Tag: First Certificate FCE

The Wealthy Always Leave Before the Room Empties

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

It’s rarely pointed out, but the way someone leaves a party can reveal a lot about their social standing.

Those with wealth are taught to view their time as inherently valuable, while others learn to keep contributing until they’re told they can stop.

And it doesn’t stop at parties—it shows up in workplaces, relationships, and even across societies.

Read the article about the hidden rule of power wherein how people leave a party reveals everything about class. 

https://medium.com/@elsamehary/why-the-wealthy-always-leave-before-the-music-stops-2f086a1df965

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to earn one’s keep” mean? “The rest of us are taught to earn our keep until we’re dismissed.” Use the idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  2. What does “the heartbeat of something” mean? “Priceless texts on science, law, astronomy, and philosophy — the intellectual heartbeat of a civilization — carried across deserts in metal trunks, boats, and even donkeys.” Use the expression in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  3. What does “to make space for something” mean? “When the lights come on and the room empties, someone still has to reset the chairs, sweep the floor, and make space for what’s next.” Use the phrase in a sentence in this context. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts this, “The unspoken lesson was clear: you don’t leave until the powerful say so.”?
  2. What do you think this means, “The wealthy preserve wealth by leaving early. The stewards preserve culture by staying behind.”? You may give situations where this is observed.
  3. Share your insight on this, “The wealthy are conditioned to believe their time has inherent value. The rest of us are taught to earn our keep until we’re dismissed.”
  4. What mindset would you say differentiates the wealthy from the Average Joes?
  5. Talk about an interaction you’ve had with a very wealthy individual. How did it go?

Surprising Things about Partying with Rich People

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

Sociologist Ashley Mears attended VIP parties to understand how wealthy people view extravagant spending that can seem excessive to others. She discovered a strange mix of money and beauty, shaped by traditional gender roles and a blend of enjoyment and exploitation. 

Read the article about some surprising things Ashley Mears discovered as she joined the world’s Very Important People at their parties.

Five Surprising Things I Learned from Partying with Rich People

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “hand-me-down” mean? “Over the next few years, I interviewed 44 promoters by day and followed them out at night, first in New York, and then in Miami, the Hamptons, and Cannes, donning the requisite four-inch high heels and a hand-me-down Chanel purse.” Use the idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  2. What does “spending spree” mean? “I joined the VIP party because I wanted to understand how the rich think about spending sprees that, to outsiders, border on ridiculous.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  3. What does “whale” mean here, “When the whales get to spending, the club feels electric: people cheer and take photos while beautiful cocktail waitresses carry sparkler-clad bottles of champagne to rich people’s tables.” Use the word in a sentence in this context. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on rich people’s high-priced art, yachts, and private planes, all broadcasted in lurid detail on their social media accounts?
  2. What can you say about this, “Rich people are ridiculous, and they know it.”?
  3. Share your thoughts on this: “Girls are currency, but it is most valuable to men.”
  4. Share your insight on this: “Through their looks, they could get close to what they and most other women are otherwise excluded from: economic power. In this exploitative arrangement, women are active participants, and seeking pleasure, too.”
  5. Do you think you would also find partying in this setting fun? Why or why not?

Greg Daily: Homeless Teenager to Successful Advertising Boss

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

As a homeless teenager, becoming a successful entrepreneur felt impossible for Greg Daily. From sleeping hungry at friend’s sofas, he is now the founder and CEO of digital marketing firm called Science in Advertising.

His company works with a wide range of clients, from Fortune 500 corporations to small, family-run businesses.

Read the article about Greg Daily who went from being a homeless teenager to the owner of a successful digital advertising agency.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cn08lx745ndo

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “couch surfing” mean? “As he reached adulthood, Daily moved around the US, spending six months in Texas with his grandmother, and six months with his father, before falling into couch surfing.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  2. What is a “client base”? “The business has, however, been successful, and grown its client base.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  3. What does “mom-and-pop shop” mean? “Launched in 2019, it serves businesses from members of the Fortune 500 list of the largest US companies, down to mom-and-pop shops.” Use the phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. What can we learn from Greg Daily’s story of success?
  2. Greg Daily learned a lesson from a young age that “Businesses feed families.” What are your thoughts on this?
  3. Greg Daily has always had this idea in mind, “Failure is always an option. If you operate as though failure isn’t possible, the ship is going to blow up”. Share your thoughts on this.
  4. Do you think that “Business is in our DNA.”? Share your insights.
  5. Talk about a member of your family that has the entrepreneurial spirit. What business are they into?
  6. Given a chance, what kind of business would you like to start and why?

