Tag: First Certificate FCE

The Biggest Mistake Lottery Winners Make

B2 – Upper Intermediate

It seems impossible to ever win the lottery, but what if you are extremely lucky and do? If the moment comes, everything could be difficult to understand, and you might not know what to do. For the majority, it’s possible that the overwhelming excitement might lead them to lose it rapidly, which could be disastrous.

Watch the video to find out more about the biggest mistake lottery winners make.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “income stream” mean? “The annuity can provide financial stability from the start, while ensuring a steady income stream for the future.” Use this term in a sentence and give a synonym.
  2. What does “to put someone ahead” mean?  “Creating an emergency fund would put you ahead of most Americans.” Use this idiom in a sentence and give a synonym.
  3. What is the meaning of “to spend with intention”? “Understanding your values also makes it easier to spend with intention and avoid impulsive buys.” Use this idiom to make your own sentence and give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. In general, what are your thoughts on lottery?
  2. Why do you think many lottery winners end up losing all their winnings?
  3. Talk about the pros and cons of annuity and lump sum payment method.
  4. If you won the lottery, which payment option would you choose and why?
  5. Share your thoughts on this, “While lottery winners are rare, building up your own million-dollar jackpot doesn’t have to be.”
  6. Have you heard of anyone winning the lottery in your country? How did it go for the winner?

Turning Spain’s Desert into Europe’s Orchard

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

Spain is a major agricultural powerhouse. It is also tagged as the “market garden of Europe.” It is the leader in producing and exporting important crops such olive oil, wine, fruits, and vegetables.

Biosabor Farm is just one organic farm in Almeria, one of the driest parts of Southern Spain. Such farms allow the region to produce crops all throughout the year with its high-tech greenhouses.  

Watch this video about turning Spain’s desert into Europe’s orchard.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Define “blight”. “Some would say the sea of plastic is a blight on the landscape. You say it’s impressive.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  2. What is a “drip irrigation”? “Drip irrigation maximizes water use.” Use the term in a sentence.
  3. What does “patch” mean? “This patch of desert has become Europe’s orchard.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your opinion about the shrink wrapped greenhouses in Almeria?
  2. What are the good and bad things about these greenhouses?
  3. Talk about some challenges the agricultural sector of your country is currently facing.
  4. Share your insights about the crackdown on undocumented workers in the region and that despite this, it’s still possible to find a job without proper papers.
  5. More than 70% of growers transition to using natural predators as pest control. Share your thoughts.

Meta Safety Measures Amidst Social Media Fraud

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

Social media websites have become hotspots for fraudulent schemes. Cybercriminals are now using sophisticated methods to scam users leading to them losing a lot of money in the end.

Following this, Meta is implementing new regulations that aim to protect users from these fraudulent schemes on their platform.

Read the article about the safety measures Meta is implementing in Australia amidst social media fraud.

Meta Implements Safety Measures in Australia Amidst Social Media Fraud

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Define “celebrity bait”. “Meta’s move comes in the wake of a rise in “celebrity bait” scams that use AI-generated images and videos of prominent figures such as David Koch, Gina Rinehart and Anthony Albanese to promote fake investment opportunities.” Use the term in a sentence. 
  2. What does “disclaimer” mean? “Once approved, the ad will display a “payment amount” disclaimer, ensuring transparency and helping users distinguish genuine from fraudulent content.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a similar expression.
  3. What does “to come in the wake of something” mean? “Meta’s move comes in the wake ofa rise in “celebrity bait” scams that use AI-generated images and videos of prominent figures such as David Koch, Gina Rinehart and Anthony Albanese to promote fake investment opportunities.” Use the idiom in a sentence. Give a similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Talk about some social media frauds mentioned in the article.
  2. Share your insights about Meta’s new rules.
  3. What is your reaction/are your thoughts about this, “Social media platforms increasingly becoming hotspots for fraud, with cybercriminals using sophisticated techniques to deceive users.“
  4. Share your reaction to this, “AI-generated content was responsible for more than $12 billion in fraud losses last year. Projections suggest that these losses in the US could reach $40 billion by 2027.”
  5. Do you think the same problems exist in your country? Talk about it.

Orthorexia: Healthy Eating Obsession

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Sometimes, a positive habit can turn into something harmful when taken to extremes. What begins as a desire to make better choices may grow into an obsession that affects health, relationships, and daily life. This discussion looks at how balance is lost when the pursuit of “doing the right thing” goes too far.

