Tag: People and Human Interest

Flash-panning

B1 – Intermediate 

When you start dating, it appears like a perfect relationship, everything is exciting, your partner showers with you attention, takes you on romantic dates, and does shared experiences with you.

Then, when things get more serious, he or she just just disappears without giving you any explanation.

This behavior is something called flash-panning.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about this modern dating trend called “flash-panning”.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/what-is-flash-panning-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Define “love bombing”. “Flash-panning is a modern dating trend similar to love bombing and ghosting.” Use this phrase in a sentence.
  2. What does “to come into play” mean? “However, when reality comes into play, like dealing with schedules or responsibilities, the person, called the flashpanner, suddenly disappears. ” Use this idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  3. What does “compromise” mean here, “They enjoy the fun stage but cannot manage conflicts or compromises that come later.”? Use this word in a sentence in the same context.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your opinion about flash-panning?
  2. What other dating trends do you know of? Describe it.
  3. How has dating changed in your country over the years?
  4. Share your thoughts on this, “Since flash-panners don’t know how to handle conflicts and compromises, they vanishwithout explanation, which is emotionally painful for the person left behind.”
  5. Do you agree or disagree, “Conflicts are normal in relationships.”? Explain.

How Americans Are Spending Their Retirements at Sea

B2 – Upper Intermediate

In recent years, a growing number of Americans have chosen to spend their golden years not on land, but at sea. Trading traditional retirement homes for cruise ships and long-term sailing adventures, retirees are embracing a lifestyle of exploration, comfort, and convenience. Whether drawn by the appeal of seeing the world or the surprisingly cost-effective amenities, this unconventional retirement trend is reshaping the way we think about life after work.

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


Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “golden years” mean? “America is seeing a boom in retirements as baby boomers sail into their golden years.” Use it in a sentence and give a synonym.
  2. What does the phrase “rolled into one” mean? “On board, the 69-year-old gets everything rolled into one: meals, travel, entertainment and housing.” Make a sentence using the phrase and give a synonym.
  3. What does the phrase “kick off” mean? “A loyal following is one reason why Holland America has kicked off two of these cruises simultaneously for the first time.” Use it in your own sentence and give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think retiring at sea is a practical and sustainable lifestyle choice? Why or why not?
  2. Would you personally consider living on a cruise ship during retirement? Why or why not?
  3. Is it better to spend retirement exploring new places or staying close to family and home? Share your perspective.
  4. What are the potential benefits and drawbacks of retiring on a cruise ship compared to a traditional retirement home?
  5. How might this trend impact the cruise industry and retirement planning in the future?

Midlife Crisis

B2- Upper Intermediate 

Midlife crisis is defined as a period of psychological stress and emotional turmoil, typically occurring in middle age when someone is around 40 to 60 years old. It is “characterized by a strong desire for change and a reevaluation of one’s life choices and identity”.

For many people, reaching their midlife could be a very stressful and confusing period in their lives.

Read the article about signs and causes of midlife crisis and learn some tips on how to overcome it. Be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://www.helpguide.org/aging/healthy-aging/midlife-crisis

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to not hold much weight” mean? “While the idea of a midlife crisis being an inevitable reality doesn’t hold much weight, some of us do face new stressors as we enter these years.” Use this phrase in a sentence and give a synonym or similar expression.
  2. What does “to subscribe to something” mean? “It’s worth keeping in mind that not all cultures subscribe to the concept of a midlife crisis, or even midlife.” Use this expression in a sentence and give a synonym or similar expression.
  3. What does “to paint something in a negative light” mean? “Western society, though, tends to paint physical aging in a negative light, while glorifying youth.” Use this idiom in a sentence and give a synonym or similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What comes to your mind when you hear the word “midlife”?
  2. What do you think life’s like during midlife crisis?
  3. What might be the pros and cons of being middle-aged?
  4. What are ways one can prepare for and cope with midlife crisis?
  5. Share your view on this, “The idea of midlife crisis might be partially or mostly shaped by cultural views.”
  6. Do you know anyone who went through midlife crisis and how did they overcome it? Share.

Gen Z is Quitting Alcoholic Beverages


B2 – Upper Intermediate

For at least a century, alcoholic beverages have been an important part of social events, rites of passage, and the economy. However, the consumption of alcoholic beverages has gone down significantly amongst Gen Z.

