Tag: First Certificate FCE

Get a Refund on a ‘Non-refundable’ Hotel Reservation

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Cancellations, especially last-minute ones, are the bane of the hospitality industry as a whol,e but most places will offer a refund if you have a reasonable excuse. 

Read the article to know what to say and do to get a difficult hotel refund.

https://lifehacker.com/how-to-get-a-refund-on-a-nonrefundable-hotel-reservatio-1848372634https://lifehacker.com/how-to-get-a-refund-on-a-nonrefundable-hotel-reservatio-1848372634

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Define the expression “life gets in the way“, “Pandemic or not, sometimes life gets in the way of your travel plans.” Use this expression in your own sentence.
  2. Define “to save a few bucks“, “When you request for a nonrefundable rate to be refunded you are essentially asking the hotel to disregard the risk that you took in order to save a few bucks.”. Use this phrase in your own sentence.
  3. Define “to have a better shot at something“, “We should note that it’s always left to the discretion of the hotel or booking site as to whether or not to give you your money back—these are just situations where you have a better shot at being successful.“. Use this phrase in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you prefer to call or email a hotel when you want to discuss something with them? Why is this the case?
  2. What are some reasons why people cancel their reservations?
  3. What do you usually pre-pay when you book a hotel?
  4. Do you know anyone who paid a cancellation fee? How much was it?
  5. What will you do if you have to cancel a non-refundable service?
  6. When was the last time you asked for a refund? Why?

Game-Changing Travel Hacks

B2 – Upper Intermediate

For people who don’t travel often, it’s stressful to get ready for a trip. Do you have any travel tips on how to enjoy the journey and not stress out about everything?

Read the article to know how you can ensure you see everything you want and don’t lose anything before traveling to your next destination.

https://theeverygirl.com/travel-hacks/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Define “all-time high“, “With airports as busy as ever and flight prices at what seems like an all-time high, we could all use a few travel hacks to get us through the trips we have coming up.” Use this phrase in your own sentence.
  2. Define the phrase “to shove something into“, “When you’re shoving all your clothes into a suitcase with shoes, bags, jackets, and more, it’s possible that they will lose their freshly cleaned laundry scent—especially if you’re going on a long trip.” Use this phrase in your own sentence.
  3. Define the expression”to find one’s self in a pinch, “We would recommend investing in a travel jewelry case, but if you ever find yourself in a pinch before a trip without one (or if you just don’t feel like buying one), there is another solution.” Use this expression in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think of these recommendations? Do you like them? Why/why not?
  2. How do you usually plan for your trips? Do you like planning them? Why/why not?
  3. What do you do to make your trips interesting and safe?
  4. What do you do to not feel stressed and worried before your trip?
  5. Share any special travel hacks you use.

Life Lessons from Centenarians

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Older people typically have distinct viewpoints and a plethora of worthwhile experiences that can help us navigate through life.

They have lived ahead of us, thus mistakes and disadvantages can be avoided by utilizing the priceless knowledge they are kindly imparting to us.

Watch the video below to learn some valuable life lessons from centenarians.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is meant by “touch wood“? “I’ve never been unlucky, touch wood.” Use it in your own words.
  2. Do you the meaning of “misspent”? “Another part of my misspent youth.” Please make your own sentence.
  3. How about “make the most of it“?” Make the most of it. Especially if it’s the first love there is nothing like it.” Try to use this phrase in your sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think as a society we value the experiences and wisdom of the elderly?
  2. Have older people ever taught you anything? If so, kindly impart the knowledge they have given you.
  3. Do you believe that advice from the elderly is helpful in navigating through life?

Cause of Grey Hair May Be Stuck Cells

B2 – Upper Intermediate

One of the many changes that occur to our bodies as we age is the graying of our hair. It has long been assumed that this results from a reduction in the production of melanin, the pigment responsible for hair color. Recent studies, however, claimed that the build-up of “stuck” cells in hair follicles may actually be the root of the grey hair problem.

According to research, these old cells don’t always get pushed out of the hair follicle as they ought to be. Instead, they “stick” in the follicle and can then cause issues.

So, what can be done to prevent or reverse the greying of hair?

