Tag: People

Gran Canaria Mystery 

B1 – Intermediate

Gran Canaria is a beautiful island in the Atlantic Ocean. It is known for its beautiful landscapes and pleasant weather. With its picturesque beaches, mountains, and charming villages, it is a perfect place for nature lovers and adventurers.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about the mystery Gran Canaria Island.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/gran-canaria-mystery-level-2/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “take control of something” mean in this sentence, “The men were face-down with their hands tied and stones on top of them. They probably died violently a long time ago, even before Spain took control of the island in the 15th century. ” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “symbolic” mean in this sentence, “This type of burial wasn’t normal, which means that it could be a symbolic death.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “conquer” mean in this sentence, “The bodies could be from after Spain conquered the island or from the time before.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is Gran Canaria known for?
  2. How do archaeological findings contribute to our knowledge of pre-colonial history in different regions?
  3. What can we learn from this archaeological finding about the island’s past?
  4. How might this archaeological discovery impact future research or exploration on Gran Canaria?
  5. Talk about a place in your country/city that is also known for a mystery.

Standard of Living

B1 – Intermediate

Standard of living demonstrates a person’s quality of life. It is the level of their material wealth and income. It dictates the kinds of things they will be able to buy and experience in their lives.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about standard of living.

https://listenaminute.com/s/standard_of_living.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is “standard of living”? “I don’t think you need a lot of money to have a good standard of living.” Use this phrase in your own sentence.
  2. What does “overseas” mean? “I’m not rich, I don’t have expensive furniture (in fact I have cheap used furniture) and I don’t have luxury holidays overseas.” Give 2 synonyms and use “overseas” in your own sentence.
  3. Explain what “do one’s best” mean. “We all do our best for most of our lives to improve it.” Use this expression in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why is a good standard of living important?
  2. In your personal opinion, what is a good standard of living?
  3. How can a person improve their standard of living?
  4. What do you think of the current standard of living of most people in your country?
  5. Agree or disagree: “I don’t think you need a lot of money to have a good standard of living.” Explain your position.

Smiling Classes

B1 – Intermediate

People have been wearing masks for a long time since the COVID-19 pandemic. Some people in Japan claim that they have forgotten how to smile naturally. Therefore, they are taking smiling lessons from “smile coaches”.

Read more about these smiling classes in the article.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2306/230608-smiling-classes.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “complex” mean in this context, “Many people developed a complex about smiling.“? Use this word in this context in a sentence.
  2. What does “the key to something” mean? “Moving and relaxing the facial muscles is the key to a good smile.” Use this expression in a sentence.
  3. What is the meaning of “for some time to come“? “Smile coaches in Japan may be busy for some time to come.” Use this phrase in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your opinion on smiling lessons?
  2. Have you ever found it difficult or uncomfortable to smile naturally after wearing a face mask for a lengthy period of time? How did you handle it?
  3. Would you consider taking lessons from a “smile coach” to relearn how to smile with confidence if you felt self-conscious about it?
  4. Do you believe that wearing masks has affected your ability to communicate effectively and make good impressions on others? Why or why not?
  5. What is your opinion on this: “Smiling makes a good impression on others and helps communication. It also has the effect of making yourself feel more positive.”?

Man Opens Door During Flight 

B1 – Intermediate

Flight is a wondrous thing that has changed the way we explore and connect with the world. It allows us to travel long distances in a short amount of time, making the world feel smaller and more accessible.

During a flight, we can enjoy many things that the airline offers. We can watch movies, listen to music, or simply relax and look out the window.

It’s important to remember that flying comes with responsibilities. We should be considerate of our fellow passengers, keep quiet, and respect their space. Most importantly of all, we should also follow safety instructions to ensure a smooth and secure flight.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript to know the incident of a man opening the plane door during a flight.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/a-man-opens-the-door-during-flight-level-2/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to find (something) out” mean in this sentence, “The police are questioning the suspect and they are trying to find out why he did it.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does the word “lever” mean? “He pulled a lever and opened the door. Videos showed strong winds blowing at passengers.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “suspect” mean? “The suspect was a 33-year-old passenger who was sitting near the emergency exit. He pulled a lever and opened the door. Videos showed strong winds blowing at passengers.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your reaction to what the man did?
  2. Have you ever taken a flight? If yes, where did you go? If not, where would you like to go?
  3. What are some safety measures you should follow during a flight?
  4. What are some potential risks or challenges that travelers might face during their journey? How can they be prepared to handle such situations?
  5. What are your travel tips / advices for someone who is taking their first flight?

Trash Collectors’ Library

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The number of bookworms has risen from 30 to 42 percent in Turkey as a group of garbage collectors run a unique library in Ankara and rescue discarded books from the trash. These avid book lovers sanitize them and carefully organize them on library shelves for others to read.

As a result, they can now further educate themselves. Additionally, the community feels the impact of this inspiring initiative.

So, if you want to learn more about this remarkable project, we invite you to watch the video and discover how the Trash Collectors Library is making a difference, one book at a time.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is a “refuse worker”? ”The refuse workers in Ankara turn up at 7:00 in the morning.” Give 1-2 synonym/s and use this phrase in a sentence.
  2. What is the meaning of the phrasal verb ”turn up” in the sentence ”The refuse workers in Ankara turn up at 7:00 in the morning.”? Use this phrase in a sentence.
  3. What does ”bookworm” mean in this sentence, ”The number of bookworms has risen from 30 to 42 percent in Turkey.” Use this word in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How can you describe the trash collectors’ character in Turkey?
  2. Are you a bookworm, too? If yes, what genre do you prefer?
  3. Has the number of bookworms increased or decreased in your country over the years? Why do you think this is the case?
  4. What do you like about the Trash Collectors’ Library?
  5. Why do you think people throw books? Is it appropriate to do so? 
  6. Can this initiative be adopted in Spain? Why or why not?

