Tag: First Certificate FCE

Mother of Georgia Shooting Suspect Called School to Warn of Emergency

The question of a mother’s liability for her son’s actions, particularly in cases involving serious crimes such as murder, raises complex legal and ethical considerations. In instances where a mother suspects that her child may be involved in violent behavior, the extent to which she can be held legally accountable for their actions becomes a subject of intense debate.

This article examines the implications of maternal liability in cases where there is prior suspicion of potential wrongdoing by a child, focusing on the intersection of legal duty and parental responsibility.

Read the article and share your thought about this issue.

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/sep/08/georgia-school-shooting-suspect-mother

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to seek bail” mean? “Their attorneys declined to immediately seek bail during their first court appearance on Friday.” Give a similar expression and use this phrase in a sentence.
  2. What does “taunting” mean? “The Georgia teenager had struggled with his parents’ separation and taunting by classmates, his father told a sheriff’s investigator last year when asked whether his son posted an online threat.” Give 2 synonyms and use this word in a sentence.
  3. What does “disproportionate rate” mean? “Their killings renewed the American public debate about safe storage laws for guns while also prompting parents to ponder how to talk to their children about trauma and school shootings, which occur in the US at a disproportionate rate.” Use the phrase in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Which detail/s in this news caught your interest? Talk about it/them.
  2. Do you think a parent is responsible for their child’s criminal behavior? Explain your opinion on this.
  3. What might be done to prevent this kind of horrible incidents from happening again in the future?
  4. What problems do you see among teenagers and their behaviors in your country these days?
  5. Give an example of a sensational case involving a teenager or teenagers in your country.

Being Vain Is a Good Thing

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Vanity is a part of what makes us human. From dressing up elegantly to behaving well above standards, we strive to live up to expectations in order to be perceived in a certain way. It has always been viewed negatively. However, some philosophers think that there can be no morality and no society without vanity.

Let’s watch the video and know the different perspectives on the presence of vanity in our society.

https://www.bbc.com/reel/video/p0jn44z8/you-re-so-vain-but-here-s-why-that-s-a-good-thing

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to sneer at someone” mean? “We sneer at people who think of themselves too highly.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “praise-worthiness” mean? “We want not only praise but praise-worthiness.“ Use it in your own sentence and give two synonyms.
  3. What does the idiom “to be in a Hall of Mirrors” mean? “Rousseau thought that vanity leads us to care about status more than morality. It makes us worry about the mask and not the face beneath. His vanity leaves us all living in a Hall of Mirrors.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How do you define vanity?
  2. How does vanity allow the society to function?
  3. Discuss two types of self-love mentioned in the video.
  4. When is it beneficial to be living only in the opinion of others? When is it harmful?
  5. How is vanity considered one of the modern vices? Do you agree with it?
  6. Share your thoughts on Jean Jacques Rousseau’s belief that, “We only really became modern humans when we became vain.“?
  7. What are your insights on this, “Vanity is the source of our sociability and morality.“?

24-Hour Cities

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

New York is dubbed as “The City that Never Sleeps”. But apparently, The Big Apple isn’t the only one and there are many more that are striving to become one as well.

About 100 cities in the world are called 24-hour cities. This means bustling nightlife where there are more places open all throughout the night.

It is believed that having a 24-hour city can help with a city’s economic growth. However, despite some benefits, it is still faces a deal of skepticism from people. 

Read the article to know more about the pros and cons of 24-hour cities.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ckdgqpy0lyeo

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to home in on something” mean? “Yet a growing number of cities around the world are increasingly homing in on ways to strengthen their night-time economy.” Use the phrase in your own sentence.
  2. What is a “reveller”? “But not everyone is supportive of the change: “We don’t have enough security for it,” says one concerned reveller.” Use this word in a sentence.
  3. What does “up all night” mean? “But most of those cities, including London, Sydney, and Sinatra’s beloved New York, are not up all night.” Use this phrase in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Share your thoughts on 24-hour cities. Talk about its benefits and the problems you see with it.
  2. Is your city one? Do you feel about that? If it isn’t yet, how would you feel about it becoming one?
  3. What do you think about a city’s 24-hour drinking zone?
  4. What are ways for cities to strengthen their night-time economy?
  5. What are your thoughts on night mayor or night czar’s job?

Being Alone Isn’t the Same As Being Lonely

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Loneliness isn’t just a personal issue; it’s a public health concern linked to serious outcomes like mental health challenges and early mortality. Surprisingly, recent research shows that being physically isolated doesn’t always lead to loneliness. This discovery highlights the complex nature of loneliness and suggests that being alone and feeling lonely are not the same, prompting a deeper look into what truly drives these feelings.

