Tag: First Certificate FCE

Why Does Japan Work So Hard?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Japanese workers are known for their strong work ethics and dedication to their jobs, often working long hours and rarely taking vacations. This cultural phenomenon can be attributed to a variety of factors that have shaped the country’s labor practices and attitudes towards work.

Japan’s strong work ethics can be attributed to a combination of cultural values, societal expectations, and economic pressures. While this dedication has led to impressive economic growth and technological advancements, it has also raised concerns about work-life balance and employee well-being.

As Japan continues to navigate through these challenges, it will be important for both individuals and policymakers to find ways to promote healthier attitudes towards work while still maintaining the country’s reputation for diligence and work excellence.

wLearn more about why Japanese work so hard by watching the video.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to curb the number” mean? “Japan’s government has considered several initiatives to curb the number of hours spent at the office, including making it mandatory to take at least five vacation days a year and requiring a rest period between the end of one day and the start of another.” Use this term in a sentence.
  2. What does the noun “to put in the hours” mean? “In order to maintain its massive size, Japan needs to put in the hours.” Use this term in a sentence.
  3. What does “to fill in the gap” mean? “So without more immigrants, it’s looking to robotics to fill in the gap.” Use this term in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why does Japan work so hard?
  2. What are Japan’s work culture problems and what are their solutions to these problems?
  3. Share your thoughts on the culture of overworking.
  4. How does the work culture in your country compare to Japan?
  5. Cite some examples of work culture issues in your country.

Finland’s Startup Makes Food Out of Thin Air

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Finland’s wizards have been making waves in the culinary world with their innovative technique of creating food out of thin air. This groundbreaking approach involves utilizing a process known as air-based protein production to generate nutrient-rich edibles without the need for traditional agricultural methods. By harnessing the power of microbes, these wizards are able to transform carbon dioxide and water into proteins that can be used as ingredients in a variety of dishes.

As this technology continues to evolve, it has the potential to revolutionize the way we think about food production and consumption. By pushing boundaries and challenging conventional norms, Finland’s wizards are paving the way for a more sustainable and efficient future in which hunger may become a thing of the past.

Learn more about this innovation by watching the video.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “ploughing” mean? “But instead of ploughing, fertilizing, and harvesting, the flower stems from dried liquid made in a miniature bioreactor inside a laboratory.” Use this term in a sentence.
  2. What does “to suck (something) in” mean? “The process requires significantly fewer resources than meat or milk and the use of direct air capture to suck in CO2 from the atmosphere is good news for the environment.” Use this term in a sentence.
  3. What does “introduce” mean here, “The company hopes to introduce their product to the market in early 2023.” Use this term in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Explain the process of producing food out of thin air.
  2. What are your thoughts on this technology?
  3. If this kind of innovation continues, what do you think the future of food production will look like?
  4. Have you ever tried a lab-grown food? How does it taste like? If not yet, would be interested to try it?
  5. Share your thoughts on this statement, “Our gift to the society is disconnection from agriculture. We don’t use any agricultural raw materials even. Therefore, we can let agricultural land to be freed from agriculture and basically let forest grow back.“.

Japan Keeps Its Elderly Employed

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Japan’s labor shortage caused by its aging population and declining birth rates has become a pressing issue. To address this challenge, many seniors are stepping into new roles within the workforce. This trend not only helps mitigate the labor gap, but also allows older adults to stay active and engaged in society. The involvement of seniors in various sectors is reshaping Japan’s labor landscape and prompting discussions on the potential benefits and challenges of an aging workforce.

Read this article and also watch the video on how elderly workers help Japanese companies make up for labour shortages.

https://www.dw.com/en/how-japan-keeps-its-elderly-employed-and-active/a-59516633

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “sprightly” mean? “A sprightly and energetic 68-year-old, Atsuko Kasa says she has absolutely no intention of slowing down.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘sprightly’ in your own sentence.
  2. What does the word “silver” mean here, ““However, elderly people today are so much more healthy and energetic than back then, and they simply do not consider themselves to be ‘silver‘.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘silver’ in the same context in your own sentence.
  3. What does “to forgo” mean? “Kasa, who used to work in the accounting department of a cosmetics company, is one of the legions of elderly Japanese citizens who have opted to forgo the traditional retirement hobbies of gardening, get-togethers with friends and looking after the grandchildren.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘to forgo’ in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on “gig work” for pensioners?
  2. What are the main factors contributing to Japan’s labor shortage?
  3. Do you think the integration of seniors into the workforce is a viable long-term solution to Japan’s labor shortage? Why or why not?
  4. How might the presence of seniors in the workforce influence workplace dynamics and intergenerational relationships?
  5. Do you believe there is an age limit beyond which individuals should not be expected to work? Why or why not?
  6. How can society balance the need for seniors in the workforce with the need to provide opportunities for younger workers?

Is MSG Bad for You

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Monosodium glutamate, commonly known as MSG, is a flavor enhancer often used in Asian cuisine, processed foods, and soups. It has been a topic of controversy for decades, with some claiming it causes adverse health effects, while scientific research largely indicates it is safe for consumption.

