Tag: Reading

Barcelona to Ban Apartment Rentals to Tourists

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Barcelona, a top tourist destination known for its vibrant culture and stunning architecture, has announced a bold plan to shut down all holiday apartments by 2028. This move aims to address the growing concerns over the impact of tourism on local communities and housing availability. The decision marks a significant shift in the city’s approach to managing its tourism industry and balancing the needs of residents and visitors alike.

Read this article to learn more about Barcelona’s plan to shut down holiday apartments by 2028.

https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/jun/22/barcelona-to-ban-apartment-rentals-to-tourists-in-bid-to-cut-housing-costs#:~:text=Barcelona%2C%20a%20top%20Spanish%20holiday,the%20city%20livable%20for%20residents.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “in a bid to do something” mean? “Barcelona has announced plans to ban apartment rentals to tourists from 2028 in a bid to bring down housing costs for residents.” Make a sentence with this idiom.
  2. What does “to rein in something” mean? “Barcelona, a top Spanish holiday destination, has announced it will bar apartment rentals to tourists by 2028, an unexpectedly drastic move as it seeks to rein in soaring housing costs and make the city livable for residents.” Use this expression in a sentence.
  3. What is the meaning of “priced out”? “National governments relish the economic benefits of tourism – Spain ranks among the top-three most visited countries in the world – but with local residents priced out in some places, gentrification, and owner preference for lucrative tourist rentals are increasingly a hot topic across Europe.” Make a sentence with this phrase.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think about this plan?
  2. Talk about the benefits and problems associated with short-term holiday rentals in a city.
  3. How will this choice impact residents in Barcelona who depend on earnings from holiday rentals?
  4. How do you expect this move to influence Barcelona’s cultural and tourism scenery in the future?
  5. Should other cities consider adopting Barcelona’s approach to managing tourism and housing issues? Why or why not?
  6. Cite other strategies Barcelona could consider to strike a balance between the demands of residents and tourists.

Miniature Fiber Laser

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Scientists have developed a new miniature fiber laser that is sharper, smaller, and smarter than previous versions.

Read the article to know how this laser technology could have significant applications in fields such as medical diagnostics, communications, and environmental sensing, due to its enhanced precision and reduced size​.

https://scitechdaily.com/sharper-smaller-smarter-scientists-develop-groundbreaking-miniature-fiber-laser/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is “optical gain source”? “Fiber lasers use an optical fiber doped with rare-earth elements (erbium, ytterbium, neodymium, etc) as their optical gain source.“ Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “gold standard” mean here, “Fiber lasers are also the ‘gold standard’ for low-phase noise, meaning that their beams remain stable over time.”? Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “tunability” mean? “Now, scientists led by Dr Yang Liu and Professor Tobias Kippenberg at EPFL have built the first ever chip-integrated erbium-doped waveguide laser that approaches the performance with fiber-based lasers, combining wide wavelength tunability with the practicality of chip-scale photonic integration.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the key advancements in the new miniature fiber laser that make it sharper and smaller than previous versions?
  2. How might this new fiber laser technology be applied in medical diagnostics?
  3. What specific improvements does this fiber laser offer for communications and environmental sensing applications?
  4. Which research institutions or scientists were involved in the development of this groundbreaking miniature fiber laser?

Virtual Reality as a Reliable Shooting Performance-Tracking Tool

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Virtual reality (VR) technology has shown promise beyond training scenarios. A recent study indicates that VR can accurately track and record shooting performance, offering a reliable tool for law enforcement and military training.

Read this article to know why this development could lead to more effective and personalized training programs.

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/06/240611171431.htm#:~:text=Summary%3A,track%20individuals’%20progress%20over%20time.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “marksmanship” mean? “We’ve figured out how to export the data and interpret it. We’ve focused on the three big challenges of marksmanship, decision-making and reaction time to measure 21 relevant variables — allowing us to put a report in a user’s hand and say, ‘This is how accurate, precise, focused and fast you are.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “reproducibility” mean? “We were using it as an outcome variable for research, and we found that it has very good day-to-day reproducibility of performance, which is crucial for research.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “screening tool” mean? “This equipment is close to what the military and police use every day, so this has potential to be used as a screening tool across the country.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Share your thoughts on incorporating virtual reality technology into training protocols.
  2. How does virtual reality technology accurately track and record shooting performance in training scenarios?
  3. What are the potential benefits of using VR for law enforcement and military training compared to traditional methods?
  4. How might the integration of VR into training programs improve the personalization of training for individuals?
  5. What specific features of the VR system make it a reliable tool for monitoring and enhancing shooting performance?

New Dimensions in Quantum Computing: Majorana Particles Go 2D

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Researchers have made a breakthrough in quantum computing by developing a method to produce Majorana particles in a two-dimensional plane. This innovation could lead to more stable and efficient qubits.

