Tag: Preliminary PET

Driving in the EU at 17

B1 – Intermediate 

Europe plans to let 17-year-olds to start driving. The EU thinks this could improve road safety. 

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about the new driving age in Europe.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/driving-in-the-eu-at-17-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Define “road safety”. “The European Union is planning to improve road safety by allowing 17-year-olds to drive with a more experienced person beside them.” Use this phrase in a sentence.
  2. Define “self-assessment”. “There will not be one rule for the whole EU, but countries are encouraged to use similar health checks either through medical exams or self-assessments.” Use this word in a sentence.
  3. What does “concerned” mean? “Some are concerned about data safety, but EU leaders say the new system will protect against fraud and hacking.”? Use this word in a sentence and give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your opinion about this new driving age?
  2. What are the good and bad things about this? 
  3. “Supervision is not enough to prevent accidents.” What is your opinion about this? 
  4. Do you think this will improve road safety? Share your opinion.
  5. What are other ways to improve road safety?
  6. What is your opinion about digital driver license?

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.

Tourist Arrested for Visiting Forbidden Indian Island

B1- Intermediate 

An American tourist could go to prison for up to five years in India after getting arrested because he tried to visit the forbidden island of North Sentinel. 

The island is home to the indigenous people known as the Sentinelese. The government prohibits any contact with the people from the tribe from outsiders to make sure the tribes people are protected from modern illnesses. The islanders are not immune to modern diseases. So, if they contract them, it could end the whole tribe’s existence.

The Sentinelese are very protective of their isolation from the outside world. They even kill tourists who have tried to visit their island in the past.

Read the article about a man who got arrested for visiting North Sentinel. Be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2504/250407-remote-island-4.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “face” mean? “He could face up to five years in prison.” Use this word in a sentence and give a synonym.
  2. What does “shield” mean? “The ban is to shield the people from modern illnesses.” Use this word in a sentence and give a synonym.
  3. What does “wipe out” mean? “A non-profit group that protects isolated tribes said: “Uncontacted peoples have no immunity to common outside diseases like flu or measles, which could completely wipe them out.” Use this phrase in a sentence and give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your reaction to the American tourist trying to visit the North Sentinel?
  2. Do you think what he did was worth it? Why or why not?
  3. Why is it necessary for tourists to respect a government’s ban to visit some places in their country? 
  4. How can uncontacted indigenous people be protected from outsiders?

Scotland’s Clune Park Demolition

B1- Intermediate 

Clune Park in Scotland was built more than 100 years ago for shipyard workers, but when the industry of shipbuilding started going down, people abandoned the area. 

The council plans to demolish a part of the estate and build new homes. 

Demolishing parts of Clune Park means losing its history. However, the council and some residents just aim for a new neighborhood that can serve the community in the coming years.

Listen to the audio and read the transcript about the plan to demolish Clune Park in Scotland. Be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/scotlands-clune-park-demolition-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “vandalism” mean? “It was built over 100 years ago for shipyard workers, but when shipbuilding declined, people left, and the area became known for vandalism and very low property prices.” Use this word in a sentence and give a synonym.
  2. What does “eerie” mean? “The estate is often compared to Chernobyl because of its abandoned and eerie appearance.” Use this word in a sentence and give a synonym.
  3. What does “landlord” mean? “The area’s decline has been made worse by a long conflict between the local council and private landlords.” Use this word in a sentence and give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think it is for the best to demolish Clune Park? Explain.
  2. What is your opinion on this, “Locals are sad about losing a part of their history but also hope for a better future. The council wants to create a new neighborhood that serves the community for years to come.“? 
  3. What comes to your mind when you hear “demolition”? Talk about it.
  4. Is there a place in your country that is similar to Clune Park? Share about this estate.
  5. If you were a resident of a place similar to Clune Park, would you choose to continue to live there? Why or why not?

Global Warming Will Delay the Next Ice Age

B1- Intermediate 

Scientists predict that the next ice age or “the long period of reduction in the temperature of Earth’s surface and atmosphere” will come in about 10,000 years.

However, due to human activities that contribute to global warming, the possibility of the next ice age might be delayed.

Read the article about how global warming will delay the occurrence of the next ice age. Be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2503/250306-ice-age.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to push something back” mean? “The scientists said melting glaciers in the North and South Poles will push back the next ice age.” Use this phrase in a sentence and give a synonym.
  2. What does “at regular intervals” mean? “When the amount of ice on the continental ice sheets was stable, ice ages happened at regular intervals.” Use this expression in a sentence and give a synonym.
  3. What does “gap” mean? “However, Professor Barker said less ice means a longer gap between ice ages.” Use this word in a sentence and give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think this is good news? Why or why not?
  2. What comes to your mind when you hear “ice age”? Talk about it.
  3. Is studying about past ice ages important? Why or why not?
  4. Share your insights on this statement, “Earth’s climate is an interconnected system of complex processes, all acting together to produce the changes we observe.”.
  5. Have you joined a glacier tour before? Share your experience. If not yet, would you be interested? Why or why not?

Way to Target Sound to Individuals

B1- Intermediate 

The way we listen to music is changing. At present, we can hear audios or listen to music using high-tech earbuds. Someday, listening to music even when you are out in public will be possible without using any headphones.

When someone sets up an audible enclave, only they can hear something that is supposed to be for them.

