Tag: First Certificate FCE

How Did The World Get So Ugly?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

When we look at the structures that surround us in this day and age, the ones that catch our eye are often from a time before most of us were even born. Creations of the modern day do not tend to inspire awe or wonder compared to the gleaming Eiffel Tower, magnificent halls, and even the tiny yet ornate street lamps of the Victorian era. But what has changed from then to now? How has the world become so ugly?

To find out more, watch the video below.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is a “cesspit”? “There would have been open cesspits spilling down the streets, and the stench of sewage boiling in the midday sun would have been unbearable” Use this term in a sentence. Give a similar expression.
  2. What does “embankment” mean? “Those lamps on the embankment did their job, and even though more efficient and better methods of lighting have been invented, they remain 150 years later.” Use this word in a sentence. Give a similar expression.
  3. What does “exuberance” mean? “And yet, it has been designed with the same ornamental exuberance as any church or palace.”  Use this expression in a sentence. Give a similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Have you noticed examples of old structures that look more beautiful than new ones? If so, elaborate on your experiences.
  2. Give your interpretation of this statement: “If you want to understand any society, don’t listen to what it says about itself; look at what it creates.”
  3. Should the aesthetics of public structures be considered more important in modern-day society?
  4. Why do you think designers put less emphasis on the beauty of structures in the modern day?

Dusking 

B2 – Upper Intermediate

At the end of the day, many people struggle to disconnect from work, technology, and constant stimulation. A growing trend encourages people to pause during dusk, the natural transition from day to night, as a way to slow down, reflect, and prepare for rest. This practice highlights the importance of reconnecting with natural rhythms and finding balance between productivity and well‑being.

Let’s read the article and explore how this approach can help us unwind, restore calm, and create healthier evening routines.

https://theconversation.com/dusking-is-a-trend-aimed-at-helping-people-switch-off-at-the-end-of-the-day-how-does-it-work-277814

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “detriment” mean in this context? “Of course, watching the sunset is hardly a new idea as Gray’s poem shows, but one it seems we may have forgotten to value to our detriment.” Make a sentence using this word and give a synonym.
  2. What does “wind down” mean? “Simply observing changes in light, sound, and atmosphere may also encourage a shift from the constant hustle of the work day to winding down, potentially moving people towards sleep.” Make a sentence using this phrase and give a synonym.
  3. What is the meaning of the phrase “the emergence of something“? “The emergence of evening sounds, and the quiet rhythms that mark the close of the day.” Make a sentence using this phrase and give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How do you usually feel at dusk, and what activities do you associate with that time of day?
  2. In what ways might pausing at dusk help people transition from work mode to rest mode?
  3. How does artificial light or technology change the way we experience evening time?
  4. What cultural traditions or personal memories do you connect with dusk?
  5. How could practicing “dusking” influence your sleep or overall well‑being?

Email Fatigue

B2 – Upper Intermediate

In today’s fast‑paced digital world, email has become an essential tool for communication. Yet the constant flow of messages can feel overwhelming, leaving many people drained and less productive. This growing challenge highlights the need to rethink how we manage our inboxes and balance technology with well‑being.

Let’s read the article together to explore why this issue is becoming more common and discover practical ways to address it.

https://mailstrom.co/articles/why-email-fatigue-is-a-growing-problem-and-what-can-be-done-about-it

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to whittle something down”? “To whittle the volume down to zero can take hours or even days.” Use it in your own sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What is the meaning of the expression “nagging feeling“? “Plus, there’s that nagging feeling of leaving something undone.
    ” Use it in your own sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “trouble brewing” mean? “If your staff is doing that, there’s a different kind of trouble brewing.” Use it in a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How does the constant flow of emails affect your daily productivity?
  2. In what ways can email communication be both helpful and overwhelming?
  3. Why do you think people feel stressed when their inbox is full?
  4. What strategies have you tried (or heard of) to manage email overload?
  5. How might email fatigue impact teamwork and collaboration?

How the World Ends According to Nostradamus

B2 – Upper Intermediate

In the 15th century, a man would shake the foundations of Europe’s history by virtue of prophecy while remaining untouched by the many powerful forces who disregarded his visions. And depending on how you read his predictions, the chaos and turmoil we encountered today may have been long foretold by this French astrologer, apothecary, physician, and renowned seer, known for his book Les Prophéties, more commonly recognized around the world as Nostradamus.

