Tag: People and Human Interest

Making Cities Feel Quieter

B2 — Upper Intermediate 

Some people enjoy the peace of the countryside, while others prefer the noise of city. 

However, studies show that too much noise can increase stress and anxiety.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about making the cities feel quieter.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260521

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to dress loud“ mean? “Indians talk loud, celebrate loud and dress loud.” Use the idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  2. What does “soundscape” mean? “Similar soundscapes are now helping city dwellers relax in other cities too, including Tokyo and Barcelona.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “counterintuitive” mean? “So, the art installation was really to make this park a little quieter by adding some quiet noises. So, it’s counterintuitive, but you can make a park less noisy by adding some calmer sounds.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on this: “Too much noise can increase stress and anxiety.”?
  2. Should the noise be limited in cities? Share your thoughts.
  3. What can be done to tackle the noise pollution problem in cities?
  4. How do sounds/noises around you affect you?
  5. Do you prefer a quiet town or a busy city? Why?

The Golden Ratio

B1 — Intermediate 

The Golden Ratio is a special number that helps make things look balanced and nice. It is about 1 to 1.618. People use it in art, buildings, and design. It can be seen in the Parthenon, Mona Lisa, and some famous logos like Twitter and Pepsi.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about the golden ratio.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/the-golden-ratio-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Explain the concept of “the golden ratio”. ”In the 1860s, Gustav Fechner claimed people preferred this shape, which helped create the idea that the golden ratio represents beauty.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “disprove“ mean? ”However, his study was later disproved.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  3. What does “view” mean here: ”Everyone’s view of beauty is different.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the positives and negatives of the golden ratio?
  2. Do you think the Golden Ratio is interesting? Why or why not?
  3. Share your opinion on this, “The golden ratio is interesting in art and nature, but it is not a rule for beauty.”
  4. Share your thoughts on this, “Everyone’s view of beauty is different.”
  5. Talk about something that you think has the most beautiful design. Describe it as detailed as you can.
  6. If you could design something, what would you make?

Rude Emails

B2 — Upper Intermediate 

Sometimes, people write emails in a hurry and forget to use polite language. A short reply or an unclear message can easily be misunderstood and hurt someone’s feelings. 

On the other hand, a kind greeting, clear explanation, and respectful tone can make communication much more pleasant. 

Taking a few extra minutes to review an email before sending it can help avoid misunderstandings and maintain good relationships.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about rude emails.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260702

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to belittle someone“ mean? ”The fight response can make us belittle someone.” Use the expression in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  2. What does “to get something off one’s plate” mean? ”Then the flight response is when people try to protect themselves by withdrawing or avoiding. They won’t reply, or if they do reply, maybe they don’t answer all of the points in the email. They’re just trying to get it off their plate.” Use the phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “to put someone in their place” mean? ”Emails that are hostile in tone and language, or even cc’ing senior personnel in on the message in order to elevate an issue and put someone in their place.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Have you ever received an email that you thought was rude? What happened? What should you do if you receive a rude email?
  2. Why do you think some people write rude emails?
  3. How can people write professional and respectful emails?
  4. How does the tone of an email affect the reader?
  5. Why is it important to proofread an email before sending it?
  6. Do you think emails are more likely to cause misunderstandings than face-to-face conversations? Why?

The Country Where It’s Illegal To Be Fat

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Korean culture is defined by its vibrancy and beauty, influencing many parts of the globe in the modern world. However, despite its positive aspects, it also has many flaws. The societal emphasis on thinness and beauty has influenced many aspects of Korean society, from children’s playgrounds and fashion to the way people think.

To learn more, watch the video below.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “gamify” mean? “They really just said, “Let’s gamify emotional damage.” So, whatever I get seconds here is going to dictate how I feel about myself today and probably how I eat.” Use this word in a sentence. Give a similar expression.
  2. What does “Nailed it” mean? “I kind of feel bad. I want to fit through that tree. Nailed it. Just a chubby boy in Korea enjoying a muffin.”  Use this phrase in a sentence. Give a similar expression.
  3. What does “subcutaneous” mean? “Yeah, it’s tough because nowadays Korean women like they are also conscious of like their breast size, but because like naturally Korean women just don’t have a lot of like subcutaneous fat.”  Use this term in a sentence. Give a similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are some possible positive and negative effects of placing a high value on physical appearance?
  2. Why do you think beauty standards have such a strong influence on our society?
  3. Are strict beauty standards unique to Korea, or do they exist in other cultures as well? Give examples.
  4. How might societal pressure to be thin or attractive affect children’s self-esteem and mental health?
  5. How can individuals and society promote healthier and more inclusive standards of beauty?

