Tag: Government

B1 — Intermediate 

Icelanders voted against restarting talks to join the EU. Most voters did not support the idea. They want Iceland to stay outside the EU. The vote shows that EU membership is still a debated issue in Iceland.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about Iceland rejecting EU accession talks.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/people-in-iceland-say-no-to-the-eu-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

1. What does “national referendum” mean? “Icelanders have voted against resuming membership talks with the EU in a national referendum.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
2. What does “to bring something forward” mean? “Prime Minister’s government had brought the vote forward due to global geopolitical tensions.” Use the verb phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym.
3. What does “to fail to excite someone” mean? “In contrast, the YES campaign ran a very technical campaign that failed to excite the public.” Use the idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

1. Why did the NO vote win in the referendum in Iceland?
2. Do you think Iceland should join the EU? Why or why not?
3. What are some benefits and disadvantages of being an EU member?
4. Do you think people should vote on important national decisions?
5. Can a small country be successful without joining the EU? Why?

B1 — Intermediate 

The UK government plans to allow a tourist tax on overnight stays by 2029. It will apply to hotels, B&Bs, and short-term rentals.

The tax may be up to 5% of the stay’s cost. However, the hospitality industry opposes it. They fear it could reduce tourism and cause thousands of job losses.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about the introduction of tourist tax in England.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/englands-tourist-tax-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

1. What does “tourist tax“ mean? ”The UK government will allow mayors in England to introduce a tourist tax on overnight stays before 2029.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
2. What does “uncapped” mean? “While the charge is uncapped, local leaders, including London’s mayor, expect to keep it under 5% of the total accommodation cost.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym.
3. What does “to deter” mean? “Furthermore, extra fees might deter both international and domestic travelers and drive them toward destinations without visitor levies.” Use the verb in a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

1. What is your opinion about the tourist tax in England?
2. “While the charge is uncapped, local leaders, including London’s mayor, expect to keep it under 5% of the total accommodation cost.” What is your opinion on this amount? Is it fair?
3. Share your thoughts on this, “Experts warn that a 5% tax could reduce tourism spending by 1.8 billion pounds (2.1 billion euros) and destroy nearly 33,000 jobs by 2030.”
4. Do you agree or disagree: “Extra fees might deter both international and domestic travelers and drive them toward destinations without visitor levies.”? Explain.
5. Would you pay more to visit a country with a tourist tax? Why?

B1 — Intermediate 

The fast expansion of AI data centers in Georgia has led to a big rise in electricity demand. To support this growing need, the state’s primary utility company is significantly increasing its network of high-voltage transmission lines.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about companies acquiring private lands to build data centers in Georgia.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/companies-take-peoples-land-to-build-data-centers-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

1. What is a “utility company”? ”To meet this need, the state’s main utility company is rapidly expanding its high-voltage power lines.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym.
2. What does “eminent domain” mean? “While Georgia Power claims it offers fair compensation, many families feel forced into settlements because the company can use eminent domain to seize private land without the owners’ consent.” Use the expression in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
3. What does “to seize” mean? ”While Georgia Power claims it offers fair compensation, many families feel forced into settlements because the company can use eminent domain to seize private land without the owners’ consent.” Use the verb in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

1. Is it ethical to use eminent domain to build infrastructure that largely benefits the private companies, such as AI data centers? Share your opinion.
2. What good things can happen when we build more energy infrastructure for AI?
3. How would you react if transmission lines were planned to pass through your property?
4. Should companies continue developing new technology even if it causes problems for local communities? Why or why not?
5. If you were in the government, how would you balance economic growth and people’s rights?

B1 — Intermediate 

Rumen Radev said that Bulgaria will stop sending weapons to Ukraine. He believes Bulgaria has already helped Ukraine enough. He also thinks that the war should end through peace talks, and not more fighting.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about Bulgaria not giving military aids to Ukraine anymore.

https://newsinlevels.com/products/bulgaria-stops-helping-ukraine-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

1. What does “stance” mean? “This decision reflects the stance of the newly elected government, as Radev took office in May 2026 after his party won the parliamentary elections.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
2. What is the meaning of “peace negotiation”? ”He also suggested that both sides must begin peace negotiations.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym.
3. What does “to call for something” mean? “He also believed that a peaceful solution cannot be achieved through military means and calls for a diplomatic end to the war.” Use the idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

1. What is your opinion about Bulgaria’s decision?
2. How could this affect Ukraine?
3. Bulgaria Prime Minister Rumen Radev believes that a peaceful solution cannot be achieved through military means and calls for a diplomatic end to the war. Share your opinion about this statement.
4. Another party argues that stopping military aid damages Bulgaria’s reputation and trust among its NATO and European Union allies. Do you agree or disagree? Explain.
5. Should countries continue to provide military aid to other countries at war? Explain your answer.

B1 — Intermediate 

Bolivia has major anti-government protests and road blockades. About 60 roadblocks are causing shortages of food, fuel, and medicine across the country. 

Protesters want President Rodrigo Paz to resign or hold new elections. The political problems began after economic problems and unpopular government decisions. The President is now considering a state of emergency to end the blockades.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about the protests in Bolivia.

https://newsinlevels.com/products/big-protests-in-bolivia-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

1. What is a “blockade”? ”Nearly a month of anti-government protests and road blockades have pushed Bolivia to a breaking point, according to the President.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym.
2. What does “to push someone/something to a breaking point” mean? “Nearly a month of anti-government protests and road blockades have pushed Bolivia to a breaking point, according to the President.” Use the idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
3. What does “subsidy” mean? “President Rodrigo Paz was elected last October during a difficult economic crisis, but he later angered low-paid and rural Bolivians by stopping fuel subsidies and joining right-wing parties.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

1. Share your opinion about the protests and blockades in Bolivia.
2. What are some things that anger the citizens of your country nowadays?
3. What is your opinion about President Rodrigo Paz’s solution to consider a state of emergency in Bolivia?
4. What could happen if these protests continue for a long time?
5. How would your daily life change if roads in your area were blocked?

