Tag: First Certificate FCE

Put the Phone Away or Pay

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Distracted driving occurs when a driver’s focus shifts away from driving due to other activities. The risk of a collision increases when a driver takes their eyes off the road, even for just a moment.

Distractions can impair performance and lower a driver’s awareness, causing them to react more slowly to important events on the road or even miss them completely.

Read the article and also watch the public service announcement video on distracted driving.

https://www.nhtsa.gov/campaign/distracted-driving

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is the meaning of the idiom “to take something by storm” in this context, “For the past decade, distracted driving has taken U.S. roadways by storm, endangering not only the distracted drivers, but their passengers, pedestrians and others using the road.”? Use this expression in a sentence.
  2. Define “fender bender”. “It’s not long until they become the “fender bender” or the “got-a-ticketer”, the “veering off the road”, the “driver who kills someone”.” Use this phrase in your own sentence.
  3. What does “to veer off” mean? ““It’s not long until they become the “fender bender” or the “got-a-ticketer”, the “veering off the road”, the “driver who kills someone”.” Use this phrase in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Personally, what is your opinion about distracted driving?
  2. What do you do when you see someone behind the wheel seem to not to have their eyes on the road?
  3. What are ways to remain focused while driving?
  4. Are there many traffic accidents due to distracted driving in your country? Why do you think this is the case?
  5. Is imposing fines a sufficient penalty for distracted driving? Share your opinion.
  6. In addition to fines, what other measures can be used to punish distracted drivers?

Is Capitalism Actually Broken?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Capitalism is an economic system where private individuals or companies own and control the production of goods. In modern capitalist economies, the prices of goods and people’s income are mostly determined by the market, based on how businesses and individuals interact, rather than by government control. Capitalism is based on private ownership, the aim of making a profit, and competition in the market.

Watch this video trying to explain whether capitalism is, in fact, broken.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is the meaning of “to take hold”? “In England, the country for which we have the best data before capitalism, the share of income going to the top 5% of income earners, peaked at around 40% in 1801, and then, as capitalism took hold, it fell steadily to a low of about 17% in 1977.” Give 2 synonyms or similar expressions and use this phrase in a sentence.
  2. What does the phrase “on the other end of the spectrum” mean? “On the other end of the spectrum, at 100%, private citizens own all the capital.” Give 2 synonyms or similar expressions and use this idiom in a sentence.
  3. Explain “laissez-faire capitalism”. “At the height of the Industrial Revolution, the dials were set pretty close to what we now call “laissez-faire capitalism“.” Use this term in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Explain the difference between the “three dials”.
  2. Share your thoughts on capitalism.
  3. Who do you think gains from capitalism, and who faces challenges because of it?
  4. What are the advantages and disadvantages of capitalism?
  5. Are there better alternatives to capitalism? Cite some of them and give examples, too.

“Pop-up” Restaurants Are Everywhere

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Everyone knows that the pandemic presented difficulties for most businesses across the globe, and the restaurant industry is among those struggling to survive.

However, a lot of owners of food-related businesses shifted their focus to tools that could be utilized for business during the most difficult times, and that’s when they turned to the internet and opened “pop-up” or transient restaurants.

To learn more about “pop-up” restaurants, watch the video below.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “untenable” mean? “…it was incredible to do it for as long as they’ve done it, but it’s untenable to kind of grow until they decide what the next step is going to be.” Use this term to make your own sentence.
  2. What is the meaning of “limited run“? “In some cases the limited run is the goal.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘limited run’ in your own sentence.
  3. Explain “brick and mortar”. “The future of Border Town is definitely a restaurant, you know, definitely a brick and mortar.”  Create a sentence using this term.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think of “pop-up restaurants’?
  2. Do “pop-ups” have a similar following in your nation? If yes, which is the most well-liked and why did it become successful?
  3. What is your opinion on the sustainability of “pop-ups”? Justify your position.
  4. How do you think humans get motivated to venture into new things amidst crucial times? 
  5. Under difficult economic circumstances, are people in your nation more optimistic or pessimistic when it comes to their business ventures? Explain your stance.

Man Regains His Voice after a Rare Medical Operation

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

Larynx or more commonly known as the “voice box is the organ responsible for speech. It also is important in breathing and swallowing.

Laryngeal cancer patients go through the ordeal of not being able to breathe, swallow, or speak on their own. Hence, a total larynx transplant should be performed on them. Unfortunately, larynx transplantation is not performed on patients with active cancer.

Marty Kedian is just one of many cancer of the larynx patients who was lucky enough to successfully undergo one and now on his way to recovery.

