Tag: Reading

Nepal Bans Solo Mountain Climbers

B2 – Upper Intermediate

People take up the hobby of mountain climbing for a lot of reasons. Some do it for the thrill and sense of adventure, while others want to set new records or break the older ones. Regardless of the reason, safety should be the main priority in this activity.

Let’s read the article and find out about this law in Nepal to minimize the risks for mountaineers.

https://www.english-online.at/news-articles/travel/nepal-bans-solo-mountain-climbers.htm

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is the meaning of the word “amputee“?” The new law also prohibits blind and double amputee climbers from trying to reach the top peaks.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does the word “acute” mean? “Although mountaineers die for a number of reasons, almost every fifth death is caused by acute mountain sickness.” Give two synonyms and use it in your own sentence.
  3. What does the word “peak” mean in this context? “Nepal has banned solo mountaineers from climbing Mount Everest and other peaks.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why is the Nepalese government imposing stricter rules on mountaineers?
  2. How does this new law benefit the locals and the mountaineers alike?
  3. Do you agree with this law? Why or why not?
  4. What is your opinion on the prohibition of physically handicapped people from climbing the Mount Everest?

Internet Use Lowers Risk of Dementia

B1 – Intermediate

Excessive usage of technology, especially, our gadgets can be harmful to our health. However, a recent study suggests that spending time online may be beneficial to the mental health of older people.

Read the article to learn more about this new research on how internet use reduces the risk of dementia in older people.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2305/230508-daily-internet-use.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “plethora” mean, “There is a plethora of research on the potential harm of the Internet.“? Use this word in your own sentence.
  2. What does “exacerbate” mean, “The research also found that excessive Internet use (of 6 to 8 hours a day) may exacerbate the risks of developing dementia.“? Give 2 synonyms of this word and use them in a sentence.
  3. What is the meaning of “compensate” in this context, “Online engagement may help to develop and maintain cognitive reserve, which can in turn compensate for brain aging and reduce the risk of dementia.“”? Use it in a sentence in the same context.

Discussion Questions:

  1. According to the article, what are some of the benefits of using the internet frequently?
  2. Do you think that older people should use the Internet as a way to maintain cognitive function? Explain.
  3. Do you believe that spending time online can benefit your mental health? Explain.
  4. What steps do you take to balance your online and offline activities to ensure optimal mental health?
  5. How do you think society as a whole is affected by the prevalence of internet use?

Cultivate Life Transforming Habits

B2 – Upper Intermediate

We all want to become better but sometimes it can be very overwhelming when we don’t know how or where to start. We easily get intimidated by the amount of effort we need to put in in order to change ourselves. Thus, we never get around to doing it.

Read the article on how doing a habit trial can challenge you and help you become a better version of you.

https://personalexcellence.co/blog/21-day-trial/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is the meaning of the word “age-old”, “The 21-day trial is based on the age-old belief that it takes 21 days to fully form a new habit.”? Use it in a sentence.
  2. What is the meaning of the word “cloud” mean in this sentence, “Firstly, breaking the habit for one day will affect your experience of the activity, which subsequently clouds your findings.“? Use it in a sentence.
  3. What is the meaning of the word “chuck”, “. Since you are not committing to this habit beyond 21 days, you can chuck it aside if you don’t like it.“? Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why is it usually difficult for people to form a new habit?
  2. How can the 21-Day Habit Challenge help people?
  3. What activities can people do when they complete the 21-Day Habit Challenge?
  4. Would you like to try this program? Why (not)?

ASEAN Tackles Regional Crises at Tropical Resort

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The ASEAN 2023 is hosted by Indonesia. The summit’s agenda include the ongoing violent civil conflicts in Myanmar and the intensifying territorial disputes in the South China Sea among its member states.

Indonesian President Joko Widodo believes hosting the ASEAN Summit is a ‘good moment’ for his country and the perfect opportunity to put the rustic harbor town Labuan Bajo on the map.

In spite of the many challenges they are facing in pushing for the success of the Summit, Indonesian officials say they would do everything they can in order to host the ASEAN in the safest and most successful way possible.

