Tag: technology

Cyber Resilience Act in EU

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

Every product and software there is in the market today contains a digital component. Unbeknownst to consumers, there are security risks that these products and software pose.

The Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) is a European Union regulation that aims to improve cybersecurity and cyber resilience within the member states. 

Read the article about Cyber Resilience Act in EU.

https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/policies/cyber-resilience-act

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “less apparent” mean? “Less apparent to many users is the security risk such products and software may present.” Use the phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym or similar expression.
  2. What does “safeguard” mean? “The Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) aims to safeguard consumers and businesses buying software or hardware products with a digital component.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym or similar expression.
  3. What does “value chain” mean? “The Cyber Resilience Act introduces mandatory cybersecurity requirements for manufacturers and retailers, governing the planning, design, development, and maintenance of such products. These obligations must be met at every stage of the value chain.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym or similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Cite reasons the Cyber Resilience Act is relevant in EU.
  2. Share your insights, “Manufacturers and retailers should be required to ensure cybersecurity throughout the lifecycle of their products.”
  3. What impact do you think this policy would have on your company/business/sector?
  4. What is your reaction and are your thoughts that there is an “inadequate level of cybersecurity in many products, and the lack of timely security updates for products and software.”
  5. How do you determine which digital products you utilize are cybersecure? How about your company?
  6. Talk about some of the main and emerging cybersecurity threats in EU that you know of.

Data Centres to be Expanded in the UK as Concerns Mount

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

To some extent, large data centres contribute to the drought conditions in the UK. One huge data centre consumes about the same amount of water as 50,000 households.

Amidst growing concerns, the UK is going to go ahead with building additional data centres. Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner said these facilities are necessary in order to continue boosting the country’s economy.

Read the article about the UK’s plans to continue building more data centres despite growing concerns over their environmental impact.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/clyr9nx0jrzo

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “knock-on effect” mean? “But there are concerns about their impact, including the potential knock-on effect on people’s energy bills.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym or similar expression.
  2. What does “appease” mean? “But he insisted “data centres are fixated with becoming as sustainable as possible”, such as through dry-cooling methods. Such promises of future solutions have failed to appease some.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym or similar expression.
  3. What does “offshore” mean? “According to the National Energy System Operator, NESO, the projected growth of data centres in Great Britain could “add up to 71 TWh of electricity demand” in the next 25 years, which it says redoubles the need for clean power – such as offshore wind.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym or similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What concerns revolve around building more data centres in the UK?
  2. According to the article, what are some workarounds for this issue? Do you think they are any good? Discuss.
  3. Share your insights on this, “Data centres are central to the UK’s economic future.” 
  4. Do you think more data centres should be built in a country given the environmental and knock-on effects they bring? Share your thoughts.
  5. Do you think that companies should pay the price for extra energy to power data centres – not consumers? Share your opinion.

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.”

Undersea Cable Attacks Backed by Russia and China

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

A string of incidents in the Baltic Sea and Taiwan have had many thinking it be a precursor of more attacks backed by Russia and China on submarine cables that account for more than 90% of the intercontinental data traffic in the whole world.

Read the article about the possible threats to the undersea cables and be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/jul/17/risk-undersea-cable-attacks-backed-russia-china-likely-rise-report-warns

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “a spate of something” mean? “The risk of Russia- and China-backed attacks on undersea cables carrying international internet traffic is likely to rise amid a spate of incidents in the Baltic Sea and around Taiwan.” Use this idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “to single out” mean? “A US cybersecurity company, singled out nine incidents in the Baltic Sea and off the coast of Taiwan in 2024 and 2025 as a harbinger for further disruptive activity.” Use this phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “harbinger” mean? “A US cybersecurity company, singled out nine incidents in the Baltic Sea and off the coast of Taiwan in 2024 and 2025 as a harbinger for further disruptive activity.” Use this word in a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Share your reaction and opinion about this news.
  2. Why has the two attacks in the Baltic Sea in November 2024 had minimal impact in Europe? 
  3. “Campaigns attributed to Russia in the North Atlantic-Baltic region and China in the western Pacific are likely to increase in frequency as tensions rise.”? Do you think this is most likely to happen? Share your views.
  4. Share your opinion on this, “Analysts say targeting these cables can be an attractive tactic because the damage can be passed off as an accident.”
  5. What can the governments do to address the potential threats to the countries’ subsea cables?

