Tag: Reading

You Can’t Smile In Your Passport Photo

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Passport photos are notable for their strictly enforced rules and standards, frequently perplexing travelers as to why they must uphold a stern face without looking happy. While it may appear to be an utterly pointless regulation, there are justifiable reasons for this seemingly unusual mandate.

Learn more about the reasons for not being allowed to grin in passport photos, taking into account things like standardization, identity verification, and facial recognition technology, by clicking the link.

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/why-cant-you-smile-passport-photo_l_64775504e4b0b4444c7c29f9

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “grand scheme of things” mean in the sentence, “But these kinds of rules are still relatively new in the grand scheme of things.”? Use this idiom in your own sentence.
  2. What does “not pass muster” mean in the sentence, “Showing your teeth won’t pass muster ― and apparently it’s a matter of border security.”? Use this idiom in your own sentence.
  3. What does “in effect” mean in the sentence, “Photos with exaggerated expressions can make it more difficult to readily identify the passport holder,” he explained, noting that the agency’s photo requirements have “been in effect for United States passports for decades.”? Use this phrase in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Can you explain the reasoning behind the decision to have a neutral expression in passport photos instead of allowing smiles?
  2. How does facial recognition technology play a role in the requirement to not smile in passport photos?
  3. Are there any alternative methods or technologies being explored that could overcome the limitations of smiling in passport photos? Tell me more.
  4. Are there any specific guidelines or regulations regarding passport photos in different countries that deviate from the general practice of not smiling? Please share.

Benefits of Boosting Your Emotional Intelligence

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The World Economic Forum experts talked about the employment skills that we will need in the near future and one of them is emotional intelligence.

Read the article and find out how a person can develop and level up their emotional intelligence.

https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2020/02/emotional-intelligence-career-life-personal-development/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is the meaning of the word ” predicament“? ” There is a time in the life of every predicament where it is ripe for resolution” Use this word in a sentence.
  2. What is the meaning of “adeptly” in this sentence, “By understanding your emotions, you can move adeptly through your current challenges and prevent future ones.”? Use this in your own sentence.
  3. What does the phrase “on the flip side ” mean? “On the flip side, just 20% of bottom performers are high in emotional intelligence.” Give one synonym and use “on the flip side” in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. According to the article, why is it important to control your emotions? 
  2. Why might it be important to be able to recognize other people’s emotions?
  3. What is a sign of high emotional intelligence?
  4. What are ways to manage one’s emotions? 
  5. Can a person take control of their reaction to other people’s words and actions? Explain your thoughts.
  6. Share your thoughts on this: “People with a high degree of emotional intelligence make more money.“

Key Challenges to Make AI Safe

B2 – Upper Intermediate

As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to create more impact in almost all aspects of our society, it is crucial to sit down and discuss how the technology can be regulated in order to ensure that we can safely make use of it. However, it seems this task isn’t going to be a walk in the park.

Read this article about the key challenges in making AI safe.

https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-65850668

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is a “school of thought”? “Artificial-intelligence experts generally follow one of two schools of thought – it will either improve our lives enormously or destroy us all.” Use this phrase in your own sentence.
  2. What does it mean when something “doesn’t sit (well) with/within”? “These technologies don’t sit within the boundaries of one country.” Use this idiom in your own sentence.
  3. Explain what the word “interim” mean. “She is drawing up an interim voluntary code for the sector, alongside the US, which could be ready within weeks.” Use this word in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Which among the key challenges to make AI safe mentioned in the article is the hardest one to address and why?
  2. Why do you think it is difficult to have international collaboration on AI?
  3. Do you agree that the public should be informed about the risks attached to each AI product? If so, how do we do that?
  4. Do you agree or disagree with this policy: “Companies that break its rules could be fined the greater of €30m or 6% of global annual turnover.”? Why or why not?
  5. What are some government regulations that we should have to mitigate the potential risks posed by AI products?
  6. AI “godfathers Geoffrey Hinton and Prof Yoshua Bengio warn that the technology has huge potential for harm. Do you believe them or not? Explain your point.

Chinese Airliner’s First Commercial Flight

B1 – Intermediate

Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC) is a state-owned aerospace company in China. It has recently made history with their first commercial airplane C919’s first flight. C919 was built in hopes to compete with other aerospace manufacturers such as Boeing and Airbus.

