Tag: Text

Artificial Intelligence to Forecast Future Health

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

Another way experts is developing on how to utilize artificial intelligence is for it to be able to predict possible health issues years ahead of time.

Delphi-2M has been learning to spot patterns using anonymous medical records so it can foretell what comes next and when.

However, it won’t be able to say exactly when the date will be of a medical event like a heart attack or stroke. It estimates the probability of 1,231 diseases though.

Read the article about artificial intelligence’s ability to forecast people’s health issues.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cx2pj502ev6o

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “stack up” mean here, “The model was then tested to see if its predictions stacked up using data from other Biobank participants, and then with 1.9 million people’s medical records in Denmark.” Use the phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym or similar expression.
  2. What does “cut back” mean? “This could include medicines or specific lifestyle advice – such as people likely to develop some liver disorders benefitting from cutting back their alcohol intake more than the general population.” Use the phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym or similar expression.
  3. What does “scalable” mean? “This research looks to be a significant step towards scalable, interpretable, and – most importantly – ethically responsible form of predictive modelling in medicine.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym or similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Share your thoughts on this technology. What do you think are its promises and pitfalls?
  2. Do you see this technology “following a similar path to the use of genomics in healthcare where it took a decade to go from scientists being confident in the technology to healthcare being able to use it routinely“? Why or why not?
  3. What can you say about this, “The technology has learned to spot patterns in people’s medical records to calculate their risk of more than 1,000 diseases.”
  4. “The researchers say it is like a weather forecast that anticipates a 70% chance of rain – but for human health.” Is this reliable enough? Share your opinion.
  5. Do you think this technology can be considered an “ethically responsible form of predictive modelling in medicine“? Share your insights.

NHS to Lose Out on New Drugs, Novartis Warns

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

According to the pharmaceutical giant Novartis, NHS patients will not have the opportunity to gain access to new cutting-edge drugs due to the steep, continuous increase in drug pricing.

Read the article about UK’s NHS losing access to new innovative treatments due to failed drug pricing deals with the pharmaceutical giant Novartis.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c4gzk1p90q1o

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “outlier” mean? “Mr Kahlstrom, managing director of Novartis’ UK and Ireland operations, told the BBC’s Today programme that the UK remains an outlier and patients still lose out and I think we have to be honest about that.” Use the word in a sentence. 
  2. What does “rebate rate” in healthcare mean? “However, the actual rebate rate has risen to 23.5%, which Novartis said was more than triple the 7% rate in Germany, for example.” Use the term in a sentence. 
  3. What does “Qaly” mean? “The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) considers medicines costing between £20,000 and £30,000 per Qaly as good value for money.” Use the term in a sentence. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. Share your insights regarding this, “A body assesses whether a new drug is value for money before approving it for use on the NHS, but Novartis said its methods were outdated and made it harder for innovative drugs to be approved and launched.” Is it the same process in your country?
  2. Share your opinion on these statements from Novartis boss and UK Health Secretary, “Norvartis’ [sic] UK boss Johan Kahlstrom said costs meant the UK was “largely uninvestable”, but Streeting has vowed he will not allow firms to “rip off” taxpayers.”
  3. “Novartis was not considering the UK for major new investments in manufacturing, research, or advanced technology because of systemic barriers.” What might be the effect of this to the UK’s healthcare system?
  4. “Another drug company, Gilead Sciences, would not submit its breast cancer drug for assessment by Nice, blaming the UK for undervaluing medicines.” Do you believe the UK is indeed undervaluing medicines? Share your thoughts.
  5. What do you make of this, “The UK was under invested on medicines with “only 9% of the healthcare budget in the NHS” being spent on drugs compared to about 14% in France and 15% in Germany.”?

Cybersecurity Threats in EU

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

The more the digital landscape transforms, the more threats to cybersecurity emerge. 

The European Union Agency for Cybersecurity’s (Enisa) “The Threat Landscape 2024 Report” reveals top cyberthreats in the recent years. It also indicates the top sectors that are most vulnerable to these cybersecurity attacks.

