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Third World Is an Offensive Term

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The term “Third-World country” was first used in the 1950s as a way to group countries. The capitalist, economically developed countries like the US were classified as “First World”. The communist states led by the Soviet Union were in the “Second World” country group. The remaining countries were included in the “Third World” category.

However, in more recent times, the term “Third World” has been deemed by some as offensive.

Let’s read the article and know more why this term has become outdated and insulting.

https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2021/01/08/954820328/memo-to-people-of-earth-third-world-is-an-offensive-term

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the phrase “strike as” mean? “When she heard the label growing up, she says it struck her as making “this assumption about people outside of the ‘First World’ — that they lived really different lives, the assumption they were poor, they should be happy to eat every day.” Use it in your own sentence.
  2. What is the meaning of the idiom “in some respects“? “And when you think about it, “developing countries” are quite developed in some respects. In countries where government safety nets are practically nonexistent, people step forward to help out.” Use it in a sentence and give two synonyms.
  3. What does “to loom large” mean? “That’s the ‘Fourth World’, Farmer says, referring to parts of the United States and other wealthy nations where health and economic problems loom large.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you agree that the term “Third World” is old-fashioned and insulting? Why or why not?
  2. What is your opinion on the alternative terms to “Third World” mentioned in the article? Which one/s do you think is the best term to use to refer to such countries and why?
  3. Share your insights on this statement, “There is no ‘Third World.’ There were the oppressed and the oppressors.“
  4. State your thoughts, “D’Silva once heard the late Hans Rosling talk about countries that aren’t yet in the upper-income category. He said, “They’re the rest of the world.” And, she says, why not just call them by their names?“

Debt Snowball vs. Debt Avalanche Method

B2 – Upper Intermediate

To tackle debt efficiently, two popular approaches are the debt snowball and debt avalanche methods. Ultimately, the choice depends on your financial goals and personality. If you’re motivated by quick successes, the snowball method could keep you on track. If minimizing interest and reducing total repayment time is your priority, the avalanche method may be a better fit.

Read the article to know more about the difference between these two methods.

https://www.experian.com/blogs/ask-experian/avalanche-vs-snowball-which-repayment-strategy-is-best/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “variable interest rate” mean? “For example, if you used a cosigner for a student loan or have a loan with a variable interest rate that’s likely to rise, you may want to pay off that loan first regardless of the balance.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “debt consolidation loan” mean? “Debt consolidation loans also offer a fixed repayment term.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “minimum payment trap” mean? “A debt consolidation loan can help you avoid getting stuck in a minimum payment trap.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Explain the difference between debt snowball and debt avalanche method.
  2. Give one advantage and disadvantage for both debt payoff methods.
  3. Which between the two do you think is a better strategy in paying debts off and why?
  4. Share your own approach/es in getting rid of debts.

Childhood Adversity Contributes Short-form Video Addiction

B2 – Upper Intermediate

When people go through tough times in childhood, it can sometimes lead to patterns in how they use social media later on. Short-form video apps, like TikTok, might feel especially comforting or addictive to those who’ve faced challenges early in life. Factors like how we handle stress and how satisfied we feel in life can also play a role in shaping these habits.

This article dives into how these early experiences connect to our social media behaviors. To read the full article, follow the link below.

https://www.psypost.org/childhood-adversity-may-contribute-to-addiction-to-short-form-videos-study-finds/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “mediating role” mean? “Therefore, our research primarily examines the association between adverse childhood experiences and short-form video addiction, while also exploring the potential mediating roles of resilience and life satisfaction in this relationship.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “buffer” mean in the sentence, “Essentially, resilience and life satisfaction acted as buffers: higher levels of these factors appeared to protect students from relying excessively on short videos as a coping mechanism.”? Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does the phrase “longitudinal approach” mean? “To build on these findings, future research could take a longitudinal approach to observe how childhood experiences affect online behaviors over time.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you use social media? What do you use them for?
  2. Why do you think people with difficult past experiences may be drawn to social media?
  3. How can social media influence your mood or habits?
  4. Should there be more support for young people to use social media in healthy ways? Explain.
  5. What are some positive ways to manage stress without relying on social media?

Spain Hit by Deadliest Floods in Decades

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Valencia, a beautiful city in Spain, recently experienced a devastating flood that had a significant impact on the community. The flood, which occurred due to heavy rainfall and poor drainage systems, caused widespread damage to homes, businesses, and infrastructure. Many residents were left homeless and without basic necessities.