Read the article about the ASEAN meeting and its agenda peppered with controversial issues; and some hitches to holding the Summit in the picturesque town of Labuan Bajo.

https://www.voanews.com/a/asean-leaders-to-tackle-regional-crises-st-tropical-resort-/7083266.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “rein in” mean? “ASEAN has failed to rein in the violence in its member state.”? Use this phrase in a sentence.
  2. What is a “strife“? “These include the continuing bloody civil strife in Myanmar and the escalating territorial conflicts in the South China Sea between fellow leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.” Give 1-2 synonym/s of ‘strife’ and use the word in your own sentence.
  3. What does “megaphone diplomacy approach” mean? “Colleagues certainly know that in the early stages of its leadership, Indonesia decided to take a non-megaphone diplomacy approach.” Use this term in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on President Widodo’s choice of the ASEAN Summit venue? Do you think it will really help put Labuan Bajo “under the global tourism spotlight”? Share your thoughts.
  2. What are some problems with holding the ASEAN meeting in this town?
  3. What is your opinion on this: “The sunshiny setting is a stark contrast to the seriousness of their agenda.”?
  4. Discuss your thoughts on this: “U.S. President Joe Biden has been reinforcing an arc of alliances in the Indo-Pacific region to better counter China over Taiwan and the long-seething territorial conflicts in the strategic South China Sea which involve four ASEAN members: Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam.”.
  5. Do you agree or disagree with Indonesia’s non-megaphone diplomacy approach when it comes to how they tackled the Myanmar crisis?

You Wake Up Earlier As You Get Older

B2 – Upper Intermediate

People get up earlier than they did when they were more youthful as they get older. This is a typical occurrence that has been documented in numerous studies. While it may seem counterintuitive that older people would require further sleep, there are an array of causes for this.

Educate yourself on the topic of age-related sleep changes and discover practical strategies for maintaining healthy sleep habits as you age by reading the full text below.

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/reason-older-adults-wake-up-early_l_644a7b33e4b0d840388d2f46

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to wake up before the sun” mean in the sentence, “There are many jokes that center around older adults waking up before the sun, and even more about teenagers’ late-sleeping habits.”? Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “few extra hours of Zzzs” mean in the sentence, “We asked Lustig and other experts to break down the main reasons why this occurs, and what you can do to push back if you just want those few extra hours of Zzzs.”? Use this phrase in your own sentence.
  3. What does “nightcap” mean in the sentence, “Lustig added you should avoid alcohol before bed — “while that nightcap might make you sleepy, it actually disrupts the quality of your sleep.””? Give 2 synonyms for this word and use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why do older adults tend to experience changes in their circadian rhythms?
  2. How does advanced sleep phase syndrome contribute to earlier wake-up times in older adults?
  3. Can medication or other therapies help older adults manage sleep disturbances and wake up at a more desirable time? Tell me more.
  4. Can changes in hormone levels impact sleep patterns as people age? If so, how?
  5. What are the long-term consequences of poor sleep hygiene in older adults, and how can these be avoided? Please share.
  6. How can older adults maintain a healthy sleep routine as they age?

Former Homeless Woman Wins Millions on Scratch-off Ticket

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Rarely does a heartwarming news story capture the public’s interest, but this one has. Not only is it a dream come true for one woman, but it’s also a proof that anything is possible.

What’s more, it’s a reminder that good things can happen to anyone at any time. This incredible story shows that life can change in an instant, and it’s inspiring to see how one stroke of luck can change a person’s life.

So, it’s with great pleasure that I share the news of a once-homeless woman who recently won a life-changing $5 million on a scratch-off ticket in California.

Read the article below and be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2023/05/05/california-woman-5-million-lottery-ticket-homeless/70187611007/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the word “scratch” mean in this sentence, “Forseth was changing oil on her car and scratched the winning ticket outside the store.”? Use this word in a sentence in this context. Also, give another meaning of this word and make a sentence using this word in that context.
  2. What is the meaning of “sole mission” in the sentence “The California Lottery’s sole mission is to raise additional funding for public education.” Use this phrase in a sentence.
  3. How is the word “alike” used in the article? “It showcases the positive impact our games have on winners and schools alike.” Use this word in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How does this news story make you feel?
  2. What are your thoughts on the California Lottery’s sole mission to raise additional funding for public education?
  3. In your opinion, is it a good idea to buy a lottery ticket? Explain.
  4. How do you think winning the lottery could change someone’s life?
  5. What would you do if you won $5 million in the lottery?
  6. Have you ever experienced a sudden change in your life? How did you handle it?

Companies Control Everything You Buy

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Have you ever stopped to consider who’s behind the brands you purchase?

Well, it turns out, they are the ten biggest global players in the food and beverage industry. Nestlé, PepsiCo, Coca-Cola, and Unilever, to name a few, have thousands of people they employ. They generate billions annually.

Oxfam’s infographic in the article below attempts for said companies to strive in creating positive impact and show consumers how closely these corporations interact with each other.