Read this article to learn how being alone isn’t the same as being lonely.

https://theconversation.com/lonely-extroverts-happy-hermits-why-being-alone-isnt-the-same-as-being-lonely-and-why-it-matters-235767

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Define “disentangle“. “It also provides further impetus to disentangle loneliness, physical isolation, and social isolation.” Make a sentence with this and give two synonyms.
  2. What does “to foster something“? “Addressing the root causes of loneliness and fostering social connections is essential to improving overall wellbeing.” Make a sentence with this and give two synonyms.
  3. What does the verb “to underscore” mean? “This underscores the importance of a supportive community in reducing the risk of loneliness.” Create a sentence with this and give two synonyms.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What does “being alone” mean to you? Do you think it’s different from feeling lonely?
  2. How can society better address the complex issue of loneliness beyond just reducing physical isolation?
  3. Do you think it’s possible to feel lonely even when you are with other people? Why or why not?
  4. How does your culture or background influence your feelings about being alone or being with others?
  5. What are some activities you like to do alone? Do these activities make you feel lonely or happy?

The ‘Lucky to Be Here’ Generation Could Learn from Gen Z

B2 – Upper Intermediate

In uncertain times, many adopt a “lucky to be here” mindset, which can undermine our career self-worth and control. While Millennials often settle for less due to hustle culture, Gen Z is redefining job satisfaction with a more balanced approach. By learning from Gen Z, we can better advocate for ourselves and achieve a healthier work-life balance.

Read this article to learn what Gen Z has to teach the ‘Lucky to Be Here’ Generation.

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/lucky-to-be-here-bad-career-advice_l_66a13723e4b0ac6125bcee32

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “over-index” mean? “Most people over-index on insecurity, but there are definitely some folks who swing to the other side of the pendulum a little bit too hard when they’re trying to escape that insecurity and fail to look at their growth area.” Use this in a sentence.
  2. Define “touchstone“. “If you, like me, were a Millennial who grew up watching “The Devil Wears Prada,” then this movie became one of your earliest touchstones of a “lucky to be here” mindset.” Give two synonyms and use “touchstone” in a sentence.
  3. What is the meaning of “to swing to the other side of the pendulum”? “Most people over-index on insecurity, but there are definitely some folks who swing to the other side of the pendulum a little bit too hard when they’re trying to escape that insecurity and fail to look at their growth area.” Make a sentence with this.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think of the “lucky to be here” mindset?
  2. Have you ever felt like you were just “lucky to be here” in your job? How did that mindset affect you?
  3. How did your upbringing or family background influence your views on job security and career advancement?
  4. What aspects of Gen Z’s approach to work do you find inspiring or challenging for your own career?
  5. How can the “heads down, grind it out” attitude lead to burnout and unhealthy loyalty?

AI Technology to Identify Future Olympians

B2 – Upper Intermediate

A new AI-driven system is set to revolutionize the way future Olympic champions are identified by detecting athletic talent at an early stage. The developers are working on creating a portable version of this technology, which could bring cutting-edge sports science to even the most remote areas, offering new opportunities for discovering the next generation of elite athletes.

Read this article to learn more about this AI-powered talent spotting system.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cmj2jkppvx3o

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “holy grail” mean in this context? “…spotting potential at a young age is the “holy grail” of sport.” Use this phrase in a sentence in this context.
  2. Define “roll out” in this sentence, “It is hoped that the system can be rolled out further and used to offer opportunities to people in areas which it would be impossible to reach with bulkier assessment systems.”. Make a sentence with this phrasal verb and give two synonyms.
  3. What does “computer vision” mean? “We’re using computer vision and historical data, so the average person can compare themselves to elite athletes and see what sport they are most physically aligned to.” Create a sentence with this term.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the potential benefits and challenges of using AI to predict athletic success at an early stage?
  2. Do you think using AI to find talented athletes is a good idea? Why or why not?
  3. How would you feel about the idea of AI making decisions about your future success in sports or other activities?
  4. How do you think the introduction of AI technology might influence your goals and dreams? Would it motivate you or change your plans in any way?
  5. If you could design an AI system for any purpose, what would it do, and how would it help people?

Cloud Computing

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Cloud computing is a technology that delivers various computing services over the internet, including storage, processing power, databases, networking, software, analytics, and more. These services are provided by cloud service providers like Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud Platform (GCP), and others.

Read the lesson and learn a bit more about cloud computing.

https://www.english-online.at/technology/cloud-computing/cloud-computing-applications.htm#google_vignette

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is cloud computing? “Cloud computing allows people from different parts of the world to work on a project together. ” Use this term in a sentence.
  2. What does back and forth mean? “Companies around the world can work together on a single computer and do not have to send data back and forth.” Use phrase in a sentence.
  3. What does to march forward mean? “In any case, cloud computing is marching forward and in a few years we may only be having a web browser running on our PCs.” Use this expression in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Explain the things you know about cloud computing.
  2. How does cloud computing provide flexibility to users?
  3. What are the advantages and disadvantages of using cloud computing?
  4. How does cloud computing support remote work? Elaborate.
  5. Why do you think cloud computing is the future?

