Tag: Reading

Signal App

B1 – Intermediate

Messaging apps are applications that we can use for instant messaging. Many of such apps have been developed and are used by many around the world. The popularity of these apps greatly differs between countries.

Just like other messaging apps, Signal lets users send messages, make audio and video calls with their friends, and share photos, videos, and links. But how different is it from the leading apps like WhatsApp and Skype?

Listen to the audio and read the transcript about this new messaging app.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/signal-app-level-1

Discussion Questions:

  1. Have you heard of this app? What do you think about it?
  2. Why do you think Signal app is becoming popular?
  3. What is the most popular messaging app in your country? What are its features? Why is it popular?
  4. What feature is important for you in a messaging app?
  5. Why are this kind of apps necessary?

People Eat Less Chocolate

B1 – Intermediate

Chocolate is the most popular sweet treat in the world, thanks to its delicious and sweet taste. People around the world consume a lot of cocoa beans a year.

Although it has many health benefits, chocolate still has a bad reputation for causing weight gain and other illnesses.

Listen to the audio and read the transcript about people consuming less and less chocolates.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/people-eat-less-chocolate-level-1

Discussion Questions:

  1. How will the change of people’s mindset affect the chocolate business, especially the chocolate farmers?
  2. Is the Spanish society affected by this issue? If so, what are the reasons?
  3. Do you like chocolates? Why or why not? Which kind of chocolate is your favorite?
  4. Do you think chocolate is healthy or not? Support your answer.

Better Future for Businesses

B1 – Intermediate

Coronavirus has impacted not only the public health system and the economy. The pandemic caused massive disruption among businesses. Many businesses closed due to lower demands and employee health concerns.

Some businesses have been successful in adapting to the new situation, but many still wait for the vaccine so they can go back to their usual operations.

Listen to the audio and read the transcript about better future for businesses.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/better-future-for-businesses-level-1

Discussion Questions:

  1. How has COVID-19 affected businesses in your country?
  2. How have businesses adapted to the ‘new normal’?
  3. How will the vaccine change the current situation?
  4. How will the vaccine change the mindset of the people?
  5. What do you think will be the future of businesses in your country?

People Have Zoom Fatigue

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Before the COVID-19 pandemic happened, only very few people have heard about Zoom. According to its executives, Zoom’s downloads rose more than 1000% from 10 million in December 2019 to up to 200 million in March 2020. The sudden increase in the number of users also happened to other video conferencing software as more and more people started telecommuting.

As good as it may sound, telecommuting is not for everybody. As more and more people are dreading the routine of looking at the screen in order to interact with colleagues, ‘zoom fatigue’, or the overuse of video conferencing, is becoming a bitter pill to swallow for some.

Click the link and read the article to know more about zoom fatigue.

https://www.bbc.com/news/business-55320156

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you use any video conferencing software for work? Tell us more about its upsides and downsides.
  2. Are you currently telecommuting? If yes, how is it going for you?
  3. Do you think telecommuting is here to stay? Why or why not?
  4. Have you experienced zoom fatigue? If yes, how did you deal with it?
  5. Is there any feature that you wish video conferencing software has that is not available at the moment?

Why You Should Use Food Delivery Apps During The Pandemic

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Due to the coronavirus crisis, a lot has been changing in the food sector. People have replaced dining out with take-out and delivery meals. As a result, more customers and restaurants are relying on apps for transporting food . It has now gained popularity and consumers all over the world are downloading and using food delivery apps to buy groceries and food during the pandemic. 

Read the article and be able to discuss the questions that follow.

Why You Should Use Food Delivery Apps During The Pandemic

Discussion Questions:

  1. Have you ever used delivery apps to have food delivered in your home? What do you think of it?
  2. Do you agree with the advantages of using food delivery apps mentioned in the article? Why or why not?
  3. In your own opinion, what are the pros and cons of using delivery apps for consumers and business owners?
  4. Is food delivery gaining popularity in your country? Why or why not?

