Tag: Reading

Hospitals Sue Patients for Medical Debts

B2 – Upper Intermediate

We often hear about patients suing doctors or hospitals for negligence or some kind of medical malpractice.

However, some hospitals in America are doing it the other way around. They are taking some legal actions against their patients.

Read the article to find out why some US hospitals sue patients.

https://www.chiefhealthcareexecutive.com/view/many-hospitals-sue-patients-or-turn-to-collectors-for-medical-debts-report

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is “wage garnishment“? “More than two-thirds of hospitals are filing lawsuits or taking other legal measures, including garnishing wages and placing liens on homes or property.” Use this word in a sentence.
  2. What does “(property) lien” mean? “More than two-thirds of hospitals are filing lawsuits or taking other legal measures, including garnishing wages and placing liens on homes or property.” Use this word in a sentence.
  3. What does “saddled with” mean? “At a White House event in April, Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra said, “Too many families across the country are saddled with crushing medical debt.” Use this phrase in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on hospitals aggressively going after patients for unpaid medical bills?
  2. How can this impact patients with huge medical debts?
  3. What are things being done in order to address the issue of hospitals suing patients who have increasing unpaid hospital bills?
  4. What impact could these solutions have on the healthcare system in America?
  5. Does this also happen in your country? Why or why not?

Biocomputers

B1 – Intermediate

We are so close to seeing a fusion between humans and computers. Organoids are lab-grown tissues that are much like human organs. Bioengineers have successfully, though still in its early stages, built a cross between organoids and AI.

Read the article about biocomputers.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2312/231218-brainoware-biocomputer-4.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the noun ”merging” mean,“Humans and machines are closer to merging.”? Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and make a sentence using ‘merging’.
  2. What does “early stage” mean? “Brainoware is in its early stages, but can already do complex tasks like voice recognition.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and make a sentence using ‘early stage’.
  3. What does the phrase “proof-of-concept” mean? “A researcher said: “This is just proof-of-concept to show that we can do the job.” Use this term in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is a biocomputer?
  2. What is your opinion on this technology?
  3. What makes this invention important?
  4. What are some good uses of biocomputers? Can you think of more? 
  5. How about the disadvantages/challenges we have with it?

Experts Figure What to Focus On

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Experts often determine what to focus on through a combination of experience, knowledge, and strategic thinking. 

In essence, experts use a blend of knowledge, experience, analysis, and adaptability to determine what to focus on in their respective domains. They often prioritize based on the bigger picture, understanding how their actions contribute to overarching goals or solve critical problems.

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

How Experts Figure What to Focus On

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is the meaning of the idiom “cast a wide net”? “If you want to master and deeply understand the core fundamentals of a task you may, paradoxically, need to start by casting a very wide net.” Use in your own sentence.
  2. What does the phrasal verb “whittle something down” mean? “Then you need to edit those words and whittle them down to the most powerful version possible.” Use in your own sentence.
  3. What does “make a call” mean in this context, “Even when you do measure things, however, there comes a point where you have to make a call and decide what to focus on.”? Use this expression in your own words.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Share your thoughts on this, “Focus is a core factor of success.“
  2. What methods or strategies do you think experts use to prioritize their tasks or goals effectively?
  3. Can you share an instance where you had to decide what to focus on? How did you approach this decision-making process?
  4. From your perspective, what could be some common challenges experts face when figuring out what to focus on in their respective fields?
  5. The text mentions the author’s Year of Many Errors. What role do you think failure plays in helping experts refine their focus or direction?
  6. What role does consistent practice or repetition play in an expert’s ability to determine their focus and master their field?

What Do You Love Most about Your Home?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

“What do you love most about your home?” explores the intimate and personal connections individuals have with their living spaces. It delves into the multifaceted reasons why people cherish their homes, highlighting key themes such as comfort, functionality, location, and the nostalgic value of memories.

Through anecdotes and reflections from various individuals, it celebrates the emotional significance of different aspects of home life, whether it’s the coziness of a favorite corner, the adaptability of spaces for work or leisure, the importance of location and community ties, or the treasure trove of memories embedded within the walls. Overall, it emphasizes the diverse and profound reasons why our homes hold such a special place in our hearts.