Gain further knowledge on the reason behind grey hair by reading the full text.

https://www.bbc.com/news/health-65309374

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “coming out of the other side” mean in the sentence, “Post-lockdown, there is a feeling of liberty – many got into a grey hair rut because they couldn’t see their colourists, but came out of the other side and actually enjoyed the change.”? Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “stuck in limbo” mean, “New ones are made from stem cells and it’s these cells that the researchers believe become “stuck” in limbo in people whose hair has turned grey.”? Use this phrase in your own sentence.
  3. What does “fully-fledged” mean in the sentence, “The stem cells stop roaming around the follicle and become fixed, thereby failing to mature into fully-fledged melanocytes.”? Give 2 synonyms for this word and use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How does the accumulation of ‘stuck’ cells in hair follicles contribute to other hair-related problems, such as inflammation and scarring?
  2. Are there any medications or treatments that can reverse the greying of hair? Share some procedures that you know of.
  3. What are some steps that people can take to keep their hair looking healthy and vibrant as they age?
  4. Can certain vitamins and minerals prevent or reverse the greying of hair, and if so, which ones?
  5. How might a better understanding of the cause of grey hair help to develop new treatments for hair loss and other related conditions?

Vegan Diet Affects Brain

B2 – Upper Intermediate

In recent years, the vegan diet has grown in popularity as more people opt to cut out animal-based food from their dietary choices for ecological, ethical, and health-related reasons. There is no question that a vegan diet can have a number of beneficial health advantages, such as lowering the chances of cardiovascular diseases and cancer, but there are also confirmations to suggest that it may have a variety of negative effects on the brain.

Learn more about the profound impact of vegan diet to the brain by watching the video.

https://www.bbc.com/reel/video/p0dsvhvc/how-a-vegan-diet-can-affect-your-brain

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “brain fog” mean, “If you are following a strict vegan diet, it’s worth being aware of some of the low level symptoms of B12 deficiency, such as headache, fatigues, poor concentration and brain fog, and low mood and depression.”? Use this phrase in a sentence.
  2. What does “hover” mean in the sentence, “However, vegetarians have moderate to low amounts and vegans hover at around 20-30% of the adequate intake.”? Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “intake” mean, “However, vegetarians have moderate to low amounts and vegans hover at around 20-30% of the adequate intake.”? Use this word in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are some of the specific nutrients found in a vegan diet that are important for brain health?
  2. How does a vegan diet impact cognitive function in comparison to non-vegan diets?
  3. Can a vegan diet improve symptoms of depression and anxiety? If so, how?
  4. Are there any specific food or supplements that should be included in a vegan diet to support brain health? Please share.
  5. Can a vegan diet help to prevent or reduce the risk of conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia? In what way?
  6. Are there any specific challenges or considerations that individuals should be aware of when adopting a vegan diet for brain health? Tell me more.

Spain Exhumes Fascist Falange Leader

B2 – Upper Intermediate

More than four decades after his funeral, the remains of the Spanish dictator Francisco Franco was exhumed and relocated in 2019. It used to be buried in the basilica of the Valley of the Fallen. Four years later, another Fascist leader is about to reburied.

Let’s read the article and know more about this exhumation.

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-65370223

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Define the expression “to open up up the wounds of the past“. “Madrid’s mayor said the move interested “all those who understand politics as opening up the wounds of the past rather than trying to create a future for all of us.“. Give two synonyms and use it in a sentence.
  2. What does the word “ploy” mean? “The political opposition has criticised the exhumation, casting it as a ploy by the prime minister to mobilise voters ahead of May’s local elections.” Use it in your own sentence.
  3. What is the meaning of the idiom “to go one step further” in this context? “Félix Bolaños, minister for the prime minister’s office, said Monday’s exhumation went “one step further” in converting the monument into a site that did not glorify the dictatorship.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Who is José Antonio Primo de Rivera and why is his body going to be exhumed?
  2. What is your stand on this issue? Will it pacify the victims’ families or incur an additional expense?
  3. What is your opinion on the left-wing government’s campaign to put an end to the veneration of the fascist civil war victory or the Franco dictatorship?
  4. What were the key events of the Spanish Civil War?

Greenwashing: Companies Not as Sustainable as They Claim

B2 – Upper Intermediate

In recent years, the issue of environmental sustainability has become increasingly important to consumers. As a result, many companies are eager to showcase their eco-friendliness through marketing campaigns and product labeling. However, not all of these claims are genuine as some companies engage in “greenwashing,” which involves exaggerating or misleading consumers about their environmental efforts.

