Tag: Reading

Federal Trade Commission’s New Rules

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The US administration is cracking down on anticompetitive practices of big tech companies. President Biden has signed a new executive order calling the Federal Trade Commission to adopt new rules. This could give small businesses an edge.

Read about the details on how the executive order could affect small businesses.

https://www.inc.com/amrita-khalid/biden-executive-order-noncompete-hiring-competition.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. How may the order affect startups and small businesses?
  2. What are your thoughts on the new order restricting noncompete clauses?
  3. Do you think it is a good idea to remove some occupational licensing requirements? Why or why not?
  4. What do you think of big online retailers like Amazon not being able to use sales data on third-party-sellers’ goods to launch competing products anymore?
  5. How is the competition in procurement and spending decisions like for small businesses in your country?

Spanish Taxi Drivers Became Millionaires

B2 – Upper Intermediate

This story of success of two Spanish cab drivers who became successful and very wealthy begins with a lot of hardships. There’s the economic crisis, the need to change their line of work, the arrival of ride-hailing apps, among others.

Read about how two Spanish taxi drivers turned themselves into millionaires with a brilliant business idea. 

https://english.elpais.com/economy-and-business/2021-07-13/the-spanish-taxi-drivers-who-became-millionaires-without-leaving-the-house.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on how they started their business and what do you think of their business idea?
  2. What do you think about businesses being done entirely online? Do you think it will become more common in the near future?
  3. In your own experience/observation, how has technology changed the way businesses are set up?
  4. What are some products that you wish are more easily available in your country?
  5. Was there ever a time when you considered changing your line of work? Share about that moment.

Attempt At Faux Chicken Tenders

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Over the years, consumer demand for chicken has skyrocketed. Although this may sound like a good thing for the economy, poultry farmers are facing production and supply issues. On the other hand, another demand has also been growing–the demand for plant-based products.

Beyond Meat is a producer of plant-based meat substitutes and that includes faux chicken tenders. They unveiled their first-ever vegan tenders 10 years ago. Now, they are attempting to release a much better version of the first one.

Click the link and know more about what Beyond Meat is up to.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/chloesorvino/2021/07/08/a-decade-later-beyond-meat-reveals-its-second-attempt-at-faux-chicken-tenders/?sh=7b97cfcd1dc7

Discussion Questions:

  1. Have you heard about Beyond Meat or any other brands that sell plant-based meat substitutes?
  2. What is your opinion about plant-based meat substitutes?
  3. What are some benefits/dangers of consuming them instead of real meat?

Toxic Workplaces Increase Depression Risk

B1 – Intermediate

Being satisfied at school or at work can, at times, be challenging. Work environment satisfaction is determined by how much a person likes what he/she is doing.

 Having a negative and a toxic work environment can cause anxiety and depression which may lead to some mental and health problems.

Let’s read the article below to know more about toxic workplaces increase depression risk.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2106/210627-toxic-workplaces-4.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. What can workers do about toxic workplaces?
  2. How do bad workplaces affect people?
  3. What responsibility do managers have to create a positive workplace?
  4. What is your ideal workplace?
  5. How is your workplace like?
  6. Have you ever worked in a toxic workplace? How was it?

Scientists Warn of More Extreme Hot Weather

B1 – Intermediate

We all expect it to be warm in the summer. Climate scientists have warned that hot days are getting hotter and more frequent.

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

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2107/210709-extreme-heat-4.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. Has the weather in your country changed in any way? How?
  2. What will happen if the Arctic warms up?
  3. What do you think are the dangers of extreme heat?
  4. What is the best way to survive extreme heat?
  5. Would you rather experience extreme heat or cold? Why?

Can Long-Distance Relationships Work?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

We all know that long distance relationships are hard work. However, many couples maintain ties with their romantic partners who do not live in the same geographic area. They may experience strains in their relationships from being far from each but they make ways to keep themselves emotionally connected despite the miles between them.

Read the article to learn more and be able to answer the questions that follow.

https://www.verywellmind.com/long-distance-relationships-can-they-work-4174038

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think of long distance relationships? Have you ever experienced this type of relationship before? Do you see yourself being in this situation?
  2. What are the pros and cons of this kind of relationship?
  3. In your personal opinion, do you think LDR can work?
  4. What are ways to make LDR work?
  5. Aside from distance, what are other common constraints romantic partners often have?

Benefits of Being in an Interracial Marriage

B2 – Upper Intermediate

As globalization impacts our lives, the world and its people are becoming closer than ever; thereby forming interracial relationships. Interracial marriages are getting more and more common and it’s no longer bizarre when we see a mixed race couple in movies, TV, or in reality. Although it still incites a debate, many people view the topic of interracial marriage from a positive viewpoint nowadays.

Read the article and be able to answer the questions that follow.

https://rainbowprintables.com/benefits-interracial-marriage/

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think of mixed race relationships? Do you see yourself having this kind of relationship?
  2. What are the things do you agree and disagree with the article? Explain your answer.
  3. What do you think are the benefits and challenges of interracial marriages?

Airlines Suffer Pandemic-Driven Losses

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Perhaps one of the most hard-hit industries during the pandemic is the aviation sector. With traveling immediately getting banned in many countries, the world saw airlines struggle to stay afloat amidst pandemic-driven losses.

Read the article about how airlines cut costs to aid in pandemic recovery.

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-united-arlns-results-idUSKBN29P2SN

Discussion Questions:

  1. What things has United Airlines done in order to manage through all their losses?
  2. What are the advantages and disadvantages of furloughs?
  3. What are your thoughts on travel bans during the pandemic?
  4. International traveling is arguably one sector hardest hit by the pandemic and the one likely to be the slowest to recover. Do you agree or disagree? Elaborate. 
  5. Did your company have to employ cost-cutting measures during the pandemic? What were they?

Biodegradable Plastic

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Sad to say but humans have been continuously contributing to the environment’s degradation. For one, our excessive use of plastic materials pollute the earth so much. It might be high time to reconsider our actions and pay more attention to this environmental issue and start finding ways to resolve this problem before it’s too late.

Find out more about the new technology that could make plastic material compostable and degradable.

A new technique could make some plastic trash compostable at home

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is the new technique that could make biodegradable plastic decompose? What do you think of this new technique?
  2. Why is this breakthrough important? 
  3. What are other ways to resolve our problem with plastic wastes?
  4. Do you practice composting? Why or why not?
  5. How much plastic do you think you consume? How can you reduce your plastic use?

Noise Pollution Bad for the Heart

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Noise pollution happens when there is an excessive amount of unwanted sound. It is something we can’t see, but it is present – from planes taking off and landing, machines, road vehicles, construction noise, etc. It is an invisible danger and has potential health effects.

But how exactly does noise affect our physical health?

Let’s read the article to know more about it.

https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20210315-why-noise-pollution-is-bad-for-your-heart

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think of noise pollution and its effects on our heart?
  2. What are some noises that disturb you the most? Why?
  3. How bad is noise pollution in your city?
  4. Would you describe your workplace as noisy? What about your home or neighborhood?
  5. In your opinion, will the level of noise increase in the future? Why or why not?
  6. What can you do personally to reduce your own noise pollution?