Read the article about on what we all love most about our homes and be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://hathways.co.uk/blog/what-do-you-love-most-about-your-home/10594

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is the meaning of the adjective “tight-knit”? “I’ve recently moved back to Caerleon and I finally feel ‘home’, being close to my friends and family in a tight-knit community is what I love most about my new house“. Use it in your sentence.
  2. What is the meaning of the idiomatic expression “There’s no place like home”? “As Dorothy once said, “There’s no place like home” and for many of us the area in which we live is what makes our house feel like home“. Use it in a sentence.
  3. What is the meaning of the adjective “roaring”? “I love my new roll-top bath and sitting in front of my roaring log burner”. Use it in your own words.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How important is it for you to have a space at home that provides comfort and relaxation?
  2. How do functional spaces at home impact your daily life, especially considering changes in work or lifestyle habits?
  3. Do you feel a strong connection to your community, and how does that influence your perception of your home?
  4. Has your perception of “home” evolved over time? If so, in what ways?
  5. What factors influence how you define and appreciate your home now compared to the past?

Economic Shock Treatment in Argentina

B1 – Intermediate

After his surprise win in the last elections, President Javier Milei has outline his plans on how to alleviate Argentina from the economic crisis that the country is currently suffering.

Read the article about Argentina’s new president Javier Milei’s economic plans for his nation.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2312/231214-javier-milei-2.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does ”austerity” mean,”He said they would have to live in “austerity” to help the economy.”? Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and make a sentence using ‘austerity’.
  2. What does “fruit of one’s efforts” mean? “We know that in the short term, the situation will worsen, but then we will see the fruits of our efforts.” Use this idiom in a sentence.
  3. What does “turning point” mean? “His election victory was a surprise. He called it a turning point in Argentina’s history, like the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989.” Use this phrase in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think President Milei mean with “The economy needed ‘shock treatment’.”.
  2. How exactly do you think can a country live in austerity during an economic crisis?
  3. How can a country cut inflation and national debt? How does your government do it?
  4. Do you agree with Milei on this, “We know that in the short term, the situation will worsen, but then we will see the fruits of our efforts.”? Why or why not?
  5. How’s the economic state of your country like in year 2023?

Cure for Itchiness and Eczema

B1 – Intermediate

Perhaps one of the most irritating and exasperating feeling is when an itch doesn’t seem to go away no matter what you do.

Eczema is a very common skin condition that affects hundreds of millions of people around the world. Scientists have not stopped trying to understand why we itch and how to treat it.

Read the article about a possible cure for itchiness and eczema.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2311/231130-eczema-cure.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does ”bug” mean here,”The most common disease is eczema. It’s not the nicest bug to have on you, for sure.”
  2. Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and make a sentence using ‘bug’.
  3. What does “induce mean? “Many patients carry on their skin the very microbe we’ve now shown for the first time can induce itch.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and make a sentence using ‘induce’.
  4. What does “debilitating mean? “Itches can be quite debilitating in patients who suffer from chronic skin conditions.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and make a sentence using ‘debilitating’.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your reaction to this news?
  2. What are your thoughts on this anti-itch medication on humans?
  3. What is your reaction to this, “Eczema affects around 245 million people globally.”?
  4. What do you know about eczema?
  5. What problems do people with eczema have?

Diseases in Factor X

B1 – Intermediate

Permafrost is a permanently frozen layer on or under Earth’s surface. Ancient microbes and viruses have been trapped there for thousands of years.

Scientists believe it is possible that this frozen ground could be containing many deadly diseases. 

Due to climate change, the permafrost is melting and this could cause the release of some unknown viruses scientists are calling ‘Factor X’.

Read the article about Factor X.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2311/231116-factor-x.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does ”encounter” mean here, “Professor Claverie said “ancient viruses up to a million years old” would be the most terrifying because they are unknown and we have never encountered them before.” Use this word in a sentence.
  2. What does the expression “on a large scale” mean? “He added that deadly bacterial diseases like smallpox and anthrax could be released on a large scale.” Give 2 similar expressions and make a sentence using ‘on a large scale.
  3. Define “greenhouse gas”. “However, many scientists agree that a bigger danger from melting permafrost is the release of methane. This is a greenhouse gas that is 80 times more harmful than CO2.” Use this term in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your reaction to this news?
  2. What are the problems associated with the permafrost melting?
  3. What are your thoughts on Factor X?
  4. What comes to your mind when you hear ‘infectious disease’?
  5. How can we prepare for the possible threats brought about by Factor X?

