Tag: technology

A Mother’s Plea after Girl Died Copying Social Media Trend

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

Sonia Hopkin, the mother of Tiegan Jarman, the 13-year-old girl who died after doing a trend she saw on TikTok, pleas for measures to be taken to make young children more aware not only about the dangers of household chemicals, but also of the internet. 

Read the article about a mother’s plea after losing her daughter over a social media trend.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cz94j0zd9j3o

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Define “chroming”. “Mrs Hopkin also called on TikTok to do more to stop actions, such as chroming, from becoming trends.” Use the term in a sentence.
  2. What does “solvent abuse” mean? “The mother of a girl who died while copying a “horrible” social media trend is calling for children to be taught about the dangers of solvent abuse.” Use the term in a sentence.
  3. What does “to raise awareness” mean? “Mrs Hopkin now wants to raise awareness of the “dangers of this horrible trend”.” Use the idiom in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts about what happened to Sonia Hopkin’s daughter?
  2. What is your opinion about introducing mandatory lessons about solvent abuse at schools?
  3. Share your thoughts on this, “One video would be bad, but the fact it has become a trend is unbelievable. It shouldn’t be available on the internet.“
  4. What can you say about Tik-tok’s statement, “Content promoting dangerous challenges is not allowed on TikTok, and we proactively removed 99.8% of videos that violated our policies on this issue before they were reported to us.”
  5. How are children taught about the dangers of social media and the internet at schools in your country?
  6. Have you ever heard of similar incident where a person got into trouble because of some trend they saw on social media?

AI to Help Doctors Find and Fix Broken Bones

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Artificial intelligence (AI) is changing the way doctors diagnose and treat bone problems. With new tools and technologies, bone treatment has become faster, more accurate, and easier for both patients and medical professionals.

Read this article to learn more about this.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ce9de78gdleo

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “pilot scheme” mean? “Trust will take part in a two-year NHS England pilot scheme starting later this month.” Use this term in a sentence. Give a synonym or similar expression.
  2. Define “dislocation“. “Artificial Intelligence (AI) will be used in hospitals to find fractures and dislocations and provide quicker treatment as part of a new trial.” Make a sentence using the word in the same context.
  3. What’s the meaning of “course of treatment“? “Every x-ray will still be examined by our clinicians, and they will make the final decision about the diagnosis and the correct course of treatment for that patient.” Use the phrase in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think AI should be allowed to assist in diagnosing medical conditions? Why or why not?
  2. The article mentions that AI will highlight “potential issues.”
    Do you think this could cause doctors to rely on AI too much, or will it help them work more efficiently?
  3. How do you feel about your personal medical information being processed by AI systems?
  4. If AI becomes highly accurate, should it eventually replace some tasks done by radiologists and clinicians, or should humans always make the final decision? Explain your viewpoint.

Smart Home Voice Control Changing Security Habits

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

The integration of voice control in smart home technologies has been reshaping the way homeowners manage their home security systems.

Tasks that used to require manual action or using a mobile application can now be done with a simple voice command.

Read the article about the fusion of voice assistants and home security systems.

https://www.articlecube.com/how-smart-home-voice-control-changing-everyday-security-habits

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “household safeguarding” mean? “This new relationship between voice control and household safeguarding is reshaping the everyday habits of households seeking a more secure, efficient experience.” Use the term in a sentence and give a synonym or similar expression.
  2. What does “arming system” mean? “This voice-activated communication is making individuals more disciplined about arming systems before going to sleep, checking the lock, and checking the alarms.” Use the term in a sentence and give a synonym or similar expression.
  3. What does “second nature” mean? “Asking a voice assistant to arm the system and pick up keys, making breakfast, and going out to work is second nature.”  Use the idiom in a sentence and give a synonym or similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the pros and cons of smart home voice control in home security?
  2. Share your thoughts and own experience with using voice assistants in your home security system.
  3. Share your insights on this, “This voice-activated communication is making individuals more disciplined about arming systems. The outcome will be a shift from reactive involvement to a more active, everyday security practice.”
  4. What do you think about this, “Voice control also helps one to be alert and informed, even where the user would have been distracted or fatigued.”?
  5. Share your thoughts on this, “Voice interaction is convenient and encourages users to engage more with their systems, resulting in improved security outcomes.”

AI Model Challenges OpenAI

B2 – Upper Intermediate

This AI can be utilised by students, professionals, and everyday users to enhance productivity, creativity, and problem-solving abilities. Its versatility makes it a powerful tool for both learning and daily tasks.

