Tag: Reading

Potential New Treatment for Aggressive Prostate Cancer Subtype

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Research has identified a potential new treatment for a particularly aggressive subtype of prostate cancer. This development could provide more targeted therapy options for patients with this challenging diagnosis, improving outcomes.

Read the article on a promising degrader that targets CDK12 and a related gene to destroy tumors.

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/10/241004121704.htm

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “genetic alteration” mean? “When researchers at the University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center first identified a new subtype of aggressive prostate cancer, they knew they needed to understand how this genetic alteration was driving cancer and how to target it with treatment.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “cancer driver gene” mean? “The loss of this gene activates other known cancer driver genes, causing them to be overexpressed at a high level while also causing DNA to be replicated very rapidly.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “bona fide” mean? “Then, when we added loss of the p53 oncogene, the mice developed bona fide invasive prostate cancer,” said senior author Arul M. Chinnaiyan, M.D., Ph.D., director of the Michigan Center for Translational Pathology and S.P. Hicks Professor of Pathology at Michigan Medicine.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What specific subtype of prostate cancer does the new treatment target, and why is it considered aggressive?
  2. How does the new treatment differ from existing therapies for prostate cancer?
  3. What are the expected outcomes or survival benefits for patients using this treatment?
  4. What were some notable side effects of the new treatment observed during clinical trials ?

Living Computers Made from Human Neurons

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Scientists are now looking into using living brain cells to build computers that work differently from the traditional ones. These biological systems, modeled after the brain, could potentially process information more efficiently and adaptively. This new approach might significantly impact fields like AI and healthcare by taking advantage of how neurons naturally function.

Read this article and delve into these living computers made from human neurons.

https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/these-living-computers-are-made-from-human-neurons/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “sticking point” mean? “Sticking points remain for organoid computing’s ability to compete with silicon on a large scale.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘sticking point’ in your own sentence.
  2. Define “bedrock“. “Artificial intelligence systems, even those as sophisticated as ChatGPT, depend on the same silicon-based hardware that has been the bedrock of computing since the 1950s.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘bedrock’ in your own sentence.
  3. What is an “organoid“? “This approach uses synthetic biology, such as miniature clusters of lab-grown cells called organoids, to create computer architecture.” Use this word in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What’s your impression on these living computers?
  2. What ethical concerns arise from using living brain cells in technology? Should there be limits on how far this can go?
  3. Do you think biological computers could eventually replace normal computers, or will they just be used for different tasks? Elaborate.
  4. Could this technology lead to a future where human brains are connected to computers? Share your insights. If so, how could that change our lives?
  5. What could be the risks of creating computers that think like human brains?

People Need a Hundred Thousand Dollars to Stop Money Worries

B1 – Intermediate 

We need to make a certain amount of money to be able to live the life we want. However, are people earning enough money to say that they are happy and financially secure these days? And another question is, how much money do we really need to be able to live without having money worries?

Read the article to know more about the amount people need to stop worrying about money.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2409/240926-money-worries.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “money worries” mean? Give a synonym of this term and use it in a sentence. “Researchers asked more than 3,000 adults over the age of 30 about their money worries.”
  2. What does “financially secure” mean? “Surprisingly, the researchers reported that just 33 percent of millionaires in the study said they felt financially secure.” Use the phrase in your own sentence and give a synonym.
  3. What does “a sign of something” mean? “It said $100,000 was no longer a sign of financial success and wealth.” Give a synonym and use this phrase in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your personal definition of a “stable lifestyle”?
  2. In your opinion, how much money should someone have to be able to say they are financially secure in your country?
  3. In America, “$100,000 was no longer a sign of financial success and wealth.”. Is it the same in your country? Is €100,000 does not mean financial security anymore?” Explain.
  4. Do you think people have more money worries now more than before? Elaborate.
  5. How can a person be very confident about their financial situation?

UK Prisons’ Overcrowding Crisis

B1 – Intermediate

In the UK, prisons are nearing full capacity, a concerning trend that experts warn leads to unsafe conditions for both inmates and staff. If arrests and convictions continue at the current pace, prison spaces are expected to run out within a matter of weeks. In an effort to address the situation, the new Labour administration announced on Friday that thousands of prisoners would be released before completing their sentences.

Discover more by reading the article about prisons in the UK having serious problems with overcrowding.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2407/240715-overcrowded-prisons.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “on the point of collapse” mean in this sentence? “Prisons are on the point of collapse“. Use the phrase “on the point of collapse” in your own sentence.
  2. Define the phrase “to run out”. “ If space ran out, there would be nowhere to put those arrested or newly sentenced.” Use “to run out” in your own sentence.
  3. What does the idiom “to run amok” mean? “Mahmood said there would be “looters running amok, smashing windows, robbing shops and setting neighbourhoods alight.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on the new Labour administration’s solution?
  2. If you could offer a suggestion to address the issue, what do you think is the best approach to solving prison overcrowding?
  3. What are the prisons like in your country?
  4. Do you think the current prison system is effective in reducing crime in your country? Explain.