Women More Likely to Die in Crashes

B2 – Upper Intermediate

It is commonly stated that men are more likely to die earlier than women. However, there are several scenarios in which the opposite is true. Filmmaker Eve Van Dyke discovered this during a trip in November 2024 that ended in a car crash. She noticed that the women sustained worse injuries than the men involved in the accident. As it turns out, that was not merely a coincidence. In the United States, women are 17% more likely than men to die in car accidents and 73% more likely to suffer serious injuries.

To find out why, watch the video below.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “descent into the rabbit hole” mean? “
    If my descent into the rabbit hole taught me anything, it’s going to take a lot more than that to change the course of women’s car safety.”     Use this idiom in a sentence. Give a similar expression.
  2. What does “sheer callous” mean?“Either it’s sheer calluses or indifference or they don’t bother to find out how their cars behave.”  Use this expression in a sentence. Give a similar expression.
  3. What does “to sideline someone/something” mean? “NHTSA has been sidelining female dummies for nearly 50 years.” Use this phrase in a sentence. Give a similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think cars are designed for men rather than women? Share your insight.
  2. What are your thoughts on women experiencing more severe road accident injuries than men? What do you think are the reasons for this?
  3. Do you believe that authorities have neglected women’s safety despite calls for greater consideration of this issue? What is your opinion?
  4. How common is it for women to be involved in vehicular accidents in your country? What factors might contribute to these accidents?
  5. Should authorities implement significant changes to the existing policies to better protect women from deaths or injuries resulting from vehicular accidents? Share your insights.

Soft Socializing

B2 – Upper Intermediate

At a time when socializing can sometimes feel overwhelming or exhausting, the idea of “soft socializing” offers a more relaxed and meaningful way to connect with others.

In “What Is Soft Socializing?”, America Edwards explains that low-pressure, activity-based interactions can help people build and maintain relationships without the stress of constant conversation or social performance. Through shared activities and simple everyday moments, soft socializing shows that connection can be natural, sustainable, and just as meaningful.

Read this article to know more about soft socializing.

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-ties-that-connect-us/202604/what-is-soft-socializing

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Define “parallel playing“. “Think craft nights, book clubs, casual walks, or simply parallel playing.” Make a sentence with this term. Give a similar expression.
  2. What does “for something to unfold” mean?  Soft socializing creates the conditions for that process to unfold naturally.” Use this expression in a sentence. Give a similar expression.
  3. What is a “social biome“? “Recent work by Jeffrey A. Hall and Andy J. Merolla reframes this idea through what they call the social biome.” Make a sentence with this. Give a similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your opinion on soft socializing?
  2. Do you think people can build strong relationships through low-pressure activities? Why or why not?
  3. Do you think meaningful connection always requires deep conversation? Why or why not?
  4. Would soft socializing be popular in your culture or community? Why do you think so?
  5. What are some examples of low-pressure social activities that you have partaken in? How was your experience?
  6. How can soft socializing improve work relationships? Does your company offer activities to encourage soft socializing? Talk about it.

Confessions of a Former Body Positivity Influencer

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Many people on the internet quickly judge and scorn people with bigger bodies, thinking of them as lazy and less deserving of personhood. In response, many influencers promote body positivity, encouraging fat and obese people to love themselves at any size.

However, loving yourself doesn’t always mean taking care of yourself. Instead of using positivity as simple encouragement, many people and influencers have taken body positivity as a message to ignore their health.

Watch the video about the confessions of a former body positivity influencer.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to run for the hills” mean? “It was actually something people found disgusting. “Run for the hills. It’s Fatzilla! ” Use this idiom in a sentence. Give a similar expression.
  2. What does “to stay silent” mean?“I was scared to say the wrong thing, so I stayed silent..”  Use this expression in a sentence. Give a similar expression.
  3. What does “to brand someone a pariah” mean? “The body positivity community branded me a pariah, and so I left.” Use this term in a sentence. Give a similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on Gabriella’s story?
  2. Why is body positivity important in today’s society?
  3. What are the positive and negative effects of body positivity?
  4. In your opinion, can body positivity and healthy living coexist? If yes, how?
  5. Have you witnessed real examples of fatphobia toward someone? Share about it.
  6. Share your thoughts on this statement: “Not every fat person is unhealthy, and not every skinny person is healthy.”

