to iron out existing roadblocks to that transition.” Use this in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “ripple through” mean? “But as fuel supply disruptions ripple through global markets and households look to lower their costs, experts are warning that now is the time to iron out existing roadblocks to that transition.“ Use this in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “bring something to the fore” mean? “But since the conflict in the Middle East brought global fuel vulnerability to the fore, consumer interest has spiked.” Use this in a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why do you think more Australians are buying electric vehicles now? Is it the same in your country?
  2. Do you think people are buying EVs mainly to save money or to help the environment? Explain your answer.
  3. What are the advantages and disadvantages of owning an electric vehicle?
  4. Do you think fuel shortages can change the way people buy cars? Why or why not?
  5. If you were planning to buy a car this year, would you choose an electric vehicle, a hybrid, or a petrol car? Why?

The Science and Myth of Sleepwalking

B2 – Upper Intermediate

People have long been curious about the strange experience of moving around while asleep. Many old beliefs about it, such as the idea that waking someone in this state is dangerous, are myths. Today, science shows that stress, genetics, and poor sleep habits often play a role in these nighttime episodes.

Let’s read the article and see how science clears up the myths about sleepwalking.

https://interestingengineering.com/culture/body-wanders-brain-naps-science-myth-sleepwalking

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to hover on” mean? “Sleepwalking, or somnambulism, belongs to a family of sleep disorders called parasomnias, behaviors that hover on the boundary between sleeping and waking.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. Define the phrase “to ripple through“.”Deep in stage 3 of NREM, a surge of activity ripples through the motor networks while regions needed for self-awareness and decision-making stay largely offline.” Use it in a sentence and give two synonyms.
  3. What does the adjective “garbled” mean? “Passers-by may receive a blank stare or garbled replies.” Use it in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why do you think people have created so many myths about sleepwalking?
  2. What everyday factors do you think can trigger sleepwalking episodes?
  3. What risks might sleepwalkers face if they are not guided or protected?
  4. Can you think of a time when stress or tiredness affected your sleep in unusual ways?
  5. How do you think sleep science has changed the way people understand sleepwalking today?

Gen Z Divided Over Reproductive Rights

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The question of whether reproductive rights should be exercised at all costs has been the subject of a protracted and contentious debate.

Nonetheless, there is a gender disparity among Gen Z regarding these rights, which helps explain how this generation approaches life.

To find out more, watch the video below.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to click for someone” mean? “That’s when it clicked for me and realized how important this issue is.” Use this term in a sentence. Give a similar expression.
  2. What does “psychic shock” mean? “Dobbs was such a psychic shock for a lot of women because it took a right away that they’d had for a long time.”  Use this expression in a sentence. Give a similar expression.
  3. What does “to dig one’s heels in” mean? “They feel like their the last generation of men who run the show, and they’re digging their heels in and trying to get as much as they can.” Use this idiom in a sentence. Give a similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What causes the gap between Gen Z men and women regarding reproductive rights?
  2. Do you think the views and opinions of men and women on reproductive rights have significantly widened over time? Why do you think so?
  3. Does restricting abortion harm the right to life? Explain your stance.
  4. Are there similar restrictions in your country, and how do Gen Z men and women react to them?
  5. How do social media and online discussions influence Gen Z’s views on reproductive rights?

Spanish Island Magaluf Launched a Selfie Trail for Tourists

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The resort town on the Spanish island of Majorca, Magaluf, has introduced a playful twist to sightseeing: a dedicated selfie trail. Instead of wandering aimlessly in search of the perfect backdrop, visitors can follow a mapped route designed for the perfect selfie.

Let’s listen to the audio and discover how this new selfie trail is transforming tourism.

https://www.firstpost.com/lifestyle/the-spanish-island-which-has-launched-a-selfie-trail-for-tourists-13998392.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “foot traffic” mean? “While the selfie trail promotes sustainable tourism by spreading foot traffic to lesser-known scenic spots, it raises a philosophical question for the modern lifestyle.” Use it in your own sentence. Give a similar expression.
  2. What does “the lens of change” mean? “The lens of change has focused the future of the region.” Use it in your own sentence. Give a similar expression.
  3. What is the meaning of “hinterland“? “The trail moves away from the neon lights and toward the soul of the island, showcasing the rural hinterland, the historic Cas Saboners estate, and the rugged beauty of the Illa de Sa Porrassa.“ Use it in your own sentence. Give a similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why do you think destinations are creating selfie trails for tourists?
  2. How might a selfie trail change the way people experience sightseeing?
  3. Do you think a selfie trail could also be a good idea in your own city? Why or why not?
  4. What are your thoughts on this, “The Selfie Trail suggests that the best way to change behavior is not through prohibition, but through redirection.”
  5. Share your opinion on this statement,, “This new model thrives on the premise that travelers are no longer just tourists; they are publishers.”
  6. Share your opinion on this statement, “UNESCO has voiced concerns that selfie-tourism can lead to a shallow engagement with culture, where the history of a site is eclipsed by its value as a backdrop.”
  7. How does the selfie culture influence modern travel habits?

