Tag: Reading

The Latest Personal Finance News

B2 – Upper Intermediate

In a surprising turn, the Federal Reserve cut the federal funds rate by 0.5% in September, marking its first reduction since 2020. This shift is a response to approaching inflation targets and is anticipated to lower borrowing costs for consumers. Further rate cuts are expected, which may impact interest rates on credit cards, loans, and mortgages, though savings rates could decrease as well.

Read the article to know how this policy move signals the Fed’s confidence in economic stabilization while addressing inflation control.

https://www.experian.com/blogs/ask-experian/latest-personal-finance-news/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “curtail” mean? “It’s also the first time since July 2023 the committee adjusted the rate, which reached its highest level in more than 20 years after a sharp series of hikes implemented in an effort to curtail inflation.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “pummel” mean? “Persistently high inflation rates have pummeled consumers’ wallets over the past few years.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “blip” mean? “While rates have largely trended downward in 2024, the latest blip adds more uncertainty to the timeline for housing costs to become more affordable again.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think are some of the reasons behind the Federal Reserve’s decision to cut interest rates?
  2. How might lower interest rates affect people with mortgages or credit card debt?
  3. Do you think cutting rates will have a big impact on inflation, or will it take time to see the effects?
  4. In what ways might these rate cuts influence the economy over the next few years?

Superhero Films Encourage Prosocial Behavior

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Superhero movies are hugely popular and often mix action and violence with heroic deeds. While violent media is usually thought to make people more aggressive, a new study suggests that these films could actually inspire kindness. The research shows that when people see superheroes as good role models, they’re more likely to help others. Watching these films can make viewers feel closer to the heroes, which can lead to more generous actions.

This article explores how superhero movies can encourage helpful behavior, not just provide entertainment.

https://www.psypost.org/superhero-films-can-encourage-prosocial-behavior-new-study-finds/

Vocabulary Questions:

1. What does the phrase “associative empathy” mean in the sentence, “Viewers showed increased associative empathy — they identified more with Batman and his mission to save the hostage.”? Use it in a sentence.

2. What does the phrase “moral justification” mean in the sentence, “Participants were asked to evaluate whether the violent actions taken by Batman were justified using a series of moral justification statements”? Use it in a sentence.

3. What does the phrase “prosocial motive” mean in the sentence, “This scene was chosen for its combination of violent action and a clear prosocial motive—saving a life”? Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How do you think superhero movies influence how we see right and wrong in real life?
  2. What should parents and teachers consider when letting kids watch violent superhero films?
  3. Should filmmakers think more about the messages in their movies when it comes to violence and heroism?
  4. How can watching superhero movies help us understand and feel empathy for others?
  5. Can you share a superhero movie you’ve seen and how it influenced your thoughts or feelings?

Hoax Bomb Threats Hurting Air Travel

B2 – Upper Intermediate

A spike in hoax bomb threats is causing widespread disruption in India’s air travel, with numerous flights being delayed, diverted, or canceled.

Passengers are left anxious and frustrated as these false alarms continue to target both domestic and international routes. Airlines are struggling to manage the operational and financial fallout.

Meanwhile, authorities are working to track down the individuals responsible, but the rising number of incidents poses significant challenges.

Learn more about the impact of these hoax bomb threats on air travel in India.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cx2kz84kgj0o

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “rash of something” mean? “In 2018, a rash of jokes about bombs by airplane passengers in Indonesia led to flight disruptions.” Make a sentence with this phrase.
  2. What does “to wreak havoc“? “These hoaxes end up wreaking havoc in one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets.” Use this idiom in a sentence.
  3. What does “to throw off balance” mean? “Delays lead to cancellations, and schedules are thrown off balance.” Make a sentence with this expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Have you ever experienced a flight delay or diversion? How did it make you feel?
  2. Do you think hoax bomb threats are a serious issue? Why or why not?
  3. How do you think technology, like social media, impacts travel safety today?
  4. How do you feel about traveling by air in light of recent news about hoax bomb threats?
  5. What do you think airlines should do to ensure passengers feel safe during their flights?

Corporate Real Estate on Cliff Edge

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

As companies strive to do anything in their power to make hybrid setup work, it poses imminent consequences on the corporate real estate sector. Companies are now opting for more compact office spaces. As leases expire, this could leave many office buildings empty. 

To cope with this new trend in real estate, mixed-use development could possibly be one solution.

