Tag: Reading

Zara Ads Banned for Unhealthily Thin Models

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Fashion giant Zara is facing backlash after several of its advertisements were banned for featuring models described as “unhealthily thin.” The decision, made by advertising regulators, has reignited debates about body image and the fashion industry’s responsibility to promote healthy beauty standards.

Read this article to learn more about the controversy and its impact on fashion advertising.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cp941z3nnnxo

Discussion Questions:

  1. What does “gaunt” mean? “The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) said shadows and a slick back bun hairstyle made one model appear “gaunt” while the pose and low cut design of a shirt in another image showed the model’s “protruding” collarbones.” Give 2 synonyms and make a sentence with this word.
  2. What is a “focal feature“? “The other banned advert was for a shirt and the model was said to be in a position that made “protruding” collarbones a “focal feature” of the advert.” Use this in a sentence.
  3. Define “carousel of images“. “The two banned adverts previously appeared on the retailer’s app and website in a carousel of images showing clothes on and off models.” Make a sentence with this phrase.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Share your opinion about these bans on some brands’ adverts with seemingly “unhealthily thin models”.
  2. What impact might these bans on these brands’ adverts have on their business and their image?
  3. How can advertising influence people’s ideas about beauty and body image?
  4. What impact can unrealistic body images have on young people?
  5. Have you ever seen an advertisement that made you feel uncomfortable or unrealistic? Why?
  6. What changes would you like to see in fashion advertising in the future?
  7. Do you think fashion brands should be responsible for promoting healthy body standards? Why or why not?

The Psychology of Sharing Meals

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Eating together is one of the oldest human traditions and it’s about more than just food. Whether it’s a quiet dinner with family, a fun meal with friends, or lunch with coworkers, sharing meals helps us feel connected. Studies have also shows that eating with others builds trust, friendship, and emotional support.

Let’s read the article and learn how eating together can help us feel closer, build friendships, and feel part of a group in everyday life and different cultures.

https://www.cuculi.com/post/the-psychology-of-sharing-meals-more-than-just-eating-together

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the idiom “to break bread together” mean? “Breaking bread together is an age-old ritual, transcending mere sustenance to become a cornerstone of human interaction.” Use it in a sentence and give two synonyms.
  2. What is the meaning of the phrase “deeply embedded” mean? “There’s a profound psychology behind shared meals, deeply embedded in our social fabric.“. Use it in your own sentence.
  3. Define the idiom “to open up“. “It’s a time when people are more likely to open up, share stories, and discuss ideas.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What does communal dining do for you?
  2. How do shared meals help people feel seen, heard, or supported?
  3. What emotions do you associate with family meals or celebrations?
  4. What are some mealtime traditions in your culture that show care or respect?
  5. How do different cultures use food to build relationships or show hospitality?

Why Gen Z Are Turning Down Promotions

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Many Gen Z workers are changing how they think about success at work and some are saying no to promotions. Rather than always aiming for bigger job titles or more duties, they’re choosing to focus on their mental health, free time, and doing work that feels meaningful.

Let’s read the article and learn more about why and how this generation is redefining success.

https://www.newsweek.com/gen-z-work-promotions-2034241

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Explain the meaning of the phrase “a defining part of something“. “Emma sees her job strictly as a source of income rather than a defining part of her identity.” Use it in your own sentence.
  2. Define the verb “forgo“. “For 25-year-old Emma*, the decision to forgo promotions is a deliberate and deeply personal one.” Use it in a sentence and give two synonyms.
  3. What is the meaning of “expendable“? “Emma’s concerns echo a wider sentiment among Gen Z workers who feel little loyalty toward employers who, in their view, see them as expendable.” Use it in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why do you think Gen Z might value flexibility more than status?
  2. How is Gen Z’s view of work different from older generations?
  3. What does “success” mean to you in a job?
  4. Would you accept a promotion if it meant more stress or less free time? Why or why not?
  5. Can you think of a time when someone chose peace of mind over a higher position?

Indian Court Tells Doctors to Fix Their Handwriting

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Messy handwriting by doctors has caused worry and public discussion recently. When prescriptions or medical notes are hard to read, it can lead to serious problems like giving the wrong medicine, making mistakes in diagnosis, or slowing down treatment.

Let’s read the article to understand how Punjab and Haryana High Court responded to this issue.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cn0r88nrx70o

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “scrawl” mean? “The BBC has seen a copy of the judgement which includes the report and a two-page prescription which shows the doctor’s unreadable scrawl.” Use it in a sentence and give two synonyms.
  2. What is the meaning of the phrase “roll out“? “Health authorities in the UK have admitted that “drug errors caused appalling levels of harm and deaths and added that roll out of electronic prescribing systems across more hospitals could reduce errors by 50%.” Use it in a sentence and give two synonyms.
  3. What does “to bear fruit” mean in this context, “His campaign, seeking a complete ban on handwritten prescriptions, bore fruit when in 2016, the Medical Council of India ordered that “every physician should prescribe drugs with generic names legibly and preferably in capital letters”.? Use it in a sentence and give two synonyms.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your insights of the court’s decision telling doctors to write legibly? Do you think the same should be done in your country?
  2. Share your thoughts on this: “Legible medical prescription is a fundamental right as it can make a difference between life and death.“
  3. How important is clarity in medical prescriptions?
  4. What do you think about including handwriting lessons in the medical school curriculum and set a two-year timeline for rolling out digitised prescriptions?
  5. Are the doctors in your country also notorious for bad handwriting? Talk about it.
  6. Have you ever had any issues because of the doctor’s illegible handwriting on any of your prescriptions? Share about this instance.

