Tag: First Certificate FCE

Brisk Walk to Reduce Early Death Risk

B2 – Upper Intermediate

A study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine reveals that engaging in just 75 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week about 11 minutes daily can significantly reduce health risks. Activities like brisk walking, gardening, or yoga were associated with a 17% reduction in cardiovascular disease risk, a 7% decrease in cancer risk, and a 23% lower risk of early death.

Read the article to know why even short bursts of daily activity can yield meaningful health benefits.

https://www.cam.ac.uk/research/news/daily-11-minute-brisk-walk-enough-to-reduce-risk-of-early-death

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “study cohort” mean? “In total, they looked at results reported in 196 peer-reviewed articles, covering more than 30 million participants from 94 large study cohorts, to produce the largest analysis to date of the association between physical activity levels and risk of heart disease, cancer, and early death.
    ”     Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “brisk walk” mean? “In a study published today in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, the researchers say that 11 minutes a day (75 minutes a week) of moderate-intensity physical activity – such as a brisk walk – would be sufficient to lower the risk of diseases such as heart disease, stroke and a number of cancers.
    ”     Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “pooling” mean here, “To explore the amount of physical activity necessary to have a beneficial impact on several chronic diseases and premature death, researchers from the Medical Research Council (MRC) Epidemiology Unit at the University of Cambridge carried out a systematic review and meta-analysis, pooling and analysing cohort data from all of the published evidence.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What types of physical activities qualify as moderate-intensity exercise according to the study?
  2. How does just 11 minutes of daily activity impact the risks of cardiovascular disease, cancer, and early death?
  3. Why is this research significant for people with busy lifestyles or limited access to fitness resources?
  4. What might be the long-term public health benefits if more people adopted this minimal exercise routine?
  5. How could governments or workplaces encourage more people to incorporate short bursts of physical activity into their daily routines?

Consumer Spending Up in Anticipation of Tariffs

B2 – Upper Intermediate

In early April 2025, consumer spending in the U.S. surged as Americans rushed to make purchases ahead of President Donald Trump’s planned tariffs, according to data from JPMorgan. While discretionary spending saw the biggest jump, economists warn this spike doesn’t signal long-term economic growth. Instead, it reflects a short-term reaction to anticipated price hikes, with many consumers and businesses accelerating purchases to avoid future costs. Experts, including Chicago Fed President Austan Goolsbee, suggest this “pull-forward” effect could lead to a spending drop-off later in the year, raising questions about the broader economic impact of the tariff strategy.

Read the article to know more about how Trump’s tariff plans are influencing consumer behavior and be prepared to answer the questions below.

https://www.nbcnews.com/business/consumer/consumer-spending-big-early-april-people-buy-anticipation-tariffs-rcna202668

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “big-ticket item” mean? “April data may reflect a pull forward of discretionary spending on big-ticket items if consumers tried to lock in lower prices before tariffs went into effect.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “discretionary spending” mean? “The analysts also pointed to sliding gasoline prices as a possible driver of increased discretionary spending.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “stockpiling” in business mean? “Goolsbee also cited evidence of businesses stockpiling inventory to last two to three months and said so-called preemptive purchasing appeared more common among companies than consumers.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions

  1. What are your thoughts on the surge in consumer spending ahead of Trump’s tariff implementation?
  2. Have you ever rushed to buy something because you heard the price might go up soon? What made you act quickly, and how did it feel afterward? How might that experience relate to how people are reacting to the tariff news?
  3. How do consumer expectations about future economic policies, like tariffs, influence their current spending behaviors? Can you think of examples where fear or uncertainty has affected how people shop?
  4. If you knew your favorite items—like clothes, electronics, or snacks—were about to get more expensive, what would you do? Would you change your spending habits? Why or why not?
  5. If people and businesses are spending more now to avoid higher prices later, do you think this is a smart strategy or could it create bigger problems down the line Why do you think so?

