Tag: Preliminary PET

Energy Levels of Songs Affect Memories

B1 – Intermediate 

A new research has discovered that the tempo and mood of songs and the overall  energy levels of music are linked to the things we remember about the past.

Read the article about how the energy levels of music affect what we remember.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2508/250828-music-and-memory.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “recall” mean? “It even made people recall romantic experiences.” Use the word in a sentence. Give 2 synonyms or similar expressions.
  2. What does “sort” mean in this sentence, “The researchers asked 233 people about the sorts of memories they had after listening to music.” Use the word in a sentence. Give 2 synonyms or similar expressions.
  3. What does “characterize” mean? “Acoustic songs were associated with memories that were more vivid, unique, and characterized by complex emotions like romance.” Use the word in a sentence. Give 2 synonyms or similar expressions.

Discussion Questions:

  1. “High-energy music made people remember funny and happy events” while “slower and acoustic music brought back memories of calmness and sadness” and romantic experiences. Does the same thing happen to you? Share your own experience. 
  2. Share your thoughts on this, “The feelings people had for music affected their memories.”
  3. How has the music you used to listen to when you were young changed through the years? 
  4. Talk about one song and the memory you associate it with.

El Salvador Cracks Down on School Discipline

B1 – Intermediate 

Former army captain Karla Trigueros has been appointed as the new minister of education in El Salvador.

Along with this appointment is the implementation of stricter rules and discipline among the schools across the country. Some of the initiatives have something to do with the students’ appearance and conduct. 

Read the article about El Salvador’s new school policies.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2508/250825-school-discipline.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is a “role model”? “One of her first edicts was to require all school principals to become role models.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a similar expression.
  2. What does “veer” mean?  “It was concerned that the country was veering back to the days of military dictatorship.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  3. What does “to straighten someone out” mean? “However, many parents are supportive of the new rules. One said: That’s how you straighten children out from a young age.” Use the idiom in a sentence. Give a similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your reaction to and opinion on El Salvador’s education minister’s new school policies?
  2. What are your thoughts on Trigueros inspecting schools wearing army fatigues?
  3. Do you agree or disagree with a leading teachers’ union when they likened the new policies to “regrettable militarization” of the schools? Share your opinion.
  4. What are effective ways to discipline school children from a young age?
  5. How has school discipline changed in your country over the years?

The Tech and La Sagrada Familia

B1 – Intermediate 

La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona is without a doubt one of the most fascinating pieces of architecture in the world. The Spanish architect and designer Antoni Gaudí began this project in the 1880s and until today, isn’t finished yet.

Modern-day architects employ 3D scans, models, and printing to understand Gaudí’s original plans and designs and to rebuild parts of the basilica that had been destroyed during the Spanish Civil War. 

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about the use of technology to improve the design and structure of the world-famous La Sagrada Familia.

Be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/the-tech-and-la-sagrada-familia-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to feel close to someone” mean? “Gaudí designed the church to make people look up and feel close to God.” Use this phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  2. In architecture, what does “ruled surface” mean? “He used special shapes and ruled surfaces in his designs, based on geometry.” Use this term in a sentence. 
  3. What does “panel” mean here, “Engineers used a modern method with stone panels and steel cables to solve this.” Use this word in a sentence. Give another meaning of “panel”.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your opinion about using technology to continue working on La Sagrada Familia?
  2. Share your thoughts on this, “The basilica is now close to completion and will soon be the tallest church in the world.”.
  3. Talk about your experience visiting La Sagrada Familia or any similar structure.

Jeans Video Sparks Race and Genetics Debate

B1 – Intermediate 

American Eagle is involved in a big controversy after the questionable use of the words “jeans” and “genes” in an advertisement.

It was supposed to be a witty wordplay, but many were quick to dismiss it as racist.

Read this article about the issue involving American Eagle’s jeans advertisement with actress Sydney Sweeney.

