Tag: Preliminary PET

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.”?

Chile’s Lithium Industry 

B1 – Intermediate

Chile is a country that is known for its rich mineral deposits. It has become a key player in the global lithium industry.

With increasing demand for lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles, renewable energy storage, and portable electronics, Chile’s lithium reserves have become a very important asset for a greener and more sustainable world.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about the lithium industry in Chile.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/chiles-lithium-industry-level-1/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to take control of” mean in this sentence, “Chile’s president Gabriel Boric wants to take control of the country’s lithium industry. Lithium is a metal used in electric car batteries.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “take over” mean in this sentence, “The government will take over their lithium factories and run a new company. This will make it harder for electric car makers to get the materials which they need.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. “Other countries are also trying to protect their resources. Mexico, Argentina, and Bolivia are working together to use lithium and other minerals well.” What does “resources” mean? Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How does the global demand for electric vehicles impact Chile’s lithium production and exportation?
  2. What are some future developments or opportunities for Chile’s lithium industry?
  3. What are some common uses of lithium in everyday life apart from batteries?
  4. What are other materials or technologies being developed that could potentially replace lithium in batteries? Talk about them.

Electric Tuk-Tuks

B1 – Intermediate

Picture yourself going through narrow streets, feeling the wind on your face, and enjoying the sights and sounds of a busy city.

This is the charm of the tuk-tuk — a popular three-wheeled vehicle, known for their compact size and open-air design, have become synonymous with urban mobility and cultural experiences.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about electric tuk-tuks.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/electric-tuk-tuks-level-2/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “fix” mean in this sentence, “Sri Lanka is having problems with their energy supply and many people lost their jobs because of it. To fix this, the government wants to change 500,000 tuk-tuks to electric ones over five years.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. “The government hopes to help people who have lost their jobs and help the environment, too.” What does “environment” mean? Use it in a sentence.
  3. “Sri Lanka is having problems with their energy supply and many people lost their jobs because of it.” What does “energy supply” mean? Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Have you ever ridden in a tuk-tuk? If yes, where was it and what was your experience like? If not, would you like to try riding in one?
  2. How can the change from traditional to electric tuk-tuks affect the owners/drivers in Sri Lanka?
  3. What are the differences between traditional taxis and tuk-tuks?
  4. What are the advantages and disadvantages of using tuk-tuks for short-distance travel?
  5. How do you think tuk-tuks help the tourism industry in different countries?

Women Drive Buses

B1 – Intermediate

In a very busy city, there are dedicated people who have a crucial role in keeping our communities connected and moving smoothly—bus drivers. Often disregarded, these heroes ensure that people reach their destinations safely and on time.

Breaking traditional gender roles and stereotypes, women entering the bus driving profession not only contribute to diversity and equality but also showcase their capabilities and skills in a traditionally male-dominated field.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about female bus drivers in Colombia.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/women-drive-buses-in-colombia-level-2/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1.  What does “on-site” mean in this sentence, “Drivers get a monthly salary of 376 dollars, and the company plans to build an on-site daycare center for its employees.” Use it in a sentence
  2. “Bogotá wants to reduce emissions by 50% by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.” What does “emissions” mean? Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “run” mean in this sentence, “La Rolita is a Colombian electric bus fleet run by women and it is changing public transit in the capital city of Bogotá.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think about women driving buses? Elaborate.
  2. Can you think of any challenges that women might face as bus drivers? How can these challenges be overcome?
  3. In which other professions would like to see more women breaking gender barriers in?

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?

Dirty UK Waters

B1 – Intermediate

In order to stop sewage pollution, several organizations such as Surfers Against Sewage continue to work to ensure the continuous improvement in the water quality in the UK.

However, water companies and big firms are not doing their part to keep the water in the UK clean. As a result, protests against sewage pollution have been held in different parts of the UK.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about protests to end sewage pollution in the UK.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/dirty-uk-waters-level-2/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Explain the definition of the word “sewage”. “Sewage pollution has a bad impact on rivers, seas, and people, too.”. Use this word in a sentence.
  2. What does “discharge” mean? “The goal is to stop sewage discharge into bathing waters and reduce sewage discharges by 90% by 2030.” Give 1-2 synonym/s of ‘discharge’ and use the word in your own sentence.
  3. What does “to put money into something” mean? “The problem is that companies don’t want to put money into modern technologies, and also, the current water quality testing system is not good enough.” Use this phrase in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your opinion on this: “The problem is that companies don’t want to put money into modern technologies…”?
  2. What are some effects of sewage pollution?
  3. How can we prevent sewage pollution?
  4. Is sewage pollution also a problem in your country? Talk about it.
  5. Talk about anything you know about sewage management.

