Tag: Reading

Strength Training Helps to Live Longer

B1 — Intermediate 

Researchers say that regular strength training may help people live longer. They found that this type of exercise may lower the risk of heart disease, stroke, and mental health problems.

Read the article about how regular strength training may help us live longer.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2606/260625-strength-training.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is “strength training”? ”The study found that people who did moderate amounts of strength training on a regular basis had a lower risk of dying at a younger age.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “resistance work” mean? “Keep walking, cycling, swimming, or doing whatever gets your heart rate up. But add some resistance work too.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  3. What does “to burn up” mean here: ”If we do not keep our muscles active, they do not burn up so much sugar and fat.” Use the phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think strength training is important? Why or why not?
  2. Why do many people avoid strength training?
  3. Which do you think is better: strength training or aerobic exercise? Explain your answer.
  4. Should schools encourage students to do strength training? Why?
  5. Do you do any strength training? If yes, what kind?
  6. If you wanted to live a longer and healthier life, what lifestyle changes would you make besides exercising?

Rising Memory Chip Prices to Push Up Tech Costs

B1 — Intermediate 

Gadgets such as mobile phones, laptops, and others are such an essential part of our day-to-day lives. 

Nowadays, the demand for servers in AI data centers has increased very quickly. Because of this, AI systems need to store big amounts of data and process it much faster than regular computers. As a result, catching up with new technology is likely to be more expensive.

Read the article about rising tech products prices.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2606/260629-memory-chip-price-hikes.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is “components crisis”? ”The entire consumer electronics industry is struggling with the current components crisis.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “to be insulated from something” mean here: “However, Apple said its iPhone would be insulated from the price hikes.” Use the expression in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  3. What does “to affect one’s pocket” mean? ”People are now worrying about rising tech prices affecting their pockets.” Use the idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is the impact of the growth of AI on the technology industry?
  2. Do you think AI is worth the higher cost of technology? Explain your answer.
  3. How might higher technology prices affect the consumers and businesses?
  4. If technology becomes more expensive, how will it affect you?
  5. In your opinion, is it better to repair old devices or buy new ones? Explain.

Taking a 5-Minute Walk Every Hour May Help Offset the Effects of Sitting

B2 – Upper Intermediate

A recent study suggests that taking a 5-minute walk every hour may help reduce the harmful effects of sitting for long periods. Participants who took regular walking breaks reported feeling less tired, having a better mood, and experiencing improved blood circulation.

Read the article to know how short walks can help people stay active. They also recommend getting at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week for overall health.

https://www.health.com/five-minute-walk-every-hour-offsets-effects-of-sitting-12005804

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “cardiometabolic” mean? “They tested five-minute walks because previous studies have found that this time frame yields better cardiometabolic, mood, and fatigue outcomes than shorter intervals, while still being a realistic goal.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “reset button” mean here: “
    Walking breaks serve as physiological reset buttons—they reactivate the muscles in your legs, improve circulation, and give your brain a much-needed break.”     Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “hidden cost” mean? “There is a hidden cost to our sedentary lifestyles.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the benefits of taking a 5-minute walk every hour?
  2. Why can sitting for long periods be harmful to our health?
  3. Do you usually take breaks while working or studying? Why or why not?
  4. What are some easy ways to stay active during a busy day?
  5. Do you think you could make this habit part of your daily routine? Why or why not?

World Cup Fans Struggle with Tipping Culture

B1 — Intermediate 

Football fans at the World Cup are finding it hard to understand tipping in the USA, Canada, and Mexico. In these World Cup host nations, tips of up to 20 per cent are expected.

Many fans say tipping is making their trip more expensive given that it is already too costly to attend the World Cup.