Be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2508/250804-jeans-genes-wordplay-4.html

Watch the advert here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AK8s3iqL99c

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Define “meltdown”. “The critics say Ms Sweeney is white, blue-eyed, and blonde. A former Fox News host called the criticism a leftist meltdown.” Use this term in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “to create a storm” mean? “A video from the  jeans maker American Eagle has created a storm.” Use this idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  3. What does “to run amok” mean? “The White House called it an overreaction, and that attacking the ad was cancel culture run amok.” Use this idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your opinion about this American Eagle jeans advertisement?
  2. American Eagle says “the advert is and always was about the jeans” and not about genes. Do you believe them? Why or why not?
  3. How can this issue impact the brand?
  4. Do you think that the actress Sydney Sweeney also holds some level of accountability on this issue? Share your opinion.
  5. Share your thoughts on this, “Humanity can be improved by focusing on desirable genes”.
  6. Talk about another controversial advert.

Japanese Walking Helps to Live Longer

B1 – Intermediate 

As we all know, Japan is one of the countries with the longest life expectancy among its people. It could be because not only do they have a very healthy diet, but they also love walking.

“Japanese Walking” has become a fitness trend on Tiktok. Basically, you walk quickly for three minutes then gradually slow down for three minutes and then repeat it five times.

Read this article about the health benefits of Japanese walking.

Be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2508/250807-japanese-walking.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Define “life expectancy”. “Japan is often reported as having the longest life expectancy.” Use this phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  2. What does “to come up (with something)” mean? “Researchers at Shinshu University in Matsumoto, Japan came up with the name in 2007.” Use this phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  3. What does “jargon” mean? “He said he wanted “to make fitness advice and scientific jargon a lot more accessible.” Use this word in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on Japanese Walking?
  2. Do you and people in your country enjoy walking? Why or why not? How is walking beneficial for you?
  3. Talk about a fitness trend that is very popular in your country.
  4. Describe your fitness routine.
  5. Do you follow and listen to fitness experts on social media? Why or why not?
  6. What are other things we should do to increase our life span?

Zoo Asks for Unwanted Pets to Feed to Big Cats

B1 – Intermediate 

The Aalborg Zoo in northern Denmark has requested pet owners to donate their unwanted pets. They plan to feed pets such as chickens, guinea pigs, rabbits, and small horses to some zoo animals.

Read this article about the zoo’s request to pet owners to donate their unwanted pets to make them as feed for the zoo’s captive predators.

Be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2508/250811-zoo-pet-food.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to put down” mean? “The zoo said that the practice of putting down animals to be used as feed was common in Denmark.” Use this phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym. Also, give another meaning of “put down”.
  2. What does “waiting list” mean? “There is so much interest in helping the zoo that there are waiting lists to donate horses.” Use this phrase in a sentence.
  3. What does “tax deduction” mean? “Donors can even receive a tax deduction based on the animal’s value.” Use this phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. Share your opinion about this news.
  2. Talk about the good and bad thing about this scheme.
  3. What is your thought about putting down animals to be used as feed?
  4. What are your thoughts on this, “Unwanted small creatures as food is practical because nothing goes to waste, and we ensure the natural behaviour, nutrition and well-being of our predators.”?
  5. Do you think that there will also be so much interest in helping zoos this way in your country? Why or why not?

Chinese Baby Companies Have Problems

B1 – Intermediate 

From 1980 to 2015, China used to have the one-child policy. Even when they allowed couples to have up to three children in 2021, many couples still decide to delay having children, have less kids, or even not have children at all.

As a direct result, the population is declining. At present, some Chinese companies that produce children’s products have to continue thinking of ways to diversify their product lines as the birth rate in their country continue to go down which only means a smaller and smaller market for their products.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about companies that produce children’s products having problems due to declining birth rates in China.

