Tag: Government

B1 – Intermediate 

Distracted driving is one of the most common causes of accidents on the road. It is definitely unacceptable to be on your phone while driving. It is the same for bikers.

So, in Japan, in order to prevent more traffic accidents involving cyclists who use their phones, it is now illegal for cyclists to use mobile phones or be under the influence of alcohol while riding their bicycles.

Read the article about the new traffic laws for bikers in Japan.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2411/241104-road-traffic-laws-cycling-4.html

Vocabulary Questions:

1. What does “to be under the influence” mean? “New traffic laws in Japan make it illegal for cyclists to use mobile phones or be under the influence of alcohol when they are on their  bikes.” Use this phrase in a sentence.
2. What does “sentence” mean here, “Cyclists using phones could get a six-month prison sentence or a fine of $650.” Use this term in a sentence.
3. What does “to raise (public) awareness” mean? “Authorities say raising public awareness of the new rules could be a challenge.” Use this expression in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

1. What is the reason for this new traffic law?
2. What are the good and bad things about these new traffic rules?
3. What is your personal opinion about it and the punishment?
4. Do you have the same rules for bikers in your country? If so, what do you think of it? If not, do you think you should have them? Elaborate.
5. Do you think jail time is a heavy penalty for drunk bikers and those who use their phones while cycling? Explain your opinion.
6. How can accidents involving bikers be reduced?

B1 – Intermediate 

It is not easy to say goodbye to our loved ones when they are about to leave the country. It usually takes people a long time to finally say farewell to their family or friends at airports. 

This sometimes causes problems with traffic. So, an airport in Dunedin, New Zealand is putting a three-minute limit on goodbye hugs in their car drop-off zones.

Read the article about the new hugging policy at a New Zealand airport.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2410/241024-hugs-at-airports.html

Vocabulary Questions:

1. What does “to get someone in trouble” mean? “Hugging at Dunedin International Airport in New Zealand could get you in trouble.” Use this phrase in a sentence.
2. What does “drop-off zone” mean? “The airport has set a three-minute limit on the time people can spend hugging at the drop-off zone.” Use this phrase in a sentence.
3. What does “someone/something is not popular with everyone” mean? “The airport’s hugging policy is not popular with everybody.” Use this expression in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

1. What is the reason for this new rule?
2. What are the good and bad things about this new hugging limit?
3. What is your personal opinion about it?
4. Do you think this rule will be popular with everyone in your country? Why or why not?
5. How can traffic at the airport drop-offs be lessened?
6. How is traffic like at the airport drop-offs in your city/country?

B1 – Intermediate

In the UK, prisons are nearing full capacity, a concerning trend that experts warn leads to unsafe conditions for both inmates and staff. If arrests and convictions continue at the current pace, prison spaces are expected to run out within a matter of weeks. In an effort to address the situation, the new Labour administration announced on Friday that thousands of prisoners would be released before completing their sentences.

Discover more by reading the article about prisons in the UK having serious problems with overcrowding.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2407/240715-overcrowded-prisons.html

Vocabulary Questions:

1. What does “on the point of collapse” mean in this sentence? “Prisons are on the point of collapse“. Use the phrase “on the point of collapse” in your own sentence.
2. Define the phrase “to run out”. “ If space ran out, there would be nowhere to put those arrested or newly sentenced.” Use “to run out” in your own sentence.
3. What does the idiom “to run amok” mean? “Mahmood said there would be “looters running amok, smashing windows, robbing shops and setting neighbourhoods alight.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

1. What are your thoughts on the new Labour administration’s solution?
2. If you could offer a suggestion to address the issue, what do you think is the best approach to solving prison overcrowding?
3. What are the prisons like in your country?
4. Do you think the current prison system is effective in reducing crime in your country? Explain.

B1 – Intermediate 

Sam Carling won a seat as a Member of Parliament or MP in the recent UK general election. He is 22 years old, one of the youngest MPs the UK has ever had.

With his win, he hopes more young people will go into politics and serve the people.

