Tag: Reading

Bare Minimum Mondays

B2 – Upper Intermediate

As the weekend draws to an end, many individuals experience “Sunday scaries”, a phenomenon characterized by a sense of unease and dread. Numerous workers all throughout the world feel the same way as they struggle with the upcoming workweek. What ought to be a day of rest and renewal becomes overshadowed by the weight of responsibilities and challenges that await them on Monday morning. Hence, some people are starting to do “bare minimum Mondays”.

Read this article to learn how “bare minimum Mondays” can help with “Sunday scaries”.

https://www.cnbc.com/2023/04/18/bare-minimum-monday-how-it-works-and-what-experts-think-.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is the meaning of “to let someone off the hook”? “So alleviating that pressure and choosing to let myself off the hook was a much needed change of mindset going into the beginning of the week … which suddenly allowed me to be productive again.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘to let someone off the hook’ in your own sentence.
  2. What does the expression “to put one’s foot on the gas” mean? “With the volume of work or meetings on our plates, there needs to be a heightened focus on mental health and well-being instead of employees thinking they have to put their foot right on the gas at 9am on Monday.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘to put one’s foot on the gas’ in your own sentence.
  3. Define “to keep one’s finger on the pulse”. “One of the most powerful ways to get out in front of this is to keep your finger on the pulse of how employees are doing and what they need.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘to keep one’s finger on the pulse’ in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you also experience “Sunday Scaries”? How do you deal with it?
  2. Share your thoughts on “bare minimum Mondays”.
  3. Do you agree with this statement, “But bare minimum Mondays could lead workers to procrastinate to avoid stress.” Share your opinion on this tendency among workers.
  4. Have you ever tried implementing “bare minimum Mondays” in your own life? If so, what was your experience like? If not, what are the reasons you haven’t done so.
  5. Are there any potential drawbacks or limitations to adopting the “bare minimum Mondays” approach, and how can individuals mitigate them?

Vampire Tasks

B2 – Upper Intermediate

“Vampire tasks” or those repetitive, tedious tasks at work are slowly draining our productivity across workplaces these days. These distractions disrupt our focus and slow our progress.

From numerous emails to unnecessary meetings, these tasks can appear essential yet contribute nothing to our overall goals. As a result, we become locked in a loop busyness, attempting to complete important work within the turmoil.

Read this article to learn how to deal with vampire tasks and boost productivity.

https://www.cnbc.com/2024/02/08/vampire-tasks-are-killing-your-productivity-at-work-says-workplace-expert.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to get bogged down by something” mean? “Cecily Motley, the co-founder of Harriet, an AI-powered workplace assistant, calls these repetitive, tedious activities “vampire tasks” — and warns that getting bogged down by admin work is the number one thing that kills people’s productivity.” Give 1-2 similar expressions and use this phrase in a sentence.
  2. Define “timeboxing” in this sentence, “You can time yourself completing different tasks to figure out the duration of each one and build a confident framework for your timeboxing schedule from there.” Give 1-2 similar expressions and use this term in a sentence.
  3. What does “counterintuitive” mean? “It might seem counterintuitive, but saying “no” to unnecessary tasks or taking on more work doesn’t just prevent burnout — it can also help you build trust in the workplace.” Give 1-2 similar expression/s and use this word in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How do “vampire tasks” affect your productivity at work?
  2. How do you deal with your administrative tasks?
  3. How do you communicate with your colleagues or supervisors about the challenges posed by vampire tasks in the workplace?
  4. Share your thoughts on this, “The smallest tasks on our to-do lists can often be the most draining.“
  5. What steps can individuals take to identify and mitigate the effects of vampire tasks on their productivity?

Emojis in Business Communications

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Emojis add humor and spirit to digital communications. It expresses happiness, laughter, anger, fear, etc. However, in business, a more traditional approach using formal language in plain text has been the norm. The question is whether to use emojis or not in business communications.

