Tag: technology

Driverless Taxis Set to Launch in UK

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Driverless taxis are starting to appear on city streets as companies test how well this technology works in real traffic. These vehicles are designed to operate without a human driver, using sensors, cameras, and artificial intelligence to move safely and efficiently. While they offer convenience and innovation, they also raise questions about safety, trust, and the future of transportation.

Read this article to learn more about it.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/czej9n578k9o

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “at the wheel” mean? “But when the service launches to paying passengers, there will be no human at the wheel.” Use this in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. Define “fleet“. “The firm, which is owned by Google-parent Alphabet, showed off a fleet of cars it brought to the UK at London’s Transport Museum on Wednesday.” Make a sentence with this. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “hail‘ mean in this context? “Passengers will be able to hail Waymo robotaxis via an app once the rules permit.” Use this in a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Would you feel comfortable riding in a driverless taxi? Why or why not?
  2. What do you think are the biggest advantages of driverless taxis?
  3. What concerns might people have about using a taxi with no human driver?
  4. How might driverless taxis affect the jobs of taxi drivers and ride-hailing drivers?
  5. What kind of rules should governments create before allowing driverless taxis on public roads?
  6. Do you think people will trust self-driving cars easily, or will it take a long time?

Replacing Humans with AI is Going Horribly Wrong

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The advent of generative AI has caused widespread panic among people across the globe. The fear of AI replacing the labor of common folk has been a prevalent source of terror for humans since artificial intelligence was first conceptualized. And in today’s day and age, this fear has become especially prevalent, with generative AI threatening many different fields of human work. Thankfully, recent attempts to replace individual labor with generative AI technology have resulted in lackluster and even poor results.

To find out more more, watch the video below.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “crux” mean? “What he said is the very crux of consumer generative AI today.” Use this term in a sentence. Give a similar expression.
  2. What does “pain point” mean? “They have seen revenues jump from zero to $20 million in a year. It’s because they pick one pain point, execute well, and partner smartly with companies who use their tools.” Use this phrase in a sentence. Give a similar expression.
  3. What does “smokescreen” mean? “When the broader market realized that it was all a smokescreen, the sector crashed.”  Use this expression in a sentence. Give a similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. In your opinion, why is generative AI failing to replace human work?
  2. Do you believe generative AI can be used productively? How so?
  3. Why do you believe many companies seek to replace human work with the generative AI?
  4. Share your insights on this, “The companies cutting people today in the name of AI will be the ones playing catch-up tomorrow.“
  5. Will humans ever be replaced with AI in the future? Share your opinion.

Samsung Rolls Out More AI and Privacy Shield Mode on Galaxy S26

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Samsung has unveiled its new Galaxy S26 lineup, emphasizing a bigger push into artificial intelligence alongside a new privacy-focused display feature. The latest smartphones introduce tools designed to automate everyday tasks and enhance photos, while also adding a “Privacy Display” mode that limits screen visibility to prevent onlookers from peeking at sensitive information.

The upgrades come with notable price increases for most models, even as Samsung continues to position AI as a central selling point. While the company is betting on smarter, more integrated features to attract buyers, questions remain about whether consumers truly value AI enough to drive upgrades in an already competitive smartphone market.

Read the article for more information.

https://apnews.com/article/samsung-galaxy-s26-artificial-intelligence-b23e8c9c51c2d09e772fe8709b867ca7

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does  “shoulder surfing” mean? “The screen appears off when viewed from the side, preventing “shoulder surfing” from people standing or sitting nearby.” Use this in a sentence. 
  2. What does “sleeper hit” mean? “PP Foresight analyst Paolo Pescatore predicts Privacy Display could turn out to be “the sleeper hit, a standout feature in a sea of AI noise.” Use this in a sentence. 
  3. What does “to pony up” mean? “Samsung is also dangling a new reason to pony up for its most expensive Galaxy S26 with a built-in feature called “Privacy Display” that will only be available on the Ultra.”  Use this in a sentence. 