To find out more about this topic, watch the video below.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Define “designated driver”. “Since when did Gen Z become the designated driver of society?” Use this term in a sentence.
  2. What does “cornerstone” mean? “For generations, drinking has been a cornerstone of social life, adulthood, and even celebrations.” Use this word to make your own sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What is the meaning of “on the rage“? “Yes, I did say mocktails because that is what’s all on the rage.” Use this idiom to make your own sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on Gen Zs dropping alcoholic beverages?
  2. What is your opinion on the current state of the alcohol industry? Is it going in a positive direction because of Gen Z’s preference to ditch drinking alcohol?
  3. Do you think that Gen Z’s awareness of alcohol has a positive effect on their health? Explain.
  4. How is the economy affected by less consumption of alcohol?

People Happiest in the Mornings

B1- Intermediate 

Do you ever notice which time during the day you feel the happiest?

A study found that people are happiest in the mornings and saddest at midnight. 

Read this article about people’s mental well-being at different times of the day.

Be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2502/250210-happy-mornings-4.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “worthwhile” mean? “They asked people to rate their feelings of happiness, overall satisfaction with life, and how worthwhile they thought life was.” Use this word in a sentence and give 2 synonyms or similar expressions.
  2. What does “unwind” mean? “The researchers also found that we felt happiest on Sunday mornings, when our anxiety is lower. This is because we have the chance to unwind on Saturdays.” Use this word in a sentence and give 2 synonyms or similar expressions.
  3. What does “to splash out” mean? “We are more likely to have fun and splash out on something nice while shopping.” Use this phrasal verb in a sentence and give 2 synonyms or similar expressions.

Discussion Questions:

  1. “A study says people are happiest in the mornings, and bluest at midnight.” What is your reaction to the results of the study?
  2. Which time of the day do you think you are the happiest? How about the bluest and explain why?
  3. Share your thoughts on this, “We feel happiest on Sunday mornings, when our anxiety is lower.”
  4. What are you more likely to do when you are happy?
  5. What are other “drivers” that could affect people’s positive feelings? Why do you think this is?

The Five Balls of Life

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

Brian Dyson, former Coca-Cola CEO, made some speeches in his lifetime that had left a mark on everyone and several of them have gone viral since.

One of them is the one about what he calls, “The Five Balls of Life”.

Find out what “the five balls of life” is about. 

Be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://shinecoachingbarcelona.com/5-balls-of-life-brian-dyson-speech

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “irrevocably” mean? “You will soon understand that work is a rubber ball. If you drop it, it will bounce back. But the other four balls – family, health, friends and spirit – are made of glass. If you drop one of these, they will be irrevocably scuffed, marked, nicked, damaged or even shattered.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘irrevocably‘ in your own sentence.
  2. What does “pillar” mean here, “Connecting with these pillars of who you are is a great way to grow energy, confidence and clarity.”? Use this word in a sentence in the same context.
  3. What does “to be at a crossroads” mean? “If you find yourself at a similar crossroads in your career and life, take some real time to reflect on yourself.” Use this phrase in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. In your own words, explain the five balls of life. Share your takeaway from this metaphor.
  2. Share your opinion on this, “You will soon understand that work is a rubber ball. If you drop it, it will bounce back.”
  3. Is it really possible to juggle the five balls of life? How do you keep all of them in the air?
  4. How would you answer Dyson’s question, “What is education for? Is it for the pursuit of knowledge or for the pursuit of significance?“? Expand.
  5. Do many of us tend to use education for life or just as a living? Share your point of view.
  6. What is your own personal mantra when it comes to balancing work and life?

Why We Need Rites of Passage

B2 – Upper Intermediate

By the time we take our first steps and say our first words, we are leaving a mark of our time in this world. Each culture around the globe has identified certain events or achievements to commemorate life-changing moments, which we refer to as “rites of passage”.

