Tag: Preliminary PET

Japan’s Legendary Sushi Chef Still Working at 100

B1 – Intermediate 

Jiro Ono is a very famous sushi chef from Japan. He decided not to quit work even after he turned 100.

Chef Ono believes working is the secret to living a long and healthy life. He has no plan to stop any time soon.

Read the article about Jiro Ono, the famous sushi chef in Japan who decided to continue working despite being 100 years old.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2510/251030-sushi-chef-jiro-ono.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to retire from one’s job” mean? “Ono-san said he has no plans to retire from his job.” Use the phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “to keep going” mean? “I plan to keep going for about five more years.” Use the phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “to reach the top” mean? “I haven’t reached perfection yet. I’ll continue to climb and try to reach the top, but nobody knows where the top is.” Use the idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your opinion about working even at 100 years old?
  2. Share your opinion on this: the best medicine is to work.
  3. What do you think is the secret to living a long and healthy life?
  4. How do centenarians in your country usually spend their life at that age?
  5. What do you think about Chef Ono’s sushi restaurant’s concept?
  6. Would you be interested to visit Sukiyabashi Jiro? Why or why not?

Porsche Makes Little Money

B1 – Intermediate 

Porsche is a German luxury car maker that specialize in high-performance sports cars, SUVs and sedans. Its parent company is Volkswagen.

Porsche reports a sharp decrease in their profits by almost 96% in the first three quarters of 2025.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about Porsche’s low profits.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/porsche-makes-little-money-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “restructuring” mean? “This restructuring cost billions of euros, and parent company Volkswagen took a 5-billion-euro hit to support the changes.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “to take a hit” mean in this context: “This restructuring cost billions of euros, and parent company Volkswagen took a 5-billion-euro hit to support the changes.”? Use this idiom in a sentence in this context. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “top-end” mean? “A new CEO, Michael Leiters, will take over in January to help rebuild sales, focus on top-end products, and regain investor confidence.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the causes of very low profits of Porsche in 2025?
  2. What do you think Porsche/Volkswagen can do to improve its situation?
  3. Share your opinion about this: The fall in profits is due to their new strategy to focus on producing more petrol and hybrid vehicles instead of electric cars. 
  4. Do you think car makers should produce electric cars more now? Explain your thoughts.
  5. Talk about a moment where a/your company took a hit? What caused those losses? What did the company do to recover? 

Reptiles Waste Elimination Process and Treating Gout and Kidney Stones

B1 – Intermediate 

A team of researchers from Georgetown University and other research institutions in the USA have discovered the wonders of reptiles’ excreta and waste elimination processes.

Researchers think that the waste elimination processes of some reptiles could help prevent and treat conditions such as gout and kidney stones which are due to high uric acid.

Read the article about how understanding reptiles’ excretory system works could potentially be helpful in preventing and treating gout and kidney stones.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2510/251027-snake-pee-crystals.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “excrete” mean? “This research was really inspired by a desire to understand the ways reptiles are able to excrete this material safely, in the hope it might inspire new approaches to disease prevention and treatment.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “to pass water” mean here, “Our bodies flush most of the uric acid waste away when we pass water.”? Use the idiom in a sentence. 
  3. What does “untapped bounty of something” mean? “The natural world contains a yet-to-be-discovered, untapped bounty of remedies to help doctors.” Use the phrase in a sentence. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. Explain how reptiles’ waste elimination process could help treat uric acid-related health problems like gout and kidney stones.
  2. Share your thoughts on the results of this study.
  3. What are some things you know about gout and kidney stones?
  4. Talk about the other ways to manage and prevent gout and kidney stones.

Heineken Sells Less Beer 

B1 – Intermediate 

Heineken, is one of the biggest brewing companies in the world. Due to the continuing lower demands for beers in Latin America and Europe, the brewer foresees a significant decrease in their sales for 2025.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about lower sales of Heineken beers.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/heineken-sells-less-beer-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Explain “market share gain”. “Despite facing challenges such as lower beer consumption, competition from alcohol alternatives, and growing health awareness, Heineken reported market share gains in Brazil, Mexico, and Vietnam.” Use the term in a sentence. 
  2. What does “revenue” mean? “The company’s revenue fell 0.3% in the third quarter, but that was still above expectations.” Give a synonym and use ‘revenue’ in a sentence.  
  3. What does “to struggle with something” mean? “Overall, the results show that while Heineken continues to struggle with slow sales, investors remain cautiously optimistic about future recovery.” Use the phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym or similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the reasons Heineken’s sales is decreasing?
  2. How can Heineken recover from this?
  3. Do you think Heineken’s situation will improve once economic conditions stabilize? Share your insights.
  4. Why do you think there is lower demand for beer in Latin America and Europe?
  5. How popular is beer in your country and why is this?

