Tag: Reading

Understanding Overtourism

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Over-tourism is a growing concern, affecting both local communities and the environment. While tourism brings economic benefits, overcrowding leads to problems like environmental degradation, rising living costs, and strained infrastructure. As destinations struggle to manage the increasing flow of visitors, finding sustainable solutions has become more urgent than ever.

Read this article to learn more about the impacts of overtourism.

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/understanding-over-tourism-causes-consequences-pum1f/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “tourist cap” mean in this context? “This can be done through measures such as tourist caps, timed entry systems for popular sites, and differential pricing during peak seasons.” Make a sentence with this.
  2. Define “off the beaten path“. “Marketing efforts can focus on off-the-beaten-path locations, seasonal activities, and cultural experiences that draw tourists away from overcrowded hotspots.” Use this phrase in a sentence and give two synonyms.
  3. What is “equitable tourism“? “Through collaborative efforts, it is possible to create a more sustainable and equitable tourism industry that enriches both travelers and host communities alike.” Make a sentence with this phrase.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How does over-tourism affect the cost of living for local residents?
  2. What role can travelers play in reducing the negative impacts of over-tourism?
  3. In your opinion, what makes a destination “over-touristed,” and how can we identify when a location reaches this point?
  4. How do you think digital platforms like Airbnb contribute to the rise of over-tourism in certain cities?
  5. What are some examples of destinations that have successfully addressed the issue of over-tourism? What strategies did they use?

Most Unusual Festivals

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Across the globe, people celebrate unique festivals that showcase fascinating traditions. For example, in England, participants roll cheese down a steep hill. Meanwhile, in Thailand, monkeys are honored with grand feasts. These events highlight the creativity and diversity of different cultures. Moreover, they invite everyone to enjoy extraordinary and unforgettable experiences.

Read this article to learn about the 13 most unusual festivals in the world.

https://theculturetrip.com/europe/united-kingdom/articles/the-13-most-unusual-festivals-in-the-world

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “decommodification” mean? “Some of the group’s values include ‘radical’ inclusion, self-reliance, self-expression, community cooperation, decommodification and more.” Use this word in a sentence.
  2. Define “drive something up“. ” The festival first occurred in 1989, run by a local businessman who thought of this unique way to drive up tourism in Lopburi.” Make a sentence and give two synonyms.
  3. What is a “peat bog“? “Armed with a snorkel and flippers, participants must complete two consecutive lengths in a 60-yard trench of water cut through a peat bog, relying only on their flippers to push them through.” Make a sentence with this.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What makes a festival “unusual” in your opinion?
  2. Why do you think people celebrate festivals in such creative or unconventional ways?
  3. Do you think unusual festivals help promote tourism? Why or why not?
  4. If you could attend only one unusual festival, which one would you choose and why?
  5. If you could create your own unusual festival, what would it involve?

The Swedish Gummies Candy Craze 

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The Swedish gummies craze is sweeping the internet, capturing the hearts (and taste buds) of candy lovers around the world. Known for their unique flavors, high-quality ingredients, and fun, minimalist packaging, Swedish gummies offer a refreshing twist on classic gummy candy.

Watch the video to learn more and be able to answer the questions below.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the word “palette” in this sentence? “There are plenty of other treats more suited to my American palette.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘palette’ in your own sentence.
  2. What does the phrase “a gap in the market” mean? “Swedish candy was going viral and to me, what that signal is that there was a gap in the market of people who wanted to try new sweets, new textures.” Use the expression in a sentence,
  3. What does the phrase “hail from” mean? “The Bon Bon co-founder hails from Sweden where he says kids are only allowed to have sweets once a week.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘hail from’ in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on the Swedish gummies craze?
  2. What do you think sets Swedish gummies apart from traditional gummies from other countries?
  3. Do you believe that the emphasis on natural flavors and less sugar makes Swedish gummies more appealing?
  4. How important is unique packaging and branding to you when choosing candies like Swedish gummies?
  5. Why do you think Swedish gummies have become so popular on social media platforms?
  6. In what ways might the rise of “healthier” candies like Swedish gummies impact the candy industry overall?

Finding Mushrooms in Catalonia

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Mushroom hunting is a popular activity in Spain, especially during the autumn months when the weather is cooler and the mushrooms are in season. This cultural tradition has been passed down through generation, with families and friends heading out into the forest in search of these delicious fungi.

It is a time-honored tradition that allows individuals to connect with the natural world and appreciate the beauty and diversity of the mushroom kingdom. So if you ever find yourself in Spain during mushroom season, be sure to join in on the fun and hunt for some delicious fungi.

