Tag: Reading

Divorce Is a Cause for Celebration

B2 – Upper Intermediate

In many societies, divorce is often regarded as a source of shame and carries a heavy stigma. In contrast, Mauritania views divorce as a common occurrence and even an occasion for celebration, signaling a woman’s renewed availability for marriage. For generations, women have come together to feast, sing, and dance at each other’s divorce parties. Today, this tradition is evolving for a new era, incorporating personalized cakes and social media highlights alongside the traditional food and music, creating a vibrant blend of old and new.

Read this article to know how for Mauritian women, divorce is not a cause for sorrow, but for a celebration instead.

https://www.milleworld.com/in-this-tiny-arab-country-divorce-is-a-cause-for-celebration/

Vocabulary Questions:

1. What does “to weigh down” mean? “The limited options for women after divorce led to a tradition of celebrating, ensuring that their future would not be weighed down by their past.”? Use this term in a sentence.
2. What does the phrase “to start anew” mean? “Mauritian women treat the occasion of divorce as an opportunity to start anew, reiterating that there is nothing wrong with separation. ” Use this phase in your own sentence.
3. What does “lineage” mean? “To preserve lineage, alliances, and castes, women were often forced to marry their cousins.” Use this word in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How is divorce viewed in your country? Is it considered a social stigma in your country?
  2. Share your thoughts on this statement, “Some women view their previous marriages as status symbols.“.
  3. What is your opinion on “matrimonial career” in Mauritania?
  4. Share your insights on this, “Women with experience from previous marriages are often considered better prospects than young, inexperienced brides.“
  5. What is your stance on this, “Celebrating women who divorce is a lot better than shaming them.“?

Valencia’s Beach Cleaning Robot PlatjaBot

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The advent of cleaning robots signifies a transformative shift in the cleaning industry, particularly within service-oriented frameworks. Emphasizes that autonomous cleaning robots facilitate value co-creation among stakeholders by introducing efficiency and innovation into traditional cleaning practices.

Cleaning robots are becoming increasingly popular in households around the world. Thes advanced devices are designed to make our lives easier by taking care of the tedious cleaning task.

Read the article and learn about the first cleaning robot in a Spanish city.

https://smartcitiesconnect.org/valencia-introduces-platjabot-revolutionary-beach-cleaning-robot/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to sift through something” mean? “The device called PlatjaBot – is a caterpillar-type vehicle that can collect up to 10 centimeters of soil at a time and sift through it to remove any waste.” Give 2 synonyms and use this phrase in a sentence.
  2. What is a “pilot project” mean? “This PlatjaBot pilot project is part of Valencia’s Municipal Sandbox Ordinance, which was approved earlier this year.” Give 2 similar expressions and use this term in a sentence.
  3. What does the adjective “cumbersome” mean? “According to the City, the ordinance is a regulation that “allows technology to be tested in an experimental phase in a real environment, such as the entire city of Valencia, and do so without the cumbersome administrative procedures that usually accompany these authorizations.” Give 2 synonyms and use this word in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is the PlatjaBot? What are the features of this robot? What issues can you think of associated with this piece of machine?
  2. What do you think about this invention as a whole?
  3. “We are the first Spanish city to have a law that allows technology to be tested in a real environment.” What do you think about that?
  4. Is your city a Green Capital? Why or why not?
  5. What other invention/s like PlatjaBot have you found interesting recently? Talk about it/them.

Heat Waves Are Changing Summer Holidays

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The phenomenon of heatwaves is significantly altering the nature of summer holidays, particularly in urban areas where temperatures are exacerbated by the urban heat island effect. Research indicates that extreme heat events, such as those experienced in the western United States during the summer of 2021, are increasing in frequency and intensity due to climate change.

The implications extend beyond individual enjoyment; they encompass broader societal effects on physical health and social interactions. Ultimately, understanding these changes is crucial for developing effective strategies that can mitigate the adverse impacts of climate change on our summer holidays

Read the article and find out if heat waves really affect tourism in a region.

https://www.euronews.com/2023/08/08/mauritius-rather-than-mallorca-how-the-heat-waves-are-changing-our-summer-holidays

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to take a toll on something” mean? “On the Italian island of Sicily, wildfires were much less widespread and they didn’t affect many tourists. But fear of more fires has nonetheless taken its toll on booking numbers.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does the idiom “full picture” mean? “A study by the EU Commission study found a clear north-south divide on tourism demand within Europe. But what’s the full picture?”  Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does the noun “upswing” mean? “According to the European Travel Commission (ETC), a non-governmental organisation that promotes Europe as a travel destination worldwide, the European travel market is on the upswing.”  Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Share your insights related to this news.
  2. How was the situation in your country this last summer in terms of the heat and the number of tourists that the country received?
  3. Jean-Pierre Mas said: “There will be no dramatic decline. Instead, there will be a gradual change.” What does it mean?
  4. Share your own opinion why you think German Health Minister Karl Lauterbach’s tweet became controversial.
  5. “Italy’s motto: Don’t be alarmed.” Do you think they are right? Share your thoughts.

