Tag: Preliminary PET

Airline Pays Staff Bonus for Spotting Oversized Bags

B1 – Intermediate 

In an attempt to solve the problem with passengers’ oversized carry-on suitcases, the Irish budget airline Ryanair plans to give its staff a bonus they call “gate bag bonus”. Essentially, it is an incentive that the airline employees receive for intercepting bags that are bigger than what is stipulated in the airline’s bag policies.

Read the article about Ryanair’s “gate bag bonus” for its staff and be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2507/250724-oversized-luggage-2.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is a “budget airline”? “The budget airline Ryanair has a plan for the problem of oversized luggage.” Use this phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “spot” mean here, “The airline will increase the bonus it pays to staff for spotting bags that are too big. Staff currently get a “gate bag bonus” of $1.75 a passenger.”? Use this word in a sentence in the same context. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “cap” mean here, “This is capped at about $95 a month. Ryanair’s CEO wants to remove this cap.”? Use this word in a sentence in the same context. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your opinion about the “gate bag bonus” from a business standpoint? 
  2. How about as a passenger?
  3. Why do you think airlines like Ryanair want the problem of oversized luggage to disappear?
  4. “Passengers must pay a fee of up to $88 for oversized bags.” Is this reasonable? Share your opinion.
  5. Have you ever had problems with excess baggage or problems with your suitcases before or after a flight? Talk about your experience.
  6. Share your thoughts on this, “Ryanair’s CEO said stricter rules were necessary, even though most people follow the rules.” 

De-extinction of Giant Moa Bird

B1 – Intermediate 

Moa is a species of birds that has been extinct for 600 years. They were formerly endemic to New Zealand. On average, they are 3.6 feet tall, but they can grow up to 12 feet tall. They are covered in feathers. However, they are avians that can’t fly.

Colossal Biosciences, a biotechnology and genetic engineering company, plans to bringing back extinct species such as the giant moa birds.

Read the article about de-extinction and be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2507/250714-moa-de-extinction.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “on the cusp of doing something” mean? “Biotechnology and genetic engineering company Colossal Biosciences claims it is on the cusp of successfully bringing back extinct species.” Use this idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “resemble” mean? “Colossal defines de-extinction as: ‘The process of generating an organism that both resembles and is genetically similar to an extinct species.” Use this word in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “thrive” mean? “It would also enhance the adaptability of species to “thrive” amid climate change, dwindling resources, disease and human interference.” Use this word in a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the advantages and disadvantages of resurrecting extinct animals?
  2. Considering its advantages and disadvantages, is de-extinction good or bad? Explain.
  3. Which extinct animal would you like to be made revived? Why this animal?

UK to Lower Voting Age

B1 – Intermediate 

Legal voting age refers to the minimum age that an individual is allowed to cast their vote in a democratic process. Most nations in the world have 18 as their voting age.

However, UK is considering to lower it to 16.

Read the article about UK’s plans to lower voting age and be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2507/250721-voting-age.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “a step forward” mean? “By [extending] the vote to younger people, we are taking a generational step forward in restoring public trust and boosting engagement in UK democracy.” Use this idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “to have a say on something” mean? “It’s only right they can have a say on the issues that affect them.” Use this phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. Explain “parent’s consent”. “Some point to the fact that 16-year-olds cannot drink alcohol, buy a lottery ticket, or get married without their parent’s consent, yet they will be able to vote.” Use this term in a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Share your opinion on this, “16-year-olds in Britain work and pay taxes, so they should be allowed to vote.”
  2. Do you think voting age should be lowered in your country, too? Why or why not?
  3. Share your opinion about this statement, “By [extending] the vote to younger people, we are taking a generational step forward in restoring public trust and boosting engagement in UK democracy.“
  4. What are the good and bad things about letting people as young as 16 years old vote?
  5. If 16 year olds will be allowed to vote, then, should they be allowed to drink alcohol, buy a lottery ticket, or get married without their parent’s consent too? Explain your views on this.
  6. What do you think is the best voting age and why?