Vienna Tops the Global Liveability Index 

B1 – Intermediate

In June 2023, Vienna was ranked the most livable city in the world for the third consecutive time. Vienna first claimed the top spot in 2018, becoming the first European city to do so, and ending Melbourne’s seven-year reign as the most livable city. Vienna maintained its leading position in 2019, 2022, and again in 2023.

Read the article to find out more about Vienna being the most liveable city in the world.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2407/240701-global-liveability-index.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “accolade” mean? “It is the third year running the Austrian capital has won this accolade.” Give 1 synonym of the word “accolade” and use it in your own sentence.
  2. Define “scoop”. “It failed to scoop maximum points for culture, “owing to a lack of major sporting events”.” Give 1 synonym of the word “scoop” and use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “civil unrest” mean in this sentence? “Since we conducted our survey, there have been more instances of civil unrest and demonstrations around the world.”

Discussion Questions:

  1. Have you ever visited Vienna? What do you think of the city?
  2. In your opinion, what makes a city liveable?
  3. Among the 5 categories mentioned in the article, which do you think is the most important? Why?
  4. How liveable is the city you live in terms of culture and environment,  education, healthcare, infrastructure, and stability?
  5. Which city in your country do you think is the most liveable and why?

Divorce Is a Cause for Celebration

B2 – Upper Intermediate

In many societies, divorce is often regarded as a source of shame and carries a heavy stigma. In contrast, Mauritania views divorce as a common occurrence and even an occasion for celebration, signaling a woman’s renewed availability for marriage. For generations, women have come together to feast, sing, and dance at each other’s divorce parties. Today, this tradition is evolving for a new era, incorporating personalized cakes and social media highlights alongside the traditional food and music, creating a vibrant blend of old and new.

Read this article to know how for Mauritian women, divorce is not a cause for sorrow, but for a celebration instead.

https://www.milleworld.com/in-this-tiny-arab-country-divorce-is-a-cause-for-celebration/

Vocabulary Questions:

1. What does “to weigh down” mean? “The limited options for women after divorce led to a tradition of celebrating, ensuring that their future would not be weighed down by their past.”? Use this term in a sentence.
2. What does the phrase “to start anew” mean? “Mauritian women treat the occasion of divorce as an opportunity to start anew, reiterating that there is nothing wrong with separation. ” Use this phase in your own sentence.
3. What does “lineage” mean? “To preserve lineage, alliances, and castes, women were often forced to marry their cousins.” Use this word in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How is divorce viewed in your country? Is it considered a social stigma in your country?
  2. Share your thoughts on this statement, “Some women view their previous marriages as status symbols.“.
  3. What is your opinion on “matrimonial career” in Mauritania?
  4. Share your insights on this, “Women with experience from previous marriages are often considered better prospects than young, inexperienced brides.“
  5. What is your stance on this, “Celebrating women who divorce is a lot better than shaming them.“?

Valencia’s Beach Cleaning Robot PlatjaBot

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The advent of cleaning robots signifies a transformative shift in the cleaning industry, particularly within service-oriented frameworks. Emphasizes that autonomous cleaning robots facilitate value co-creation among stakeholders by introducing efficiency and innovation into traditional cleaning practices.

Cleaning robots are becoming increasingly popular in households around the world. Thes advanced devices are designed to make our lives easier by taking care of the tedious cleaning task.

Read the article and learn about the first cleaning robot in a Spanish city.

https://smartcitiesconnect.org/valencia-introduces-platjabot-revolutionary-beach-cleaning-robot/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to sift through something” mean? “The device called PlatjaBot – is a caterpillar-type vehicle that can collect up to 10 centimeters of soil at a time and sift through it to remove any waste.” Give 2 synonyms and use this phrase in a sentence.
  2. What is a “pilot project” mean? “This PlatjaBot pilot project is part of Valencia’s Municipal Sandbox Ordinance, which was approved earlier this year.” Give 2 similar expressions and use this term in a sentence.
  3. What does the adjective “cumbersome” mean? “According to the City, the ordinance is a regulation that “allows technology to be tested in an experimental phase in a real environment, such as the entire city of Valencia, and do so without the cumbersome administrative procedures that usually accompany these authorizations.” Give 2 synonyms and use this word in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is the PlatjaBot? What are the features of this robot? What issues can you think of associated with this piece of machine?
  2. What do you think about this invention as a whole?
  3. “We are the first Spanish city to have a law that allows technology to be tested in a real environment.” What do you think about that?
  4. Is your city a Green Capital? Why or why not?
  5. What other invention/s like PlatjaBot have you found interesting recently? Talk about it/them.