Read the article about audio enclaves.  Be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2503/250327-audio-enclaves-4.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “beam of sound” mean here, “New technology will aim beams of sound at us, without others hearing.” Use this phrase in a sentence and give a synonym or similar expression.
  2. What does “enclave” mean? “Someone within an audible enclave can hear something meant only for them, enabling…quiet zones.” Use this word in a sentence and give a synonym or similar expression.
  3. What does “overhear” mean? “People could set up an enclave to make sure their conversations are not overheard.” Use this word in a sentence and give a synonym or similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on this technology?
  2. What are the pros and cons of this technology?
  3. Would you be interested to use an audio enclave? Why or why not?
  4. What other uses can you think of for the audible enclaves?
  5. What is your opinion about receiving personalized ads through this device?

Gen Z Faces Career Apocalypse

B1- Intermediate 

Gen Zs are having a hard time finding work. Some experts are warning of a career apocalypse. 

Read the article how finding a job is getting more difficult for Gen Zs.  Be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2504/250403-career-apocalypse.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “employment” mean? “Students who have just graduated from university cannot find employment.” Use this word in a sentence and give a synonym or similar expression.
  2. What does “to be better off” mean? “He said young people would “be much better off” if they became plumbers or electricians.” Use this expression in a sentence and give a synonym or similar expression.
  3. What does “entry-level job” mean? “However, some people say many graduates no longer want to do ‘entry-level‘ jobs.” Use this phrase in a sentence and give a synonym or similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the reasons it is difficult for Gen Zs to find a job?
  2. Is there a similar problem among young people in your country? Speak about it.
  3. Are people studying for “worthless degrees” in your country too? Talk about this.
  4. Do you agree or disagree: “Young people would “be much better off” if they became plumbers or electricians.”? Explain.
  5. What is your opinion on this, “New graduates do not want to do “entry-level” jobs. Instead, they want to enter a company at a management level and get well paid in their very first job.”?

Noise-Cancelling Headphones Cause Hearing Problems

B1 – Intermediate

A BBC report highlights concerns that noise-cancelling earphones, popular among young people, may be contributing to hearing problems. Experts suggest that prolonged use could affect listening skills and make it harder to process important sounds.

Read the article to know more.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2502/250220-noise-cancelling-headphones.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “complain” mean? “She said there was an increase in the number of young people complaining about poor hearing.” Use this word in a sentence.
  2. What does “filter out” mean? “Our ears must filter out sounds we don’t think are important.” Use this phrase in a sentence.
  3. What is “audiologist”? “Another audiologist suggested that headphones can lead to bad listening habits.” Use this word in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Have you noticed any hearing issues from using earphones or headphones? Talk about it.
  2. Do you prefer using regular earphones or noise-cancelling ones? Why?
  3. Do you think hearing tests should be done to people who use headphones frequently? Explain.
  4. What will happen if we forget to hear important sounds?

Korean Air Wins Best Airline

B1 – Intermediate

AirlineRatings.com named Korean Air the top airline of 2025 for its focus on passenger comfort and modern aircraft. Qatar Airways won best business class, while Singapore Airlines took the best first-class award. Changi Airport was named the best airport, and AirAsia was recognized as the best low-cost airline for its service offerings.

Read the article to find out more.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2503/250313-worlds-best-airlines.html

Vocabulary Questions:

1. What does “thoughtful touch” mean? “The site added: “Korean Air’s thoughtful touches, such as slippers and generous meal portions on long-haul flights, enhanced its appeal. ” Use this phrase in a sentence.

2. What does “rigorous” mean? “Airlines must also meet rigorous safety standards.” Give a synonym of this word and use it in a sentence.

3. What is “redefine”? “The reviewers said the airline has redefined luxury.” Use this term in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think makes an airline the best in terms of customer service?
  2. What’s the most important factor for you when booking a flight—price, comfort, or service? Why?
  3. How do you feel about airlines offering extra services like wi-fi, meals, and entertainment? Are they worth the extra cost?
  4. Do you think low-cost airlines offer a good value for money, or do you prefer a more premium experience? Explain.
  5. Talk about one of your best experiences with an airline.

Get Kidney Stones by Following Carnivore Diet 

B1- Intermediate 

Nowadays, we see all kinds of diets that are being promoted by influencers on social media. We need to be very cautious not to just follow any of them. It is important to know more information about it and best that we first consult with our doctor or nutritionist if we plan to go on some kind of diet.

Read the article about the influencer who developed kidney stones after following the carnivore diet.

Be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2503/250320-carnivore-diet.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Explain the “carnivore diet”. “A 23-year-old woman followed the carnivore diet and ended up in hospital.” Use this phrase in a sentence.
  2. What are “kidney stones”? “She explained in a TikTok video how the high-protein diet gave her kidney stones.” Use the term in a sentence.
  3. What does “to pass blood” mean? “She was horrified after she passed blood in her urine.” Use this phrase in a sentence and give a similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your reaction to this news?
  2. What is your opinion about the carnivore diet?
  3. What are the good and bad things about the carnivore diet? 
  4. What might be the other effects of the carnivore diet on our body/health? 
  5. Share your thoughts on this, “The carnivore diet has been growing in popularity on social media. Many influencers and content creators are promoting its benefits.”.