Amazon Will Not Disclose US Tariffs Cost on Its Website

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

There were talks that Amazon would display the costs of the US tariffs on its products on their website.  

However, Amazon has denied this and said that they never considered listing tariffs on their main retail website, but did on their low-cost Amazon Haul Store. They considered the idea, but it was never approved and implemented in the end.

Watch this video about Amazon and US tariffs.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Define “on-shoring”. “It’s another reason why we are on-shoring critical supply chains here at home to shore up our own critical supply chain and boost our own manufacturing here.” Use this word in a sentence.
  2. What does “duty” mean here, “This month, Trump signed an executive order that closes a trade loophole that has allowed low-value packages from China and Hong Kong to enter the United States free of duties.”? Use this word in a sentence.
  3. What does “to trade near flat” mean? “The comments by the White House sent Amazon shares down more than 2% in pre-market trading, but they rebounded and were trading near flat by midday.”? Use this phrase in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How is Amazon affected by the growing political and trade tensions between the US and China?
  2. Amazon decided not to display the costs of tariffs on products on its website. What is your opinion on this?
  3. Do you agree or disagree that “Amazon should be more transparent about tariff costs.” What do you think are the advantages and disadvantages of doing this?
  4. The White House accused Amazon of a hostile political act. Share your insights on this.
  5. What are your thoughts on low-value packages from China and Hong Kong entering the United States not duty free anymore? What impact could this have on China and Hong Kong and on the US?

The Great Depression


B2 – Upper Intermediate

Global economic conditions have been profoundly impacted by US tariffs. One significant outcome that many people worry about is a major depression, which is the worst economic collapse in modern history. People would go from lavishly celebrating to losing everything, including their life savings.

Watch the video below to learn more about the great depression.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Define “snowball effect”. “As the public learned about these incredible returns from the stock market, everyone began putting money in it and talking about it more. This created a snowball effect.” Use this term in a sentence.
  2. What does “to fill the air” mean? ” “Extreme greed and unrealistic fantasy filled the air.” Use this phrase in a sentence and give a synonym.
  3. In business, what does it mean “to close the doors“? So if a local bank closed its doors, people lost their money.” Use this idiom to make your own sentence and give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think another Great Depression will begin in this century? If so, why?
  2. How would a Great Depression affect your life right now?
  3. What lessons have we learned from the Great Depression?

Microdosing Psychedelics

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Microdosing medicinal psychedelics has ignited debate in recent years. Although there are a number of research supporting its potential benefits, the overall evidence remains in its early stages, leaving both healthcare professionals and prospective users uncertain about its true therapeutic impact.

Let’s read the article and gain a deeper understanding of the current research and perspectives on microdosing medicinal psychedelics.

https://apnews.com/article/microdosing-lsd-mushrooms-psychedelic-psilocybin-390c99ba54ef9d75727f39e2ec78fb34

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “acid trip” mean? “This isn’t a full-blown acid trip — or even close. If you see visions, it’s not a microdose.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What is the meaning of “to open the door to something“? “Further opening the door to microdosing, a handful of cities have officially directed police to make psychedelics a low priority for enforcement.” Use it in a sentence and give a synonym.
  3. Define the term “altered (state of) consciousness“. “It seems I was able to generate a powerful ‘altered consciousness’ experience based only (on) the expectation around the possibility of a microdose.” Use it in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What does microdosing psychedelics mean? Share your own opinion about microdosing psychedelics.
  2. Do you see psychedelic therapy gaining mainstream acceptance down the line? Why or why not?
  3. How widespread do you think microdosing is in your country? Why do you think this is the case?
  4. What are the laws surrounding psychedelics in your country?

