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Microdosing Psychedelics

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Microdosing medicinal psychedelics has ignited debate in recent years. Although there are a number of research supporting its potential benefits, the overall evidence remains in its early stages, leaving both healthcare professionals and prospective users uncertain about its true therapeutic impact.

Let’s read the article and gain a deeper understanding of the current research and perspectives on microdosing medicinal psychedelics.

https://apnews.com/article/microdosing-lsd-mushrooms-psychedelic-psilocybin-390c99ba54ef9d75727f39e2ec78fb34

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “acid trip” mean? “This isn’t a full-blown acid trip — or even close. If you see visions, it’s not a microdose.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What is the meaning of “to open the door to something“? “Further opening the door to microdosing, a handful of cities have officially directed police to make psychedelics a low priority for enforcement.” Use it in a sentence and give a synonym.
  3. Define the term “altered (state of) consciousness“. “It seems I was able to generate a powerful ‘altered consciousness’ experience based only (on) the expectation around the possibility of a microdose.” Use it in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What does microdosing psychedelics mean? Share your own opinion about microdosing psychedelics.
  2. Do you see psychedelic therapy gaining mainstream acceptance down the line? Why or why not?
  3. How widespread do you think microdosing is in your country? Why do you think this is the case?
  4. What are the laws surrounding psychedelics in your country?

The Mere Thought of Being Hungry Could Alter Your Immune System

B2 – Upper Intermediate

For a long time, scientists believed that fasting altered the immune system simply because the body was deprived of nutrients. However, new research in Science Immunology is rewriting that story. It turns out that neurons in the brain ,and not the gut, play the key role in regulating immune cells. AgRP neurons in the hypothalamus, which trigger feelings of hunger, can influence immune cell levels purely by creating the perception of hunger, rather than actual food deprivation.

Let’s read the article and know more details about the connection between perception of hunger and the immune system.

https://www.sciencealert.com/the-mere-thought-of-being-hungry-could-alter-your-immune-system

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “first line of defense” mean? “These cells are part of the immune system’s first line of defence and play a critical role in regulating inflammation.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “to dial down” mean? “When the hunger neurons were turned on, they dialled down nutrient-sensing in the liver by reducing sympathetic activity.” Use it in your own sentence and give a synonym.
  3. What does “wasting syndrome” mean? “If these findings are confirmed in humans, this new data could, in future, have real-world implications for diseases where the immune system becomes overactive – such as cardiovascular diseases, multiple sclerosis, and wasting syndrome in cancer patients.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on the findings of this research?
  2. How does hunger affect how you feel or how much energy you have?
  3. What comfort foods help you when you’re unwell?
  4. What aspect of the human brain do you find the most remarkable?
  5. If you were a medical researcher, what field would you specialize in? Why?

Chronoworking Helps Workers Excel

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

Some believe that the best way to get the most out of employees is to allow them to do ”chronoworking”. This basically means you let them choose the work hours that best suits their biological clocks.

Read the article about what asynchronous working can do to workers’ productivity.

https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20240220-chronoworking-productivity-hack

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “knock-on effect” mean? “Allowing staff to work when they’re at their best could boost performance and wellbeing, with a knock-on positive effect on employee retention.” Use this word in a sentence and give a synonym.
  2. What does “to level the playing field” mean? “The approach has the added benefit of normalising flexible hours for parents or those with other responsibilities that make it tricky to stick to 9-to-5 restrictions, she adds. It levels the playing field.” Use this idiom in a sentence and give a synonym.
  3. What does “chronotype” mean? “Originally coined by journalist Ellen C Scott, chronoworking enables employees to ditch standard office hours and pick schedules that match their personal “chronotypes” instead.” Use this term in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How is chronoworking beneficial to employees and companies alike?
  2. What might the downsides be of asynchronous work?
  3. What do you personally think about this work approach? 
  4. When do you think are you most productive during the day and why is that?
  5. Do you think your company could afford to implement this approach? Why or why not?
  6. Share your thoughts on this, “It’s nonsensical that we all need to be working together all at one time. You get far more out of people if you operate around different chronotypes.”.

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?

Tourist Arrested for Visiting Forbidden Indian Island

B1- Intermediate 

An American tourist could go to prison for up to five years in India after getting arrested because he tried to visit the forbidden island of North Sentinel. 

The island is home to the indigenous people known as the Sentinelese. The government prohibits any contact with the people from the tribe from outsiders to make sure the tribes people are protected from modern illnesses. The islanders are not immune to modern diseases. So, if they contract them, it could end the whole tribe’s existence.

The Sentinelese are very protective of their isolation from the outside world. They even kill tourists who have tried to visit their island in the past.

Read the article about a man who got arrested for visiting North Sentinel. Be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2504/250407-remote-island-4.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “face” mean? “He could face up to five years in prison.” Use this word in a sentence and give a synonym.
  2. What does “shield” mean? “The ban is to shield the people from modern illnesses.” Use this word in a sentence and give a synonym.
  3. What does “wipe out” mean? “A non-profit group that protects isolated tribes said: “Uncontacted peoples have no immunity to common outside diseases like flu or measles, which could completely wipe them out.” Use this phrase in a sentence and give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your reaction to the American tourist trying to visit the North Sentinel?
  2. Do you think what he did was worth it? Why or why not?
  3. Why is it necessary for tourists to respect a government’s ban to visit some places in their country? 
  4. How can uncontacted indigenous people be protected from outsiders?

Global Warming Will Delay the Next Ice Age

B1- Intermediate 

Scientists predict that the next ice age or “the long period of reduction in the temperature of Earth’s surface and atmosphere” will come in about 10,000 years.