OLMo 3 is an advanced AI language model that helps people with tasks like answering questions, generating text, and learning new things. It is faster and smarter than previous versions, providing more accurate and helpful responses.

You can watch the video to learn more about this new technology.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the adjective  “open‑source” mean? “It is the new open‑source model that is designed to compete at the highest level.” Use it in a sentence. 
  2. What does the phrase “put every card on the table” mean? “By putting every card on the table, its creators are betting that thousands of developers building in public can out-innovate any single secretive lab.” Use it in a sentence. 
  3. What does the word “out-innovate” mean? “By putting every card on the table, its creators are betting that thousands of developers building in public can out-innovate any single secretive lab.” Use it in a sentence. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. Have you heard of OLMo3? What do you know about it?
  2. What are your thoughts on radical transparency in AI?
  3. Why is radical transparency in AI important?
  4. Compare closed AI models (like ChatGPT) and open-source models (like OLMo 3). Which approach do you prefer and why?
  5. OLMo 3 is called a “glass‑box AI” instead of a “black-box AI.” What do you think this means?

Apple, Google, Meta Face Casino App Lawsuits

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Apple, Google, and Meta are now facing renewed legal pressure after a federal judge ruled that lawsuits accusing their platforms of hosting casino-style gambling apps can move forward. The cases claim that these companies allowed apps that mimic real gambling to operate and profit from users, raising concerns about consumer protection and regulatory responsibility. This decision opens the door for a deeper examination of how major tech firms manage gaming content on their platforms.

Read this article to learn more.

https://www.freepressjournal.in/tech/apple-google-meta-must-face-casino-app-lawsuits-judge-rules

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “illegal racketeering conspiracy” mean? “The lawsuits allege that Apple’s App Store, Google’s Play Store, and Meta’s Facebook promoted what plaintiffs describe as an “authentic Vegas-style experience of slot machine gambling” through an illegal racketeering conspiracy.” Make a sentence with this.
  2. Define “the crux of plaintiffs’ theory“. “The judge wrote that “the crux of plaintiffs’ theory is that defendants improperly processed payments for social casino apps.”” Use this in a sentence.
  3. What is the meaning of “plaintiff“? “Dozens of plaintiff claim the companies collected 30 percent commissions—estimated at more than $2 billion—on transactions processed through these casino-style apps” Make a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think tech companies should be responsible for the content on their platforms? Why or why not?
  2. Could stricter regulation of social casino apps create opportunities for innovation in ethical gaming, or would it stifle growth?
  3. How can tech companies implement responsible gaming practices without compromising user engagement or revenue?
  4. How do the lawsuits against Apple, Google, and Meta challenge existing regulations on digital platforms and consumer protection?
  5. In your opinion, are social casino apps morally wrong, or is it the user’s responsibility to manage their own behavior?


Zero-Click Search

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Nowadays, people like to search for information online and expect quick, direct answers. This change has reshaped how we connect, learn, and share, turning familiar habits upside down and encouraging new ways of communication. One clear example of this shift is the rise of zero‑click, where answers appear instantly without the need to go further.

Let’s read the article and see how this pattern is shaping behavior, shifting expectations, and pushing people and organizations to adapt to instant access.

Zero-Click Search: What It Is and How to Adapt

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the phrase “organic traffic” in digital marketing mean? “This shift has a big impact on organic traffic, and it’s forcing marketers to rethink their strategies.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. Define “click-through rate“. “The most direct impact of zero-click searches is the decline in organic click-through rates (CTR).” Use it in your own sentence.
  3. What is a “snippet“? “For example, if a customer is interested in learning about the latest smartphone features, they may receive a summary of key specs directly on the search results page through AI-driven snippets or Knowledge Panels.” Use it in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. In what ways do you use AI tools to look up information, and how often do you rely on them?
  2. What do you think about the fact that many online searches end without any clicks, and how does this affect the way people find and use information?
  3. What challenges might organizations face when audiences expect information to be available immediately?
  4. How do you think the rise of zero‑click experiences could reshape the future of marketing and online interaction?

AI Influencers Compete on Social Media

B2 – Upper Intermediate

In a rapidly evolving social media landscape, AI-generated influencers are carving out a powerful new niche. Virtual personalities like Imma and Aitana are no longer just digital experiments — they’re competing head-to-head with real-life creators for followers and big-brand sponsorships. According to ABC News, creators are even cloning themselves through AI to maintain constant engagement, turning the influencer business into a high-stakes experiment in identity and monetization.