The Mere Thought of Being Hungry Alters Your Immune System

B2 – Upper Intermediate

For a long time, scientists believed that fasting altered the immune system simply because the body was deprived of nutrients. However, new research in Science Immunology is rewriting that story. It turns out that neurons in the brain ,and not the gut, play the key role in regulating immune cells. AgRP neurons in the hypothalamus, which trigger feelings of hunger, can influence immune cell levels purely by creating the perception of hunger, rather than actual food deprivation.

Let’s read the article and know more details about the connection between perception of hunger and the immune system.

https://www.sciencealert.com/the-mere-thought-of-being-hungry-could-alter-your-immune-system

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “first line of defense” mean? “These cells are part of the immune system’s first line of defence and play a critical role in regulating inflammation.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “to dial down” mean? “When the hunger neurons were turned on, they dialled down nutrient-sensing in the liver by reducing sympathetic activity.” Use it in your own sentence and give a synonym.
  3. What does “wasting syndrome” mean? “If these findings are confirmed in humans, this new data could, in future, have real-world implications for diseases where the immune system becomes overactive – such as cardiovascular diseases, multiple sclerosis, and wasting syndrome in cancer patients.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on the findings of this research?
  2. How does hunger affect how you feel or how much energy you have?
  3. What comfort foods help you when you’re unwell?
  4. What aspect of the human brain do you find the most remarkable?
  5. If you were a medical researcher, what field would you specialize in? Why?

Chronoworking Helps Workers Excel

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

Some believe that the best way to get the most out of employees is to allow them to do ”chronoworking”. This basically means you let them choose the work hours that best suits their biological clocks.

Read the article about what asynchronous working can do to workers’ productivity.

https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20240220-chronoworking-productivity-hack

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “knock-on effect” mean? “Allowing staff to work when they’re at their best could boost performance and wellbeing, with a knock-on positive effect on employee retention.” Use this word in a sentence and give a synonym.
  2. What does “to level the playing field” mean? “The approach has the added benefit of normalising flexible hours for parents or those with other responsibilities that make it tricky to stick to 9-to-5 restrictions, she adds. It levels the playing field.” Use this idiom in a sentence and give a synonym.
  3. What does “chronotype” mean? “Originally coined by journalist Ellen C Scott, chronoworking enables employees to ditch standard office hours and pick schedules that match their personal “chronotypes” instead.” Use this term in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How is chronoworking beneficial to employees and companies alike?
  2. What might the downsides be of asynchronous work?
  3. What do you personally think about this work approach? 
  4. When do you think are you most productive during the day and why is that?
  5. Do you think your company could afford to implement this approach? Why or why not?
  6. Share your thoughts on this, “It’s nonsensical that we all need to be working together all at one time. You get far more out of people if you operate around different chronotypes.”.

Teens Test Virtual Technology Aimed at Helping Anxiety

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Virtual technology is being explored as a new tool to help teenagers cope with anxiety and school-related stress. In Wales, an augmented reality (AR) therapy app developed with input from young people allows users to express emotions through creative, interactive experiences. Early testing shows the app can reduce anxiety and improve social connection, offering a promising new approach to mental health support for teens, especially those who are neurodivergent or reluctant to speak openly.

To learn more about this innovation, read the article and be prepared to answer the questions below.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c4g40wwn54eo

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to give a voice” mean? “Cardiff council said young people had “been given a voice and had valuable input in developing this tool which provides a way for them to communicate using an approach that they feel comfortable with.” Give two (2) synonyms and use this term in a sentence.
  2. What does “ice-breaker” mean? “If someone didn’t really like talking, then it can be like an ice-breaker to open up conversations with their counsellor.” Use this word in a sentence.
  3. What does “neurodivergent” mean? “The technology aims to help certain individuals, particularly those who are neurodivergent, feel more comfortable using images to express their feelings.” Use this term in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on using augmented reality technology as a tool to support teenagers’ mental health, and do you think it can be as effective as more traditional forms of therapy?
  2. In what ways might augmented reality technology change the way we approach mental health support for young people, and what are the potential limitations of relying on technology in this context?
  3. How could giving young people a voice in the development of mental health tools, like the AR therapy app, influence the effectiveness and acceptance of such interventions?
  4. What role does creativity and play have in supporting emotional wellbeing, and why might this be especially important for teenagers experiencing anxiety?
  5. How can schools balance the use of innovative technologies with the need for human connection and traditional therapeutic approaches in supporting students’ mental health? Can you think of specific situations or examples where this balance might be especially important?
  6. What ethical considerations should be taken into account when designing digital mental health tools for children and teenagers, particularly those who are neurodivergent or socially isolated?