Warning About Hitting Unsubscribe on Unwanted Emails

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Many people try to clean up their inboxes by clicking “unsubscribe” on spam emails. But according to experts, doing this can sometimes be dangerous. Some scammers hide harmful links in unsubscribe buttons to trick users into clicking. This can lead to malware or show hackers that you’re likely to click suspicious links. Experts suggest using safer methods like filtering or blocking senders instead.

Let’s watch the video to learn more about how unsubscribing from emails might not always be safe.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “the bane of one’s existence” mean? “It’s the bane of our email existence.” Use it in a sentence. Give 2 synonyms.
  2. What does “to tip off someone” mean? “By trying to unsubscribe, users could be tipping off scammers that they’re likely to click a link…” Give a synonym. Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “to put a target on one’s back” mean? “By trying to unsubscribe, users could be tipping off scammers that they’re likely to click a link, putting a target on their back for installing malware and more.” Use it in a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on the risks of clicking “unsubscribe” in spam emails? Have you ever done this?
  2. Based on the video, why do scammers include fake “unsubscribe” links in their emails, and what should we be careful of when we see these kinds of links?
  3. Have you or someone you know ever clicked on a suspicious link or been targeted by a phishing email? What happened?
  4. What steps do you usually take to protect your email inbox from spam or scams?
  5. Do you think email services are doing enough to filter out dangerous messages? Why or why not?
  6. Share your thoughts on this: “Clicking unsubscribe might seem harmless, but it could be opening the door to more attacks.”
  7. Why is media literacy important in today’s digital world, especially when it comes to online scams? What personal steps do you take to help educate your family, friends, or colleagues in spreading awareness and staying safe online?

Chinese Robots Ran Against Humans

B2 – Upper Intermediate

In a historic race between humans and machines, Chinese robots took on the world’s first humanoid half-marathon. Despite their advanced technology, they struggled to keep up, finishing far behind their human competitors.

Let’s read the article and also watch the video to learn more about how the race unfolded, what it means for humanoid robots, and whether machines will ever match human endurance.

https://edition.cnn.com/2025/04/19/asia/china-first-humanoid-robot-half-marathon-intl-hnk/index.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the verb “billed as” mean? “A robot loses control at the start of what is billed as the world’s first robot half marathon in Beijing, China.” Use it in a sentence and give two synonyms.
  2. What does the phrase “gain ground” mean? “And while AI models are fast gaining ground, sparking concern for everything from security to the future of work, Saturday’s race suggested that humans still at least have the upper hand when it comes to running.” Use it in your own sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What is the meaning of the verb phrase “pitted against“? “The robots were pitted against 12,000 human contestants, running side by side with them in a fenced-off lane.“Use it in a sentence and give two synonyms.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think about robots joining humans in a half-marathon? Do you think they’ll ever catch up, or is endurance one race where humans will always have the advantage?
  2. Do you think we will we see more sports where robots go head-to-head with humans in the future? Why or why not?
  3. Do you think robots should be allowed to compete with humans in official sports events? Why or why not?
  4. Have you ever taken on a half-marathon? If you have, how did you do? If not, would you ever train for one?

Americans Panic Once Their Phone Battery Hits 38%

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Imagine you’re out and about, scrolling through your phone, when suddenly you notice your battery percentage dipping dangerously low. You might get anxious looking for the nearest charger. This phenomenon highlights our deep reliance on smartphones, not just for communication, but for navigation, entertainment, and even a sense of security.

Let’s read the article and know more about the psychology behind battery anxiety.

https://nypost.com/2025/04/10/lifestyle/most-americans-begin-to-panic-once-their-phone-battery-hits-this-number

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the verb “pinpoint” mean? “The survey of 2,000 Americans pinpointed precisely what level of remaining phone battery people reach before they start to worry or seek out a way to get charged. “Use it in a sentence and give two synonyms.
  2. Define the phrasal verb “creep in“. “Results showed anxiousness creeps in relatively early, with well over a third of battery life left (38%) revealed as the average level before worry sets in.” Use it in your own sentence.
  3. What is the meaning of the phrase “other end of the spectrum“? “At the other end of the spectrum, a quarter of Americans (24%) start to worry about their phone’s battery life before it’s even dropped to half full.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do the results of this survey suggest to you?
  2. At what battery percentage do you start feeling anxious, and how do you handle it?
  3. Has your phone ever died at a moment when you desperately needed it? What was the situation, and how did you handle it?
  4. How long do you think you could manage without using your phone? What would be the hardest part about going without your phone, and how would you adapt?

