Tag: Reading

What Happens To Your Body When You Hate Your Job

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Hating your job isn’t just about feeling unhappy at work—it can have serious effects on your body and mind. From constant stress to physical pain, the toll of a job you despise goes far beyond Monday blues. In this article, we’ll explore exactly what happens to your body when your work drains you, and why it’s crucial to pay attention before it’s too late.

Read this article to learn more about this.

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/this-is-what-happens-to-your-body-when-you-hate-your-job-goog_l_695fcfb1e4b07c500938cb02

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does it mean to be “out to get someone”? “If you feel like your boss is always out to get you, your mental health pays a price.” Use this phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “to cross the threshold” mean? “Someone who might be a worrier in a really toxic work environment; that worry will often exacerbate to cross the clinical threshold.” Make a sentence with this. Give a similar expression.
  3. What does it mean when “one’s mind is racing“? “People report either not being able to sleep because their mind is racing or not being able to stay asleep.” Use this in a sentence. Give a similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Share your thoughts on this data, “Poor management in U.S. companies accounted for up to 8% of annual health costs and was associated with 120,000 excess deaths every year.“
  2. What is your take on this, “Too many Americans are trapped in toxic jobs, a problem employers and employees need to take more seriously.“?
  3. What might be some consequences of perceptions of organizational unfairness to employees’ health?
  4. Share your insights on this, “Unfair treatment at work can cause us outsized stress. Injustice is a particularly toxic stressor because it strikes at the core of who we are.“
  5. What is your opinion on this, “It’s not possible for everyone to switch jobs, but we can focus on the situation that we can control.“?

Oil Prices Soar as War Escalates in Iran

B2 – Upper Intermediate

When conflicts happen around the world, they can affect energy markets. Oil prices often rise quickly, and this impacts economies everywhere. It shows how closely global security is linked to everyday economic life.

Let’s read the article to understand the current situation better and explore how these global events shape our daily lives.

https://edition.cnn.com/2026/03/08/business/oil-prices-war-iran-trump

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does a “protracted war” mean? “But investors are growing increasingly worried about a protracted war that delivers a sustained hit to energy supply and prices, particularly following Iran’s decision to appoint Mojtaba Khamenei as its next supreme leader. ” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What is the meaning of the term “hardline approach“? “It’s a sign of continuation of Iran’s hardline approach and indicates that the war will be more prolonged than financial markets had assumed last week” Use it in a sentence.
  3. Define the word “assuage“. “The Trump administration on Sunday tried to assuage fears that the US and Israeli-led military campaign against Iran would have long-term effects at the pump.” Use it in your own sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. In what ways might rising energy prices change the lifestyle or spending habits of ordinary families?
  2. How do local industries that depend on fuel (like shipping, agriculture, or manufacturing) cope with sudden price increases?
  3. What steps is your government taking to manage the effects of rising oil prices?
  4. How should governments balance short‑term relief (like subsidies) with long‑term energy strategies (like renewable energy investment)?
  5. What are the humanitarian consequences of protracted wars on civilians in oil‑producing regions?

Florida Airport Shames Scruffy Passengers

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Airports bring together people from all walks of life, often with long waits and tiring journeys. Many travelers dress for comfort in sweatpants, leggings, or even pajamas. Yet, not everyone agrees that comfort should outweigh appearance, and some airports are beginning to challenge this trend.

Let’s take a closer look at how new rules are shaping the debate over airport fashion.

https://www.msn.com/en-ca/travel/news/florida-airport-shames-scruffy-passengers-in-brutal-announcement-banning-crocs-and-pajamas/ar-AA1X8Rl1?ocid=BingNewsSerp

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “overreach” mean? “I mean… as a joke, this is kinda funny. But if it’s real… the government telling people what they can and can’t wear while traveling… can you say “overreach” anyone?’ someone else penned.” Use it in a sentence and give a synonym.
  2. Define the noun phrase “pet peeve“. “Wearing pajamas in public is one of my pet peeves ” Use it in a sentence and give a synonym.
  3. What does “to be in place” mean? “While no real ban seems to be in place on the popular shoes, the Florida-based airport jokingly posted back in September that after a ‘unanimous’ vote, Crocs had been barred from the property for ten years.” Use it in a sentence and give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why do you think many travelers prioritize comfort over appearance when choosing airport outfits?
  2. How might cultural differences influence what people consider appropriate clothing in airports?
  3. In what ways does airport fashion reflect broader social changes in lifestyle and values?
  4. Should airports have the authority to set rules about what passengers can wear? Why or why not?
  5. What are the possible benefits and drawbacks of dressing formally versus casually when traveling?

Indian Young Adults Rank Lowly in Mental Health Study

B2 – Upper Intermediate

A 2025 international mental health assessment by US-based Sapiens Lab placed Indian young adults (ages 18–34) at 60th out of 84 countries in overall mental well-being.

