Tag: People and Human Interest

The “Second Screening” Trap

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Due to unimpeded access to information and technological advancement, the way people consume content have evolved drastically. They are used to possessing and using multiple devices at the same time. Such a phenomena has been recently coined as “second screening”.

Let’s read the article and know more about “second screening”.

https://www.insidehook.com/wellness/second-screening-2

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Define the word “showrunner“. “So many showrunners [have been] given notes by the streaming channels: ‘This isn’t second screen enough.’ And what they mean is, the viewer is expected to be on their phone, sort of half doing something else, while your crime drama, or whatever, is playing.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What is the meaning of “co-opt” here, “While second screening is an obvious pop culture issue, we argue that it’s a prevalent wellness one, too, with implications on our collective mental health, co-opting our capacities for relaxation and focus.”? Use it in a sentence and give two synonyms.
  3. What does the phrase “mind-numbing scourge” mean? “It wasn’t too long ago — a few decades, at most — that television was still considered the primary, mind-numbing scourge of the masses.” Use it in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is second screening and have you heard of it before? Share your thoughts on it.
  2. Do you often use your phone while watching TV? Why do you do so?
  3. Do you prefer watching shows that require your full attention or those that are easy to follow? Why?
  4. Do you believe the attention spans of viewers these days are compromised? Share your point of view about this matter.
  5. What are your thoughts on this, “Second-screening is an autonomic, submissive, physically-submersive doomscroll; most of us probably don’t even realize we’re doing it.“?

Brain Rot

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The internet is a fascinating place. It has given students the ability to research topics, ideas, and concepts at the click of their fingers. However, it has also given way to an ailment known as brain rot. Brainrot happens when people consume mindless and pointless content online. This disease has proven to be very dangerous to the psyche of our future generations.

To learn more, watch the video below.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Explain “brain turns into mush”. “ Have you ever felt your brain turning into mush.”. Create a sentence using this expression.
  2. What does “creep in” mean? “You know that feeling when you’ve watched so many Tiktoks that you start dreaming in 15-second clips? That’s brain rot creeping in.” Use this phrasal verb to make your own sentence.
  3. What is the meaning of “rabbit hole“? “You open Instagram and watch the reel. But then, you swipe up to see the next reel, and the next, and the next. Before you know it, you’re deep into the Instagram reel rabbit hole.” Use this term in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Have you ever felt the effects of brain rot? If yes, share your experience.
  2. If you’ve experienced your brain turning into a mush, how do you fight against it?
  3. How can we determine if we are affected by this condition? And how can we prevent it?
  4. Do you think that brain rot is a threat to the current generation? Explain your stance.

Karl Marx -An Important Thinker of the 19th Century

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Karl Marx is known for his role in founding Communism. He predicted that workers would eventually rebel against factory owners, seize control of the economy, and establish a government for the people. Marx’s ideas greatly influenced Communist governments throughout the 20th century and still impact economic discussions today.

Read more about his life and theories in the link below.

https://www.english-online.at/history/karl-marx/marx-thinker.htm

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “radical” mean in the sentence “He turned to journalism and became an editor of a radical newspaper.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “vassal” mean in the sentence “He argued that this conflict of classes happened throughout history. In the ancient world there were masters and slaves, in the Middle Ages lords and vassals, in the industrial world of the 19th century there were middle class owners and workers.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “crack down” mean in the sentence “When France became one of Prussia’s allies, the French government cracked down on people who criticized them.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How do you think Marx’s ideas about workers’ revolutions reflect the struggles of the working class during his time?
  2. Do you agree with Marx’s view that capitalism leads to inequality? Why or why not?
  3. How did Marx’s personal experiences, such as his time in Paris and London, shape his beliefs about workers and the economy?
  4. How do you think Marx’s theories influenced the development of Communist governments in the 20th century?
  5. Do you think Marx’s ideas are still relevant in today’s society? Why or why not?

Rage-Baiting

B2 – Upper Intermediate

In today’s world of social media and digital news, emotions drive engagement. Rage-baiting—content purposely designed to spark anger or outrage—has become a common tactic to exploit this. But what makes it so effective, and how does it generate profit for platforms and content creators?

