Tag: Reading

Adapting to Last Minute Project Changes

B2 – Upper Intermediate

How flexible you are when sudden changes happen? Although last-minute changes can be prevented with careful planning, some projects can be a real challenge to maintaining your balance sometimes.

Read the article to know how to quickly adapt to last-minute hiccups at certain project phases.

https://pmtips.net/article/how-to-adapt-to-last-minute-project-changes-or-hiccupshttps://pmtips.net/article/how-to-adapt-to-last-minute-project-changes-or-hiccups

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the expression “best-laid plan” mean, “The best-laid plans sometimes don’t work out. In a perfect world, every project you take on at work would be smooth sailing from start to finish.”? Use this phrase in a sentence.
  2. What does “hiccup” mean, “But that still doesn’t stop the occasional hiccup or unexpected circumstance from happening.”? Use the word hiccup in a sentence.
  3. What does the word “to be knocked out of the groove” mean in this sentence, “When that happens, it can feel as though everyone is instantly knocked out of the “groove” they’ve been in for the project.”? Use this idiom in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How often do you have to deal with bottlenecks created by your colleagues or partners?
  2. How do you usually deal with the situation when unexpected events affect your project timing?
  3. How do you feel when your plan changes suddenly? Do you start panicking or looking for solutions?
  4.  Have you had to deal with any last-minute changes in your workplace?

Job-Hopping Impacts Retirement Savings

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Job-hopping has become a thing nowadays as more people seek greener pastures. It may seem advantageous in terms of your long-term savings. However, it could potentially hurt your retirement savings in the long run.

Read the article to learn about some things to factor in when job-hopping.

https://lifehacker.com/how-job-hopping-impacts-your-retirement-savings-1850274503

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is a “vesting schedule“, “In most cases, increasing your overall income will do more for you in the long-term than any one company’s vesting schedule.“? Use this phrase in your own sentence.
  2. What does the expression “to leave money on the table” mean, “With incentives like a dedicated vesting schedule or matching 401(k) contributions, workers who stick with one company get rewarded for their loyalty—while job-hoppers feel like they’re leaving free money on the table.“? Make a sentence with this idiom.
  3. What does “stick with” mean,  “Workers who stick with one company get rewarded for their loyalty.“? Use this phrase in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How does job-hopping impact retirement savings?
  2. Is job hopping a viable option for those who prioritize their retirement savings? Why or why not?
  3. Have you ever considered job hopping in order to increase your income or advance your career?
  4. How important is retirement planning to you, and what steps are you taking to ensure your future financial security?
  5. Do you believe that job hopping can have a positive impact on your career trajectory, or do you think it is better to stay with one employer for a longer period of time?

All Things Remembered

B1 – Intermediate

The expression “All things remembered” means that it’s important to cherish our memories. Memories are the things we remember from our past, like happy times, sad times, or important events. It helps us understand who we are and make sense of the world around us. They also bring us comfort and joy when we think about them.

Let’s read the article below and learn more things about it.

http://headsupenglish.com/index.php/lower-intermediate-students/lower-intermediate-news-lessons/lower-intermediate-science-and-technology-lessons/556-perfect-memory

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “a fact of life” mean in this sentence, “For Brad Williams, this is a fact of life, as he can remember everything with perfect clarity.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “rerun” mean in this sentence, “Imagine you could remember every action and event in your life. For example, you could remember that on June 15th, 1992, you ate a hamburger with extra cheese and onions for dinner, and you also watched a rerun on TV” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “how something works” mean in this sentence, “The doctor is studying Williams because he wants to understand how memory works.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think about being able to having a perfect memory of everything in your past?
  2. Why are memories important in our lives?
  3. How can we make sure we don’t forget important memories? How do you preserve your memories?
  4. Can we rely on our memories to be completely accurate? Why / Why not?
  5. How do our memories of past experiences shape our current behavior and decision-making?

Stretch my Legs

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Leg lengthening surgery is an invasive and costly medical procedure that has become more popular in the recent years. A less advanced leg-lengthening device was first invented by an orthopedic surgeon in Russia in the 1950’s for injured soldier. Nowadays, this surgery is done mostly for aesthetic purposes.