Be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/chinese-baby-companies-have-problems-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “margin” mean here, “Market analyst Shaun Rein warns that companies in the baby industry will face declining margins, bad revenues, and falling stock prices.”? Use this word in a sentence. Give a synonym. Also, give another meaning of “margin”.
  2. What does “stock” mean here, “Market analyst Shaun Rein warns that companies in the baby industry will face declining margins, bad revenues, and falling stock prices.”? Use this word in a sentence. Give a synonym. Also, give another meaning of “stock”.
  3. What does “reluctant” mean? “While the limit has been raised to three children in 2021, couples are still reluctant to have babies.” Use this word in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your reaction to and opinion about children products companies’ problems in China?
  2. What solutions do you think companies can come up with to deal with this problem?
  3. How has your company diversified its products/services over the years?

EU Airports Change the Liquid Limit

B1 – Intermediate 

Airports in the EU could soon let travelers have bigger bottles of liquid that can contain more than 100ml in their hand-carry baggage.

Thanks to a new technology, airport security will be able to detect dangerous substances.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about the EU change in the liquid limit.

Be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/eu-airports-change-the-liquid-limit-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “container” mean? “This change is possible thanks to new screening technology that can detect dangerous materials even inside large liquid containers.” Use this word in a sentence. Give a synonym. Also, give another meaning of “container”.
  2. What does “screening” mean? “This change is possible thanks to new screening technology that can detect dangerous materials even inside large liquid containers.” Use this word in a sentence. Give a synonym. Also, give another meaning of “screening”.
  3. What does “equipment” mean? “The European Commission has now confirmed that approval was given in June 2025, so airports that install the approved equipment will be allowed to use it soon.” Use this word in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your opinion on this new rule?
  2. What do you think about this, “This fact means that while the 100ml rule may disappear in some places very soon, passengers should still check the rules at their specific airport before flying.”?
  3. Should this rule be also implemented all over the world? Explain.
  4. Have you ever had any problems because you had a container or bottle of liquid larger than 100ml? Talk about your experience. 
  5. What are other rules that you have to follow at the airports in your country?

AI Model in Fashion Magazine

B1 – Intermediate 

We have seen AI being used in various ways. A new addition to it is in modeling.

On its August 2025 edition, the best-selling fashion magazine Vogue features an AI-generated model for the first time. 

Read the article about AI fashion models.

Be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2507/250731-ai-fashion-models.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to show off” mean here, “In the August edition of the best-selling “Vogue” magazine, a “perfect-looking” blonde model has been used to show off summer clothes from the lifestyle brand Guess.”? Use this phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym. Also, give another meaning of “to show off”.
  2. What does “harness” mean?  “The company added that it wanted to harness the incredible power of AI to revolutionize marketing images.” Use this word in a sentence. Give a synonym. Also, give another meaning of “harness”.
  3. What does “a kick in the teeth” mean? “She called it “akick in the teeth” for diversity in the industry because AI models will replace real models.” Use this idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your reaction to and opinion about AI fashion models?
  2. What might be the good and bad thing about using AI models?
  3. Should brands use AI models more now? State your opinion.
  4. Share your insights about one model’s statement, “It is a kick in the teeth for diversity in the industry because AI models will replace real models.
  5. Share your thoughts on this, “Perfect AI models will make people worry that their own body is not perfect. Poor body image increases the risk of developing an eating disorder.”

Matcha in Short Supply

B1 – Intermediate 

As matcha became a popular favorite all around the world, the demand for the tea has also increased a lot in the recent years.

However, due to high temperatures, there have been lower harvests of the matcha tea in Japan where most of it is grown and the global matcha supply comes from.

And because of this, the price of matcha also had to be increased.

Read the article about the problem with short supply of matcha and be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2507/250728-matcha-shortage-4.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “niche product” mean? “Matcha was once a niche product.” Use this term in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “out of stock” mean?  “The tea store Tealife said demand increased ten-fold. It is always out of stock.” Use this phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “pluck” mean? “Last year’s summer was so scorching that it damaged the bushes, so we couldn’t pluck as many leaves.” Use this word in a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Is matcha popular in your country? Why do you think that is?
  2. Do you like matcha? Why or why not? 
  3. How can the short supply of matcha affect the businesses that use this tea?
  4. What are the impacts of rising temperature on agriculture in your country?
  5. How does the “Matcha mania” affect Japan’s traditional tea ceremonies?