Tag: First Certificate FCE

Spanish Island Magaluf Launched a Selfie Trail for Tourists

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The resort town on the Spanish island of Majorca, Magaluf, has introduced a playful twist to sightseeing: a dedicated selfie trail. Instead of wandering aimlessly in search of the perfect backdrop, visitors can follow a mapped route designed for the perfect selfie.

Let’s listen to the audio and discover how this new selfie trail is transforming tourism.

https://www.firstpost.com/lifestyle/the-spanish-island-which-has-launched-a-selfie-trail-for-tourists-13998392.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “foot traffic” mean? “While the selfie trail promotes sustainable tourism by spreading foot traffic to lesser-known scenic spots, it raises a philosophical question for the modern lifestyle.” Use it in your own sentence. Give a similar expression.
  2. What does “the lens of change” mean? “The lens of change has focused the future of the region.” Use it in your own sentence. Give a similar expression.
  3. What is the meaning of “hinterland“? “The trail moves away from the neon lights and toward the soul of the island, showcasing the rural hinterland, the historic Cas Saboners estate, and the rugged beauty of the Illa de Sa Porrassa.“ Use it in your own sentence. Give a similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why do you think destinations are creating selfie trails for tourists?
  2. How might a selfie trail change the way people experience sightseeing?
  3. Do you think a selfie trail could also be a good idea in your own city? Why or why not?
  4. What are your thoughts on this, “The Selfie Trail suggests that the best way to change behavior is not through prohibition, but through redirection.“?
  5. Share your opinion on this statement, “This new model thrives on the premise that travelers are no longer just tourists; they are publishers.“
  6. Share your opinion on this statement, “UNESCO has voiced concerns that selfie-tourism can lead to a shallow engagement with culture, where the history of a site is eclipsed by its value as a backdrop.”
  7. How does the selfie culture influence modern travel habits?

Replacing Humans with AI is Going Horribly Wrong

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The advent of generative AI has caused widespread panic among people across the globe. The fear of AI replacing the labor of common folk has been a prevalent source of terror for humans since artificial intelligence was first conceptualized. And in today’s day and age, this fear has become especially prevalent, with generative AI threatening many different fields of human work. Thankfully, recent attempts to replace individual labor with generative AI technology have resulted in lackluster and even poor results.

To find out more more, watch the video below.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “crux” mean? “What he said is the very crux of consumer generative AI today.” Use this term in a sentence. Give a similar expression.
  2. What does “pain point” mean? “They have seen revenues jump from zero to $20 million in a year. It’s because they pick one pain point, execute well, and partner smartly with companies who use their tools.” Use this phrase in a sentence. Give a similar expression.
  3. What does “smokescreen” mean? “When the broader market realized that it was all a smokescreen, the sector crashed.”  Use this expression in a sentence. Give a similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. In your opinion, why is generative AI failing to replace human work?
  2. Do you believe generative AI can be used productively? How so?
  3. Why do you believe many companies seek to replace human work with the generative AI?
  4. Share your insights on this, “The companies cutting people today in the name of AI will be the ones playing catch-up tomorrow.“
  5. Will humans ever be replaced with AI in the future? Share your opinion.

Wildlife Trade Fuels the Spread of Diseases to Humans

B2 – Upper Intermediate

A new study found that 41% of traded wild mammals carry diseases transmissible to humans, compared to just 6.4% of non-traded species.

Read the article to know more about why experts warn that activities like hunting and transporting wildlife increase the chances of future pandemics and call for stricter global regulation.

https://www.gavi.org/vaccineswork/wildlife-trade-fuelling-spread-diseases-humans-study-finds

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “spillover” mean? “The global wildlife trade could be accelerating the spillover of diseases from animals to humans” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “multilateral agreement” mean? “Currently, the main multilateral agreement governing international trade in wild species, CITES, focuses primarily on preventing extinction.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “disease emergence” mean? “To reduce disease emergence, these opportunities for encounters must be limited, and therefore the overall volume of trade.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why do you think wildlife trade still continues despite the health risks?
  2. How can governments balance economic needs and public health when it comes to wildlife trade?
  3. Do you think pandemics caused by animals are preventable? Why or why not?
  4. How might wildlife trade affect not just health, but also the environment?
  5. Would you support stricter penalties for illegal wildlife trade? Why or why not?

Heatwaves Reaching “Non-Survivable” Levels

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Recent research shows some heatwaves are already too extreme for human survival, especially for older adults. Even temperatures below previous “fatal” thresholds can be deadly when humidity and sun exposure are considered.

Read the article to know why climate change is expected to make these conditions more common.

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/apr/08/extreme-weather-heatwaves-breaching-human-survival-limits-study-finds?

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “wet bulb temperature” mean? “The absolute limit for humans to survive had been assumed to be a six-hour exposure to a wet bulb temperature of 35C.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “core body temperature” mean? “The study only looked for periods where deadly heatstroke was likely if a person was exposed for six hours and also assumed people were entering the heat with normal core body temperature.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “to zoom in to something” mean? “My first thought was ‘Oh shit’ – I really didn’t expect to see that, especially when you zoom in to individual cities.“ Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How do extreme heatwaves affect people’s daily lives in your country?
  2. Do you think your area is prepared for more intense heat in the future? Why or why not?
  3. What groups of people are most at risk during severe heatwaves?
  4. What are some simple ways individuals can protect themselves during extreme heat?
  5. Do you think governments are doing enough to address climate-related health risks like heatwaves? Why or why not?

Funding Is Vital to End the Scourge of Polio

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Health experts warn that cutting funding for polio eradication efforts could reverse decades of progress. While cases are now low in countries like Pakistan and Afghanistan, continued global support is needed to fully eliminate the disease.

Read the article to know why funding is crucial to eliminate polio.

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2026/apr/08/funding-is-vital-to-end-the-scourge-of-polio?

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “disheartening” mean? “It is extremely disheartening to read that after 2026, the UK government is to end its contributions to the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI), putting at risk the great efforts that have been made over the last 40 years to improve the health and wellbeing of children across the world” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “cornerstone” mean? “The eradication of polio is a cornerstone of the humanitarian work of Rotary International (a GPEI partner).” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “on the ground” mean here, ” Infection numbers in Pakistan and Afghanistan are very low, but this is a result of great efforts on the ground in these last two endemic countries.”? Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think are the biggest risks of wildlife trade when it comes to spreading diseases?
  2. Do you think stricter laws on wildlife trade would actually prevent future pandemics? Why or why not?
  3. How aware do you think people are about the connection between wildlife trade and human health?
  4. Should countries completely ban wildlife trade, or just regulate it better?
  5. What role do you think individuals can play in reducing the risks linked to wildlife trade?

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?