Tag: Reading

Dream Stage of Sleep

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Sleep is a vital component of human life that has a big impact on both our mental and physical well-being. Our sleep rhythms include rapid eye movement (REM) and non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep at various stages throughout the night. Vivid dreaming is a hallmark of REM sleep, which is important for memory consolidation, emotional control, and cognitive functions.

To learn more about the ideal dream stage duration during sleep and its significance for overall sleep quality, click the link.

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/hours-rem-sleep-need_l_64a6f95ae4b0e87d6552ff3d

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “a host of” mean, “REM sleep is beneficial for a host of important reasons.”? Give a synonym and use this expression in your own sentence.
  2. What does “check out” mean in the sentence, “With that said, you’ll want to get these checked out by a sleep doctor or specialist to see how underlying health conditions, medications and other sleep-related disorders may be affecting your sleep cycle.”? Give a synonym and use this phrase in your own sentence.
  3. What does “worth a chat” mean in the sentence, “It’s also worth a chat if you’re just generally having a rough time getting rest.”? Use this expression in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is the dream stage of sleep and why is it important?
  2. Is there a recommended percentage of sleep time that should be spent in the dream stage? Talk about it.
  3. How does the optimal duration of the dream stage differ across different age groups?
  4. How does the dream stage impact memory consolidation and learning?
  5. What are the potential effects of disrupting or inhibiting the dream stage on emotional well-being and mental health?

Climate Change Extends Allergy Season

B1 – Intermediate

Spring may be such a lovely season for most. But for some people who have pollen allergies, it is a nightmare. 

Due to climate change, spring could arrive weeks earlier and could be longer too. This means allergy or hay fever season will also last longer.

Read the article about how climate change extends allergy season.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2303/230320-allergies-4.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is “hay fever”? “This is because pollen from flowers bring allergies like hay fever.” Use this phrase in your own sentence.
  2. What does “trajectory” mean, “The scientists said this was not surprising, given the trajectory our planet is on.”? Give a synonym and use “trajectory” in your own sentence.
  3. What does “to act on something” mean, “Acting on climate change will help people’s health.”? Give a synonym and use “to act on something” in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your opinion on this news about climate change making allergy season last longer?
  2. What are other allergies that you know of? Talk about them.
  3. Do you or anyone you know suffer from any kind of allergies? Speak about how you or they feel during an allergy attack.
  4. What other health problems do people have during spring?
  5. How else does weather / climate change affect people’s health?
  6. How else does weather / climate change affect your health?

Working in Deadly Heat Is Legal

B2 – Upper Intermediate

With climate change getting worse, people from many countries in the Northern Hemisphere have been experiencing heat waves. Although a lot of us can find comfort by using an air conditioner at our own homes and in the office or taking a dip in the neighborhood swimming pool, there are those who cannot afford to do so because their work mainly requires them to be out there in the sun.

Listen to the audio and read the transcript to learn more about these work practices in the U.S. that could threaten the health of outdoor laborers.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2023/07/14/heat-workers-osha-protections/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Define the word “bevy”. “The result, experts say, is that workers in a bevy of industries — from farmworkers to roofers and delivery drivers to sanitation professionals — are left to defend themselves under the scorching sun.” Use it in a sentence and give two synonyms.
  2. What is the meaning of the word “strafe“? “July 4 was Earth’s hottest day on record as a heat dome smothered parts of Texas and conditions from El Niño, the infamous climate pattern that provokes stifling heat and harsh rains, began to strafe the West Coast.” Use it in your own sentence.
  3. What does the word “catchall” mean? “Extreme heat risk falls under the OSHA’s “general duty” clause, a catchall for job-site hazards without specific guidelines.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Share your thoughts on forcing people to work in deadly heat being legal.
  2. What jobs are mostly affected by extreme weather conditions?
  3. In your opinion, how does extreme heat affect the productivity of workers?
  4. How is the summer weather in your country? Is it tolerable? If not, how do you deal with this extreme summer weather?
  5. What are the workers’ legal protections related to extreme heat conditions in your country?