Let’s read the article and know more about this surgical procedure and its growing popularity in China.

https://www.fullspate.digitalcounterrevolution.co.uk/archive/chinalegs.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Define the expression, “to get a post“. “To get a post in the foreign ministry, for instance, male applicants need not bother applying unless they are at least 5ft 7in, while women must be at least 5ft 3in.” Use it in your own sentence.
  2. What is the meaning of the word “counterpart“?”Chinese diplomats are expected to be tall to match the height of their foreign counterparts.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does the expression “at ground level” mean? “But height discrimination is evident even at ground level: in some places, people under 5ft 3in are not even eligible to take a driving test.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on this kind of procedure?
  2. How does leg lengthening surgery work?
  3. According to the article, why is it popular in China?
  4. Based on the article, which professions have a height requirement in China?
  5. Is this surgery available in your country? Do you think it should be banned?

Cope With Layoff Anxiety

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Being employed in a company is surely not all rainbows and butterflies. There’s always that fear of getting laid off or fired out of nowhere.

Read the article to learn how to deal with layoff anxiety.

https://lifehacker.com/how-to-cope-with-layoff-anxiety-1850097349

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is a “safety net” mean, “Even if having a financial safety net isn’t feasible, coming up with a backup plan gives you some sort of control over your situation.“? Use this phrase in your own sentence.
  2. What does “cobble” mean, “According to a 2022 survey, roughly 36% of employed Americans are gig workers—cobbling an income together from multiple sources, none of which likely come with benefits.“? Use this word in your own sentence.
  3. What does “to channel something into” mean, “Channel your anxiety into learning new skills.“? Use this phrase in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why do people experience anxiety after being laid off from their jobs?
  2. What are other ways to deal with layoff anxiety?
  3. How can talking to someone about your layoff anxiety help you cope?
  4. How can employers help ease their employees’ anxiety during a period of potential layoffs?
  5. Can seeking professional help, such as counseling, be beneficial for coping with layoff anxiety?
  6. Have you experienced getting laid off? If yes, how did you deal with it? If not, how do you think will you handle this situation?

Themed Restaurants

B1 – Intermediate

Themed restaurants have become increasingly popular in recent years, providing diners with a unique and immersive dining experience that goes beyond simply enjoying a meal. They are designed around a particular concept or theme, ranging from historical eras to popular movies or television shows.

Themed restaurants can be a fun and engaging dining experience for diners of all ages. They offer a break from the mundane dining experiences and transport diners to a different time and place.

Let’s read the article below.

http://headsupenglish.com/index.php/lower-intermediate-students/lower-intermediate-mini-lessons/202-themed-restaurants

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. “Successful restaurants not only rely on great food and superior service, but they also rely on the atmosphere.” What does “rely on/upon” mean? Use it in a sentence.
  2. “Other such restaurants may look like a prison. Customers are locked in cell-like rooms with “guards” serving as waiters.” What does “look like someone/something” mean? Use it in a sentence.
  3.  What does “tie together” mean in this sentence, “The decoration, music, and food all tie together to create a unique and unusual dining experience.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How does the décor in a themed restaurant contribute to the dining experience?
  2. Do you think themed restaurants are popular in your country? Why / Why not?
  3. Have you ever been to a themed restaurant? If so, what was the theme and what was your experience like?
  4. What do you think are the benefits of going to a themed restaurant?
  5. Are themed restaurants more expensive than regular restaurants? Why / Why not?
  6. What are some challenges that themed restaurants may face?

Get a Refund on a ‘Non-refundable’ Hotel Reservation

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Cancellations, especially last-minute ones, are the bane of the hospitality industry as a whol,e but most places will offer a refund if you have a reasonable excuse. 

Read the article to know what to say and do to get a difficult hotel refund.

https://lifehacker.com/how-to-get-a-refund-on-a-nonrefundable-hotel-reservatio-1848372634https://lifehacker.com/how-to-get-a-refund-on-a-nonrefundable-hotel-reservatio-1848372634

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Define the expression “life gets in the way“, “Pandemic or not, sometimes life gets in the way of your travel plans.” Use this expression in your own sentence.
  2. Define “to save a few bucks“, “When you request for a nonrefundable rate to be refunded you are essentially asking the hotel to disregard the risk that you took in order to save a few bucks.”. Use this phrase in your own sentence.
  3. Define “to have a better shot at something“, “We should note that it’s always left to the discretion of the hotel or booking site as to whether or not to give you your money back—these are just situations where you have a better shot at being successful.“. Use this phrase in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you prefer to call or email a hotel when you want to discuss something with them? Why is this the case?
  2. What are some reasons why people cancel their reservations?
  3. What do you usually pre-pay when you book a hotel?
  4. Do you know anyone who paid a cancellation fee? How much was it?
  5. What will you do if you have to cancel a non-refundable service?
  6. When was the last time you asked for a refund? Why?