Read the article to know why the study indicates rising mental health concerns among this age group, emphasizing the need for enhanced support and accessible services worldwide.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/indian-young-adults-rank-lowly-60th-in-84-nation-mental-health-study/articleshow/128831188.cms?

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “predominantly” mean? “Those at the bottom included Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, the UK, and China, while countries with relatively better mind health were predominantly in sub-Saharan Africa, including Ghana, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Kenya and Tanzania.” Use it in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “aggregate” mean? “The mind health quotient is a metric that aggregates respondent ratings of 47 cognitive, social, and physical capacities and problems that enable or diminish our ability to function effectively.” Use it in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “generational gap” mean? “The ‘Global Mind Health in 2025’ released Thursday by US-based Sapien Labs reveals not just a serious mental health crisis among young Indian adults, but also a profound generational gap, as older people enjoyed significantly better mental health scores.” Use it in a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why do you think young adults in some countries struggle more with mental health than older generations?
  2. What factors (social media, job pressure, finances, family expectations) might affect young people’s mental well-being?
  3. Do you think mental health awareness has improved in your country? Why or why not?
  4. How can schools and workplaces better support young adults’ mental health?
  5. What personal habits or lifestyle changes can help improve mental well-being?

Global Debt Surges as Governments Invest in National Security and Resilience

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Total global debt reached an unprecedented $348 trillion by the end of 2025. This surge is mainly driven by heavy government borrowing in major economies like the U.S., China, and Europe.

Read the article to know why debt-to-GDP ratios slightly declined due to economic growth, high borrowing levels pose challenges for future fiscal stability.

Global Debt Surges as Governments Invest in National Security and Resilience

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “deficit spending” mean? “Total global debt rose by nearly $29 trillion, reaching a new all-time high of $348 trillion, with roughly two-thirds of the increase originating in mature markets as deficit spending rose.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “sovereign debt” mean? “Beyond the continued surge in China, the buildup in sovereign debt across emerging.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “capital expenditure (CapEx) supercycle” mean? “A powerful new wave of global capital expenditure supercycles is set to reinforce this momentum, with large-scale investment in AI-driven data centers, energy security and transition, and resilient infrastructure emerging as a major growth engine for global debt markets.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why do you think global debt has reached such a record-high level?
  2. How can high government debt affect ordinary people in everyday life?
  3. Do you think borrowing money is necessary for economic growth, or is it too risky? Why?
  4. Which countries do you think are most vulnerable to a global debt crisis?
  5. What strategies can governments use to reduce debt without harming their economy?

Donor Nation Cuts to Global Health Financing Affect Millions

B2 – Upper Intermediate

A report by Human Rights Watch highlights major donor nations cutting financial support for global health programs, particularly those fighting HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria.

Read the article to know why these reductions in funding risk reversing years of progress and could lead to increased preventable deaths in vulnerable populations.

https://www.hrw.org/news/2026/01/22/donor-nation-cuts-to-global-health-financing-affect-millions?

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “marginalized group” mean? “Human Rights Watch found that global health funding cuts in 2025 have already had a dire impact, especially for marginalized groups that face systemic discrimination and barriers to health care, including men who have sex with men, transgender people, sex workers, and people who use drugs.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “systemic discrimination” mean? “Human Rights Watch found that global health funding cuts in 2025 have already had a dire impact, especially for marginalized groups that face systemic discrimination and barriers to health care, including men who have sex with men, transgender people, sex workers, and people who use drugs.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “outreach worker” mean? “Human Rights Watch interviewed 47 nongovernmental organization workers, health care outreach workers, and aid recipients affected by recent cuts to global health financing in Indonesia, Laos, and Nepal, focusing specifically on HIV/AIDS prevention and care.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How do you think cutting global health funding could affect developing countries the most?
  2. Should wealthy nations prioritize global health aid even if they face economic challenges at home? Why or why not?
  3. What diseases or health programs do you think would be impacted first by funding reductions?
  4. How might global health funding cuts affect the world beyond the countries receiving aid?
  5. What solutions could governments or organizations explore to prevent millions of lives from being at risk?

UK Stores Locking Up Chocolates to Stop Theft

B1 – Intermediate 

They are creamy and sweet. They make people feel happiness and pleasure. These things make chocolates a popular choice of sweets. 

In the UK, it seems chocolates have become a favorite item of thieves. Store owners have to find a way to stop this problem.

Read the article UK stores locking up chocolate to stop theft.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2603/260309-chocolate-shoplifting-5.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is a “shoplifter”? “Shops in the UK are going to extreme lengths to stop shoplifters from stealing chocolate.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a similar expression.
  2. What does “to go to extreme lengths” mean? “Shops in the UK are going to extreme lengths to stop shoplifters from stealing chocolate.” Use the idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  3. What does “to end up in court” mean? “In London, only five per cent of these ended up in the courts.” Use the expression in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. How is chocolate theft a “massive issue” for shops in the UK?
  2. What do you think about the solution to put products that thieves commonly steal in plastic security boxes? How can it affect sales?
  3. How would you feel if you have to ask a store staff to unlock the box to buy an item at a store? Do you think it will affect your interest in buying that product?
  4. Why do you think chocolate is now a target by thieves and has become high value product especially in the black market?
  5. “There were more than 5.5 million reported incidents of shoplifting in the UK last year. In London, only five per cent of these ended up in the courts.” What do you think should the punishment for shoplifting?
  6. What are your thoughts on this, “There are 1,600 violent attacks against shop workers every day.“?

