Tag: Reading

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?

Challenges and Opportunities in a Multigenerational Workforce

B2 – Upper Intermediate

In modern workplaces, employees from multiple generations — including Baby Boomers, Generation X, Millennials, and Generation Z — collaborate daily, each bringing unique viewpoints, work habits, and values. These generational differences can sometimes lead to misunderstandings in communication, expectations, and teamwork, especially as technology and workplace practices evolve quickly. Recognizing and understanding these differences is important because they affect how teams interact, solve problems, and create innovative solutions.

Closing the generational gap involves creating strategies that help people of all ages work together smoothly. This means valuing diverse communication methods, accommodating varying levels of tech proficiency, and acknowledging the strengths and preferences of each generation. Companies that manage to bridge these differences effectively often see stronger collaboration, higher employee engagement, and a richer mix of ideas and experiences within their teams.

Read the article about addressing challenges and uncovering opportunities in a multigenerational workforce.

Bridging the Generational Divide: Addressing Challenges and Uncovering Opportunities in a Multigenerational Workforce

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “adeptness” mean? “These differences can manifest in the workplace, impacting communication styles, technological adeptness, and preferred work environments. Clarifying these distinctions aides mutual understanding and collaboration.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does the word “cohort” mean? “Failing to address these challenges can lead to intergenerational conflicts, reduced team efficiency, and an inability to attract or retain talent from across different generational cohorts.” Construct a sentence featuring this word.
  3. What does the word “dissonance” mean? “The urgency to resolve generational differences is acute, as organizations that do not evolve will struggle with internal dissonance and decreased competitiveness in a rapidly diversifying labor market.” Construct a sentence featuring this word.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think technology increases the generational divide at work? Why or why not?
  2. What strengths do older workers bring to a team? What strengths do younger workers bring to a team?
  3. Why is it important for companies to understand generational diversity?

Challenges of Urbanization in Modern Cities

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Urbanization is one of the most significant trends shaping the world today. As people move from rural areas to urban centers in search of better jobs, education, and services, cities are growing rapidly and becoming home to a large share of the global population. This expansion brings many advantages, such as economic opportunities and cultural exchange. However, it also creates serious challenges that affect the daily lives of millions of urban residents and the environment they live in.

Modern cities often struggle to meet the needs of their expanding populations. High housing demand leads to overcrowding and rising prices, while transportation systems become overwhelmed with traffic and congestion. At the same time, environmental problems like pollution and loss of green spaces threaten public health and quality of life. To build sustainable and equitable urban areas, governments and planners must find solutions that balance growth with social and environmental well-being.

Read this article about challenges of urbanization in modern cities.

Challenges of Urbanization in Modern Cities

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “social unrest” mean in this sentence? “At the same time, inequality in cities can create further divisions between different social groups. As the rich and poor live in separate areas, tensions can rise, contributing to social unrest.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does the word “disparity” mean? “While urbanization brings economic opportunities, it also creates significant disparities between different social groups.” Construct a sentence featuring this word.
  3. What does the term “informal settlement” mean? “This leads to the rise of informal settlements or slums, where people live in substandard conditions with limited access to basic services like clean water and sanitation.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the biggest advantages and disadvantages of living in a large city?
  2. How does the high cost of living affect young people and families?
  3. In your opinion, what should city leaders prioritize to make urban life better?
  4. Do you think future cities will be better or worse than those of today’s? Explain your opinion.

Meta Safety Measures Amidst Social Media Fraud

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

Social media websites have become hotspots for fraudulent schemes. Cybercriminals are now using sophisticated methods to scam users leading to them losing a lot of money in the end.

Following this, Meta is implementing new regulations that aim to protect users from these fraudulent schemes on their platform.

Read the article about the safety measures Meta is implementing in Australia amidst social media fraud.