Its first commercial flight is said to be China’s “symbol of industrial skill and national pride”.

Read this article about the Chinese-made airplane C919’s first commercial flight.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2306/230601-comac-china-airline-1.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Explain the definition of the phrase “national pride”. “Newspapers called it “a symbol of skill and national pride“.”. Use this phrase in your own sentence.
  2. What does “triumph” mean? “China’s president called the C919 aircraft a “triumph of Chinese innovation”.” Give a synonym and use “triumph” in your own sentence.
  3. What does “fondly” mean? “I’ll remember it fondly for some time to come.” Give a synonym and use “fondly” in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your reaction now that China is also manufacturing planes?
  2. What is your opinion on this, “COMAC hopes to compete with airline industry giants, like Boeing and Airbus.”?
  3. Do you think COMAC will get a lot of international orders soon? Why or why not?
  4. Talk about any recent milestone in any industry in your country.
  5. Talk about one of your country’s national pride.

Smiling Classes

B1 – Intermediate

People have been wearing masks for a long time since the COVID-19 pandemic. Some people in Japan claim that they have forgotten how to smile naturally. Therefore, they are taking smiling lessons from “smile coaches”.

Read more about these smiling classes in the article.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2306/230608-smiling-classes.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “complex” mean in this context, “Many people developed a complex about smiling.“? Use this word in this context in a sentence.
  2. What does “the key to something” mean? “Moving and relaxing the facial muscles is the key to a good smile.” Use this expression in a sentence.
  3. What is the meaning of “for some time to come“? “Smile coaches in Japan may be busy for some time to come.” Use this phrase in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your opinion on smiling lessons?
  2. Have you ever found it difficult or uncomfortable to smile naturally after wearing a face mask for a lengthy period of time? How did you handle it?
  3. Would you consider taking lessons from a “smile coach” to relearn how to smile with confidence if you felt self-conscious about it?
  4. Do you believe that wearing masks has affected your ability to communicate effectively and make good impressions on others? Why or why not?
  5. What is your opinion on this: “Smiling makes a good impression on others and helps communication. It also has the effect of making yourself feel more positive.”?

Preparing for a Presentation

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Making an effective presentation depends primarily on preparation. In addition to helping you feel more confident, rigorous planning will guarantee that you have carefully considered the themes you want or need to convey in your presentation.

https://www.skillsyouneed.com/present/prepare-presentation.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the word “tailor” mean? “Tailoring your talk to the audience is important.” Use the word in a sentence.
  2. What does “quell” mean? “It does much to quell fear if you can visualize the place while you are preparing for your talk.” Make a sentence using the word.
  3. What does the phrase “turn up” mean? “You will not be popular if you turn up on the day and announce that you have completely rewritten your presentation on the train.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Which audience is preferable for presentations: a large or a small one? Why?
  2. Have you ever had to make a presentation in English? How did you find the experience?
  3. Do you think it would be a good idea to practise the presentation with your English teacher beforehand, or would this make the actual presentation less spontaneous?
  4. Do you write out everything you are going to say word for word, or do you just make general notes? What are the advantages and disadvantages of each method?

Eat Well at a Buffet

B2 – Upper Intermediate

If you’ve ever found yourself faced with an extensive spread of delectable dishes at a buffet, you know that navigating through the multitude of options can be both exciting and overwhelming.

From making smart choices to managing portion sizes and exploring new flavors, this comprehensive guide will provide you with valuable tips and strategies to help guarantee a good experience eating at an all-you-can-eat restaurant.

Read the article to acquire some knowledge and techniques to indulge in a delightful buffet experience like a true connoisseur.

https://delishably.com/dining-out/How-to-Eat-a-Buffet

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the phrase “gulp down” mean? “If you are gulping down quarts of soft drinks and piling up french fries on your plate, and starting on your third serving of chili, you might be abusing the buffet experience.” Use the phrase in a sentence.
  2. What does “to push something aside” mean? “If one particular thing tastes a little “off” or is not what you thought it was, it is reasonable to push it aside.” Make a sentence using the expression.
  3. What is the meaning of the expression “to die for”? “While buffet desserts are to die for, the fat and sugar calories can be staggering.”  Use the expression in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. According to the article, why is it recommended to start with lighter options such as salads, fruits, or soups at a buffet?
  2. Explain the suggested approach for managing portion sizes at a buffet?
  3. What is your opinion on the suggestion to arrive at a buffet with an empty stomach? Do you think it enhances the dining experience? Why or why not?
  4. In your opinion, is it important to try different cuisines and dishes you haven’t had before at a buffet? Why or why not?

