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The Psychology of Greed

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

Mahatma Gandhi once said, “The world has enough for everyone’s need, but not everyone’s greed.”.

One must ask, where does this desire to accumulate things, keep them for yourself, and not share them with others stem from?

Listen to this audio and read the transcript to explore the psychology of greed.

Be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2024/ep-240118

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to pull yourself up by your bootstraps” mean, “Some people indeed have worked themselves up by their own bootstraps and get what they have because they worked hard.” Give 1-2 synonyms or similar expressions and use “to pull yourself up by your bootstraps” in your own sentence.
  2. What does “flip of a coin” mean, “They talked about how they controlled their own outcomes, they talked about how it was the decisions they had made that had led to their being ultimately victorious, and not that flip of a coin that randomly got them into that position of privilege in the first place.”? Give 1-2 synonyms or similar expressions and use “flip of a coin” in your own sentence.
  3. What does ”to take credit for” mean, “Interestingly, the rich players took credit for winning.”? Give 1-2 synonyms or similar expressions and use “to take credit for” in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Is greed ever good? Share your thoughts.
  2. Talk about your opinion on this, “It’s not greed itself that’s bad, but the things we’re greedy for.”.
  3. Share your thoughts on this, “We’re genetically built to want things that increase our social status.”.
  4. When someone feels financially better off than others translates into feeling better than others and the reason behind these feelings could be what money buys you, especially one thing: space. Share your thoughts on how well-off people don’t need others in their lives as much because they can afford to be in their own private bubble.
  5. Talk about an instance you think you got a little greedy. How can it be justified?

The Most Important Question of Your Life

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Finding one’s purpose in life provides a sense of direction, fulfillment, and meaning. It allows us to navigate through the complexities and challenges that we encounter on our journey. Without a clear purpose, life may seem aimless and devoid of significance.

In life, struggles are inevitable. They shape our character, test our resilience, and ultimately determine our success. However, not all struggles are created equal. Some are worth enduring for the sake of personal growth and fulfillment, while others may be futile or even detrimental to our well-being. Therefore, it is crucial to identify what we are truly willing to struggle for.

Throughout our existence, we are constantly bombarded with questions. Some are simple and trivial, while others are profound and thought-provoking. These questions shape our understanding of the world and help us navigate through life’s complexities.

Discover which question is most important for us to ask ourselves by reading this article.

https://markmanson.net/question

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the phrase  “delayed gratification” mean, “People want to be rich without the risk, without the sacrifice, without the delayed gratification necessary to accumulate wealth.”?  Use this in your own sentence.
  2. What does “to morph” mean in the sentence, “They settle and wonder “What if?” for years and years until the question morphs from “What if?” into “Was that it?”? Use this in your own sentence.
  3. What does the phrase  “emotional turbulence” mean, “But you don’t end up attracting someone amazing without appreciating the emotional turbulence that comes with weathering rejections, building the sexual tension that never gets released, and staring blankly at a phone that never rings.“? Use this in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. In contemplating your life, what are the usual questions you ask to yourself?
  2. What pain do you want in your life? What are you willing to struggle for?
  3. What is your opinion about this, “What we get out of life is not determined by the good feelings we desire, but by what bad feelings we’re willing and able to sustain to get us to those good feelings.”?
  4. “To get good at dealing with negative experiences is to get good at dealing with life.” Do you agree? Share your perspective.
  5. Share your thoughts on this, “People want to be rich without the risk, without the sacrifice, without the delayed gratification necessary to accumulate wealth.“.

The No-Buy Challenge

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The popularity of a No-Buy Month stems from its simplicity. A commitment to avoid non-essential spending for an entire month.

As we explore into the experiences of those who took on this challenge, we gain valuable insights into how it affected their private finances and overall well-being.

From economical lessons to unforeseen results, these individuals disclose their tips for mastering the art of financial restraint and achieving improved monetary accountability.

Visit the link for additional information.

