Tag: Preliminary PET

Australia’s Surfing Industry and Nature

B1 – Intermediate 

Surfing is one thing people like doing in Australia. Some even go there for surfing holidays. This industry generates big revenues for the country.

The problem is, too much activities in the surfing sites cause problems in the surf breaks. These natural sites need to be legally protected more.  

Australia has yet to take steps in order to do that.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about the surfing industry in Australia and its consequences on some natural sites. Be ready to answer the questions that follow. 

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/australias-surfing-industry-and-nature-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Explain “coastal erosion”. “Climate change, coastal erosion, and increasing competition for coastal spaces threaten these natural sites.” Use this term in a sentence. 
  2. What does “to take a legal step” mean? “While countries like New Zealand and Peru have already taken legal steps to protect their surf areas, Australia hasn’t yet done the same.“ Use this phrase in a sentence.” Give a synonym or similar expression.
  3. What does “span” mean in this sentence, “The sport’s popularity spans from beginners to experienced surfers, and many people enjoy being outdoors and near the ocean.”? Use this word in a sentence. Give some synonyms.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What comes to your mind when you hear the word “wave”?
  2. Share your opinion about this problem in Australia.
  3. What are the good and bad things about the surfing industry in this country?
  4. Should surfing be regulated/limited in Australia? Share your opinion.
  5. Have you ever tried surfing? Talk about your experience. If not yet, would you like to go surfing (maybe in Australia) someday? Why or why not?

Flying Private

B1 – Intermediate 

Rich people travel in style. They do not go on commercial flights. Instead, they fly in private jets.

However, doing this is more expensive and not to mention, harmful to the environment.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about flying private jets. Be ready to answer the questions that follow. 

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/flying-private-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “renowned” mean? “In one year, a renowned musician flew 396 times in their jet, with one flight lasting only six minutes.” Use this word in a sentence. Give a synonym or similar expression.
  2. What does “maintenance” mean? “Owners must also pay for fuel, crew, maintenance, and storage, which adds millions more each year.“ Use this word in a sentence.” Give a synonym or similar expression.
  3. What does “fossil fuel” mean? “To reduce emissions, scientists support using Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAFs). SAFs are made from waste or plants and pollute much less than fossil fuels.” Use this term in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What comes to your mind when you hear the phrase “private jet”?
  2. Share your opinion about this, “Flying private jets is very expensive and harmful to the environment.”
  3. What are the good and bad things about flying private?
  4. Should flying in private jets be regulated/limited? Share your opinion.
  5. Have you ever flown in a private jet? Talk about your experience. If not yet, would you like to fly private? Why or why not?

Digital Parenting

B1 – Intermediate 

With children getting exposed with the use of gadgets at a much younger age, what could parents do to make sure that their kids are being safe when using the internet?

It has become quite common for parents to track what their children are doing online or where they are going. But children feel differently about this. Some feel that they are safe when they are being tracked by their parents while others feel that this is somehow a form of invasion of their privacy.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about the effects of parents tracking the locations and online activities of their children on their sense of independence. Be ready to answer the questions that follow. 

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/digital-parenting-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “tracking” mean? “Tracking children’s locations and monitoring their online activity has become more common among parents, raising questions about its effects on children’s independence.” Use this word in a sentence. Give a synonym or similar expression.
  2. What does “bypass” mean? “Adolescents often find ways to bypass these controls, sometimes making them less safe as they hide their activities from their parents.“ Use this word in a sentence. Give a synonym or similar expression.
  3. What does “open conversation” mean? “Parents are advised to have open conversations with their children about technology instead of only relying on controls.” Use this phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym or similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What comes to your mind when you hear the word “tracking”?
  2. Share your opinion about parents tracking their children’s locations and monitoring their online activities.
  3. Do you think tracking kids digitally has an effect on their sense of independence? Share your opinion.
  4. What are the good and bad things about tracking children’s online activities and their locations?
  5. What is your opinion on this, “Some teens believe that by the age of 16, they should have the right to decide whether they are tracked.”?
  6. How can parents make sure that their children are using their gadgets and the internet responsibly?

How China Deals with Trash

B1 – Intermediate 

In the industrial city of Zhangjiagang in China, they do not use landfills anymore. Instead, they have an automated process of burning wastes in a fully enclosed facility.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about the advanced technology used in China to treat household waste. Be ready to answer the questions that follow. 