In this article, you’ll learn more about the companies behind the brands and products.

https://www.businessinsider.com/10-companies-control-food-industry-2017-3

Vocabulary Questions

  1. What is the meaning of the idiom “mind-boggling”? “In an effort to push these companies to make positive changes — and for customers to realize who controls the brands they’re buying — Oxfam created a mind-boggling infographic that shows how interconnected consumer brands really are.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does the phrase “move beyond” mean in the sentence “Coca-Cola is moving beyond soda, with beverage brands including Dasani, Fuze, and Honest Tea.”? Use it in a sentence.
  3. Explain the meaning of the adjective “____-centric” in the sentence “This snack-centric company’s brands include Oreo, Trident gum, and Sour Patch Kids.”. Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. After reading the article, are you surprised by the companies’ high level of interconnectedness?
  2. Why is it crucial for consumers to know which companies own the brands they buy? How can this knowledge affect the way we shop?
  3. How can these food and beverage companies improve their impact on society and the environment?
  4. Do you think these companies should focus more on ethical and sustainable practices than on profit? Why or why not?
  5. How can we ensure these companies are doing the right thing, and what can we do if they’re not?

Adapting to Last Minute Project Changes

B2 – Upper Intermediate

How flexible you are when sudden changes happen? Although last-minute changes can be prevented with careful planning, some projects can be a real challenge to maintaining your balance sometimes.

Read the article to know how to quickly adapt to last-minute hiccups at certain project phases.

https://pmtips.net/article/how-to-adapt-to-last-minute-project-changes-or-hiccupshttps://pmtips.net/article/how-to-adapt-to-last-minute-project-changes-or-hiccups

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the expression “best-laid plan” mean, “The best-laid plans sometimes don’t work out. In a perfect world, every project you take on at work would be smooth sailing from start to finish.”? Use this phrase in a sentence.
  2. What does “hiccup” mean, “But that still doesn’t stop the occasional hiccup or unexpected circumstance from happening.”? Use the word hiccup in a sentence.
  3. What does the word “to be knocked out of the groove” mean in this sentence, “When that happens, it can feel as though everyone is instantly knocked out of the “groove” they’ve been in for the project.”? Use this idiom in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How often do you have to deal with bottlenecks created by your colleagues or partners?
  2. How do you usually deal with the situation when unexpected events affect your project timing?
  3. How do you feel when your plan changes suddenly? Do you start panicking or looking for solutions?
  4.  Have you had to deal with any last-minute changes in your workplace?

Job-Hopping Impacts Retirement Savings

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Job-hopping has become a thing nowadays as more people seek greener pastures. It may seem advantageous in terms of your long-term savings. However, it could potentially hurt your retirement savings in the long run.

Read the article to learn about some things to factor in when job-hopping.

https://lifehacker.com/how-job-hopping-impacts-your-retirement-savings-1850274503

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is a “vesting schedule“, “In most cases, increasing your overall income will do more for you in the long-term than any one company’s vesting schedule.“? Use this phrase in your own sentence.
  2. What does the expression “to leave money on the table” mean, “With incentives like a dedicated vesting schedule or matching 401(k) contributions, workers who stick with one company get rewarded for their loyalty—while job-hoppers feel like they’re leaving free money on the table.“? Make a sentence with this idiom.
  3. What does “stick with” mean,  “Workers who stick with one company get rewarded for their loyalty.“? Use this phrase in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How does job-hopping impact retirement savings?
  2. Is job hopping a viable option for those who prioritize their retirement savings? Why or why not?
  3. Have you ever considered job hopping in order to increase your income or advance your career?
  4. How important is retirement planning to you, and what steps are you taking to ensure your future financial security?
  5. Do you believe that job hopping can have a positive impact on your career trajectory, or do you think it is better to stay with one employer for a longer period of time?

All Things Remembered

B1 – Intermediate

The expression “All things remembered” means that it’s important to cherish our memories. Memories are the things we remember from our past, like happy times, sad times, or important events. It helps us understand who we are and make sense of the world around us. They also bring us comfort and joy when we think about them.

Let’s read the article below and learn more things about it.

http://headsupenglish.com/index.php/lower-intermediate-students/lower-intermediate-news-lessons/lower-intermediate-science-and-technology-lessons/556-perfect-memory

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “a fact of life” mean in this sentence, “For Brad Williams, this is a fact of life, as he can remember everything with perfect clarity.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “rerun” mean in this sentence, “Imagine you could remember every action and event in your life. For example, you could remember that on June 15th, 1992, you ate a hamburger with extra cheese and onions for dinner, and you also watched a rerun on TV” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “how something works” mean in this sentence, “The doctor is studying Williams because he wants to understand how memory works.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think about being able to having a perfect memory of everything in your past?
  2. Why are memories important in our lives?
  3. How can we make sure we don’t forget important memories? How do you preserve your memories?
  4. Can we rely on our memories to be completely accurate? Why / Why not?
  5. How do our memories of past experiences shape our current behavior and decision-making?