Tag: Reading

First Gene Proven to Directly Cause Mental Illness

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Researchers recently discovered that a single gene GRIN2A can directly trigger mental illness, overturning decades of belief that psychiatric disorders always require many genes acting together. The study suggests that people with certain variants of this gene have a significantly higher risk of developing psychiatric symptoms.

Read the article to know why this breakthrough could change how mental illness is studied and treated worldwide.

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251202052230.htm?

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the word “uncover” mean? “Researchers uncover a rare gene variant that can directly spark mental illness—and may be treatable.” Use it in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “predictor” mean? “Having a close family member with a mental illness remains one of the strongest known predictors.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “polygenic” mean? “This distinguishes it from the polygenic causes of such disorders that have been assumed to date” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why is discovering a single gene that directly causes mental illness an important scientific breakthrough?
  2. How could this discovery change the diagnosis and treatment of mental health conditions?
  3. What ethical concerns might arise from identifying genes linked to mental illness?
  4. How might this finding affect society’s understanding and stigma around mental health?
  5. What further research is needed before this genetic discovery can be used in real-world medical care?

Weight-Loss Drug Liraglutide Slowed Alzheimer’s Decline

B2 – Upper Intermediate

New research shows that a drug commonly used for diabetes and weight loss can reduce brain shrinkage in Alzheimer’s patients by nearly 50%.

Read the article to know more about the significant potential for repurposing existing medications to slow neurodegeneration offering hope for millions affected by Alzheimer’s globally.

https://www.imperial.ac.uk/news/articles/2025/-weight-loss-drug-liraglutide-slowed-alzheimers-decline/?

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “brain shrinkage” mean? “A drug prescribed for diabetes and weight loss has been shown to reduce brain shrinkage in Alzheimer’s patients by almost 50%.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “agonist” mean? “The drug, called liraglutide, is one of the glucagon-like peptide receptor (GLP-1) agonists which also includes semaglutide – known as Wegovy or Ozempic – which are licensed for managing overweight and obesity and for type 2 diabetes.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “double-blind” mean? “The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial included 204 patients with mild Alzheimer’s disease seen at 24 clinics throughout the United Kingdom.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What surprised you most about the idea that a weight-loss drug could help slow Alzheimer’s disease?
  2. Do you think existing medicines should be tested more often for new health benefits? Why or why not?
  3. What concerns might people have about using weight-loss drugs for brain health?
  4. How could this discovery change the way doctors treat Alzheimer’s patients in the future?
  5. Would you personally feel comfortable taking a medication for a different purpose than it was originally made for? Why?

Apple, Google, Meta Face Casino App Lawsuits

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Apple, Google, and Meta are now facing renewed legal pressure after a federal judge ruled that lawsuits accusing their platforms of hosting casino-style gambling apps can move forward. The cases claim that these companies allowed apps that mimic real gambling to operate and profit from users, raising concerns about consumer protection and regulatory responsibility. This decision opens the door for a deeper examination of how major tech firms manage gaming content on their platforms.

Read this article to learn more.

https://www.freepressjournal.in/tech/apple-google-meta-must-face-casino-app-lawsuits-judge-rules

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “illegal racketeering conspiracy” mean? “The lawsuits allege that Apple’s App Store, Google’s Play Store, and Meta’s Facebook promoted what plaintiffs describe as an “authentic Vegas-style experience of slot machine gambling” through an illegal racketeering conspiracy.” Make a sentence with this.
  2. Define “the crux of plaintiffs’ theory“. “The judge wrote that “the crux of plaintiffs’ theory is that defendants improperly processed payments for social casino apps.”” Use this in a sentence.
  3. What is the meaning of “plaintiff“? “Dozens of plaintiff claim the companies collected 30 percent commissions—estimated at more than $2 billion—on transactions processed through these casino-style apps” Make a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think tech companies should be responsible for the content on their platforms? Why or why not?
  2. Could stricter regulation of social casino apps create opportunities for innovation in ethical gaming, or would it stifle growth?
  3. How can tech companies implement responsible gaming practices without compromising user engagement or revenue?
  4. How do the lawsuits against Apple, Google, and Meta challenge existing regulations on digital platforms and consumer protection?
  5. In your opinion, are social casino apps morally wrong, or is it the user’s responsibility to manage their own behavior?


Zero-Click Search

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Nowadays, people like to search for information online and expect quick, direct answers. This change has reshaped how we connect, learn, and share, turning familiar habits upside down and encouraging new ways of communication. One clear example of this shift is the rise of zero‑click, where answers appear instantly without the need to go further.

