Tag: Text

A Space for Teen Boys to Speak Openly about Their Struggles

B2 – Upper Intermediate

At Oberlin High School in Ohio, educators have launched a groundbreaking program designed to help adolescent boys open up about their feelings. Recognizing that many teen boys struggle to express their emotions—reportedly only 38 % feel comfortable discussing mental health with friends—this initiative creates a safe space for discussion and reflection.

Watch the video and read the article to learn more about this school program called “Men’s Work”.

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/oberlin-ohio-high-school-unique-space-teen-boys-speak-openly-struggles

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is an “emotional roller coaster“? “I think boys, in particular, feel this emotional roller coaster, this push and pull, on the one hand, I’m hearing from media and news that I think men should be able to cry.” Use this expression in a sentence.
  2. Define “manosphere“. “The Men’s Work sessions are designed to discuss and challenge messaging from the “manosphere” that students like Santos Navarro, a senior at Oberlin High, are frequently exposed to online.” Make a sentence with this term.
  3. What does “to be drawn to someone/something” mean in this context?  “It’s one reason that some young men are drawn to social influencers collectively known as the “manosphere,”” Create a sentence using this idiom.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your personal reaction to this initiative? Would you support a program like this in your school?
  2. According to the article/video, what are some of the benefits boys experience from participating?
  3. How can schools create a safe space for boys to share their feelings?
  4. How can emotional literacy help students in their academic and personal lives?
  5. What do you think young boys/men in your country struggle with?
  6. Share your insights on what you believe it means to be a modern man.
  7. What are your thoughts about “manosphere”?

Malawi’s First Climbers Take Their Sport to New Heights

B2 – Upper Intermediate

As stress and pressure continue to affect young people in Malawi, many are turning to an unexpected source of relief—rock climbing. What was once a little-known sport in the country is now gaining popularity among the youth, who see it not only as a physical challenge but also as a way to clear their minds, build confidence, and find balance in their daily lives.

Read this article to learn more about it.

https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2025/jul/29/malawi-first-rock-climbers-bouldering-take-their-sport-to-new-heights

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “jutt out” mean? “But, once it jutted out at a 25-degree overhang, he struggled – and was hooked.” Use this in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. Define “self-sufficient“. “The coronavirus pandemic was a wake-up call that Malawi’s climbers had to be more self-sufficient, says Nhlane, 34.” Make a sentence with this. Give a synonym.
  3. What does the expression “to never look back” mean? “Ed Nhlane was running a tour guiding company and hoping to get into rock climbing when he heard about Algeo’s wall through a friend in 2019. ‘I never looked back,’ he says.” Use this in a sentence. Give a similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why do you think rock climbing is becoming a popular sport among young Malawians?
  2. What personal qualities or skills do you think rock climbing helps develop among the youths?
  3. Do you think governments should invest in outdoor recreational facilities for young people? Why or why not?
  4. How might economic or social challenges in Malawi influence young people to seek new hobbies like rock climbing?
  5. In what ways can adventure sports like rock climbing positively impact mental health?

Alberta Curbs Immigration to Boost Youth Employment

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The Alberta government is exploring measures to curb immigration, with the hope that reducing the influx of new residents will create more job opportunities for young people in the province.

Officials say this strategy aims to address rising youth unemployment and provide Alberta’s next generation with a stronger foothold in the labor market.

Read this article and watch the video to learn more about the topic.

https://globalnews.ca/news/11433837/alberta-government-immigration-youth-employment

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to reach out to someone” mean? “Alberta’s government is helping to pay $10 of the hourly wage for young people up to 400 hours,” explained Smith. So if you’re looking for staff, do please reach out to them.” Make a sentence with this phrase.
  2. Define “resume targeting“. “They’re free to access for anyone aged 15 – 24, and provide services that range from resume targeting, interview prep and connecting youth with potential employers.” Use this phrase in a sentence.
  3. What does “transferable skill” mean? “Communication, working within a team, those are things they’re actively doing at school, along with transferable skills they’ve learned at home.” Create a sentence with this term.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How might immigrants and newcomers feel about such a policy?
  2. Do you think youth unemployment is caused more by a lack of opportunities or by other factors, such as skills or education? Explain your stance.
  3. In your opinion, should governments prioritize local employment over the benefits brought by immigration? Why or why not?
  4. How do you think immigrants contribute to the job market, and how might limiting them affect different sectors?
  5. What’s your opinion on this line from the article “A lack of job experience doesn’t mean a lack of skills.“?