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/no-buy-january-challenge-budget_l_65b3f42ee4b0d407294f08b3

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “all or nothing” mean in the sentence, “Cuevas said an “all or nothing” mindset was not sustainable, so she purposely created exceptions for her no-spend challenge.”? Use this in your own sentence.
  2. What does “dopamine rush” mean in the sentence, “To replace the dopamine rush she used to get from shopping, Nevitt said it has helped to go back to the comforting escapism of reading books.”? Use this in your own sentence.
  3. What does “reset and rewire” mean in the sentence, “So I wanted to give my brain a full year to really reset and rewire all of my habits.”? Use this in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Have you ever considered trying a no-buy or no-spend challenge, like the individuals in the article? Why or why not?
  2. How do you usually manage your spending habits? Please share.
  3. Do you find yourself making impulsive purchases, especially during specific times like holidays? Tell me more.
  4. Do you relate to the concept of FOMO spending (fear of missing out), and have you ever made purchases driven by this feeling?
  5. Considering the lessons learned by the individuals in the article, do you think a no-spend challenge could be a beneficial strategy for you to reset spending habits and save money? Why or why not?

IRS Tax Refund Scam

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Unfortunately, in the digital age, where technology pervades every aspect of our lives, scams and frauds have grown in sophistication.

The IRS tax refund scam is one such dangerous scheme that exploits taxpayers’ vulnerabilities. As tax season approaches, people must remain vigilant in distinguishing between reliable correspondence from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and savvy scammers attempting to steal sensitive information.

To avoid falling victim to these scams, it is crucial to be aware of certain red flags. Visit the link for additional information.

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/tax-refund-scam-irs_l_65bbe017e4b05c8779f84c11

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “underway” mean in the sentence, “Tax season is underway, and unfortunately, so are the scams.”? Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘underway’ in your own sentence.
  2. What does “stakeholder liason” mean, “If you your tax data may have been compromised because you got fooled, you can report client data theft to your local stakeholder liaison.”? Use this in your own sentence.
  3. What does “red flag” mean in the sentence, “The biggest red flag of a suspicious IRS scam is in how the message got delivered to you.”? Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘red flag’ in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is the biggest red flag mentioned in the article that indicates a suspicious IRS scam?
  2. What are your thoughts on many organizations or government offices like the IRS communicating via nontraditional ways such as email, text, or social media?
  3. Have you ever encountered a tax refund scam, or do you know someone who has fallen victim to such fraudulent schemes? Please share.
  4. What precautions can one take to verify the legitimacy of communications claiming to be from the tax ministry during tax season?
  5. The article suggests creating an online account with the IRS for up-to-date information on taxes. Do you currently have such an account, and how do you feel about using online platforms for tax-related matters? Tell me more.
  6. Do you think the use of technology and social media has made people more susceptible to falling for IRS scams? Why or why not?

Micro-Acts of Joy

B2 – Upper Intermediate

In the pressures of everyday life, it’s easy to lose sight of the seemingly insignificant pleasures that surround us. But the key to joyfulness may be less difficult than you think.

It’s often the small things that make the biggest impact. From savoring a warm cup of coffee to taking a moment of solitude to reflect, or even just simply making a mindful choice to treat others with kindness and respect. These little things have the potential to unleash immense joy.

Click the link to learn how paying attention to these fleeting moments can transform our lives, making each day more wonderful and fulfilling.

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/expert-backed-micro-acts-joy-happier_l_65b183bfe4b04d89950fbc46

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “zest for life” mean in the sentence, “During the cold days of winter and through the tough realities that many of us face on a daily basis, it’s hard to feel a zest for life.”? Use this in your own sentence.
  2. What does “bang for your buck” mean in the sentence, ““That is going to give you the biggest bang for your buck in terms of the investment of time and effort that you’re putting into it,” Bono said.””? Use this in your own sentence.
  3. What does “to get/be trapped in a cycle” mean in the sentence, “Otherwise, it’s easy to get trapped in the cycle of bad news.”? Use this in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Can you recall a recent experience of awe or wonder, such as being in nature or witnessing something creatively inspiring? Please share.
  2. In what ways do you practice gratitude, and how does it influence your perspective on life? Tell me more.
  3. Can you think of a recent situation where choosing kindness made a positive difference, either for you or someone else? Please share.
  4. How do you balance your attention between negative news and positive aspects of life to avoid getting trapped in a cycle of negativity bias?
  5. Reflecting on the article, what micro-acts of joy resonate with you, and how might you incorporate them into your daily life?

What Happens to Your Brain After You Turn 50

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Have you ever wondered what happens to your brain after reaching the big 5-0? Well, we have the inside scoop from medical professionals who explain what happens to your mental system once you reach your 50s.

