Tag: technology

Google Earth Flight Simulator

B1 — Intermediate 

Google’s Flight Simulator is a fun feature in Google Earth. You can fly a virtual plane over cities, mountains, and oceans. It uses real satellite images and 3D maps. The controls are simple, but flying takes practice. It is great for exploring the world from the sky.

Read the article about Google Earth flight simulator.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2606/260618-google-earth.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is a “flight simulator”? ”To use the flight simulator, you will have to open the Google Earth website and click on the “Explore Earth” button in the top right corner.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “high-fidelity“ mean in this context: ”The flight simulator is designed for casual exploration rather than high-fidelity aerodynamic training.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  3. What is a “drop-down menu”? ”To start flying, you need to click on “Tools” in the menu bar and then select “Flight simulator” from the drop-down menu.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How can this simulator help people learn about the world?
  2. What are other things people can learn from using Google’s Flight Simulator? 
  3. Would you ever use Google’s Flight Simulator? Why or why not? Which country would you like to visit in the simulator?
  4. Is it better to explore places online or in real life? Why?
  5. Do you like games or apps that let you explore places?
  6. If you could fly anywhere, where would you go first?

Benefits of Boosting Data Sharing in the EU

B2 — Upper Intermediate 

Boosting data sharing in the European Union can bring many benefits. 

It allows governments, businesses, and researchers to work together more effectively by sharing useful information. Better data sharing can improve healthcare, support scientific research, and help create smarter public services. It can also make businesses more innovative and competitive by giving them access to valuable data. At the same time, the EU aims to protect people’s privacy by using strong data protection rules. With secure and responsible data sharing, the EU can promote economic growth, improve public services, and encourage innovation.

Read this article about the benefits of boosting data sharing in the EU.

* You may also watch the videos embedded throughout the article for more information.

https://www.europarl.europa.eu/topics/en/article/20220331STO26411/boosting-data-sharing-in-the-eu-what-are-the-benefits

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “aftermarket service” mean? ”Providers of aftermarket services will be able to compete on an equal footing with comparable services offered by manufacturers, which may reduce prices and boost innovation.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What is “data pooling”? ”This will be achieved through a range of tools, from technical solutions such as anonymisation and data pooling to legally binding agreements by the reusers.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What is “retro-engineering“? ”In order to prevent competitors from retro-engineering services or devices thanks to increased access to data, MEPs strengthened provisions to protect trade secrets.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. While boosting data sharing in the European Union has many benefits, it also has some disadvantages. What might be some of them?
  2. Do the benefits of data sharing outweigh the risks? Why or why not?
  3. Do you think that the EU privacy laws can really protect the citizens and their personal information? Share your views.
  4. What is your opinion on this, “With immense possibilities in areas from farming to health, big data can play a key role in the EU’s digital transformation. However, data sharing is essential to unlock this potential.”?
  5. Do you think small businesses and large companies benefit equally from data sharing? Explain.
  6. What improvements would you suggest to make data sharing safer and more effective in the EU?
  7. How do you think data sharing will affect people’s lives in the future?

China’s New Challenge: Natural Disasters and Fake AI Videos

B2 — Upper Intermediate 

China is dealing with both the effects of Typhoon Noul and a wave of AI-generated misinformation. Fake videos and images showing false disasters and emergency situations have spread online, causing panic. 

While some people create this content for attention or profit, experts warn that AI makes it easier than ever to produce convincing fake media, highlighting the need for better verification and detection methods.

Read this article about how as natural disasters strike, China needs to face another challenge involving dangerously misleading videos created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cx27mjvxgg1o

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “fabricated content” mean? ”By simply prompting AI tools, they can rapidly generate convincing text, images, audio and video which is highly realistic but entirely fabricated content, manufactured on a large scale.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “traffic” mean here: “The motivation for the publishing of such false content ranges from those who do it to create something amusing without thinking about the consequences, to those who want to generate traffic for personal gain or those who wish to deliberately cause panic or social unrest.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “cat-and-mouse game“ mean? “We’re in a constant cat-and-mouse game. So we should not assume that technology alone can identify AI-generated content with the click of a button.” Use the idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. How can AI-generated fake content affect people during emergencies like typhoons or floods?
  2. Why do you think some people create and share false information online?
  3. What is your opinion about making all AI-generated contents clearly stamped/labeled? 
  4. What steps should individuals take before sharing news about disasters on social media?
  5. What responsibilities do social media platforms and governments have in preventing the spread of fake content? 
  6. Have you ever encountered fake news or AI-generated content online? How did you know it was false?

The EU Checks Meta

B1 — Intermediate 

The European Commission is preparing to intensify its formal investigation into Meta Platforms over claims that it uses addictive design elements to keep children using its social media apps.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about the European Commission’s official investigation into Meta Platforms.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/the-eu-checks-meta-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “hooked on something” mean? “According to recent reports, EU regulators are preparing preliminary findings that accuse the tech giant of using addictive design practices specifically to keep children hooked on its social media platforms.” Use the phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “breaching” mean? “This move follows previous charges from April, where the EU accused Meta of breaching tech rules and failing to block children under 13 from accessing its networks.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “a landmark court verdict” mean? “In the US, the company is lobbying Congress for legal immunity against claims of harming children, especially after a landmark court verdict found both Meta and Google negligent in designing platforms harmful to youth.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. Is social media helpful or harmful to children and teenagers? Explain your answer.
  2. Should children below 13 years old be allowed to use social media? Explain your answer.
  3. Do you think social media platforms are designed to keep users addicted? Why?
  4. Who should be most responsible for protecting children on social media: parents, schools, governments, or technology companies? Why?
  5. “Social media companies should face legal penalties if their platforms harm children.” Do you agree or disagree?