Former Homeless Woman Wins Millions on Scratch-off Ticket

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Rarely does a heartwarming news story capture the public’s interest, but this one has. Not only is it a dream come true for one woman, but it’s also a proof that anything is possible.

What’s more, it’s a reminder that good things can happen to anyone at any time. This incredible story shows that life can change in an instant, and it’s inspiring to see how one stroke of luck can change a person’s life.

So, it’s with great pleasure that I share the news of a once-homeless woman who recently won a life-changing $5 million on a scratch-off ticket in California.

Read the article below and be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2023/05/05/california-woman-5-million-lottery-ticket-homeless/70187611007/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the word “scratch” mean in this sentence, “Forseth was changing oil on her car and scratched the winning ticket outside the store.”? Use this word in a sentence in this context. Also, give another meaning of this word and make a sentence using this word in that context.
  2. What is the meaning of “sole mission” in the sentence “The California Lottery’s sole mission is to raise additional funding for public education.” Use this phrase in a sentence.
  3. How is the word “alike” used in the article? “It showcases the positive impact our games have on winners and schools alike.” Use this word in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How does this news story make you feel?
  2. What are your thoughts on the California Lottery’s sole mission to raise additional funding for public education?
  3. In your opinion, is it a good idea to buy a lottery ticket? Explain.
  4. How do you think winning the lottery could change someone’s life?
  5. What would you do if you won $5 million in the lottery?
  6. Have you ever experienced a sudden change in your life? How did you handle it?

Spanish Actress’ Surrogate Baby Is Her Late Son’s

B2 – Upper Intermediate

When celebrities announce that they’ve had a baby via surrogacy, it doesn’t shock the world that much anymore.

But Spanish TV star Ana Obregón’s revelation of having a surrogate baby using his late son’s sperm did. Legally, his makes her the baby’s mother. But biologically, she is the grandmother.

Read the article about Spanish TV actress Ana Obregón’s surrogate baby who was fathered by her deceased son.

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-65186636

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Define “bear”here, “While ¡Hola! magazine’s front page carried a picture of the TV actress and the new baby, another Spanish magazine, Lecturas, featured the surrogate mother who bore Ana Sandra.” Use this word in your own sentence.
  2. What does “rule out” mean, “She refuses to rule out providing her granddaughter with a brother or sister.”? Give a similar word or phrase and use ‘rule out’ in your own sentence.
  3. What does ”to take something upon oneself” mean, “Ana Obregón has taken it upon herself to interpret her dead son’s wishes and that is going too far.”? Give a similar word or phrase and use ‘to take something upon oneself’ in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think of Obregón’s saying she did this to fulfill his dying son’s final wish? Do you think there is an ethical issue here? Explain.
  2. Share your thoughts on this: “She (Obregón) refuses to rule out providing her granddaughter with a brother or sister.” 
  3. Legally the actress is the baby’s mother, even if she is biologically her grandmother. Any thoughts on this?
  4. What are your thoughts on surrogacy being illegal in Spain?
  5. In general, what is your opinion about surrogacy?

First Impressions

B1 – Intermediate

First impression is everything. It can make or break a person, company, service, or product. It is so important to make a good first impression because they are the basis of how relationships start and how you are seen by other people.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about first impressions.

https://listenaminute.com/f/first_impressions.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the phrase “to set eyes on someone” mean in this sentence, “I think I’m good at judging someone’s character from the first time I set eyes on them.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “one’s kind of person” mean in this sentence, “It’s easy to understand if the person is my kind of person.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “count” mean in this sentence, “First impressions count most when you meet someone important.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you agree or disagree that “First impression lasts.”? Explain.
  2. What are the best ways to make a good first impression?
  3. Do you make first impressions based on their clothes? Why/why not?
  4. How important is first impression to you?
  5. Have you ever experienced being completely wrong about your first impression?
  6. In what jobs do people have to make very quick decisions based on first impressions?

Rapping Teacher 

B1 – Intermediate

Passion is one of the foundations of effective teaching. Apart from that, there are several teaching methods that teachers use to educate their students. These methodologies are chosen depending on the approach and the types of learners. Some teachers get more creative to keep their students engaged.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about this unconventional way of teaching by a teacher in Chile.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/rapping-teacher-level-1/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Define the word “rap“. “He raps to his students.”, “In the past, he rapped on city buses.” Give 2 other meanings.
  2. What does the phrasal verb “find out” mean? “His students found out.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does the word “hit” mean?”The rapping teacher is a big hit at the school.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think of rapping as a way of teaching?
  2. Based on your experience, what is the best way to teach young learners? Why?
  3. What kinds of unconventional learning methods have you had before? Were they effective?

Gambling

B1 – Intermediate

Gambling is defined as placing money or betting in a game to win even more money depending on luck without working really hard. Gambling is a kind of a shortcut to getting a lot of money. Everyone would like to follow an easy way to make money. Even rich people gamble to become even richer. However, it is a game of chance. Many people also end up losing a lot of money to it.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about gambling.

https://listenaminute.com/g/gambling.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “nothing good comes out of something” mean, “I don’t think much good comes [out] of gambling.”? Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “odds to be against someone” mean, “The odds are always against you.”? Use this idiom in a sentence.
  3. What does “to get fed up with someone/something” mean, “They must get fed up with throwing their money away.”? Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Have you ever won or lost money from gambling? Share that situation.
  2. Do you think buying lottery tickets is a form of gambling? Why or why not?
  3. Why do you think so many people like gambling?
  4. How can someone stop from gambling too much?
  5. What damage does gambling do to an individual and the society?
  6. How different do you think the world would be if gambling didn’t exist? Explain.