Heat Waves Are Changing Summer Holidays

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The phenomenon of heatwaves is significantly altering the nature of summer holidays, particularly in urban areas where temperatures are exacerbated by the urban heat island effect. Research indicates that extreme heat events, such as those experienced in the western United States during the summer of 2021, are increasing in frequency and intensity due to climate change.

The implications extend beyond individual enjoyment; they encompass broader societal effects on physical health and social interactions. Ultimately, understanding these changes is crucial for developing effective strategies that can mitigate the adverse impacts of climate change on our summer holidays

Read the article and find out if heat waves really affect tourism in a region.

https://www.euronews.com/2023/08/08/mauritius-rather-than-mallorca-how-the-heat-waves-are-changing-our-summer-holidays

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to take a toll on something” mean? “On the Italian island of Sicily, wildfires were much less widespread and they didn’t affect many tourists. But fear of more fires has nonetheless taken its toll on booking numbers.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does the idiom “full picture” mean? “A study by the EU Commission study found a clear north-south divide on tourism demand within Europe. But what’s the full picture?”  Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does the noun “upswing” mean? “According to the European Travel Commission (ETC), a non-governmental organisation that promotes Europe as a travel destination worldwide, the European travel market is on the upswing.”  Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Share your insights related to this news.
  2. How was the situation in your country this last summer in terms of the heat and the number of tourists that the country received?
  3. Jean-Pierre Mas said: “There will be no dramatic decline. Instead, there will be a gradual change.” What does it mean?
  4. Share your own opinion why you think German Health Minister Karl Lauterbach’s tweet became controversial.
  5. “Italy’s motto: Don’t be alarmed.” Do you think they are right? Share your thoughts.

New Law Against Trafficking in Spain

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Spain recently introduced a new law aimed at combating human trafficking in the country. This law toughens penalties for those who participate in human trafficking for various purposes, such as forced labor or sexual exploitation. The government hopes this new legislation will help protect vulnerable people and punish those who exploit them.

Read the article and share your thoughts about it.

https://migrant-integration.ec.europa.eu/news/spain-new-law-trafficking_en

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is a “third-country national or TCN”? “Third-country nationals (TCNs) in Spain are disproportionately affected by crimes related to human trafficking and exploitation: traffickers take advantage of the country’s proximity with Northern Africa, its cultural connection with Latin America, and migrants’ vulnerability.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “organic law” mean? “The Spanish government announced its decision to transform the draft of the Integral Organic Law against Trafficking and Exploitation of Human Beings, promoted during the previous term, into law.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “prerogative” mean? “The key aspects of the law relate to specific prerogatives that will be granted to the victims without the need for them to file a complaint, including the rights to receive the Minimum Vital Income (MVI), to be considered priority group to access public housing, to receive legal assistance throughout the process, to receive compensation from confiscated property, and to obtain a temporary certificate of residence and work.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How big is the problem with human trafficking in your country? What are some problems caused by this illegal activity in your country?
  2. What is the new law about? What are your thoughts on some of its prerogatives?
  3. What steps can countries take to strengthen laws against human trafficking? Do you have any suggestions?
  4. How can awareness about human trafficking be raised?
  5. Talk about the things you know about the VioGén system.

Mother of Georgia Shooting Suspect Called School to Warn of Emergency

The question of a mother’s liability for her son’s actions, particularly in cases involving serious crimes such as murder, raises complex legal and ethical considerations. In instances where a mother suspects that her child may be involved in violent behavior, the extent to which she can be held legally accountable for their actions becomes a subject of intense debate.

This article examines the implications of maternal liability in cases where there is prior suspicion of potential wrongdoing by a child, focusing on the intersection of legal duty and parental responsibility.

Read the article and share your thought about this issue.

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/sep/08/georgia-school-shooting-suspect-mother

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to seek bail” mean? “Their attorneys declined to immediately seek bail during their first court appearance on Friday.” Give a similar expression and use this phrase in a sentence.
  2. What does “taunting” mean? “The Georgia teenager had struggled with his parents’ separation and taunting by classmates, his father told a sheriff’s investigator last year when asked whether his son posted an online threat.” Give 2 synonyms and use this word in a sentence.
  3. What does “disproportionate rate” mean? “Their killings renewed the American public debate about safe storage laws for guns while also prompting parents to ponder how to talk to their children about trauma and school shootings, which occur in the US at a disproportionate rate.” Use the phrase in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Which detail/s in this news caught your interest? Talk about it/them.
  2. Do you think a parent is responsible for their child’s criminal behavior? Explain your opinion on this.
  3. What might be done to prevent this kind of horrible incidents from happening again in the future?
  4. What problems do you see among teenagers and their behaviors in your country these days?
  5. Give an example of a sensational case involving a teenager or teenagers in your country.