Discussion Questions:

  1.  Do you think AI features are becoming a real necessity in smartphones, or are they still more of a “party trick”? Why?
  2. Would a privacy feature like Samsung’s “Privacy Display” influence your decision to buy a phone? Why or why not?
  3. Why do you think AI is “not a sought-after feature” yet, according to the analyst interviewed for the article?
  4. Do you think Samsung’s strategy can help it compete more effectively with Apple and Google? Why or why not?

How to Tell What’s Real and What’s AI-Generated on Social Media

B2 – Upper Intermediate

As artificial intelligence becomes more advanced, it is increasingly difficult to tell whether content on social media is real or AI-generated. From realistic photos to convincing videos and text, AI tools can create content that looks authentic but may be misleading. Because of this, it is important for users to develop critical thinking and digital literacy skills to help them identify what is genuine and what may have been created by AI.

Watch the video and be able to answer the questions below.


Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does it mean “to be past the point of no return“? “Are we past the point of no return? Are our efforts, at this point, futile?” Use it in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “to come to terms with something” mean? “We have not come to terms with what this means for the society.” Use it in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “to grapple with” mean? “Many celebrities grapple with deepfakes on different social media platforms.” Use it in a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think it is becoming harder to tell what is real and what is AI-generated on social media? Share your experience.
  2. Should social media platforms clearly label AI-generated content? Share your opinion.
  3. What signs might help people recognize AI-generated photos, videos, or text on social media?
  4. How can users improve their critical thinking skills when evaluating information they see on social media?

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.

Information Apocalypse

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Photos, videos, and audio recordings used to feel like reliable evidence. Today, that trust is being challenged as digital content becomes easier to manipulate and harder to verify. From fake social media profiles to AI-generated videos, misinformation can spread quickly and influence how people think, vote, and react to world events.

Watch the video below to learn how deepfakes work, why they are so convincing, and why they pose a serious challenge to our shared understanding of reality.

Vocabulary Questions

  1. What does “carpet-bomb” mean in the sentence, “I can carpet-bomb the internet with these things”? Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “sow civil unrest” mean in the sentence, “We’ve already seen the first nefarious uses of that technology in the creation of fake profiles on Twitter, on YouTube, on Facebook, and on LinkedIn to either start to promote fake news, to sow civil unrest, to commit fraud”? Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “whole cloth” mean in the sentence, “You are synthesizing whole cloth”? Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions

  1. Do you think people trust online images and videos too easily? Why or why not?
  2. Have you ever seen a photo or video online that later turned out to be fake or misleading?
  3. Why do you think social media makes it easier for misinformation to spread?
  4. Should technology companies be more responsible for stopping fake content online? Why or why not?
  5. What can individuals do to be more careful when consuming news on social media?

Is Social Media Dead?

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

Perhaps, three or four years ago, we were so engrossed in social media platforms. But as generative AI rises, many users feel that their feeds no longer contain contents that they can relate with or reflect their preferences or interests.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about the way we use social media has changed over time.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260108

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “downward spiral” mean? “Is social media on a downward spiral?” Use the idiom in a sentence and give a synonym.
  2. What does “behemoth” mean? “We see the large social networks and the tech behemoths leaning into generated content, and I think users don’t actually want that.” Use the word in a sentence and give a synonym.
  3. What does “gravitate towards” mean? “I see people gravitating towards smaller online spaces, connecting more closely with individual voices, like creator types, and just posting less in general.” Use the phrase in a sentence and give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Is social media dead? Share your insights regarding this.
  2. Was there a moment for you when you felt like social media changed? In what ways?
  3. Do you think this is really happening nowadays, “People gravitate towards smaller online spaces, connecting more closely with individual voices, like creator types, and just posting less in general.”?
  4. Do you agree or not, “Social media was friendlier before – an online space to make friends, have fun and discuss the latest cultural happenings.”? Share your thoughts.
  5. Imagine a world where people use socmed less or not at all.