Watch the video below to learn more about how Nostradamus predicted about a war.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is a “splintered off”? “The soldier’s lance shattered, and a piece of wood splintered off and pierced Henry’s eye and brain ” Use this term in a sentence. Give a similar expression.
  2. What does “word on the street” mean? “What started as targeted assassinations of Huguenot quickly spiraled into a mas slaughter. And word on street was that Queen Catherine was behind it all”  Use this expression in a sentence. Give a similar expression.
  3. What does “to swell into slums” mean? “The poor suffered, and the rich grew colder toward the new working class. Cities swelled into slums, and unrest followed.” Use this idiom in a sentence. Give a similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Have you heard of Nostradamus before? What have you heard about him?
  2. What are your thoughts on his prophecies?
  3. How can prophecies be helpful and harmful?
  4. Are prophecies real? Share your stand.
  5. Is foreseeing the future a gift or a curse? Share your thoughts.

Could the Dollar Lose Its Dominance?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Since the end of World War II, the dollar has dominated and shaped global trade and finance. Investors have generally felt secure and confident in the United States. However, reserve managers’ diversification into other currencies has led to a noticeable decline in dollar holdings in recent years, signaling a shift in confidence as they seek to mitigate risks associated with currency fluctuations and geopolitical uncertainties.

To discover more about the potential for the dollar to lose its dominance, watch the video below.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is a “linchpin”? “For eight decades the US dollar has been the linchpin of global trade and finance.” Use this term in a sentence. Give a similar expression.
  2. What does “to hedge someone’s exposure” mean? “Over the past year in particular investors have become much keener to hedge their exposure to dollars.”  Use this expression in a sentence. Give a similar expression.
  3. What does “fiscal and monetary trajectory” mean? “The more people use it use it, the more others want to use it too, but anxiety about America’s fiscal and monetary trajectory is growing” Use this idiom in a sentence. Give a similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What factors might put an end to the dollar’s hegemony?
  2. Is it difficult to dethrone the dollar dominance? Elaborate your answer.
  3. If the dollar starts losing its dominance, which currency could best replace the dollars? Why this currency?
  4. How difficult is it to develop trust in international and financial trade?

Samsung Galaxy S26 AI and Privacy Shield Mode

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Samsung has unveiled its new Galaxy S26 lineup, emphasizing a bigger push into artificial intelligence alongside a new privacy-focused display feature. The latest smartphones introduce tools designed to automate everyday tasks and enhance photos, while also adding a “Privacy Display” mode that limits screen visibility to prevent onlookers from peeking at sensitive information.

The upgrades come with notable price increases for most models, even as Samsung continues to position AI as a central selling point. While the company is betting on smarter, more integrated features to attract buyers, questions remain about whether consumers truly value AI enough to drive upgrades in an already competitive smartphone market.

Read the article for more information.

https://apnews.com/article/samsung-galaxy-s26-artificial-intelligence-b23e8c9c51c2d09e772fe8709b867ca7

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does  “shoulder surfing” mean? “The screen appears off when viewed from the side, preventing “shoulder surfing” from people standing or sitting nearby.” Use this in a sentence. 
  2. What does “sleeper hit” mean? “PP Foresight analyst Paolo Pescatore predicts Privacy Display could turn out to be “the sleeper hit, a standout feature in a sea of AI noise.” Use this in a sentence. 
  3. What does “to pony up” mean? “Samsung is also dangling a new reason to pony up for its most expensive Galaxy S26 with a built-in feature called “Privacy Display” that will only be available on the Ultra.”  Use this in a sentence. 

Discussion Questions:

  1.  Do you think AI features are becoming a real necessity in smartphones, or are they still more of a “party trick”? Why?
  2. Would a privacy feature like Samsung’s “Privacy Display” influence your decision to buy a phone? Why or why not?
  3. Why do you think AI is “not a sought-after feature” yet, according to the analyst interviewed for the article?
  4. Do you think Samsung’s strategy can help it compete more effectively with Apple and Google? Why or why not?

Meningitis Cases in Kent Rises

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Kent is experiencing a rapid meningitis outbreak, with 20 cases reported, including six MenB infections. Most cases involve university students linked to social events, and experts describe it as the fastest-growing outbreak they’ve seen.

The UK Health Security Agency is responding with antibiotics for close contacts and vaccinating 5,000 students, urging anyone exposed at early March events to seek treatment to prevent further spread.

Read the article and know more about the situation.