Listen to the audio and read the transcript about Marty Kedian’s larynx transplant.

https://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/man-regains-his-voice-with-the-help-of-a-rare-medical-operation/7692852.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to keep up something” mean? “His voice sounded rough, but he was able to keep up a discussion for an hour.” Give a synonym and use this phrase in a sentence.
  2. What does “to push the boundaries” mean? “We want to be able to push those boundaries, but do it as safely and ethically as we can.” Use the idiom in your own sentence and give a synonym.
  3. What does “tracheostomy” mean? “His tracheostomy will remain in place for at least a few more months.” Use this word in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on larynx transplant? What might be the pros and cons of this kind of surgery?
  2. Share your thoughts on this, “Doctors have not fully accepted these larynx transplants because people can survive without a larynx.”
  3. “Kedian would not let doctors remove his entire larynx to cure the cancer because he wanted to read bedtime stories to his granddaughter, with his own voice rather than what he called robotic-sounding speech devices.” Share your thoughts on this.
  4. Talk about the time you or someone you know had some problems with your/their voice box and/or voice.

Australia to Ban Children from Using Social Media 

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Australia is thinking about stopping children from using social media to protect them from online risks like cyberbullying, harmful content, and privacy issues. The new rules would require strict checks to confirm age and block access for younger kids. Supporters believe this will help protect children’s mental health, but some people are concerned it might be hard to enforce and could limit personal freedom. This decision reflects a wider global conversation about keeping kids safe online.

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

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the phrasal verb “to clamp down on” mean? “The Prime Minister wants to clamp down on young people’s use of social media.” Give 2 synonyms or similar expressions and make a sentence using the phrase.
  2. What does the expression “worried sick” mean? “Parents are worried sick about the effect of social media to their children.” Give 2 synonyms or similar expressions and make a sentence using the phrase.
  3. Explain the “sledgehammer approach“. “Critics say that imposing the minimum age for children using social media is a sledgehammer approach.” Use the term in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the potential benefits and drawbacks of banning children from using social media in Australia?
  2. How might this ban impact children’s social development and their ability to communicate with peers?
  3. What alternative measures could be implemented to ensure children’s safety online without a complete ban on social media?
  4. Do you believe a ban on social media for children is an effective way to protect them from online dangers? Why or why not?
  5. How do you think parents should balance children’s freedom and safety when it comes to social media usage?

Divorce Is a Cause for Celebration

B2 – Upper Intermediate

In many societies, divorce is often regarded as a source of shame and carries a heavy stigma. In contrast, Mauritania views divorce as a common occurrence and even an occasion for celebration, signaling a woman’s renewed availability for marriage. For generations, women have come together to feast, sing, and dance at each other’s divorce parties. Today, this tradition is evolving for a new era, incorporating personalized cakes and social media highlights alongside the traditional food and music, creating a vibrant blend of old and new.

Read this article to know how for Mauritian women, divorce is not a cause for sorrow, but for a celebration instead.

https://www.milleworld.com/in-this-tiny-arab-country-divorce-is-a-cause-for-celebration/

Vocabulary Questions:

1. What does “to weigh down” mean? “The limited options for women after divorce led to a tradition of celebrating, ensuring that their future would not be weighed down by their past.”? Use this term in a sentence.
2. What does the phrase “to start anew” mean? “Mauritian women treat the occasion of divorce as an opportunity to start anew, reiterating that there is nothing wrong with separation. ” Use this phase in your own sentence.
3. What does “lineage” mean? “To preserve lineage, alliances, and castes, women were often forced to marry their cousins.” Use this word in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How is divorce viewed in your country? Is it considered a social stigma in your country?
  2. Share your thoughts on this statement, “Some women view their previous marriages as status symbols.“.
  3. What is your opinion on “matrimonial career” in Mauritania?
  4. Share your insights on this, “Women with experience from previous marriages are often considered better prospects than young, inexperienced brides.“
  5. What is your stance on this, “Celebrating women who divorce is a lot better than shaming them.“?

Chaos Theory

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Chaos is a very common term we hear often. It is used to describe apparently random and unpredictable events. The rowdy behavior of children in a theme park might be a good example. However, scientists have a different perspective on chaos. To them, it is a system that is not completely random and yet cannot be predicted easily. This is what they refer to as “chaos theory”.

Let’s watch the video and know more about the significance and complexities of this theory.

https://www.bbc.com/reel/video/p0gn8kps/the-butterfly-effect-what-is-chaos-theory-

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the idiom “like clockwork” mean? “Chaos theory questions this deterministic vision. Not everything is predictable anymore, nor does it work like clockwork.” Use it in your own sentence.
  2. What does the verb “resemble” mean? “For example, in the calculations Lawrence used for his model, the trajectory created a pattern that resembled the wings of a butterfly.” Use it in a sentence and give two synonyms.
  3. What is the meaning of the word “trolling“? “For example, how trolling on social networks can be triggered by a single negative comment“. Use it in a sentence and give example scenarios.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is chaos theory and how is it connected to the butterfly effect?
  2. How has chaos theory influenced the development of new technologies and economics?
  3. “Chaos is not the same as disorder.” Explain this in your own words. Give example circumstances as well.
  4. “Ultimately, chaos theory introduces an element of uncertainty into our reading of the universe. It reveals the limit of our knowledge.” How does this make you feel?
  5. Give an example scenario for chaos theory.