The Architecture of Aging Well

B2 – Upper Intermediate

As people live longer, designing spaces that support healthy and comfortable aging has become increasingly important. The architecture of aging well focuses on creating homes and communities that help older adults remain safe, independent, and socially connected.

Through thoughtful design—such as accessible layouts, natural lighting, and supportive environments—architecture can enhance both physical and emotional well-being. By rethinking how buildings and public spaces are designed, architects can help ensure that aging is not only longer but also healthier and more fulfilling.

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

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the word “outnumber” mean? “Older adults are expected to outnumber younger populations, influencing how spaces are designed for comfort and accessibility.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “mental faculty” mean? “Thoughtfully designed spaces can help preserve mental faculties by promoting stimulation, orientation, and social interaction.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What is a “fully able-bodied person”? “Spaces are designed so that both a fully able-bodied person and someone with mobility challenges can navigate them comfortably and independently.” Use the phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think homes should be designed specifically to help people age comfortably? Why or why not?
  2. In your opinion, what is the most important feature a home should have to help older adults live independently?
  3. How can architecture and building design improve the quality of life for older adults?
  4. What changes should cities or communities make to become more age-friendly places to live?
  5. Do you think society places enough value on older adults? Why or why not?

Most Innovative Products of 2026

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The rapid pace of technology continues to transform everyday life, and 2026 has ushered in a new wave of groundbreaking innovations. From advanced AI devices to smart home technologies and futuristic gadgets, companies are creating products that make life more convenient, efficient, and connected.

Watch the video to know more and be able to answer the questions that follow.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “blow somebody away” mean? “Every single year, there are new products that just blow us away with their advanced features, their thoughtful design, and their unique ability to solve problems and really make life so much easier.” Use this phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What is the meaning of “belie“? “The device’s capabilities and extensive library of workouts far belies its slim dimensions.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What does a “game changer” mean? “Innovative products proved to be a game changer, transforming how people live, work, and interact with technology.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Which innovative products of 2026 do you think will have the biggest impact on everyday life, and why?
  2. Do you think new technology always makes our lives better, or can it sometimes create new problems?
  3. Why do you think it is important to continue to focus on creating innovative products each year?
  4. How might innovative products change the way people work, communicate, or live in the future?
  5. Do you think innovative products are accessible to everyone, or do they increase inequality? Why?

Extreme Heat Pushing Global Food Systems to the Brink

B2 – Upper Intermediate

UN agencies warn that rising global temperatures are damaging crops and food systems, putting over a billion people at risk. This can lead to malnutrition and health crises as food supply becomes unstable.

Read the article to know why extreme heat is pushing global agrifood systems to the brink.

https://news.un.org/en/story/2026/04/1167352

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to push something to the brink” mean? “Extreme heat is pushing global food and farming systems to the brink, threatening the livelihoods of over a billion people as rising temperatures and more frequent heat waves redefine how food is produced worldwide.” Use it in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “risk multiplier” mean? “Extreme heat is “a major risk multiplier,” said FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu, “exerting mounting pressure on crops, livestock, fisheries and forests, and on the communities and economies that depend upon them.”” Use it in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “to put someone/something under strain” mean? “In oceans, rising temperatures are lowering oxygen levels, putting fish under strain – with 91 per cent of the global ocean experiencing at least one marine heatwave in 2024.” Use it in a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How does extreme heat affect food production and supply?
  2. What health problems can be caused by rising temperatures?
  3. Which countries or communities do you think are most vulnerable to extreme heat? Why?
  4. How might climate change impact food prices and availability in the future?
  5. What actions can governments and individuals take to reduce the effects of extreme heat?

Microplastics in the Brain

B2 – Upper Intermediate

A joint statement by the EPA and HHS gave incorrect figures about how many microplastics are found in the brain and did not clearly explain how they plan to regulate the issue.

Meanwhile, a study in Nature Health reported that microplastics were present in almost all of the 191 human brain samples it examined.

Read the article to know why microplastics have become embedded in our modern lives.

https://healthpolicy-watch.news/microplastics-in-the-brain/

Microplastics: Brain Study Confirms Health Risks, Challenges Kennedy’s Claims

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “turning point” mean? “US Health Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr hailed a federal proposal by the EPA to track microplastics contamination in drinking water earlier this month as “a turning point” in the effort to confront microplastics that have “become embedded in modern life.” Use it in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “engulf” mean? “The threat of micro- and nanoplastics contamination in the brain tissue raises significant concern as they can penetrate the blood-brain barrier, where they are subsequently engulfed by the brain’s immune cells, known as microglia” Use it in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “stringent” mean? “They stressed that this direct exposure pathway demands global attention and the urgent establishment of stringent quality-control standards within the healthcare industry..” Use it in a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What was your reaction when you learned that microplastics can be found in the human brain?
  2. How do you think microplastics enter the human body and reach the brain?
  3. What possible health effects do you think microplastics could have on humans?
  4. Do you think governments and companies are doing enough to reduce plastic pollution? Why or why not?
  5. What simple changes can individuals make in their daily lives to reduce exposure to microplastics?