Read the article to know why this innovation is crucial for the advancement of quantum computing technology​.

https://scitechdaily.com/new-dimensions-in-quantum-computing-majorana-particles-go-2d/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is “qubit”? “While classical computers use bits as the basic unit of information, which can be either 0 or 1, quantum computers use qubits, which can exist in a state of 0, 1, or both simultaneously.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “quantum computing” mean? “Researchers have innovated a 2D method for producing Majorana particles, aiming to improve quantum computing with stable and efficient qubits.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “readout” mean? “In the longer term, the flexibility and scalability of the 2D platform should allow us to think about concrete strategies to create networks of Majoranas and integrate them with auxiliary elements needed for control and readout of a Majorana qubit.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Talk about the things you know about Majorana particles.
  2. How does the two-dimensional production method of Majorana particles contribute to the stability of qubits in quantum computing?
  3. What specific advantages do Majorana particles offer over traditional qubits in quantum computing systems?
  4. What institutions or research teams are leading the innovation in producing Majorana particles in two dimensions?
  5. How might the development of 2D Majorana particles impact the future scalability and efficiency of quantum computers?

Autonomous Drone Navigation

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Advances in artificial intelligence are revolutionizing autonomous drone navigation. New algorithms and machine learning techniques are enhancing drones’ ability to navigate complex environments.

Read the article to know why this is more efficient and reliable for tasks ranging from delivery services to environmental monitoring​.

https://scitechdaily.com/ai-unleashed-revolutionizing-autonomous-drone-navigation/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “light detection and ranging or lidar” mean? “In recent years, advancements in visual sensor technology like light detection and ranging, or lidar, and thermal imaging have allowed drones to perform limited advanced-level tasks such as object detection and visual recognition.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. Define “deep learning” and “machine learning”. “When combined with the team’s algorithms — powered by deep learning and machine learning, a subset of AI — drones could assist in developing 3D or 4D advanced imagery for mapping and monitoring applications.” Use these terms in sentences.
  3. What does “line of sight” mean? “Currently, someone must manually fly a drone and have a high level of situational awareness to keep it clear of obstacles in its surroundings, like buildings, trees, mountains, bridges, signs or other prominent structures, while staying within the drone pilot’s line of sight.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What new techniques are being used to enhance the navigation capabilities of autonomous drones?
  2. How might these advancements in AI improve the efficiency of drone delivery services?
  3. In what ways could environmental monitoring benefit from improved autonomous drone navigation?
  4. What challenges do autonomous drones face in navigating complex environments, and how are these being addressed by recent AI developments?

A Piece of Advice to Your Younger Self

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Life is full of challenges and struggles that test our resilience and determination. Be it personal, academic, or professional obstacles, we all face difficulties at some point in our lives. These struggles can come in many forms, such as financial hardships, health issues, or relationship problems. There will always be a point in our life where we struggle and ask ourselves if we can survive. 

Read this article and find out what people answers if they are asked to advice their younger self.

https://www.juliebjelland.com/hsp-blog/if-you-could-give-a-piece-of-advice-to-your-younger-self-what-would-it-be

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the verb “meander” mean? “You were always on the exact right path, even if it may have meandered and had its own timeline.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘meander’ in your own sentence.
  2. What does the noun “to brush something off” mean, “Your instincts are right. Trust them. Don’t brush them off.”? Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘to brush something off’ in your own sentence.
  3. What does “to work hand in hand” mean? “Don’t ignore your heart. Just because everyone is complimenting your head (logical thinking), doesn’t mean you can’t also listen to your heart. They can work hand in hand.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘to work hand in hand in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What piece of advice would you give your younger self?
  2. What struggles did you have before and how were you able to overcome them?
  3. Choose a piece of advice from the article to give to your younger self. Explain why you think the young you needs to hear this word of wisdom.
  4. What do you think Paula Prober mean when she said, “You are scuba diving through life while others are simply water skiing.“?
  5. When things get tough, what words of wisdom do you always remember, and who said them?

Australia to Allow Foreign Citizens into Its Army

B1 – Intermediate 

Australia is having problems recruiting people to join the military. Due to this, they will be allowing citizens from the UK, Canada, and New Zealand to enlist in the Australian army.

