Tag: Preliminary PET

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.”.

People Happiest in the Mornings

B1- Intermediate 

Do you ever notice which time during the day you feel the happiest?

A study found that people are happiest in the mornings and saddest at midnight. 

Read this article about people’s mental well-being at different times of the day.

Be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2502/250210-happy-mornings-4.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “worthwhile” mean? “They asked people to rate their feelings of happiness, overall satisfaction with life, and how worthwhile they thought life was.” Use this word in a sentence and give 2 synonyms or similar expressions.
  2. What does “unwind” mean? “The researchers also found that we felt happiest on Sunday mornings, when our anxiety is lower. This is because we have the chance to unwind on Saturdays.” Use this word in a sentence and give 2 synonyms or similar expressions.
  3. What does “to splash out” mean? “We are more likely to have fun and splash out on something nice while shopping.” Use this phrasal verb in a sentence and give 2 synonyms or similar expressions.

Discussion Questions:

  1. “A study says people are happiest in the mornings, and bluest at midnight.” What is your reaction to the results of the study?
  2. Which time of the day do you think you are the happiest? How about the bluest and explain why?
  3. Share your thoughts on this, “We feel happiest on Sunday mornings, when our anxiety is lower.”
  4. What are you more likely to do when you are happy?
  5. What are other “drivers” that could affect people’s positive feelings? Why do you think this is?

Bricklayer Shortage Worsens UK Housebuilding Crisis

B1- Intermediate 

The housing crisis in the UK is getting worse. One factor that is contributing to it is a shortage of bricklayers. 

Read this lesson about how the shortage of bricklayers is making the UK housing crisis even worse.

Be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2503/250303-bricklayer-shortage-4.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Explain the term “housing ladder”. “Britain needs more homes so young people can get on the housing ladder.” Use this phrase in a sentence.
  2. What does “rough sleeping” mean? “Rising rent and unaffordable housing have increased rough sleeping.” Use this phrase in a sentence.
  3. What does “to pull every lever” mean specifically in this context, “It said it was doing its best to build 300,000 new homes. It added: ‘We will pull every lever to deliver on our commitment.’?” Make a sentence using this idiom in the same context. Give another meaning of ‘pull a lever’.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the effects of the shortage of bricklayers in the UK?
  2. Is there a similar problem in your country with lack of construction workers? How is it affecting the housing industry of your country?
  3. What is your opinion on this, “The UK blamed the lack of workers on ‘years of underinvestment in skills’.”? Compare it with your country. Do you think the government invests enough in the citizens’ skills training?
  4. What kind of problems does the housing industry have in your country these days? Talk about some of them as detailed as you can.
  5. Is it also difficult for young people in your country to get on the housing ladder? Why is this?

US Health Insurance Company Wants Too Much Money

B1 – Intermediate 

UnitedHealth is under investigation by the US Department of Justice (DOJ) for their billing practices for extra payments for Medicare Advantage plans.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about an investigation on UnitedHealth’s Medicare billing practices.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/us-health-insurance-company-wants-too-much-money-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “billing” mean? “According to the Wall Street Journal, the US Department of Justice (DOJ) is investigating UnitedHealth’s Medicare billing practices.” Use this word in a sentence.
  2. What does “wrongdoing” mean? “UnitedHealth claims it is unaware of the investigation and denies wrongdoing.” Use this word in a sentence.
  3. What does “buyout” mean? “Meanwhile, the company is also offering buyouts to employees in its benefits unit.” Use this word in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Share your thoughts on UnitedHealth’s billing practices.
  2. How is this investigation affecting UnitedHealth?
  3. If you are an investor in this company are you also going to sell your shares? Why or why not?

Why Is Handwriting Important?

B1 – Intermediate 

In the digital world where most people almost never have to write by hand anymore, a study looks at the benefits of handwriting for the development of young children.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about the importance of handwriting on little kids’ development.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/why-is-handwriting-important-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “underestimate” mean? “In today’s digital era where screens and keyboards dominate, we often underestimate the importance of handwriting.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ’underestimate’ in your own sentence.
  2. What does “to play a role in something” mean? “Experts say that handwriting plays a key role in cognitive development, memory retention, and academic performance.” Use this idiom in a sentence.
  3. What does “legible” mean? “Moreover, legible handwriting can lead to better grades, regardless of the content.” Give a synonym and use ’legible’ in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. In your own opinion, why is handwriting important?
  2. Do you think writing by hand is still important in the modern times? Share your opinion.
  3. Do you agree or disagree: “Writing using pencil and paper versus typing on a phone could be advantageous.”? Explain.
  4. What are your thoughts on this, “Legible handwriting can lead to better grades.”?
  5. How has your handwriting changed over time?

Teens Worried about Muscle Size

B1 – Intermediate 

In recent times, we have seen a revolution in people’s interest in physical health. More and more people exercise and go to the gym, including teenagers and young people in their early 20s.

However, an increasing number of youths are suffering from a psychological disorder called muscle dysmorphia or bigorexia. 

Read the article about the rise in the number of young people suffering from bigorexia and be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2502/250224-bigorexia-muscle-dysmorphia.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “self-image” mean? “Bigorexia is a psychological condition…which involves a distorted self-image that focuses specifically on muscle size and physical appearance.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘self-image’ in your own sentence.
  2. What does “exacerbate” mean? “Social media may be a factor in exacerbating the problem.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘exacerbate’ in your own sentence.
  3. What does “overwhelm” mean? “Youngsters can be overwhelmed with images of people with the “perfect” body.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ’overwhelm’ in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Is the same happening to young people in your country? Talk about it in detail.
  2. What might be the factors that contribute to the rise of youths getting anxious about their muscles?
  3. Should there be stricter regulations on muscle-building supplements and anabolic steroids? Share your insights.
  4. How can cases of bigorexia be reduced?
  5. What other disorders could youngsters suffer from and what do you think leads to these conditions?