Prepare for an easily understood process as we reveal the science underlying the transformations that the human brain undergoes as you go into the latter part of your life.

Visit the link to learn more about the natural shifts that accompany aging and uncover effective measures to proactively manage them.

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/what-happens-brain-turn-50_l_65b135f6e4b0f55c6e31d156

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “slip one’s mind” mean in the sentence, “No matter our age, most of us are guilty of saying, “I must be getting old,” when we can’t quite find the words to describe something or an important item on our to-do lists slips our minds.”? Give 2 synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘slip one’s mind’ in a sentence.
  2. What does “narrow down” mean in the sentence, “It doesn’t mean you have Alzheimer’s disease or another type of dementia, but a specialist can help to narrow down the cause and any potential treatments or lifestyle changes that may be helpful,” he said.”? Give 2 synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘narrow down’ in a sentence.
  3. What does “down the road” mean in the sentence, “But as both Wint and Bredesen emphasized, lifestyle can make a huge difference in the rate at which your brain health declines, and whether you develop dementia down the road.”? Give 2 synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘down the road’ in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How does the article describe brain shrinkage in your 50s, and what impact does it have on accessing accumulated knowledge?
  2. How would you describe your current level of physical activity, and do you engage in regular, moderate aerobic exercise as suggested by doctors for brain health? Please share.
  3. In terms of social connections, how rich and meaningful is your in-person social network, and how do you believe it contributes to your overall well-being and brain health? Tell me more.
  4. Are there specific lifestyle changes you’ve made or are considering making based on the recommendations from doctors to support your brain health as you age? Please share.
  5. Looking ahead, what long-term strategies do you envision incorporating into your lifestyle to promote brain health throughout the aging process?

The World’s First Trillionaire

B1 – Intermediate 

According to Oxfam, an anti-poverty charitable organization, in about 10 years, the world will see its first trillionaire.

The Oxfam report revealed that the fortune of five of the world’s wealthiest has increased by more than 100% since 2020. Moreover, the top five billionaires also doubled their wealth. 

But there is a sharp contrast with the situation of almost five billion people who have become even poorer in the past couple of years.

Read the article about the growing wealth inequality. Be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2401/240118-trillionaire-2.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Define “wealth gap”. “Oxfam said the wealth gap between the rich and poor is growing.” Give 1-2 synonyms or similar expressions and use “wealth gap” in your own sentence.
  2. What does “to supercharge” mean, “The gap “supercharged” after the coronavirus pandemic.”? Give 1-2 synonyms or similar expressions and use “supercharge” in your own sentence.
  3. What does ”milestone” mean, ”The AP news agency said someone with a trillion-dollar milestone would “have the same value as oil-rich Saudi Arabia”.”? Give 1-2 synonyms or similar expressions and use “milestone” in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your opinion on this, “In the next ten years, the world will have its first trillionaire.”?
  2. Share your thoughts on this, “Almost five billion people have become poorer.”.
  3. How can the wealth gap between the rich and poor be reduced?
  4. Why do you think ‘The world will see a “decade of division”’’?
  5. Is there a huge wealth gap between the rich and the poor in your country? Talk about some circumstances where it is evident.

Signs of Burnout from a Job You Love

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Passion is one of the factors people consider when looking for a job. It’s a wonderful thing when your profession matches with your passion. Unfortunately, in certain cases, you will still experience burnout while doing what you enjoy the most.

Read this article to learn about the signs of burnout from a job you love.

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/burnout-signs-symptoms_l_5cf143efe4b0e8085e390737

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “phone something in” mean in this context? “You now finish the day without a sense of accomplishment and find yourself “phoning in” deadlines.” Make a sentence with this phrase.
  2. Define “throw yourself into something”. “Throw yourself into something else where you can feel a sense of progress and mastery and momentum because you’re not having that met at your job.” Use this in a sentence.
  3. What is the meaning of “slippery slope“? “This is not just like, ‘Oh, work kind of sucks right now.’ It’s ‘I’m in danger of going down a slippery slope if I don’t take care of this.’” Give two similar expressions and make a sentence with this phrase.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Have you ever had a job that was aligned with your passion? Talk about it.
  2. Are there instances when you feel emotionally drained even if you enjoy doing your job? Kindly share about it.
  3. What challenges might someone have when doing the job they love?
  4. Do you find it challenging to recharge even during the weekends or time off? Share about this.
  5. How can a person suffering from burnout recover from it?

