Tag: Reading

Fridges in French Supermarkets Hit by Cyber Attack

B2 — Upper Intermediate 

Hundreds of French supermarkets were hit by a cyberattack, when hackers took control of internet-connected refrigerators and freezers, raising their temperatures to as high as 50°C. 

The incident affected major chains, including Intermarché, Carrefour, and Coopérative U, forcing stores to throw away large amounts of spoiled food. Some locations also reported fires.

French authorities have launched an investigation, while cybersecurity experts have highlighted the risks of using outdated software in connected equipment.

The incident shows that cyberattacks can cause not only digital damage but also serious financial losses and food safety concerns.

Read the article about French supermarkets getting hit by cyber attack.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/crq5nzxv9q4yo

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to ward off something” mean? “Danfoss said the affected cold units were older models whose security software could not be updated to ward off a risk they had identified.” Use the idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “to keep something up to date” mean? “The firm added in a statement that it had “long advised” businesses to keep supported systems up to date.” Use the expression in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “full scale of something“ mean? “The full scale of the attack is unclear, but figures supplied by individual chains suggest about 400 stores were affected out of 15,000 or so overall in France.” Use the phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What was your reaction upon reading this news? Would you still feel safe shopping at a supermarket after an incident like this? Why or why not?
  2. Why might hackers target supermarket equipment instead of computers or personal data?
  3. What are your thoughts on this, “100 shops were urgently disconnected from the internet to prevent the same thing happening to them.”?
  4. What steps can supermarkets take to protect their connected devices from hackers?
  5. How could this kind of cyberattack affect food prices and food waste?
  6. Share your thoughts on this, “Food security requires more attention at all levels. Because the weaponisation of food has become a reality.”
  7. What lessons can businesses around the world learn from this incident?

Toys R Us to Open New Stores

B1 — Intermediate 

Toys R Us has announced that it will open about 40 to 160 new stores in the United States. The new stores will sell popular toys, gifts, and collectibles. Some will also have candy shops and cafes. 

This expansion is part of the company’s comeback after closing its U.S. stores in 2018. 

Toys are also becoming more popular among adults, who buy them for hobbies and personal interests.

Read the article about Toys R Us opening new stores in USA.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2609/260924-toys-r-us-2.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “fandom ecosystem” mean? “A vice-president at Circana said toys are becoming “hobbies, fandom ecosystems, and social experiences” for adults rather than just toys for children.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “comeback” mean? “The new stores are part of the company’s comeback in America.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “a major moment for someone“ mean? “The company said: “This is a major moment for Toys R Us.”” Use the phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How is Toys R Us trying to attract more customers?
  2. Do you think opening more physical stores is a good business strategy today? Why or why not?
  3. Why is it important for businesses to understand changing customer interests?
  4. Why do you think toys are becoming popular among adults, not just children?
  5. Do you think collecting toys is a hobby worth spending money on? Why?

Death of Worker at Plague Lab Raises Concerns

B1 — Intermediate 

Pneumonic plague is a serious bacterial disease that affects the lungs and can spread through coughing and sneezing. It is very contagious and can spread quickly. 

This is why the death of a 28-year-old worker at a plague research lab in Siberia from severe pneumonia, raised concerns that she may have been exposed to plague bacteria. Several hospital workers have been quarantined, but Russia says the cause of death is still unknown.

Read the article about concerns after a worker at a plague research laboratory in Siberia died.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2610/261008-suspected-pneumonic-plague.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to keep an eye on something” mean? “US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said there was no “cause for alarm”. He said officials should “keep an eye on it“.” Use the idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “to raise concerns” mean? “The USA has raised concerns after a worker at a plague research laboratory in Siberia died.” Use the expression in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “to come into contact with something“ mean? “Some newspapers suspect that she died after coming into contact with plague bacteria.” Use the phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why is it important to identify the cause of the worker’s death?
  2. What lessons can we learn from this incident about laboratory safety and public health?
  3. How can laboratories prevent accidents involving dangerous bacteria or viruses?
  4. How can health officials prevent a possible disease outbreak?
  5. Who should be responsible if a laboratory accident puts workers and the public at risk? Share your thoughts.

Oil Rises on Revived Middle East Worries, Hurricane Isaias Supply Disruption

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Oil prices increased amid concerns about geopolitical tensions and possible supply disruptions. Higher oil prices can raise transportation and production costs, potentially contributing to inflation and affecting stock markets.