Countries Names in Different Languages

B2 – Upper Intermediate

People often wonder why countries have different names in different languages. These names are more than just words; they carry stories of history, culture, and identity. They also show how languages reflect the way people see the world around them.

Let’s read the article to discover how languages shape the way we refer to countries and why these differences make our world more diverse and fascinating.

Why Do Countries Have Different Names in Different Languages
  1. What does the phrase “view something through unique lenses“? “This linguistic diversity unites us, showing how all genders and cultures view the same world through unique lenses.” Use it in your own sentence.
  2. What is the meaning of the phrase “to derive from“? “For example, in French, Germany is “Allemagne,” derived from the Alamanni tribe, reflecting Roman-era encounters. ” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “a nod to something” mean? “Meanwhile, Arabic calls India “Al-Hind,” referencing the Indus River, a nod to historical trade routes across over 20 countries.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why do you think languages develop different names for the same country?
  2. How might history or culture influence how a country is named in another language?
  3. What does a country’s name tell us about the people who use it?
  4. How do you feel when you hear your country being called by a different name in another language?
  5. In what ways do these differences in names show the diversity of human perspectives?

The Truth Behind Unlimited PTO

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Unlimited Paid Time Off (PTO) is often promoted as a modern workplace benefit that gives employees freedom and flexibility to take leave whenever they need it. At first glance, it sounds like an ideal system that supports work-life balance and employee well-being, removing the limits of traditional vacation policies.

However, discussions around unlimited PTO also reveal a more complex reality behind the policy. While it appears generous on paper, some employees may feel unsure about how much time off is actually acceptable to take, especially in workplaces where productivity expectations remain high. This raises questions about whether unlimited PTO truly benefits workers or if it creates new pressures in disguise.

Watch the video on the truth about unlimited PTO.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “accrual” mean? “At first glance, it sounds like a dream. Take time off whenever you want — no accruals, no tracking, no caps.” Use it in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “baseline” mean? “Unlimited PTO has no baseline.” Construct a sentence featuring this phrase. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “performative” mean? “If the answers are “no”, unlimited PTO becomes performative.” Use it in a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think are the main advantages and disadvantages of unlimited paid time off (PTO) policies?
  2. Do you think employees actually take more or less time off under unlimited PTO systems? Why?
  3. How might unlimited PTO affect workplace fairness and team workload?
  4. What challenges could managers face when implementing an unlimited PTO policy?
  5. Do you think unlimited PTO improves employee well-being, or does it create pressure to work more?

The Always On Work Culture

B2 – Upper Intermediate

In many modern workplaces, managers often say they value results, efficiency, and work-life balance. However, in practice, employees who appear constantly available—replying to emails late at night, attending meetings after hours, and staying “always on”—are still more likely to be rewarded and promoted. This creates a workplace culture in which visibility and responsiveness are sometimes valued more than actual performance outcomes.

This “always-on” expectation can blur the line between productivity and presence. Instead of focusing purely on results, employees may feel pressured to appear busy and constantly connected to work. Over time, this can shape how performance is judged, influencing career growth, workplace behavior, and even employee well-being.

Read the article about the always-on work trap.

https://theconversation.com/how-an-always-on-work-culture-can-create-a-vicious-cycle-that-damages-workers-and-employers-232281

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “public outcry” mean? “It is not surprising that there was a public outcry around a culture that discourages a work-life balance.” Use it in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “in the flow” mean? “Employees who felt supported by their partner (at home) and colleagues (at work) felt energised and “in the flow”, and they contributed to company success by showing creativity and innovation.” Construct a sentence featuring this phrase. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “breadwinner” mean? “There is an emphasis on long working hours with men predominantly the breadwinners.” Use it in a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Is an “always-on” work culture also present in your country? Talk about it.
  2. What are the advantages and disadvantages of being constantly connected to work?
  3. How can employees set boundaries between work and personal life?
  4. How would you describe the work culture in your workplace?
  5. What is the ideal work culture for you? Why are the things you mention important to you?
  6. How can companies encourage productivity without promoting burnout?
  7. What role should government or labor laws play in regulating work-life balance?