To find out more about the rites of passage we commemorate, please watch the discussion below.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Explain “radar of consciousness”. “This is something that often ends up on my radar of consciousness because I have many males in my audience.” Use this term to make your own sentence.
  2. What does “twiddling of thumbs” mean? “It’s not about the twiddling of thumbs. We are passing on to you the obligation of adulthood.” Create a sentence using this idiom.
  3. What is the meaning of “frown upon“? “This has become rather you know frowned upon in our kind of politically correct woke world.” Use this phrasal verb in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How important is it to commemorate the transitions in life? Explain.
  2. What are your thoughts on involving pain as part of the rite of passage?
  3. What are rites of passage do you know and celebrate?
  4. How does your community and family celebrate or honor the important milestones in your life?
  5. What kind of celebration of coming of age would you like to have? Which customs, themes, rituals, or activities would you like to incorporate in your culture? Why these rites?

Why Is Handwriting Important?

B1 – Intermediate 

In the digital world where most people almost never have to write by hand anymore, a study looks at the benefits of handwriting for the development of young children.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about the importance of handwriting on little kids’ development.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/why-is-handwriting-important-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “underestimate” mean? “In today’s digital era where screens and keyboards dominate, we often underestimate the importance of handwriting.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ’underestimate’ in your own sentence.
  2. What does “to play a role in something” mean? “Experts say that handwriting plays a key role in cognitive development, memory retention, and academic performance.” Use this idiom in a sentence.
  3. What does “legible” mean? “Moreover, legible handwriting can lead to better grades, regardless of the content.” Give a synonym and use ’legible’ in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. In your own opinion, why is handwriting important?
  2. Do you think writing by hand is still important in the modern times? Share your opinion.
  3. Do you agree or disagree: “Writing using pencil and paper versus typing on a phone could be advantageous.”? Explain.
  4. What are your thoughts on this, “Legible handwriting can lead to better grades.”?
  5. How has your handwriting changed over time?

Man Swallowed by Humpback Whale

B1 – Intermediate 

Adrian Simancas enjoys rafting. One day, as he was kayaking through the sea in Chile, a huge humpback whale appeared from under the water and swallowed him. But, thankfully, only for a short moment.

He was very lucky to escape this very dangerous situation.

Read the article about a man who was swallowed by a humpback whale.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2502/250217-humpback-whale.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “engulf” mean? “The humpback whale engulfed Mr. Simancas in its mouth.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ’engulf’ in your own sentence.
  2. What does the phrase “no sooner — than” mean? “No sooner had the humpback gulped up Simancas than it spat him back out into the ocean.” Make a sentence using this structure.
  3. What does “fleeting moment” mean? “For a few fleeting moments, Adrian’s fate was in the jaws of the 40-ton [mammal].” Use this phrase in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your reaction to this news?
  2. If this happened to you, what would you do and/or think of?
  3. Have ever had an unfortunate/strange encounter/experience with an animal? Talk about it.
  4. Share your opinion on this, “Adrian said his close encounter with the whale would not stop him from future rafting trips.”.
  5. Talk about a situation where, for a few fleeting moments, your fate was in the hands of someone/something else.

Energy Management

B2 – Upper Intermediate

We all want to be productive, but plenty of things can slow us down, leave tasks unfinished, or keep us from getting started. Time management gets a lot of attention, but experts say energy management matters more.

Check out the article below for more insights on energy management.

https://www.fastcompany.com/91123763/dont-focus-on-time-management-try-energy-management-instead

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “eschew” mean in the sentence, “I’ve never thought of myself as someone with great time management skills, mostly because I tend to eschew rigid productivity systems, believing (erroneously or not) that they cramp creativity. ”? Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘eschew’ in your own sentence.
  2. What does “to blow the doors open” mean? “Enneagram teacher Russ Hudson said something recently that blew the doors open for me on this concept.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘to blow the doors open’ in your own sentence.
  3. What does “to tip the scales” mean in the sentence, “What do we do if we’ve tipped the scales into those negative energy-draining emotions?’’ Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘tip the scales’ in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Share your thoughts on the “hustle culture”.
  2. Give your insights on this statement, “The time something takes is secondary to energy.“.
  3. Do you think managing your energy is more important than managing your time? Why or why not?
  4. What kinds of tasks give you energy, and what kinds make you feel tired or drained?
  5. The article says frustration can be addictive. Have you ever felt stuck in frustration? How did it affect your day?
  6. How do you decide which activities to focus on? Do you think choosing tasks based on energy (not just time) would help?
  7. How can we avoid feeling burned out while still getting things done?