Drugs and Medication

B1 – Intermediate 

It is normal for people to get sick at times. And when that happens, we need to find something to help us feel better as soon as possible.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about drugs and medication. 

Drugs and Medication – Script

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “in no time” mean, “You’ll be up and dancing around in no time.” Use this idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “to stay off one’s feet” mean? “He also told me to stay off my feet for a day or so, but I’m so busy these days.” Use this phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “to get rid of” mean? “I have just the thing to get rid of bad colds.” Use this phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is Steve’s problem? What is Carla’s suggestion?
  2. If you were Steve, would you take Carla’s advice? Why or why not?
  3. Have you ever tried taking herbal medicines? How was it? If not yet, would you try it?
  4. When was the last time you got sick? What did you do to feel better?

What is Success?

B1 – Intermediate 

Perhaps, each person has his or her own definition of success. For some, it is about being always on top, while for others, it just means to have family and friends and a job.

What is Success? – Interview

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to live paycheck to paycheck” mean, “Success is also the ability that you’re not living paycheck to paycheck.” Use this idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “rainy day” mean here, “You know, you can also save up money for a rainy day.” Use this term in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “well taken care of” mean? “ One of the big things for me, though, is having enough money to support my family. Uh, so I have a child. So making sure that he is well taken care of. ” Use this phase in a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. For you, what is success?
  2. What is your biggest success so far?
  3. Talk about a moment when you were on the brink of success, but failed.
  4. What must a person do when they fail?
  5. We can have successes every day, especially at work or in our hobbies. What are your successes for today at work and in your hobbies? How do you feel about it?

North Korea to Open Beach Resort to Woo Tourists

B1 – Intermediate 

For the longest time, North Korea has been one of the most elusive countries in the world. Very little is known about the country because it has remained closed to the world.

Recently, North Korea has announced that they are to open a beach resort to help attract tourists into the country and subsequently, boost the tourism sector.

Read the article about North Korea’s flagship resort. 

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2506/250630-north-korea-beach-resort.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Define “flagship”. “State media reported that the flagship resort is the first of many developments planned throughout the country.” Use this term in a sentence. Give 2 synonyms/similar expressions.
  2. What does “gleaming” mean? “Its gleaming new hotels can accommodate 20,000 guests.” Use this word in a sentence. Give 2 synonyms/similar expressions.
  3. What does “feat” mean? “He also said it was one of the country’s “greatest feats” of the year.” Use this word in a sentence. Give 2 synonyms/similar expressions.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What was your reaction to North Korea’s first beach resort open to foreign tourists?
  2. What could be the benefits and disadvantages of North Korea opening up for tourism?
  3. Would it be interesting for you to visit this beach resort given a chance? Why or why not?
  4. What things has your country/government done to expand its travel sector?
  5. Do you like staying at beach resorts? Why or why not?

France Bans Smoking for Tobacco-Free Generation

B1 – Intermediate 

France aims to create a tobacco-free generation by 2032. In order to do this, the government has banned smoking, especially in public places, particularly in spaces where children usually stay in such as parks, schools, etc.

Read the article about the smoking ban in France in hopes of a tobacco-free generation.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2507/250703-tobacco-free-generation.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Define “passive smoking”. “The new smoking ban is to protect children from passive smoking.” Use this term in a sentence. Give 2 synonyms/similar expressions.
  2. What does “to break the law” mean? “Any smoker who lights up a cigarette in public will be breaking the law.” Use this phrase in a sentence. Give 2 synonyms/similar expressions.
  3. What does “disorder” mean in this context, “One large survey found that 30-40 percent of individuals will have a clinically significant sleep disorder in their lifetime.” Use this word in a sentence. Give 2 synonyms/similar expressions.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What comes to your mind when you hear the word “tobacco”?
  2. What was your reaction to the smoking ban in France?
  3. Do you agree or disagree with this, “Tobacco must disappear from places where there are children … a park, a beach, a school. These are places to play, learn, and breathe; not for smoking.”? Share your thoughts.
  4. Is it possible for your country to create a tobacco-free generation? Share your views on this goal.
  5. “Smoking is slowly falling in France.” Is it the same in your country? Why do you think this is?

