Tag: Reading

A Happier Summer Vacation

B2 – Upper Intermediate

It goes without saying that every vacation should be enjoyed. Even so, we still don’t get to cherish our holidays as much as we should—our phones being one of the reasons. Checking your phone constantly when traveling is a waste of time and takes the moments you should be enjoying.

Read this article to learn how to have a phone-free vacation.

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/cellphone-use-vacation_l_649c7d7ae4b0ffbe3abc577a

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “spill into” mean? “Behaviors like this can help create a vacation habit that maybe even spills into your day-to-day life, too.” Use this phrase in a sentence.
  2. Define “make the most of“. “The move is meant to help people make the most of their vacation.” Make a sentence with this phrase.
  3. What is an “toggle off“? “And, if you do end up needing your phone for directions or a translation app, you can toggle off airplane mode.” Make a sentence with this word.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think of the tips listed in the article? Do you think they are actually helpful?
  2. What is your opinion on the “phone-free island” mentioned in the article?
  3. Are you guilty of using your phone most of the time during a trip? Talk about it.
  4. What are the things you do to limit your screen time?
  5. What is your idea of a fun-filled vacation?

Microscopic Handbag

B1 – Intermediate

For so many years, miniaturization has been done on different things. This means products are made smaller and smaller. One example is our mobile phones and computers.

More recently, mini bags have been in fashion. However, what do you think about a bag that is microscopic?

Read the article about a handbag that is one of the latest miniaturized things.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2307/230703-microscopic-handbag-4.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Define “miniaturize”, “The latest miniaturized thing is a handbag.” Use this word in your own sentence.
  2. What does “trend” mean, “This trend led to the mobile phone.”? Use this word in your own sentence.
  3. What does ”______-inspired” mean, “The art group MSCHF created the Louis Vuitton-inspired bag.”? Use this word in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your opinion on miniaturizing things?
  2. What are the good and bad things about miniaturization?
  3. What do you think of this miniature handbag? Would you buy this bag for $63,000? Why or why not?
  4. The chief creative officer of MSCHF thought the bag was funny because handbags are usually highly functional, but it is now an item of jewelry. What is your opinion on this?
  5. What other things do you want to be miniaturized and why?

Crackdown on Same-Sex Parenting

B2 – Upper Intermediate

In Italy, same-sex couples believe the government is limiting their opportunities to start families, while the government argues against surrogacy, likening it to modern slavery. This anti-surrogacy law has increased challenges for rainbow families and hindered same-sex couples in their pursuit of legal parenthood.

Discover more insights about this issue by reading the full article.

https://www.aajenglish.tv/news/30317258/italys-crackdown-on-same-sex-parenting-leaves-children-bemused

Vocabulary Discussions

Explain the meaning of the highlighted words below and make some sentences.

1. Ginevra was indignant when, two weeks ago, an interviewer on a TV show asked her parents whether the twins missed having a mum.

2. Critics warn of the potential poverty bias against women who become surrogate mothers due to financial need.

3. Going abroad to have a baby is an emotional rollercoaster, and you might face hostility when you return to your home country.

Discussion Questions

1. What is the primary issue highlighted in the article regarding same-sex parenting in Italy? Compare it to the situation in your country.

2. Would you characterize Italy as a conservative society? Explain.

3. What are your personal views on surrogacy? Do you believe it should be accessible to same-sex couples?

4. How can Italian Government handle the situation better?

5. Are there rainbow families in Spain? If so, what are your thoughts and observations about these families?

Hobbies to Help You Relax and Have Fun

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Outside of a work performance realm, having a quality leisure time has shown to help people gain physical health and cognitive well-being.

