Tag: First Certificate FCE

Shoulder Season

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

Shoulder season is the period between a destination’s peak tourist season and off-peak season. During this time, travel demand is moderate, so hotel prices and airfare are usually lower than during peak season, but higher than during off-peak periods.

Travel rates often differ during peak, off-peak, and shoulder seasons, so successful hotels prepare for these fluctuations and adjust their strategies accordingly. 

Read the article about shoulder season and how hotels can avoid losing business during these periods.

https://www.cvent.com/en/blog/hospitality/what-is-shoulder-season

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Differentiate “peak season”, “off-peak season” and “shoulder season”. “From peak season to off-peak season to shoulder season, successful hotels anticipate the fluctuations that are likely to happen and strategize accordingly.” Use the terms in sentences.
  2. What does “to leave a stone unturned” mean? “Leaving any stone unturned can leave revenue on the table.” Use the idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  3. What does “to simmer down” mean? “Restaurants, area attractions, and local tourism booms in the area, and then simmers down.” Use the phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the advantages and disadvantages of traveling during shoulder season?
  2. Talk about a time when you traveled during shoulder season.
  3. Share your insights on this, “Seasonal travel grows in proportion to the general growth of tourism in an area.”
  4. What challenges do hotels face during shoulder season?
  5. Do you think discounts and promotions are effective during shoulder season? Why or why not?
  6. Should hotels lower their prices significantly during shoulder season? Explain your opinion.

Women More Likely to Die in Crashes

B2 – Upper Intermediate

It is commonly stated that men are more likely to die earlier than women. However, there are several scenarios in which the opposite is true. Filmmaker Eve Van Dyke discovered this during a trip in November 2024 that ended in a car crash. She noticed that the women sustained worse injuries than the men involved in the accident. As it turns out, that was not merely a coincidence. In the United States, women are 17% more likely than men to die in car accidents and 73% more likely to suffer serious injuries.

To find out why, watch the video below.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “descent into the rabbit hole” mean? “
    If my descent into the rabbit hole taught me anything, it’s going to take a lot more than that to change the course of women’s car safety.”     Use this idiom in a sentence. Give a similar expression.
  2. What does “sheer callous” mean?“Either it’s sheer calluses or indifference or they don’t bother to find out how their cars behave.”  Use this expression in a sentence. Give a similar expression.
  3. What does “to sideline someone/something” mean? “NHTSA has been sidelining female dummies for nearly 50 years.” Use this phrase in a sentence. Give a similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think cars are designed for men rather than women? Share your insight.
  2. What are your thoughts on women experiencing more severe road accident injuries than men? What do you think are the reasons for this?
  3. Do you believe that authorities have neglected women’s safety despite calls for greater consideration of this issue? What is your opinion?
  4. How common is it for women to be involved in vehicular accidents in your country? What factors might contribute to these accidents?
  5. Should authorities implement significant changes to the existing policies to better protect women from deaths or injuries resulting from vehicular accidents? Share your insights.

A Multi-Million Dollar Plot to Change What You Eat

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Having a healthy and balanced diet is an important part of living a robust life. However, the definitions of “good” and “bad” food are constantly changing. This is not only because the technology used to measure the healthiness of food has improved. Different sectors of the food industry continuously seek to promote their own products while criticizing foods that do not align with their interests. And the influence of the food industry does not end with biased research; it extends all the way to the highest levels of government and the law itself.

To find out more, watch the video below.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to rag on someone/something” mean? “I hate to rag on avocado, but they have a powerful board, and they fund an incredible amount of research.” Use this phrase in a sentence. Give a similar expression.
  2. What does “blanketed nutrition space” mean? “And big food has blanketed nutrition space with so much money, it’s created a bunch of fun secondary problems.”  Use this expression in a sentence. Give a similar expression.
  3. What does “amuse-bouche” mean? “The industry-funded studies, the conflict of interest that’s all kind of amuse-bouche for where the industry’s real influence lies.” Use this term in a sentence. Give a similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How might corporate interests conflict with public health goals?
  2. Do you think nutrition advice based on research funded by large companies is reliable? Explain your stance.
  3. Are you also confused by the nutrition advice you have heard over time? Give examples of when this has occurred.
  4. How can marketing strategies shape people’s perception of “healthy” and “unhealthy” foods? Do you think “health food” labels are always reliable? Why or why not?
  5. Do you believe food companies are always honest in their health claims? Why or why not?
  6. How can people protect themselves from misleading food marketing?

Ways to Protect Your Peace Without Cutting Everyone Off

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The video “6 Ways to Protect Your Peace Without Cutting Everyone Off” talks about how you can protect your mental and emotional well-being without completely cutting people out of your life. It explains that peace doesn’t always mean isolation, but learning how to handle relationships in a healthier way.

