Tag: Reading

Ferrari Shares Slump After Unveiling First Fully Electric Car

B2 — Upper Intermediate 

Luxury sports car manufacturer Ferrari has launched its first fully electric vehicle, the Luce, priced at $640,000 (£474,320). 

In their efforts to take on Chinese EVs, they have been faced with serious backlash. Luce was highly criticized because some think that it betrays the brand’s legacy.

Consequently, shares of the company declined by over 8% on the Milan market and more than 5% on the New York market.

Read this article about Luce, Ferrari’s first ever electric car.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cwy22rddy5no

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is the meaning if something is “made in-house”? ”The firm said that all of the components are made in-house, so that the car can be repaired by the company well into the future, protecting the Luce’s resale value.” Use the phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “a masterclass in something” mean? “Responses on social media to the launch ranged from describing it as “straight to the junkyard trash” to an “absolute masterclass in design”.” Use the idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  3. What does “to scale back on something” mean? “Supercar rivals like Lamborghini and Porsche have scaled back on their EV plans due to poor demand and intense competition from Chinese brands.” Use the phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why do you think about Ferrari’s electric car Luce? What are its promises and pitfalls?
  2. What is your opinion on Lamborghini and Porsche scaling back on their EV plans due to poor demand and intense competition from Chinese brands.
  3. What are some major obstacles of companies like Ferrari facing in shifting to EVs?
  4. Ferrari’s chief design officer Flavio Manzoni believes that critics are part of the innovation process. What is your insight on this?
  5. Do you think that the concept of an electric Ferrari with a new design is “polarising”? Will people eventually come to appreciate it? Share your views.
  6. What are your insights on this, “Yet Ferrari’s shares have dropped by more than 30% over the past year, mirroring a wider slump across luxury brands as inflation around the world has shaken demand for high-end goods.”?

Stopping the Latest Ebola Outbreak in DR Congo Is So Difficult

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

Ebola is a severe and often deadly viral disease that affects humans and other primates. It is caused by the Ebola virus and spreads through direct contact with the bodily fluids of an infected person or contaminated objects.

The World Health Organization has declared the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo a public health emergency of international concern.

This outbreak is especially difficult because it involves a rare strain of Ebola that currently has no vaccine, and infections have been reported in a conflict-affected region.

Read the article about Ebola and why stopping the latest outbreak in DR Congo is so difficult.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cz72p75zg4qo

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Define “organ failure”. “As the disease progresses, vomiting and diarrhoea develop and it can lead to organ failure.” Use the term in a sentence.
  2. What does “porous” mean here: “A further complication is that the outbreak is taking place in a conflict zone, with a quarter of million people displaced from their homes and people moving across porous borders into neighbouring countries.” Use the word in this context in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  3. What does “to bolster” mean? “Several African countries are tightening border screenings and bolstering health facilities.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. What makes the latest Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo difficult to control?
  2. Why do you think Ebola outbreaks are so dangerous compared to other diseases?
  3. What do you think is the most effective way to stop the spread of Ebola in the long term?
  4. How important is international cooperation in responding to outbreaks like Ebola?
  5. What challenges do healthcare workers face when treating Ebola patients?
  6. How can misinformation or fear impact efforts to stop an Ebola outbreak?
  7. What lessons has the world learned from past Ebola outbreaks?

UN Lowers Forecast for Global Economic Growth 

B2 – Upper Intermediate

A recent global finance story reports that the United Nations has lowered its 2026 global economic growth forecast from 2.7% to 2.5% because of rising oil prices and instability in the Middle East. Economists warn that higher energy costs could increase inflation worldwide and slow down consumer spending and investment.

Read the article to learn why countries that are heavily dependent on imported fuel may be affected the most.

https://apnews.com/article/un-global-economic-forecast-growth-inflation-oil-e79c64aeb599030c308e6c93eaf9b350

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “plunge” mean? “Economic growth in the region is projected to plunge from 3.6% in 2025 to 1.4% in 2026, “driven not only by the energy shock but also by direct infrastructure damage and severe disruptions to oil production, trade and tourism.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “strategic reserve” mean? “In Asia, the U.N. said China’s diversified energy mix, sizable strategic reserves and government actions are providing a buffer, so its economic growth is only expected to slow from 5% in 2025 to 4.6% this year.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “resilient” mean? “In the United States, the economy is expected to remain “comparatively resilient” with 2% growth forecast this year, broadly similar to 2025, it said.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How do you think rising oil prices affect everyday people around the world?
  2. Why do you think global economic growth is slowing down this year?
  3. In your opinion, which countries are most vulnerable to higher fuel costs? Why?
  4. Have you personally noticed any increase in prices related to fuel or transportation recently?
  5. What do you think governments can do to help people during economic slowdowns and inflation?

Shoulder Season

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

Shoulder season is the period between a destination’s peak tourist season and off-peak season. During this time, travel demand is moderate, so hotel prices and airfare are usually lower than during peak season, but higher than during off-peak periods.