New Law Against Trafficking in Spain

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Spain recently introduced a new law aimed at combating human trafficking in the country. This law toughens penalties for those who participate in human trafficking for various purposes, such as forced labor or sexual exploitation. The government hopes this new legislation will help protect vulnerable people and punish those who exploit them.

Read the article and share your thoughts about it.

https://migrant-integration.ec.europa.eu/news/spain-new-law-trafficking_en

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is a “third-country national or TCN”? “Third-country nationals (TCNs) in Spain are disproportionately affected by crimes related to human trafficking and exploitation: traffickers take advantage of the country’s proximity with Northern Africa, its cultural connection with Latin America, and migrants’ vulnerability.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “organic law” mean? “The Spanish government announced its decision to transform the draft of the Integral Organic Law against Trafficking and Exploitation of Human Beings, promoted during the previous term, into law.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “prerogative” mean? “The key aspects of the law relate to specific prerogatives that will be granted to the victims without the need for them to file a complaint, including the rights to receive the Minimum Vital Income (MVI), to be considered priority group to access public housing, to receive legal assistance throughout the process, to receive compensation from confiscated property, and to obtain a temporary certificate of residence and work.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How big is the problem with human trafficking in your country? What are some problems caused by this illegal activity in your country?
  2. What is the new law about? What are your thoughts on some of its prerogatives?
  3. What steps can countries take to strengthen laws against human trafficking? Do you have any suggestions?
  4. How can awareness about human trafficking be raised?
  5. Talk about the things you know about the VioGén system.

Mother of Georgia Shooting Suspect Called School to Warn of Emergency

The question of a mother’s liability for her son’s actions, particularly in cases involving serious crimes such as murder, raises complex legal and ethical considerations. In instances where a mother suspects that her child may be involved in violent behavior, the extent to which she can be held legally accountable for their actions becomes a subject of intense debate.

This article examines the implications of maternal liability in cases where there is prior suspicion of potential wrongdoing by a child, focusing on the intersection of legal duty and parental responsibility.

Read the article and share your thought about this issue.

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/sep/08/georgia-school-shooting-suspect-mother

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to seek bail” mean? “Their attorneys declined to immediately seek bail during their first court appearance on Friday.” Give a similar expression and use this phrase in a sentence.
  2. What does “taunting” mean? “The Georgia teenager had struggled with his parents’ separation and taunting by classmates, his father told a sheriff’s investigator last year when asked whether his son posted an online threat.” Give 2 synonyms and use this word in a sentence.
  3. What does “disproportionate rate” mean? “Their killings renewed the American public debate about safe storage laws for guns while also prompting parents to ponder how to talk to their children about trauma and school shootings, which occur in the US at a disproportionate rate.” Use the phrase in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Which detail/s in this news caught your interest? Talk about it/them.
  2. Do you think a parent is responsible for their child’s criminal behavior? Explain your opinion on this.
  3. What might be done to prevent this kind of horrible incidents from happening again in the future?
  4. What problems do you see among teenagers and their behaviors in your country these days?
  5. Give an example of a sensational case involving a teenager or teenagers in your country.

Eye Colour Change Is Riskiest Cosmetic Surgery 

B1 – Intermediate

Originally, eye color change surgery is used to repair an eye injury or other medical conditions. Nowadays, it is also used for cosmetic reasons as a permanent substitute to colored contact lenses. It may seem like a convenient option for those who regularly use colored contact lenses. In this case however, convenience comes with greater risks.

Read the article and know more about this risky cosmetic procedure.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2409/240902-eye-colour-change.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the phrase “opt for” mean? “Increasing numbers of people worldwide are opting for cosmetic surgery to enhance their looks.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What is the meaning of the word “likelihood“? “Research conducted by the online eyewear store Overnight Glasses asserts that eye colour surgery comes with a 92 percent likelihood of complications.“. Make a sentence and give two synonyms.
  3. What does “to highlight something” mean?” Dr Ashley Brissette highlighted things that could go wrong. ” Use it in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the risks associated with the eye colour change procedure?
  2. Why do you think people would choose to have this procedure?
  3. In your opinion, what other cosmetic procedures are risky?
  4. What is your stand on cosmetic surgeries?

People Will Fall in Love with AI Voices

B1 – Intermediate 

In the film “Her” starring Joaquin Phoenix, he starts using a new operating system. He meets “Samantha”, an AI assistant. At first, they become friends and then eventually, he falls in love with his AI assistant.

Science fiction.

But now, scientists are afraid it is highly likely for humans to form some kind of emotional dependency on or even love for their AIs or chatbots.