Read the article and learn what you need to know about mushroom hunting.

https://www.senia.es/en/blog/beach-or-mountain/mushroom-hunting-catalonia

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the phrase “wear and tear” mean? “Mushroom pocket guides are usually small in size so that they can be carried with you when you are looking for mushrooms. There are also those that are well packed to prevent wear and tear.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does the idiom “to dive deep into something” mean? “On the other hand, if you like books more than technology, there are several pocket guides with all kinds of information, with more detailed drawings to dive deeper into the world of mushrooms.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does the word “encroachment” mean? “Finally, we don’t want to forget that the forest belongs to everyone and that our passage should not affect encroachment.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on the mushroom culture in Catalonia/Spain?
  2. What’s the mushroom hunting culture like now in your city?
  3. Have you ever been mushroom hunting before? Share your experience.
  4. What other cultural activities would you like to preserve and why? Also, why do you think it is important to pass it down to the next generations?

Misinformation on Social Media Leads to Ineffective Voting Decisions

B2 – Upper Intermediate

A new study shows that social media might cause people to make wrong voting decisions, especially when misinformation spreads. When social media posts are fact-checked, people make better decisions. But if there’s misinformation, people might vote less accurately and make choices that don’t reflect the true facts.

This article explains how social media affects voting. To read the full article, follow the link below.

https://www.psypost.org/misinformation-on-social-media-leads-to-ineffective-voting-decisions-study-suggests/

Vocabulary Questions

1. What does “group payoff” mean in the sentence? “Misinformation reduced the overall quality of decision-making, resulting in poorer voting outcomes and lower group payoffs.” Use it in a sentence.

2. What does “partisan view” mean? “People tend to engage more with information that aligns with their existing beliefs, which can reinforce partisan views and further entrench misinformation.” Use it in a sentence.

3. What does “political bias” mean? “Additionally, each participant had a unique partisan preference, which created a personal bias toward one of the outcomes, simulating real-world political biases.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How might misinformation on social media cause people to make wrong choices?
  2. How can fact-checking improve voting decisions on social media?
  3. What are some challenges of moderating social media to reduce misinformation?
  4. How do you feel when you see conflicting information on social media?
  5. What are some ways to help people make better decisions when using social media?

Third World Is an Offensive Term

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The term “Third-World country” was first used in the 1950s as a way to group countries. The capitalist, economically developed countries like the US were classified as “First World”. The communist states led by the Soviet Union were in the “Second World” country group. The remaining countries were included in the “Third World” category.

However, in more recent times, the term “Third World” has been deemed by some as offensive.

Let’s read the article and know more why this term has become outdated and insulting.

https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2021/01/08/954820328/memo-to-people-of-earth-third-world-is-an-offensive-term

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the phrase “strike as” mean? “When she heard the label growing up, she says it struck her as making “this assumption about people outside of the ‘First World’ — that they lived really different lives, the assumption they were poor, they should be happy to eat every day.” Use it in your own sentence.
  2. What is the meaning of the idiom “in some respects“? “And when you think about it, “developing countries” are quite developed in some respects. In countries where government safety nets are practically nonexistent, people step forward to help out.” Use it in a sentence and give two synonyms.
  3. What does “to loom large” mean? “That’s the ‘Fourth World’, Farmer says, referring to parts of the United States and other wealthy nations where health and economic problems loom large.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you agree that the term “Third World” is old-fashioned and insulting? Why or why not?
  2. What is your opinion on the alternative terms to “Third World” mentioned in the article? Which one/s do you think is the best term to use to refer to such countries and why?
  3. Share your insights on this statement, “There is no ‘Third World.’ There were the oppressed and the oppressors.“
  4. State your thoughts, “D’Silva once heard the late Hans Rosling talk about countries that aren’t yet in the upper-income category. He said, “They’re the rest of the world.” And, she says, why not just call them by their names?“

Debt Snowball vs. Debt Avalanche Method

B2 – Upper Intermediate

To tackle debt efficiently, two popular approaches are the debt snowball and debt avalanche methods. Ultimately, the choice depends on your financial goals and personality. If you’re motivated by quick successes, the snowball method could keep you on track. If minimizing interest and reducing total repayment time is your priority, the avalanche method may be a better fit.