Read the article about some main and emerging cybersecurity threats in EU.

https://www.europarl.europa.eu/topics/en/article/20220120STO21428/cybersecurity-main-and-emerging-threats

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Define “cyberwarfare”. “Attacks of this type are getting larger, more complex and less expensive to perpetrate and are strongly connected to cyberwarfare.” Use the term in a sentence.
  2. Define “ransomware”. “In 2024, ransomware attacks continued to be one of the main cyberthreats.” Use the term in a sentence.
  3. Define “pilfer”. “An especially popular form are information stealers – malware that pilfers sensitive data.” Use the term in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Share your insights on this, “The increasing use of social media platforms and online media has led to a rise in campaigns spreading disinformation (purposefully falsified information) and misinformation (sharing wrong data).” Do you think these occur in your country as well? Talk about it in more details.
  2. What is your opinion about public administration being the top sector most affected by cybersecurity threats?
  3. What are your thoughts on Deepfake technology?
  4. Share your opinion about cyber operations being used alongside traditional military action, by Russia, for example.
  5. Do you think “hacktivism” is good or bad? Share your thoughts. 

Campaign Against Carspreading

B1 – Intermediate 

There is a new global trend in the automotive industry. Manufacturers prioritize the production of wider, longer, higher, and heavier cars, such as Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) and pickup trucks.

In the UK, there had been 10 times more of this type of cars compared to 20 years ago.

The Clean Cities Campaign (CCC) group wants to put an end to this.

Read the article about the campaign against carspreading.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2509/250904-carspreading.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “carspreading” mean? “Drivers are struggling to park because of carspreading, while people walking and cycling are more at risk.” Use the term in a sentence. 
  2. What are “urban spaces”? “Carspreading is when cars get too wide for urban spaces, causing congestion, increased risk of accidents, and more fuel consumption.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym or similar expression.
  3. What does “to take up a lot of space” mean? “Bigger cars take up a lot more space, but the cost of parking has stayed the same.” Use the phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym or similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the problems associated with large cars?
  2. What is your reaction to and thoughts on carspreading?
  3. Do you agree or disagree that new cars are too wide for urban spaces? Share your opinion.
  4. Do you think the CCC’s campaign against carspreading is necessary? Share your opinion.
  5. In Paris, they have tripled the parking costs for SUVs from €6 ($7) to €18 ($21) an hour which reduced the number of SUVs in the city. Do you think this should be done in your own city, too? Why or why not?

Energy Drinks to be Banned for Under-16s in England

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Across schools, parks, and shops in England, energy drinks have become a common part of teen life. But health experts and teachers are worried. These drinks are packed with caffeine and sugar, and studies show they can cause sleep problems, anxiety, and trouble focusing in class.

The government is stepping in to protect young people from the impact of overconsumption of these power beverages on these youngsters’ health, concentration, and learning.

Read the article about the prohibition of energy drinks children under the age of 16 in the UK.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c707074qdnko

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Explain what idiom “the social currency of the playground” mean. “It’s no wonder energy drinks have become the social currency of the playground.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “to bounce off the walls” mean? “TV chef Jamie Oliver has repeatedly warned of the dangers and disruption energy drinks can cause, with kids coming into school bouncing off the walls having had energy drinks for breakfast.” Use it in your own sentence. Give a similar expression.
  3. What is the meaning of “to be called upon“? “The government had been called upon to act by parents, teachers and children“. Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Cite the health effects of energy drinks.
  2. How do you feel about England’s decision to stop selling energy drinks to kids under 16? Do you think it should be done everywhere? Explain.
  3. How do you think teens will respond to the new restrictions on energy drink sales?
  4. How common is it for kids and teens in your area to choose energy drinks over other beverages?
  5. Share your thoughts on this, “Manufacturers are clever by working with influencers, using fun packaging and creating enticing flavours aimed at young people.“
  6. How do you recharge when you’re feeling tired or low on energy?

Intermittent Fasting Affects Heart Health

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

Intermittent fasting is a diet trend that has become so popular these days. 

Scientific studies have backed overnight fast it having some health benefits. However, a new study found that people who only eat less than eight hours a day are more likely to be at a much higher risk of suffering or in worst case, dying from cardiovascular diseases such as heart attack or stroke.

Read the article about how intermittent fasting affects heart health.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c0l6ye6xe12o

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “without the drudgery of something” mean? “It promises to hack biology without the drudgery of counting calories or cutting carbs: simply change when you eat, not necessarily what you eat.” Use the expression in a sentence. Give a synonym or similar expression.
  2. What does “run counter to something” mean? “That runs counter to the popular belief – supported by short-term studies lasting only a few months to a year – that time-restricted eating improves heart and metabolic health.” Use the phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym or similar expression.
  3. What does “frailty” mean? “For older adults or those with chronic conditions, prolonged fasting may worsen frailty or accelerate muscle loss.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym or similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the promise and pitfalls of intermittent fasting?
  2. What are your thoughts about this diet? Is it a helpful practice or health risk?
  3. Share your opinion on this, “The study doesn’t prove cause and effect. But the signal is striking enough to challenge the narrative of fasting as a risk-free path to better health.”
  4. Share your insights on this advice, “Until the evidence is clearer, the safest bet may be to focus less on the clock and more on the plate.”
  5. Talk about another diet that you know of. How is it done and what are its known benefits and negative effects?