Labubu Maker Pop Mart Learns from Disney

B1 – Intermediate 

The collectible plush toys Labubu has become a global phenomenon over night. It is interesting how a character could become a viral trend worldwide.

Everyone wants a piece of this toy. It doesn’t matter that they are expensive and sometimes hard to come by. Many have become a fan and wish to collect every piece of Labubu.

Pop Mart, the maker of Labubu, learned a thing or two about their business strategy from Disney.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about what Labubu maker Pop Mart learned from Disney’s business strategy.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/labubu-maker-learns-from-disney-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Define “intellectual property”. “Like Disney’s Mickey Mouse, Labubu is becoming a strong intellectual property with potential for theme parks, entertainment, and merchandise.” Use the term in a sentence. 
  2. What does “one big hit” mean? “Pop Mart doesn’t want only one big hit. Instead, it hopes to create five to ten characters with similar global potential.” Use the idiom in a sentence.  
  3. What does “to enter the market” mean? “Labubu’s success has also increased competition in China’s art toy industry, where many new companies and artists are trying to enter the market.” Use the term in a sentence. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think Pop Mart has what it takes to stay relevant long-term? Share your thoughts on Pop Mart Labubu’s global success.
  2. Pop Mart’s strategy is inspired by Disney, aiming to turn short-term popularity into long-term growth. What is your opinion about this business strategy?
  3. Talk about another company/business/brand that you know used the same strategy.
  4. What is your reaction to this: Pop Mart is now more valuable than major toy makers like Hasbro, Mattel, and Sanrio.
  5. Do you know any famous toy makers from your country? Talk about their business. How well do you think they do in the global market?

China New Rules on EU Brandy

B1 – Intermediate 

China is going to take some temporary anti-dumping actions on importing EU brandy. This comes as a result of EU voting to put tariffs on electric vehicles (EVs) from China. This new measure will definitely impact famous French brands of brandy such as Hennessy and Remy Martin.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about China’s new rules on EU brandy.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/china-has-new-rules-on-eu-brandy-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “anti-dumping” mean? “China has introduced temporary anti-dumping measures on brandy imports from the EU, especially affecting famous French brands like Hennessy and Remy Martin.” Use the term in a sentence. 
  2. What does “measure” mean here, “China has introduced temporary anti-dumping measures on brandy imports from the EU, especially affecting famous French brands like Hennessy and Remy Martin.”? Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “trade tension” mean? “These actions are seen as part of growing trade tensions between China and the EU, particularly targeting France, which has supported the new EV tariffs.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your personal opinion about this move by China?
  2. Do you think this will have a big effect on EU brandy industry? Share your insight.
  3. What is your opinion on EU voting to impose tariffs on Chinese EVs? What impact do you think this will have on the growing China and the EU’s trade tensions? 
  4. Share your opinion about EU-China trade tensions.
  5. Give another example of anti-dumping that you know of.

Heart Attacks Have a Warning Sign

B1 – Intermediate 

Cardiovascular diseases like heart attacks and strokes claim more than million lives each year. However, doctors say there are things that people can do to avoid them. It is important to look out for the warning signs and make necessary lifestyle changes to prevent these kinds of diseases.

Read the article to know more about cardiovascular diseases and their warning signs.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2510/251002-heart-attacks-and-strokes.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to take steps to avoid something” mean? “Doctors say people can take steps to avoid cardiovascular diseases like heart attacks and strokes.” Use the idiom in a sentence. 
  2. What does “warning sign” mean? “A study from doctors at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago and Yonsei University in South Korea said that more than 99 per cent of people who had a heart attack or stroke had at least one warning sign.” Use the term in a sentence. 
  3. What does “modifiable risk factor” mean? “The goal now is to work harder on finding ways to control these modifiable risk factors.” Use the term in a sentence. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you believe it is possible that people can take steps to avoid cardiovascular diseases? Explain.
  2. Share your thoughts on this, “There is a small number of modifiable risk factors for heart disease, and at least one, but often more than one, is present in the background leading up to heart attacks, heart failure, or strokes.”
  3. What can be done to control modifiable cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors?

