Tag: Preliminary PET

War in Middle East Creating Fertilizer Shortage

B1 –  Intermediate 

The war in Iran has raised fertilizer prices. Shipping in the Strait of Hormuz is disrupted. About 30–40% of fertilizer trade is affected. Farmers now pay more and may grow fewer crops. The United Nations warns of higher food prices and possible shortages.

Read the article about how the war in Middle East is creating fertilizer shortage.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2603/260330-fertilizer-shortages-5.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “yield” mean here, “In the worst case, this means lower yields and crop failures next season.”? Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  2. What is “input cost”? “In the best case, higher input costs will be included in food prices next year.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  3. What does “dual cost shock” mean? “Farmers are facing a dual cost shock.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. Explain how the conflict in the Middle East affect global food prices.
  2. What could the United Nations or governments do to reduce the impact of this crisis?
  3. How can countries reduce their dependence on imported fertilizers?
  4. How could rising fertilizer prices affect farming in your country? 
  5. Do you think food prices will continue to rise in the future? Why or why not?
  6. Do you think consumers in your country would change their eating habits if food prices increase? Why or why not?

US Wants Gamers to Become Air Traffic Controllers

B1 –  Intermediate 

There is a shortage of about 3,000 air traffic controllers. The FAA in the USA is recruiting gamers to become air traffic controllers.

The FAA thinks gamers may have useful skills. Officials want more young people to apply.

Read the article about USA’s FAA recruiting gamers to become air traffic controllers.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2604/260413-air-traffic-controller-gaming.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “recruitment campaign” mean in this context, “The USA’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has launched a recruitment campaign aimed at gamers.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  2. What is a “candidate pool”? “Our union welcomes innovative approaches to expanding the candidate pool, including outreach to individuals with high-level skills, such as gamers, so long as all pathways maintain the rigorous standards required of this safety-critical profession.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  3. What is a “tagline”? “The tagline is explicitly aimed at gamers.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think about FAA trying to recruit gamers as air traffic controllers?
  2. What skills from gaming might help in this job?
  3. Do you think gamers are a good fit for this job? Why or why not?
  4. What do you think about the job of being an air traffic controller?
  5. Why do you think there is a shortage of air traffic controllers in America? Is it the same situation in your country? Talk about it.

Free Electricity in the UK

B1 –  Intermediate 

People in the UK may get free or cheap electricity this summer.

NESO made this idea to use extra energy better and help the system work well.

Read the article about getting discounted or even free electricity in the UK this summer.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2604/260416-free-electricity.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “in excess” mean? “Power companies say that on sunny days, weather conditions result in excess supply.” Use the phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  2. What does a “zero-carbon future” mean? “National Energy System Operator (NESO) also says it will deliver what is needed to reach a zero-carbon future.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  3. What are “solar panels”? “There is also more energy coming from  solar panels.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your opinion about discounted or free power?
  2. Have you ever experienced getting free or discounted electricity? If not, do you think it should be done too? Share your opinion.
  3. “The market has the capacity to deliver sufficient supply.” Is it the same situation in your country? Discuss.
  4. What are your thoughts on this, “There could be free summer power even with the war in the Middle East.”?
  5. Do you believe we can reach a zero-carbon future? Share your opinion.

The Shoe Business Is Changing

B1 –  Intermediate 

The shoe market is changing quickly. Big brands now have strong competitors.

Nike is still the biggest. But it has problems. It focused too much on online sales. It did not make enough new products. Because of this, they lost some customers who looked for other brands.

