Tag: People and Human Interest

How Important Is Politeness?

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

From a very young age, we are taught that being polite is good manner. 

We teach children to be polite because it’s the rule of the society. This is so they do not come across as rude or ill-mannered.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about the importance of politeness.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2025/ep-250605

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “well disposed to someone” mean? “You don’t see him as insulting you, and you’re actually quite kindly disposed to that person.“ Use this phrase in a sentence. Give 2 synonyms/similar expressions.
  2. What does “mind one’s Ps and Qs” mean? “When her daughter didn’t say hello to an adult, Louise told her daughter to mind her Ps and Qs.” Use this idiom in a sentence. Give 2 synonyms/similar expressions.
  3. What does “embarrassed” mean? “So, imagine how embarrassed she felt when her two-year-old daughter repeatedly ignored the cook at her nursery school and refused to say hello.” Use this word in a sentence. Give 2 synonyms/similar expressions.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your definition of being polite and how important is politeness to you? 
  2. Share your thoughts on this, “Politeness is subjective.” Elaborate and cite examples.
  3. Are people from your country perceived to be very polite? Share something about this.
  4. What are some of the first things parents teach children in your country on how to be polite?
  5. Talk about a time someone did not show politeness towards you.

Music Festivals Are Becoming Less Popular

B1 – Intermediate 

Very famous music festivals like Coachella, Burning Man, and Lollapalooza have seen some decrease in ticket sales. Live events such as these seems to be getting less interest from its fans.

All-inclusive festival deals can be for several hundred dollars or even up to 1000 dollars.

However, with the increasing costs of travel and the tickets, people would rather spend that amount on other activities.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about the music festivals becoming less popular.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/music-festivals-are-becoming-less-popular-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “lodging” mean? “Festivals can cost several hundred dollars or even up to 1000 dollars for a full experience, including transportation and lodging.” Use this word in a sentence. Give a synonym or similar expression.
  2. What does “stream” mean? “Many prefer to stream concerts or join virtual festivals on gaming platforms like Fortnite and Roblox.” Use this word in a sentence. 
  3. What does “take place” mean? “In 2024, over 1,100 festivals took place in the US, but around 40 were canceled.” Use this phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym or similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the reasons music festivals are becoming less interesting for fans?
  2. What are your thoughts on music festivals becoming less popular?
  3. Share your opinion on this, “Some fans now prefer to spend that money on other things than a music festival.”
  4. Is the same thing happening in your country? Why do you think this is?
  5. Talk about a time you went to a music festival.

Grow a Garden Game Breaks Record

B1 – Intermediate 

Grow a Garden is a horticultural-themed game. On June 14, 2025, the game broke the record for having the most number of users who were simultaneously online at the same time. This is more than the 14.3 million that the famous game Fortnite has set previously.

Read the article about how Grow a Garden broke the record for concurrent users.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2506/250623-grow-a-garden.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to break the record for something” mean? “An online gardening game has broken the record for the most users being online at the same time.” Use this idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym or similar expression.
  2. What does “to be fueled by someone/something” mean? “The game’s owners said its success is fueled by vibrant social interactions.“ Use this phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym or similar expression.
  3. What does “to unlock something” mean? “They can also unlock rare seeds, exotic crops, and underwater gardens and magical forests.” Use this phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym or similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What’s the first thing that comes to your mind when you hear the word “garden”?
  2. Share your reaction and opinion about this news.
  3. What do you think about this game? Would you be interested in trying to play it? Why or why not?
  4. Experts believe Grow a Garden may not lead to a love of gardening. What is your opinion about this?
  5. Have you ever played any simulation game like “Grow a Garden”? Talk about how to play that game and why you liked it.

The Weirdest Dictator in History

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Turkmenistan is a country in Central Asia with huge natural gas wealth, but its former leader, Saparmurat Niyazov, ruled in ways that shocked the world. Known as Turkmenbashi, he filled the country with golden statues of himself, renamed months after his book, and banned things like ballet, gold teeth, and even dogs in the capital city.

His rule wasn’t just strange, it affected people’s lives. Hospitals and libraries were shut down outside the capital, and people were expected to read his book Ruhnama to pass driving tests. This video explores how someone can use total power not just to lead, but to shape a country around their personality.

To learn more about Turkmenbashi, watch the full video.

Vocabulary Questions

  1. What does “to hold someone back” mean in the sentence, “Yet, this adversity didn’t hold him back.“? Use it in a sentence. Give a synonymous phrase.
  2. What does “to descend into chaos” mean? “The nation descended into chaos.” Use it in a sentence. Give a similar expression.
  3. What does “to come to an abrupt end” mean? “His reign came to an abrupt end.” Use it in a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions

  1. What are your thoughts on some unusual things that Turkmenbashi did while in power?
  2. Do you think having too much power can be dangerous for leaders? Why or why not?
  3. What might life be like for people living in a country with many banned activities?
  4. Can you think of other historical figures who used their power in strange or extreme ways? Talk about them.

People in Denmark Trust Each Other

B1 – Intermediate 

Trust and responsibility are some of the most important foundations in Denmark’s society.