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/how-china-deals-with-trash-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Define “landfill”. “Instead of putting waste in landfills, the city uses incineration, a process where waste is burned in a smart and fully enclosed facility.“ Use this word in a sentence.” Use this word in a sentence. Give a synonym or similar expression.
  2. What does “household waste” mean? “Thanks to this method, the city has entered a zero landfill era, where no household waste is buried in the ground.” Use this phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym or similar expression.
  3. What does “residue” mean? “After incineration, the remaining residue is not thrown away.” Use this word in a sentence. Give a synonym or similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What comes to your mind when you hear “landfill”?
  2. Share your reaction to and opinion about this method of treating wastes?
  3. Talk about the waste treatment system in your country.
  4. What are the good and bad things about this system?

Restaurants Lie about Food Hygiene

B1 – Intermediate 

Food hygiene ratings ensure that the businesses in the food industry such as restaurants and supermarkets follow the food safety standards. In the UK, these ratings are given by the Food Standards Agency or FSA. 

A BBC undercover investigation discovered that there are many businesses in England and Wales that are not showing their real food hygiene ratings.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about some businesses lying about their food hygiene ratings. Be ready to answer the questions that follow. 

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/restaurants-lie-about-food-hygiene-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Define “undercover”. “An undercover BBC investigation revealed that many businesses in England and Wales have displayed inaccurate food hygiene ratings.“ Use this word in a sentence. Give a synonym or similar expression.
  2. What does “rating” mean? “These food hygiene ratings, provided by the Food Standards Agency (FSA), are meant to ensure customers that food safety standards are met.” Use this word in a sentence. Give a synonym or similar expression.
  3. What does “misleading” mean? “Food safety experts believe this is a widespread problem across the UK, with multiple places misleading the public about their hygiene standards.” Use this word in a sentence. Give a synonym or similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What comes to your mind when you hear the word “rating”?
  2. Share your reaction to and opinion about this news.
  3. Do you have a similar food hygiene rating system in your country? Do you care about this or not? Why?
  4. Why is it important for businesses to meet food safety standards?
  5. What should be the penalty for businesses who lie about their food hygiene ratings displayed outside their stores?

Pakistan and India Agree to Ceasefire

B1 – Intermediate 

Pakistan and India have come close to war after India blamed Pakistan for an attack on Kashmir wherein 26 civilians died.

The two countries have launched strikes on one another. Pakistan has targeted military bases in India. India fired missiles at air bases in Pakistan.

More recently, the two nations have agreed to a ceasefire and to stick to the truce.

Read the article about Pakistan and India ceasefire and be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2505/250512-india-pakistan-ceasefire-4.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Define “ceasefire”. “Pakistan said the country is committed to a faithful implementation of the ceasefire.“ Use this word in a sentence. Give a synonym or similar expression.
  2. What does “truce” mean? “Both countries are accusing each other of violating the truce.” Use this word in a sentence. Give a synonym or similar expression.
  3. What does “to de-escalate a situation” mean? “Donald Trump urged both parties to find ways to de-escalate the situation.” Use this phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym or similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What comes to your mind when you hear “ceasefire”?
  2. Share your opinion on this ceasefire between India and Pakistan.
  3. What are other ways to de-escalate the situation between countries that have conflicts?
  4. Do you think Trump’s offer to assist Pakistan and India to start talks would be helpful? Why or why not?

Reopening Alcatraz Prison

B1 – Intermediate 

Alcatraz is perhaps one of the most famous prison in the world. It is located in the middle of San Francisco Bay. In 1934, it became a high-security federal penitentiary for holding the most dangerous prisoners in America.

President Trump is thinking about reopening Alcatraz.

Read the article about the possible reopening of Alcatraz as a prison and be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2505/250508-alcatraz-prison-2.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Define “public safety threat”. “He said it could be “an option for significant public safety threats.“ Use this phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym or similar expression.
  2. What does “to be plagued by something” mean here, “America has been plagued by vicious, violent, and repeat criminal offenders.”? Use this phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym or similar expression.
  3. What does “to tear something up” mean? “It’s not realistic to think you can repair it. You’d have to tear it up and start over.” Use this phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym or similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What comes to your mind when you hear “Alcatraz”?
  2. Do you agree with the idea of reopening Alcatraz? Share your opinion.
  3. Share your thoughts on this, “Alcatraz was a symbol of law and order.”.
  4. Would your consider visiting Alcatraz as a tourist attraction? Why or why not?
  5. Are there maximum security prisons in your country? What are they like?
  6. Why are maximum security prisons necessary? 
  7. How can vicious, violent, and repeat criminal offenses be reduced?

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?