Heart Attacks Have a Warning Sign

B1 – Intermediate 

Cardiovascular diseases like heart attacks and strokes claim more than million lives each year. However, doctors say there are things that people can do to avoid them. It is important to look out for the warning signs and make necessary lifestyle changes to prevent these kinds of diseases.

Read the article to know more about cardiovascular diseases and their warning signs.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2510/251002-heart-attacks-and-strokes.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to take steps to avoid something” mean? “Doctors say people can take steps to avoid cardiovascular diseases like heart attacks and strokes.” Use the idiom in a sentence. 
  2. What does “warning sign” mean? “A study from doctors at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago and Yonsei University in South Korea said that more than 99 per cent of people who had a heart attack or stroke had at least one warning sign.” Use the term in a sentence. 
  3. What does “modifiable risk factor” mean? “The goal now is to work harder on finding ways to control these modifiable risk factors.” Use the term in a sentence. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you believe it is possible that people can take steps to avoid cardiovascular diseases? Explain.
  2. Share your thoughts on this, “There is a small number of modifiable risk factors for heart disease, and at least one, but often more than one, is present in the background leading up to heart attacks, heart failure, or strokes.”
  3. What can be done to control modifiable cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors?

Spain to Boost AI Integration with €150 million Subsidy Programme

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Spain has taken another major step toward digital transformation with the launch of a new national initiative to promote the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in businesses. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that the government will allocate €150 million in subsidies to help companies develop and integrate AI-based technologies into their operations.

The program aims to accelerate innovation, improve productivity, and enhance competitiveness across key sectors such as manufacturing, healthcare, and finance. By encouraging the adoption of AI, the government seeks to position Spain as a leader in the global digital economy, fostering sustainable growth and preparing the country for the future of work and technology.

Read the article and learn more about this government project.

https://www.techmonitor.ai/digital-economy/ai-and-automation/spain-boost-ai-integration-e150m-subsidy-programme?cf-view

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “earmark” mean? “On the European Union (EU) front, significant funding has been earmarked to foster AI research and development.” Use it in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “to make strides in something” mean? “In addition, the European High Performance Computing Joint Undertaking (EuroHPC) has made strides in setting up AI Factories across Europe.” Use it in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “uptake” mean? “A key initiative under this package, GenAI4EU, aims to stimulate the development and uptake of generative AI across Europe’s strategic industrial sectors.” Use it in a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why do you think Spain is investing heavily in artificial intelligence now?
  2. What benefits and challenges might small and medium-sized businesses face when adopting AI?
  3. Do you think government subsidies are the best way to encourage AI adoption? Why or why not?
  4. Do you think your company will benefit from this? Why or why not?

Banco de España to Increase the Countercyclical Capital Buffer (CCyB)

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Banco de España has announced an increase in the countercyclical capital buffer (CCyB) rate from 0.5% to 1%, effective 1 October 2026. This decision comes after confirming that Spain’s cyclical systemic risk remains at an intermediate level. 

The move aims to strengthen the resilience of the Spanish banking system, ensuring that banks have sufficient capital to absorb potential losses during economic downturns. The measure was supported by the European Central Bank (ECB) and AMCESFI, Spain’s macroprudential authority.

Read the article and learn more about the new financial law.

https://www.bde.es/f/webbe/GAP/Secciones/SalaPrensa/NotasInformativas/25/presbe2025-90en.pdf

Vocabulary words:

  1. What does “countercyclical capital buffer” mean? “The Banco de España resolves to increase the countercyclical capital buffer (CCyB) rate to 1%.“
  2. What does “macroprudential” mean? “In accordance with the corresponding regulations, the Banco de España has informed the European Central Bank (ECB) and AMCESFI, the Spanish macroprudential authority, of the content of the draft decision.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “draft decision” mean? “In accordance with the corresponding regulations, the Banco de España has informed the European Central Bank (ECB) and AMCESFI, the Spanish macroprudential authority, of the content of the draft decision.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is the purpose of increasing the countercyclical capital buffer (CCyB) for banks in Spain?
  2. How might raising the CCyB rate from 0.5% to 1% affect Spanish banks and their lending activities?
  3. Why is it important for the Banco de España to monitor “cyclical systemic risk”?
  4. The CCyB increase will only take effect in October 2026. Why do you think there is a delay before enforcement?
  5. In your opinion, how can measures like this contribute to long-term financial stability in Europe?