B1 — Intermediate 

The Papua region in Indonesia has the world’s third-largest tropical rainforest and rich biodiversity. However, large government projects are causing serious environmental and human rights problems.

The new film Pesta Babi (Pig Feast) shows how the government exploits the land and people from local communities in Papua. This is why the Indonesian authorities are trying to prevent people from seeing the film.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about the controversial documentary film from Indonesia.

https://newsinlevels.com/products/indonesia-stops-a-movie-about-papua-forests-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

1. What is the meaning of “sacred”? ”However, these forests are the home of Indigenous Papuans who depend on them for survival, and their sacred sites are located there.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym.
2. What does “screening” mean here, “The military stopped screenings at universities because they said the topic was too sensitive and could cause trouble.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
3. What does “sold-out” mean? “The government’s attempts to ban the documentary have generated massive publicity, which has led to sold-out screenings across the country.” Use the expression in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

1. Why is the Indonesian government trying to stop the showing of this documentary film? What is your opinion about that?
2. What is your opinion about the makers of this film getting serious threats and the police watching them?
3. If there was a similar documentary in your country, would you like to see it even if your government prohibits it?
4. Talk about a very controversial issue in your country that you think the government tried to prevent people from knowing about.
5. What are some of the most politically sensitive topics in your country or in the world right now? 

B1 — Intermediate 

Sagrada Família is now the tallest church in the world. It took 144 years to build. Antoni Gaudí designed the church. Millions of tourists visit it every year. 

New building plans including a grand staircase and a park in front of the main church entrance are causing concerns. Some residents are worried that they might lose their homes because of these development projects.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about the worries of residents about these future projects at the Sagrada Familia.

https://newsinlevels.com/products/sagrada-familia-and-worried-neighbors-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

1. What is the meaning of “demolish”? ”To build the new staircase, the city might need to demolish several blocks of residential houses.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym.
2. What is the meaning of “residential houses”? “To build the new staircase, the city might need to demolish several blocks of residential houses. ” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
3. What does “identity” mean in this sentence? “Many people fear they will lose their homes and their identity in the neighborhood.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

1. Why are some people against the new staircase and park project?
2. What is your opinion about the future plans for this church?
3. Have you been to the Sagrada Familia? What do you think about it?
4. Do you think historical buildings should continue to be expanded or changed? Why or why not?
5. What problems can occur when cities develop areas around famous landmarks?
6. Do you think it is fair to remove homes to complete a public project? Explain your answer.
7. How can we balance tourism, history, and the needs of local residents?
8. What would you do if a major construction project affected your neighborhood?

B1 –  Intermediate 

Japan is now punishing bikers who don’t drive properly. This is because accidents have increased. Many accidents involved pedestrians.

A new law will let police give fines. Riders can be fined for using a phone, not stopping at red lights, or riding with earbuds or an umbrella. The highest fine is about $75.

Last year, there were over 67,000 bicycle accidents. Many happened because riders didn’t follow the rules. Some people were badly hurt.

The law is for people aged 16 and older. Small first mistakes may only get a warning.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about the new rules for bikers in Japan.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/new-rules-for-bikers-in-japan-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

1. What does “recklessly” mean? “Japanese police are starting to punish people who ride bicycles recklessly, following a record number of accidents that involved pedestrians.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
2. What does “a record number of something” mean? “Japanese police are starting to punish people who ride bicycles recklessly, following a record number of accidents that involved pedestrians.” Use the idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
3. What does “fine” mean here: “It allows officers to issue tickets and fines for breaking rules.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

1. What is your opinion about these new rules for bikers in Japan?
2. “The highest fine is about $75.” What is your opinion on this amount?
3. What is your reaction to this, “Last year, there were more than 67,000 bicycle accidents in Japan.”?
4. How can bike accidents be prevented?
5. Talk about some rules for bikers in your country.
6. Is your city suitable for biking? Talk about it.

B1 –  Intermediate 

After the AI company Anthropic refused to give the Pentagon full access to its AI system, the US government decided to end its agreement with the company.

Right away, OpenAI struck a deal with the Pentagon, with promises of better security measures. 

Listen to the audio and read the transcript about the cooperation between OpenAI and Pentagon.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/openai-changes-the-deal-with-the-pentagon-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

1. What does “measure” mean here, “In response, CEO Sam Altman said the company would make changes and add more safety measures.”? Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
2. What does “misuse” mean? “Many people worry about risks and the possible misuse of powerful technology.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
3. What does “administration” mean here, “Anthropic didn’t want to give the Pentagon full access to its AI system. Because of this disagreement, the Trump administration ended its cooperation with the company.”? Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

1. Share your opinion about OpenAI striking a deal with the Pentagon immediately after Anthropic. Do you think they “acted too quickly and tried to take advantage of the situation”?
2. Do you think that OpenAI could really make changes and add more safety measures when it comes to the government using their AI system? Share your opinion.
3. Share your opinion about the growing use of AI in wars. 
4. What could be some risks and the possible misuse associated with AI technology?