Get further insight from the article below.

https://www.business.com/articles/put-an-emoji-on-it-should-you-use-emojis-in-business-communication/

Vocabulary Questions

  1. What does the idiom “to break down barriers” mean in the sentence, “Emojis in a business setting break down barriers in formal communication and bring conversations down to a personal level.”? Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does the idiom “to get lost in translation” mean in the sentence “Emojis can get lost in translation.”? Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does the word “launchpad” mean in the sentence, “Emojis should serve as a launchpad for more in-depth conversations.”? Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions

  1. Do you like using emojis when having a digital conversation? If so, describe one emoji that you frequently use.
  2. Do you work in a formal or informal industry? Are employees allowed to use emojis? Tell me more about it.
  3. How can adding emojis change the way you communicate with your colleagues, superiors, clients, or customers?
  4. Cite situations where using emojis might be considered inappropriate.
  5. Do you think emojis will evolve in the future? If so, how?

The End of Rank and Yank

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Rank and yank is a management style where employees are assessed and graded based on their performance and the lowest-performing individuals are let go or moved to different roles each year.

Critics say this is an outdated practice, but some still defend it.

Read the whole article to know more about the topic.

https://www.business.com/articles/the-end-of-rank-and-yank-management-practices-revisited/

Vocabulary Questions

  1. What does the idiom “to pull one’s weight” mean in the sentence, “How do you determine which employees are making a valuable contribution to your business and which aren’t pulling their weight?”? Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does the idiom “to purge dead wood” mean in the sentence, “The idea behind employee rating systems is to purge dead wood.“? Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does the term “to dole out” mean in the sentence, “While a rank-and-yank evaluation sets performance goals and metrics and provides a way to dole out incentives, it also promotes individuals over the team, discourages collaboration and can demoralize underperformers.”? Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions

  1. What is your opinion about Jack Welch and his stack ranking system? Do you see him as a good CEO? Why or why not?
  2. After reading the pros and cons of the rank and yank management style, are you its defender or detractor? Explain your stance.
  3. What recommendations do you have for companies that implement the rank and yank method?
  4. Among the rank and yank alternatives mentioned in the article, which one do you think is the most efficient? Explain your answer.
  5. What management style does your company use to assess its employees? Do you like it? Why or why not?

Having a Doppelganger

B2 – Upper Intermediate

A doppelgänger, derived from the German words “doppel” (meaning double) and “gänger” (meaning goer), refers to a mysterious and often unsettling phenomenon of encountering one’s exact look-alike or identical double. This concept has deep roots in folklore and mythology, with various cultures interpreting it differently.

In literature and popular culture, encountering a doppelgänger is often associated with foreboding omens or supernatural occurrences. The doppelgänger motif has been explored in numerous stories and films, highlighting the psychological and sometimes eerie implications of coming face-to-face with one’s identical counterpart. The phenomenon adds a layer of mystery and intrigue, provoking questions about identity, fate, and the blurred boundaries between reality and the supernatural.

Read the article below, listen to the short audio, and be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/do-you-have-a-doppelg%C3%A4nger-/7467075.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “dead ringer” mean in the sentence, “My best friend in college is a dead ringer for George Clooney? When we’re out in public, he gets asked for his autograph all the time.” Use it in your sentence. 
  2. What does the word “mirror image” mean in the sentence, “Well, if you weren’t there, then I ran into your doppelgänger. She was a mirror image of you!? Give two synonyms or similar expressions and use “mirror image” in your own words. 
  3. What does the expression “to trade places with someone” mean in the sentence, “I wish I could trade places with my doppelgänger!“? Use it in a sentence. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. How do cultural beliefs and folklore influence the perception of doppelgängers, and do such beliefs exist in your culture?
  2. English often borrows words from other languages. Can you think of other words in English that have been borrowed and adapted from different languages? What impact does this linguistic borrowing have on language evolution?
  3. Have you ever personally encountered someone who looks remarkably similar to you or someone you know? Share your experience and reactions.
  4. How would you react if someone told you they met your doppelgänger? Do you find the idea intriguing or unsettling?
  5. Doppelgängers often carry symbolic meanings. What do you think the concept of a doppelgänger represents in a broader sense, beyond physical resemblance?

