Tag: Preliminary PET

Muslim-Friendly Hotels for Islamic Travelers

B1 – Intermediate

The halal travel industry is booming because of the ease and affordability of transportation and the eagerness of Muslims to explore different countries.

Western countries would like to take a bite of the apple by providing this group of travelers with their needs that are in accordance with their religious beliefs.

Let’s read the article and find out how western countries provide hospitality to Muslim travelers.

https://www.english-online.at/news-articles/living/islamic-travellers-in-search-of-muslim-friendly-hotels.htm

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “tend to” mean in this context? “In contrast to other people Muslims tend to travel in larger groups, stay longer and spend more.” Use it in your own sentence.
  2. Define the verb “ignore“. “Western tourism cannot afford to ignore them.” Use it in a sentence and give two synonyms.
  3. What is the meaning of the verb “afford” in this sentence, “Western tourism cannot afford to ignore them.“? Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. According to the article, how do western countries adapt to the needs of Muslim travelers?
  2. Share your thoughts on this trend.
  3. Is your country Muslim-tourist-friendly? How so?
  4. Do you have establishments in your country that are Muslim-friendly? What amenities or special treats do they have for their Muslim clients?
  5. As a traveler, do you usually have special requests when staying at a hotel or eating at a restaurant? What are they?

Starship Spacecraft Explodes

B1 – Intermediate

In the exciting world of space exploration, sometimes things don’t go as planned. Recently, the Starship spacecraft, a super-advanced space vehicle, faced a big problem—it exploded. This event is a reminder that exploring space is not easy, and it comes with challenges.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about SpaceX’s Starship explosions.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/starship-spacecraft-explodes-level-3/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “interplanetary” mean, “SpaceX’s Starship designed for lunar and interplanetary travel achieved its first spaceflight but experienced a failure minutes later.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “uncrewed“, “The rocket was launched from Texas and it aimed for a 90-minute uncrewed flight, intending to land in the Pacific near Hawaii.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “ground” mean? “The Federal Aviation Administration grounded the rocket for safety and environmental assessments.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Question:

  1. What is the purpose of SpaceX’s Starship rocket?
  2. Why do you think SpaceX continues to conduct tests even if there are failures?
  3. What are some potential challenges or risks associated with developing and testing rockets like Starship?
  4. How would you feel about being on a rocket like Starship, considering the recent test failures?
  5. Do you think space exploration, despite its challenges, is important for the future? Why / Why not?

Robots in Our Lives 

B1 – Intermediate

In today’s world, robots are no longer just a part of sci-fi stories—they’re here, right now, impacting how we live. From simplifying daily tasks to working side by side with us, these machines are reshaping our routines and the way we connect with the world.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about advanced robotics in our lives.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/robots-in-our-lives-level-3/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “throughout the ages” mean? “A new exhibition in London charts humanity’s fascination for robots throughout the ages – one model at the exhibition dates back to the 16th century. Almost three meters tall, Cygan, a celebrity robot of the fifties, is the display’s centerpiece.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does the word “enslave“ mean in this sentence, “Ben Russel, the curator, commented on people’s fear of robots ‘turning into terrifying things that enslave us all’ – he thinks that it is quite natural to be afraid of them, but he sees the chances of it actually happening as slim.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does the phrase “the chances of something happening as slim“ mean, “Ben Russel, the curator, commented on people’s fear of robots ‘turning into terrifying things that enslave us all’ – he thinks that it is quite natural to be afraid of them, but he sees the chances of it actually happening as slim.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What would society be like if robots took over our jobs?
  2. How are robots generally perceived? Are they seen more as helpful or potentially concerning? Elaborate.
  3. What could be some challenges or benefits of having humanoid robots in our homes?
  4. If you had a robot, what would you like it to do?

Argentina Has a New President

B1 – Intermediate

Change is in the air as Argentina welcomes a new president to lead the nation. The inauguration ceremony signals not just a transfer of power but also the start of a different chapter in Argentina’s story. People are curious about what this change might bring—how it will affect their lives and the country’s path.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about Argentina’s new president.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/argentina-has-a-new-president-level-3/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the expression “to ride a wave of something“ mean, “Milei, riding a wave of voter anger, pledged economic shock therapy, including shutting the central bank, ditching the peso, and slashing spending.” Use it in sentence.
  2. What does the word “ditch“ mean, “Milei, riding a wave of voter anger, pledged economic shock therapy, including shutting the central bank, ditching the peso, and slashing spending.” Use it in sentence.
  3. What does “economic malaise“ mean? “Despite concerns about his volatile character and radical plans, Milei aims to address the economic malaise that has plagued the country.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How might Milei’s plans to spend less affect the lives of the people in Argentina?
  2. What challenges does a new president might face in solving the country’s existing problems?
  3. How might a new president impact a country’s domestic and international affairs?
  4. What qualities do you think are important for a country leader?

Doctors Operate Without Electricity

B1 – Intermediate

In a world powered by electricity, imagine doctors performing surgeries without it. In certain corners of the globe, and in unexpected moments, medical professionals find themselves in situations where the lights go out, but they need to proceed with the operation.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about doctors operating without electricity.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/doctors-operate-without-electricity-level-3/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the word “rain down on someone/something” mean, “Russian missiles rained down on the Ukrainian capital city on Wednesday when the Kyiv Heart Institute unexpectedly lost light, power, and water.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “jump into action” mean, “Hospital staff jumped into action and started a backup generator to keep the support system running.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “blackout” mean? “The blackout happened amid heavy Russian bombardment in Ukraine that cut electricity and water across the capital and other parts of the country.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Question:

  1. How did the hospital workers respond to the interruption in electricity?
  2. What challenges do you think the doctors faced when operating without electricity?
  3. Why do you think the doctors decided not to wait for the electricity to be restored?
  4. Have you ever experienced a situation where there was a power outage? How did people around you respond?
  5. How important do you think electricity is for hospitals and medical procedures?
  6. How could the lack of electricity and water affect the daily lives of people in the city?

