Tag: Government

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Natural or man-made disasters and major events could disrupt people’s everyday life. The dissemination of news of such events is usually communicated through mainstream and social media, but not everyone is on these platforms. The UK will be be testing a new alert system to inform its citizens about such events by mobile phone.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about this new public alert system.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/uk-public-alert-system-level-1/

Vocabulary Questions:

1. What does “vibrate” mean? “…millions of phones in the UK will make a loud noise and vibrate.” Give two synonyms and use this word in a sentence.
2. Define the word “warning“. “It will be a warning sound“. Use it in your own sentence.
3. What does the word “marathon” mean? “For example the London Marathon or football matches.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

1. How does the new UK public alert system work?
2. What are the pros and cons of this new alert system?
3. What public alert system do you have in your country? In what situations, do you receive such an alert?
4. Do you find this public alert system helpful or distracting? Why or why not?
5. How do you prefer to be alerted about emergencies or natural disasters? Why is this your choice?

B1 – Intermediate

Finland had not been a part of any alliance since 1945. However, with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the country changed its position and decided to join NATO. 

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about Finland joining NATO.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/finland-joins-nato-level-2/

Vocabulary Questions:

1. What does ”alliance” mean, “Since 1945, Finland wasn’t part of any alliance, but when Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, the country changed its policy.“? Use this idiom in your own sentence.
2. What does “escalate” mean, “In a reaction, Russia said that it would increase its military activity in the northwest and that the fact that Finland joined NATO could escalate the conflict in Ukraine.“? Use this phrase in your own sentence.
3. What does “pact” mean, “The NATO Collective Defense Pact says that if an attack on one NATO member happens, it is an attack on all.“? Use this word in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

1. What are the pros and cons of being a member of NATO?
2. What is your opinion about Finland’s decision to join NATO?
3. In your opinion, should Sweden and other countries do the same? Why or why not?
4. One of the founding principles of NATO is that an armed attack on one member nation would be considered as an attack on all. Share your opinion on this.
5. Share something you know about NATO.

B1 – Intermediate

Argentina used to be a rich country. A century later, it isn’t the case anymore. The country has faced so many crises over the years and it has not been easy for the people. This year, inflation in Argentina could go up to 100%. 

Listen to the audio and read the transcript about the crisis in Argentina and what people are doing to survive it.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/argentina-crisis-level-1/

Discussion Questions:

1. How is Argentina affected by the economic crisis?
2. What are some Argentines doing to survive this crisis?
3. How is your country affected by the economic crisis?
4. Have you any adjustments in your lifestyle/spending habits due to inflation? Cite some of them.
5. What are your thoughts on barter clubs?

B1 – Intermediate

For women, having their menstruation can be a nuisance. Nowadays, another problem they are facing is the high prices of these products that they use when they have their periods.

Scotland created a law that provides these types of products to women of all ages in their country for free.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about Scotland providing free period products to its female citizens.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/free-period-products-in-scotland-level-2/

Discussion Questions:

1. Share your reaction to this law. Is a law such as this necessary in every country? Why or why not?
2. What is your reaction to this, “Some women have so little money that they can’t buy these products every month.”?
3. What might be other problems women have with their physical hygiene?
4. In your country, what other laws can the government create to help women in maintaining their health?

B1 – Intermediate

A lot of places in the world are amazing and they need to be protected. One of them is the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. Tourists go here to the see incredible coral reefs.

However, the UN claims that the reef is dying. Australia disagrees with what the UN is saying. This statement is not good for their country’s tourism industry.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript to know about the UN and Australia and their position on the Great Barrier Reef’s state.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/the-great-barrier-reef-level-1/

Discussion Questions:

1. Do you think the UN was right in saying the reef is dying? Explain.
2. What can you say about Australia’s reaction to this statement?
3. What do you think is the best thing to do in this situation?
4. What do you think about the GBR? Would you like to visit it someday? Why or why not?
5. What are some UNESCO World Heritage Sites in your city/country? Do you think they are properly protected? Why or why not?
6. Which is more important, protecting places like the Great Barrier Reef or the tourism industry in a country? Explain.