Tag: Preliminary PET

World Anti-Doping Agency

B1 – Intermediate

There have been a number of high profile athletes whose titles have been revoked for using illegal performance-enhancing drugs. These athletes are well-aware of the harmful effects and social consequences of doping in sports events and yet they still chose to do so. One particular doping controversy happened in Russia.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/russia-and-the-olympics-level-1/

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is the World Anti-Doping Agency? Should they have more strict enforcement of their rules?
  2. Why do athletes dope?
  3. Do you think doping athletes should face more repercussions than just being stripped of their titles?

Botanists Find World’s Ugliest Orchid

B1 – Intermediate

Flowers are wonderful creations of nature and are used as beautiful arrangements for decorating. There are many kinds of flowers, one of which are orchids. Orchids are well-known for its beauty, fragrance, and their colorful blooms. Ugly orchids are rare but apparently, they exist too.

Let’s read the article below to learn more about this kind of orchid.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2012/201221-orchids-4.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the consequences for us when plants become extinct?
  2. How can a flower be ugly?
  3. What are your favorite flowers and why?
  4. How sad is it that plants are disappearing? Is this a problem, how so?

Healthcare Clowns Help Patients Laugh and Recover

B1 – Intermediate

As the old saying goes, ‘laughter is the best medicine’. Laughing reduces stress, increases energy, and it makes us feel good. Hospital clowning continues to grow around the world because they help patients focus on something other than their illness.

Let’s read the article below

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2012/201217-healthcare-clowns-4.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think laughter is the best medicine? Why / Why not?
  2. What do you think of the idea of healthcare clowns? Elaborate.
  3. What other things could clowns do to help society?
  4. Do you think clowns are scary? Why / Why not?
  5. How has humor help you pass difficult situations in your life?
  6. What helps reduce your stress or anxiety?

Cyber-Bullying

B1 – Intermediate

Cyber-bullying is quite a common issue nowadays. It is easily done by people who hide their identities by making fake profiles. Peoples lives can be ruined just by bad comments posted in their social media accounts.

Let us hear more about cyber-bullying in the audio.

https://listenaminute.com/c/cyber-bullying.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. Is cyber-bullying a common problem in your country right now?
  2. What are the reasons why people bully others online?
  3. Are there consequences for the people who do this?
  4. What can be the effect of cyber-bullying on the victims?
  5. Is there a way to stop people from cyber-bullying others?

Being Single

B1 – Intermediate

People always wants to find love but others tend to choose to be single for tons of reasons. We could say that being in a relationship gives us happiness and belongingness while being single gives us freedom and thrill.

Let us hear more about the good and bad thing about being single in the audio.

https://listenaminute.com/b/being_single.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the pros and cons of being single?
  2. What are the pros and cons of being in a relationship or being married?
  3. Is it better to settle down when you are young or when you are old?
  4. How does one’s life change when they are single versus when they are in a relationship/married?

First Person Gets Covid-19 Vaccine

B1 – Intermediate

Margaret Keenan is a 90-year-old grandmother who became the first person in the world to receive the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine outside of a trial in Britain. Although she urges people to get the vaccine, there are still some people who are in doubt and worried about its safety.

Listen to the audio and be able to answer the questions below.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/first-person-gets-a-vaccine-level-2/

Discussion Questions:

  1. How do you feel about this news?
  2. What can you say about Margaret Keenan? If you were her, would you like to be the first person in the world to get vaccinated with a new vaccine?
  3. In general, what do you think of vaccines?
  4. Would you get this COVID-19 vaccine when it’s available for everyone? Why or why not?
  5. Why do you think some people are worried about getting this vaccine?

Machine Makes Books Safe

B1 – Intermediate

Libraries in Japan have installed machines that disinfect books using ultraviolet light. This will ensure the health and safety of borrowers and visitors, especially the elderly during the coronavirus pandemic.

Listen to the audio and be able to answer the questions that follow:

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/machine-makes-books-safe-level-2/

Discussion Questions:

  1. How do you feel about the article?
  2. What do you think of these machines that sterilize books in libraries?
  3. Would you want these machines to be installed in all libraries and other public places?
  4. What are some other ways to avoid bringing the virus to homes and families?
  5. Do you enjoy going to libraries? Why or why not?

Japan to Use Artificial Intelligence to Match Couples

B1 – Intermediate

Can you imagine yourself finding someone to be with in a relationship through the use of an AI software? Well, it is now possible.

Japan has recently started using an AI program to match couples in order to increase their birth rate, which is one of the lowest in the world.

Read the article for more information on AI matchmaking.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2012/201211-ai-matchmaking-1.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think of this AI matchmaking program in Japan?
  2. Will this help the country address its problem on low birth rate?
  3. Do you have the same issue in your country? How has the government addressed this issue so far?
  4. Will your government be willing to spend much money to get men and women matched up using an AI technology?
  5. Would this be an effective tool for an ageing society?
  6. What are the pros and cons of this technology?

People Can Test for COVID-19 at Home

B1 – Intermediate

Testing for COVID-19 is very important. Scientists are working round- the-clock to establish programs that will ensure access to and acceptance of rapid and reliable testing around the country.

Testing can help people determine if they are infected with SARS-CoV-2 – regardless of whether they have symptoms – and whether they are at risk of spreading the infection to others. Taking measures to prevent the spread of infection will be the most effective strategy for getting us safely back to work and school.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about this special test for COVID-19.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/people-can-test-for-covid-19-at-home-level-1/

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think about this special test for COVID-19?
  2. Would you prefer to go to the doctor or take the test at home?
  3. What do you think you can personally do to reduce your chance of being infected in a pandemic?
  4. Do you think that vaccinations are useful or dangerous?
  5. Would you have the vaccine?
  6. How will life in your country change if there is a vaccine?

Flying Car in Slovakia

B1 – Intermediate

In 1989, the second installment of the “Back to the Future” franchise gave us a vivid picture of the year 2015, a time filled with different futuristic technologies.

The sneakers became a reality in 2016, just one year later than predicted. As for the car, however, it appears that the film may have missed the mark with a fifth-generation car having only recently taken flight at an airport in Slovakia, and with autonomous vehicles still being developed.

Nonetheless, finally, the sky is the limit for automobiles. Pun intended.

Read the article and watch the accompanying video to learn more about this automotive advance.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/flying-car-level-1/

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the possible uses for this kind of vehicle? How could it benefit the riding public?
  2. What are the possible drawbacks or dangers of this new mode of transportation?
  3. Would you like to own such a car? Where would you go on your first flight?