Cozy Cardio

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Cozy cardio refers to engaging in cardiovascular exercises in a comfortable and inviting environment, often characterized by warmth and relaxation.

Unlike traditional intense cardio workouts, cozy cardio focuses on gentle yet effective movements that elevate the heart rate while maintaining a sense of comfort and coziness. This may include activities such as brisk walking in a scenic park, leisurely cycling on a stationary bike while listening to soothing music, or practicing low-impact aerobics in a cozy living room.

Cozy cardio emphasizes the enjoyment of exercise without the pressure of high-intensity routines, promoting a sense of well-being and relaxation while still reaping the benefits of cardiovascular fitness.

Read the article below, listen to the short audio, and be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/what-is-cozy-cardio-/7468815.html

Vocabulary Questions: 

  1. What does the expression “to flip one’s mindset” mean in the sentence, “Thank you so much for flipping my mindset on what I thought exercise is supposed to be.” Use in it your own words. 
  2. What does the expression “to tap into something” mean in the quote, “It’s not just that I’m exercising…I’m tapping into something I want to be doing already”? Use it in a sentence. 
  3. What does the expression “all-or-nothing” mean in the sentence, “Too many people look at exercise as an all-or-nothing?” Use this expression in your sentence.

Discussion Questions: 

  1. What factors contribute to the popularity of “cozy cardio” as a form of exercise?
  2. How might creating a comfortable environment contribute to the sustainability of exercise habits?
  3. How does social media play a positive role in promoting health and fitness trends? Talk about possible drawbacks, too.
  4. How does “cozy cardio” challenge the notion that exercise has to be intense or time-consuming?
  5. Do you think “cozy cardio” is a passing trend, or do you see it becoming a lasting part of exercise culture? Share your opinion.

Somebody That I Used to Know

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Art has long been recognized as a therapeutic outlet for emotional pain and heartbreak. When faced with the devastation of a broken heart, many individuals turn to art as a means of healing and self-expression. Engaging in artistic endeavors can provide solace, allowing one to process their emotions and find catharsis.

Doing art after a heartbreak is not only therapeutic but also transformative. It enables individuals to process their emotions, communicate their experiences, and embark on a journey of self-discovery. Through artistic expression, one can find solace amidst the pain and emerge stronger than before.

Appreciate what a broken heart can accomplish. Read this article and listening to the song “Somebody That I Used To Know”.

Behind the History and Meaning of the Song “Somebody That I Used To Know” by Gotye

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “a sight to behold” mean? “And Gotye’s literal mouth is a sight to behold, up there in the pantheon of legendary singers’ mouths like Mick Jagger and Steven Tyler.” Give two synonyms/similar expressions and use ‘a sight to behold’ in a sentence.
  2. What does the phrase  “foil for someone/something” mean? “Indeed, the addition of female singer Kimbra offers the song depth, a different perspective, and a foil to [sic]] the track.” Give two synonyms/similar expressions and use ‘foil for someone/something’ in a sentence.
  3. What does “interplay” mean? “Who is the good person, and who is the bad person? The interplay is marvelous.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think of the song and the story behind it?
  2. What might be some things people commonly do when they go through a breakup, especially a bad one?
  3. When you’re feeling quite low, what do you usually do?
  4. What are your thoughts on productivity getting affected by emotions?
  5. Share an experience of yours where you were able to accomplish something due to a rather low point in your life.

Disabled Traveller Market

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

Traveling has never been the most favorite pastime until now. Everyone just seems to be so engaged in this activity.

However, for people with disability, these sightseeing activities are usually short and inconvenient as most places do not exactly have inclusive designs.

According to World Health Organization (WHO) data, one in six people in the world have a significant disability. The tourism industry needs to recognize that this represents a significant number of an underserved segment and billions in untapped revenue.