Switzerland Imports More Cheese 

B1 – Intermediate

Perhaps the first thing that comes to mind when you hear ‘Switzerland’ is cheese. The country is very famous for making cheese. It is a very important product from this nation.

However, for the first time, Switzerland is importing cheese more than exporting it.

Read the article about the Swiss cheese import-export trade.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2307/230713-swiss-cheese-2.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “open up” mean, “The reason is that Switzerland opened up its milk market.”? Use this phrase in your own sentence.
  2. What does “compete” mean,  “This means it is difficult for Swiss farmers to compete with cheaper, imported milk.”? Use this word in your own sentence.
  3. What does “a big part of one’s life” mean, “Cheese is a big part of life in Switzerland.”? Use this phrase in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What was your reaction to this news about Switzerland importing cheese more than exporting it?
  2. Why are dairy farms disappearing in Switzerland?
  3. What products does your country import and export?
  4. Are there any industries that are disappearing in your country? What are they and why is it happening?
  5. Do people in your country eat a lot of cheese? Why or why not?

Slow Fashion

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Slow fashion is a movement that advocates for environmental and social justice in the fashion industry. Will you accept the challenge of buying fewer things and follow a more sustainable lifestyle?

Read the article to know how can slow fashion solve the problem of overproduction and overconsumption.

What Is Slow Fashion and How Can You Join the Movement?

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the idiom “be hell-bent on something” mean? “It’s not hell-bent on constant growth or accumulating more.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does the word “splurge” mean? “Splurging on new clothes and trends was something that only aristocrats indulged in; so regular folk without a royal budget invested in fabrics that were made to last.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What is the meaning of “innocuous”?  “It was only after disasters like the 2013 Rana Plaza garment factory collapse or the 2011 “killer jeans” silicosis expose that the public started to pay attention to the silent workers suffering from the deadly practices of an industry that makes seemingly innocuous items.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. According to the article, how can you make the shift to slow fashion?
  2.  Do you spend a lot of time choosing what to wear? Talk about our shopping habits.
  3. What can people do to minimize the negative effect of their shopping habits?
  4. How do you think people’s shopping habits will change in  30 years?

A Happier Summer Vacation

B2 – Upper Intermediate

It goes without saying that every vacation should be enjoyed. Even so, we still don’t get to cherish our holidays as much as we should—our phones being one of the reasons. Checking your phone constantly when traveling is a waste of time and takes the moments you should be enjoying.

Read this article to learn how to have a phone-free vacation.

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/cellphone-use-vacation_l_649c7d7ae4b0ffbe3abc577a

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “spill into” mean? “Behaviors like this can help create a vacation habit that maybe even spills into your day-to-day life, too.” Use this phrase in a sentence.
  2. Define “make the most of“. “The move is meant to help people make the most of their vacation.” Make a sentence with this phrase.
  3. What is an “toggle off“? “And, if you do end up needing your phone for directions or a translation app, you can toggle off airplane mode.” Make a sentence with this word.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think of the tips listed in the article? Do you think they are actually helpful?
  2. What is your opinion on the “phone-free island” mentioned in the article?
  3. Are you guilty of using your phone most of the time during a trip? Talk about it.
  4. What are the things you do to limit your screen time?
  5. What is your idea of a fun-filled vacation?

Microscopic Handbag

B1 – Intermediate

For so many years, miniaturization has been done on different things. This means products are made smaller and smaller. One example is our mobile phones and computers.

More recently, mini bags have been in fashion. However, what do you think about a bag that is microscopic?

Read the article about a handbag that is one of the latest miniaturized things.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2307/230703-microscopic-handbag-4.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Define “miniaturize”, “The latest miniaturized thing is a handbag.” Use this word in your own sentence.
  2. What does “trend” mean, “This trend led to the mobile phone.”? Use this word in your own sentence.
  3. What does ”______-inspired” mean, “The art group MSCHF created the Louis Vuitton-inspired bag.”? Use this word in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your opinion on miniaturizing things?
  2. What are the good and bad things about miniaturization?
  3. What do you think of this miniature handbag? Would you buy this bag for $63,000? Why or why not?
  4. The chief creative officer of MSCHF thought the bag was funny because handbags are usually highly functional, but it is now an item of jewelry. What is your opinion on this?
  5. What other things do you want to be miniaturized and why?