Cheese Gives Us Nightmares

B1 – Intermediate 

Did you know that almost 85% of adults have a nightmare at least once every year. In addition, about 5% experiences having a bad dream quite often.

Do you ever wonder what causes us to dream about bad or scary things?

What if I tell you that cheese can be a reason for night terrors to visit you in your sleep? 

Read the article about how dairy products such as cheese could give people nightmares.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2507/250707-cheese-nightmares.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “severe” mean? “Research published in the journal “Frontiers in Psychology” found that people with a severe lactose intolerance were more prone to bad dreams and insomnia.” Use this word in a sentence. Give 2 synonyms/similar expressions.
  2. What does “to account for something” mean? “If you have gastrointestinal issues, that could account for a lot of what’s happening in terms of sleep disturbances that could be associated with different dreams.” Use this phrase in a sentence. Give 2 synonyms/similar expressions.
  3. What does “disorder” mean in this context, “One large survey found that 30-40 percent of individuals will have a clinically significant sleep disorder in their lifetime.” Use this word in a sentence. Give 2 synonyms/similar expressions.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What was your reaction to this, “Cheese and other dairy products could disturb  sleep.”?
  2. Would this finding change the way you consume dairy, specifically cheese? Why or why not?
  3. What do you think about the fact that the food we eat affect our dreams? Elaborate.
  4. What usually cause sleep disturbances for you?
  5. What is the worst/scariest nightmare you’ve ever had? Talk about it.
  6. Talk about a nightmare you’ve had recently.

Music Festivals Are Becoming Less Popular

B1 – Intermediate 

Very famous music festivals like Coachella, Burning Man, and Lollapalooza have seen some decrease in ticket sales. Live events such as these seems to be getting less interest from its fans.

All-inclusive festival deals can be for several hundred dollars or even up to 1000 dollars.

However, with the increasing costs of travel and the tickets, people would rather spend that amount on other activities.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about the music festivals becoming less popular.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/music-festivals-are-becoming-less-popular-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “lodging” mean? “Festivals can cost several hundred dollars or even up to 1000 dollars for a full experience, including transportation and lodging.” Use this word in a sentence. Give a synonym or similar expression.
  2. What does “stream” mean? “Many prefer to stream concerts or join virtual festivals on gaming platforms like Fortnite and Roblox.” Use this word in a sentence. 
  3. What does “take place” mean? “In 2024, over 1,100 festivals took place in the US, but around 40 were canceled.” Use this phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym or similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the reasons music festivals are becoming less interesting for fans?
  2. What are your thoughts on music festivals becoming less popular?
  3. Share your opinion on this, “Some fans now prefer to spend that money on other things than a music festival.”
  4. Is the same thing happening in your country? Why do you think this is?
  5. Talk about a time you went to a music festival.

EU Countries Bring Back Border Checks

B1 – Intermediate 

The Schengen Agreement was initially signed by Belgium, France, Germany, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands 40 years ago in 1985. At present, it has 29 member countries. 

The treaty was established to abolish border controls which guarantees free movement for people, goods, services, and capital.

This is one of the most important point of the European Union. 

However, Germany and France have reinstated border checks recently saying it is due to problems with security and terrorism, illegal immigration, and the asylum systems.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about the reintroduction of border controls in some European countries.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/eu-countries-bring-back-border-checks-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “in place” mean? “It has been in place for 40 years and is a key part of the European Union.” Use this phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym or similar expression.
  2. What does “go against” mean? “These actions may go against the values of unity and cooperation that the EU supports.” Use this phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym or similar expression.
  3. What does “bring back” mean? “However, countries like Germany and France have recently started to bring back border controls.” Use this phrase in a sentence. Give 2 synonyms or similar expressions.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your opinion about the return of internal border controls?
  2. What are the benefits and downsides of putting border controls again around Europe?
  3. Share your opinion about this, “Some experts argue that countries are using border controls for political purposes, not because of real threats.”
  4. What is your view on this, “The visible problem is the return of internal border checks. This raises questions about how well Schengen can function if countries no longer fully respect the agreement.”?