Tag: Preliminary PET

Egypt’s Pyramid Restoration

B1 – Intermediate

The pyramids in Egypt are ancient wonders that have fascinated people for centuries. From the famous pyramids at Giza to the smaller ones across Egypt, these historical monuments are part of our shared human history. Yet, keeping them safe and strong is a not an easy job.

To preserve the pyramids, Egypt is working hard on trying to restore them. This means fixing up the old stones and making sure the pyramids stay strong against elements such as the wind, sun, and rain.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about Egypt’s pyramid restoration.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/egypts-pyramid-restoration-level-1/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to break all the rules” mean in the sentence, “It breaks all the rules for fixing old things.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘to break all the rules’ in your own sentence.
  2. What does “a big gift” mean in the sentence, “The workers say that it is a big gift for the world.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘a big gift’ in your own sentence.
  3. What does “think carefully about something” mean in the sentence, “The country must think carefully about what to do with old buildings.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘think carefully about something’ in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why do you think many people in Egypt emphasize the importance of taking care of old buildings and special places? Elaborate.
  2. How important is it to balance modern aesthetic improvements and preserving the historical value of ancient structures like the Menkaure Pyramid? Explain.
  3. What are the positive and negative impact of historical landmarks’ restorations on local communities/on a country?
  4. Are there any specific examples of old buildings or special places in Spain that have been successfully preserved and restored? Elaborate.
  5. Which World Wonder do you want to visit and why?

The World’s First Trillionaire

B1 – Intermediate 

According to Oxfam, an anti-poverty charitable organization, in about 10 years, the world will see its first trillionaire.

The Oxfam report revealed that the fortune of five of the world’s wealthiest has increased by more than 100% since 2020. Moreover, the top five billionaires also doubled their wealth. 

But there is a sharp contrast with the situation of almost five billion people who have become even poorer in the past couple of years.

Read the article about the growing wealth inequality. Be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2401/240118-trillionaire-2.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Define “wealth gap”. “Oxfam said the wealth gap between the rich and poor is growing.” Give 1-2 synonyms or similar expressions and use “wealth gap” in your own sentence.
  2. What does “to supercharge” mean, “The gap “supercharged” after the coronavirus pandemic.”? Give 1-2 synonyms or similar expressions and use “supercharge” in your own sentence.
  3. What does ”milestone” mean, ”The AP news agency said someone with a trillion-dollar milestone would “have the same value as oil-rich Saudi Arabia”.”? Give 1-2 synonyms or similar expressions and use “milestone” in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your opinion on this, “In the next ten years, the world will have its first trillionaire.”?
  2. Share your thoughts on this, “Almost five billion people have become poorer.”.
  3. How can the wealth gap between the rich and poor be reduced?
  4. Why do you think ‘The world will see a “decade of division”’’?
  5. Is there a huge wealth gap between the rich and the poor in your country? Talk about some circumstances where it is evident.

Popular Water Bottle

B1 – Intermediate 

In the middle of many environmental problems we have today, people are becoming more and more sustainability-conscious. One of things we want to reduce is the single use of plastics. A solution is using less plastic cups and bottles for drinks or water. 

Then, a new trend started with people using reusable tumblers. 

One of the most famous water tumbler brands is Stanley that is well-known for its durability and double-walled vacuum insulation.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about the popular water bottle brand Stanley cups.

Be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/popular-water-bottle-level-3/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “sought-after” mean, “Stanley cups, particularly limited editions, have become highly sought after and are re-selling for hundreds of dollars.” Give 2 synonyms or similar expressions and use the word ‘sought after’ in your own sentence.
  2. What does “word-of-mouth” mean, “Marketing expert Camille Moore emphasizes that Stanley succeeded by creating a great product, relying on word-of-mouth and social media rather than traditional advertising.”? Use this expression in a sentence.
  3. What does the verb “to skyrocket” mean? “Despite being around since 1913, Stanley’s fortunes skyrocketed after the introduction of the 1.2-liter ‘Quencher’ tumbler in 2016.” Use this word in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why are Stanley cups very popular?
  2. What is your opinion about Stanley’s strategy to promote its products/brand by creating a great product, using word-of-mouth and social media instead of traditional advertising? 
  3. Do you own a reusable water bottle? Why or why not?
  4. What are the good things about using reusable water bottles?
  5. Do you think that they are a solution to our environmental problems? Explain.