All shoe brands have a new problem. High tariffs on shoes made from Vietnam could make the prices of sneakers much higher.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about how the shoe business is changing.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/the-shoe-business-is-changing-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “rival” mean? “The footwear market is changing fast as big brands like Nike and Crocs face new rivals.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  2. What does “to make a comeback” mean? “Meanwhile, Crocs has made a huge comeback.” Use the phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  3. What does “clever marketing” mean? “People used to think Crocs were ugly, but clever marketing and colorful charms called Jibbitz made them cool for young people.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. According to the article, why are Nike and Crocs struggling?
  2. How can they recover from these problems?
  3. Share your opinion on this, “Nike made a mistake by focusing too much on selling online and not enough on making new, exciting products.“
  4. Share your thoughts on this, “All these brands face a new problem: high tariffs on shoes made in Vietnam, which could make sneakers much more expensive for everyone.”
  5. Give an example of a product or brand that you think uses clever marketing.
  6. What are some of the most important footwear brands in your country? Why are they very popular?

The Eden Project

B1 –  Intermediate 

The Eden Project in Cornwall, UK is 25 years old. It was built in an old clay pit. Now it has big domes with a rainforest inside.

Many people visit to learn about nature. The site uses energy from underground to keep plants warm.

Now, it has money problems. Fewer people visit after the pandemic. The project lost money and had to cut jobs. Its future is uncertain.

But the founder is still hopeful. The site offers new activities to bring in visitors. It wants to stay open for the future.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about the problems that the Eden Project is facing.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/the-eden-project-is-having-problems-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “world-class attraction” mean? “This famous destination transformed an old clay pit into a world-class attraction with domes that house a giant indoor rainforest.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  2. What is “geothermal energy”? “The site even uses geothermal energy from deep underground to keep the tropical plants warm and healthy. ” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  3. What does “to put something in jeopardy” mean? “Because of these problems, the organization had to cut many staff positions to save money. This situation puts the future of the famous greenhouses in jeopardy.” Use the expression in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why is the Eden Project so popular place for visitors, especially school children?
  2. Talk about a similar place in your city or country.
  3. What are the effects of the pandemic on the Eden Project?
  4. Do you think adding attractions like a zip wire is a good way to bring more visitors? Why or why not?
  5. How can we protect important places like the Eden Project?

New Rules for Bikers in Japan

B1 –  Intermediate 

Japan is now punishing bikers who don’t drive properly. This is because accidents have increased. Many accidents involved pedestrians.

A new law will let police give fines. Riders can be fined for using a phone, not stopping at red lights, or riding with earbuds or an umbrella. The highest fine is about $75.

Last year, there were over 67,000 bicycle accidents. Many happened because riders didn’t follow the rules. Some people were badly hurt.

The law is for people aged 16 and older. Small first mistakes may only get a warning.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about the new rules for bikers in Japan.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/new-rules-for-bikers-in-japan-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “recklessly” mean? “Japanese police are starting to punish people who ride bicycles recklessly, following a record number of accidents that involved pedestrians.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  2. What does “a record number of something” mean? “Japanese police are starting to punish people who ride bicycles recklessly, following a record number of accidents that involved pedestrians.” Use the idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  3. What does “fine” mean here: “It allows officers to issue tickets and fines for breaking rules.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your opinion about these new rules for bikers in Japan?
  2. “The highest fine is about $75.” What is your opinion on this amount?
  3. What is your reaction to this, “Last year, there were more than 67,000 bicycle accidents in Japan.”?
  4. How can bike accidents be prevented?
  5. Talk about some rules for bikers in your country.
  6. Is your city suitable for biking? Talk about it.

Fermented Food Expel Nanoplastics

B1 –  Intermediate 

Scientists say tiny plastic particles are everywhere, including in our bodies. Microplastics are small, and nanoplastics are even smaller.

A new study in South Korea found that bacteria from the food kimchi can help remove nanoplastics from the body. The bacteria attach to the plastic in the gut, and it leaves the body as waste. This may stop the plastic from building up in organs.

Nanoplastics are a growing health concern because their effects are still unknown. People may take in thousands of tiny plastic pieces each year. Scientists believe this new discovery could help reduce plastic in the body.