Travel rates often differ during peak, off-peak, and shoulder seasons, so successful hotels prepare for these fluctuations and adjust their strategies accordingly. 

Read the article about shoulder season and how hotels can avoid losing business during these periods.

https://www.cvent.com/en/blog/hospitality/what-is-shoulder-season

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Differentiate “peak season”, “off-peak season” and “shoulder season”. “From peak season to off-peak season to shoulder season, successful hotels anticipate the fluctuations that are likely to happen and strategize accordingly.” Use the terms in sentences.
  2. What does “to leave a stone unturned” mean? “Leaving any stone unturned can leave revenue on the table.” Use the idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  3. What does “to simmer down” mean? “Restaurants, area attractions, and local tourism booms in the area, and then simmers down.” Use the phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the advantages and disadvantages of traveling during shoulder season?
  2. Talk about a time when you traveled during shoulder season.
  3. Share your insights on this, “Seasonal travel grows in proportion to the general growth of tourism in an area.”
  4. What challenges do hotels face during shoulder season?
  5. Do you think discounts and promotions are effective during shoulder season? Why or why not?
  6. Should hotels lower their prices significantly during shoulder season? Explain your opinion.

Japan’s Snack Packaging Turns Black and White

B1 – Intermediate 

The Iran war caused problems for food companies in Japan. There is a shortage of ink materials. This affects food packaging.

Calbee will use black-and-white packaging for some potato chips. The company will add a message saying it is saving oil materials.

Sanae Takaichi said Japan has enough naphtha for now. Japan will also increase local production and imports from other countries. However, Calbee warned that more problems may happen later.

Read the article about the change in the designs of some snack manufacturers’ food packaging.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2605/260518-food-packaging-ink.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “in a bid to do something” mean? “Meanwhile, food and beverage maker Kagome will make some of the wrapping for its popular ketchup transparent in a bid to deal with the ink shortage.” Use the phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  2. What does “countermeasure” mean? “She said countermeasures would be taken to ensure a supply of the liquid.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  3. What does “ramp up” mean? “These countermeasures include a ramping up of domestic production, and a threefold increase in naphtha imports from countries outside the Middle East. ” Use the phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your opinion about the changes in these Japanese snack products’ designs?
  2. What lessons can other companies learn from this situation?
  3. Do you think simple packaging is a good idea during shortages? Why or why not?
  4. How might customers react to changes in product packaging? How would you react if your favorite products’ packaging suddenly turns black and white?
  5. What is your opinion about transparent packaging?

Digital Euro: the Future of Cash in Europe

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

Money has evolved rapidly in recent years, with digital payments through cards and mobile phones increasingly replacing cash.

In response, the European Central Bank is developing the digital euro, a form of electronic public money designed to offer a secure and reliable way to make digital transactions.

Read the article to know more about the digital Euro.

https://theconversation.com/what-is-the-digital-euro-a-guide-to-the-future-of-cash-in-europe-280055

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “solvency” mean? “It will be a balance that does not depend on the solvency of any financial institution.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  2. What does “monetary sovereignty” mean? “In February 2026, the European Parliament formally endorsed the digital euro project, describing it as essential to strengthening EU monetary sovereignty.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  3. What does “to lead the pack” mean? “China leads the pack with its digital yuan – also known as the digital renminbi – which has seen more than 7 trillion yuan in transactions and is used in over 26 cities.” Use the idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on the digital euro and digital currencies in general?
  2. What might the implications of the digital euro be for ordinary people and Europe’s financial systems?
  3. What issues do you foresee with the digital euro?
  4. Share your insights on this statement: “Europe is not alone in this pursuit, as more than 130 countries are exploring or have already launched their own digital currencies.”
  5. Do you think the European Central Bank can roll out the digital euro by 2029? Share your thoughts.

Companies in China Cannot Fire Workers to Replace Them with AI

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

An employee surnamed Zhou held a quality assurance role at a tech firm. The company, pointing to AI-driven improvements and a need for efficiency, tried to move Zhou to a different role and reduce their monthly salary from 25,000 yuan (about US$3,655) to 15,000 yuan. After Zhou refused the salary reduction, the company terminated their employment.

Zhou quickly filed for labour arbitration and requested compensation for being unfairly dismissed.

The court found that the new role, with its significant pay cut, was not a reasonable offer for reassignment. As a result, it ruled the firing illegal and ordered the company to compensate the employee.

Read the article about the Chinese court ruling prohibiting firms to lay off workers on AI grounds.

https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/international/global/companies-cannot-fire-workers-replace-them-ai-china-courts-rule

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to be hinged on something” mean? “The dispute largely hinged on whether eliminating a job through AI adoption constitutes an objective major change in circumstances under China’s Labour Contract Law.” Use the idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  2. Differentiate “arbitration”, “mediation”, and “litigation”. “According to the country’s Labour Dispute Mediation and Arbitration Law, parties must first take their disagreements to mediation and arbitration commissions; if dissatisfied with the verdict, they can then pursue litigation.” Use each term in a sentence. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. Share your insights on Zhou’s case and the court’s ruling. 
  2. Should companies be prohibited from firing employees simply to replace them with cost-saving artificial intelligence? Share your opinion.
  3. What are your thoughts on this, “If AI restructuring is necessary, corporations should prioritise retraining staff.”?
  4. How can workers’ rights be protected against AI?
  5. Do you believe AI will create more jobs than it replaces in the future? Explain your answer.

