Tag: Reading

The Difference between Strong and Weak AI

B2 – Upper Intermediate

It is safe to say that advances in Artificial Intelligence (AI) have made our lives easier today. As it becomes an integral part of our lives more and more, we stand at the cusp of realizing the true power of AI technology.

Read the article and understand the key differences between a strong AI and a weak AI.

https://builtin.com/artificial-intelligence/strong-ai-weak-ai

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Define “threshold“, “As artificial intelligence continues to grow more advanced, the threshold of what can be considered true intelligence continues to get more complicated to define.”. Use this word in your own sentence.
  2. Define “settle” here, “Until then, we will have to settle for the type of artificial intelligence that exists today: weak AI, which operates under far more constraints and limitations than even the most basic human intelligence in order to perfect very specific tasks.” Use ‘settle’ in your own sentence in this context. Give 2 other definitions of this word.
  3. What does “to far exceed someone/something” mean, “And it is setting a foundation for AI’s potential to not only mimic and match human intelligence, but far exceed it.”? Use this phrase in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is the difference between weak, general, and super AI?
  2. In which sectors has AI been widely used?
  3. What benefits do the industries described in the video get when AI is used?
  4. Share your thoughts on this statement, “People have no idea how much of their lives is actually governed by weak AI, or specialized AI.”.
  5. For you, what does it mean to be intelligent?

Strengths and Weaknesses

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Imagine being asked about your strengths and weaknesses at a job interview. What would you say?

Read the article and find out some tips on how to talk about strengths and weaknesses at a job interview.

https://www.betterteam.com/strengths-and-weaknesses

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Define “frame” here, “Use the job description to frame your answer.” Use this word in your own sentence.
  2. What does “hard skill” mean, “Your weaknesses can include a hard skill set out in the job description, provided that you emphasize your desire to acquire this skill through a course or program.“? Use this phrase in your own sentence.
  3. Define “note” here, “I struggle with negative criticism and can become obsessed with perfecting my work after receiving notes from a supervisor.” Use this word in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What should you consider when listing your weaknesses?
  2. Can your weakness affect your hiring? How can you avoid this?
  3. What are some examples of weaknesses that you can mention during an interview depending on the job profile?
  4. What should you consider when listing your strengths?
  5. What are some examples of strengths that you can mention during an interview?

Companies Spend in Research and Development

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The role of the Research and Development (R&D) department is to keep a business competitive by researching the market and the customer needs and developing new and improved products and services to fit these needs.

Read the article to know more about how businesses gather knowledge to create new products or discover new ways to improve their existing products.

https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/which-companies-spend-the-most-in-research-and-development-rd-2021-06-21

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Define “line item” here, “Amazon is among the top R&D spenders even though its financial statements do not mention R&D as a separate line item.” Use this word in your own sentence.
  2. Define “set forth” here, “The company’s R&D expenses continue to be set forth within “technology and content” in its financial statements.” Use this word in your own sentence.
  3. What does “world leader” mean here, “However, in terms of cumulative patent holdings, Samsung is the world leader with 80,577 active patent families.” Use the word withstand in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How useful is R&D for a business?
  2. Do you have an R&D department in your company? What does it do?
  3. “Our business environment changes rapidly and needs long-term investment. We will not hesitate to place major bets on promising new opportunities. We will not shy away from high-risk, high-reward projects because of short-term earnings pressure.” Do you agree with this statement? Explain.
  4. What are some examples of investment risks?
  5. In your opinion, which is the better approach: Working quickly to develop a good solution or taking more time to craft an excellent solution? Elaborate.

Spanish Actress’ Surrogate Baby Is Her Late Son’s

B2 – Upper Intermediate

When celebrities announce that they’ve had a baby via surrogacy, it doesn’t shock the world that much anymore.

But Spanish TV star Ana Obregón’s revelation of having a surrogate baby using his late son’s sperm did. Legally, his makes her the baby’s mother. But biologically, she is the grandmother.

Read the article about Spanish TV actress Ana Obregón’s surrogate baby who was fathered by her deceased son.

