Tag: Government

Trump Pushing Ahead to Acquire Greenland

B1 – Intermediate 

Greenland is important for the USA’s Golden Dome missile defense system. This is why President Donald Trump continues to make efforts so the US can acquire Greenland.

People from Greenland are against Trump’s plans.

Read the article about Trump’s efforts to acquire Greenland.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2601/260119-greenland-5.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to go along with” mean? “He has announced 10 per cent tariffs on several European countries if they do not “go along with Greenland”.” Use the phrase in a sentence and give a synonym.
  2. What does “levy” mean? “The tariffs will start next month. The levy could increase to 25 per cent in June.” Use the word in a sentence and give a synonym.
  3. What does “at stake” mean? “He stressed that “the national security of the United States and the world at large is at stake.” Use the idiom in a sentence and give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why has acquiring Greenland been a high priority for President Trump?
  2. What are your thoughts about Trump’s desire to acquire Greenland?
  3. What is your opinion on this, “Applying tariffs on allies for pursuing the collective security of NATO is completely wrong.”
  4. What is your opinion about Trump’s statement, “The national security of the United States and the world at large is at stake. In order to protect global peace and security, strong measures be taken so that this potentially perilous situation ends quickly.”
  5. How do people from Greenland feel about US trying to acquire their country?

Asylum Seekers Use Taxis to Go to the Doctors

B1 – Intermediate 

A BBC investigation found that asylum seekers would take taxis to go to the doctor. This costs the UK government more or less 15.8 million pounds every year.

The British government will be prohibiting transferring them by taxis starting February 2026 in an effort to reduce the government’s cost on the asylum seekers’ medical appointment transfers. 

Listen to the audio and read the transcript on asylum seekers’ systematic use of cabs for visiting their doctor’s appointments costing the UK Home Office millions of pounds per year.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/asylum-seekers-use-taxis-to-go-to-the-doctors-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “asylum seeker” mean? “Ministers hope that requiring asylum seekers to use public transport for routine medical needs will significantly reduce this expense.” Use the phrase in a sentence and give a synonym or similar expression.
  2. What does “to root out” mean? “Although the ban targets medical transport specifically, ministers intend to extend the principle of using taxis only in exceptional circumstances across all asylum accommodation transfers to root out waste.” Use the idiom in a sentence and give a synonym or similar expression.
  3. What does “expose” mean? “This policy change follows a BBC investigation that exposed systematic use of cabs, including extreme examples such as a 250-mile journey for a GP visit, costing the Home Office 600 pounds.” Use the word in a sentence and give a synonym or similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Share your opinion about banning asylum seekers to use taxis to go to their doctor appointments. Do you agree or disagree with it? Explain.
  2. Share your insight on this, “Transport costs for asylum seekers, which the government has confirmed averages 15.8 million pounds (more than 18 million euros) per year.”
  3. What is your opinion about requiring asylum seekers to use public transport for routine medical needs?
  4. Is there a similar problem in your country? Talk about it.
  5. What kind of help or assistance does your country offer to asylum seekers?

Campaign Against Carspreading

B1 – Intermediate 

There is a new global trend in the automotive industry. Manufacturers prioritize the production of wider, longer, higher, and heavier cars, such as Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) and pickup trucks.

In the UK, there had been 10 times more of this type of cars compared to 20 years ago.

The Clean Cities Campaign (CCC) group wants to put an end to this.

Read the article about the campaign against carspreading.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2509/250904-carspreading.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “carspreading” mean? “Drivers are struggling to park because of carspreading, while people walking and cycling are more at risk.” Use the term in a sentence. 
  2. What are “urban spaces”? “Carspreading is when cars get too wide for urban spaces, causing congestion, increased risk of accidents, and more fuel consumption.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym or similar expression.
  3. What does “to take up a lot of space” mean? “Bigger cars take up a lot more space, but the cost of parking has stayed the same.” Use the phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym or similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the problems associated with large cars?
  2. What is your reaction to and thoughts on carspreading?
  3. Do you agree or disagree that new cars are too wide for urban spaces? Share your opinion.
  4. Do you think the CCC’s campaign against carspreading is necessary? Share your opinion.
  5. In Paris, they have tripled the parking costs for SUVs from €6 ($7) to €18 ($21) an hour which reduced the number of SUVs in the city. Do you think this should be done in your own city, too? Why or why not?