The Dangers of a Nice Company Culture

B2 – Upper Intermediate

People seek genuine pleasant workplaces, not superficial ones. Seize the opportunity to reflect and assess whether your organization genuinely nurtures a culture of kindness or simply puts up a front.

This enlightening article delves into the hazards of a “nice” company culture.

https://www.applauz.me/resources/the-dangers-of-a-nice-culture

Vocabulary Questions:

Give the meaning of the highlighted words in the following sentences. Provide sample sentences.

  1. In short, is it possible to set the bar too low?
  2. Mistakes and toxic actions being swept under the rug.
  3. Nice cultures are guilty of the opposite — dancing around hard truths.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How does the article define “nice company culture” and why is it hazardous?
  2. Why do leaders pursue a nice culture in organizations?
  3. What are the downsides of a nice culture in an organization?
  4. How does open and honest communication help combat the hazards of a nice company culture?
  5. Have you faced challenges expressing dissenting views or giving candid feedback? How were they received, and what were the outcomes?

Life Purpose

B2 – Upper Intermediate

At what moments in our lives do we start thinking about the meaning of life? Our life purpose can be described in many ways and some people of different ages ponder over this personal enigma.

Read the article and try to unlock the mystery of life by discussing common views on life’s meaning. 

https://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/what-life-purpose

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “fluctuation” mean here, “What’s more, your purpose can actually shift and change throughout life in response to the evolving priorities and fluctuations of your own experiences.”? Give a synonym and use ‘fluctuation’ in this context in a sentence.
  2. What does “shipwreck” mean in this context, “Questions about life purpose may arise at any time in life, but you may notice that they are especially prevalent during times of transition or crisis—for example, a career or educational change, personal loss, or long-distance move. Sharon Daloz Parks calls these events “life’s shipwrecks.”? Use this word in your own sentence.
  3. What does “reframe” mean? “This is the secret to a fully alive life: to reframe our life questions over and over.“ Use this word in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. According to the article, what is the secret to a fully-alive life?
  2. Share your thoughts on the equation for purpose that is G + P + V = P (gifts + passions + values = purpose).
  3. Would you say that you have fulfilled some of your dreams? What have you accomplished?
  4. What do you think is your life purpose?
  5. Is life a predetermined path? Explain your views on this.

Silence Your Inner Critic

B2 – Upper Intermediate

There are times when we end up being our own biggest critic. We tend to be harsher on ourselves when we mess something up. Rather than being our biggest enemy, we must try to be kinder to ourselves and free ourselves from our inner critics.

Read this article to learn the easiest way to silence your inner critic.

https://lifehacker.com/the-easiest-way-to-silence-your-inner-critic-1850497775

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “stem from something” mean? “He used to have a severe case of toxic self-talk that stemmed from an addiction to perfectionism, as it related to performance.” Use this phrase in a sentence.
  2. What does “to be stuck in a ____ loop” mean? “In fact, many of us are stuck in a toxic feedback loop with ourselves that is more damaging than we might think.” Use this idiom in your own sentence.
  3. What does “the bulk of the work” mean? “Regardless, the bulk of the work is done when you stop talking to yourself negatively and redirect that negative self-talk into a kinder monologue.” Use this phrase in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you find yourself being your own biggest critic? How so, and in which situations?
  2. According to the article, negative self-talk can have a significant impact on our self-esteem and well-being. Can you think of a time when your inner critic affected your confidence or mood?
  3. What other steps can you take to have more self-compassion and avoid all the negative self-talk?
  4. Do you believe that silencing your inner critic can have a positive impact on your personal and professional growth? Why or why not?
  5. Do you think having an inner critic is ever necessary? Why or why not?