Let’s read the article and find out more about how this happens, what signs to watch for, and why balance is so important.

Orthorexia: When Healthy Eating Becomes an Obsession

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “hard and fast line” mean? “[There] is no hard and fast line between nutritionally advisable behaviors and potentially dangerous — or even disastrous — ones.” Use it in a sentence and give a synonym.
  2. What does “besiege” mean? “On one side, we are besieged by ultra-processed, factory-farmed, nutrient-poor, and inflammatory food products, many of which are undeniably harming our health.” Use it in a sentence and give a synonym.
  3. What does “to fall squarely into something” mean? “When I first read about orthorexia 10 or so years ago, I fell squarely into that skeptical camp.” Use it in a sentence and give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think motivates people to become overly strict about healthy eating?
  2. How can an obsession with “clean” food affect someone’s social life?
  3. In what ways might orthorexia differ from other eating disorders?
  4. How could healthcare professionals help someone struggling with orthorexia?
  5. What role do social media and wellness trends play in reinforcing orthorexic behaviors?

Farmers Protest EU-Mercosur Deal

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

Farmers took to the streets of central Madrid to demonstrate against European Union’s agricultural policies and the Mercosur deal.

Farmers believe that allowing an influx of goods from countries that have lower health and environmental guarantees will have an impact on the country’s agricultural sector.

Read the article about farmers protesting against the EU-Mercosur deal.

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-02-11/farmers-tractors-gather-in-madrid-to-protest-eu-mercosur-deal

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Define “free trade agreement”. “Thousands of farmers marched into central Madrid on Wednesday to protest against European Union’s agricultural policies and a free trade agreement with a group of South American nations.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “politically charged” mean? “In Spain, farmer protests have become politically charged, with far-right nationalist party Vox having made large inroads among farmers in recent years by denouncing that the country’s largest parties – the governing Socialists and the conservative People’s Party – aren’t doing enough for the agricultural sector.” Use the phrase in a sentence. Give a similar expression.
  3. What does “to make inroads” mean? “In Spain, farmer protests have become politically charged, with far-right nationalist party Vox having made large inroads among farmers in recent years by denouncing that the country’s largest parties – the governing Socialists and the conservative People’s Party – aren’t doing enough for the agricultural sector.” Use the idiom in a sentence. Give a similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the farmers protesting against?
  2. Share your thoughts about this protest.
  3. Share your thoughts about the Mercosur deal.
  4. Talk about everything you know about your country’s agricultural policies.
  5. What are your thoughts on this, “Farmers aren’t seeking a monopoly, but they want food products produced in other countries to be produced under the same conditions that are required of them.”

Apple Unveils Environmental Progress

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Apple, one of the world’s leading technology companies, is taking significant steps to protect the environment. Recent reports show that the company is producing less pollution and working toward more sustainable manufacturing and energy practices. This move highlights Apple’s commitment to a cleaner and greener future.

Read the article to learn more about Apple hitting its new milestones in emissions reductions, clean energy, and recycled materials.

https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2025/04/apple-surpasses-60-percent-reduction-in-global-greenhouse-gas-emissions/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “ripple” mean? “Many of these facilities also serve additional customers, helping this progress ripple beyond Apple.” Make a sentence with this. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “abate” mean? “In 2024, display and semiconductor suppliers abated 8.4 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions, and the new commitments will accelerate that progress in the coming years.” Create a sentence with this. Give a synonym.
  3. Define “footprint“in this context. “Apple today announced that the company has surpassed a 60 percent reduction in its global greenhouse gas emissions compared to 2015 levels, as part of its Apple 2030 goal to become carbon neutral across its entire footprint in the next five years.” Use this in a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How might Apple’s efforts to reduce pollution affect its reputation and sales globally?
  2. How can large technology companies balance innovation, profit, and environmental responsibility?
  3. How does corporate environmental responsibility impact global climate change, and can individual actions make a difference?
  4. Can a company truly be environmentally responsible if it continues to produce millions of electronic devices every year? Discuss.

Is Human Connection the New Job Security

B2 – Upper Intermediate

What looks radical today may be necessary in the future because it’s difficult to see how human professionals could survive in an era focused on AI. Similar to Jane Wurwand, the creator of the multimillion-dollar skincare brand Dermalogica, she views “high touch,” or human connection, as the counterpart to the evolving technology of today.