Read this article to learn about the profits of rage-baiting.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c4gp555xy5ro

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “the grip something has on something else” mean? “But the grip negative content has on human psychology is something that is hardwired into us, according to Dr William Brady, who studies how the brain interacts with new technologies.” Make a sentence with this.
  2. Define “to come from a place of something”. “As marketing podcaster Andrea Jones notes: ‘A hook reflects what’s in that piece of content and comes from a place of trust, whereas rage-baiting content is designed to be manipulative.’” Use this in a sentence.
  3. What is the meaning of “to bask in something”? “Winta is part of a growing group of online creators making ‘rage bait’ content, where the goal is simple: record videos, produce memes and write posts that make other users viscerally angry, then bask in the thousands, or even millions, of shares and likes.” Make a sentence with this expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are some common examples of rage-baiting content?
  2. Do you think rage-baiting is a harmful tactic in social media, or is it just part of the game? Share your thoughts.
  3. How can users recognize and avoid falling for rage-baiting content?
  4. Is it fair to say that social media platforms profit from user outrage, or is it a natural result of user behavior? Explain your stand.
  5. In your opinion, what could be done to promote healthier online engagement, aside from limiting rage-baiting?

Trusting Ancestry DNA Kits

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

Many have been very curious about their ancestry. So they turn to DNA ancestry kits to trace the origins of their family.

The question is just how accurate is DNA ancestry tracing.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript on whether or not we can trust DNA ancestry kits.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2024/ep-241205

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to take (it) with a pinch of salt” mean? “Not so long ago I sent off a home DNA testing kit and the results that came back were broadly in line with expectations, but it had some little glitches in there which made me think, is this accurate? Or is it to be taken with a pinch of salt?” Use this idiom in a sentence.
  2. What does “forebears” mean? “So ‘ancestry’ is really about people, it’s about your actual forebears.” Use this word in a sentence.
  3. What does “to blow one’s mind” mean here, “The second company’s DNA test blows Greg’s mind. There’s no evidence of his ancestors being English at all!”? Use this expression in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Should DNA ancestry kits be taken with a pinch of salt? Share your insights.
  2. Is tracing our genealogy important? Why or why not?
  3. Would you be interested to research about your roots? Why or why not?
  4. Share the most interesting thing you know of about any of your forebears.

Inflation Impacts Americans’ Social Lives

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Inflation doesn’t just impact money—it changes how people spend time together. As prices for things like food, transportation, and entertainment rise, many are cutting back on eating out, going to events, or hosting get-togethers. Budgets now play a bigger role in planning social activities, with more people choosing cheaper or free options. This shows how financial challenges can also affect relationships and how communities connect.

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

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does ” disposable income” mean? “Gen X and Millennials are struggling with having disposable income.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does the idiom, “to keep up with the Joneses‘ mean? “It’s a whole new ‘keeping up with the Joneses‘. I can’t have friends because it doesn’t live up to an Instagram ideal.” Make one sentence using the word.
  3. What does “to live up to” mean in this sentence, “I can’t have friends because it doesn’t live up to Instagram ideal.“? Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think inflation has had a noticeable effect on your social life or the social lives of people you know?
  2. In your opinion, is it possible to maintain a vibrant social life despite financial challenges?
  3. How do rising costs of entertainment and dining out influence the way communities interact and socialize?
  4. What alternative ways of socializing might emerge or grow in popularity during periods of economic hardship?

The Reasons US Presidents Are Not Allowed to Drive

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The president of the United States is one of the most powerful people in the world. Along with this power, comes a considerable amount of responsibility. Being the leader of the most influential country in the world comes with many perks for the rest of their lives such as a massive pension, comprehensive health insurance, etc.

However, there is one condition most former and current US presidents do not particularly like.

Let’s read the article and learn more about the reason US presidents can’t drive.

https://www.mentalfloss.com/posts/why-us-presidents-cant-drive-cars

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is the meaning of the phrase “unnerve“? “In 2012, Barack Obama said he unnerved agents when he climbed into a Chevy Volt and coasted around the White House.” Use it in a sentence and give two synonyms of ‘unnerve’.
  2. Define the verb “rankle“. “That he distanced himself from Secret Service protection rankled the press, which—like the country—was still reeling from Kennedy’s death.” Use it in a sentence and give two synonyms of ‘rankle’.
  3. What does “to hold an office” mean? “The policy is enforced by the Secret Service, the government security arm tasked with the safety of those holding the highest public offices in the country.” Use it in a sentence and give two synonyms of ‘to hold an office’.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on the rule preventing US presidents from driving? What is the exception?
  2. What might be the perks and downsides of being the president of a country?
  3. How would you feel if you had to give up driving?
  4. Would you enjoy having a personal driver? Why or why not?
  5. What would you say is the worst part of your job?