It also highlights the importance of setting boundaries, managing your reactions, and choosing how much energy you give to others. Instead of cutting people off easily, the video encourages balance and emotional control in everyday relationships.

Watch the video and learn more.

Vocabulary Questions:  

  1. What does the idiom “cut someone off ” mean?  “While distance can be healthy in cases of abuse or repeated harm, psychology suggests that cutting people off too easily can sometimes lead to isolation.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  2. What does the term “emotional detachment” mean?  “Another skill that helps protect your peace is emotional detachment. This doesn’t mean you stop caring about people.” Use the term in a sentence.  Give a synonym. 
  3. What does idiom “take something personally” mean?  “If someone criticizes you, it doesn’t always mean you have to take it personally.” Use the term in a sentence.  Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:  

  1. What does “protect your peace” mean to you personally?
  2. Do you think cutting people off is always a good solution when someone feels stressed or overwhelmed? Why or why not? 
  3. Can you give an example of a healthy boundary in a friendship or family relationship? 
  4. Have you ever experienced emotional overload? What caused it? How were you able to overcome it?
  5. Is it possible to protect your peace while still maintaining close relationships? How? 

What Happens in Your Brain When You Can’t Recall a Word

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The video explains why people sometimes experience “tip-of-the-tongue” moments, when a word feels just out of reach. It discusses how the brain stores and retrieves language and why certain memories can temporarily become difficult to access, even when we know the information is there.

The video also explores the science behind memory and communication, showing how different areas of the brain work together during word recall. It highlights factors such as stress, aging, and distraction that can interfere with memory while emphasizing that occasional forgetting is a normal part of brain function.

Watch the video and learn more.

Vocabulary Questions:  

  1. What does “tip-of-the-tongue state” mean? “Lots of things seem to influence how likely you are to enter a tip-of-the-tongue state.” Use the idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  2. What does “to trip someone up” mean? “Cognitively, recognizing a face and associating it with general information, like someone’s profession, is often easy, while names tend to trip us up.” Use the phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “red herring” mean? “In these situations, the words seem to work as distracting, red herring-like blockers in the retrieval pathway.” Use the phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:  

  1. Have you ever experienced this situation? Describe it.
  2. What strategies can help someone remember a forgotten word?
  3. Can practicing language skills improve word recall? Share your insights.
  4. Do you think technology helps or weakens our abilities to remember words? Share your opinion.

Digital Euro: the Future of Cash in Europe

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

Money has evolved rapidly in recent years, with digital payments through cards and mobile phones increasingly replacing cash.

In response, the European Central Bank is developing the digital euro, a form of electronic public money designed to offer a secure and reliable way to make digital transactions.

Read the article to know more about the digital Euro.

https://theconversation.com/what-is-the-digital-euro-a-guide-to-the-future-of-cash-in-europe-280055

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “solvency” mean? “It will be a balance that does not depend on the solvency of any financial institution.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  2. What does “monetary sovereignty” mean? “In February 2026, the European Parliament formally endorsed the digital euro project, describing it as essential to strengthening EU monetary sovereignty.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  3. What does “to lead the pack” mean? “China leads the pack with its digital yuan – also known as the digital renminbi – which has seen more than 7 trillion yuan in transactions and is used in over 26 cities.” Use the idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on the digital euro and digital currencies in general?
  2. What might the implications of the digital euro be for ordinary people and Europe’s financial systems?
  3. What issues do you foresee with the digital euro?
  4. Share your insights on this statement: “Europe is not alone in this pursuit, as more than 130 countries are exploring or have already launched their own digital currencies.”
  5. Do you think the European Central Bank can roll out the digital euro by 2029? Share your thoughts.

Tighter Immigration Controls in Japan

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

Japan recorded a record 42.4 million foreign arrivals and 4.13 million foreign residents in 2025 while tightening immigration enforcement under its “Zero Plan.”

Overstayers declined for a second year, deportations and entry denials increased, and asylum applications fell as screening became stricter. 

Despite tougher controls, tourism and regional travel continued to surge, raising questions about how Japan will balance stricter enforcement with its growing need for foreign workers amid population decline.

Listen to the audio and read the article about Japan’s tighter immigration controls yielding results.

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/04/09/japan/society/immigration-control-data

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “overstayer” mean? “The government aims to cut asylum processing times to six months by 2030 and reduce the number of illegal overstayers to zero.” Use the word in a sentence in this context. Give a synonym. 
  2. What does “humanitarian ground” mean? “Japan granted refugee status to 187 people in 2025, while 474 were given complementary protection and 525 were allowed to stay on humanitarian grounds.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  3. What does “recognition rate for refugees” mean? “Recognition rates for refugees remain low. ” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why has the number of foreign arrivals increased in Japan despite stricter immigration controls?
  2. What are your insights on Japan’s Zero Illegal Foreign Residents Plan?
  3. Do you think stricter immigration policies can effectively reduce illegal overstayers without discouraging tourism and foreign workers?
  4. What are the possible advantages and disadvantages of faster asylum processing and expanded deportation efforts?
  5. Should Japan prioritize stronger border enforcement or a more welcoming immigration system to address labor shortages?