Crackdown on Same-Sex Parenting

B2 – Upper Intermediate

In Italy, same-sex couples believe the government is limiting their opportunities to start families, while the government argues against surrogacy, likening it to modern slavery. This anti-surrogacy law has increased challenges for rainbow families and hindered same-sex couples in their pursuit of legal parenthood.

Discover more insights about this issue by reading the full article.

https://www.aajenglish.tv/news/30317258/italys-crackdown-on-same-sex-parenting-leaves-children-bemused

Vocabulary Discussions

Explain the meaning of the highlighted words below and make some sentences.

1. Ginevra was indignant when, two weeks ago, an interviewer on a TV show asked her parents whether the twins missed having a mum.

2. Critics warn of the potential poverty bias against women who become surrogate mothers due to financial need.

3. Going abroad to have a baby is an emotional rollercoaster, and you might face hostility when you return to your home country.

Discussion Questions

1. What is the primary issue highlighted in the article regarding same-sex parenting in Italy? Compare it to the situation in your country.

2. Would you characterize Italy as a conservative society? Explain.

3. What are your personal views on surrogacy? Do you believe it should be accessible to same-sex couples?

4. How can Italian Government handle the situation better?

5. Are there rainbow families in Spain? If so, what are your thoughts and observations about these families?

Hobbies to Help You Relax and Have Fun

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Outside of a work performance realm, having a quality leisure time has shown to help people gain physical health and cognitive well-being.

Read the article to be inspired to take up a new activity that could help you relax and have fun at the same time, for example, baking or making jewellery.

https://brainmd.com/blog/main-types-of-hobbies/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is the meaning of “virtuous cycle“? “Looking at hobbies through the prism of brain health, reveals a virtuous cycle.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “to look at something through a prism” mean? “Looking at hobbies through the [sic] prism of brain health, reveals a virtuous cycle.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “engrossed” mean? “If you’re engrossed in a creative hobby, the flow state can deliver feel-good benefits.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you enjoy doing in your free time? Are you into any interesting or unusual hobbies? Talk about them.
  2. Talk about a hobby that boosts your performance when you are trying to refocus on your job.
  3. Do you think this is true, “When you start a new hobby, you may not feel motivated to spend time on it. It might be difficult.“? Talk about a time when you were demotivated when you were starting with a new hobby and how it went eventually.
  4. What might be the benefits and drawbacks that can come from engaging in a hobby?
  5. What are your thoughts on this, “More than 100 years ago, having leisure time to pursue hobbies was a symbol of status. Perhaps it’s time to bring back a little of that mentality.“?

Summer Anxiety

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Relaxation, vacation, carefree days—these come to mind when we hear the word “summer”. As much as many people anticipate the summer season, some also dread it. The rise in temperatures and changes in routines may cause a phenomenon known as summer anxiety.

Read the article to learn about the causes of summer anxiety.

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/more-summer-anxiety-stress_l_62f13f61e4b0ecfe3f72c18a

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to feed into something” mean? “For people with social anxiety, more social obligations may feed into anxiety, too.” Use this phrase in a sentence.
  2. What does “false alarm” mean? “Anxiety can be triggered through thoughts, environment, or, in the case of summer heat, through a physiological false alarm.”. Make a sentence with this phrase.
  3. Define the word “throw off” mean here, ““What happens is it throws off our circadian rhythm,” which are 24-hour cycles that help control when we fall asleep and when we wake up.” Use this phrase in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Have you personally experienced summer anxiety? If so, could you describe what it feels like for you?
  2. How does the change in routines and schedules during the summer months affect individuals experiencing anxiety?
  3. How does the pressure to have a “perfect” summer or meet certain social expectations contribute to summer anxiety?
  4. What do you think is the best way to handle summer anxiety?