Anxiety Shows Up With a Toxic Boss

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Working with a boss can be stressful, but some bosses make life much harder. A toxic boss can create anxiety, frustration, and even fear at work. These feelings are common, and they can affect your health and your performance.

In this article, we will look at eight ways anxiety can show up when you have a toxic boss, so you can understand your feelings and find ways to cope.

Read this article to learn more.

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/toxic-boss-anxiety-goog_l_69a07b2ce4b059e1adf278e0

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to feel on edge” mean? “You frequently feel on edge and irritable.” Use this in a sentence.
  2. What is the meaning of “to lash out at someone“? “You may find yourself choosing your words extremely carefully and speaking up less in meetings out of fear that they will lash out at you.” Make a sentence with this.
  3. What does it mean when “sh*t hits the fan“? “‘Oftentimes, the dread that you feel when you wake up for the day is about, ‘Is today the day that sh*t hits the fan?” Use this in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are some physical signs of anxiety that the article says people might feel because of a toxic boss? How do these show that stress affects both mind and body?
  2. How can constant stress from a bad boss affect relationships outside of work, like family or friends?
  3. In your country, how common do you think it is for people to have a boss who creates stress, and why?
  4. What are healthy ways people can cope with work stress or anxiety caused by difficult people?
  5. What could governments or workplaces do to reduce the number of toxic bosses and protect workers’ mental health?

Squid Game Ends, South Koreans Return to the Reality

B2 – Upper Intermediate

After the popular TV show Squid Game ended, many people around the world were left shocked by its story. The show showed people struggling with debt, poverty, and unfair treatment. However, for many South Koreans, these problems are not just part of a TV drama. They are real-life challenges that some people still face every day.

Read this article to learn more.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cvg665pyn82o

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “cut-throat” mean? “Squid Game was born against the backdrop of cut-throat competition and widening inequality in South Korean society – where people are too stressed to have children and a university placement exam is seen as the defining moment of a person’s life.” Use this in a sentence.
  2. What’s the meaning of “to be brushed to the side“? “Those darker messages seemed to be brushed to the side on Saturday night, as a massive parade celebrated the release of the blockbuster’s final season.” Make a sentence with this.
  3. Define “eponymous”. “In the show’s later seasons, viewers follow Gi-hun’s quest to bring down the eponymous games, which are packaged as entertainment for a group of wealthy VIPs.” Use this in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think entertainment like Squid Game can help people understand serious social problems better than news stories? Why?
  2. Do you think the global popularity of shows that address social issues (like Squid Game) can influence real social change? Why?
  3. What are the advantages and disadvantages of using fiction to highlight real problems like poverty and inequality?
  4. The show includes characters such as a laid-off factory worker whose story is inspired by real events. How does this make the drama more powerful or meaningful?
  5. In your country, what are the biggest financial pressures people face today?
  6. What changes would you like to see in your country to reduce inequality or unfair competition?

Ways to Make Life More Playful

B2 – Upper Intermediate

In a busy and demanding adult life, responsibilities such as work, family, and bills can make play feel like a luxury we no longer have time for. However, research shows that play isn’t just for children — it can help adults reduce stress, boost creativity, and improve overall well‑being. Simple playful activities, whether physical games or lighthearted moments with friends and loved ones, can make everyday life more enjoyable and balanced.

Adding more play into your routine doesn’t need to be difficult or time‑consuming. Studies suggest that finding ways to be playful — such as trying new activities, sharing laughter with others, or simply noticing joyful moments — can help you cope with stress more effectively, think more creatively, and build stronger social connections. Embracing play as a regular part of life supports not only happiness but also mental and emotional health.

Read the article about ways of making life more playful.

10 Ways to Make Your Life More Playful

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “at the drop of a hat” mean? “I had nobody around who knew me well or cared for me, and in the days before cell phones or internet cafes, I couldn’t just get in touch with my friends or family at the drop of a hat.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “to lose oneself in something” mean? “When we lose ourselves in play, whether creating a make-believe world, throwing a ball between friends, frolicking with our dog, or watching silly YouTube videos, we allow ourselves to get out of the linear, problem-solution, adult mindset.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “to light things up” mean? “Having them around will automatically lighten things up, but playing with them when you’re bored or in a bad mood will help even more.” Construct a sentence featuring this phrase.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are benefits of incorporating play in one’s adult life?
  2. Should workplaces encourage playful activities? Why or why not?
  3. Do you think adults feel guilty about taking time to play? Share your thoughts.
  4. How does technology influence play for adults?
  5. What are ways you add more play to your life?