Watch the video to learn more about MSG and be able to answer the questions below.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the word “hunch” mean? “Kwok’s connection between his headache and his common seasoning in American Chinese seasoning was just a hunch.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘hunch’ in your own sentence.
  2. What does “staple” mean? “By 1930’s, MSG was a kitchen staple across most of Asia.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘staple’ in your own sentence.
  3. What does the word “binge” mean? “It is possible that binging MSG produces headaches, chest pains and heart palpitation for some people.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘binge’ in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think MSG should be avoided to maintain a healthy diet? Why or why not?
  2. Have you ever experienced adverse effects after consuming MSG? How did it influence your view on it?
  3. Do you believe the negative reputation of MSG is justified? Why do you think it persists despite scientific evidence?
  4. Should restaurants and food manufacturers be required to disclose the use of MSG on their labels and menus? Share your thoughts.
  5. Would you choose a product labeled as “MSG-free” over one that contains MSG? Why or why not?

Reasons You Wake Up Tired

B2 – Upper Intermediate

We often find ourselves sacrificing sleep in order to complete assignments, study for exams, work, or participate in social activities. The prevailing belief is that the less hours of sleep we get, the more energetic we will feel. However, recent research has shown that this may not necessarily be the case.

Sleep plays a crucial role in maintaining our energy levels and overall well-being. It is during sleep that our bodies repair and regenerate, allowing us to wake up feeling refreshed and revitalized. Inadequate sleep can lead to feelings of fatigue, decreased cognitive function, and a weakened immune system.

Read the article and learn why sometimes we feel more tired after getting a really good night’s sleep.

https://edition.cnn.com/2022/08/10/health/waking-up-tired-reasons-solutions-wellness/index.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is “sleep inertia”? “This discrepancy is often due to a heightened state of sleep inertia, a circadian process that modulates memory, mood, reaction time and alertness upon waking.” Use this term in a sentence.
  2. What does the idiom “to toss and turn” mean? “Maybe your bed partner has a sleep disorder and snores or tosses and turns.” Use this idiom in your own sentence.
  3. What does “shift-based” mean? “Sometimes our schedules differ on weekdays versus weekends. Schedules can also fluctuate for people with shift-based jobs.” Use this adjective in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What have you learned from the article?
  2. Are you the type of person who can function with very little sleep? Why or why not?
  3. Do you think you regularly get enough sleep? If not, how can you maintain good performance throughout the day?
  4. Dr. Kashani said that “The most important sleep habit is to sleep. To sleep as much to sleep as much as your body needs and when your body needs it.” Do you agree? Elaborate on your answer.
  5. Would you consider seeing a sleep specialist or going to a sleep clinic should the need arise? Explain.
  6. What’s your sleep environment and routine like?
  7. Have you ever had any sleep problems? What did you do to fix it?

Origins of the Word “Lesbian” 

B2 – Upper Intermediate

“Etymology” is derived from the Greek word etumos which means “true”. It is the study of the origin of words and how its meaning has changed over time. There are so many fascinating histories of words. One of them is the word “lesbian”.

In ancient Greece, Sappho was a revered singer and erotic poets. She often wrote songs about love, passion, and longing. Coincidentally, Sappho was from Lesbos and people from there were called “Lesbian”.

Watch the video and know more about the surprising origins of the word “lesbian”.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the verb “enrapture” mean? “More than 2,500 years ago, one of ancient Greece’s most celebrated pop stars and erotic poets enraptured listeners.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘enrapture’ in your own sentence.
  2. Define the word “licentiousness“. “One 2nd century Christian leader called Sappho ‘a whore who sang about her own licentiousness.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘licentiousness’ in your own sentence.
  3. What does the idiom “to reach across time” mean? “Sappho’s words reach across time and resonate today.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘to reach across time’ in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Share your thoughts on Sappho’s story.
  2. Share your opinion about how only fragments of Sappho’s works survived.
  3. What were the gender and social inequalities in ancient Greece? And how does this compare to modern times?
  4. Talk about a famous person from your country and their works that have endured the test of time.
  5. Talk about an etymology of a word or phrase that you find rather interesting and explain why you thought this was amusing.

Transplanting a Head to Another Body

B2 – Upper Intermediate

As time moves forward, so as our technology. However, how far can this development go before we stray too far? We have been constantly finding new ways to extend the lives of those around us, and Robert White’s idea to do this is a head transplant.

Finding a way to perform a head transplant is one of the most controversial ideas in all of medicine. Provoking questions of possibility and feasibility, even if it were possible, is this transplant worth pursuing?