Meta Implements Safety Measures in Australia Amidst Social Media Fraud

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Define “celebrity bait”. “Meta’s move comes in the wake of a rise in “celebrity bait” scams that use AI-generated images and videos of prominent figures such as David Koch, Gina Rinehart and Anthony Albanese to promote fake investment opportunities.” Use the term in a sentence. 
  2. What does “disclaimer” mean? “Once approved, the ad will display a “payment amount” disclaimer, ensuring transparency and helping users distinguish genuine from fraudulent content.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a similar expression.
  3. What does “to come in the wake of something” mean? “Meta’s move comes in the wake ofa rise in “celebrity bait” scams that use AI-generated images and videos of prominent figures such as David Koch, Gina Rinehart and Anthony Albanese to promote fake investment opportunities.” Use the idiom in a sentence. Give a similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Talk about some social media frauds mentioned in the article.
  2. Share your insights about Meta’s new rules.
  3. What is your reaction/are your thoughts about this, “Social media platforms increasingly becoming hotspots for fraud, with cybercriminals using sophisticated techniques to deceive users.“
  4. Share your reaction to this, “AI-generated content was responsible for more than $12 billion in fraud losses last year. Projections suggest that these losses in the US could reach $40 billion by 2027.”
  5. Do you think the same problems exist in your country? Talk about it.

Orthorexia: Healthy Eating Obsession

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Sometimes, a positive habit can turn into something harmful when taken to extremes. What begins as a desire to make better choices may grow into an obsession that affects health, relationships, and daily life. This discussion looks at how balance is lost when the pursuit of “doing the right thing” goes too far.

Let’s read the article and find out more about how this happens, what signs to watch for, and why balance is so important.

Orthorexia: When Healthy Eating Becomes an Obsession

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “hard and fast line” mean? “[There] is no hard and fast line between nutritionally advisable behaviors and potentially dangerous — or even disastrous — ones.” Use it in a sentence and give a synonym.
  2. What does “besiege” mean? “On one side, we are besieged by ultra-processed, factory-farmed, nutrient-poor, and inflammatory food products, many of which are undeniably harming our health.” Use it in a sentence and give a synonym.
  3. What does “to fall squarely into something” mean? “When I first read about orthorexia 10 or so years ago, I fell squarely into that skeptical camp.” Use it in a sentence and give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think motivates people to become overly strict about healthy eating?
  2. How can an obsession with “clean” food affect someone’s social life?
  3. In what ways might orthorexia differ from other eating disorders?
  4. How could healthcare professionals help someone struggling with orthorexia?
  5. What role do social media and wellness trends play in reinforcing orthorexic behaviors?

Farmers Protest EU-Mercosur Deal

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

Farmers took to the streets of central Madrid to demonstrate against European Union’s agricultural policies and the Mercosur deal.

Farmers believe that allowing an influx of goods from countries that have lower health and environmental guarantees will have an impact on the country’s agricultural sector.

Read the article about farmers protesting against the EU-Mercosur deal.

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-02-11/farmers-tractors-gather-in-madrid-to-protest-eu-mercosur-deal

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Define “free trade agreement”. “Thousands of farmers marched into central Madrid on Wednesday to protest against European Union’s agricultural policies and a free trade agreement with a group of South American nations.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “politically charged” mean? “In Spain, farmer protests have become politically charged, with far-right nationalist party Vox having made large inroads among farmers in recent years by denouncing that the country’s largest parties – the governing Socialists and the conservative People’s Party – aren’t doing enough for the agricultural sector.” Use the phrase in a sentence. Give a similar expression.
  3. What does “to make inroads” mean? “In Spain, farmer protests have become politically charged, with far-right nationalist party Vox having made large inroads among farmers in recent years by denouncing that the country’s largest parties – the governing Socialists and the conservative People’s Party – aren’t doing enough for the agricultural sector.” Use the idiom in a sentence. Give a similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the farmers protesting against?
  2. Share your thoughts about this protest.
  3. Share your thoughts about the Mercosur deal.
  4. Talk about everything you know about your country’s agricultural policies.
  5. What are your thoughts on this, “Farmers aren’t seeking a monopoly, but they want food products produced in other countries to be produced under the same conditions that are required of them.”