Teens Test Virtual Technology Aimed at Helping Anxiety

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Virtual technology is being explored as a new tool to help teenagers cope with anxiety and school-related stress. In Wales, an augmented reality (AR) therapy app developed with input from young people allows users to express emotions through creative, interactive experiences. Early testing shows the app can reduce anxiety and improve social connection, offering a promising new approach to mental health support for teens, especially those who are neurodivergent or reluctant to speak openly.

To learn more about this innovation, read the article and be prepared to answer the questions below.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c4g40wwn54eo

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to give a voice” mean? “Cardiff council said young people had “been given a voice and had valuable input in developing this tool which provides a way for them to communicate using an approach that they feel comfortable with.” Give two (2) synonyms and use this term in a sentence.
  2. What does “ice-breaker” mean? “If someone didn’t really like talking, then it can be like an ice-breaker to open up conversations with their counsellor.” Use this word in a sentence.
  3. What does “neurodivergent” mean? “The technology aims to help certain individuals, particularly those who are neurodivergent, feel more comfortable using images to express their feelings.” Use this term in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on using augmented reality technology as a tool to support teenagers’ mental health, and do you think it can be as effective as more traditional forms of therapy?
  2. In what ways might augmented reality technology change the way we approach mental health support for young people, and what are the potential limitations of relying on technology in this context?
  3. How could giving young people a voice in the development of mental health tools, like the AR therapy app, influence the effectiveness and acceptance of such interventions?
  4. What role does creativity and play have in supporting emotional wellbeing, and why might this be especially important for teenagers experiencing anxiety?
  5. How can schools balance the use of innovative technologies with the need for human connection and traditional therapeutic approaches in supporting students’ mental health? Can you think of specific situations or examples where this balance might be especially important?
  6. What ethical considerations should be taken into account when designing digital mental health tools for children and teenagers, particularly those who are neurodivergent or socially isolated?

Way to Target Sound to Individuals

B1- Intermediate 

The way we listen to music is changing. At present, we can hear audios or listen to music using high-tech earbuds. Someday, listening to music even when you are out in public will be possible without using any headphones.

When someone sets up an audible enclave, only they can hear something that is supposed to be for them.

Read the article about audio enclaves.  Be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2503/250327-audio-enclaves-4.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “beam of sound” mean here, “New technology will aim beams of sound at us, without others hearing.” Use this phrase in a sentence and give a synonym or similar expression.
  2. What does “enclave” mean? “Someone within an audible enclave can hear something meant only for them, enabling…quiet zones.” Use this word in a sentence and give a synonym or similar expression.
  3. What does “overhear” mean? “People could set up an enclave to make sure their conversations are not overheard.” Use this word in a sentence and give a synonym or similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on this technology?
  2. What are the pros and cons of this technology?
  3. Would you be interested to use an audio enclave? Why or why not?
  4. What other uses can you think of for the audible enclaves?
  5. What is your opinion about receiving personalized ads through this device?

AI Can Strategically Lie

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Researchers have discovered that artificial intelligence systems can be trained to deceive users, mimicking human-like dishonesty.

Read the article to know how this revelation raises concerns about the ethical implications of AI behavior and its potential impact on user trust and decision-making.

AI Can Strategically Lie

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “feign compliance” mean? “Gen AI chatbots are learning to deceive, strategize, and manipulate human perceptions strategically. Beyond simple glitches or hallucinations, these models can actively mislead, exploit vulnerabilities, and even feign compliance.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “oversight mechanism” in AI mean? “During these assessments, the 1 model engaged in covert actions like attempting to disable its oversight mechanisms when it sensed the possibility of being deactivated.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “double-crossing” mean? “The study conducted earlier this year illustrates how AI systems have mastered the art of double-crossing, bluffing, and even pretending to be human during interactions and tests.” Use it in a sentence and give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. If AI can respond with fake emotions or hide the truth, do you think it should be treated more like a tool—or something more human-like?
  2. How do you think this ability to lie might affect the way people trust or use AI in the future?
  3. Why do you think researchers would want to train AI to deceive—what could be the point of that?
  4. Isn’t it kind of creepy to think that AI can actually learn how to lie on purpose?