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-65186636

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Define “bear”here, “While ¡Hola! magazine’s front page carried a picture of the TV actress and the new baby, another Spanish magazine, Lecturas, featured the surrogate mother who bore Ana Sandra.” Use this word in your own sentence.
  2. What does “rule out” mean, “She refuses to rule out providing her granddaughter with a brother or sister.”? Give a similar word or phrase and use ‘rule out’ in your own sentence.
  3. What does ”to take something upon oneself” mean, “Ana Obregón has taken it upon herself to interpret her dead son’s wishes and that is going too far.”? Give a similar word or phrase and use ‘to take something upon oneself’ in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think of Obregón’s saying she did this to fulfill his dying son’s final wish? Do you think there is an ethical issue here? Explain.
  2. Share your thoughts on this: “She (Obregón) refuses to rule out providing her granddaughter with a brother or sister.” 
  3. Legally the actress is the baby’s mother, even if she is biologically her grandmother. Any thoughts on this?
  4. What are your thoughts on surrogacy being illegal in Spain?
  5. In general, what is your opinion about surrogacy?

The Intertwined Lives of Sister Best Friends

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The connection between true friends is a precious gift that transcends time and space. This attachment is even stronger for some when it comes to sisterhood. Sister best friends have special and compelling ties that is beyond description. They grow up around each other, share experiences and secrets, and ultimately, become deeply intertwined in each other’s lives.

The lives of sisters who are close often overlap, creating a strong alliance that may be their greatest significant link, though it is not without obstacles and conflicts.

For a more comprehensive understanding about the unbreakable connection between sister best friends, click on the link.

https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20221121-the-intertwined-lives-of-sister-best-friends

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “life in parallel” mean in the sentence, “As twin flames, we feel each other’s lives and have always experienced life in parallel.”? Use this expression in your own sentence.
  2. What does “biggest cheerleaders” mean, “We are each other’s biggest cheerleaders and as the eldest, I will always be fiercely protective of Lauren.”? Use this expression in your own sentence.
  3. What does “cause friction” mean in the sentence, “Intense bonds can impact other friendships and cause friction in – or even end – romantic relationships.”? Use this expression in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What kind of difficult situation can arise when sisters weave their lives closely together?
  2. What advantages and drawbacks can one experience from having a strong sisterly bond?
  3. Can you give examples of how sisters maintain their own distinct identities while still being closely interconnected?
  4. Is it possible for the bond between sisters to change over time? If yes, in what ways?
  5. How significant is the bond you share with your family members? Please share.

Pollution Causes Male Fertility Crisis

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Pollution is one of the most significant challenges that the world is facing today. Its negative impact is not limited to the environment but also affects human health. Among the many health concerns related to pollution, male fertility crisis has emerged as a pressing issue.

Follow the link to learn more about how male fertility is declining as a result of pollution.

https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20230327-how-pollution-is-causing-a-male-fertility-crisis

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “chime (in) with something” mean, “The findings chime with other research showing the damage to fertility caused by chemicals found in plastics, household medications, in the food chain and in the air.”? Use this expression in your own sentence.
  2. What does “to hit record low” mean, “Birth rates worldwide are hitting record low levels.”? Use this expression in your own sentence.
  3. What does “fecundity” mean, “At the same time, there may also be a decline in a different kind of fertility, known as fecundity – meaning, a person’s physical ability to produce offspring.”? Use this word in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. From your perspective, what are the key factors contributing to the decline in male fertility related to pollution?
  2. What steps can individuals and governments take to reduce exposure to pollutants that can cause male fertility issues?
  3. Can changes in environmental policies and regulations help reduce the impact of pollution on male fertility?
  4. How does lifestyle, such as diet and exercise, play a role in male fertility and the impact of pollution? Please explain.
  5. Is pollution a significant concern in your community? Please share.

Should I Follow my Dreams

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Following our passions can be exciting and fulfilling, while duty may seem like the responsible choice for stability and security. But how do we strike the right balance?