Concerns Over the Future of Community Pharmacies

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

Community pharmacies are an important stop that many make in every town and city. However, some concerns have been raised about the possible disappearance of community pharmacies lately. Part of the reason is because more patients are now choosing to get their medicines online.

Read the article to know more about some of the concerns over what the future holds for community pharmacies in the UK.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cmj25466j87o

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “the heartbeat of something” mean? “We are the heartbeat of the community when it comes to healthcare because we are easily accessible to people.” Use the phrase in your own sentence.
  2. What does “the first port of call” mean? “Ifesi Anyamene runs Godstone Pharmacy, and said it is the “first port of call” for many in the village.” Use this idiom in a sentence.
  3. What does “family-run business” mean? “Ms Anyamene said many independent pharmacies were family-run businesses and “not about profit”.” Use this phrase in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. “The National Pharmacy Association (NPA) previously warned of 10 closures a week and said more than 1,400 pharmacies had closed in England in the last 10 years.” What is your reaction to and your thoughts on this?
  2. Is it really possible for a family-run pharmacies to be “not about the money”? Share your insights.
  3. In your country, there similar concerns about the problems community pharmacies are currently facing? Share about it.
  4. What do you know about the community pharmacies in your country?
  5. Is it alright for the government to squeeze community pharmacies’ fundings? Express your opinion about this.

Remove Equestrian Sports from the Olympics

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Equestrian sports have been in the Olympics for over a hundred years, highlighting the bond between the rider and their horse.

More recently, there has been a debate on whether these events should stay in the Games, with concerns about horse welfare, accessibility, and how well they fit with current Olympic values.

Read this article to know about the case for the removal of equestrian sports from the Olympics.

https://www.theguardian.com/sport/article/2024/jul/31/the-horses-dont-choose-to-take-part-should-equestrian-sports-be-removed-from-the-olympics

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the idiom “to go out of the window” mean? ““We know that whenever animals are treated as commodities and exploited for human gain, their best interests go out of the window,” says White.” Give a synonym and make a sentence with this expression.
  2. What is an “outcry”? “Having been hailed as the “golden girl” of dressage and widely tipped for a damehood, Dujardin has been banned from the Paris Olympic Games amid public outcry and a pending investigation by the sport’s governing body.” Give one (1) synonym or similar expression and use ‘outcry’ in your own sentence.
  3. Define “to put one’s foot down”. “We are trying to do everything we can to find out about unethical behaviour and put our foot down wherever it happens.” Give a similar expression and create a sentence using this idiom.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on removing equestrian sports from the Olympics?
  2. Have you ever watched equestrian sports in the Olympics? If so, what was your impression of them?
  3. How do you think the inclusion of equestrian sports in the Olympics reflects or challenges our views on animal welfare?
  4. Are equestrian sports popular in your country? What other sports do you think might harm animals?
  5. What’s your opinion on the statement, “Whenever there’s a lot of money or glory involved, people may exploit animals to make them perform a certain way.”?

EU Rejects Alzheimer’s Drug Lecanemab

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

Since its discovery in 1906, scientists have come a long way when it comes to the study and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.

Scientists have been working round the clock to gain more, if not full, understanding of how this disease affects the brain. As a result of extensive researches over time, some drugs have been used to treat it and new ones are consistently being discovered. One of which is lecanemab, a drug that had shown to slow cognitive decline.

However, despite it getting approved in the US last year, the European Medicines Agency or EMA believes that the risk of lecanemab’s adverse side effects such as bleeding and swelling in the brain outweighs its benefits.

Read the article about EMA rejecting a license for the Alzheimer’s drug lecanemab.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/crgm0v1ne08o

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “underlying mechanism” mean? “Alzheimer’s researchers hailed the trial results as “historic” because no previous drug had convincingly shown that the underlying mechanism of the disease could be slowed.”  Give one (1) synonym or similar expression and use ‘underlying mechanism’ in your own sentence.
  2. What does “value for money” mean? “Even if the drug was to be approved in the UK, it would then be up to health bodies – such as the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and the Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) – to decide whether the drug represents value for money and should be recommended to patients.”Give one (1) synonym or similar expression and use ‘value for money’ in your own sentence.
  3. What does “a turning point” mean? “In the programme, broadcast earlier this year, Prof Cath Mummery, consultant neurologist and head of clinical trials at the Dementia Research Centre at UCL, said although the benefits of the drugs were small, they represented a “turning point”.” Give one (1) synonym or similar expression and use ‘a turning point’ in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Talk about the benefits and risks associated with lecanemab.
  2. Share your opinion on EMA’s decision to reject lecanemab’s license.
  3. “Prof Tara Spires-Jones, president of the British Neuroscience Association, said the EMA’s decision will come as “a disappointment to many”.” Share your thoughts on this.