EU Airports Change the Liquid Limit

B1 – Intermediate 

Airports in the EU could soon let travelers have bigger bottles of liquid that can contain more than 100ml in their hand-carry baggage.

Thanks to a new technology, airport security will be able to detect dangerous substances.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about the EU change in the liquid limit.

Be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/eu-airports-change-the-liquid-limit-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “container” mean? “This change is possible thanks to new screening technology that can detect dangerous materials even inside large liquid containers.” Use this word in a sentence. Give a synonym. Also, give another meaning of “container”.
  2. What does “screening” mean? “This change is possible thanks to new screening technology that can detect dangerous materials even inside large liquid containers.” Use this word in a sentence. Give a synonym. Also, give another meaning of “screening”.
  3. What does “equipment” mean? “The European Commission has now confirmed that approval was given in June 2025, so airports that install the approved equipment will be allowed to use it soon.” Use this word in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your opinion on this new rule?
  2. What do you think about this, “This fact means that while the 100ml rule may disappear in some places very soon, passengers should still check the rules at their specific airport before flying.”?
  3. Should this rule be also implemented all over the world? Explain.
  4. Have you ever had any problems because you had a container or bottle of liquid larger than 100ml? Talk about your experience. 
  5. What are other rules that you have to follow at the airports in your country?

UK to Lower Voting Age

B1 – Intermediate 

Legal voting age refers to the minimum age that an individual is allowed to cast their vote in a democratic process. Most nations in the world have 18 as their voting age.

However, UK is considering to lower it to 16.

Read the article about UK’s plans to lower voting age and be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2507/250721-voting-age.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “a step forward” mean? “By [extending] the vote to younger people, we are taking a generational step forward in restoring public trust and boosting engagement in UK democracy.” Use this idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “to have a say on something” mean? “It’s only right they can have a say on the issues that affect them.” Use this phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. Explain “parent’s consent”. “Some point to the fact that 16-year-olds cannot drink alcohol, buy a lottery ticket, or get married without their parent’s consent, yet they will be able to vote.” Use this term in a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Share your opinion on this, “16-year-olds in Britain work and pay taxes, so they should be allowed to vote.”
  2. Do you think voting age should be lowered in your country, too? Why or why not?
  3. Share your opinion about this statement, “By [extending] the vote to younger people, we are taking a generational step forward in restoring public trust and boosting engagement in UK democracy.“
  4. What are the good and bad things about letting people as young as 16 years old vote?
  5. If 16 year olds will be allowed to vote, then, should they be allowed to drink alcohol, buy a lottery ticket, or get married without their parent’s consent too? Explain your views on this.
  6. What do you think is the best voting age and why?

EU Countries Bring Back Border Checks

B1 – Intermediate 

The Schengen Agreement was initially signed by Belgium, France, Germany, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands 40 years ago in 1985. At present, it has 29 member countries. 

The treaty was established to abolish border controls which guarantees free movement for people, goods, services, and capital.

This is one of the most important point of the European Union. 

However, Germany and France have reinstated border checks recently saying it is due to problems with security and terrorism, illegal immigration, and the asylum systems.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about the reintroduction of border controls in some European countries.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/eu-countries-bring-back-border-checks-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “in place” mean? “It has been in place for 40 years and is a key part of the European Union.” Use this phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym or similar expression.
  2. What does “go against” mean? “These actions may go against the values of unity and cooperation that the EU supports.” Use this phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym or similar expression.
  3. What does “bring back” mean? “However, countries like Germany and France have recently started to bring back border controls.” Use this phrase in a sentence. Give 2 synonyms or similar expressions.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your opinion about the return of internal border controls?
  2. What are the benefits and downsides of putting border controls again around Europe?
  3. Share your opinion about this, “Some experts argue that countries are using border controls for political purposes, not because of real threats.”
  4. What is your view on this, “The visible problem is the return of internal border checks. This raises questions about how well Schengen can function if countries no longer fully respect the agreement.”?

Pakistan and India Agree to Ceasefire

B1 – Intermediate 

Pakistan and India have come close to war after India blamed Pakistan for an attack on Kashmir wherein 26 civilians died.

The two countries have launched strikes on one another. Pakistan has targeted military bases in India. India fired missiles at air bases in Pakistan.

More recently, the two nations have agreed to a ceasefire and to stick to the truce.