Spain’s Kreios Space

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Spain’s Kreios Space, a pioneering SpaceTech startup based in Vigo, has secured €8 million in the largest European investment yet for very low Earth orbit (VLEO) satellite technology. The funding round, led by the NATO Innovation Fund and JOIN Capital, will accelerate the development of Kreios’ groundbreaking air-breathing plasma propulsion system and support the launch of its first two satellites into orbit.

Founded in 2021, Kreios Space is redefining satellite propulsion with its Air-Breathing Electric Propulsion (ABEP) system, which uses atmospheric air instead of traditional onboard fuel. This innovation enables satellites to operate closer to Earth for extended periods, providing sharper imaging, faster broadband connectivity, and new opportunities for defence, climate monitoring, and disaster response — thereby strengthening Europe’s independence and leadership in the global space sector.

Read this article and learn more about the project.

Spain’s Kreios Space secures €8 million to bring satellites closer to Earth and strengthen European strategic autonomy

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “seed round” mean? “The Seed round was led by the NATO Innovation Fund and Berlin-based JOIN Capital, with participation from Grow Venture Partners, Xesgalicia, and Tasivia Global.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “sovereign broadband communication” mean? “Meanwhile, the potential for resilient, sovereign broadband communications could transform connectivity for remote regions, emergency response, and military operations.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “direct-to-device broadband” mean? “By bringing satellites closer to Earth, they enable high-resolution imaging and direct-to-device broadband at an entirely new level – capabilities vital for European security.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is Kreios Space, and what recent achievement has it made?
  2. How might Kreios Space’s innovation change global space competition?
  3. Do you think VLEO satellites could replace traditional ones in the future? Why or why not?
  4. What risks might investors face when funding new space technologies?
  5. Do you think space innovation should be a priority for governments? Why or why not?

Health Systems Stop Medicare Telehealth Appointments

B2 – Upper Intermediate

As of September 30, 2025, Medicare’s expanded telehealth coverage, introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic to make care more accessible, is set to expire unless Congress steps in.
This change could particularly impact older adults who depend on virtual visits due to mobility issues or chronic illnesses. Some telehealth services, like mental health, will continue under separate rules, but many others may not.

Read the article to know more about why smaller clinics may not be able to keep offering virtual visits without reimbursement, which could widen gaps in access to care, especially in rural or underserved communities.

https://abcnews.go.com/Health/hospitals-health-systems-stop-medicare-telehealth-appointments-amid/story?id=126300439

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “retroactive reimbursement“ in Medicare mean? “Most providers and hospital systems are taking calculated risks to continue care during this time, but long-term continuity depends on action by our telehealth champions in Washington to restore these flexibilities and ensure retroactive reimbursement.“ Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “woefully” mean? “Our health care services are regressing, falling woefully short for millions of patients in need.” Use it in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “advocacy arm” mean? “In a statement, ATA Action, the advocacy arm of the American Telemedicine Association, urged Congress to reinstate Medicare telehealth flexibilities.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think telehealth should stay permanently covered by Medicare? Share your thoughts.
  2. Have you or someone you know tried a telehealth appointment before? How was the experience?
  3. What health concerns do you think are best handled online versus in person?
  4. How do you think rural communities will be affected if telehealth coverage ends?
  5. Would you personally feel comfortable relying on telehealth for most of your care? Why or why not?

BrainCo Collects Brain Data from Elite Athletes and Schoolchildren

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

An investigation is underway regarding China accessing neural data from BrainCo’s focus-training headband that some top athletes use.

Athletes wear this wearable headband because it helps them get in the zone. It enables them to monitor their brainwaves which could help them optimize their performance.


Read the article to know more about BrainCo and the rise of brain-computer interface (BCI) technology.

BrainCo: The “Harvard” Startup That Became A “Little Dragon” in China — With Brain Data From U.S. Olympians and Schoolchildren

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “brain-computer interface (BCI) technology” mean? “That was long before Beijing’s announcement of its major goal this year: leading the world in brain-computer interface (BCI) technology by 2030.” Use the term in a sentence. 
  2. What does “dual-use potential” mean? “This dual-use potential is why both superpowers are racing to control it. Whoever has the most neural data and best algorithms could gain an unprecedented advantage in medicine, commerce, or warfare.” Use the term in a sentence. 
  3. What does “aggregated data” mean? “BrainCo’s privacy statement explicitly saying it collects brain wave data from users and that aggregated data may be sent to any office worldwide or even third parties.” Use the term in a sentence. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the positives and negatives of BrainCo’s wearable focus-training headband?
  2. Do you believe BrainCo is telling the truth when they say that any brain data collected is “purged from the application at the conclusion of each use”? Share your insights.
  3. Share your opinion about some Democratic U.S. senators’ warning about the potential exploitation of sensitive neural data and that Chinese companies are purportedly developing brain-control weaponry.
  4. Share your thoughts that some companies are promised special government support for technologies deemed critical to military dominance.
  5. “The potential applications of BCI unlocked by AI could be boundless — and dangerous.” Share your opinion.
  6. Share your insights on BCI tech’s dual-use potential.