Read the article about the impact of corporate downsizing on the real estate industry.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/worklife/article/20240509-corporate-real-estate-on-cliff-edge-to-rethink-communal-spaces

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “retrofit” mean in business? “Not all vacant buildings can be updated to meet new market demands, nor retrofitted into residential units.” Use this term in a sentence.
  2. What does “gravitational pull” mean here, “As companies pay top dollar for quality, the gravitational pull to newer, higher-quality offices leaves behind a vacuum for lower-grade buildings.”? Use this phrase in a sentence.
  3. What does “to be on a cliff edge” mean, “Developers might be forced to the cliff edge to be creative, but they have around five years to prepare, mobilise and get ready for the future that’s coming.”? Use this idiom in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What problem is being talked about in the article and what are some possible solutions?
  2. What might be some things businesses consider in selecting where to base their headquarters if they want to attract their staff to the office?
  3. What do you like the least and the most about your office?
  4. What are the benefits and drawbacks of mixed-use neighborhoods?
  5. Do you believe you will see multifunctional areas in your city/country more soon? Why or why not?

The Reasons US Presidents Are Not Allowed to Drive

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The president of the United States is one of the most powerful people in the world. Along with this power, comes a considerable amount of responsibility. Being the leader of the most influential country in the world comes with many perks for the rest of their lives such as a massive pension, comprehensive health insurance, etc.

However, there is one condition most former and current US presidents do not particularly like.

Let’s read the article and learn more about the reason US presidents can’t drive.

https://www.mentalfloss.com/posts/why-us-presidents-cant-drive-cars

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is the meaning of the phrase “unnerve“? “In 2012, Barack Obama said he unnerved agents when he climbed into a Chevy Volt and coasted around the White House.” Use it in a sentence and give two synonyms of ‘unnerve’.
  2. Define the verb “rankle“. “That he distanced himself from Secret Service protection rankled the press, which—like the country—was still reeling from Kennedy’s death.” Use it in a sentence and give two synonyms of ‘rankle’.
  3. What does “to hold an office” mean? “The policy is enforced by the Secret Service, the government security arm tasked with the safety of those holding the highest public offices in the country.” Use it in a sentence and give two synonyms of ‘to hold an office’.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on the rule preventing US presidents from driving? What is the exception?
  2. What might be the perks and downsides of being the president of a country?
  3. How would you feel if you had to give up driving?
  4. Would you enjoy having a personal driver? Why or why not?
  5. What would you say is the worst part of your job?

The Importance of Team Building

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Team building can be a demanding and occasionally stressful task for HR professionals, but the investment of time and effort pays off significantly. Why is team building essential, and what is the true return on investment (ROI) of organizing events and activities beyond regular work routines?

Read the article to find out more about the importance of team building.

https://teambuilding.com/blog/team-building-importance

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the adjective “close-knit” mean? “The following are reasons to foster a close-knit relationship among employees.” Give 1 synonym and use it in a sentence.
  2. What does the term “turnover cost” mean? “With fewer employees leaving, you save on turnover costs and valuable time since you do not have to undergo an onboarding process.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does the expression “to pull in the same direction” mean? “Thus, employees can more easily see how their individual efforts fit into the larger organizational mission. This alignment is vital because it ensures that the various teams pull in the same direction.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your definition of team building, and why do you think it is important in the workplace?
  2. Do you believe team building has a long-term impact on employee performance? Why or why not?
  3. In your opinion, what are the most important benefits of organizing team-building events?
  4. Do you think team building is necessary for all organizations, regardless of their size? Why or why not?

Hurdles for Women’s Equality

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Although women’s rights have advanced over the years, ongoing progress is far from certain. With increasing conflicts and growing authoritarianism, women continue to confront numerous challenges in areas such as education, employment, healthcare, legal rights, and violence. Addressing these issues is essential for the global effort to achieve gender equality, strengthen human rights protections, and ensure safety for everyone. In this article, we will examine 11 of the most pressing issues facing women and girls today.

https://www.unwomen.org/en/news-stories/feature-story/2023/09/the-11-biggest-hurdles-for-womens-equality-by-2030

Vocabulary Questions:

1. What does the adjective “staggering” mean? “This represents a staggering 8 percent of the global female population surviving on less than USD 2.15 a day.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘staggering’ in your own sentence.
2. What does “unpaid care” mean? “On the current trajectory, the gap between the time spent by women and men on unpaid care will narrow slightly, but by 2050, women globally will still be spending 9.5 per cent more time (2.3 more hours per day) on unpaid care work than men.” Use the term in a sentence.
3. What does the phrase “attitudinal shift” mean? “The prevalence of child marriage highlights the need for attitudinal shifts and the promotion of legal frameworks that safeguard women and girls’ rights.” Make a sentence using the phrase.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Share your insights on the info presented in this article.
  2. In your view, do you believe men and women are treated equally and fairly in your country? Elaborate on your stand.
  3. What have feminist movements achieved in your country so far?
  4. Do you think feminist movements are still needed in this century? Share your thoughts.
  5. In your opinion, what are some of the biggest worldwide problems women are facing at present? Give specific examples.

