Tag: Preliminary PET

Organizers Say Tokyo Olympics Will Go Ahead

B1 – Intermediate

The Olympic Games is an international sports event that is happens every four years. Japan was chosen to host the next summer Olympic games in 2020, but due to the pandemic, the event was postponed and eventually canceled. Will Tokyo Olympics happen in 2021?

Let’s read the article below to find out plans for Tokyo Olympics.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2101/210130-tokyo-olympics-4.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. Should the Tokyo Olympics go ahead in July? Why/why not?
  2. What will happen the Games does not go ahead?
  3. How would cancelling the Games affect Tokyo?
  4. Do you think the Games could sacrifice people’s lives? Explain further.
  5. How has the coronavirus affected the sports world in Spain?
  6. What would it be like without the Olympics?

Full Moon Gives Bad Night’s Sleep

B1 – Intermediate

Can’t sleep? Look outside your window. See, it’s full moon. That’s why. Is there a connection?

Full moons happen once a month and it is the phase where the moon is round and completely illuminated. It symbolizes growth, completion, and height of power and apparently, affects people’s sleep!

Let’s read the article below to learn more about this new discovery on the relationship between a full moon and a bad night’s sleep.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2102/210201-full-moon-1.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. What effects does the Moon have on us?
  2. What do you think about this news?
  3. What are your sleeping patterns like? How do lights affect your sleep?
  4. What conditions do you need to sleep well?
  5. What do you do if you have troubles sleeping?

Digital Nomad Work Visa in Caribbean Islands

B1 – Intermediate

Digital nomads are workers who often work remotely from places to places. They do not have a permanent base. Because of technology and globalization, this kind of work style and lifestyle has become more popular. 

One problem that digital nomads have is sometimes, they can’t stay for as long as they want in one place because of visa restrictions.

But, in some Caribbean Islands, this won’t be a problem anymore. They have a new visa program for digital nomads.

Know more about it from the article below.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2010/201004-digital-nomad-1.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. What can you say about this work visa for digital nomads in the Caribbean?
  2. What are the benefits of countries from giving digital nomads a visa to stay long-term?
  3. What do you think are the good and hard things about being a digital nomad?
  4. One of the requirements for the digital nomad visa is a minimum annual income of $50,000. Do you think this amount is high or low? Share your thoughts.
  5. Would you like to try the digital nomad life? Why or why not?

Signal App

B1 – Intermediate

Messaging apps are applications that we can use for instant messaging. Many of such apps have been developed and are used by many around the world. The popularity of these apps greatly differs between countries.

Just like other messaging apps, Signal lets users send messages, make audio and video calls with their friends, and share photos, videos, and links. But how different is it from the leading apps like WhatsApp and Skype?

Listen to the audio and read the transcript about this new messaging app.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/signal-app-level-1

Discussion Questions:

  1. Have you heard of this app? What do you think about it?
  2. Why do you think Signal app is becoming popular?
  3. What is the most popular messaging app in your country? What are its features? Why is it popular?
  4. What feature is important for you in a messaging app?
  5. Why are this kind of apps necessary?

People Eat Less Chocolate

B1 – Intermediate

Chocolate is the most popular sweet treat in the world, thanks to its delicious and sweet taste. People around the world consume a lot of cocoa beans a year.

Although it has many health benefits, chocolate still has a bad reputation for causing weight gain and other illnesses.

Listen to the audio and read the transcript about people consuming less and less chocolates.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/people-eat-less-chocolate-level-1

Discussion Questions:

  1. How will the change of people’s mindset affect the chocolate business, especially the chocolate farmers?
  2. Is the Spanish society affected by this issue? If so, what are the reasons?
  3. Do you like chocolates? Why or why not? Which kind of chocolate is your favorite?
  4. Do you think chocolate is healthy or not? Support your answer.

Better Future for Businesses

B1 – Intermediate

Coronavirus has impacted not only the public health system and the economy. The pandemic caused massive disruption among businesses. Many businesses closed due to lower demands and employee health concerns.

Some businesses have been successful in adapting to the new situation, but many still wait for the vaccine so they can go back to their usual operations.

Listen to the audio and read the transcript about better future for businesses.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/better-future-for-businesses-level-1

Discussion Questions:

  1. How has COVID-19 affected businesses in your country?
  2. How have businesses adapted to the ‘new normal’?
  3. How will the vaccine change the current situation?
  4. How will the vaccine change the mindset of the people?
  5. What do you think will be the future of businesses in your country?

Wristband Lets Others Know Your Mood

B1 – Intermediate

If you know how a person is feeling at certain moments, it will be a little easier to communicate and relate with them.

A wearable device lets you do that. You can see a person’s mood when they are wearing this wristband.

Read more about this wearable mood device.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2101/210120-moods-0.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is Moodbeam and what do you think about it?
  2. What are the advantages and disadvantages of such device?
  3. Do you agree or disagree that moods are hard to explain and difficult to talk about?
  4. What causes you to be in a good/bad mood?
  5. What device/technology do you want to invent/to be invented?

Paris’ Champs-Elysees To Be an Extraordinary Garden

B1 – Intermediate

The Champs-Elysees is right in the center of Paris. It is well-known for its elegance and long line of luxury shops and restaurants.

Wouldn’t it be wonderful to take a walk along this street. In the future, we would probably be able to enjoy this avenue more as the city is planning to improve it.

Read more about plans to redo the Champs-Elysees.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2101/210116-champs-elysees-1.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. Have you been to Champs-Elysees? What can you say about it?
  2. What do you think of the plans to improve this famous avenue?
  3. Do you think it is worth it to spend $305 million for this? Why/why not?
  4. Which place in your country do you think needs to be improved? What improvements can be done with it?
  5. What is the most beautiful place in your city/country? Be very detailed in describing it.

Taxi Driver Offers Free Rides for Karaoke

B1 – Intermediate

Karaoke is a popular form of entertainment in the world. But, it is way more popular in Asia. A taxi driver in Taiwan thought of a brilliant way to combine his love for karaoke and his job.

Read more about this taxi ride while doing karaoke.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2101/210108-karaoke-1.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think of his gimmick?
  2. How popular is karaoke in your country? Why do you think this is?
  3. Is singing a big part of culture in your country?
  4. Do you like doing karaoke? Feel free to speak about your karaoke sessions.
  5. What are other popular past-times or form of entertainment do people commonly enjoy in your country?

Early Humans May Have Hibernated in Winter

B1 – Intermediate

When winter blows, we like to wrap ourselves with our warm blankets and keep cozy and warm inside our homes. Winter weight is also a common thing to some people. Winter is the time when some people eat more and move less. We haven’t really give much thought on it but does this behavior date back in time?

Scientists say some pieces of evidence show that early humans may have hibernated to escape the harsh winters thousands of years ago.

Click the link and read the article to learn more.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2012/201227-early-humans-1.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. How do you feel about the discovery?
  2. According to the article, what health risks come with hibernation on humans?
  3. Do you enjoy the winter season?
  4. Do you stay active during the winter?
  5. What are the things you like and hate about winter?