Valencia’s Beach Cleaning Robot PlatjaBot

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The advent of cleaning robots signifies a transformative shift in the cleaning industry, particularly within service-oriented frameworks. Emphasizes that autonomous cleaning robots facilitate value co-creation among stakeholders by introducing efficiency and innovation into traditional cleaning practices.

Cleaning robots are becoming increasingly popular in households around the world. Thes advanced devices are designed to make our lives easier by taking care of the tedious cleaning task.

Read the article and learn about the first cleaning robot in a Spanish city.

Valencia Introduces PlatjaBot: Revolutionary Beach Cleaning Robot

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to sift through something” mean? “The device called PlatjaBot – is a caterpillar-type vehicle that can collect up to 10 centimeters of soil at a time and sift through it to remove any waste.” Give 2 synonyms and use this phrase in a sentence.
  2. What is a “pilot project” mean? “This PlatjaBot pilot project is part of Valencia’s Municipal Sandbox Ordinance, which was approved earlier this year.” Give 2 similar expressions and use this term in a sentence.
  3. What does the adjective “cumbersome” mean? “According to the City, the ordinance is a regulation that “allows technology to be tested in an experimental phase in a real environment, such as the entire city of Valencia, and do so without the cumbersome administrative procedures that usually accompany these authorizations.” Give 2 synonyms and use this word in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is the PlatjaBot? What are the features of this robot? What issues can you think of associated with this piece of machine?
  2. What do you think about this invention as a whole?
  3. “We are the first Spanish city to have a law that allows technology to be tested in a real environment.” What do you think about that?
  4. Is your city a Green Capital? Why or why not?
  5. What other invention/s like PlatjaBot have you found interesting recently? Talk about it/them.

Heat Waves Are Changing Summer Holidays

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The phenomenon of heatwaves is significantly altering the nature of summer holidays, particularly in urban areas where temperatures are exacerbated by the urban heat island effect. Research indicates that extreme heat events, such as those experienced in the western United States during the summer of 2021, are increasing in frequency and intensity due to climate change.

The implications extend beyond individual enjoyment; they encompass broader societal effects on physical health and social interactions. Ultimately, understanding these changes is crucial for developing effective strategies that can mitigate the adverse impacts of climate change on our summer holidays

Read the article and find out if heat waves really affect tourism in a region.

https://www.euronews.com/2023/08/08/mauritius-rather-than-mallorca-how-the-heat-waves-are-changing-our-summer-holidays

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to take a toll on something” mean? “On the Italian island of Sicily, wildfires were much less widespread and they didn’t affect many tourists. But fear of more fires has nonetheless taken its toll on booking numbers.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does the idiom “full picture” mean? “A study by the EU Commission study found a clear north-south divide on tourism demand within Europe. But what’s the full picture?”  Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does the noun “upswing” mean? “According to the European Travel Commission (ETC), a non-governmental organisation that promotes Europe as a travel destination worldwide, the European travel market is on the upswing.”  Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Share your insights related to this news.
  2. How was the situation in your country this last summer in terms of the heat and the number of tourists that the country received?
  3. Jean-Pierre Mas said: “There will be no dramatic decline. Instead, there will be a gradual change.” What does it mean?
  4. Share your own opinion why you think German Health Minister Karl Lauterbach’s tweet became controversial.
  5. “Italy’s motto: Don’t be alarmed.” Do you think they are right? Share your thoughts.

New Law Against Trafficking in Spain

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Spain recently introduced a new law aimed at combating human trafficking in the country. This law toughens penalties for those who participate in human trafficking for various purposes, such as forced labor or sexual exploitation. The government hopes this new legislation will help protect vulnerable people and punish those who exploit them.

Read the article and share your thoughts about it.

https://migrant-integration.ec.europa.eu/news/spain-new-law-trafficking_en

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is a “third-country national or TCN”? “Third-country nationals (TCNs) in Spain are disproportionately affected by crimes related to human trafficking and exploitation: traffickers take advantage of the country’s proximity with Northern Africa, its cultural connection with Latin America, and migrants’ vulnerability.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “organic law” mean? “The Spanish government announced its decision to transform the draft of the Integral Organic Law against Trafficking and Exploitation of Human Beings, promoted during the previous term, into law.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “prerogative” mean? “The key aspects of the law relate to specific prerogatives that will be granted to the victims without the need for them to file a complaint, including the rights to receive the Minimum Vital Income (MVI), to be considered priority group to access public housing, to receive legal assistance throughout the process, to receive compensation from confiscated property, and to obtain a temporary certificate of residence and work.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How big is the problem with human trafficking in your country? What are some problems caused by this illegal activity in your country?
  2. What is the new law about? What are your thoughts on some of its prerogatives?
  3. What steps can countries take to strengthen laws against human trafficking? Do you have any suggestions?
  4. How can awareness about human trafficking be raised?
  5. Talk about the things you know about the VioGén system.