Tag: Science and Technology

How Reading Changes The Way Your Brain Works

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The video “How reading changes the way your brain works” by BBC World Service explores how reading affects the human brain. Unlike speaking, reading is not a natural ability but a skill the brain has to learn. The video explains how learning to read rewires neural pathways and changes how we process information.

Through research and expert insights, the video shows that reading enhances cognitive functions, improves comprehension, and strengthens connections in the brain. It highlights the unique ways written language shapes our thoughts and mental abilities, demonstrating the powerful impact of reading on daily life.

Watch the video and know more about the news.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “neurotypical brain” mean? “Scientific studies indicate that a neurotypical brain is born with a circuitry that allows our eyes to see and our vocal cords to produce sounds, but it doesn’t innately have the ability to read.” Use the term in a sentence.
  2. What does “logographic writing system” mean? “Research indicates that learning logographic writing systems activates different areas of the brain.” Use the word in a sentence.
  3. What does “brainchild” mean? “The ability to read was once considered humanity’s brainchild, a major cultural invention.” Use the word in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How do you think learning to read changes the way you think compared to listening or speaking?
  2. The video says reading rewires the brain. Can you give an example from your own life when reading helped you understand something differently?
  3. Why do you think reading is considered a “cultural invention” rather than a natural skill?
  4. How do you feel digital media, like social media or texting, affects your brain compared to reading books?
  5. After watching the video, has your opinion about reading changed? What would you do differently in your reading habits?

Real-Time Translation Could End Need to Learn Languages

B1 – Intermediate 

Apple has launched a new technology that could change the way we learn languages and how we communicate across the world. Apple’s new AirPods Pro 3 earbuds can translate foreign languages real-time while the earbuds are in the user’s ears.

This is expected to change language learning and global communication. It could end the need to learn foreign languages.

Read the article about Apple’s new AirPods Pro 3 earbuds that is capable of instant translation and transcription.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2510/251006-real-time-translation.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “outlay” mean? “Instant translation could deter people from investing the time and financial outlay required to learn another language.” Use the word in a sentence and give a synonym.
  2. What does “seamlessly” mean? “Apple wrote on its website that its AirPods Pro 3 would help people communicate “seamlessly” in other languages.” Use the word in a sentence and give a synonym.
  3. What does “to get in the way” mean? “For those moments when a language barrier gets in the way, Live Translation can help users communicate across select languages when messaging or speaking.” Use the idiom in a sentence and give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think of this gadget’s instant translation feature?
  2. What are the pros and cons of this kind of device?
  3. Would you be more interested to use this earbud rather than to learn a foreign language the traditional way? Why?
  4. Share your thoughts on this: The (instant translation) technology is another example of science fiction becoming science fact.
  5. Talk about other examples of science fiction that have already become reality.

Energy Levels of Songs Affect Memories

B1 – Intermediate 

A new research has discovered that the tempo and mood of songs and the overall  energy levels of music are linked to the things we remember about the past.

Read the article about how the energy levels of music affect what we remember.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2508/250828-music-and-memory.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “recall” mean? “It even made people recall romantic experiences.” Use the word in a sentence. Give 2 synonyms or similar expressions.
  2. What does “sort” mean in this sentence, “The researchers asked 233 people about the sorts of memories they had after listening to music.” Use the word in a sentence. Give 2 synonyms or similar expressions.
  3. What does “characterize” mean? “Acoustic songs were associated with memories that were more vivid, unique, and characterized by complex emotions like romance.” Use the word in a sentence. Give 2 synonyms or similar expressions.

Discussion Questions:

  1. “High-energy music made people remember funny and happy events” while “slower and acoustic music brought back memories of calmness and sadness” and romantic experiences. Does the same thing happen to you? Share your own experience. 
  2. Share your thoughts on this, “The feelings people had for music affected their memories.”
  3. How has the music you used to listen to when you were young changed through the years? 
  4. Talk about one song and the memory you associate it with.

The Tech and La Sagrada Familia

B1 – Intermediate 

La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona is without a doubt one of the most fascinating pieces of architecture in the world. The Spanish architect and designer Antoni Gaudí began this project in the 1880s and until today, isn’t finished yet.

Modern-day architects employ 3D scans, models, and printing to understand Gaudí’s original plans and designs and to rebuild parts of the basilica that had been destroyed during the Spanish Civil War. 

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about the use of technology to improve the design and structure of the world-famous La Sagrada Familia.

Be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/the-tech-and-la-sagrada-familia-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to feel close to someone” mean? “Gaudí designed the church to make people look up and feel close to God.” Use this phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  2. In architecture, what does “ruled surface” mean? “He used special shapes and ruled surfaces in his designs, based on geometry.” Use this term in a sentence. 
  3. What does “panel” mean here, “Engineers used a modern method with stone panels and steel cables to solve this.” Use this word in a sentence. Give another meaning of “panel”.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your opinion about using technology to continue working on La Sagrada Familia?
  2. Share your thoughts on this, “The basilica is now close to completion and will soon be the tallest church in the world.”.
  3. Talk about your experience visiting La Sagrada Familia or any similar structure.