A free kayak, a human library, and a bakery without a cashier are a few examples of just how much the Danes trust each other a lot.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about how much they trust one another in Denmark.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/people-in-denmark-trust-each-other-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “the catch is” mean here, “For example, you can rent a kayak for free with GreenKayak, but the catch is that you must collect trash while paddling through the canals.” Use this idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “to play a key role” mean? “In Denmark, trust plays a key role in society, especially in Copenhagen.“ Use this phrase in a sentence. Give a similar expression.
  3. What does “to rely on someone/something” mean? “The system relies on people returning the kayaks without damage, which shows how trust works in Denmark.” Use this expression in a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why is it important to have trust for one another in a community/society?
  2. Do have trust in humanity? Why or why not?
  3. If the initiatives mentioned in the audio were done in your country, do you think most people will be honest enough? Explain.
  4. How much do you think people in your country trust each other?Give examples on how people in your city or country show trust for each other.
  5. What are some ways that people can build trust with each other?
  6. How important is trust in your job? Speak about how you and your colleagues show that you trust each other.

The First Lawyer with Down Syndrome

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Ana Victoria Espino is a remarkable individual who is making history as the first lawyer with Down Syndrome. Her journey is not just a personal achievement but also a significant step forward for the representation of individuals with disabilities in professional fields. 

In recent years, awareness and acceptance of people with disabilities have increased, but there is still much work to be done. Ana Victoria’s accomplishments highlight the possibilities that lie ahead when barriers are broken down. 

Read the article and hear a little story about her journey.

https://www.latintimes.com/meet-ana-victoria-espino-latina-making-history-first-lawyer-down-syndrome-556529


Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is a “shadow professor”? “However, her determination, coupled with the invaluable support of a dedicated shadow professor, helped her navigate the rigorous demands of her legal studies.” Use it in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “to break down barriers” mean? “For Espino and her parents, her journey through university was not just about earning a degree; it was about breaking down barriers and setting a precedent for others with similar conditions.” Use it in a sentence. Give a similar expression.
  3. What does “coupled with” mean?”However, her determination, coupled with the invaluable support of a dedicated shadow professor, helped her navigate the rigorous demands of her legal studies.” Use it in a sentence.


Discussion Questions:

  1. Share your thoughts on Ana Victoria’s achievements.
  2. What inspired Ana Victoria to pursue a law degree, and how did she overcome the challenges she faced during her studies?
  3. How does Ana Victoria’s achievement challenge societal perceptions of individuals with Down Syndrome or people with disabilities in general?
  4. What lessons can educational institutions learn from Ana Victoria’s experience to better support students with disabilities?
  5. How prepared do you think the education system in your country is for students with specific needs? Talk about it.

Dad Designs Jacket for Neurodivergent Children

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Some children face sensory challenges that make everyday clothing uncomfortable.

To help with this, a father of a neurodivergent child created special clothing designed for comfort and support. His design includes features like soft fabrics, weighted elements, and sensory-friendly additions, helping children feel more at ease in their daily lives.

Let’s read the article and explore how this innovative sensory coat is making a difference for neurodivergent children and their families.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cy8em4gggvxo

Vocabullary Questions:

  1. What does the idiom “in a bid to (do something)” mean? “In a bid to help his son and other children, Mr Rudd decided to design a coat, an idea that his wife Amanda at first thought was a joke.” Use it in a sentence. Give a similar expression.
  2. What does “high vis stripes” mean? “It also has high vis stripes to enhance safety in public spaces.” Use it in your own sentence.
  3. What is the meaning of the word “meltdown“? “He said Charlie’s sensory issues would cause him to have meltdowns, an intense response to an overwhelming situation, common for people with autism.” Use it in a sentence and give two synonyms or similar expressions.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What’s your take on John Rudd’s Chammo coats?
  2. How would you assess the current awareness and support for neurodiverse individuals where you live?
  3. Why do some children need special clothing for comfort and focus?
  4. Do you think more companies should design clothes for people with special needs? Why or why not?
  5. Share about a time when you had something specially made for you.

Living Off Grid

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Living off the grid offers a unique lifestyle that emphasizes simplicity, self-reliance, and a deep connection to nature. In the article “What It’s Like Living Off-Grid” by Greg Seaman, he shares his family’s 40-year journey of residing in a remote cabin without access to public utilities. They adapted by using solar panels, kerosene lamps, and wood stoves, learning to preserve food without refrigeration and entertain themselves without modern electronics. This lifestyle, while challenging, fostered independence and resilience, especially in their children. Seaman’s experience illustrates that with commitment and adaptability, off-grid living can be both feasible and rewarding.

Curious about off-grid life? Read Greg’s inspiring story on the Eartheasy website here:

What It’s Like Living Off-Grid

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “make do with” mean? “Without electricity, they had to make do with kerosene lamps.” Give a synonym and use it in a sentence.
  2. What does the phrase “cut down on” mean? “Living off-grid means cutting down on energy use.” Find a word or phrase with a similar meaning and use it in a sentence.
  3. What does the phrase “put food on the table” mean? “We had to rely on each other more to put food on the table and to get things done.” Provide a synonym and use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you personally think about living off grid?
  2. If you had to live off the grid, what would be your biggest concern?
  3. What are some benefits of living off the grid?
  4. What challenges do you think people face when living off the grid?

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?