Let’s read the article and see how this pattern is shaping behavior, shifting expectations, and pushing people and organizations to adapt to instant access.

Zero-Click Search: What It Is and How to Adapt

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the phrase “organic traffic” in digital marketing mean? “This shift has a big impact on organic traffic, and it’s forcing marketers to rethink their strategies.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. Define “click-through rate“. “The most direct impact of zero-click searches is the decline in organic click-through rates (CTR).” Use it in your own sentence.
  3. What is a “snippet“? “For example, if a customer is interested in learning about the latest smartphone features, they may receive a summary of key specs directly on the search results page through AI-driven snippets or Knowledge Panels.” Use it in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. In what ways do you use AI tools to look up information, and how often do you rely on them?
  2. What do you think about the fact that many online searches end without any clicks, and how does this affect the way people find and use information?
  3. What challenges might organizations face when audiences expect information to be available immediately?
  4. How do you think the rise of zero‑click experiences could reshape the future of marketing and online interaction?

Louvre Ticket Price Hike for non-EU Tourists

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The Louvre Museum in Paris has recently drawn attention for changes to its ticketing policy. The decision has sparked conversations about fairness, accessibility, and how cultural institutions balance welcoming international visitors with maintaining their operations.

Let’s read the article and explore the different perspectives surrounding this change.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/clyd4llgrego

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “structural concern” mean? “Earlier this month, the Louvre announced the closure of a gallery showcasing Greek ceramics due to structural concerns.” Use it in your own sentence.
  2. Define the phrase “a brazen heist“. “The museum’s security and management have faced criticism since a brazen heist in October, when a four-person gang stole jewellery worth $102m (£76m) and fled within minutes.” Use it in your own sentence.
  3. What is the meaning of the verb “flock“? “Most of the Louvre’s 30,000 daily visitors flock to see Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece.” Use it in a sentence and give two synonyms.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What’s your perspective on the Louvre charging higher entrance fees to non-European tourists?
  2. What’s your reaction to this, “The investigation after October’s heist found the museum had spent significantly more on buying new artworks, but far less on maintenance and restoration.“?
  3. In what ways could setting ticket prices by nationality influence fairness, accessibility, or tourism?
  4. Have you been to Paris? If so, did you visit the Louvre? If not, would you like to visit someday?
  5. Can you share an experience where the cost of an attraction influenced your travel plans or feelings about the trip?

Ozempic 2.0 Weight Loss Pill

B1 – Intermediate 

Pharmaceutical companies are working as quickly as they can to release a pill version of Ozempic, the widely-used weight loss drug. It is believed that the drug now being dubbed as Ozempic 2.0 will be changing the game not only for those with diabetes, but also those who want to lose some weight.

Read the article about Ozempic 2.0.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2512/251201-ozempic-weight-loss-pill-5.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “game-changing” mean in this sentence, “A new generation of game-changing weight-loss drugs could be launched next year.” Use the word in a sentence and give a synonym.
  2. What does “to move with urgency toward something” mean? “We are moving with urgency toward global regulatory submissions to potentially meet the needs of patients.” Use the phrase in a sentence and give a similar expression.
  3. What does “redefine” mean? “If approved, we are ready to offer a convenient, once-daily pill that can be scaled globally, removing barriers and redefining how obesity is treated around the world.” Give a synonym and use the word “redefine” in a sentence. Also, give another meaning of “redefine”.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think about Ozempic 2.0? What are its pros and cons?
  2. What is your opinion on this, “When approved, Ozempic 2.0 will offer a convenient, once-daily pill that can be scaled globally, removing barriers and redefining how obesity is treated around the world.”?
  3. Share your opinion about pharmaceutical companies working as fast as they can to produce the pill version of Ozempic. 
  4. In general, what do you think about weight loss pills? 
  5. What are other ways people can lose weight?

Music Helps with Quicker Recovery after Surgery

B1 – Intermediate 

A study done by doctors at Maulana Azad Medical College in India found that when music is played during surgery, it can help a lot with the patients’ faster recovery.

The patients feel less pain. Thereby, needing less painkillers. In addition, they wake up sooner after the surgery and they are also more alert after the operation is finished.