Watch the video to explore the concept of greenwashing.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the word “transparent” mean? “Critics said that carbon offset goals are weak and companies aren’t transparent with consumers about how they’ll achieve them.” Use the word in a sentence.
  2. What is “carbon footprint“? “Investors want to invest in companies that have lower carbon footprint.” Make one sentence using this concept.
  3. What does the phrase “to fall short of” mean? “Companies can fall short of their eco-friendly promises.” Use the expression in one sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think about “greenwashing”? Why do some companies engage in it?
  2. Does your company highlight and promote eco-friendly campaigns and product labeling ? If so, what do you think about it?
  3. As a consumer, how important is sustainability when choosing a product?
  4. What are the potential consequences of “greenwashing” for both consumers and the environment?

AI Anxiety: Workers Fear Losing Jobs to Artificial Intelligence

B2 – Upper Intermediate

AI is undeniably useful in many different industries and applications. With the increasing automation of jobs, many people are concerned about the security of their employment.

Read the article to learn more about the impact of AI on the workforce and how some workers fear for their jobs.

https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20230418-ai-anxiety-artificial-intelligence-replace-jobs

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “shy away from something” mean, “Instead of shying away from AI, employees should plan to embrace and educate.“? Use this phrase in your own sentence.
  2. What does “fluid” mean here, “It is normal to feel anxiety about the impact of AI because its evolution is fluid.“? Use “fluid” in a sentence in this context.
  3. What does “streamline” mean, “Technology advancements have shown us that, yes, technology has the potential to automate or streamline work processes.“? Use this word in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you believe that AI will ultimately create more jobs than it replaces, as some experts suggest? Why or why not?
  2. What are some potential solutions to address job displacement caused by AI?
  3. How can governments and policymakers ensure that AI is used responsibly and for the benefit of society as a whole?
  4. Do you think that there are certain jobs or industries that are more vulnerable to job displacement caused by AI than others? Why or why not?
  5. Are you concerned about the potential impact of AI on your job or industry? Why or why not?

Sneaky Ways Fast Food Restaurants Get You To Spend More

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Fast food restaurants are a popular choice for a quick and affordable meal on-the-go. However, these establishments have become experts at getting customers to spend more money than they intended. From upselling and limited-time offers to product placement and loyalty programs, fast food restaurants employ a variety of sneaky tactics to increase the total cost of your order. In this age of convenience, it’s important to be aware of these tactics and make informed decisions when ordering at fast food restaurants.

Watch this video to learn more about how fast food restaurants get you to spend more. Be ready to able to answer the questions that follow.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is the meaning of the word “playbook“? Use it in a sentence. Ex. The fast food menu playbook has been around since the ’80s which has been centered on simplicity, cheap, and bold and bright.
  2. What does the expression “grab one’s attention” mean? Make one sentence. Ex. Fast food restaurants grab your attention with bright reds or oranges along with big appetizing photos of their food.
  3. What does “the pressure is mounting” mean? Ex. When it’s time to order, the pressure is mounting. Use this expression in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are some psychological tricks mentioned in the video that get customers to spend more?
  2. Have you ever fallen for one of these psychological tricks? Share your experience.
  3. Do you enjoy eating fast food? How often do you eat it? What type of fast food menus do you usually buy?

Being Black and British

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Britain is a multicultural society. Despite the fact that Britain is supposed to be a society where ethnic minorities assimilate successfully, Britain’s Blacks – often known as Afro-Caribbeans – face some form of passive discrimination. And when circumstances are tough, things frequently grow worse.

Read the article about how it is to be Black in the UK and be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://linguapress.com/intermediate/black-and-british.htm

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the word “contingent” mean? “While a few came from Africa, the largest contingent of Black immigrants came from Jamaica and the other islands that make up the West Indies.” Make a sentence using the word.
  2. What does the word “overt” mean? “The overt racism of the National Front did not appeal to people in Britain.”. Give 1 synonym and use it in a sentence.
  3. What does the word “bigoted” mean? “Today, with all but a bigoted minority of fans, Britain’s great black footballers enjoy the same status as their white team-mates.”. Make another sentence using the word.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think of the reason why there are so many black people in Britain?
  2. What are some of the reasons why people from other countries choose to immigrate to your country?
  3. What are some of the benefits of having a diverse immigrant population in a country?
  4. How does immigration impact the job market in a new country?
  5. What role do immigrants play in your country?