Read the article about Australia opening up its forces to foreigners.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2406/240606-army-recruits.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to sign up” mean? “Australia is having problems getting people to sign up for its army.” Use this phrase in your own sentence.
  2. What does “a pool of people” mean? “Recruiting from a wider pool of people will help ensure [the ADF] reflects the full diversity of Australia, and is able to draw on the talents of [all] of Australian society.” Use this idiom in your own sentence.
  3. What does “to draw on something” mean? “Recruiting from a wider pool of people will help ensure [the ADF] reflects the full diversity of Australia, and is able to draw on the talents of [all] of Australian society.” Use this expression in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. According to the article, what is Australia’s reason for changing its military recruitment policy?
  2. What is your opinion about a country allowing foreigners to join their military?
  3. What could be the good and bad things about letting citizens from other countries become part of another country’s army?
  4. “Opposition Foreign Minister Simon Birmingham disagreed with the policy. He said it showed government failure.” Do you agree with Mr. Birmingham or not? Explain. 
  5. How can a country/the government motivate people to join the military?
  6. If this were to be done in your country, do you think it will be a good idea? Why or why not?

Panama Evacuates Islanders Due to Rising Sea Levels

B1 – Intermediate 

As a result of global warming, the sea levels across the world are rising at an alarming rate.

The rise in sea levels is greatly due to water from melting glaciers and ice sheets and seawater expansion caused by the warmer temperatures.

In Panama, residents of a small island called Gardi Sugdub had to be evacuated because the sea levels on the island has gone up by a lot.

Read the article about the evacuation of islanders in Panama because of rising sea levels.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2406/240603-rising-sea-levels-5.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “last minute” mean? “A government official said some people are refusing to leave their ancestral home. They will stay until the last minute.” two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use this phrase in your own sentence.
  2. What does “a sign of something to come” mean? “The government said Gardi Sugdub is a sign of things to come.” two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use this idiom in your own sentence.
  3. What does “engulf” mean? “Many more islands are under threat from being engulfed.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use this word in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the effects of rising sea levels in Panama?
  2. What is your reaction to this, “A recent environmental study estimated Panama would lose 2.01 percent of its coastal territory to rising sea levels.”?
  3. Some inhabitants of the island do not want to leave their homes. How can the government convince them to evacuate?
  4. Do you think the relocated inhabitants will have a better life in their new community? Explain.
  5. Does news about rising sea levels affect you? Why or why not?

Tesla to Recall Vehicles Over Faulty Seat Belt Warning System

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Seatbelts are considered as integral part of the basic safety equipment installed in all modern vehicles. Some people wear their seat belt the moment they get into the car while others need that constant reminder to wear them.

In case of a collision, the risk of injury is much higher if the passengers of the vehicles are not wearing this safety strap.

In the US, Tesla has had to recall more than 120 thousand vehicles over a malfunction in its seat belt warning system.

Let’s read the article and know more about a malfunction in these Tesla vehicles and the company’s solutions to the problem.

https://edition.cnn.com/2024/05/31/business/tesla-recall-faulty-seat-belt-warning-system/index.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the phrase “audible chime” mean? “The regulator said the vehicles failed to comply with the federal safety requirements as their seat belt warning light and audible chime may not get activated when the driver is unbelted.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “to fail to comply with” mean? “The regulator said the vehicles failed to comply with the federal safety requirements as their seat belt warning light and audible chime may not get activated when the driver is unbelted.” Use it in a sentence and give two synonyms.
  3. What does “to get lodged in” mean? “It also recalled 3,878 Cybertrucks in April to fix an accelerator pedal pad that could come loose and get lodged in the interior trim.” Use it in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is the problem with those Tesla vehicles?
  2. What steps will Tesla take to remedy this malfunction?
  3. How do you think these series of recalls affect Tesla?
  4. Talk about another company that failed to comply with the federal requirements that led to a recall of their products from the market.
  5. How can a company manage a successful product recall procedure?

National Service

B1 – Intermediate

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has proposed a plan to introduce national service for 18-year-olds if his party wins the UK election on July 4th. Under this plan, young people would have two options: one year of military service or voluntary work commitments. The proposal aims to instill valuable skills and foster a stronger national culture in the youths. However, it has faced criticism from various experts and young people alike.

Read this article to learn more about plan to introduce national service for 18-year-olds.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2405/240530-national-service.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “national service” mean?  “The UK leader, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, says he will introduce compulsory national service if his party wins the UK election on July the 4th. Under his plan, young people will have two choices when they become 18. “ Use this phrase in a sentence.
  2. Define “voluntary work”. “The second option is to do voluntary work for one weekend a month.” Use this phrase in a sentence.
  3. What is the meaning of “to take away something/to take something away“? “They believe it takes away their freedom.” Use this phrase in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your opinion about mandatory national service for 18-year-olds?
  2. What could be the good and bad thing about the national service in your country?
  3. What are your thoughts on this statement, “[By doing national service ] people will gain valuable skills, and help to “build a stronger national culture.“?
  4. Do you believe the implementation of national service could be done in your country? Why or why not?
  5. How would compulsory national service impact young people’s personal plans and goals for the future?