Tag: Listening

How Long Should You Stay at Your Job?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

You are free to choose how you want to proceed with your career path at any given circumstance. Same way, when it comes how long you decide to stay at a job.

Usually, we stay because our contracts require us to. On the other hand, there are times when we make an effort to assess how our roles within the organization are advancing our careers and not impeding them.

For additional information on how long do we need to stay at our jobs, watch the video below.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “at one’s whim” mean? “I think companies do expect an unrealistic level of loyalty, but, unfortunately where at their whim a lot of times, right?“ Use this expression in your own sentence.
  2. What is the meaning of “management pipeline“? “Companies with strong learning culture see higher rates of retention, more internal mobility, and a healthier management pipeline.” Use it in your own sentence.
  3. What does “goldilocks dynamic” mean? “But there’s also a goldilocks dynamic to this. Sometimes, companies don’t mind turnover.” Construct a sentence with this term.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are reasons listed in the video as to the reasons workers quit their jobs? Based on your personal experience, which ones can you relate to?
  2. What is your opinion on this, “Job switchers increase their salary more quickly than those who stay put.“?
  3. In your opinion, how long should people stay at their jobs?
  4. What do you think about job hopping? Is this a smart move? Why or why not?
  5. On the other hand, share your thoughts on staying at the same job or profession for the rest of your work life.
  6. Discuss your thoughts on this advice, “Don’t focus on money. Focus on skills. And if you are comfortable in the skills that you are acquiring, then you are ready to move on to the next level.“.

Soda Wars as Subway Switches to Pepsi over Coke

B2 – Upper Intermediate

In the constantly changing world of what consumers like and the partnerships between brands, the competition among big soda companies has always been exciting to watch. But lately, things have gotten even more intense because Subway, the famous sandwich chain, has decided to switch from serving Coca-Cola to Pepsi.

Watch the video and take a closer look at this cola clash and how it might affect the soda business.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the expression “to tug at the heartstrings” mean? “Pepsi tapping into star power. While Coca-cola tugs on [sic] heartstrings.” Use the idiom in a sentence.
  2. What does the phrase “to bubble up” mean in this sentence? “The battle between Coca-Cola and Pepsi has been bubbling up for two decades.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does the phrase “to ramp up” mean? “The clash of colas ramping up as they try to prevent business from going flat.” Give one sentence using this expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. In your opinion, which soda brand—Coca-Cola or Pepsi—holds greater influence over consumer preferences and brand loyalty in today’s market? Why do you think so?
  2. Do you believe Subway’s decision to switch to Pepsi will have a significant impact on its customer base and overall sales? Why or why not?
  3. As a consumer, would Subway’s choice of soda supplier influence your decision to visit their restaurants? Why or why not?
  4. Do you think Subway’s switch from Coke to Pepsi will spark similar changes in other fast-food chains’ beverage partnerships? Why or why not?

Greenland Women Want Justice from Denmark

B1 – Intermediate

Population explosion can have an impact on how much our natural resources continue to decrease. Many countries have intensified family planning campaigns. Some even restricted the number of children each family could have to address excessive population growth. In the 1960s and 1970s, Denmark had a rather disturbing approach to their population concerns that only came to light recently.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about the injustice brought unto young female Greenlandic Inuits in the past.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/greenland-women-want-justice-from-denmark-level-2/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Define the word “indigenous“. “143 indigenous women in Greenland are suing Denmark.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does the word “implant” mean? “They say that doctors implanted them with intrauterine devices without their permission in the 1960s and 1970s.” Use it in your own sentence.
  3. What does the expression “to violate one’s rights” mean in this context? “They claim that Danish authorities violated their rights because they wanted to control the growing population.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is the Greenland’s birth control scandal about? Share your thoughts on this issue.
  2. Should Denmark compensate these women? Express your opinion.
  3. Aside from this injustice, what other controversial actions in Greenland do you know of?
  4. In your opinion, how can growing population be effectively addressed without resorting to human rights violation?
  5. Does your country have a problem with overpopulation or declining population?
  6. What is your government doing to mitigate the effects of this situation?