Nintendo Museum

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Nintendo has a profound impact on most children in the 1990’s. Young people in this decade would have probably played or at least recognize Super Mario to this day. Not only is Nintendo popular for its video games, but it has once dominated the playing card market as well.

If you enjoyed playing Nintendo video games as a child, you should come pay the Nintendo Museum a visit and be brought back down memory lane.

Let’s read the article and know more about the nostalgic Nintendo Museum in Japan.

https://edition.cnn.com/travel/worlds-first-nintendo-museum-kyoto-japan-intl-hnk/index.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “a wealth of something” mean? “While museum visitors won’t be able to jump up and punch “question blocks” like Mario –they can already do that at the Super Nintendo World theme park in nearby Osaka anyway – they will have access to a wealth of info that offers insights into the mind of Nintendo mastermind Shigeru Miyamoto, also known as the father of Super Mario.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘a wealth of something’ in your own sentence.
  2. What does “humble beginnings” mean? “A museum section called “Craft and Play” is dedicated to these humble beginnings and features a hanafuda room where visitors learn to play the traditional card game with the help of technology and can join a workshop to create their own flower cards.” Give a synonym or similar expression and use ‘humble beginnings’ in your own sentence.
  3. What does “pan out” mean here, “But the main attraction of the museum is its “Discover” area, a massive hall featuring displays of almost every product ever released by the company, including rare limited-edition devices and prototypes that didn’t pan out.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘pan out’ in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Have you owned any Nintendo consoles? Which ones?
  2. What are your thoughts on the Nintendo Museum? Would you be interested to visit? Why or why not?
  3. Have you visited any unique museums? What makes it special?
  4. What are your country’s most influential and nostalgic companies/brands?
  5. Talk about the history of one of the biggest companies in your country.

Lung Cancer Detection from Blood Draw

B2 – Upper Intermediate

A new blood test allows for faster, more sensitive detection of lung cancer, significantly improving early diagnosis and treatment possibilities.

Read the article to know what is the new way of diagnosing lung cancer with a blood draw is 10 times faster and 14 times more sensitive than earlier methods.

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/10/241003123245.htm

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “chiral” mean? “Like many biological molecules, these surface proteins are chiral which causes them to interact with light in unique ways.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “spectral signature” mean? “As a next step, we want to look at most known solid tumor mutated proteins to understand how their spectral signatures are different.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “circular dichroism” mean? “The microfluidic chips, named CDEXO chips for Circular Dichroism detection of EXOsomes, may be able to distinguish among specific lung cancer mutations, helping doctors make treatment decisions to target the dominant mutations as they change.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How does the new blood test improve the sensitivity and speed of lung cancer detection compared to current methods?
  2. What stage of lung cancer is this test most effective at identifying?
  3. What are the potential implications of this test for improving early diagnosis and treatment outcomes?
  4. Has the test been approved for clinical use, or is it still in the research phase?

Toddlers Get Their Calories from Ultra-Processed Foods

B2 – Upper Intermediate

A study revealed that nearly half of toddlers’ daily calorie intake comes from ultra-processed foods (UPFs), raising concerns about long-term health impacts like obesity and poor nutritional habits.

Read the article to know more the most common UPFs consumed by the toddlers.

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/10/241003221629.htm

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “cohort study” mean? “The researchers analysed data from the Gemini twin cohort study, using the Nova classification to divide the food and drink consumed into four groups: unprocessed or minimally processed foods (eggs, milk, vegetables, fish and fruit); processed culinary ingredients (salt, butter and oil); processed foods (tinned fish, peanut butter and cheese); and UPFs (cereals, yoghurts, industrially made sliced bread, biscuits, sausages, crisps).” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “hyperpalatable” mean? “The research team said this may be partly attributable to the “hyperpalatable” nature of these UPFs, as they tend to be foods higher in fat, sugar and/or salt.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “redress” mean? “The researchers called for policies to redress the balance of children’s diets towards a lower proportion of UPFs, such as restricting the promotion of unhealthy foods marketed towards children, adding warning labels to products (e.g. those that are high in sugar), and subsidizing fresh and minimally processed food.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What types of ultra-processed foods contribute most to toddlers’ diets?
  2. How does the high consumption of ultra-processed foods affect toddlers’ long-term health?
  3. What are some demographic factors that influence toddlers’ consumption of ultra-processed foods?
  4. What strategies or recommendations does the study suggest to reduce ultra-processed food intake in young children?