Read the article about World Cup fans struggling with the tipping culture.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2607/260702-tipping-world-cup.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is “tipping fatigue”? ”They add that leaving tips makes already expensive food even costlier. Some fans have complained about “tipping fatigue“.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “budget is being stretched” mean? “Travelling fans say their budgets are being stretched.” Use the expression in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  3. What does “hospitality sector” mean? ”A lot of staff say it is impossible to survive in the hospitality sector without tips.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your opinion about tipping fatigue that some World Cup fans are struggling with in the USA, Canada, and Mexico? 
  2. How would you feel if you were asked to tip for buying a bottle of water?
  3. If you traveled to another country, would you follow its tipping customs? Why?
  4. Which is better: paying higher menu prices with no tips or lower prices with expected tips?
  5. Share your thoughts on this, “Workers at restaurants in the US can earn as little as $2.13 per hour. They rely on diners to tip. Without tips, staff may not earn enough money to live on.”

Hydration Breaks at the World Cup 

B2 — Upper Intermediate 

A hydration break is a short pause during a World Cup match when play is temporarily stopped. During this time, players drink water and rest. This helps them maintain body temperature and prevent fatigue, especially in hot conditions.

However, many people have expressed dissatisfaction with the said water breaks.

Read the article about the controversial hydration breaks at the World Cup.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2606/260622-hydration-breaks-world-cup.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is a “hydration break”? ”Football fans worldwide are not happy about the introduction of hydration breaks at the World Cup.” Use the idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “jeering” mean? “Spectators in the stadiums have been expressing their dissatisfaction with the breaks in play by booing and jeering.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  3. What does “consternation” mean? ”They are not the only ones to express their consternation.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the good and bad things about hydration breaks during a sports event such as football?
  2. Personally, what is your opinion about the hydration breaks at the World Cup?
  3. Do you agree or disagree, “The breaks disrupting the free-flowing nature and momentum of games.”?
  4. Share your opinion, “The breaks are mainly for commercial reasons.”
  5. What is your opinion on this, “Given the financial benefits, it is highly likely that the breaks will remain a long-term feature.”?

Tips to Budget, Invest, and Retire Early

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Financial experts recommend starting to invest as early as possible, even with small amounts. They also encourage creating a realistic budget, avoiding unnecessary debt, and planning for retirement based on personal goals rather than following traditional expectations.

Read the article to know why consistent financial habits are more important than trying to get rich quickly.

https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2026/jun/28/expert-personal-finance-money-tips?

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “index fund” mean? ” Letting go of that belief and investing in low-cost index funds instead allowed her to pay off loans and retire early.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “financial freedom” mean? “Money coach Bernadette Joy emphasizes creating a personalized vision for financial freedom, noting that most people have never defined what “enough” means to them.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “nest egg” mean? “Ask family to help build your kids’ nest egg.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you usually make a budget? Why or why not?
  2. What is one money habit you would like to improve?
  3. Do you think it’s important to start investing at a young age? Why?
  4. Have you ever saved money for a big goal? What was it?
  5. What is the best financial advice you have ever received?

Fewer Gen Z Rely on Family for Financial Assistance

B2 – Upper Intermediate

A recent study by the Bank of America (BofA) found that fewer young adults rely on financial help from their families than in previous years. However, many still live paycheck to paycheck due to rising housing costs, student debt, and everyday expenses.

Watch the video and read the article to know why many Gen Z adults are openly discussing budgeting and saving money, a trend known as “loud budgeting.”

https://newsroom.bankofamerica.com/content/newsroom/press-releases/2026/05/bofa-study-finds-fewer-gen-z-rely-on-family-for-financial-assist.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “side hustle” mean? “Redefining what it means to take control of their finances in early adulthood, nearly 70% of Gen Z have taken concrete steps in the past year to manage rising costs, including cutting back on dining out (40%), passing on events with friends (24%) and picking up a side hustle (16%).” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “to weigh on someone” mean? “However, housing costs still weigh heavily on this generation, with nearly 30% of those surveyed pointing to housing and rent as top barriers to financial success, a figure that has remained consistent in recent years.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “loud budgeting” mean? “From $0 date nights to loud budgeting, Better Money Habits® Survey reveals how Gen Z is managing through affordability challenges and social spending pressure.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. According to the article, why are many young adults still living paycheck to paycheck?
  2. What are your thoughts on loud budgeting?
  3. What are some of the biggest financial challenges facing young adults today?
  4. How has financial support from families changed compared to previous years?
  5. What can young adults do to improve their financial situation despite rising living costs?