Companies in China Cannot Fire Workers to Replace Them with AI

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

An employee surnamed Zhou held a quality assurance role at a tech firm. The company, pointing to AI-driven improvements and a need for efficiency, tried to move Zhou to a different role and reduce their monthly salary from 25,000 yuan (about US$3,655) to 15,000 yuan. After Zhou refused the salary reduction, the company terminated their employment.

Zhou quickly filed for labour arbitration and requested compensation for being unfairly dismissed.

The court found that the new role, with its significant pay cut, was not a reasonable offer for reassignment. As a result, it ruled the firing illegal and ordered the company to compensate the employee.

Read the article about the Chinese court ruling prohibiting firms to lay off workers on AI grounds.

https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/international/global/companies-cannot-fire-workers-replace-them-ai-china-courts-rule

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to be hinged on something” mean? “The dispute largely hinged on whether eliminating a job through AI adoption constitutes an objective major change in circumstances under China’s Labour Contract Law.” Use the idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  2. Differentiate “arbitration”, “mediation”, and “litigation”. “According to the country’s Labour Dispute Mediation and Arbitration Law, parties must first take their disagreements to mediation and arbitration commissions; if dissatisfied with the verdict, they can then pursue litigation.” Use each term in a sentence. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. Share your insights on Zhou’s case and the court’s ruling. 
  2. Should companies be prohibited from firing employees simply to replace them with cost-saving artificial intelligence? Share your opinion.
  3. What are your thoughts on this, “If AI restructuring is necessary, corporations should prioritise retraining staff.”?
  4. How can workers’ rights be protected against AI?
  5. Do you believe AI will create more jobs than it replaces in the future? Explain your answer.

Soft Socializing

B2 – Upper Intermediate

At a time when socializing can sometimes feel overwhelming or exhausting, the idea of “soft socializing” offers a more relaxed and meaningful way to connect with others.

In “What Is Soft Socializing?”, America Edwards explains that low-pressure, activity-based interactions can help people build and maintain relationships without the stress of constant conversation or social performance. Through shared activities and simple everyday moments, soft socializing shows that connection can be natural, sustainable, and just as meaningful.

Read this article to know more about soft socializing.

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-ties-that-connect-us/202604/what-is-soft-socializing

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Define “parallel playing“. “Think craft nights, book clubs, casual walks, or simply parallel playing.” Make a sentence with this term. Give a similar expression.
  2. What does “for something to unfold” mean?  Soft socializing creates the conditions for that process to unfold naturally.” Use this expression in a sentence. Give a similar expression.
  3. What is a “social biome“? “Recent work by Jeffrey A. Hall and Andy J. Merolla reframes this idea through what they call the social biome.” Make a sentence with this. Give a similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your opinion on soft socializing?
  2. Do you think people can build strong relationships through low-pressure activities? Why or why not?
  3. Do you think meaningful connection always requires deep conversation? Why or why not?
  4. Would soft socializing be popular in your culture or community? Why do you think so?
  5. What are some examples of low-pressure social activities that you have partaken in? How was your experience?
  6. How can soft socializing improve work relationships? Does your company offer activities to encourage soft socializing? Talk about it.

Confessions of a Former Body Positivity Influencer

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Many people on the internet quickly judge and scorn people with bigger bodies, thinking of them as lazy and less deserving of personhood. In response, many influencers promote body positivity, encouraging fat and obese people to love themselves at any size.

However, loving yourself doesn’t always mean taking care of yourself. Instead of using positivity as simple encouragement, many people and influencers have taken body positivity as a message to ignore their health.

Watch the video about the confessions of a former body positivity influencer.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to run for the hills” mean? “It was actually something people found disgusting. “Run for the hills. It’s Fatzilla! ” Use this idiom in a sentence. Give a similar expression.
  2. What does “to stay silent” mean?“I was scared to say the wrong thing, so I stayed silent..”  Use this expression in a sentence. Give a similar expression.
  3. What does “to brand someone a pariah” mean? “The body positivity community branded me a pariah, and so I left.” Use this term in a sentence. Give a similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on Gabriella’s story?
  2. Why is body positivity important in today’s society?
  3. What are the positive and negative effects of body positivity?
  4. In your opinion, can body positivity and healthy living coexist? If yes, how?
  5. Have you witnessed real examples of fatphobia toward someone? Share about it.
  6. Share your thoughts on this statement: “Not every fat person is unhealthy, and not every skinny person is healthy.”