A Trillion Humans in the Solar System

B1 – Intermediate

With all the space explorations being done these days, is it crazy to think that one day, humans would eventually populate space? Could this be the answer to our growing problem with overpopulation on this planet?

Billionaires such as Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk want to turn this into reality.

Read the article about Jeff Bezos’ vision to have a trillion people live in space.

Be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2312/231225-a-trillion-humans-4.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “at any given time” mean? “He said if that happened, “we would have at any given time 1,000 Mozarts and 1,000 Einsteins.” Use this expression in your own sentence.
  2. What does ”collapse” mean in this context, ”Population collapse due to low birth rates is a bigger risk to civilization than global warming.”?Use this word in your own sentence.
  3. What does “resource” mean? “He said they could get resources from asteroids instead of from Earth.” Give two synonyms or similar expressions and make a sentence using ‘resource’.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on Jeff Bezos’ ambition?
  2. What do you think about living in giant space stations?
  3. What could be the good and bad things about it?
  4. Will it be possible for humans to live in space? Explain your thoughts.

Muggers Target Luxury Winter Coats

B1 – Intermediate

Among all the types of crimes, the incidence of mugging has recently increased in some countries, among them, the UK. A new crime trend is emerging, though.

More victims have reported being robbed of their branded coats that cost thousands of pounds.

Read the article about the latest muggings wherein people’s luxury coats were stolen from them. Be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2401/240108-winter-coat-muggings-4.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “mugging” mean? “A criminologist in the U.K. warned that the muggings were the start of a new “luxury crime trend”.” Give two synonyms or similar expressions and  use ‘mugging’ in your own sentence.
  2. What does ”knifepoint” mean in this context, ”In recent weeks, people have had their coats stolen at knifepoint.”? Use this expression in a sentence in the same context.
  3. What does it mean when something is “a real concern”? “A London Transport spokesperson said the muggings were “a real concern“.” Give two synonyms or similar expressions and make a sentence using the expression ‘a real concern’.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your reaction to this news about this current luxury crime trend?
  2. Is this crime trend also happening in your country? Talk about it.
  3. What might be the reasons the incidence of this type of crime is increasing? How can it be prevented or stopped?
  4. What comes to your mind when you hear the word ‘mugging’?
  5. Have you any experience getting mugged? What happened, what was stolen from you, and what did you do?

The Future of Steak

B1 – Intermediate

Micro Harvest is on a mission to make protein quick and tasty using tiny living things in a Bioreactor. It only takes them one day! They’re planning to use this protein in various foods, even for pets.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about alternative protein production methods.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/the-future-of-a-steak-level-1/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. How does the phrase “closed space” in the sentence, “They use tiny living things in a closed space, called a Bioreactor”? Use it in a sentence.
  2. What is meant by “to start small” in the sentence, “Bakers wants to start small, like in a local store or restaurant, and then grow“? Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does the word “process” mean in this sentence, “Micro Harvest finishes the process in just one day.”? Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How do you feel about the innovative approach for protein production?
  2. What potential advantages or concerns do you see?
  3. Why do you think there are rules for making the protein, and why is it important for the company to follow them?
  4. How do you think new ways of making food, like Micro Harvest’s method, might change the food we eat in the future? Elaborate.

