Tag: Science and Technology

Flying Taxis

B1 – Intermediate

A taxi is a reliable source of transportation. All you need to do is tell the driver the destination you are headed to and he’ll take you there. What if taxis nowadays are also upgraded and can fly? What do you think will happen?

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

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2202/220217-flying-taxis-1.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think of flying taxis?
  2. How could flying taxis be good for the environment?
  3. What traffic rules would flying taxis need to follow?
  4. What are the advantages and disadvantages of flying taxis?
  5. Would you like your town to have flying taxis? Why or why not?

Scientists Make Skin Look Younger

B1 – Intermediate

Beautiful skin is a healthy skin. Taking good care of your skin and protecting it is very important. As the largest organ you have, your skin is essential to your general health. If the skin is unable to function well, it will affect the other parts of the body.

One obvious signs of ageing is how our skin changes as we grow older. It is important to take care of your skin if you want keep looking young.

Let’s read the article below to learn more about new technique that can slow down the ageing process.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2204/220414-younger-looking-skin-1.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your opinion about this technique?
  2. Would you rather look younger or feel younger? Why?
  3. How do you take care of your skin?
  4. How can we slow down the ageing process?
  5. What problems do people have as they age?

A Special Helmet

B1 – Intermediate

The Israeli company Brain Space created a special helmet that can monitor people’s brain activities. From the information that will be collected using the helmet, it is the goal to make products and services for people.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about Brain Space.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/a-special-helmet-level-3/

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think about this helmet?
  2. What are the uses of this helmet?
  3. What might be the bad things about this product?

Identical Twins Are Not So Identical

B1 – Intermediate

Most people would be in awe with the sight of identical twins since it is pretty rare to see individuals who looks perfectly alike. Some would say that they are carbon-copy physically and even mentally but according a study, they are not perfectly similar since identical twins do not share totally identical DNA. This research shows that this tiny difference could impact the twins’ characteristics.

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

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2101/210110-identical-twins-4.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. Is it common in your country to have twins? Why do you think that is?
  2. How can identical twins be similar and different?
  3. How does nature versus nurture affect child development?
  4. What do you think are the good and bad things about having twins?
  5. What do you think are the hardships that twins could experience?

Xenobots

B1 – Intermediate

Technology has come a long way. What once seemed impossible, now seem to be because of all the tools that are available to us. More inventions have been introduced including a new type of robot that can reproduce.

These “living” robots are currently being studied and they provide promising applications in different fields. Despite this, some people are still doubtful about the possibilities these robots can unleash.

Read the article below to learn more about xenobots.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2112/211202-xenobots-1.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your opinion on this machine-animal hybrid?
  2. What might be the pros and cons of these robots?
  3. Where would these robots be most useful?
  4. Why are some people worried about these robots?
  5. What are some current applications of robots that are helpful?
  6. How should these experiments be monitored and evaluated?

A Dress with a QR Code

B1 – Intermediate

Fashion industry has always been built on creativity and stylish expression. From simple to bizarre fashion trends, we’ve seen it all. However, an Egyptian smart designer has come up with something a little out of the ordinary that combines fashion, technology, and tourism.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about the smart dress with its own QR code.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/a-dress-with-a-qr-code-level-1/

Discussion Questions:

  1. Describe the smart dress this designer created.
  2. What do you think of this creation?
  3. Do you think this is helpful to tourists? Why/why not?
  4. As a tourist, how important are travel guides for you to know places to visit?
  5. How else can QR codes be used?

Lickable TV Screen

B1 – Intermediate

Has this ever happened to you? You were watching TV and you saw a very delicious dish/food on the screen and you wished you could taste it?

Japanese professor Homei Miyashita has invented a TV screen that can imitate food flavors. Images you can taste indeed!

Read the lesson about lickable TV screen below and be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2112/211230-lickable-tv-1.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think about this invention?
  2. How helpful is this technology?
  3. What other technologies would you like to see in televisions?
  4. How important is TV to you?

China’s Artificial Sun

B1 – Intermediate

Nowadays, scientists want to develop sources of clean energy. China has a project that aims to do this through nuclear fusion. They tested it recently and set a new record. With this success, advances in this technology could help our planet be cleaner and greener.

Read this article to learn about China’s hottest scientific development.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2201/220106-artificial-sun-1.html

Discussion Questions:

1. What could be the uses of this artificial sun?
2. Who do you think would benefit from using this kind of energy?
3. Do you think this source of energy is safe? Explain.
4. Do you know of other countries that are developing nuclear fusion? Do you think all countries should aim to develop this kind of energy? Why?
5. What are some good sources of clean energy?
6. When would be the right time to shift from fossil fuels to other sources of energy?

Drones Save People

B1 – Intermediate

Lifeguards are people who help people who have problems while swimming in the water on a pool or on the beach. They have a lot of training so they can do their jobs rescuing people very well.

In Australia, lifeguards started using drones to help them save people who are drowning.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about how drones were used in saving two young boys.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/drone-saves-two-boys-level-2/

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your opinion about using drones to rescue people? What are its advantages and disadvantages?
  2. Do you have a drone? Why or why not? Talk about your experience/s with drones.
  3. In what other situations can drones be useful?
  4. How do you make sure that you are safe when swimming?
  5. Have you ever been in a dangerous situation? Who helped you?

Same Charger for All Devices

B1 – Intermediate

These days, everyone is very dependent on gadgets like smartphones, tablets, cameras, etc. You normally need a different charger for every different device. 

The European Union wants to pass a law so charger ports will be the same for all our devices. This law is also an attempt at reducing electronic wastes.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about the new EU law for universal charger for all devices.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/the-same-charger-for-all-smartphones-level-1/

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on this new EU law?
  2. What are the advantages and disadvantages of having the same charger for all your gadgets?
  3. What other things can we do to reduce e-waste?
  4. Apple strongly opposes this law saying it is a restrain on innovation. Do you agree or disagree with Apple on this? Why?
  5. Among all your gadgets, which one is your favorite and why?