Read the article to know more about the difference between these two methods.

https://www.experian.com/blogs/ask-experian/avalanche-vs-snowball-which-repayment-strategy-is-best/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “variable interest rate” mean? “For example, if you used a cosigner for a student loan or have a loan with a variable interest rate that’s likely to rise, you may want to pay off that loan first regardless of the balance.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “debt consolidation loan” mean? “Debt consolidation loans also offer a fixed repayment term.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “minimum payment trap” mean? “A debt consolidation loan can help you avoid getting stuck in a minimum payment trap.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Explain the difference between debt snowball and debt avalanche method.
  2. Give one advantage and disadvantage for both debt payoff methods.
  3. Which between the two do you think is a better strategy in paying debts off and why?
  4. Share your own approach/es in getting rid of debts.

Childhood Adversity Contributes Short-form Video Addiction

B2 – Upper Intermediate

When people go through tough times in childhood, it can sometimes lead to patterns in how they use social media later on. Short-form video apps, like TikTok, might feel especially comforting or addictive to those who’ve faced challenges early in life. Factors like how we handle stress and how satisfied we feel in life can also play a role in shaping these habits.

This article dives into how these early experiences connect to our social media behaviors. To read the full article, follow the link below.

https://www.psypost.org/childhood-adversity-may-contribute-to-addiction-to-short-form-videos-study-finds/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “mediating role” mean? “Therefore, our research primarily examines the association between adverse childhood experiences and short-form video addiction, while also exploring the potential mediating roles of resilience and life satisfaction in this relationship.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “buffer” mean in the sentence, “Essentially, resilience and life satisfaction acted as buffers: higher levels of these factors appeared to protect students from relying excessively on short videos as a coping mechanism.”? Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does the phrase “longitudinal approach” mean? “To build on these findings, future research could take a longitudinal approach to observe how childhood experiences affect online behaviors over time.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you use social media? What do you use them for?
  2. Why do you think people with difficult past experiences may be drawn to social media?
  3. How can social media influence your mood or habits?
  4. Should there be more support for young people to use social media in healthy ways? Explain.
  5. What are some positive ways to manage stress without relying on social media?

Spain Hit by Deadliest Floods in Decades

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Valencia, a beautiful city in Spain, recently experienced a devastating flood that had a significant impact on the community. The flood, which occurred due to heavy rainfall and poor drainage systems, caused widespread damage to homes, businesses, and infrastructure. Many residents were left homeless and without basic necessities.

While the Valencia flood was a tragic event, it also highlighted the resilience and strength of the community. By coming together and supporting one another, the people of Valencia were able to weather the storm and begin the process of rebuilding their lives. It serves as a reminder that in times of crisis, it is important to come together and support one another.

Read the article for more information.

https://edition.cnn.com/2024/10/31/europe/spain-deadly-flash-flooding-wwk-intl/index.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “underway” mean? “Emergency workers are still fighting to rescue those who are trapped, with operations underway to recover bodies and clear debris.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “to be caught off guard” mean? “However, many people were caught off guard, leaving it too late for them to seek safety.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “to load the dice” mean? “We are loading the dice of extreme weather in the worst way possible.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on what happened in Spain?
  2. Have you ever been a victim of a natural disaster or do you know someone who has been? Talk about the said experience.
  3. “Some of the local residents said that they did not receive a government alert warning that there would be a flood or even possibility of a flood until it was already happening.” Share your thoughts on this.
  4. What can be learned from this situation and what may be needed to be improved moving forward?

Top Three Market Headlines

B2 – Upper Intermediate

In response to growing demand for sustainable energy sources, nuclear energy stocks have performed remarkably well, especially as major tech companies like Amazon and Google invest in nuclear power to meet data center energy needs.

Read the article to know how the Market Vectors Global Uranium and Nuclear Energy Index has surged, reflecting increased interest in this clean energy sector​.

https://www.ajg.com/us/news-and-insights/2024/oct/weekly-financial-markets-update-october-21-2024/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “front month contract” mean? “ The 2024 gold rally took another step higher last week, with the front-month futures contract for the metal hitting another all-time high and surpassing $2,700 an ounce for the first time.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “jolt” mean? “Nuclear energy stocks received a jolt last week after Amazon and Google each announced deals to secure power from nuclear facilities to meet soaring AI data center demands.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “scalability” mean? “The tech giants recently closed multiple investments and partnerships focused on small modular reactors (SMRs), an innovative nuclear technology offering enhanced scalability. ” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why do you think nuclear energy is becoming more popular as an investment option right now?
  2. How might companies like Amazon and Google using nuclear energy impact the clean energy sector overall?
  3. What are some reasons investors are choosing nuclear energy over other renewable sources like solar or wind?
  4. Do you think increased investment in nuclear energy stocks will lead to more sustainable practices, or could there be challenges?