Read this article about UK’s young MP.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2407/240708-member-of-parliament-4.html

Vocabulary Questions:

1. What does “beat” mean here, “Mr Carling, from the Labour Party, narrowly beat his Conservative Party rival by 39 votes.”? Give one (1) synonym or similar expression and use ‘beat’ in this context in your own sentence.
2. What does “a deprived area” mean? “He grew up in “a deprived area” in the north of England.” Give one (1) synonym or similar expression and use ‘a deprived area’ in your own sentence.
3. What does “an economic powerhouse” mean? “The Conservative Party promised to turn it into an economic “powerhouse”.” Give one (1) synonym or similar expression and use ‘an economic powerhouse’ in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

1. What do you think Sam Carling meant when he described his victory as a “political earthquake”?
2. How can growing up in “a deprived area” help Sam Carling represent the interests of the people?
3. Should young people enter politics? Share your opinion.
4. What are the good and bad things about very young politicians?
5. How much interest do you think young people in your country have in politics?
6. Talk about a very young politician from your country.

B1 – Intermediate 

Australia is having problems recruiting people to join the military. Due to this, they will be allowing citizens from the UK, Canada, and New Zealand to enlist in the Australian army.

Read the article about Australia opening up its forces to foreigners.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2406/240606-army-recruits.html

Vocabulary Questions:

1. What does “to sign up” mean? “Australia is having problems getting people to sign up for its army.” Use this phrase in your own sentence.
2. What does “a pool of people” mean? “Recruiting from a wider pool of people will help ensure [the ADF] reflects the full diversity of Australia, and is able to draw on the talents of [all] of Australian society.” Use this idiom in your own sentence.
3. What does “to draw on something” mean? “Recruiting from a wider pool of people will help ensure [the ADF] reflects the full diversity of Australia, and is able to draw on the talents of [all] of Australian society.” Use this expression in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

1. According to the article, what is Australia’s reason for changing its military recruitment policy?
2. What is your opinion about a country allowing foreigners to join their military?
3. What could be the good and bad things about letting citizens from other countries become part of another country’s army?
4. “Opposition Foreign Minister Simon Birmingham disagreed with the policy. He said it showed government failure.” Do you agree with Mr. Birmingham or not? Explain. 
5. How can a country/the government motivate people to join the military?
6. If this were to be done in your country, do you think it will be a good idea? Why or why not?

B1 – Intermediate

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has proposed a plan to introduce national service for 18-year-olds if his party wins the UK election on July 4th. Under this plan, young people would have two options: one year of military service or voluntary work commitments. The proposal aims to instill valuable skills and foster a stronger national culture in the youths. However, it has faced criticism from various experts and young people alike.

Read this article to learn more about plan to introduce national service for 18-year-olds.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2405/240530-national-service.html

Vocabulary Questions:

1. What does “national service” mean?  “The UK leader, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, says he will introduce compulsory national service if his party wins the UK election on July the 4th. Under his plan, young people will have two choices when they become 18. “ Use this phrase in a sentence.
2. Define “voluntary work”. “The second option is to do voluntary work for one weekend a month.” Use this phrase in a sentence.
3. What is the meaning of “to take away something/to take something away“? “They believe it takes away their freedom.” Use this phrase in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

1. What is your opinion about mandatory national service for 18-year-olds?
2. What could be the good and bad thing about the national service in your country?
3. What are your thoughts on this statement, “[By doing national service ] people will gain valuable skills, and help to “build a stronger national culture.“?
4. Do you believe the implementation of national service could be done in your country? Why or why not?
5. How would compulsory national service impact young people’s personal plans and goals for the future?

B1 – Intermediate

Some areas in cities are known for their wild nightlife. This means noisy people on the streets even in the late hours of the night.

In Milan, Italy, the local government wants to impose a ban on takeaway food after midnight to help the local residents get some peace and quiet beyond 12:00.

Read the article about Milan’s plans to prohibit takeaway food after midnight. Be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2404/240425-takeaway-food-ban-2.html

Vocabulary Questions:

1. What does “at the stroke of” mean, “He said a 25-year-old will not go home "at the stroke of midnight" because they cannot get a takeaway.” Use this phrase in a sentence.
2. What does “takeaway” mean, “Officials want to ban takeaway food and drink in 12 areas of the city.”? Use this term in a sentence.
3. What does ”to take a stroll” mean, ”A rule banning people from…eating an ice cream or pizza while taking a stroll won't solve a thing, as people will still stay outside.”? Use this expression in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

1. What is your opinion on this ban on takeaways after midnight in some areas in Milan?
2. Share your thoughts on this, “The goal [of this ban] is a balance between entertainment, and the peace and tranquility of residents.”.
3. In your opinion, how can there be a balance between “entertainment of partygoers and tourists and the peace and tranquility of residents” in areas that are known for their wild nightlife?
4. How do you think it is like living in a place/area like this?