Read the article about the untapped disabled traveller market. Be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20240116-the-disabled-traveller-market-represents-billions-in-untapped-revenue

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “revenue-driving” mean, “Trentino for All aims to make the province’s experiences accessible for as many people as possible – and simultaneously create a popular, revenue-driving destination for inclusive tourism.”? Give 1-2 synonyms or similar expressions and use “revenue-driving” in your own sentence.
  2. What does “bottom line” mean here, “Making upgrades that increase the bottom line.”? Use this term in your own sentence.
  3. What does “the power of the purse” mean, ”They’ve become very demanding of equally good service, and aren’t afraid to exercise the power of the purse.”? Give 1-2 synonyms or similar expressions and use “the power of the purse” in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think that recreation areas or points of interest in your city/country are PWD-friendly or have inclusive design? If not, should they be upgraded? Share your thoughts.
  2. “Destinations are making substantial investments in accessible attractions and programming.” Is this a worthwhile business venture? Explain your opinion.
  3. What challenges might PWDs and their companions have when travelling?
  4. Share what you know about the European Accessibility Act or some benefits and privileges disabled people enjoy in your country.
  5. What else can be done to advocate for disability inclusion?

Alcohol Causes Blackouts

B2 – Upper Intermediate

There are distinct impacts of alcohol on the brain. Many drunk people would have finished other duties, such as recalling conversations or even finding their way home, but other people, particularly those who are going through blackouts, find it difficult to recall these difficult tasks or occurrences.

For additional information on how alcohol causes blackouts, watch the video below.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to draw a blank” mean? “When Donald asked them to recall the object a mere 30 minutes later, half the participants drew a blank, having “blacked out” the earlier moment entirely.” Use this expression in your own sentence.
  2. What is the meaning of “moment-to-moment? “ The transfer of moment-to-moment understanding to something we can remember is thought to depend on a process called long-term potentiation or LTP.“Use it in your own sentence.
  3. How about the adjective “blunted“? “So, while moment-to-moment information is encoded and understood, the storage of that information is blunted.” Construct your own sentence using this word.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How does alcohol make us blackout?
  2. What are some long-term impact of alcohol on a person’s brain?
  3. What are some of the effects of alcohol on people when they had too much? Can people have control over it? Explain.
  4. Share your insights on using alcohol-induced blackout as a criminal defense or mitigating factor.
  5. How probable is it for individuals in your country to become inebriated as a result of consuming alcohol? And what effect does alcohol have on their actions?
  6. Have you ever experienced a blackout from drinking alcohol? Kindly share your funny or perhaps embarrassing experiences.

Avoiding Political Burnout

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

Current political struggles can lead to many people, even those who are deeply involved in activism, being politically burned-out. This is when one gets to a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion as a natural result of being engaged in emotionally demanding political situations for far too long.

It is important to be able to recognize the signs that you are approaching it or already suffering from it and know exactly how to cope with it.

Here are some helpful tips to help ward off any feeling of political exhaustion.

Be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://medium.com/practicing-politics/how-to-avoid-political-burnout-84c764397031

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to fend off” mean, “Use these 10 tips to help identify and fend off that feeling of being politically fatigued!” Give 1-2 synonyms or similar expressions and use “to fend off” in your own sentence.
  2. What does “to take a toll on someone/something” mean, “And as mentioned before, these factors do not exist independently from one another. Stresses from home, your work, and your politics, can morph together and take their toll on the body.”? Give 1-2 synonyms or similar expressions and use “to take a toll on someone/something” in your own sentence.
  3. What does “(to carry) the weight of the world on one’s shoulders” mean, “Realise that the weight of the world is not on your shoulders.”?Give 1-2 synonyms or similar expressions and use “(to carry) the weight of the world on one’s shoulders” in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Express your thoughts on this, “Given political burnout is a natural outcome of prolonged political engagement, self-care has to become an integral part of your activism, not just a break from it.”.
  2. What are your thoughts on this statement, “Whether you relentlessly feel bad for inaction, or feel there aren’t enough hours in the day to do all the work necessary, remember, the problem is not yours alone to fix.”?
  3. Share your insights on this, “Think globally, act locally.”
  4. What political issues are you passionate about and those that you are tired of hearing about?
  5. Have you ever had the feeling of political burnout? If so, how did you deal with it?