Afghan Refugees Need Help

B1 – Intermediate

In the face of adversity, Afghan refugees need assistance. Fleeing conflict and instability, they seek refuge and support to rebuild their lives. This is a call to action, emphasizing the importance of global solidarity and humanitarian aid for those facing displacement and uncertainty.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about on Afghans needing help.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/afghan-refugees-need-help-level-2/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the word “expel” mean? “Approaching winter brings colder days and this is a serious problem for Afghan refugees whom Pakistan expels.” Use the word in a sentence.
  2. What does “psychosocial support” mean? “These people need psychosocial support.” Use this term in a sentence.
  3. What does the phrase “make a fresh start“ mean? “Without help, they can’t make a fresh start.” Use this idiom in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How important is it to provide assistance to Afghan refugees?
  2. Why is psychosocial support important for these refugees?
  3. How might not having a place to stay as soon as they arrive impact the safety and well-being of the refugees?
  4. What are other ways to help refugees?
  5. What does your government do to help refugees?

Spotify Not Banning AI-Made Music

B1 – Intermediate

Producing something creative like music is probably one thing that we think only humans can do. However, with the advancements of the technology, music can be made using artificial intelligence or AI too.

Read the article and know more about Spotify’s decision not to ban music produced by AI.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2309/230928-spotify-ai-music-1.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does ”auto-tune” mean? “This includes the auto-tune software that helps singers correct their pitch and add vocal effects.” Use this term in a sentence.
  2. What does “mimic” mean? “Mr. Ek did not like software for mimicking the voice of an artist.” Give 2 synonyms and use “mimic” in a sentence.
  3. What does “streaming site” mean, “Daniel Ek, the boss of the streaming site Spotify, has answered this question.”? Use this term in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you agree or disagree with Spotify’s decision not to ban AI-made music? Explain.
  2. Do you think we should worry about this problem now? Share your opinion.
  3. In general, what do you think about using AI in music?
  4. “Spotify deleted one song created by an AI platform. Software copied the voices of the singers Drake, and The Weeknd.” Do you agree with Spotify in deleting this song on their platform? Why or why not?
  5. What is one question or concern do you have about AI at the moment?

Bed Poverty

B1 – Intermediate

Sleeping well at night in your very own bed relaxes us and recharges our batteries. Not having a proper bed to sleep in is, unfortunately, a sad reality for more than one million children in the UK.

Read the article and know more about this problem in the UK with young kids living with no beds of their own.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2310/231005-bed-poverty-1.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does ”bed poverty” mean? “The charity said bed poverty is because people are poorer because the cost of living has increased.” Use this phrase in a sentence.
  2. What does “struggling” mean? “Bed poverty shows that many people in Britain are struggling.” Give 2 synonyms and use ‘struggling’ in a sentence.
  3. What does “deep-rooted” mean, “The charity asked the government to take “urgent action” to fix these “deep-rooted issues”.”? Use this word in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your reaction to this news?
  2. Does this problem exist in your country too? Talk about it.
  3. What are the effects on children of not having their own beds?
  4. What can the government do to solve this problem?
  5. Talk about your experience sleeping in the following:
  • your own bed now
  • sharing beds with others
  • on the floor
  • in other places apart from a bed or a room

What is Accounting?

B1 – Intermediate

In simple terms, accounting refers to recording and reporting financial information. It often involves measuring, summarizing, and analyzing a business or corporation’s sales figures and communicating them to tax authorities. 

Watch the video to know more about accounting and how it keeps a systematic and accurate record of company’s activities.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is the meaning of the word “challenging”? “I think you could see that could be quite challenging“. Use it in a sentence.
  2. What is the meaning of the word “proficiency”? “However, if you had some proficiency in the foreign language your trip would likely be enjoyable”. Use it in a sentence.
  3. What is “immersion”? “So, how do students study for language classes? With practice and immersion.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. According to the speaker, how should students study both languages and accounting?
  2. What is accounting for?
  3. Do you agree with the speaker when he said, “Accounting is really a foreign language class?” What do you think he meant by this? Share your points of view.
  4. How is accounting similar to any other subjects?
  5. Why is accounting important in a business?

India’s Luxury Fashion Industry

B1 – Intermediate

The world of luxury fashion is synonymous with high-end style and craftsmanship, often associated with European heritage. However, there is a lesser-known side to this glamorous industry. Behind the scenes, India plays a crucial role in the creation of many luxury garments.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about India’s luxury fashion industry.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/indias-luxury-fashion-industry-level-3/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “lack of transparency” mean? “ This lack of transparency has raised questions about the ethics of the fashion industry.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “finishing touch” mean? “One example is a jacket that retails for 43,000 Euros and underwent over 2,000 hours of embroidery work in India; however, it received less than 100 hours of finishing touches in Europe, despite bearing a ‘Made in France’ label.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “to build on something” mean? “However, it remains a complex issue in an industry built on exploitation and secrecy.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How do you feel about the idea that many luxury fashion brands manufacture their products in countries like India, but often label them as being made in Europe? Elaborate.
  2. What are the reasons luxury fashion brands choose to produce their goods in countries with lower labor costs like India rather than in their home countries?
  3. Are you willing to pay a premium for a luxury fashion item even if you know it was made in a country with lower labor costs, or does the “Made in” label matter to you? Explain.
  4. How do you think the COVID-19 pandemic may have impacted the luxury fashion industry and its reliance on global manufacturing?