Rich Mindset vs Poor Mindset

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

A rich mindset and a poor mindset are often described as different ways of thinking rather than simply the amount of money a person has. A rich mindset focuses on growth, learning, opportunities, and long-term goals, while a poor mindset may be centered on limitations, fear of failure, and short-term survival.

Although circumstances can influence a person’s outlook, these mindsets can change over time through education, experience, and a willingness to adopt new perspectives.

Read the article about the key difference between the rich and the poor mindset.

https://novamoney.com/blog/5-key-differences-between-a-rich-mindset-and-a-poor-mindset

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to live beyond one’s means” mean? “Poor people are those who live beyond their means.” Use the idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  2. What does “to live paycheck to paycheck” mean? “The poor tend to live paycheque to paycheque.” Use the expression in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  3. What does “to make ends meet” mean? “When a crisis hits, making ends meet is nearly impossible.” Use the phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you believe mindset can influence a person’s financial success? Why or why not?
  2. Share your insights on this, “Rich people are said to make money work for them.”
  3. What are your thoughts on this, “Poor people spend on both necessities and desires.”?
  4. Do you agree or disagree, “Poor people care about image.”? Explain.
  5. Why do you think “Rich people tend to be risk takers and poor people risk averse.”?

Mayor Khan Plans to Tackle Online Disinformation about London

B2 — Upper Intermediate 

London Mayor Sadiq Khan has announced a £7 million campaign to promote London globally and combat online misinformation that portrays the city as unsafe or declining.

The move follows a report showing a sharp rise in negative social media content about London, including AI-generated videos spreading false claims, while critics argue the mayor should focus more on addressing the city’s problems directly.

Read the article about London Mayor Sadiq Khan’s £7 million campaign to tackle online disinformation and promote London internationally.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c5yz20qev7zo

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “scourge” mean? “Disinformation about London has become a truly global scourge.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  2. What is the meaning of “relentless”? ”Sir Sadiq Khan said the city had been subjected to a “relentless and unprecedented attack of lies and hatred” on social media.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “in decline” mean? “Between March 2024 and March 2026, online activity describing the capital as a dangerous city in decline increased by between 150 and 200%, while migration-related narratives referencing London surged by more than 350%.” Use the phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. Should governments spend public funds on campaigns to improve their image? Why or why not?
  2. Share your insights on Laila Cunningham’s statement, “If the mayor of London wants to encourage more tourism, he should deal with the crime he has allowed to spiral out of control instead of suggesting that victims of crime are liars.”
  3. How can misinformation affect a city’s image and economy?
  4. How does social media influence people’s perceptions of places they have never visited?
  5. How can individuals help combat misinformation online?
  6. What responsibility do citizens have in shaping their city’s reputation?

Epidemic of Ebola Disease an International Public Health Emergency

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The World Health Organization announced that the outbreak of Ebola disease caused by the Bundibugyo virus in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda constitutes a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.

Read the article to know why the declaration aims to strengthen international coordination and response to contain the disease.

https://www.who.int/news/item/17-05-2026-epidemic-of-ebola-disease-in-the-democratic-republic-of-the-congo-and-uganda-determined-a-public-health-emergency-of-international-concern?

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “epidemiological link” mean? “In addition, there is limited understanding of the epidemiological links with known or suspected cases.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “case management” mean? “These measures must include enhanced surveillance including contact tracing, infection prevention and control (IPC), risk communication and community engagement, laboratory diagnostic testing, and case management.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “nosocomial infection” mean? “Strengthen measures to prevent nosocomial infections, including systematic mapping of health facilities, triage, targeted IPC interventions and sustained monitoring and sustained supervision.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you know about Ebola and how it spreads?
  2. Why do you think the World Health Organization declared the outbreak a global health emergency?
  3. How can countries work together to prevent the spread of infectious diseases?
  4. Do you think people should be concerned about outbreaks happening in other countries? Why or why not?
  5. What lessons have we learned from past health emergencies, such as COVID-19, that could help manage Ebola outbreaks?