AI Model in Fashion Magazine

B1 – Intermediate 

We have seen AI being used in various ways. A new addition to it is in modeling.

On its August 2025 edition, the best-selling fashion magazine Vogue features an AI-generated model for the first time. 

Read the article about AI fashion models.

Be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2507/250731-ai-fashion-models.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to show off” mean here, “In the August edition of the best-selling “Vogue” magazine, a “perfect-looking” blonde model has been used to show off summer clothes from the lifestyle brand Guess.”? Use this phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym. Also, give another meaning of “to show off”.
  2. What does “harness” mean?  “The company added that it wanted to harness the incredible power of AI to revolutionize marketing images.” Use this word in a sentence. Give a synonym. Also, give another meaning of “harness”.
  3. What does “a kick in the teeth” mean? “She called it “akick in the teeth” for diversity in the industry because AI models will replace real models.” Use this idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your reaction to and opinion about AI fashion models?
  2. What might be the good and bad thing about using AI models?
  3. Should brands use AI models more now? State your opinion.
  4. Share your insights about one model’s statement, “It is a kick in the teeth for diversity in the industry because AI models will replace real models.
  5. Share your thoughts on this, “Perfect AI models will make people worry that their own body is not perfect. Poor body image increases the risk of developing an eating disorder.”

De-extinction of Giant Moa Bird

B1 – Intermediate 

Moa is a species of birds that has been extinct for 600 years. They were formerly endemic to New Zealand. On average, they are 3.6 feet tall, but they can grow up to 12 feet tall. They are covered in feathers. However, they are avians that can’t fly.

Colossal Biosciences, a biotechnology and genetic engineering company, plans to bringing back extinct species such as the giant moa birds.

Read the article about de-extinction and be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2507/250714-moa-de-extinction.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “on the cusp of doing something” mean? “Biotechnology and genetic engineering company Colossal Biosciences claims it is on the cusp of successfully bringing back extinct species.” Use this idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “resemble” mean? “Colossal defines de-extinction as: ‘The process of generating an organism that both resembles and is genetically similar to an extinct species.” Use this word in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “thrive” mean? “It would also enhance the adaptability of species to “thrive” amid climate change, dwindling resources, disease and human interference.” Use this word in a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the advantages and disadvantages of resurrecting extinct animals?
  2. Considering its advantages and disadvantages, is de-extinction good or bad? Explain.
  3. Which extinct animal would you like to be made revived? Why this animal?

MicroHarvest Scales Up Microbial Protein Production

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

As the global demand for protein continues to increase, there is a race to develop technologies to mass produce protein.

Micro Harvest, a company that focuses on biotechnology and microorganisms, was able to turn non-protein substances into protein. They are able to make huge amounts of protein. Their goal is to also be able to produce food that is fit for human consumption in the future.

Read the article about MicroHarvest’s microbial protein production.

https://www.proteinproductiontechnology.com/post/microharvest-scales-up-production-aiming-for-15-000-tons-of-microbial-protein-annually-by-2026

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “strain” mean in this context, “A recent large-scale production trial confirmed that MicroHarvest’s strain performance and process parameters remain stable at this elevated scale.” Use this word in a sentence. Give another meaning of “strain”.
  2. What does “to pave the way for someone/something” mean? “This breakthrough paves the way for MicroHarvest’s ambitious plan to construct a facility capable of producing up to 15,000 tons of microbial protein annually by the end of 2026, addressing the increasing global demand for sustainable protein solutions.” Use this phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “stringent” mean? “This technological advantage supports the company’s ability to meet the stringent requirements of commercial-scale production.” Use this word in a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What was your reaction to and opinion about this special process of producing protein?
  2. What are the advantages and disadvantages of such method of protein production?
  3. Do you think this protein production process could be adapted in your country? Why or why not?
  4. Would it be interesting for you to try the meat that was produced through this process? Why or why not?
  5. Do you like meat? Why or why?
  6. Do people consume a lot of meat in your country? Talk about it.

Digital Parenting

B1 – Intermediate 

With children getting exposed with the use of gadgets at a much younger age, what could parents do to make sure that their kids are being safe when using the internet?

It has become quite common for parents to track what their children are doing online or where they are going. But children feel differently about this. Some feel that they are safe when they are being tracked by their parents while others feel that this is somehow a form of invasion of their privacy.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about the effects of parents tracking the locations and online activities of their children on their sense of independence. Be ready to answer the questions that follow. 