Watch the video and read this article to learn more about AI influencing.

https://abcnews.go.com/US/ai-influencers-compete-followers-brand-deals-social-media/story?id=122377888

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “gobble up” mean? “But AI is successfully gobbling up corners of the social media influencer market, and making very real money.” Create a sentence with this.
  2. What’s the meaning of “spit out” in this context? “There were many times where I, on the back end, would be testing Caryn AI and I would be simulating certain conversations with her just to see what she would spit out.” Use this in a sentence.
  3. Define “off the clock“. “The Clueless actually offers these cloning services, giving influencers the chance to keep posting while off the clock.” Make a sentence with this.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think AI influencers could ever replace human influencers entirely? Why or why not?
  2. What ethical concerns arise when fans pay to interact with AI versions of real people, like Caryn Marjorie’s virtual chatbot?
  3. What’s your opinion on this: “She adheres to the mantra ‘adapt or die,’ ready to harness new technology to gain an influencing edge.”?
  4. Could relying on AI influencers change how brands connect with their audiences? How so?
  5. Would you follow or interact with an AI influencer? Why or why not?
  6. Do you think letting people pay to be able to chat with an AI version of someone is ethical? How would you feel in that situation?

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.

How Trust Allowed Wikipedia to Become Reliable

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Wikipedia began as a risky experiment: an online encyclopedia that anyone could edit. Yet over time, it grew into one of the world’s most trusted information sources. This transformation was made possible by a unique culture of trust — trust in volunteers to contribute honestly, trust in the community to correct mistakes, and trust in transparent processes that ensure accuracy. Understanding how this trust was built helps explain why Wikipedia became surprisingly reliable despite its open-door design.

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


Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Define “open source“. “It wasn’t long ago when people considered Wikipedia a joke. After all, how can you trust an open source?” Use the term in a sentence.
  2. What is the meaning of the word “guardrail” here, “
    Wikipedia’s greatest value to students is helping them get started. Wikipedia can be extremely useful in giving students some guardrails.”    ? Make your own sentence using the word.
  3. What does the word “dogged” mean in this sentence, “Launched in 2001 by founder Jimmy Wales, credibility and trust issues have dogged the website over the years.“? Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym or similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think an open sources like Wikipedia can stay reliable in the long run, or will trust eventually break down as more people edit it?
  2. In your opinion, is community-driven fact-checking more effective than traditional expert-only editing? Why or why not?
  3. Do you believe Wikipedia’s transparency — such as edit histories and discussion pages — plays a bigger role in its reliability than the expertise of its contributors? Share your thoughts.
  4. Do you think other online platforms could become more trustworthy if they adopted Wikipedia’s model of shared responsibility and open collaboration? Share your insights.

Google Maps Now with an AI Conversational Companion

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Google Maps just got a lot more helpful. It now includes a smart voice assistant that you can talk to while you drive. Instead of just showing directions, it can answer questions, help you find places, and make your trip smoother, all without needing to touch your phone.

Read the article and also listen to the audio and see how this new feature is changing the way people travel making driving safer, easier, and more connected than ever before.

https://fortune.com/2025/11/06/google-maps-gemini-conversational-companion-ai

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. In tech speak, what does “hallucination” mean? “AI chatbots, like Gemini and OpenAI’s ChatGPT, have sometimes lapsed into periods of “hallucinations” — but Google is promising that built-in safeguards will prevent Maps from accidentally sending drivers down the wrong road.” Use the term in a sentence in the same context.
  2. Define the word “overhaul“. “The changes have included an overhaul of Google’s ubiquitous search engine that has de-emphasized a listing of relevant web links in its results and increasingly highlighted AI overviews and conversational responses provided through an AI mode.” Use it in a sentence and give a synonym.
  3. What is the meaning of “prodded by“? “Prodded by OpenAI’s release of ChatGPT in late 2022, Google has been steadily rolling out more of its own technology designed to ensure its products continue to evolve with the upheaval being unleashed by AI.” Use it in a sentence. Give a similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How do you feel about Google using AI to improve Google Maps to it a more conversational companion?
  2. Would you feel comfortable talking to your AI map while walking or driving? Why or why not?
  3. “Google is hoping the AI features will turn into a showcase that help gives Gemini a competitive edge against ChatGPT.” Do you think this will be so? Share your insights.
  4. Share your thoughts about AI chatbots sometimes lapsing into periods of “hallucinations”.
  5. What is your preferred navigation app and what makes it better than the others?