Manuka Honey Trademark Battle

B1 – Intermediate

Manuka honey is premium quality honey made from bees that only pollinate manuka or tea trees which are native in Australia and New Zealand. 

For years, the two countries have had some disputes on who owns the right to manuka honey’s trademark.

Read this lesson about the manuka honey trademark battle between Australia and New Zealand.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2305/230525-manuka-honey-trademark-2.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Explain the definition of the word “trademark”. “The Intellectual Property Office of New Zealand decided that no one could trademark the word “manuka”.”. Use this word in a sentence.
  2. What does “treasured” mean here, “They said manuka was a “treasured” NZ species.”? Give 1-2 synonym/s of ‘treasured’ and use the word in your own sentence.
  3. What does “long history” mean, “Our product has a long history of being recognized as manuka honey.”? Use this idiom in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on The Intellectual Property Office of New Zealand’s decision to not let anyone trademark the word “manuka”?
  2. Are there any products from your country that became controversial due to its trademark? Talk about them.
  3. What are some products that your country is well-known for? Why are they world-famous?

India’s Unwanted Girls

B1 – Intermediate

One of the driving factors to the growing population in India is the family’s preference to have at least one son. Families keep on having children until the mother finally gives birth to a male baby. Although the country has shown improvement in several measures concerning women’s empowerment, the preference for a son has not completely disappeared in their culture.

Let’s read the article and know more about the Indian parents’ undying desire to have a son.

https://www.english-online.at/news-articles/world/asia/indias-unwanted-girls.htm

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the phrase “go missing” mean? “About 2 Indian females go missing across all age groups because of abortions, diseases and malnutrition.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. Define the phrase “would rather“. “Many families would rather have a son than a daughter.” Give two synonyms and use it in a sentence.
  3. What does the phrasal verb “take over” mean? “In upper-class families, sons carry on the family tradition or take over the family business.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why do parents in India desire to have sons instead of daughters?
  2. What is the dowry system? What is your opinion on it?
  3. What could be the long term effects of son preference in India?
  4. Do you have a child? If yes, did you have a gender preference? Why or why not?
  5. In some societies, they prefer a boy for a child. What do you think about this?

Australia Bans Vaping

B1 – Intermediate

Using vapes has become more popular especially among young people. In Australia, they are trying to solve this problem. They will implement new rules that will prohibit recreational vaping, limit the import of non-prescription vapes, and restrict nicotine levels.

The government will try to make it more difficult for young people to have access to vapes. Doctors support these measures. However, there are more things to do in order to stop teenagers from vaping.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about vaping ban in Australia.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/australia-bans-vaping-level-3/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is the meaning of “curtail”, “The government plans to curtail the availability of vapes by imposing restrictions on their sale in convenience stores and cracking down on illegal markets.” Use the word in a sentence.
  2. What does “to take action against someone/something” mean, “Australia is taking strong action against the tobacco industry to address the growing problem of teenage vaping.“? Use the phrase in a sentence.
  3. What does the word “discourage” mean, “Doctors support the measures but want more to be done to discourage young people from vaping.”? Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your opinion on Australia’s decision to ban recreational vaping and implement stricter regulations on vapes?
  2. Do you think the measures taken by Australia will effectively discourage young people from vaping? Why or why not?
  3. What are some anti-smoking laws in your country?
  4. “Philip Morris supports the crackdown on illegal shops.” State your opinion on this.

First Class Travel

B1 – Intermediate

Airlines are spending more money on luxurious first-class cabins that look like hotel rooms as an answer to the increasing demand for luxury travel.

These cabins have amenities such as sofas, double beds, televisions, desks, wardrobes, minibars, and even walk-in showers.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about first-class travels.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/first-class-travel-level-3/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is the meaning of “recoup” as used in the article? “The airline aimed to recoup its financial losses by increasing the prices of first-class seats and attracting more affluent passengers.” Make a sentence using the word.
  2. What does the word “goldmine” mean in the context of the article? “The introduction of luxury first-class cabins resembling mini hotel rooms has turned out to be a goldmine for airlines.” Make a sentence using the word.
  3. What does the expression “to enter the fray” mean? “Airlines are entering the fray by investing heavily in revamping their fleets and competing to offer the most luxurious and exclusive services in the industry.” Make a sentence using the idiom.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are some of the amenities included in the first-class cabins?
  2. Would you pay more money for a first-class experience on a flight? Why or why not?
  3. What is your opinion about airlines spending a lot of money on first-class cabins that are like mini hotel rooms?
  4. Other than luxurious cabins, how else can airlines improve the overall travel experience of their passengers?
  5. Talk about your experience traveling first-class.