While the Valencia flood was a tragic event, it also highlighted the resilience and strength of the community. By coming together and supporting one another, the people of Valencia were able to weather the storm and begin the process of rebuilding their lives. It serves as a reminder that in times of crisis, it is important to come together and support one another.

Read the article for more information.

https://edition.cnn.com/2024/10/31/europe/spain-deadly-flash-flooding-wwk-intl/index.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “underway” mean? “Emergency workers are still fighting to rescue those who are trapped, with operations underway to recover bodies and clear debris.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “to be caught off guard” mean? “However, many people were caught off guard, leaving it too late for them to seek safety.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “to load the dice” mean? “We are loading the dice of extreme weather in the worst way possible.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on what happened in Spain?
  2. Have you ever been a victim of a natural disaster or do you know someone who has been? Talk about the said experience.
  3. “Some of the local residents said that they did not receive a government alert warning that there would be a flood or even possibility of a flood until it was already happening.” Share your thoughts on this.
  4. What can be learned from this situation and what may be needed to be improved moving forward?

Top Three Market Headlines

B2 – Upper Intermediate

In response to growing demand for sustainable energy sources, nuclear energy stocks have performed remarkably well, especially as major tech companies like Amazon and Google invest in nuclear power to meet data center energy needs.

Read the article to know how the Market Vectors Global Uranium and Nuclear Energy Index has surged, reflecting increased interest in this clean energy sector​.

https://www.ajg.com/us/news-and-insights/2024/oct/weekly-financial-markets-update-october-21-2024/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “front month contract” mean? “ The 2024 gold rally took another step higher last week, with the front-month futures contract for the metal hitting another all-time high and surpassing $2,700 an ounce for the first time.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “jolt” mean? “Nuclear energy stocks received a jolt last week after Amazon and Google each announced deals to secure power from nuclear facilities to meet soaring AI data center demands.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “scalability” mean? “The tech giants recently closed multiple investments and partnerships focused on small modular reactors (SMRs), an innovative nuclear technology offering enhanced scalability. ” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why do you think nuclear energy is becoming more popular as an investment option right now?
  2. How might companies like Amazon and Google using nuclear energy impact the clean energy sector overall?
  3. What are some reasons investors are choosing nuclear energy over other renewable sources like solar or wind?
  4. Do you think increased investment in nuclear energy stocks will lead to more sustainable practices, or could there be challenges?

The Latest Personal Finance News

B2 – Upper Intermediate

In a surprising turn, the Federal Reserve cut the federal funds rate by 0.5% in September, marking its first reduction since 2020. This shift is a response to approaching inflation targets and is anticipated to lower borrowing costs for consumers. Further rate cuts are expected, which may impact interest rates on credit cards, loans, and mortgages, though savings rates could decrease as well.

Read the article to know how this policy move signals the Fed’s confidence in economic stabilization while addressing inflation control.

https://www.experian.com/blogs/ask-experian/latest-personal-finance-news/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “curtail” mean? “It’s also the first time since July 2023 the committee adjusted the rate, which reached its highest level in more than 20 years after a sharp series of hikes implemented in an effort to curtail inflation.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “pummel” mean? “Persistently high inflation rates have pummeled consumers’ wallets over the past few years.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “blip” mean? “While rates have largely trended downward in 2024, the latest blip adds more uncertainty to the timeline for housing costs to become more affordable again.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think are some of the reasons behind the Federal Reserve’s decision to cut interest rates?
  2. How might lower interest rates affect people with mortgages or credit card debt?
  3. Do you think cutting rates will have a big impact on inflation, or will it take time to see the effects?
  4. In what ways might these rate cuts influence the economy over the next few years?

Superhero Films Encourage Prosocial Behavior

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Superhero movies are hugely popular and often mix action and violence with heroic deeds. While violent media is usually thought to make people more aggressive, a new study suggests that these films could actually inspire kindness. The research shows that when people see superheroes as good role models, they’re more likely to help others. Watching these films can make viewers feel closer to the heroes, which can lead to more generous actions.

This article explores how superhero movies can encourage helpful behavior, not just provide entertainment.

https://www.psypost.org/superhero-films-can-encourage-prosocial-behavior-new-study-finds/

Vocabulary Questions:

1. What does the phrase “associative empathy” mean in the sentence, “Viewers showed increased associative empathy — they identified more with Batman and his mission to save the hostage.”? Use it in a sentence.

2. What does the phrase “moral justification” mean in the sentence, “Participants were asked to evaluate whether the violent actions taken by Batman were justified using a series of moral justification statements”? Use it in a sentence.