To find out more about the jobs that AI can’t replace, watch the video below.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to keep spinning something out” mean?  “Numbers. Checking. Organizing. You keep spinning that out.” Use this idiom in a sentence and give a synonym.
  2. What does “to take the strength” mean?  “So we have to take the strength and move with it.” Use this term in a sentence and give a synonym.
  3. What is the meaning of “t0 box someone/something”? “As do many jobs. And even if and-it’s so-we shouldn’t box things into that’s tech and this is human.” Use this idiom to make your own sentence and give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your reaction to Jane’s idea of high touch as the counterpart of high-tech?
  2. Why do you think human connection is the “new” job security?
  3. Do you think that soft skills are becoming more important than hard skills? Share your thoughts.

Humanoid Robots at Hyundai Factories  

B1 – Intermediate 

Hyundai, a South Korean automotive manufacturer, prepares to gradually employ 30,000 humanoid robots in its car factories in the next decade. 

It’s true that many people will lose their jobs, but Hyundai said they will still need people who will train the humanoid robots.

Read the article about humanoid robots at Hyundai car factories.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2601/260112-hyundai-humanoid-robots-4.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is a “subsidiary”? “The humanoids called Atlas are being made by a Hyundai subsidiary.” Use the term in a sentence.
  2. What does “amplify” mean? “Hyundai said Atlas would advance human-robot collaboration, and assist in “evolving hardware-driven robotics designed to amplify human potential”.” Use the word in a sentence and give a synonym.
  3. What does “convergence” mean? “The robot’s maker said: “The convergence of robotics and AI will make human life safer and more enriching.” Use the word in a sentence and give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Share your reaction to this news.
  2. What comes to your mind when you hear “humanoid” and why?
  3. What are the pros and cons of using humanoids at factories?
  4. Are factories in your country using robots more these days? Talk about it.
  5. What is your opinion about this, “The convergence of robotics and AI will make human life safer and more enriching.”
  6. What do you think about this, “Hyundai acknowledged that people could lose their jobs to Atlas, but some people would be needed to train it.”?

Grit: Traits that Matter for School, Work, and Life

B2 – Upper Intermediate

“Success is not only about talent or intelligence — it’s also about grit.”

Grit is the ability to stay committed, work hard, and keep going even when things become difficult. In school, at work, and in everyday life, people with grit learn from failures, stay motivated, and continue striving toward their goals.

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


Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Define ‘willpower‘. “Strong willpower helps students and professionals stay focused on their goals, making it an important part of developing grit in school, work, and life.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does the word ‘internalize’ mean here: “Once we internalize that we can improve our skills, we might realize that we can also practice willpower.”? Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What is the meaning of ‘for something to present itself”?“In school and work, challenges will often present themselves, and grit helps us face them with determination instead of giving up.” Use the phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think grit (self-control, passion, and perseverance) is more important than high IQ scores or fine genes when it comes to achieving success? Why or why not?
  2. How has grit helped you navigate through life?
  3. In your opinion, can grit be learned, or is it something people are born with?
  4. How can schools and workplaces encourage the development of grit in students and employees?
  5. Can focusing too much on grit ever be harmful? How might balance play a role in achieving goals?

Grandparents Screen Addicts

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Although screen addiction is usually associated with younger people, many grandparents are now spending more time on their devices. They use smartphones and social media to stay connected and entertained. However, this growing screen use raises concerns about health, balance, and its impact on family life.

Watch the video about the elderlies’ growing obsession with screens and be able to answer the questions that follow.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the phrase ‘clock up’ mean? “Older people clock up longer hours in front of the TV than younger people.” Use it in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does the word ‘caveat’ mean? “There were studies in Japan showing that screen time was associated with less physical activity among the elderly and they came with caveats.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What does the idiom ‘ lose one’s marbles” mean? Some people think that grandparents are losing their marbles because they spend so much time glued to their phones and tablets.’ Make a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Is it that more elderlies are able to do less physical activities because of the screens or they’re spending more time on their screens because they’re less able to do physical activities? Which do you think is the case?
  2. In your country, do you think grandparents spend too much time on their phones compared to younger people? Why or why not?
  3. Is screen use helpful or harmful for elderly people? Share your opinion.
  4. How can older adults balance screen time with other activities?
  5. What are some activities that the elderlies usually partake in in your city/country?