Language Learning in a Superdiverse Community

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Language experts in Canada say teaching languages only by old fixed rules is not realistic in a superdiverse community. English language teachers should encourage students to learn according to their linguistic identities. They can use more than one language to communicate a given message at any one time using multiple platforms and integrating plurilingual language practices in FSL and ESL classrooms.

Let’s read the article of why plurilingual should be used in language learning.

https://theconversation.com/language-learning-in-canada-needs-to-change-to-reflect-superdiverse-communities-144037

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your opinion on traditional grammar-based instruction and plurilingual ?
  2. Why plurilingualism has proved to be such rich teaching and learning tool in language learning?
  3. How are languages taught in Spain? How do students communicate in schools and outside of schools?
  4. What online learning applications have you used to improve your communications skills?

Luxury Hotel in Outer Space

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Everything that’s been happening around us recently is quite an evidence of advanced technology.

Just like the latest COVID-19 vaccine that has recently made record of the fastest vaccine created in human history. It’s all because of the technology we have at the present time.

Although, flying cars are still on the verge of becoming reality, it is real that we are all living in the modern world.

Now, Elon Musk, creator of SpaceX, has another advanced innovation that might be available for everyone that is capable of paying a hefty price for a trip and stay in his luxury hotel located in outer space.

Read the article below about a luxury hotel in outer space.

https://www.msn.com/en-ph/lifestyle/other/a-luxury-hotel-in-outer-space-could-open-by-2024/ar-BB1cIbf8?ocid=msedgdhp

Discussion Questions:

  1. What comes to mind when you think of luxury hotels?
  2. Do you ever imagine what type of experience you’d have especially if the hotel is located in outer space?
  3. Are you willing to pay a hefty price for a once in a lifetime experience in this outer space hotel? Why or why not?
  4. Is this considered absurd or a crazy concept not to be tagged a realistic one? Explain your point.
  5. Talk about the best type of holiday accommodation you’ve ever stayed in.

Wristband Lets Others Know Your Mood

B1 – Intermediate

If you know how a person is feeling at certain moments, it will be a little easier to communicate and relate with them.

A wearable device lets you do that. You can see a person’s mood when they are wearing this wristband.

Read more about this wearable mood device.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2101/210120-moods-0.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is Moodbeam and what do you think about it?
  2. What are the advantages and disadvantages of such device?
  3. Do you agree or disagree that moods are hard to explain and difficult to talk about?
  4. What causes you to be in a good/bad mood?
  5. What device/technology do you want to invent/to be invented?

Paris’ Champs-Elysees To Be an Extraordinary Garden

B1 – Intermediate

The Champs-Elysees is right in the center of Paris. It is well-known for its elegance and long line of luxury shops and restaurants.

Wouldn’t it be wonderful to take a walk along this street. In the future, we would probably be able to enjoy this avenue more as the city is planning to improve it.

Read more about plans to redo the Champs-Elysees.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2101/210116-champs-elysees-1.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. Have you been to Champs-Elysees? What can you say about it?
  2. What do you think of the plans to improve this famous avenue?
  3. Do you think it is worth it to spend $305 million for this? Why/why not?
  4. Which place in your country do you think needs to be improved? What improvements can be done with it?
  5. What is the most beautiful place in your city/country? Be very detailed in describing it.

EU Plans To Recycle All Plastic Waste

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Plastics are inexpensive, lightweight, and durable materials, which can readily be molded into a variety of products that find use in a wide range of applications. As a consequence, the production of plastics has increased markedly over the last 60 years. However, current levels of their usage and disposal generate several environmental problems. 

Let’s read the article about the plan of the EU to resolve this issue.

https://www.english-online.at/news-articles/environment/eu-plans-to-recycle-all-plastic-waste-by-2030.htm

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you recycle plastic? What other things do you recycle?
  2. Should there be a reward system for people who recycle things?
  3. Do people commonly recycle in your country? What do they do? Can they do more?
  4. What is your opinion on plastic shopping bags?
  5. What is the best way to deal with the problem of plastic?