Revenge Quitting

B1 – Intermediate 

There is a new workplace trend that is on the rise. It’s when an employee intentionally causes damage to an employer image to express dissatisfaction at work. This is called “revenge quitting”.

We are seeing an increase in revenge quitting because of dissatisfaction of employees with their place of work.

Read the article and be ready to talk about revenge quitting.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2509/250922-revenge-quitting.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “disgruntled” mean, “Disgruntled employees are posting details of their resignations online.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym or similar expression.
  2. What does “handover” mean? “Examples of this are deleting data and files, not helping with the handover of duties, and exposing sensitive information.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym or similar expression.
  3. What does “to vent rants” mean? “Other posts show workers suddenly walking off the job, viral resignation messages, or venting frustrations with rants against former bosses.” Use the idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym or similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your opinion about revenge quitting?
  2. “Gen Z workers were more likely to engage in revenge quitting.” Why do you think this is?
  3. What can employers do to prepare or respond to such actions from dissatisfied employees?
  4. If you know a candidate did revenge quitting on their former employers, would you hire them? Why or why not?
  5. Talk about an example of revenge quitting that you know of. 

Young Europeans and University

B1 – Intermediate 

Based on a recent OECD report, young Europeans are among those who have the highest educational attainment in the world.

Ireland, Luxembourg, and Lithuania are the top European countries with the most number of university degree holders. While Czech Republic, Hungary, and Italy were on the bottom.

The gap across the EU when it comes to access to higher education is evident per this report.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about young Europeans’ access to higher education.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/young-europeans-and-university-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to play a key role” mean, “Family background plays a key role.” Use the idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym or similar expression.
  2. What does “gap” mean? “Denmark shows the smallest gap: 70% of young adults with graduate parents have a degree.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym or similar expression.
  3. What does “obtain” mean? “In every country, young people whose parents studied at university are much more likely to obtain a degree themselves.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym or similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your reaction to this, “Young Europeans have the highest university education.”? 
  2. Do you agree or disagree that family background is an important factor for a young person to go to the uni? Explain why. Is this true in your country? Talk about it.
  3. “The OECD report highlights major contrasts across the EU in terms of higher education access.” Share your views. 
  4. How accessible is higher education in your country? Why is this the case? 
  5. What might be the reasons young people won’t go to the uni?
  6. Do you agree or disagree, “A degree is linked to better chances of employment, higher salaries, and improved health.”? Share your opinion.

Campaign Against Carspreading

B1 – Intermediate 

There is a new global trend in the automotive industry. Manufacturers prioritize the production of wider, longer, higher, and heavier cars, such as Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) and pickup trucks.

In the UK, there had been 10 times more of this type of cars compared to 20 years ago.

The Clean Cities Campaign (CCC) group wants to put an end to this.

Read the article about the campaign against carspreading.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2509/250904-carspreading.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “carspreading” mean? “Drivers are struggling to park because of carspreading, while people walking and cycling are more at risk.” Use the term in a sentence. 
  2. What are “urban spaces”? “Carspreading is when cars get too wide for urban spaces, causing congestion, increased risk of accidents, and more fuel consumption.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym or similar expression.
  3. What does “to take up a lot of space” mean? “Bigger cars take up a lot more space, but the cost of parking has stayed the same.” Use the phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym or similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the problems associated with large cars?
  2. What is your reaction to and thoughts on carspreading?
  3. Do you agree or disagree that new cars are too wide for urban spaces? Share your opinion.
  4. Do you think the CCC’s campaign against carspreading is necessary? Share your opinion.
  5. In Paris, they have tripled the parking costs for SUVs from €6 ($7) to €18 ($21) an hour which reduced the number of SUVs in the city. Do you think this should be done in your own city, too? Why or why not?