Soft Socializing

B2 – Upper Intermediate

At a time when socializing can sometimes feel overwhelming or exhausting, the idea of “soft socializing” offers a more relaxed and meaningful way to connect with others.

In “What Is Soft Socializing?”, America Edwards explains that low-pressure, activity-based interactions can help people build and maintain relationships without the stress of constant conversation or social performance. Through shared activities and simple everyday moments, soft socializing shows that connection can be natural, sustainable, and just as meaningful.

Read this article to know more about soft socializing.

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-ties-that-connect-us/202604/what-is-soft-socializing

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Define “parallel playing“. “Think craft nights, book clubs, casual walks, or simply parallel playing.” Make a sentence with this term. Give a similar expression.
  2. What does “for something to unfold” mean?  Soft socializing creates the conditions for that process to unfold naturally.” Use this expression in a sentence. Give a similar expression.
  3. What is a “social biome“? “Recent work by Jeffrey A. Hall and Andy J. Merolla reframes this idea through what they call the social biome.” Make a sentence with this. Give a similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your opinion on soft socializing?
  2. Do you think people can build strong relationships through low-pressure activities? Why or why not?
  3. Do you think meaningful connection always requires deep conversation? Why or why not?
  4. Would soft socializing be popular in your culture or community? Why do you think so?
  5. What are some examples of low-pressure social activities that you have partaken in? How was your experience?
  6. How can soft socializing improve work relationships? Does your company offer activities to encourage soft socializing? Talk about it.

Press Freedom at Lowest Level

B1 – Intermediate 

According to a report by the Reporters Without Borders, press freedom is at its lowest level in 25 years.

In most countries, press freedom is “problematic” or very bad. Only countries in northern and western Europe have good press freedom.

The report says pressure on journalists is increasing. Governments are limiting the media. Some countries use laws to control reporting.

Read the article about press freedom being at its lowest level in 25 years.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2605/260504-press-freedom.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Define “press freedom”. “Press freedom is at its lowest level in 25 years.” Use this term in a sentence. Give synonyms.
  2. What does “systematic policy” mean? “It says there was a “systematic policy” of attacks on journalists in the USA.” Use the term in a sentence. Give synonyms.
  3. What does “authoritarian tendency” mean? “Political pressure on the press is intensifying, authoritarian tendencies are growing, and the media market is heavily weakened.” Use the term in a sentence. Give synonyms.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts about the current state of press freedom?
  2. Why do you think press freedom is getting worse in many countries?
  3. Why is press freedom important in a country? What can happen if there is no press freedom?
  4. What problems do journalists have in your country?
  5. How can people support or protect journalists?
  6. How can press freedom be improved in the whole world?

Hantavirus Outbreak on Cruise Ship

B2 – Upper Intermediate

A cruise ship (MV Hondius) reported a suspected hantavirus outbreak three people died, several others infected. The ship was blocked from docking due to health risks.

Hantavirus spreads mainly through rodent droppings or urine WHO called it a “public health event”, but said global risk is low. Countries are coordinating medical evacuation and investigation.

Read the article about confirmed or suspected cases of hantavirus on the luxury cruise ship MV Hondius.

https://www.theguardian.com/science/2026/may/04/cruise-ship-suspected-hantavirus-outbreak-blocked-docking-cape-verde?

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to scramble” mean? “The statement on Monday came hours after global health officials said they were scrambling to investigate the suspected outbreak of hantavirus, a disease primarily found in rodents, on the cruise ship in the Atlantic.” Use it in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “stricken” mean? “On Monday the WHO said seven cases of hantavirus – a disease primarily found in rodents – were either confirmed or suspected as the stricken ship was held off west Africa with mostly British, American and Spanish passengers on board.” Use it in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “contact tracing” mean? “South Africa’s National Institute for Communicable Diseases was carrying out contact tracing in and around Johannesburg in order to assess whether people had been exposed to the infected passengers.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think should be the priority during this kind of medical incidents: is it protecting the passengers and crew of the ship or protecting the countries they want to dock in?
  2. If you were a passenger on the cruise ship, how would you feel about not being allowed to dock? What would you expect from the government?
  3. In your opinion, who should be more responsible in situations like this: the cruise company, the government, or global health organizations? Explain your answer.
  4. Do you still think that cruise ships are safe despite hearing about virus outbreaks like this? Why or why not?
  5. How can countries balance touristic activities (like cruises) with public health safety especially during a possible disease outbreak?