Read the article to know more about the effects of rising oil prices.

https://wealthinsights.metrobank.com.ph/news/update-6-oil-rises-4percent-on-revived-middle-east-worries-hurricane-isaias-supply-disruption

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to grapple with” mean? “On Wednesday, oil prices settled lower after the International Energy Agency agreed to accelerate the release of oil stocks and prioritize diesel supplies as governments grapple with record fuel prices and war-related supply disruptions.” Use it in a sentence.
    Give a synonym or a similar expression.
  2. What does “to curtail” mean? “On Wednesday, Shell and Chevron said they were curtailing Gulf offshore operations, while BP BP.L said it has removed all personnel and shut production at its Na Kika and Thunder Horse platforms.” Use it in a sentence.
    Give a synonym or a similar expression.
  3. What does “to shut in” mean? “US Gulf of Mexico oil and gas producers have shut in about 1.3 million barrels per day, or 62.9%, of current oil production as of Thursday, according to the US Marine Minerals Administration.” Use it in a sentence. Give a synonym or a similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. . What are the main factors that can cause oil prices to increase in the global market?
  2. How do rising oil prices affect the cost of transportation, food, and other basic goods?
  3. Why can geopolitical conflicts and tensions cause uncertainty in global financial markets?
  4. What measures can governments and individuals take to reduce the negative effects of rising oil prices?
  5. Do you think the world can eventually reduce its dependence on oil? What challenges might prevent this transition?

Wall Street Finishes Its Record-Setting Week with Gains

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The US stock market rose slightly as the trading week ended. The S&P 500, Dow Jones, and Nasdaq each gained 0.3%. However, investors remained cautious because of fluctuating oil prices, inflation, and rising interest rates.

Read the article to know more about US markets closing out the week with strong gains.

https://apnews.com/article/stocks-markets-oil-ai-bonds-5d0f953dbf96febb0690c1aef23fa8a9

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to yo-yo” mean here: “The strength came as oil prices continued to yo-yo because of uncertainty about when the war with Iran will allow the global energy industry to return to normal.”? Use it in a sentence. Give a synonym or a similar expression.
    Give a synonym or a similar expression.
  2. What does “to eke out” mean? “Delta Air Lines erased an early loss and eked out a tiny gain of less than 0.1% after reporting profit and revenue for the summer that was slightly weaker than analysts expected.” Use it in a sentence. Give a synonym or a similar expression.
  3. What does “swing” mean here: “On Wall Street, Humana rallied 11.6% and helped lift the U.S. stock market despite the swings in the oil and bond markets.”? Use it in a sentence in this context. Give a synonym or a similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Does a record-setting stock market mean that ordinary citizens are becoming wealthier? Why or why not?
  2. Why do you think the U.S. stock market can continue to rise even when other financial markets remain uncertain?
  3. 3How can changes in the U.S. stock market affect your country’s economy and the daily lives of the citizens?
  4. Do you think investing in stocks during a market rally is a smart decision or a risky one? Why?
  5. How important is it for ordinary people to understand financial news and stock market trends?

Fine for Playing Loud Music on Public Transport

B1 — Intermediate 

Loud music can be especially annoying during a bus or train ride. In Singapore, passengers who play loud music will be fined because it can disturb other commuters and make the bus uncomfortable. Some people just want to use this time to rest, read, work, or simply enjoy a quiet journey.

Fines could encourage passengers to use headphones or keep the volume at a reasonable level. However, the rules should be clearly explained and applied fairly to everyone. By respecting other passengers, everyone can have a more peaceful and pleasant bus ride.

Read the article about Singapore’s fines for playing loud music on public transport.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2609/260928-loud-music-public-transport.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “peeve” mean? “The loud music from other passengers on public transport has become a peeve for many people who want to travel in quiet.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “to blare out” mean? “Singapore has introduced new fines of up to S$500 for blaring out music on buses that annoys other passengers.” Use the phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “littering“ mean? “The new penalties will also be applied to other anti-social behaviour, such as putting feet on seats, littering, and eating or drinking on buses.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think people who play loud music on public transport should be fined? Why or why not?
  2. Have you ever experienced someone playing loud music on public transport? How did you feel? What did you do?
  3. How can we balance personal freedom with the comfort of other passengers?
  4. What other behaviors should be prohibited on public transport to make the trip more comfortable for everyone?
  5. Could strict rules about loud music create problems for some passengers? Share your point of view.

Australians Are Overqualified and It Comes at a Price

B2 — Upper Intermediate 

Nearly half of Australians feel overqualified for their jobs, with this mismatch linked to lower levels of job and life satisfaction.

Meanwhile, one in four Australians say their current roles do not allow them to fully use their skills and abilities.

Read the article and find out more about the alignment between Australians’ education, skills and abilities and the jobs they hold.

https://theconversation.com/many-australians-are-overqualified-for-their-jobs-which-comes-at-a-price-new-data-shows-291868

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Explain the meaning of “labor market mismatch”. “So the overall proportion of people experiencing labour market mismatches has remained roughly stable.”  Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does it mean “to merely keep up with someone/something”? “But that growth has merely kept up with the growth in people’s actual levels of education.” Use the idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “mixed-use zoning“ mean? “This requires coordinated urban policy, such as mixed-use zoning and affordable housing, as well as investments in transport infrastructure.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are some possible reasons why people accept jobs that require less education or skills than they have?
  2. What might be the implications when half of workers in a country are overeducated for their jobs?
  3. Do you think your country faces the same issue with overeducation and overskilling? Discuss.
  4. How might being overqualified affect a person’s motivation and attitude toward work?
  5. How can job matches be improved?