Introduction to Workplace Discrimination

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Instances of bias and unfairness include looking down on individuals, which reflects a judgmental attitude of superiority. Discrimination may also box in people, restricting them to predefined roles, or cutting off opportunities for certain groups. Exclusion is evident when individuals are shut out or deliberately kept from participating, as in cases of religious discrimination. Unfair criticism and disrespect can hold back individuals from reaching their potential, while systemic discrimination may “push out” marginalized communities from economic opportunities. 

Efforts to combat discrimination involve promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion. Legal frameworks, education, awareness campaigns, and social activism play crucial roles in addressing and preventing discrimination. The goal is to create societies where all individuals have equal rights, opportunities, and dignity, regardless of their inherent characteristics.

Key forms of discrimination include:

  • Racial Discrimination: Unfair treatment based on race or ethnicity. This can lead to prejudice, stereotypes, and unequal access to opportunities.
  • Gender Discrimination: Discrimination based on gender, affecting both men and women. It can manifest in unequal pay, limited career opportunities, or social expectations.
  • Age Discrimination: Unfair treatment based on a person’s age. This is often seen in employment decisions, with older or younger individuals facing discrimination.
  • Religious Discrimination: Discrimination based on a person’s religious beliefs or practices. This can lead to exclusion, bias, or even persecution.
  • Sexual Orientation Discrimination: Unfair treatment based on an individual’s sexual orientation, such as being gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender. This can result in social stigma, harassment, or denial of rights.
  • Disability Discrimination: Discrimination against individuals with disabilities. This can involve barriers to accessibility, unequal opportunities, or negative stereotypes.
  • Social Class Discrimination: Unfair treatment based on social and economic status. This can result in limited access to education, employment, and healthcare for individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds.

Read this article about discrimination, its definition, forms, and where to get help if you are victim of unlawful workplace discrimination.

Be ready to discuss and answer the questions that follow.

https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/introduction-discrimination

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the idiom “to take action” mean in the sentence, “If your employer treats you less favourably for an unlawful reason, you may be able to take action.”? Use the phrase in your own words.
  2. What does “dismiss” mean in the sentence, “There are also laws which forbid workers from being dismissed or treated less favourably than other workers because they do.“? Give 2 synonyms or similar expressions and use “dismiss” in a sentence.
  3. What does the expression “to treat someone less favorably” mean in the sentence, “Direct discrimination happens when an employer treats an employee less favourably than someone else because of one of the above reasons.”? Give 2 synonyms and use ‘to treat someone less favorably’ in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How common is discrimination in the workplace in your society? Why do you think this is the case?
  2. What forms of discriminatory behavior in the workplace have you noticed?
  3. Are the differences between people a reason to celebrate or a source of problems? Elaborate on your insights.
  4. Have you been ever suffered any form of discrimination? What made you feel this way?

Mood-Boosting Food

B2 – Upper Intermediate

It goes without saying that food can really affect our body. Experts say that reducing unhealthy food intake and eating healthy food can positively impact your mental health. Hence, it’s really important to be mindful of the food you eat during meals.

Read this article to learn about the five mood-boosting food.

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/mood-boosting-foods_l_64b81bfce4b09a3b489080a3

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “precursor” mean? “Tryptophan is an amino acid precursor to serotonin,” Behairy explained, “so look for foods like turkey, chicken, eggs, dairy, nuts and seeds.” Make a sentence with this word.
  2. Define “intersperse“. “I think that implementing small, lasting changes will help you go a long way, much further than sporadic days of ‘clean eating interspersed with ‘binges,’ Naidoo said.” Make a sentence using this word and give two synonyms.
  3. What is the meaning of “catch up” in this context? “And even if your mood hasn’t caught up yet, do know that your gut notices and appreciates what you’re doing right away.” Make a sentence using this phrase and give two synonyms.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Have you ever tried including mood-boosting foods into your diet? If so, did you notice any improvements in your mood?
  2. Which of the five mood-boosting foods suggested in the article have you already incorporated into your daily meals?
  3. How do you usually manage your mood or emotional well-being with your food or lifestyle choices?
  4. Do you feel there is a significant connection between the foods you eat and your overall emotional state? Talk about it.
  5. Are there any seasons or times of year when you find it more difficult to keep your spirits up and do you change your diet accordingly? Share about this.