Nose Surgery for Cocaine Users

B1 – Intermediate

Cocaine is a highly addictive stimulant that offers euphoria, great sense of confidence, improved mental focus etc. There are different ways to use them. Snorting cocaine is the most common method. Aside from the other well-known harmful effects of cocaine use, losing one’s nose completely could be a consequence of frequent and long-term cocaine snorting.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about the nose surgery cocaine snorters may possibly have to undergo.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/nose-surgery-for-cocaine-users-level-3/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Define the word “perforation“. “Cocaine narrows blood vessels in the nose which leads to tissue damage and perforations.” Use it in a sentence and give two synonyms.
  2. What is the meaning of the word “surge“? “Despite a surge in cocaine use in Belgium over the past five years, the number of operations remains limited.” Use it in your own sentence.
  3. What does the verb “undergo” mean? “The reason is that many patients struggle to undergo surgery due to the need to abstain from cocaine for at least six months for proper healing.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think of this surgery?
  2. How does cocaine snorting lead to irreversible nasal damage?
  3. Aside from nasal damage, what are other long-term effects of cocaine use?
  4. Why do you think long-term cocaine users avoid or refuse to have this nose reconstructive surgery?
  5. Share your thoughts on this statement, “These patients are typically in their forties and with privileged socio-economic backgroundd.”

Protecting Your Personal Financial Data

B2 – Upper Intermediate

In today’s digital age, protecting your financial data is more important than ever. With the rise of cybercrime and identity theft, it is crucial to take steps to safeguard your sensitive information.

Data breaches have become all too common in recent years, highlighting the need for stronger data protection measures. It is essential for individuals and businesses alike to prioritize the security of their data to prevent potential harm or exploitation. By taking proactive steps to protect our data, we can help ensure a safer and more secure digital environment for all.

Watch this brief video to find out how to strengthen your data protection measures.

https://www.msn.com/en-ph/video/news/how-to-protect-your-personal-financial-data/vi-BB1k7feP?ocid=socialshare&t=7

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “encryption” mean?  “If you have smart appliances change the password frequently and use encryption to connect it to the web/” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does the phrase “federal regulation” mean? “Currently, there are no federal regulations protecting your data, so it is up to you to do all the safeguarding.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “safeguard” mean? “Currently, there are no federal regulations protecting your data, so it is up to you to do all the safeguarding.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why is it essential to protect our data?
  2. How do you choose the password that you use in your accounts?
  3. Have you ever had a data security issue, or do you know someone who has?  Share a narrative.
  4. What data security advice was shared in the video?
  5. What other tips do you know to ensure data security?

Mindfulness at Work

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Mindfulness at work involves bringing its practice into the professional setting to enhance focus, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being. It encourages present-moment awareness, stress reduction techniques, and better emotional regulation, ultimately fostering a positive work culture and improving individual and organizational performance.

Watch the video about some tips on how to practice mindfulness at work.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the word “disarm” mean in the sentence, “It’s going to disarm some issues that may be popping up because people know that you’re taking the time to figure out what they’re saying”? Think of a synonym and use this word in your own words.
  2. What does the expression “on the right note” mean in the phrase, “to get you started off on the right note“? Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does the expression “run high with something” mean in the sentence, “It takes any stress levels that you have which you’re usually running pretty high with and allows you to bring it down.” Use the expression in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How do you incorporate mindfulness into your daily work routine?
  2. How do you think mindfulness contributes to overall workplace well-being and employee satisfaction?
  3. How do you handle distractions or stressors at work while trying to maintain a mindful mindset?
  4. What advice would you give to someone who wants to start practicing mindfulness at work but doesn’t know where to begin?
  5. Share any mindfulness techniques or practices that have helped you stay focused and productive at work.

What Is Fintech? 

B2 – Upper Intermediate

In the past few years, the blending of money matters with technology has created a new and exciting field called fintech.

Fintech is changing how we do banking and manage money by using new technologies to come up with fresh ideas and challenge old ways of doing things in banks and other financial institutions. It’s brought us things like banking apps on our phones, places to trade digital money, ways to lend money directly to others online, and automated investment advice. Fintech is making financial services easier to use and available to more people, both individuals and businesses, than ever before.