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?

Top Health and Nutrition Trends 2026

B2 – Upper Intermediate

In 2026, the health and wellness landscape is evolving rapidly. More consumers are turning to plant-based proteins and avoiding additives as they aim for holistic well-being. With weight management a major concern globally, newer therapies such as GLP-1 medications are gaining traction alongside traditional diet and exercise. These shifts mean health strategy is becoming a long-term enterprise-level concern.

Read the article to know why employers and health-plan providers are grappling with structural cost pressures, deferred care surges, high-cost claims and pharmacy spend.

Top Health and Nutrition Trends 2026: Global Market Overview

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “holistic approach” mean? “Among global consumers, Gen Z and Millennials are viewing naturalness from a holistic approach.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “to gain a competitive edge” mean? “Therefore, highlighting the benefits of plant-based products can help brands tailor to younger consumers and gain a competitive edge.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “key driver” mean? “Additionally, the movement toward preventative health is a key driver of nutrition trends, with global consumers seeking more proactive approaches to well-being.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How do you feel about the growing trend of using plant-based proteins instead of meat? Do you think it’s something you’d try long-term?
  2. Many people are now focusing on mental wellness and stress recovery. What do you usually do to relax or clear your mind?
  3. Wearable health tech is becoming more popular for tracking sleep, fitness, and stress. Would you be interested in using one, or do you prefer traditional methods?
  4. The article mentioned “quiet burnout” becoming more common. Have you ever experienced something like that without realizing it at first?
  5. With more people paying attention to gut health and balanced nutrition, what are some healthy food habits you’d like to build or improve this year?

Breast Cancer Screening Scandal Outrages Spain

B2 – Upper Intermediate

A major scandal has erupted in the southern Spanish region of Andalucía, where thousands of women were reportedly never informed that their mammograms showed inconclusive or abnormal results, preventing crucial follow‑up tests. 

The fallout has triggered mass protests, the resignation of the regional health minister, and a national investigation into cancer‑screening programmes. Authorities say about 2,000 women may have been affected, and legal action is now being pursued. 

Read this article to know more about Andalusian health authorities failing to inform thousands of female patients about the results of their breast cancer screening.

https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20251008-breast-cancer-screening-scandal-outrages-spain?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to bow to the pressure” mean? “Andalusia’s leader Juanma Moreno bowed to the pressure and announced the resignation of his health minister on Wednesday evening.” Use the word in a sentence. 
  2. What does “to lash out at someone” mean? “Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez also lashed out at conservative leader Alberto Nunez Feijoo in parliament over the scandal, saying his party “defended the interests of private healthcare”.” Use the word in a sentence. 
  3. What does the phrase “to spill over into something” mean? “But the scandal spilt over into the national arena, with far-left Health Minister Monica Garcia saying on social media she had required all the regions to submit cancer screening data “to strengthen surveillance”.”  Use the phrase in a sentence. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. How do you feel about the news that thousands of women were not informed about their breast cancer screening results?
  2. Why is it important for patients to receive timely information about medical tests?
  3. How might such a scandal affect public trust in the healthcare system?
  4. If it were you, would you go and join the protest? Why or why not?
  5. How do protests and public outrage influence government actions in healthcare scandals?

Spain Orders Poultry Indoors As Bird Flu Spreads

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Spain has ordered all high-risk areas to keep their poultry indoors starting November 10, 2025, after a surge in bird flu cases across Europe. The government said the move is a precaution to prevent farmed birds from coming into contact with infected wild birds.

The order affects several regions in the southwest, center, and north of Spain. While it may temporarily impact free-range farming, officials stress that keeping poultry indoors is necessary to protect animal health and prevent major outbreaks.

Read this article to know more about this restriction amid rising avian flu cases.

https://phys.org/news/2025-11-spain-poultry-indoors-bird-flu.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to confine something indoors” mean? “Spain will confine poultry indoors in several regions starting Monday in response to escalating cases of avian influenza across Europe, the agriculture ministry said Wednesday.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “to prompt concern” mean? “The virus can spread through bird droppings and saliva, as well as contaminated food and water, prompting concern among farmers and health authorities.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “free-range” mean?  “Free-range poultry farming will be banned in these zones starting November 10, save for exceptional cases. No end date has been set.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is avian flu? What are all the information you know about it?
  2. What are some effects of avian flu on humans?
  3. What do you think about Spain’s decision to keep poultry indoors?
  4. How might this rule affect poultry farmers and industry?
  5. In your opinion, how important is it to balance food production with animal health and safety?