The Wealthy Always Leave Before the Room Empties

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

It’s rarely pointed out, but the way someone leaves a party can reveal a lot about their social standing.

Those with wealth are taught to view their time as inherently valuable, while others learn to keep contributing until they’re told they can stop.

And it doesn’t stop at parties—it shows up in workplaces, relationships, and even across societies.

Read the article about the hidden rule of power wherein how people leave a party reveals everything about class. 

https://medium.com/@elsamehary/why-the-wealthy-always-leave-before-the-music-stops-2f086a1df965

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to earn one’s keep” mean? “The rest of us are taught to earn our keep until we’re dismissed.” Use the idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  2. What does “the heartbeat of something” mean? “Priceless texts on science, law, astronomy, and philosophy — the intellectual heartbeat of a civilization — carried across deserts in metal trunks, boats, and even donkeys.” Use the expression in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  3. What does “to make space for something” mean? “When the lights come on and the room empties, someone still has to reset the chairs, sweep the floor, and make space for what’s next.” Use the phrase in a sentence in this context. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts this, “The unspoken lesson was clear: you don’t leave until the powerful say so.”?
  2. What do you think this means, “The wealthy preserve wealth by leaving early. The stewards preserve culture by staying behind.”? You may give situations where this is observed.
  3. Share your insight on this, “The wealthy are conditioned to believe their time has inherent value. The rest of us are taught to earn our keep until we’re dismissed.”
  4. What mindset would you say differentiates the wealthy from the Average Joes?
  5. Talk about an interaction you’ve had with a very wealthy individual. How did it go?

Surprising Things about Partying with Rich People

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

Sociologist Ashley Mears attended VIP parties to understand how wealthy people view extravagant spending that can seem excessive to others. She discovered a strange mix of money and beauty, shaped by traditional gender roles and a blend of enjoyment and exploitation. 

Read the article about some surprising things Ashley Mears discovered as she joined the world’s Very Important People at their parties.

Five Surprising Things I Learned from Partying with Rich People

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “hand-me-down” mean? “Over the next few years, I interviewed 44 promoters by day and followed them out at night, first in New York, and then in Miami, the Hamptons, and Cannes, donning the requisite four-inch high heels and a hand-me-down Chanel purse.” Use the idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  2. What does “spending spree” mean? “I joined the VIP party because I wanted to understand how the rich think about spending sprees that, to outsiders, border on ridiculous.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  3. What does “whale” mean here, “When the whales get to spending, the club feels electric: people cheer and take photos while beautiful cocktail waitresses carry sparkler-clad bottles of champagne to rich people’s tables.” Use the word in a sentence in this context. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on rich people’s high-priced art, yachts, and private planes, all broadcasted in lurid detail on their social media accounts?
  2. What can you say about this, “Rich people are ridiculous, and they know it.”?
  3. Share your thoughts on this: “Girls are currency, but it is most valuable to men.”
  4. Share your insight on this: “Through their looks, they could get close to what they and most other women are otherwise excluded from: economic power. In this exploitative arrangement, women are active participants, and seeking pleasure, too.”
  5. Do you think you would also find partying in this setting fun? Why or why not?

Greg Daily: Homeless Teenager to Successful Advertising Boss

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

As a homeless teenager, becoming a successful entrepreneur felt impossible for Greg Daily. From sleeping hungry at friend’s sofas, he is now the founder and CEO of digital marketing firm called Science in Advertising.

His company works with a wide range of clients, from Fortune 500 corporations to small, family-run businesses.

Read the article about Greg Daily who went from being a homeless teenager to the owner of a successful digital advertising agency.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cn08lx745ndo

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “couch surfing” mean? “As he reached adulthood, Daily moved around the US, spending six months in Texas with his grandmother, and six months with his father, before falling into couch surfing.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  2. What is a “client base”? “The business has, however, been successful, and grown its client base.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  3. What does “mom-and-pop shop” mean? “Launched in 2019, it serves businesses from members of the Fortune 500 list of the largest US companies, down to mom-and-pop shops.” Use the phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. What can we learn from Greg Daily’s story of success?
  2. Greg Daily learned a lesson from a young age that “Businesses feed families.” What are your thoughts on this?
  3. Greg Daily has always had this idea in mind, “Failure is always an option. If you operate as though failure isn’t possible, the ship is going to blow up”. Share your thoughts on this.
  4. Do you think that “Business is in our DNA.”? Share your insights.
  5. Talk about someone you know that has the entrepreneurial spirit. What business are they into?
  6. Given a chance, what kind of business would you like to start and why?