Replacing Humans with AI is Going Horribly Wrong

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The advent of generative AI has caused widespread panic among people across the globe. The fear of AI replacing the labor of common folk has been a prevalent source of terror for humans since artificial intelligence was first conceptualized. And in today’s day and age, this fear has become especially prevalent, with generative AI threatening many different fields of human work. Thankfully, recent attempts to replace individual labor with generative AI technology have resulted in lackluster and even poor results.

To find out more more, watch the video below.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “crux” mean? “What he said is the very crux of consumer generative AI today.” Use this term in a sentence. Give a similar expression.
  2. What does “pain point” mean? “They have seen revenues jump from zero to $20 million in a year. It’s because they pick one pain point, execute well, and partner smartly with companies who use their tools.” Use this phrase in a sentence. Give a similar expression.
  3. What does “smokescreen” mean? “When the broader market realized that it was all a smokescreen, the sector crashed.”  Use this expression in a sentence. Give a similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. In your opinion, why is generative AI failing to replace human work?
  2. Do you believe generative AI can be used productively? How so?
  3. Why do you believe many companies seek to replace human work with the generative AI?
  4. Share your insights on this, “The companies cutting people today in the name of AI will be the ones playing catch-up tomorrow.“
  5. Will humans ever be replaced with AI in the future? Share your opinion.

Wildlife Trade Fuels the Spread of Diseases to Humans

B2 – Upper Intermediate

A new study found that 41% of traded wild mammals carry diseases transmissible to humans, compared to just 6.4% of non-traded species.

Read the article to know more about why experts warn that activities like hunting and transporting wildlife increase the chances of future pandemics and call for stricter global regulation.

https://www.gavi.org/vaccineswork/wildlife-trade-fuelling-spread-diseases-humans-study-finds

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “spillover” mean? “The global wildlife trade could be accelerating the spillover of diseases from animals to humans” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “multilateral agreement” mean? “Currently, the main multilateral agreement governing international trade in wild species, CITES, focuses primarily on preventing extinction.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “disease emergence” mean? “To reduce disease emergence, these opportunities for encounters must be limited, and therefore the overall volume of trade.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why do you think wildlife trade still continues despite the health risks?
  2. How can governments balance economic needs and public health when it comes to wildlife trade?
  3. Do you think pandemics caused by animals are preventable? Why or why not?
  4. How might wildlife trade affect not just health, but also the environment?
  5. Would you support stricter penalties for illegal wildlife trade? Why or why not?

Heatwaves Reaching “Non-Survivable” Levels

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Recent research shows some heatwaves are already too extreme for human survival, especially for older adults. Even temperatures below previous “fatal” thresholds can be deadly when humidity and sun exposure are considered.

Read the article to know why climate change is expected to make these conditions more common.

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/apr/08/extreme-weather-heatwaves-breaching-human-survival-limits-study-finds?

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “wet bulb temperature” mean? “The absolute limit for humans to survive had been assumed to be a six-hour exposure to a wet bulb temperature of 35C.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “core body temperature” mean? “The study only looked for periods where deadly heatstroke was likely if a person was exposed for six hours and also assumed people were entering the heat with normal core body temperature.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “to zoom in to something” mean? “My first thought was ‘Oh shit’ – I really didn’t expect to see that, especially when you zoom in to individual cities.“ Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How do extreme heatwaves affect people’s daily lives in your country?
  2. Do you think your area is prepared for more intense heat in the future? Why or why not?
  3. What groups of people are most at risk during severe heatwaves?
  4. What are some simple ways individuals can protect themselves during extreme heat?
  5. Do you think governments are doing enough to address climate-related health risks like heatwaves? Why or why not?

Funding Is Vital to End the Scourge of Polio

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Health experts warn that cutting funding for polio eradication efforts could reverse decades of progress. While cases are now low in countries like Pakistan and Afghanistan, continued global support is needed to fully eliminate the disease.

Read the article to know why funding is crucial to eliminate polio.

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2026/apr/08/funding-is-vital-to-end-the-scourge-of-polio?

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “disheartening” mean? “It is extremely disheartening to read that after 2026, the UK government is to end its contributions to the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI), putting at risk the great efforts that have been made over the last 40 years to improve the health and wellbeing of children across the world” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “cornerstone” mean? “The eradication of polio is a cornerstone of the humanitarian work of Rotary International (a GPEI partner).” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “on the ground” mean here, ” Infection numbers in Pakistan and Afghanistan are very low, but this is a result of great efforts on the ground in these last two endemic countries.”? Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think are the biggest risks of wildlife trade when it comes to spreading diseases?
  2. Do you think stricter laws on wildlife trade would actually prevent future pandemics? Why or why not?
  3. How aware do you think people are about the connection between wildlife trade and human health?
  4. Should countries completely ban wildlife trade, or just regulate it better?
  5. What role do you think individuals can play in reducing the risks linked to wildlife trade?