How a Spanish Virus Brought Google to Málaga

B2 – Upper Intermediate

A small, mostly harmless computer virus created in Spain once infected a university computer in Málaga. What seemed like a minor digital nuisance became a turning point, inspiring a young student to dive deep into cybersecurity instead of turning away from technology.

Years later, that early challenge led to the creation of VirusTotal, a platform that caught Google’s attention and reshaped Málaga’s tech landscape. The acquisition brought Google’s European cybersecurity hub to the city, transforming it into a global center for digital security.

Read the article and now more. 

https://tech.yahoo.com/cybersecurity/articles/spanish-virus-brought-google-m-180000233.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to dive back into” mean in this sentence? “He dove back into the virus’s code, looking for clues his 18-year-old self might have missed.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does the idiom “hit someone like a ton of bricks” mean? “This hit Quintero like a ton of bricks; now, he would never be able to ask Antonio about “Kike.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does the idiom “to live on beyond these walls” mean? “Astorga’s legacy also lives on beyond these walls, and not just through his students.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How did the virus discovered at the university influence Bernardo Quintero’s career path and future decisions?
  2. In what ways can unexpected problems or challenges lead to innovation and long-term success?
  3. What factors helped Málaga transform from a regular city into a European technology hub?
  4. Share your thoughts on Malaga being a true cybersecurity talent hub.
  5. How does this story illustrate the relationship between curiosity, experimentation, and learning?

Google to Launch First of its AI Glasses

B2 – Upper Intermediate

AI glasses are smart eyewear that use artificial intelligence to give information directly to the user. They can work through sound or visuals and help with tasks like directions, translation, or quick answers, and are part of a growing trend in wearable technology that makes devices more personal and interactive.

Let’s read the article and find out more about this new technology from Google.

https://www.cnbc.com/2025/12/08/google-ai-glasses-launch-2026.html?msockid=3e823237b7b86c5f2f8f21e1b6ac6ddf

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to ramp up efforts” mean in this sentence? “Google is ramping up its efforts to compete against Meta.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “to get back into the game” mean in this sentence? “Google’s Monday updates come after the company in May announced that it would be getting back into the smart glasses game.” Use it in a sentence and give two synonyms.
  3. What does “competitive market” mean? “Other companies like Snap and Alibaba have also been churning out their own AI glasses offerings as the small but competitive market continues to grow.” Use it in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think AI glasses will become as common as smartphones? Why or why not?
  2. What are the potential advantages of audio-only glasses compared to glasses with a display?
  3. How might AI glasses change the way people communicate and learn languages?
  4. What risks or challenges could arise from wearing AI-powered glasses in public?
  5. How might AI glasses affect privacy and data security?

AI Artwork Sells for $1m

B2 – Upper Intermediate

A painting created by an artificial intelligence robot has sold for more than $1 million, showing how technology is changing the world of art. This surprising sale has sparked conversations about creativity, value, and whether machines can be considered real artists.

Read the article or watch the video to find out more information about this.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cpqdvz4w45wo

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to crack a code” mean? “The scientist played a crucial role in the Allies’ victory over Nazi Germany in World War Two by helping to crack codes and deciphering the infamous Enigma machine at Bletchley Park.” Make a sentence with this phrase and give a synonym or similar expression.
  2. What is the meaning of “to grapple with“? “Aidan Meller, director of the Ai-Da Robot Studios, said: “This auction is an important moment for the visual arts, where Ai-Da’s artwork brings focus on artworld and societal changes, as we grapple with the rising age of AI.” Use this phrase in a sentence and give a synonym or similar expression.
  3. What is the meaning of “outstrip”? “Sotheby’s said the online sale, which ended at 19:00 GMT on Thursday, was bought by an undisclosed buyer for a price “far outstripping the artwork’s estimate price”.” Make a sentence using the word and give a synonym or similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think AI can be considered an artist? Why or why not?
  2. Can AI truly be creative, or is it just copying patterns?
  3. What does the sale of AI art for over $1 million say about our society and culture?
  4. Can art still be meaningful if it has no emotions or life experiences behind it?
  5. How does knowing a robot made a painting change how you feel about it?