Eviction of Woman Aged 87 Highlights Spain Housing Shortage

B2 — Upper Intermediate 

Maricarmen’s eviction has become a prominent example of Spain’s ongoing housing crisis. In September 2026, 87-year-old María del Carmen Abascal was evicted from her Madrid apartment after living there for more than 70 years. 

Her case attracted national attention because of the sharp increase in the rent demanded by the new property owner and concerns about whether vulnerable long-term tenants have enough protection. 

Her eviction also sparked protests and renewed discussion about rising rents, housing affordability, evictions, and the shortage of adequate housing in Spain.

The case has therefore become part of a wider debate about how Spain can balance property rights with access to stable and affordable housing for people at risk of displacement.

Read the article and find out more about Maricarmen’s eviction and Spain’s housing crisis. 

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c6vgy55lm8z1o

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “eviction” mean? “Several hundred people, mostly youngsters, had gathered by the morning in a bid to prevent the eviction from taking place, chanting “Maricarmen stays”.”  Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “tenant” mean? “The tenant of the flat in the Retiro area of central Madrid, Maricarmen, was unable to pay the rent set by the investment firm that owns it.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “unbridled“ mean? “Today is a very sad day, a very dramatic day, when it’s plain to see the effects of unbridled speculation, of not wanting to control the market, of putting out the red carpet for the vultures and the speculators.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why has Maricarmen’s case attracted so much public attention? What are your thoughts on her eviction from her home?
  2. How can rising rents affect elderly and low-income residents?
  3. Should long-term tenants receive additional protection from eviction? Why or why not?
  4. Should rent increases be regulated in areas where housing is especially expensive?
  5. Share your thoughts on this, “Some critics of the government say it needs to work harder to build new homes, and others warn that its rhetoric discourages many owners from placing their properties on the rental market.”

Spain Backing Green Hydrogen

B2 — Upper Intermediate 

Spain is making significant investments in green hydrogen as part of its transition to clean energy and its goal of reducing carbon emissions. The country is developing large-scale hydrogen projects that use renewable electricity, particularly from solar and wind power, to produce hydrogen without directly emitting carbon dioxide.

These investments are expected to support industries such as steel, chemicals, transportation, and shipping while also creating jobs and attracting international investment.

Spain’s strong renewable-energy resources and its connections to European energy markets have made it an important potential hub for green hydrogen in Europe.

Read the article and find out more about Spain’s bet on green hydrogen.

https://www.euronews.com/2026/09/25/a-national-project-what-green-hydrogen-is-and-why-spain-is-backing-it

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is “grey hydrogen“? Compare it to “green hydrogen”. “Green hydrogen is competitive with grey hydrogen today, partly because the price of gas is very high.” Use this term in a sentence.
  2. What does “value chain” mean? “The goal is therefore to develop a value chain around hydrogen, from the equipment needed to produce it to the infrastructure required to store and transport it.” Use the term in a sentence.
  3. What does “brick and mortar” mean here: “The construction of Onuba shows that some of Spain’s major projects are starting to move from announcements to bricks and mortar.”? Use the term in a sentence. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why is Spain investing heavily in green hydrogen? What is your opinion on this?
  2. What are the main advantages of investing in green hydrogen? 
  3. What challenges might countries face when developing green hydrogen projects?
  4. How might green hydrogen contribute to Europe’s transition to renewable energy?
  5. Do you think green hydrogen will become more affordable as technology improves? Why or why not?
  6. Share your thoughts on this, “The geopolitical crises of recent years have once again exposed how vulnerable Europe is when it depends on oil and gas from other countries.”

Are We Done with the CV Gap Taboo?

B2 — Upper Intermediate 

What was once seen as a career setback is now becoming a more accepted aspect of professional life. Career breaks and periods between jobs, once considered undesirable, are becoming increasingly normal in today’s workplace.

In the past, changing jobs frequently or taking a break from work was often viewed negatively by employers. Today, however, many people take career breaks, change industries, or leave jobs to pursue further education, personal interests, or better opportunities. As the workplace continues to evolve, employment discontinuity is increasingly seen as part of a modern career path rather than a sign of instability.

Read the article and find out how employment discontinuity is no longer a career taboo.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/worklife/article/20230127-are-we-done-with-the-cv-gap-taboo

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does it mean “to take stock“? “In some instances, these CV gaps are being rebranded as ‘career breaks’ – a time where a worker takes stock, re-charges and returns to the workplace anew.” Use this idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  2. What does “to be met with open curiosity” mean? “Missing time in a CV is now generally met with open curiosity rather than an assumption of a person’s poor performance or reliability.” Use the expression in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “dearth” mean? “Additionally, even though layoffs are proliferating in some sectors, many companies are still in a hiring crisis. This may mean that in some situations, CV gaps may not even matter. “There’s a dearth of talent across sectors.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why has continuous employment traditionally been valued by employers?
  2. Is it better to have continuous employment or take career breaks? Support your stance.
  3. How is a CV gap viewed in your country now? How is different from before? What do you think lead to this shift in mentality about career breaks?
  4. Should employers judge candidates based on CV gaps? Talk about your opinion on this. Should employers focus more on skills than employment history?
  5. Have you ever taken a break from work or study? Share about that time.