3. What does the phrase “prosocial motive” mean in the sentence, “This scene was chosen for its combination of violent action and a clear prosocial motive—saving a life”? Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How do you think superhero movies influence how we see right and wrong in real life?
  2. What should parents and teachers consider when letting kids watch violent superhero films?
  3. Should filmmakers think more about the messages in their movies when it comes to violence and heroism?
  4. How can watching superhero movies help us understand and feel empathy for others?
  5. Can you share a superhero movie you’ve seen and how it influenced your thoughts or feelings?

Hoax Bomb Threats Hurting Air Travel

B2 – Upper Intermediate

A spike in hoax bomb threats is causing widespread disruption in India’s air travel, with numerous flights being delayed, diverted, or canceled.

Passengers are left anxious and frustrated as these false alarms continue to target both domestic and international routes. Airlines are struggling to manage the operational and financial fallout.

Meanwhile, authorities are working to track down the individuals responsible, but the rising number of incidents poses significant challenges.

Learn more about the impact of these hoax bomb threats on air travel in India.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cx2kz84kgj0o

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “rash of something” mean? “In 2018, a rash of jokes about bombs by airplane passengers in Indonesia led to flight disruptions.” Make a sentence with this phrase.
  2. What does “to wreak havoc“. “These hoaxes end up wreaking havoc in one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets.” Use this idiom in a sentence.
  3. What does “to throw off balance” mean? “Delays lead to cancellations, and schedules are thrown off balance.” Make a sentence with this expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Have you ever experienced a flight delay or diversion? How did it make you feel?
  2. Do you think hoax bomb threats are a serious issue? Why or why not?
  3. How do you think technology, like social media, impacts travel safety today?
  4. How do you feel about traveling by air in light of recent news about hoax bomb threats?
  5. What do you think airlines should do to ensure passengers feel safe during their flights?

Corporate Real Estate on Cliff Edge

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

As companies strive to do anything in their power to make hybrid setup work, it poses imminent consequences on the corporate real estate sector. Companies are now opting for more compact office spaces. As leases expire, this could leave many office buildings empty. 

To cope with this new trend in real estate, mixed-use development could possibly be one solution.

Read the article about the impact of corporate downsizing on the real estate industry.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/worklife/article/20240509-corporate-real-estate-on-cliff-edge-to-rethink-communal-spaces

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “retrofit” mean in business? “Not all vacant buildings can be updated to meet new market demands, nor retrofitted into residential units.” Use this term in a sentence.
  2. What does “gravitational pull” mean here, “As companies pay top dollar for quality, the gravitational pull to newer, higher-quality offices leaves behind a vacuum for lower-grade buildings.”? Use this phrase in a sentence.
  3. What does “to be on a cliff edge” mean, “Developers might be forced to the cliff edge to be creative, but they have around five years to prepare, mobilise and get ready for the future that’s coming.”? Use this idiom in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What problem is being talked about in the article and what are some possible solutions?
  2. What might be some things businesses consider in selecting where to base their headquarters if they want to attract their staff to the office?
  3. What do you like the least and the most about your office?
  4. What are the benefits and drawbacks of mixed-use neighborhoods?
  5. Do you believe you will see multifunctional areas in your city/country more soon? Why or why not?

The Reasons US Presidents Are Not Allowed to Drive

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The president of the United States is one of the most powerful people in the world. Along with this power, comes a considerable amount of responsibility. Being the leader of the most influential country in the world comes with many perks for the rest of their lives such as a massive pension, comprehensive health insurance, etc.

However, there is one condition most former and current US presidents do not particularly like.

Let’s read the article and learn more about the reason US presidents can’t drive.

https://www.mentalfloss.com/posts/why-us-presidents-cant-drive-cars

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is the meaning of the phrase “unnerve“? “In 2012, Barack Obama said he unnerved agents when he climbed into a Chevy Volt and coasted around the White House.” Use it in a sentence and give two synonyms of ‘unnerve’.
  2. Define the verb “rankle“. “That he distanced himself from Secret Service protection rankled the press, which—like the country—was still reeling from Kennedy’s death.” Use it in a sentence and give two synonyms of ‘rankle’.
  3. What does “to hold an office” mean? “The policy is enforced by the Secret Service, the government security arm tasked with the safety of those holding the highest public offices in the country.” Use it in a sentence and give two synonyms of ‘to hold an office’.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on the rule preventing US presidents from driving? What is the exception?
  2. What might be the perks and downsides of being the president of a country?
  3. How would you feel if you had to give up driving?
  4. Would you enjoy having a personal driver? Why or why not?
  5. What would you say is the worst part of your job?