Being Vain Is a Good Thing

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Vanity is a part of what makes us human. From dressing up elegantly to behaving well above standards, we strive to live up to expectations in order to be perceived in a certain way. It has always been viewed negatively. However, some philosophers think that there can be no morality and no society without vanity.

Let’s watch the video and know the different perspectives on the presence of vanity in our society.

https://www.bbc.com/reel/video/p0jn44z8/you-re-so-vain-but-here-s-why-that-s-a-good-thing

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to sneer at someone” mean? “We sneer at people who think of themselves too highly.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “praise-worthiness” mean? “We want not only praise but praise-worthiness.“ Use it in your own sentence and give two synonyms.
  3. What does the idiom “to be in a Hall of Mirrors” mean? “Rousseau thought that vanity leads us to care about status more than morality. It makes us worry about the mask and not the face beneath. His vanity leaves us all living in a Hall of Mirrors.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How do you define vanity?
  2. How does vanity allow the society to function?
  3. Discuss two types of self-love mentioned in the video.
  4. When is it beneficial to be living only in the opinion of others? When is it harmful?
  5. How is vanity considered one of the modern vices? Do you agree with it?
  6. Share your thoughts on Jean Jacques Rousseau’s belief that, “We only really became modern humans when we became vain.“?
  7. What are your insights on this, “Vanity is the source of our sociability and morality.“?

Missing Australian Sub Finally Found

B1 – Intermediate

A long-lost Australian submarine has finally been discovered after years of mystery. The submarine, which went missing during World War I, has been located, providing closure to one of the country’s enduring maritime enigmas.

The discovery marks a significant moment in naval history and brings resolution to the families of the crew who have waited for answers for over a century.

Let’s read the article below to know more about finding the lost Australian submarine.

https://www.english-online.at/news-articles/history/missing-australian-sub-finally-found.htm

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does in one piece mean? ” It appears to be well-preserved and in one piece.” Use this idiom in a sentence.
  2. What does enemy fire mean? “Experts are now trying to examine the wreck and find out why the sub sank. They think it was probably an accident and not because of enemy fire.” Use this phrase in a sentence.
  3. Explain the term “commemorative service” in this sentence, “When the submarine was found navy officials held a commemorative service for the crew that the Australian navy had lost. Families were contacted and told that the oldest naval mystery in Australian history had finally been solved.” Use the phrase in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How do you think the discovery of the AE-1 submarine might affect future historical research and exploration?
  2. What impact do you think the finding of the AE-1 will have on the families of the crew members?
  3. How important is it to commemorate and honor the lost crew members of historical military vessels? Explain.

A Man Tries to Kill Donald Trump

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Many government agencies work together to secure major political events in the USA. Tight security is expected especially for political big shots. Despite all these, a security breach still ensued during Donald Trump’s political rally recently.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript to know more details on the assassination attempt of a U.S. presidential candidate.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/a-man-tries-to-kill-donald-trump-level-3/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “critically injured” mean? “The attack also resulted in the death of one spectator and critically injured two others. ” Give one (1) synonym or similar expression and use ‘critically injured’ in your own sentence.
  2. What does “subsequently neutralized” mean? “The Secret Service released a statement detailing how the gunman fired from an elevated position and was subsequently neutralized.” Give one (1) synonym or similar expression and use ‘subsequently neutralized’ in your own sentence.
  3. What does “to have no place for someone/something” mean? “President Biden condemned the attack, called it sick, and stated that there is no place for such violence in America.” Give one (1) synonym or similar expression and use this idiom in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your opinion on the failed assassination attempt of Donald Trump?
  2. What other assassination attempts of popular personalities have you heard of? Share details about this incident.
  3. What security measures do you have in your country to keep political candidates safe?