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/digital-parenting-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “tracking” mean? “Tracking children’s locations and monitoring their online activity has become more common among parents, raising questions about its effects on children’s independence.” Use this word in a sentence. Give a synonym or similar expression.
  2. What does “bypass” mean? “Adolescents often find ways to bypass these controls, sometimes making them less safe as they hide their activities from their parents.“ Use this word in a sentence. Give a synonym or similar expression.
  3. What does “open conversation” mean? “Parents are advised to have open conversations with their children about technology instead of only relying on controls.” Use this phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym or similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What comes to your mind when you hear the word “tracking”?
  2. Share your opinion about parents tracking their children’s locations and monitoring their online activities.
  3. Do you think tracking kids digitally has an effect on their sense of independence? Share your opinion.
  4. What are the good and bad things about tracking children’s online activities and their locations?
  5. What is your opinion on this, “Some teens believe that by the age of 16, they should have the right to decide whether they are tracked.”?
  6. How can parents make sure that their children are using their gadgets and the internet responsibly?

Chinese Dam Slows Down Earth’s Rotation

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The construction of the Three Gorges Dam in China has brought significant attention to the effects of large-scale engineering projects on the Earth’s natural systems. One of the remarkable findings associated with this dam is its potential impact on the Earth’s rotation. Although the idea may seem far-fetched at first, scientific studies indicate that massive reservoirs can influence the global distribution of mass and, consequently, the rotation speed of the Earth. 

In conclusion, these dams serve as an example of how human actions can have broader environmental effects than previously anticipated. While the immediate goal of the dam was to generate electricity and control flooding, the dam also illustrates the complex relationship between human engineering and the Earth’s systems. As we move forward, it is essential to consider these interactions when planning and executing large-scale projects. Understanding these dynamics can help in making better decisions that align with environmental sustainability and Earth’s natural rhythms. 

Watch the video to learn more about how the Three Gorges Dam slows the Earth’s rotation.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is a “reservoir”? “When the dam slows or stops the flow of water to fill up its reservoir, it holds 10 trillion gallons of water which weigh a total of 83.4 trillion pounds.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “to put something in perspective” mean? “To put it in perspective, this dam could power the entirety of New Zealand and Ireland and Iceland and Costa Rica and the Bahamas and Rwanda combined.”  Use it in a sentence. Give a similar expression.
  3. What does “miniscule” mean? “Every single movement of mass up or down, in fact, has some miniscule effect on how fast Earth rotates.” Use it in a sentence. Give a synonym.


Discussion Questions:

  1. How does a dam slow down the Earth’s rotation?
  2. What is your reaction to this?
  3. Do you think it’s a problem if human activities can slightly change how the Earth spins? Why? 
  4. Should countries consider global effects when planning large infrastructure projects? Why? 
  5. The report states that there are many reasons for the slowing of Earth’s rotation, both natural and man-made. Are you concerned? Why or why not?

Scientists Resurrected the Dire Wolf

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Colossal Biosciences, a biotech company, has successfully de-extincted the dire wolf, a species that vanished 12,500 years ago. By using ancient DNA and advanced cloning techniques, scientists created three dire wolf pups from the genes of a gray wolf, its closest living relative.

These pups resemble the prehistoric predator, which once roamed North America and inspired the iconic dire wolves in the popular television series “Game of Thrones.”

Read the article to learn about the return of the dire wolf.

https://edition.cnn.com/2025/04/07/science/dire-wolf-de-extinction-cloning-colossal/index.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “standoffish” mean? “We’re still seeing a lot of juvenile behaviors. I think they are much more standoffish, much more skittish (than gray wolves). “ Make a sentence with this word. Give a similar word.
  2. Define “skittish“. “We’re still seeing a lot of juvenile behaviors. I think they are much more standoffish, much more skittish (than gray wolves). .” Use this adjective in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. Explain the phrase, “carbon copy“. “The debate over whether the wolves are a carbon copy of their extinct forerunners misses the point, Shapiro said, adding that the team had been successful in resurrecting the “functional essence” of the dire wolf.” Make a sentence using the phrase. Give a similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on using cloning and gene-editing to bring back extinct animals like the dire wolf? Do you think there are potential benefits or risks?
  2. What ethical considerations should be taken into account when deciding whether to resurrect extinct species?
  3. Should scientists focus on resurrecting extinct species like the mammoth or dire wolf, or should they prioritize conserving endangered species?
  4. Regarding Meachen’s statement, “I don’t think they are actually dire wolves. I don’t think what we have is dire wolves. What we had is something new — a mostly gray wolf that looks like a dire wolf.”, do you agree or disagree? Why?
  5. Could bringing extinct animals back to life contribute to biodiversity, or might it disrupt the balance of ecosystems? Share your opinion.