Very Special Wedding Dress 

B1 – Intermediate

A “very special wedding dress” is like adding a personal touch to your big day. It could be a dress with special meaning, a unique design, or even one made from surprising stuff.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about a very special wedding dress.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/very-special-wedding-dress-level-3/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “masterpiece” mean in the sentence, “Designers are only allowed to use toilet paper, glue, tape, needles, and thread to create their masterpieces.“? Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “twist” mean in this sentence, “The competition offers a more creative twist to bridal attire and the competitors are always excited as they make it down to the final 10 out of over a thousand hopefuls.“? Use it in a sentence.
  3. How is the word “hopeful” used in the sentence “The competition offers a more creative twist to bridal attire and the competitors are always excited as they make it down to the final 10 out of over a thousand hopefuls.“? Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. In your opinion, why might some people prefer unique or unconventional elements in their weddings?
  2. What is your opinion on very “unique” wedding dresses?
  3. How might events that encourage artistic expression, such as the wedding dress contest, contribute to the broader appreciation of art and creativity?
  4. If you were given the challenge to create something unique for a wedding, what would you choose, and why?

Russia Celebrity Party

B1 – Intermediate

A controversial party in Russia, marked by indecent attires, has caused a controversy. With a rapper going to jail, companies ending contracts, and public disapproval, the event took place during the Ukraine war, receiving a lot of criticism. The organizer now faces tax issues, public anger, and calls for accountability.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about this controversial party in Russia.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/russia-celebrity-party-level-2/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to get in trouble” mean in the sentence “A rapper got in trouble and went to jail for 15 days.“? Use it in a sentence.
  2. What is implied by the phrase “tough time” in the sentence, “Some people say the party was bad because soldiers are fighting, and it is a tough time“? Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “punish” mean in the sentence, “People are angry, and they want those who did the party to be punished.”? Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think it’s okay to have a big party when there’s a serious situation like a war going on? Why or why not?
  2. Are fines effective way to punish people for their actions? Why / Why not?
  3. How are famous people affected when companies end contracts with them?
  4. The person who organized the party said sorry two times. Do you believe apologies can fix everything in this case? Explain.
  5. Has something like this ever happened in your country? Talk about it.

China Fog

B1 – Intermediate

Fog, a fascinating weather phenomenon, occurs when the air close to the ground becomes saturated with moisture, causing water droplets to form a thick mist. This natural occurrence often envelops surroundings in an enchanting veil, lending an air of mystery to landscapes.

While fog enhances the aesthetics of nature, it can also impact visibility, making it essential for travelers and communities to adapt to its ever-changing presence.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about the thick fog in China over the holidays.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/china-fog-level-2/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is a “landmark“? “Famous landmarks like the Shanghai Center Tower and Oriental Pearl Tower became almost invisible, which surprised residents.“? Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does the term “cold wind” mean, “Experts expect that the bad weather will improve with a coming cold wave.“? Use it in a sentence.
  3. What is the meaning of “endure” in the sentence “China endured extreme weather throughout the year, from periods of very cold weather to heatwaves and big storms.“? Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How might the thick fog affect the daily lives of people in Shanghai?
  2. What are other ways in which weather conditions, like dense fog, could impact a city’s normal activities?
  3. How can authorities better prepare and communicate with the public in situations like this?
  4. How can individuals and communities manage climate change issues?

Biocomputers

B1 – Intermediate

We are so close to seeing a fusion between humans and computers. Organoids are lab-grown tissues that are much like human organs. Bioengineers have successfully, though still in its early stages, built a cross between organoids and AI.

Read the article about biocomputers.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2312/231218-brainoware-biocomputer-4.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the noun ”merging” mean,“Humans and machines are closer to merging.”? Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and make a sentence using ‘merging’.
  2. What does “early stage” mean? “Brainoware is in its early stages, but can already do complex tasks like voice recognition.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and make a sentence using ‘early stage’.
  3. What does the phrase “proof-of-concept” mean? “A researcher said: “This is just proof-of-concept to show that we can do the job.” Use this term in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is a biocomputer?
  2. What is your opinion on this technology?
  3. What makes this invention important?
  4. What are some good uses of biocomputers? Can you think of more? 
  5. How about the disadvantages/challenges we have with it?