Read the article to be inspired to take up a new activity that could help you relax and have fun at the same time, for example, baking or making jewellery.

https://brainmd.com/blog/main-types-of-hobbies/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is the meaning of “virtuous cycle“? “Looking at hobbies through the prism of brain health, reveals a virtuous cycle.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “to look at something through a prism” mean? “Looking at hobbies through the [sic] prism of brain health, reveals a virtuous cycle.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “engrossed” mean? “If you’re engrossed in a creative hobby, the flow state can deliver feel-good benefits.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you enjoy doing in your free time? Are you into any interesting or unusual hobbies? Talk about them.
  2. Talk about a hobby that boosts your performance when you are trying to refocus on your job.
  3. Do you think this is true, “When you start a new hobby, you may not feel motivated to spend time on it. It might be difficult.“? Talk about a time when you were demotivated when you were starting with a new hobby and how it went eventually.
  4. What might be the benefits and drawbacks that can come from engaging in a hobby?
  5. What are your thoughts on this, “More than 100 years ago, having leisure time to pursue hobbies was a symbol of status. Perhaps it’s time to bring back a little of that mentality.“?

Summer Anxiety

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Relaxation, vacation, carefree days—these come to mind when we hear the word “summer”. As much as many people anticipate the summer season, some also dread it. The rise in temperatures and changes in routines may cause a phenomenon known as summer anxiety.

Read the article to learn about the causes of summer anxiety.

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/more-summer-anxiety-stress_l_62f13f61e4b0ecfe3f72c18a

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to feed into something” mean? “For people with social anxiety, more social obligations may feed into anxiety, too.” Use this phrase in a sentence.
  2. What does “false alarm” mean? “Anxiety can be triggered through thoughts, environment, or, in the case of summer heat, through a physiological false alarm.”. Make a sentence with this phrase.
  3. Define the word “throw off” mean here, ““What happens is it throws off our circadian rhythm,” which are 24-hour cycles that help control when we fall asleep and when we wake up.” Use this phrase in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Have you personally experienced summer anxiety? If so, could you describe what it feels like for you?
  2. How does the change in routines and schedules during the summer months affect individuals experiencing anxiety?
  3. How does the pressure to have a “perfect” summer or meet certain social expectations contribute to summer anxiety?
  4. What do you think is the best way to handle summer anxiety?

Overcoming Vacation Guilt

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Holidays are intended to be moments of leisure, relaxation, and fun. However, loads of individuals experience feelings of guilt when they take time off from work or other obligations. Vacation guilt is an unfortunate trend that can reduce the perks of a well-deserved break.
Hence, various strategies aimed at helping those struggling with beating this guilt and fully acknowledging the advantageous features of taking holidays have been put together by therapists.

Click on the link to learn about therapist-approved recommendations for dealing with vacation guilt, as well as the significance of self-care.

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/vacation-guilt-tips_l_64948bb3e4b095a2925c0334

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “second thoughts” mean in the sentence, “Even though you’ve booked that much-needed vacation, you may have second thoughts about actually taking the time off.”? Use this expression in your own sentence.
  2. What does “weigh someone down” mean in the sentence, “So, how do you tackle the guilt that may be weighing you down and finally enjoy your vacation?”? Use this expression in your own sentence.
  3. What does “draw the fine line between” mean in the sentence, “Setting clear boundaries will help you draw the fine line between taking time off on vacation and other responsibilities.”? Use this expression in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are some common reasons why people experience guilt when taking a vacation?
  2. How do you overcome feelings of guilt when taking a vacation?
  3. What are some therapist-approved strategies for dealing with vacation guilt?
  4. How essential is the idea of going on a holiday in terms of your work-life balance?
  5. How frequently do you prioritize taking breaks and going on trips? Please share.

Skin Gets Crepey as You Get Older

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Our physical features undergo transformations as we get older and one obvious shift is the gradual occurrence of crepey skin. The concept refers to skin thinning and wrinkling that has the look and feel of crepe paper. Although crepey skin is an inevitable consequence of the aging process, appreciating its deeper causes will allow us to gratefully acknowledge the nature of our bodies complexities and potentially take proactive steps to prevent it.

Click on the link to uncover more about the underlying causes of crepey skin and the best ways to care for our skin as we get older.

