Fight for Alaska Oil

B1 – Intermediate

Oil and gas extraction is one of the most profitable industries in the world. It’s no wonder many companies fight for drilling rights in oil reserves around the world.

The US is one of the most oil-rich countries in the world. Now, multi-billion dollar companies are competing against each other to get oil drilling rights in Alaska.

Click and read this short article to know more about this issue and its possible consequences.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/fight-for-alaska-oil-level-1/

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you agree or disagree with Biden’s plans?
  2. What are the environmental impacts of oil drilling?
  3. What can you say about the world’s dependence on oil resources?
  4. What are the sustainable and environmentally-friendly alternatives to oil?

Apartment Contracts

B1 – Intermediate

Looking for a new apartment can be both exciting and stressful. There are a lot of properties to choose from. Work doesn’t end when you finally settle on a property. It actually has just begun…. There are a lot of things to consider.

Watch this video and learn the things you need to remember when moving to a new place.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is Randall doing in the video?
  2. What are Randall’s 3 tips on moving into a new apartment?
  3. Add some more tips about moving to a new place.
  4. Are you currently renting an apartment? Are you familiar with the contract terms and conditions? Do you think they are fair?
  5. What apartment floor do you prefer to live on?

PlayStation 5

B1 – Intermediate

Sony’s PlayStation 5 is still in high demand that outlet stores and courier companies have been overwhelmed by the number of purchases people made. The Tokyo-based tech giant anticipated the high volume of sales because of the holiday season and people being confined at home due to the coronavirus.

Read the text and listen to the audio about the new PlayStation 5.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/playstation-5-level-1/

Discussion Questions:

  1. Are you a fan of gaming consoles?
  2. What do you think are the reasons why there is an increasing number of people buying them?
  3. What forms of entertainment did you enjoy as a child? How would you compare them with gaming consoles?
  4. What is the name of the competitor mentioned in the article?
  5. Why do you think children get hooked on this kind of gadget?

New Alzheimer’s Drug

B1 – Intermediate

Are you recently having some senior moments? Hold your horses and keep calm because as it turns out, you are not alone! It is estimated that around 5 million Americans of all ages suffer from Alzheimer’s.

Thankfully, Science is not sleeping. A US company is claiming that they are already close to getting their Alzheimer’s drug approved for use.

Click the link below and listen to the audio to know more about this new development.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/new-alzheimers-drug-level-1/

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on this new drug?
  2. What are your thoughts on the number of people suffering from Alzheimer’s disease?
  3. How important are your memories to you?
  4. How would you feel if you wake up one day and realize that you have lost all your memories?

Maldives Resort Offers $30K ‘All-You-Can-Stay’ Holiday

B1 – Intermediate

A visit to Maldives would be a dream come true for anyone. Imagine waking up on a private island with its dreamy white beaches covered in palm trees, turquoise lagoons, and breathtaking views. Maldives is one of the best places to go snorkeling and scuba diving.

What if a hotel company in the Maldives is offering guests a once-in-a-lifetime vacation, would you be interested?

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2011/201115-maldives-resort-4.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. Where is paradise for you?
  2. Do you think the Maldives holiday package is good value? Why/Why not?
  3. What is on your travel bucket list?
  4. What is your perfect holiday? Describe.
  5. Where do you go for seclusion and privacy?
  6. What once-in-a-lifetime experience would you like?

Scientists Develop COVID-19 Vaccine

B1 – Intermediate

Coronavirus has definitely changed the way we live, work, and connect. We are all coping up with the new normal situation which includes wearing of masks in public places, social distancing, daily disinfection, taking vitamins, and many more.

When will there be a COVID-19 vaccine? Let’s read the article below.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2011/201113-covid-19-vaccine-1.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your reaction to this news?
  2. Should we be worried about the side effects of this new vaccine? Why or why not?
  3. How has COVID-19 changed your life? How has COVID-19 affected your country’s economy?
  4. What are you going to do once the COVID-19 crisis is over?
  5. What can the world learn from the COVID-19 pandemic?

Stress Baking During US Election

B1 – Intermediate

Often, talks about politics cause stress on some people. Americans were under a lot of stress due to the last election in their country. They had to find a way to release all those stress.

Read the lesson to find out what they did to cope with their stress.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2011/201105-stress-baking-1.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why is baking and making bread helpful in fighting stress and anxiety? 
  2. What is your opinion on using baking as a stress reliever?
  3. What hobbies/activities did you do because of stress?
  4. What do you normally do during stressful situations at work?
  5. What is the most stressful day for you this year?
  6. What are some causes of your stress nowadays?

Water on the Moon

B1 – Intermediate

The moon is nearest to the earth. It has no light of its own but shines at night by the reflected light of the sun. Several craters are found on the surface of the moon made by impact events.

NASA found out that the moon may have more amounts of water than we thought.

Let’s read the article below to learn more about this amazing news about water in the moon.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2010/201030-water-on-the-moon-4.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. What things do you know about the moon?
  2. What experiments might take place on the moon?
  3. Why might permanent moon bases be important?
  4. What do you think about water existing on the moon?
  5. How important is space exploration?

Diet Drinks As Unhealthy As Sugary Ones

B1 – Intermediate

Diet soda is addictive. Many people think that diet soda is healthy because diet soda contains no fat, low or no calories, and no sugar. Yet, it doesn’t really mean that drinking it won’t lead to weight gain.

Let’s read the article below to learn more about diet drinks.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2011/201101-diet-soda-1.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. Should we be eating or drinking anything artificial? Why/why not?
  2. What do you think of artificial sweeteners?
  3. What kinds of food would you like to remove from your diet?
  4. How good or bad is your daily diet? Describe your diet.
  5. What can we do to prevent obesity?

Las Vegas Casinos

B1 – Intermediate

For some, gambling is a way to entertain themselves but for others, it becomes a part of their routine. There are certain things you can remember in order to gamble wisely.

Watch this video on some tips when you go to a casino to gamble.

Discussion Questions:

  1. According to Randall, what are the things you should remember when you gamble? Do you agree or disagree with his tips?
  2. What do you think of gambling?
  3. Is gambling a part of culture in your country? What are the most common forms of gambling in your country? Is there an area in your country famous for gambling?
  4. Do you believe in ‘beginner’s luck’?
  5. What does the expression ‘the house always wins’ mean? Do you think this is true or not?