Fake AI Ads

B1 — Intermediate 

Nowadays, you will see a lot of advertisements made using AI on social media. These ads usually sell products that are cheap, low-quality, or sometimes, do not exist at all.

Scammers use AI to make realistic videos and fake customer reviews. They can make these ads quickly and at a low cost. The ads appear on dodgy websites and even on trusted platforms like Amazon.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about fake AI advertisements.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/fake-ai-ads-level-2

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to be flooded with something” mean? ”Social media platforms are being flooded with ultra-realistic ads created by AI to sell products that either don’t exist or turn out to be cheap junk.” Use the idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “to slip through” mean? ”Experts note that these ads easily slip through automated moderation systems due to the sheer volume of new content.” Use the phrasal verb in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “shady” mean? ”These ads appear on both shady websites and legitimate platforms like Amazon.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. Have you ever seen an AI-generated ad online? What is your opinion about them? 
  2. Do you think AI-generated ads are dangerous? Why or why not?
  3. Should social media platforms do more to stop fake ads? Discuss your opinion.
  4. What do you do before buying a product you see in an online ad?
  5. Have you ever bought something that looked different from the ad? Talk about your experience.

AI Uses Our Drinking Water

B2 — Upper Intermediate 

Over one billion messages are sent to AI chatbots every day, and every interaction requires water to support the data centers that power these systems.

As AI use continues to grow, experts are raising concerns about its increasing demand for freshwater resources.

Watch the video to learn why AI uses water and why its water consumption is expected to increase in the future.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to chuck in” mean? “ChatGPT is just one AI bot. Chuck in Gemini, DeepSeek, Claude, and others.” Use the phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  2. What does “striking though it is” mean? ”Striking though it is, some experts are more than a little skeptical of Sam Altman’s estimate on water usage.” Use the idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What do the terms “oriented task” and “backup-oriented task” mean in AI? ”Can we launch satellites that can at least do some more backup-oriented or other oriented tasks? ” Use the terms in sentences. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the potential environmental consequences of AI’s water consumption?
  2. Should tech companies be required to disclose how much water their AI systems use? Why or why not?
  3. What solutions could help reduce the water usage of AI technologies?
  4. How can governments balance technological innovation with environmental sustainability?
  5. Do you think the benefits of AI outweigh its environmental costs? Explain your reasoning. 

Google Just Killed Websites

B2 — Upper Intermediate 

Google is facing challenges as more people use AI tools and social media instead of traditional search. As search habits change and users rely on direct answers, concerns are growing about the future of web traffic, online content, and Google’s search dominance.

Watch the video and find out about how AI search is changing the web, why fewer users are visiting websites, and what it could mean for the future of online information.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “closed-loop” mean? “Google is transforming from a gateway to the internet into a closed-loop answer machine.”Use the word in a sentence.
  2. What does “feedstock” mean? ”Publishers created content, Google helped people find it, and the traffic flowed back to the source. Now, that relationship has shifted. The web is less a partner than a feedstock.” Use the word in a sentence.
  3. What does “paywall” mean? ”Doubt and cynicism become the default. That’s not how human knowledge is supposed to develop. Now, curiosity is run by gatekeepers and paywalls.” Use the word in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the advantages and disadvantages of AI providing answers directly in search results?
  2. Do you think it is fair for AI search tools to use information from websites without sending users to those sites? Why or why not?
  3. How could the decline in website revenue impact the quality and availability of online information?
  4. How might AI-powered search change the future of the internet and online publishing?
  5. What responsibility do technology companies have in protecting the sustainability of the online content ecosystem?
  6.   Do you prefer getting quick AI-generated answers or visiting websites for more detailed information? Why?

Most Innovative Products of 2026

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The rapid pace of technology continues to transform everyday life, and 2026 has ushered in a new wave of groundbreaking innovations. From advanced AI devices to smart home technologies and futuristic gadgets, companies are creating products that make life more convenient, efficient, and connected.

Watch the video to know more and be able to answer the questions that follow.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “blow somebody away” mean? “Every single year, there are new products that just blow us away with their advanced features, their thoughtful design, and their unique ability to solve problems and really make life so much easier.” Use this phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What is the meaning of “belie“? “The device’s capabilities and extensive library of workouts far belies its slim dimensions.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What does a “game changer” mean? “Innovative products proved to be a game changer, transforming how people live, work, and interact with technology.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Which innovative products of 2026 do you think will have the biggest impact on everyday life, and why?
  2. Do you think new technology always makes our lives better, or can it sometimes create new problems?
  3. Why do you think it is important to continue to focus on creating innovative products each year?
  4. How might innovative products change the way people work, communicate, or live in the future?
  5. Do you think innovative products are accessible to everyone, or do they increase inequality? Why?

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.