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.

The Case of Edward Snowden

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

Edward Joseph Snowden formerly worked for the National Security Agency as an intelligence contractor.

In 2013, he became a whistleblower and leaked classified documents exposing global surveillance programs which were operated by the U.S. National Security Agency (NSA) and the U.K.’s intelligence organization, Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ). 

Read the article about Edward Joseph Snowden. 

https://www.whistleblowers.org/news/the-case-of-edward-snowden

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “whistleblower” mean? “After Deep Throat and Daniel Ellsberg, one of the whistleblowers at the top of American minds is Edward Snowden.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym or similar expression.
  2. What does “to be used to the injury of (someone/something)” mean? “With its broad language, the Espionage Act prohibits the publication of information by anyone to be used to the injury of the United States.” Use the phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym or similar expression.
  3. What does “to be in someone’s interest” mean? “Originally designed to prosecute spies bringing military secrets back home, this Act has been used against whistleblowers, not spies, who release information that they believe is in the American interest.” Use the phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym or similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. In your opinion, is Snowden’s disclosure of the classified information an act of espionage or free speech? Discuss.
  2. Share your thoughts, “With intelligence whistleblowers still facing retaliation from superiors and even from sitting presidents, their protection is paramount.”
  3. What are your thoughts on this, “The benefit to the public from a disclosure must outweigh the government’s need for secrecy.”?
  4. Share your insights on this, “Originally designed to prosecute spies bringing military secrets back home, The Espionage Act has been used against whistleblowers, not spies, who release information that they believe is in the American interest.”
  5. Talk about a whistleblower you know of and their story.

Energy Levels of Songs Affect Memories

B1 – Intermediate 

A new research has discovered that the tempo and mood of songs and the overall  energy levels of music are linked to the things we remember about the past.

Read the article about how the energy levels of music affect what we remember.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2508/250828-music-and-memory.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “recall” mean? “It even made people recall romantic experiences.” Use the word in a sentence. Give 2 synonyms or similar expressions.
  2. What does “sort” mean in this sentence, “The researchers asked 233 people about the sorts of memories they had after listening to music.” Use the word in a sentence. Give 2 synonyms or similar expressions.
  3. What does “characterize” mean? “Acoustic songs were associated with memories that were more vivid, unique, and characterized by complex emotions like romance.” Use the word in a sentence. Give 2 synonyms or similar expressions.

Discussion Questions:

  1. “High-energy music made people remember funny and happy events” while “slower and acoustic music brought back memories of calmness and sadness” and romantic experiences. Does the same thing happen to you? Share your own experience. 
  2. Share your thoughts on this, “The feelings people had for music affected their memories.”
  3. How has the music you used to listen to when you were young changed through the years? 
  4. Talk about one song and the memory you associate it with.

Spain’s Tomatina Festival

B2 – Upper Intermediate

La Tomatina is a famous festival held annually in the town of Buñol, Spain. This unique event, held on the last Wednesday of August, attracts thousands of participants from around the world. The festival is celebrated for its fun and unusual activity, which involves a massive tomato fight. La Tomatina has a rich history and showcases the spirit of community and joy, making it a beloved event. 

La Tomatina is more than just a food fight; it symbolizes friendship and cultural expression. After the tomato battle, participants often help clean up the town, showing their respect for the community. This aspect demonstrates the unity and enthusiasm of the people involved. 

Read the article and know more about Tomatina Festival, the world’s largest annual food fight in Spain.

https://www.history.com/articles/tomatina-festival-spain-biggest-food-fight-tomatoes

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “ to fit the mold” mean? “With its rebellious spirit and lack of religious significance, La Tomatina didn’t fit the mold.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “reveler” mean? “Revelers now travel from all corners of the globe to attend the pulpy spectacle.”  Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “mayhem” mean? “Once the ham falls, trucks loaded with tomatoes rumble into town, and it’s game on for one hour as the streets transform into a sea of red mayhem. ” Use the word in a sentence. Give a similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you know about La Tomatina? What do you think about this festival?
  2. Why do you think Spain celebrates a festival where people throw tomatoes at each other?
  3. Would you like to join La Tomatina or a similar festival someday? Why or why not?
  4. What other food-related festivals have you heard about?
  5. Would you travel to another country just to experience a unique festival? Why or why not?