Japan Millennials Turn Down Promotions

B2 – Upper Intermediate

In today’s fast-paced and competitive job market, it is not uncommon for millennials to decline job promotions and for flashy job titles not to motivate them anymore. While this decision may seem perplexing to some, there are several reasons behind this trend.

See why Japanese millennials are rejecting career advancements by reading the article.

https://www.cnbc.com/2023/12/20/ive-lived-in-japan-for-18-years-why-i-am-much-happier-after-turning-down-a-big-job-promotion.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is the meaning of the noun “parity “? “But even with a new title, I wouldn’t be at parity with the other managers.” Use it in your own sentence.
  2. What does the adjective “multifaceted ” mean? “My definition of success today is more multifaceted.” Use it in your own sentence.
  3. Define the phrase “to the detriment of“. “Managers are held accountable for their subordinates’ every mistake, and are expected to display selfless leadership, often to the detriment of their personal lives.”  Use it in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on and the reasons millennials turning down big job promotions?
  2. Discuss how your organization values the division of labor and employee ranking.
  3. Share your sentiments on this, “In Japan, more responsibility doesn’t mean more money.“.
  4. Share your opinion on this, “Managers are held accountable for their subordinates’ every mistake, and are expected to display selfless leadership, often to the detriment of their personal lives.“.
  5. How important is company loyalty in your country? Elaborate.
  6. What are your aspirations career-wise?

New Year’s Resolutions Therapists Make

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Ever aspired to experience the delight that comes with accomplishing something?

As the start of the year opens up like a new chapter in a book of infinite possibilities, New Year’s resolutions are a subject that often triggers lively conversations.

The majority of individuals hold the view that resolutions are basically targets that are of little significance to fulfill, but have you taken note of the people who sincerely persist them? They seemed more upbeat and enthusiastic about life, especially to themselves. However, in a world that is frequently marked by complexity, the beneficial transformation along with individual growth that resolutions promise are nearly impossible to achieve.

This article breaks down the process of creating simple, yet extremely effective New Year’s resolutions. Click on the link to learn more about the four New Year’s resolutions therapists make every year.

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/therapists-new-years-resolutions_l_6580d97de4b0e142c0bee637

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “add all of those pieces together” mean in the sentences, “When you add all of those pieces together, a lot of times the resolution ends up being such a contentious point in that individual’s life.”? Use this in your own sentence.
  2. What does “carve out” mean in the sentence, “I think the best way that I would look at a resolution is what do I want to carve out for myself that I would love to see happen or even commence within the new year.”? Use this in your own sentence.
  3. What does “fill your cup” mean in the sentence, “It’s really looking at filling your cup first and making sure you’re full so that you can then be able to help and be of service to others.”? Use this in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Tell me about your views on the concept of New Year’s resolutions.
  2. What specific goals or resolutions do you plan to set for the upcoming year? Please share.
  3. How do you approach the process of creating feasible New Year’s resolutions? Tell me more.
  4. Have you reflected on your past resolutions and their outcomes? What did you learn?
  5. How do you plan to integrate self-care into your routine as part of your New Year’s resolutions?

Protect Your Home When Going On Holidays

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Most people are excited when they are about to embark on a long-awaited holiday trip. They tend to have a list of things they need for this journey. This list is not limited to the things you need to bring or the travel itinerary. Sometimes, it includes the things you need to do for the things you have to leave behind.

Let’s read the article and know more tips on how to keep your home safe while you are enjoying your holiday elsewhere.

https://www.english-online.at/news-articles/living/how-to-protect-your-home-when-you-go-on-holidays.htm

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the phrase “keep in mind” mean? “Here are some things that you should keep in mind when you go on a holiday.” Use it in a sentence and give two synonyms.
  2. Define the word “burglar“. “Have motion sensitive lights outside your house that keep burglars away when you are not at home.” Use it in your own sentence.
  3. What is the meaning of the adjective “portable“? “Some standard systems can be controlled via your smartphone or portable computer.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How do you try to protect your home when you are away on holiday?
  2. Among the tips mentioned in the article, which ones do you find the most and least helpful? Why?
  3. Have you heard of cases where people’s homes were broken into while they were on holiday? What happened?
  4. What are some fears you have while you are away on holidays? Why?