Read the article about how fermented food like kimchi can help expel nanoplastics from our body.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2604/260402-kimchi-nanoplastics-2.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “fermented” mean? “A new study has found that bacteria from the fermented Korean dish  kimchi can help to take nanoplastics out of the body.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  2. What does “side effect” mean? “Nanoplastics are worrying the medical community. There are many side effects.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  3. What does “tackle” mean? “The lead researcher said fermented  foods could be “a new biological approach” to tackle the nanoplastic problem.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your opinion about what this study found about kimchi?
  2. What is your opinion and reaction to this, “Our body has 7 grams of plastic. This is about the size of a credit card.“?
  3. What are your thoughts on this, “Fermented  foods could be a new biological approach to tackle the nanoplastic problem.”?
  4. Do you worry about microplastics and nanoplastics and their effects on our health? Share your insights.
  5. Do you like fermented food? Why or why not?

Germany Wants Workers from India 

B1 –  Intermediate 

Germany has a shortage of workers because many older people are retiring and fewer children are being born. There are not enough young workers to fill the jobs.

To solve this, Germany wants to bring in workers from other countries, especially India, which has many young people. It needs workers in engineering, healthcare, manufacturing, and IT, including many nurses and caregivers.

Read the article about how Germany wants to fix the labor shortage problem by asking Indians to come work in their country.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2603/260326-germany-labour-shortage.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “renewable energy” mean? “Germany is also a leader in renewable energy, pharmaceuticals, and financial services.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  2. What does “labor surplus” mean? “There’s a huge labour surplus in India.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  3. What does “area” mean here, “It is struggling to find enough skilled people to work in many areas.”? Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the pros and cons of hiring Indian workers for Germany?
  2. What is your opinion on this, “The government has made it easier for people to get visas to work in Germany.”?
  3. What causes labor shortage?
  4. What are other solutions to labor shortage in a country?
  5. Do you have the same problem in your country? Discuss it.

OpenAI Deal with Pentagon

B1 –  Intermediate 

After the AI company Anthropic refused to give the Pentagon full access to its AI system, the US government decided to end its agreement with the company.

Right away, OpenAI struck a deal with the Pentagon, with promises of better security measures. 

Listen to the audio and read the transcript about the cooperation between OpenAI and Pentagon.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/openai-changes-the-deal-with-the-pentagon-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “measure” mean here, “In response, CEO Sam Altman said the company would make changes and add more safety measures.”? Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  2. What does “misuse” mean? “Many people worry about risks and the possible misuse of powerful technology.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  3. What does “administration” mean here, “Anthropic didn’t want to give the Pentagon full access to its AI system. Because of this disagreement, the Trump administration ended its cooperation with the company.”? Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. Share your opinion about OpenAI striking a deal with the Pentagon immediately after Anthropic. Do you think they “acted too quickly and tried to take advantage of the situation”?
  2. Do you think that OpenAI could really make changes and add more safety measures when it comes to the government using their AI system? Share your opinion.
  3. Share your opinion about the growing use of AI in wars. 
  4. What could be some risks and the possible misuse associated with AI technology?

Europe Without Visa and Mastercard

B1 –  Intermediate 

A big part of Europe’s payment system depends on Visa and Mastercard which are both American companies.

European leaders think it is risky that Europe depends on foreign companies for an essential part of its economy. It is now Europe’s objective to build its own payment system.

Listen to the audio and read the transcript about Europe’s dependence on American companies for their payment system.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/can-europe-be-without-visa-and-mastercard-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is a “digital wallet”? “One new solution is Wero, a digital wallet created by European banks and payment companies.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  2. What does “middleman” mean here, “It uses instant bank transfer to remove the middleman, reduce fees, and keep data inside Europe.”? Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  3. What does “political pressure” mean? “The European Central Bank warns that strong reliance on a foreign system can lead to political pressure or a sudden problem.” Use the phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. Discuss the reasons Europe wants their own payment system.
  2. What do you think about Europe’s payment system being dependent on foreign system? What problems can originate from this?
  3. What is your opinion about Europe building its own independent payment system? Talk about its advantages and disadvantages.
  4. Share your thoughts on this, “EU leaders say the payment system is key infrastructure, and infrastructure gives power.”