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

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “disrupt” mean in this context, “Here at a major fintech conference in Amsterdam, hundreds of companies are trying to disrupt the banking and finance industries by changing the way we pay and borrow money.” Make a sentence using the word.
  2. What does the expression, “to go big on something” mean? “Some of the world’s biggest companies from Apple to Alibaba are going big on it, too.” Use the expression in a sentence.
  3. What does ” to default on a loan” mean? “Compared to traditional banks, these services might not be required to set aside as much money in case customers default on their loans.” Use the phrase in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How has fintech changed the way we interact with and manage our finances on a day-to-day basis?
  2. What do you think are the most significant benefits of fintech for consumers and businesses?
  3. Do you believe that traditional financial institutions will be able to keep up with the pace of innovation brought by fintech companies? Share some insights.
  4. In your opinion, what are the potential risks or drawbacks associated with relying heavily on fintech for managing personal or business finances?
  5. Do you think fintech has the potential to bridge the gap in financial inclusion and provide services to underserved populations? Why or why not?

Financial Literacy Education

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Financial literacy is defined by Investopedia as the ability to understand and use various financial skills, including personal financial management, budgeting, and investing. This form of literacy is not highlighted in many societies around the globe, or maybe because of its diminished importance, many of us are not as concerned about it.

We frequently hear people lamenting the lack of financial education they receive, or more precisely, the lack of instruction or exposure to budgeting techniques, which they believe has contributed to the financial instability that the majority of Americans currently experience—or perhaps that of the global populace as a whole.

To find out more about why financial literacy instruction in the US is so bad, watch the video.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is the meaning of “driving force“? “And that lack of literacy is one driving force behind the financial instability a lot of American face.”Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘driving force’ in your own sentence.
  2. Do you know what “to take a crack at something” means? “Your history teacher might have taken a crack at teaching you about credit card debt.” Construct your own sentence using this phrase.
  3. What is the meaning of “trickle up”?“Financial education has a trickle up effect on students’ families and even the classes’ teachers.” Use it in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is financial literacy and how important is it in the society?
  2. Should financial literacy be taught at schools? Share your thoughts.
  3. Do you believe that having financial literacy would make people’s lives better? Elaborate on your response.
  4. What is a suitable age to start learning financial management? And why?

Robot Makes Fries

B1 – Intermediate

Miso Robotics has created a new robot designed to simplify kitchen tasks in fast food restaurants. With its advanced technology, the robot aims to improve efficiency and lessen the need for human intervention.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about a robot which works in fast food restaurants.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/a-robot-makes-fries-level-2/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “develop” mean, “In California, US, Miso Robotics developed a robot which works in fast food restaurants.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “instruction” mean, “When an order comes, a worker sends instructions to the robot.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “task” mean, “At first, the robot only turned burgers, but workers soon realized that it could do more tasks. Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on Miso Robotics’ burger-flipping robot?
  2. What are the advantages and disadvantages of using robots like the one developed by Miso Robotics in fast food restaurants?
  3. How do you think the introduction of this robot might impact the workers in fast food establishments? Explain.
  4. How else can these robots be improved?
  5. Do you think the introduction of robots in fast food restaurants will lead to job losses or create new opportunities for workers?

Hungary’s New Immigration Law

B1 – Intermediate

Hungary is implementing tougher immigration rules for people who are coming to live there because too many people are moving to the country. The government’s objective with this new immigration law is to help control how many people come and to make sure there are enough resources for everyone.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about Hungary’s new immigration law.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/hungarys-new-immigration-law-level-2/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “in effect” mean, “The law is replacing an old one which was in effect for 16 years.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “residence permit” mean, “Residence permits will depend on immigrants’ skills.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “invest” mean, “The law also introduces a ‘golden visa’ for people who want to invest money in Hungary.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How might the rule impact the lives of both Hungarians and immigrants living in Hungary?
  2. What are the potential benefits and drawbacks of Hungary’s new immigration rules? Elaborate and explain.
  3. How might these rules affect the economy and job market in Hungary? Explain.
  4. Do you think it’s fair that Hungarians get jobs first? Why or why not?
  5. What is your opinion about the ‘golden visa’?
  6. How would you compare these immigration rules in Hungary to your country?