Read the article about Pakistan and India ceasefire and be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2505/250512-india-pakistan-ceasefire-4.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Define “ceasefire”. “Pakistan said the country is committed to a faithful implementation of the ceasefire.“ Use this word in a sentence. Give a synonym or similar expression.
  2. What does “truce” mean? “Both countries are accusing each other of violating the truce.” Use this word in a sentence. Give a synonym or similar expression.
  3. What does “to de-escalate a situation” mean? “Donald Trump urged both parties to find ways to de-escalate the situation.” Use this phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym or similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What comes to your mind when you hear “ceasefire”?
  2. Share your opinion on this ceasefire between India and Pakistan.
  3. What are other ways to de-escalate the situation between countries that have conflicts?
  4. Do you think Trump’s offer to assist Pakistan and India to start talks would be helpful? Why or why not?

Reopening Alcatraz Prison

B1 – Intermediate 

Alcatraz is perhaps one of the most famous prison in the world. It is located in the middle of San Francisco Bay. In 1934, it became a high-security federal penitentiary for holding the most dangerous prisoners in America.

President Trump is thinking about reopening Alcatraz.

Read the article about the possible reopening of Alcatraz as a prison and be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2505/250508-alcatraz-prison-2.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Define “public safety threat”. “He said it could be “an option for significant public safety threats.“ Use this phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym or similar expression.
  2. What does “to be plagued by something” mean here, “America has been plagued by vicious, violent, and repeat criminal offenders.”? Use this phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym or similar expression.
  3. What does “to tear something up” mean? “It’s not realistic to think you can repair it. You’d have to tear it up and start over.” Use this phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym or similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What comes to your mind when you hear “Alcatraz”?
  2. Do you agree with the idea of reopening Alcatraz? Share your opinion.
  3. Share your thoughts on this, “Alcatraz was a symbol of law and order.”.
  4. Would your consider visiting Alcatraz as a tourist attraction? Why or why not?
  5. Are there maximum security prisons in your country? What are they like?
  6. Why are maximum security prisons necessary? 
  7. How can vicious, violent, and repeat criminal offenses be reduced?

Driving in the EU at 17

B1 – Intermediate 

Europe plans to let 17-year-olds to start driving. The EU thinks this could improve road safety. 

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about the new driving age in Europe.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/driving-in-the-eu-at-17-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Define “road safety”. “The European Union is planning to improve road safety by allowing 17-year-olds to drive with a more experienced person beside them.” Use this phrase in a sentence.
  2. Define “self-assessment”. “There will not be one rule for the whole EU, but countries are encouraged to use similar health checks either through medical exams or self-assessments.” Use this word in a sentence.
  3. What does “concerned” mean? “Some are concerned about data safety, but EU leaders say the new system will protect against fraud and hacking.”? Use this word in a sentence and give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your opinion about this new driving age?
  2. What are the good and bad things about this? 
  3. “Supervision is not enough to prevent accidents.” What is your opinion about this? 
  4. Do you think this will improve road safety? Share your opinion.
  5. What are other ways to improve road safety?
  6. What is your opinion about digital driver license?

Scotland’s Clune Park Demolition

B1- Intermediate 

Clune Park in Scotland was built more than 100 years ago for shipyard workers, but when the industry of shipbuilding started going down, people abandoned the area. 

The council plans to demolish a part of the estate and build new homes. 

Demolishing parts of Clune Park means losing its history. However, the council and some residents just aim for a new neighborhood that can serve the community in the coming years.

Listen to the audio and read the transcript about the plan to demolish Clune Park in Scotland. Be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/scotlands-clune-park-demolition-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “vandalism” mean? “It was built over 100 years ago for shipyard workers, but when shipbuilding declined, people left, and the area became known for vandalism and very low property prices.” Use this word in a sentence and give a synonym.
  2. What does “eerie” mean? “The estate is often compared to Chernobyl because of its abandoned and eerie appearance.” Use this word in a sentence and give a synonym.
  3. What does “landlord” mean? “The area’s decline has been made worse by a long conflict between the local council and private landlords.” Use this word in a sentence and give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think it is for the best to demolish Clune Park? Explain.
  2. What is your opinion on this, “Locals are sad about losing a part of their history but also hope for a better future. The council wants to create a new neighborhood that serves the community for years to come.“? 
  3. What comes to your mind when you hear “demolition”? Talk about it.
  4. Is there a place in your country that is similar to Clune Park? Share about this estate.
  5. If you were a resident of a place similar to Clune Park, would you choose to continue to live there? Why or why not?