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2026/mar/18/meningitis-cases-investigated-kent-uk-health-security-agency?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the adjective “unprecedented” mean? “It’s the explosive nature that is unprecedented here – the number of cases in such a short space of time.” Use this in a sentence. 
  2. What does “super-spreader event” mean? “This looks like a super-spreader event, with ongoing spread within the halls of residence in the universities.” Use this in a sentence. 
  3. What does “to stand something up” mean here, “We are being so proactive in the provision of antibiotics, because they’re an effective treatment, but also standing up vaccination at a pace and in a way that we wouldn’t normally do.”? Use this in a sentence. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why is prompt treatment with antibiotics important in meningitis cases?
  2. Do you think universities should cancel large or all social events during outbreaks? Why or why not?
  3. If you were in charge of the response, what other measures might you take to control the outbreak?
  4. Do you think news coverage of outbreaks help or do they only cause unnecessary panic? Share your insights.
  5. If a similar outbreak happened in your city, how would you personally respond?

Norovirus Outbreak Sickens People Aboard Star Princess

B2 – Upper Intermediate

A norovirus outbreak sickened more than 150 passengers and crew aboard the cruise ship Star Princess during a Caribbean voyage. According to health officials, over 100 passengers and dozens of crew members reported symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea, with the virus identified as the cause of the illness.

In response, the cruise line implemented strict sanitation measures, including isolating sick individuals and increasing disinfection across the ship. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is now investigating the outbreak to help control its spread and prevent similar incidents in the future.

Read the article and know more about the situation/

https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/medical/norovirus-outbreak-sickens-153-people-aboard-star-princess/ar-AA1YzfBV?apiversion=v2&domshim=1&noservercache=1&noservertelemetry=1&batchservertelemetry=1&renderwebcomponents=1&wcseo=1

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “threshold” mean? “So far in 2026, the CDC has recorded two cruise ship outbreaks that met its threshold for public notification.” Use this in a sentence. 
  2. What does “field response” mean? “The CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program is conducting a field response that includes an environmental assessment and outbreak investigation to help control the outbreak.” Use this term in a sentence. 
  3. What does “outbreak” mean? “A norovirus outbreak sickened more than 150 passengers and crew aboard a cruise ship during a Caribbean voyage.” Use this word in a sentence. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. Share your thoughts and reaction to this norovirus outbreak on a cruise ship.
  2. What lessons can passengers, cruise companies, and health authorities alike learn from this incident?
  3. Do you think cruise ships are safe when it comes to disease outbreaks? Why or why not?
  4. What would you do if you got sick during a cruise like this?
  5. Would this outbreak stop you from going on a cruise? Explain your answer.

Things Productivity Experts Do After Vacation

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Returning to work after a vacation can be challenging. Many people feel tired or overwhelmed when they come back. Productivity experts have ways to make this transition easier. In this article, we will look at 6 things productivity experts do when they return to work after vacation. These tips can help anyone feel more focused, organized, and ready to get back to work.

Read this article to learn this article to learn these habits.

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/productivity-experts-back-to-work-from-vacation-goog_l_6940618ce4b0fa125e7f502a

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “balm to weary souls” mean? “Vacations are a much-needed balm to weary souls.” Make a sentence with this. Give a synonym.
  2. Define “pep talk“. “I give myself a pep talk. I tell myself I just returned from vacation.” Use this in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What is the meaning of “task at hand“? “Now I have everything organized in my brain, it is written down, and I can finally start conquering the tasks at hand.” Make a sentence with this. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Some experts take an extra day off before returning to work. Why might this help you switch back into “work mode”?
  2. Why do some productivity experts prefer to start with tasks that take only a few minutes on the first day back?
  3. How do you personally feel when you return from a holiday or vacation?
  4. Do you prefer to work right away after a holiday or take it slow? Why?
  5. If you could give one tip to someone returning from vacation, what would it be?

Ukraine Hit Russian Missile Component Plant

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Ukrainian forces launched a missile strike on the Kremniy El microelectronics factory in Russia’s Bryansk region. The factory reportedly produces electronic components used in Russian missile systems, including the Iskander-M.

Read the article to know more about the strike that caused major damage, 6 deaths, and 42 injuries, according to local officials.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ckg1eqw30l9o

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to reach a stalemate” mean? “Both sides have continued attacks, even though the war has reached a stalemate recently.” Use it in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “to hinge” mean? “The outcome of the talks hinges on part of his proposals that envisages Ukraine giving up to Russia areas it does not currently control in the Donbas – an industrial area composed of the administrative regions of Donetsk and Luhansk.” Use it in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “relinquish” mean? “Russia currently controls more than 80% of those areas – which Ukraine says it cannot agree to relinquish.” Use it in a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think about Ukraine striking a Russian electronics factory that produces missile components?
  2. Do you think attacking military-related factories is justified during a war? Why or why not?
  3. How might this kind of strike affect the future of the war between Ukraine and Russia?
  4. Do you think attacks on factories like this could increase tensions between countries involved in the conflict?
  5. In your opinion, what impact could these strikes have on civilians living near military facilities?