Game-Changing Travel Hacks

B2 – Upper Intermediate

For people who don’t travel often, it’s stressful to get ready for a trip. Do you have any travel tips on how to enjoy the journey and not stress out about everything?

Read the article to know how you can ensure you see everything you want and don’t lose anything before traveling to your next destination.

https://theeverygirl.com/travel-hacks/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Define “all-time high“, “With airports as busy as ever and flight prices at what seems like an all-time high, we could all use a few travel hacks to get us through the trips we have coming up.” Use this phrase in your own sentence.
  2. Define the phrase “to shove something into“, “When you’re shoving all your clothes into a suitcase with shoes, bags, jackets, and more, it’s possible that they will lose their freshly cleaned laundry scent—especially if you’re going on a long trip.” Use this phrase in your own sentence.
  3. Define the expression”to find one’s self in a pinch, “We would recommend investing in a travel jewelry case, but if you ever find yourself in a pinch before a trip without one (or if you just don’t feel like buying one), there is another solution.” Use this expression in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think of these recommendations? Do you like them? Why/why not?
  2. How do you usually plan for your trips? Do you like planning them? Why/why not?
  3. What do you do to make your trips interesting and safe?
  4. What do you do to not feel stressed and worried before your trip?
  5. Share any special travel hacks you use.

Cause of Grey Hair May Be Stuck Cells

B2 – Upper Intermediate

One of the many changes that occur to our bodies as we age is the graying of our hair. It has long been assumed that this results from a reduction in the production of melanin, the pigment responsible for hair color. Recent studies, however, claimed that the build-up of “stuck” cells in hair follicles may actually be the root of the grey hair problem.

According to research, these old cells don’t always get pushed out of the hair follicle as they ought to be. Instead, they “stick” in the follicle and can then cause issues.

So, what can be done to prevent or reverse the greying of hair?

Gain further knowledge on the reason behind grey hair by reading the full text.

https://www.bbc.com/news/health-65309374

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “coming out of the other side” mean in the sentence, “Post-lockdown, there is a feeling of liberty – many got into a grey hair rut because they couldn’t see their colourists, but came out of the other side and actually enjoyed the change.”? Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “stuck in limbo” mean, “New ones are made from stem cells and it’s these cells that the researchers believe become “stuck” in limbo in people whose hair has turned grey.”? Use this phrase in your own sentence.
  3. What does “fully-fledged” mean in the sentence, “The stem cells stop roaming around the follicle and become fixed, thereby failing to mature into fully-fledged melanocytes.”? Give 2 synonyms for this word and use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How does the accumulation of ‘stuck’ cells in hair follicles contribute to other hair-related problems, such as inflammation and scarring?
  2. Are there any medications or treatments that can reverse the greying of hair? Share some procedures that you know of.
  3. What are some steps that people can take to keep their hair looking healthy and vibrant as they age?
  4. Can certain vitamins and minerals prevent or reverse the greying of hair, and if so, which ones?
  5. How might a better understanding of the cause of grey hair help to develop new treatments for hair loss and other related conditions?

Spain Exhumes Fascist Falange Leader

B2 – Upper Intermediate

More than four decades after his funeral, the remains of the Spanish dictator Francisco Franco was exhumed and relocated in 2019. It used to be buried in the basilica of the Valley of the Fallen. Four years later, another Fascist leader is about to reburied.

Let’s read the article and know more about this exhumation.

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-65370223

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Define the expression “to open up up the wounds of the past“. “Madrid’s mayor said the move interested “all those who understand politics as opening up the wounds of the past rather than trying to create a future for all of us.“. Give two synonyms and use it in a sentence.
  2. What does the word “ploy” mean? “The political opposition has criticised the exhumation, casting it as a ploy by the prime minister to mobilise voters ahead of May’s local elections.” Use it in your own sentence.
  3. What is the meaning of the idiom “to go one step further” in this context? “Félix Bolaños, minister for the prime minister’s office, said Monday’s exhumation went “one step further” in converting the monument into a site that did not glorify the dictatorship.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Who is José Antonio Primo de Rivera and why is his body going to be exhumed?
  2. What is your stand on this issue? Will it pacify the victims’ families or incur an additional expense?
  3. What is your opinion on the left-wing government’s campaign to put an end to the veneration of the fascist civil war victory or the Franco dictatorship?
  4. What were the key events of the Spanish Civil War?