Free Gym Membership for Young People in Malta

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

Malta has seen a rise in youth obesity and inactivity rates over the past years. 

As part of a government-backed push for a fitter generation, starting 2026, young people ages 16-21 can avail of a free 6-month gym membership. No catch, no lottery.

The objective is not only to promote fitness among the youths, but to start building the habit among youngsters from a very young age.

In the long run, this won’t just be another policy, but a means of prevention against future national health crisis.

Read the article about Malta’s national health initiative.

https://timesofmalta.com/article/free-gym-membership-young-people-officially-launched.1109164

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is a “gym enthusiast”?  “Abela, a gym enthusiast himself, said around 12,000 young people can benefit from the initiative, in which the government will be investing €2 million.” Use the phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “to seize an opportunity” mean? “Abela encouraged eligible youngsters to seize this opportunity.” Use the expression in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “to echo someone’s sentiments” mean? “Sports Minister Clifton Grima echoed Abela’s sentiments, saying the measure demonstrates how investing in sport and youth can unite the community around a healthy and positive lifestyle.” Use the idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think about Malta’s free gym membership for people ages 16-21?
  2. Should other countries consider adopting the same initiative? Why or why not?
  3. What could be the impacts of this initiative in the citizens’ heath and wellness long term?
  4. Share your insights about this: We want to bring about a change in mentality – in how we view physical activity from an early age.
  5. How does the government in your own country encourage and support physical activity as part of the citizens’ lifestyle? What health and fitness programs do you have in your country?

Unesco Adopts Global Standards on Neurotechnology

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

The field of neurotechnology often described as a bit of a “wild west” for lack of regulations governing the said technology at present.

Chief of bioethics at UNESCO Dafna Feinholz said people have to be informed about neurotechnology’s potential benefits and risks, and the options they have.

UNESCO has adopted some guidelines governing the protection of our neural data.

Read the article about UNESCO’s set of global standards on the ethics of neurotechnology.

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/nov/06/unesco-adopts-global-standards-on-wild-west-field-of-neurotechnology

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “burgeoning” mean? “It is the latest move in a growing international effort to put guardrails around a burgeoning frontier – technologies that harness data from the brain and nervous system.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “wild west” mean here: “Unesco has adopted a set of global standards on the ethics of neurotechnology, a field that has been described as “a bit of a wild west”.” Use the expression in a sentence in the same context. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “bugbear” mean?  “The current frontier of neurotechnology lies in improving brain-computer interfaces, which despite recent breakthroughs are in their infancy – and in the proliferation of consumer-oriented devices, which Mathews said could raise privacy concerns, a bugbear of the Unesco standards.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Share your thoughts on the two recent developments in neurotechnology: artificial intelligence (AI) which offers vast possibilities in decoding brain data and the proliferation of consumer-grade neurotech devices.
  2.  What are your thoughts on the possibility of companies using neurotechnology to subliminally market to people during their dreams in the future?
  3. Share your insights on this: Neurotechnology has the potential to define the next frontier of human progress, but it is not without risks.
  4. Share anything you know about neurotechnology.

Workers Adopt Corporate Jargon

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

In the modern world of the workplace, corporate jargons such as “ICE”, “ping”, “circle back”, and “double click” abound. 

Employees, despite being overwhelmed with such business lexicon, just resort to adopting it and using them in their day-to-day correspondences at work.

Read the article about workers capitulating to this word salad of corporate jargon.

https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20240202-the-animal-instinct-that-drives-workers-to-adopt-corporate-jargon

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “boots on the ground” mean? “The sales team has boots on the ground. They visit customers directly, attend trade shows, or be present at industry events to build relationships.” Use the expression in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “to double click on something” mean here: “We need to double-click on the data to understand the root cause”? Use the phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “to run something up the flagpole” mean here: “The company first ran the idea up the flagpole last year.”? Use the idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is the importance of corporate jargon?
  2. What are all the things wrong with it?
  3. What are your thoughts on all this work parlance these days? Do you think they are necessary? Explain.
  4. Share your insights on this: But as employees have come to understand office jargon, and even rely on it, Cooper cautions companies use these words to make processes opaque.
  5. Express your opinion on this: Cooper and Brown agree the popularity of corporate jargon has a fairly simple explanation: the desire for status in the workplace, or “human peacocking”.
  6. Cite at least three (3) industry-specific shorthands you use in your line of work and explain what they stand for and/or what they mean.