Read the article about how music can help patients recover more quickly after a surgery.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2511/251127-music-therapy-anaesthesia.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “discharge” mean in this sentence, “Our aim is early discharge after surgery.” Use the word in a sentence. Give another meaning of “discharge”.
  2. What does “clear-headed” mean? “Our aim is early discharge after surgery. Patients need to wake up clear-headed, alert, and ideally pain-free.” Use the word in a sentence and give a synonym.
  3. Define “pain management”. “She said music helps pain management and reduces patients’ stress after they wake up.” Use the term in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on how helpful music is to patients having a surgery?
  2. In general, what do you think about the use of music therapy in pain management?
  3. What are other ways patients can recover quickly from a surgery?
  4. How can you help someone after they had a surgery?
  5. Share about a time music helped you or someone you know heal or recover.

Real-Time Translation Could End Need to Learn Languages

B1 – Intermediate 

Apple has launched a new technology that could change the way we learn languages and how we communicate across the world. Apple’s new AirPods Pro 3 earbuds can translate foreign languages real-time while the earbuds are in the user’s ears.

This is expected to change language learning and global communication. It could end the need to learn foreign languages.

Read the article about Apple’s new AirPods Pro 3 earbuds that is capable of instant translation and transcription.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2510/251006-real-time-translation.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “outlay” mean? “Instant translation could deter people from investing the time and financial outlay required to learn another language.” Use the word in a sentence and give a synonym.
  2. What does “seamlessly” mean? “Apple wrote on its website that its AirPods Pro 3 would help people communicate “seamlessly” in other languages.” Use the word in a sentence and give a synonym.
  3. What does “to get in the way” mean? “For those moments when a language barrier gets in the way, Live Translation can help users communicate across select languages when messaging or speaking.” Use the idiom in a sentence and give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think of this gadget’s instant translation feature?
  2. What are the pros and cons of this kind of device?
  3. Would you be more interested to use this earbud rather than to learn a foreign language the traditional way? Why?
  4. Share your thoughts on this: The (instant translation) technology is another example of science fiction becoming science fact.
  5. Talk about other examples of science fiction that have already become reality.

Superman #1 the Most Expensive Comic

B1 – Intermediate 

It was in 1939 when the comic book Superman # 1 first came out. It started the genre of superhero comics. Superman No. 1 went on to become the inspiration for many other superheroes that followed.

A copy of the first Superman comic that is in perfect condition belonged to three brothers who found it after 86 years of just collecting dust in their late mother’s house.

At an auction, it was sold for $9.12 million.

Read the article about Superman #1 comic selling for $9.12 million at an auction.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2511/251124-superman-comic-5.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is an “auction”? “A pristine copy of the very first self-titled Superman comic has been sold at auction for $9.12 million.” Use the word in a sentence and give a synonym.
  2. What does “blueprint” mean here, “Superman No. 1 became the blueprint for today’s modern superheroes.” Use the word in a sentence. What’s another meaning of “blueprint”?
  3. What does “mint condition” mean? “Mint condition copies are very rare because many people cut off the front cover to use as a poster.” Use the phrase in a sentence. Give a similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Share your thoughts about the story of the three brothers and them finding this comic at their late mother’s house after 86 years.
  2. What do you think about the amount of money that this comic was sold for?
  3. What are your thoughts on this comic being the “pinnacle of comic collecting?
  4. Do you like collecting? Why or why not?
  5. If there is one piece of pop culture history that you could have, what would it be and why?
  6. What is the most priceless thing you own and why is it so valuable for you?

Japan Emergency Plan to Stop Bear Attacks

B1 – Intermediate 

Due to a series and increasing number of bear attacks in Japan, the government had to come up with emergency measures to lower the number of humans’ encounters with bears that have led to deaths and injuries.

Read the article about Japan’s emergency measures to address increasing bear attacks in some parts of the country.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2511/251117-japanese-bear-attacks.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to address” mean in this context, “Japan’s government has created emergency measures to address record numbers of bear attacks.” Use the word in a sentence in the same context. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “to devise” mean? “Wildlife management experts have devised a plan to reduce the increasing numbers of fatalities, injuries, and encounters with bears.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What is a “buffer zone”? “Authorities will also set up a buffer zone in many areas.” Use the phrase in a sentence. Give a similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. According to the article, what are the reasons for the growth in bear populations in Japan? Discuss the three reasons.
  2. What are the measures that the Japanese government created to address the problem with bear attacks?
  3. What is your reaction to the rising bear attacks in Japan?
  4. Have you ever had a similar problem with bears in your own country? Talk about it.