Read the article to know more about scientists’ worries about the possibility of people falling in love with AI.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2408/240812-emotional-attachment-to-ai.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “reshape” mean? “They will reshape how we interact with family, friends and colleagues. ” Use the word in your own sentence and give a synonym.
  2. What does “usurp” mean? “They may even usurp communication among humans.” Use the word in your own sentence and give a synonym.
  3. What is “societal bias”? Give a synonym of this term. “Wired.com writes that the new  chatbot includes “the potential to amplify societal biases, spread disinformation, and aid in the development of chemical or biological weapons”.” Use this phrase in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your reaction to this news?
  2. Do you think this is possible to happen? Why or why not?
  3. Share your opinion on this, “Users might form social relationships with the AI, reducing their need for human interaction.”.
  4. What are the pros and cons of talking to AI?
  5. How do you think chatbots could change society?

24-Hour Cities

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

New York is dubbed as “The City that Never Sleeps”. But apparently, The Big Apple isn’t the only one and there are many more that are striving to become one as well.

About 100 cities in the world are called 24-hour cities. This means bustling nightlife where there are more places open all throughout the night.

It is believed that having a 24-hour city can help with a city’s economic growth. However, despite some benefits, it is still faces a deal of skepticism from people. 

Read the article to know more about the pros and cons of 24-hour cities.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ckdgqpy0lyeo

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to home in on something” mean? “Yet a growing number of cities around the world are increasingly homing in on ways to strengthen their night-time economy.” Use the phrase in your own sentence.
  2. What is a “reveller”? “But not everyone is supportive of the change: “We don’t have enough security for it,” says one concerned reveller.” Use this word in a sentence.
  3. What does “up all night” mean? “But most of those cities, including London, Sydney, and Sinatra’s beloved New York, are not up all night.” Use this phrase in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Share your thoughts on 24-hour cities. Talk about its benefits and the problems you see with it.
  2. Is your city one? Do you feel about that? If it isn’t yet, how would you feel about it becoming one?
  3. What do you think about a city’s 24-hour drinking zone?
  4. What are ways for cities to strengthen their night-time economy?
  5. What are your thoughts on night mayor or night czar’s job?

Being Alone Isn’t the Same As Being Lonely

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Loneliness isn’t just a personal issue; it’s a public health concern linked to serious outcomes like mental health challenges and early mortality. Surprisingly, recent research shows that being physically isolated doesn’t always lead to loneliness. This discovery highlights the complex nature of loneliness and suggests that being alone and feeling lonely are not the same, prompting a deeper look into what truly drives these feelings.

Read this article to learn how being alone isn’t the same as being lonely.

https://theconversation.com/lonely-extroverts-happy-hermits-why-being-alone-isnt-the-same-as-being-lonely-and-why-it-matters-235767

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Define “disentangle“. “It also provides further impetus to disentangle loneliness, physical isolation, and social isolation.” Make a sentence with this and give two synonyms.
  2. What does “to foster something“? “Addressing the root causes of loneliness and fostering social connections is essential to improving overall wellbeing.” Make a sentence with this and give two synonyms.
  3. What does the verb “to underscore” mean? “This underscores the importance of a supportive community in reducing the risk of loneliness.” Create a sentence with this and give two synonyms.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What does “being alone” mean to you? Do you think it’s different from feeling lonely?
  2. How can society better address the complex issue of loneliness beyond just reducing physical isolation?
  3. Do you think it’s possible to feel lonely even when you are with other people? Why or why not?
  4. How does your culture or background influence your feelings about being alone or being with others?
  5. What are some activities you like to do alone? Do these activities make you feel lonely or happy?

The ‘Lucky to Be Here’ Generation Could Learn from Gen Z

B2 – Upper Intermediate

In uncertain times, many adopt a “lucky to be here” mindset, which can undermine our career self-worth and control. While Millennials often settle for less due to hustle culture, Gen Z is redefining job satisfaction with a more balanced approach. By learning from Gen Z, we can better advocate for ourselves and achieve a healthier work-life balance.

Read this article to learn what Gen Z has to teach the ‘Lucky to Be Here’ Generation.

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/lucky-to-be-here-bad-career-advice_l_66a13723e4b0ac6125bcee32

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “over-index” mean? “Most people over-index on insecurity, but there are definitely some folks who swing to the other side of the pendulum a little bit too hard when they’re trying to escape that insecurity and fail to look at their growth area.” Use this in a sentence.
  2. Define “touchstone“. “If you, like me, were a Millennial who grew up watching “The Devil Wears Prada,” then this movie became one of your earliest touchstones of a “lucky to be here” mindset.” Give two synonyms and use “touchstone” in a sentence.
  3. What is the meaning of “to swing to the other side of the pendulum”? “Most people over-index on insecurity, but there are definitely some folks who swing to the other side of the pendulum a little bit too hard when they’re trying to escape that insecurity and fail to look at their growth area.” Make a sentence with this.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think of the “lucky to be here” mindset?
  2. Have you ever felt like you were just “lucky to be here” in your job? How did that mindset affect you?
  3. How did your upbringing or family background influence your views on job security and career advancement?
  4. What aspects of Gen Z’s approach to work do you find inspiring or challenging for your own career?
  5. How can the “heads down, grind it out” attitude lead to burnout and unhealthy loyalty?