However, due to human activities that contribute to global warming, the possibility of the next ice age might be delayed.

Read the article about how global warming will delay the occurrence of the next ice age. Be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2503/250306-ice-age.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to push something back” mean? “The scientists said melting glaciers in the North and South Poles will push back the next ice age.” Use this phrase in a sentence and give a synonym.
  2. What does “at regular intervals” mean? “When the amount of ice on the continental ice sheets was stable, ice ages happened at regular intervals.” Use this expression in a sentence and give a synonym.
  3. What does “gap” mean? “However, Professor Barker said less ice means a longer gap between ice ages.” Use this word in a sentence and give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think this is good news? Why or why not?
  2. What comes to your mind when you hear “ice age”? Talk about it.
  3. Is studying about past ice ages important? Why or why not?
  4. Share your insights on this statement, “Earth’s climate is an interconnected system of complex processes, all acting together to produce the changes we observe.”.
  5. Have you joined a glacier tour before? Share your experience. If not yet, would you be interested? Why or why not?

Trump Tariffs on China Will Bring Irreversible Damage to American Businesses

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The trade relationship between the United States and China has become a topic of considerable debate, especially with the tariff war that escalated around 2018. This conflict has raised questions about whether America is specifically targeting China or if it is pursuing broader economic strategies. 

The U. S. is motivated by a desire to protect its economic interests, promote fair trade practices, and limit China’s technological advancements. This trade conflict illustrates a broader geopolitical struggle that transcends mere economics, impacting global alliances and the future of international trade. Ultimately, the path forward will require careful negotiation and mutual understanding to avoid further escalation and foster a healthier trade relationship. 

Please read the article and let’s talk about it later.

https://www.cnbc.com/2025/04/12/trump-tariffs-on-china-mean-irreversible-damage-for-most-businesses.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does  “to hit like a ton of bricks” mean? “Canceled freight orders and abandoned freight from China are quickly becoming the norm in the trade war between the U.S. and China, according to supply chain executives, as businesses across U.S. industries put a full stop on container exports, with the tariffs hitting like a ton of bricks.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “low margin good ” mean? “As it became clear over the last week that China would remain the main target of the Trump administration’s tariffs policy — after the 90-day reprieve was granted to all other countries expected to be hit with new tariffs — the message that came through is that lower-margin goods cannot sustainably be produced in China.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “liner service” mean? “Murphy warned that on the container liner side of the freight business, the drop in bookings coupled with the possibility of shipbuilding fees on “Chinese” vessels also going into effect next week, will result in a “massive restructuring of all liner services to North America.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What can you say about the article?
  2. “And it will take months to sort out the mess, with congestion and freight rate spikes for months to come.” When do you think this will end?
  3. “The biggest concern here is a complete uncertainty of the actual end-game of the Trump administration.” What do you think are the administration’s motives?
  4. “Many shippers are deploying a ‘wait and see’ approach.” How long do you think they can wait?

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?

Gen Z Faces Career Apocalypse

B1- Intermediate 

Gen Zs are having a hard time finding work. Some experts are warning of a career apocalypse. 

Read the article how finding a job is getting more difficult for Gen Zs.  Be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2504/250403-career-apocalypse.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “employment” mean? “Students who have just graduated from university cannot find employment.” Use this word in a sentence and give a synonym or similar expression.
  2. What does “to be better off” mean? “He said young people would “be much better off” if they became plumbers or electricians.” Use this expression in a sentence and give a synonym or similar expression.
  3. What does “entry-level job” mean? “However, some people say many graduates no longer want to do ‘entry-level‘ jobs.” Use this phrase in a sentence and give a synonym or similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the reasons it is difficult for Gen Zs to find a job?
  2. Is there a similar problem among young people in your country? Speak about it.
  3. Are people studying for “worthless degrees” in your country too? Talk about this.
  4. Do you agree or disagree: “Young people would “be much better off” if they became plumbers or electricians.”? Explain.
  5. What is your opinion on this, “New graduates do not want to do “entry-level” jobs. Instead, they want to enter a company at a management level and get well paid in their very first job.”?

North America Is Dripping Down into Earth’s Mantle

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Geologists have identified a massive ancient slab of Earth’s crust beneath North America that is slowly sinking into the mantle, a process described as “dripping.” This phenomenon is occurring beneath regions from Michigan to Alabama and provides new insights into the dynamic processes shaping our planet’s interior.

Read the article to know why understanding these subterranean movements is crucial for comprehending seismic activity and the geological evolution of continents.

https://www.livescience.com/planet-earth/geology/north-america-is-dripping-down-into-earths-mantle-scientists-discover

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “slab” mean here, “An ancient slab of Earth’s crust buried deep beneath the Midwest is sucking huge swatches of present-day’s North American crust down into the mantle.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “splinter” mean? “The Farallon plate splintered due to the advance of the Pacific plate roughly 20 million years ago, and remnant slabs subducted beneath the North American plate slowly drifted off.“ Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “full-waveform inversion” mean? “The discovery was possible thanks to a wider project led by Hua to map what lies beneath North America using a high-resolution seismic imaging technique called “full-waveform inversion.“ Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you imagine life would be like if we could actually see this crust sinking beneath our feet? How would it change how we view the Earth’s inner workings?
  2. Do you think understanding this process could help us predict future geological events, like volcanic eruptions or earthquakes?
  3. How does this “dripping” crust affect the way we think about seismic activity and earthquakes in areas like Michigan or Alabama?
  4. Isn’t it fascinating that there’s an ancient piece of Earth’s crust slowly sinking into the mantle—what do you think that means for the planet’s long-term evolution?