Here’s an article that offers a fresh perspective on this topic and challenges traditional notions of safety.

https://theschooloflife.com/should-I-follow-my-dreams

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is the meaning of the word “high-wire” in the sentence, “Meanwhile, passion is a high-wire act.”? Use it in a sentence.
  2. Explain the meaning of “penury” in the sentence, “We constantly fear penury and humiliation.”. Use it in a sentence.
  3. What is meant by “onerous” here, “A decade of mixed results on a passion project is inherently less onerous than unspectacular returns for a whole career in a hateful field.”? Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What aspects of the article caught your attention the most?
  2. How do you reconcile between practicality and passion?
  3. How do you define safety in the context of career choices? Is it solely based on financial stability, or does it involve other factors such as job security, fulfillment, and personal satisfaction?
  4. What are your thoughts on the idea that pursuing what we love, even if it may involve risks and failures, can ultimately lead to mastery and success?
  5. Have you seen someone choose a safe career path but end up feeling unfulfilled? How did that experience shape your perspective on safety when making career choices?

The Rise and Fall of Podcasts

B2 – Upper Intermediate

If you’re curious to learn more about the surging popularity of podcasts, I highly recommend checking out the full article below. The article explains why podcasts have become a popular source of entertainment and information for people worldwide. Dive into the world of podcasts to uncover why they have become a global phenomenon. Happy reading!

https://www.deseret.com/entertainment/2023/2/9/23592684/decline-of-podcasts

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is the meaning of the expression “tables have turned” in the sentence, “Since 2004, this form of entertainment has boomed in popularity, but last year, the tables seemed to have turned.”? Use this idiom in a sentence.
  2. What is the meaning of the phrase “to gain traction” here, “The origin of podcasts is rooted in the late 1900s, but 2004 was the year where podcasts started to gain traction.”? Use it in a sentence.
  3. Explain the meaning of “free-fall” in the sentence, “Coming up on almost two decades after the invention of modern podcasts, it seems that podcasts might be in free-fall.”. Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you listen to podcasts? If so, what types of podcasts do you enjoy and why?
  2. In what situations do you prefer listening to podcasts over watching videos, or vice versa?
  3. What was the last podcast you listened to, and what was it about?
  4. Do you think the popularity of podcasts will continue to grow in comparison to videos? Why or why not?
  5. Do you think the decline in podcast creation is a temporary trend, or do you believe it’s indicative of a larger shift in consumer preferences for audio entertainment? Why?

Italy May Punish English Use

B1 – Intermediate

Having English skills has become increasingly important in today’s globalized world. Nevertheless, some people consider it a threat as it may harm their native language.

Read the article to learn more about Italy’s stand on the use of English.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2304/230406-anglomania.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is “Anglomania“, “He is worried about the growing number of English words in Italian. He called it Anglomania.” Make your own sentence.
  2. What does “fine” mean here, ” He wants people to get a fine if they use English words.“? Use this in your own sentence.
  3. What does “linguistics” mean, “A top Italian linguistics society, the Accademia della Crusca, said it totally disagreed with Mr. Rampelli’s idea.“? Use this word in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your opinion about this new law?
  2. What are its potential consequences?
  3. Do you think you need the same law in your country? Why or why not?
  4. How important is English in today’s globalized world? What opportunities can you get by speaking English fluently?
  5. Do you think English is harming your country’s native language? Share your opinion.

Every Job Is An Opportunity

B2 – Upper Intermediate

A job is more than a paycheck. It’s a platform for learning, growth, and advancement. By seeing every job as an opportunity, individuals can unlock their full potential, extract valuable lessons, and make the most out of their career journey.

Discover 5 reasons why every job can be a stepping stone towards career dreams. Despite feeling uninspired sometimes, jobs offer growth opportunities. Don’t miss this eye-opening article by Jakob Sauppe!

https://possibilitychange.com/every-job-is-an-opportunity/

Vocabulary Questions:

1. What is the meaning of the phrase “Achilles’ heel” in a sentence “Every one of us has an Achilles’ heel in our work lives.” Use it in a sentence.

2. In a sentence “If you made a positive, memorable impression, that could be your ticket to moving up.”, explain the meaning of the word “ticket” and use it in a sentence.

3. Explain the idiom “right off the bat” in the sentence “I sincerely doubt many people turn out successful right off the bat.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you agree that every job is an opportunity? Why or why not?
  2. What other values did you learn from the article?
  3. How can you use your job as an opportunity to improve?
  4. How does the mindset of viewing every job as an opportunity to excel impact your approach to your work and your overall job performance?
  5. Share success stories of individuals who turned challenges into opportunities for career growth.