To find out more, watch this video:

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Explain “brain cooling”. “Brain cooling revolutionized the field of neurosurgery and put White one step closer to his body transplant goal.”  Create a sentence using this term.
  2. What does “fraught with something” mean? “But this vision was fraught with serious ethical concerns.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘fraught with something’ in your own sentence.
  3. What does “immune rejection” mean? “The brain appeared to survive a head transplant, and with high doses of drugs, could live without immune rejection.” Use this term to make your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your stance on the idea of a head transplant? Elaborate on your answer.
  2. What are the possible benefits of head transplantation?
  3. What are the problems with the idea of a head transplant?
  4. Do you think that a head transplant is possible? Explain your insight.
  5. Do you think scientists should pick up where Dr. White left off? Explain your thoughts.
  6. Do you believe that “part of the ‘self’ reside outside the mind”? Elaborate on your belief.

Florida’s Free Prison Labor

B2 – Upper Intermediate

In the Sunshine State, Florida, the issue of prison labor raises significant ethical and economic questions, as a majority of incarcerated individuals are compelled to work without compensation. This practice, deeply ingrained in the state’s penal system, sparks debate over labor rights, rehabilitation, and the broader implications for justice and society.

Learn more about this issue by reading this article.

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/jun/21/florida-unpaid-prison-labor

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to turn a blind eye” mean? ““Is it shocking that Florida is seeming to turn a blind eye to prison slavery? No, not at all,” said Bianca Tylek.” Make a sentence with this.
  2. Define “in the wake of something”. “No criminal charges were filed against the officers involved and no reforms were enacted in the wake of the incident.” Use this in a sentence.
  3. What does “unabated” mean? “Kimber Tough, an organizer with Florida Prisoner Solidarity based in Gainesville, Florida, helped with efforts to get Alachua county, Florida, in 2019 and the University of Florida in 2020 to stop using prison labor, which included numerous protests and advocacy efforts. But across the state, the practice still continues unabated.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘unabated’ in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How do you personally feel about the practice of unpaid labor by incarcerated individuals in Florida’s prisons?
  2. In your opinion, should inmates be properly compensated for their labor while incarcerated? Why or why not?
  3. How can individuals and communities advocate for changes in the treatment and compensation of incarcerated workers in Florida?
  4. State your insights on this statement, “Florida charges prisoners debt, with prisoners levied $50 a day for their incarceration, which can often leave people trapped in debt once they are released.“.
  5. Talk about the prison labor system in your country.

Brazilian Women Protest Bill Equating Late Abortions with Homicide

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Hundreds of demonstrators assembled outside Brazil’s National Congress in Brasilia on Wednesday to protest against a bill aimed at further criminalizing abortions. This proposed legislation has sparked outrage and mobilized activists across the country, highlighting deep divisions over women’s reproductive rights.

Learn more about this protest by reading this article.

https://apnews.com/article/brazil-abortion-bill-protests-rape-21ee9a590cafdaa11108b54029660ba8

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is the meaning of “to take to the streets”? “Thousands of demonstrators took to the streets of Sao Paulo on Saturday as protests sweep across Brazil in opposition to a bill that would further criminalize abortions.” Use this in a sentence.
  2. Define “to be whipped from all sides” in this context. “We are being whipped from all sides, us women. It’s past time we do something.” Use this in a sentence in this context.
  3. What does “emblazoned” mean? “Placards, stickers and banners emblazoned with the slogan have abounded during demonstrations.” Make a sentence with this expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How do you feel about equating late abortions with homicide?
  2. In your opinion, how should the government respond to the concerns raised by the protesters?
  3. How do you think international attention could impact the debate over this bill in Brazil?
  4. How does the abortion law in your country compare to the proposed legislation in Brazil?
  5. What is your insight on this, “Late access to abortion reflects inequalities in health care.“?

World’s Strangest Levies

B2 – Upper Intermediate

From blueberries to piercings, junk food to baby name approval taxes, the world is full of unusual levies that go beyond the standard income, property, and sales taxes we’re all familiar with. Imagine being taxed on the junk food you eat or the number of times you flush the toilet. These peculiar taxes not only reflect the diverse strategies of local governments but also ignite debates on their fairness and effectiveness.

Read this article to know the most unconventional taxes implemented across the globe.

https://www.euronews.com/business/2024/06/21/what-a-taxing-thought-where-in-the-world-you-find-the-strangest-levies

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to draw the purse strings tight” mean? “These and several more odd taxes might make you pause and draw the purse strings tight again.” Use this expression in a sentence.
  2. Define “eating away at something”. “It cites rising interest rates, labour costs and inflation which are all eating away at blueberry profit margins.“ Make a sentence.
  3. What is the meaning of “to face the brunt of something”? “I fear that in the not-so-distant future, lesser skilled employees will face the brunt of redundancies as their jobs are taken by robots.” Use this in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Which of the levies in the article do you think are the most and least reasonable?
  2. How do you personally feel about governments using taxes to influence people’s behavior, such as with junk food taxes or carbon emission taxes?
  3. In your opinion, what are the potential benefits and drawbacks of implementing a robot tax in industries that rely heavily on automation?
  4. If you could propose a new tax to address a pressing issue in your country or community, what would it target and why?
  5. Should taxes be used as a tool to address environmental issues, such as reducing carbon emissions or promoting sustainable practices? Why or why not?