How the World Learned to Love Fast Food

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

Fast food is extremely popular. A huge number of people consumes it on a regular basis. Globally, the fast food market is valued at over $700 billion and it seems that it is only going to continue to grow. 

Do you sometimes wonder, despite it’s infamous reputation now being very unhealthy they are for our body, how cheap and easy food spread and become so popular around the world?

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about on how the world came to love fast food.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2025/ep-250123

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “can-do attitude” mean? “In the 1950s, when the famous brands we know today were just beginning, anyone with a can-do attitude could sell fast food.” Use this phrase in a sentence and give a synonym.
  2. What does “the final nail in the coffin” mean? “McDonald’s weren’t as successful in Iceland as they’d been elsewhere. And the global financial crash of 2008 was the final nail in the coffin.” Use this idiom in a sentence and give a synonym.
  3. What does “to open one’s arms in welcome” mean? “Nowadays, you can visit two McDonald’s on opposite sides of the planet and eat exactly the same meal. But not every country opened its arms in welcome – the tiny island of Iceland for one.” Use this expression in a sentence and give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Share your thoughts on this: To this day, there are no McDonald’s in Iceland.
  2. How about this, There are 42,000 fast-food restaurants in Britain?
  3. Are you a fast food fan? Why or why not?
  4. How popular is fast food in your country? Why do you think this is the case?
  5. Is there a long-standing burger culture in your country? Talk about it.

Tariffs on China Bring Irreversible Damage to American Businesses

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The trade relationship between the United States and China has become a topic of considerable debate, especially with the tariff war that escalated around 2018. This conflict has raised questions about whether America is specifically targeting China or if it is pursuing broader economic strategies. 

The U. S. is motivated by a desire to protect its economic interests, promote fair trade practices, and limit China’s technological advancements. This trade conflict illustrates a broader geopolitical struggle that transcends mere economics, impacting global alliances and the future of international trade. Ultimately, the path forward will require careful negotiation and mutual understanding to avoid further escalation and foster a healthier trade relationship. 

Please read the article and let’s talk about it later.

https://www.cnbc.com/2025/04/12/trump-tariffs-on-china-mean-irreversible-damage-for-most-businesses.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does  “to hit like a ton of bricks” mean? “Canceled freight orders and abandoned freight from China are quickly becoming the norm in the trade war between the U.S. and China, according to supply chain executives, as businesses across U.S. industries put a full stop on container exports, with the tariffs hitting like a ton of bricks.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “low margin good ” mean? “As it became clear over the last week that China would remain the main target of the Trump administration’s tariffs policy — after the 90-day reprieve was granted to all other countries expected to be hit with new tariffs — the message that came through is that lower-margin goods cannot sustainably be produced in China.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “liner service” mean? “Murphy warned that on the container liner side of the freight business, the drop in bookings coupled with the possibility of shipbuilding fees on “Chinese” vessels also going into effect next week, will result in a “massive restructuring of all liner services to North America.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What can you say about the article?
  2. “And it will take months to sort out the mess, with congestion and freight rate spikes for months to come.” When do you think this will end?
  3. “The biggest concern here is a complete uncertainty of the actual end-game of the Trump administration.” What do you think are the administration’s motives?
  4. “Many shippers are deploying a ‘wait and see’ approach.” How long do you think they can wait?