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/crepey-skin_l_648227d3e4b025003edc406e

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “snaps right back” mean in the sentence, “The elastic fibers, they start off very strong. Twenty-something-, 30-something-year-olds, their skin snaps right back.”? Use this expression in your own sentence.
  2. What does “ward off” mean in the sentence, “Wearing sunscreen may seem like the obvious way to ward off crepey skin, but Francis said another method may be more effective.”? Use this phrase in your own sentence.
  3. What does “last line of defense” mean in the sentence, “I always tell people, think of sunscreen as your last line of defense.”? Use this expression in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is crepey skin and how does it differ from other signs of aging?
  2. Can genetics influence the likelihood of developing crepey skin? If so, how?
  3. What are some preventive measures individuals can take to minimize the appearance of crepey skin?
  4. How significant is maintaining healthy skin to you?
  5. What is your personal skincare routine like? Please share.

Schools of Philosophy

B2 – Upper Intermediate

According to Aztec Philosophy, the meaning of life was to live in balance with nature and make sure that the energy keeps flowing.  But the meaning of life is different for everybody.

Read the article to know more about the 10 schools of Philosophy that may help us find the light and the meaning of life. 

https://bigthink.com/thinking/10-schools-of-philosophy-and-why-you-should-know-them/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is the meaning of the word “slur“? “The word “hedonistic”, when used as a slur, relates to this school only in that many hedonistic thinkers also saw pleasure as the key to a good life.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What is the meaning of the word “construe”? “While happiness is often construed as pleasure and the green light is often given to depravity by this school, Greek thinker Epicurus was also a hedonist and tied it to a virtue ethics system based around moderation.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What is the meaning of the word” snockered”? “Most hedonistic philosophers would say you should read a book rather than get drunk, as reading is a higher kind of happiness than getting snockered.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. In your opinion, how can philosophy help us understand the meaning of life?
  2.  Are there similarities in any of these viewpoints? What are they?
  3. What is your philosophy in life and why?

Multinational Companies to Hire Refugees

B1 – Intermediate

Wars and political problems have increased in many countries. This puts many people in danger. Due to this, they try to find a way to escape their country and they go to another where it is safer. 

To start a new life in a new country, refugees need a job. The good news is that big companies such as Adidas, Amazon, Pepsi, and Starbucks have promised to give refugees jobs.

Read the article about some multinational companies’ promise to give jobs to refugees.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2306/230622-multinational-companies-1.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Define “homeland”here, “Many people are fleeing wars or feel unsafe in their homeland.” Use this word in your own sentence.
  2. What does “refugee” mean, “Multinational companies will give jobs to 250,000 refugees.”? Use this word in your own sentence.
  3. What does ”diversity” mean, “It said refugees would add diversity and make the company stronger.”? Use this word in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why do refugees leave their country?
  2. What is your opinion on multinational companies hiring refugees?
  3. What are other ways to help refugees?
  4. Do you agree or disagree that “refugees would add diversity to its workforce and would make the company stronger.”?
  5. Share your opinion on this, “Diversity brings creativity and different points of view.”.

Things That Harm Your Happiness

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Individuals frequently face various challenges and obstacles in their pursuit of happiness. While each person’s path to happiness is distinctive, medical professionals and mental health experts have pointed out a common factor that drastically impairs one’s happiness.

Click on the link to learn more about the specific thing that therapists consistently identify as the most hazardous to our happiness and its consequences in every aspect of our lives.

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/worst-things-for-happiness-therapists_l_6491badbe4b025003ee6dbe3

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “hostage to something” mean in the sentence, “When you’re experiencing one of these feelings, you’re holding yourself hostage to past life experiences or worrying about the future.”? Use this expression in your own sentence.
  2. What does “fill your cup” mean in the sentence, “And when you have a stronger connection with yourself, you can learn what you need to fill your cup, such as setting healthy boundaries.”? Use this expression in your own sentence.
  3. What does “a glass half-full” mean in the sentence, “It can feel hard to be honest and vulnerable in a society that encourages a glass half-full mentality.”? Use this phrase in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is the one thing therapists commonly identify as the most harmful to our happiness?
  2. How does happiness contribute to our overall well-being and quality of life?
  3. In what ways does social media contribute to the problem of comparison and its negative effects on happiness?
  4. How does cultivating gratitude and practicing mindfulness impact our happiness levels?
  5. How do you prioritize self-care and ensure that your own happiness is not neglected? Please share.