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Older Sisters Are the Backbone of Society

B2 – Upper Intermediate

As the first born in the family, older sisters serve as role models, caregivers, and companions, among other things. The effect they have grows beyond the limits of familial connections, bringing an influence on the larger social sphere.

Perhaps it’s time for everyone to admit that they are indeed the unsung heroes of every family unit in the world.

Click on the link to learn more about the so-called elder sister revolution.

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/acknowledge-older-sisters-backbone-of-society_l_654ebb35e4b0373d70b22ad4

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to be put on notice” mean in the sentence, “Younger children everywhere, you’ve been put on notice: Your oldest sister is tired of doing it all.”? Use this in your own sentence.
  2. What does “to hit a nerve” mean in the sentence, “Though not an actual psychological diagnosis, the pop psychology phrase “oldest daughter syndrome” has hit a nerve with many oldest daughters.”? Use this in your own sentence.
  3. What does “the backbone of something” mean in the sentence, “Elsewhere on social media, big sisters joke about how it’s time we acknowledge that older sisters are the backbone of society.”? Use this in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Talk about some concepts: “good daughter trauma” and “oldest daughter syndrome”.
  2. How do older sisters contribute to the well-being and development of their families and communities? In what ways do older sisters serve as mentors and caregivers within their familial roles?
  3. Can you provide examples of the wisdom gained through experience that older sisters bring to their roles as the backbone of society?
  4. How does acknowledging the importance of older sisters contribute to the celebration of familial bonds?
  5. Share your thoughts on this, “On TikTok, youngest brothers ― those diametrically opposed to oldest daughters in responsibilities ― jokingly apologize for doing the bare minimum in life and skirting the emotional labor that’s second nature to women.“.
  6. In your country, to what degree does birth order impact individual roles and responsibilities within a family? Please share.

Questions about Your Job Right Now

B2 – Upper Intermediate

In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, it’s easy to become engrossed in our jobs’ routines without pausing to consider our job satisfaction and overall well-being. Asking yourself significant inquiries about your present position might offer helpful perspectives and assistance in navigating through your professional journey.

Click on the link to learn more about some questions you should ask yourself to help you level up your career.

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/new-year-career-questions_l_65944414e4b0bf73e1777846

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “pain point” mean in the sentence, “And for many of us, our careers can be a big pain point or a confusing open question.”? Use the phrase in your own sentence.
  2. What does “to be back on one’s feet” mean in the sentence, “And the next time there’s mass layoffs, budget cuts, an economic downturn, the faster you’ll be back on your feet and the more of a cushion you’ll have should you be subject to any of those things.”? Use the idiom in your own sentence.
  3. What does “to fill one’s cup” mean in the sentence, “Licensed clinical psychologist Cynthia Shaw said asking yourself “What fills your cup?” can help you reflect and better identify what you are looking for professionally, “whether that be making financial strides or gaining promotional shifts, taking part in entrepreneurial startups or nonprofit volunteer opportunities, or learning how to incorporate better work-life balance.””? Use the expression in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is the main message of the article?
  2. What are some work-related resolutions you’ve got this year?
  3. Why does the article emphasize the importance of self-reflection in the context of one’s career?
  4. What are the suggested actions for individuals facing a lack of growth opportunities in their current positions?
  5. Do you engage in self-assessment regarding your work? Please share.
  6. What methods do you use to measure your progress and overall job satisfaction? Tell me more.

Using Savings to Start an Amazon Side Hustle

B2 – Upper Intermediate

In today’s fast-paced and competitive world, many individuals find themselves contemplating whether to continue on their current path or pursue a side hustle that shows potential for success. While the decision to leave behind stability and venture into the unknown can be daunting, it is important to carefully consider the benefits and drawbacks before taking such a leap.

One common thread among various definitions of success is the idea of accomplishment. Success often implies reaching a desired outcome or fulfilling one’s aspirations. However, it is important to recognize that success is not solely measured by external achievements but also by internal satisfaction and fulfillment.

See how a 17-year-old turned her $2,000 savings into a side hustle that is now bringing her more than $30,000 a month.

https://www.cnbc.com/2024/01/05/teen-used-savings-to-start-lucrative-amazon-side-hustle-guinealoft.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to mock up” mean here,  “After a year of mocking up prototypes, Lin got distracted by a different idea: She wanted to sell athleisure for girls at a lower price point than large, trendy brands.”? Use this phrase in a sentence.
  2. What does “to fizzle out” mean,  “It was one of a few signs that TLeggings was fizzling out: Despite the lofty revenue numbers, the company was never profitable, and Lin struggled to keep up with her competitors.”?  Use this phrase in a sentence.
  3. What does the phrase “to reek of something” mean in the sentence, “They are difficult to clean, Lin says, and often reek of excrement.”? Use this phrase in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on Bella Lin’s business journey?
  2. What do you think about her products?
  3. What are your thoughts on having a side hustle?
  4. “She’s also considering taking a gap year after graduating high school.” If you were Bella Lin, would you also temporarily halt your education to run and expand your business? Why or why wouldn’t you?
  5. Have you ever had to make a significant decision on your professional path? Tell me the details of what happened.

Paying Attention to Our Dreams

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Paying attention to our dreams can offer valuable insights into our subconscious thoughts, emotions, and concerns. While some view dreams as random mental chatter, others believe they hold significant meaning and that they can provide clues to unresolved issues or desires.

Psychologists and researchers often explore the potential connections between dreams and waking life, studying patterns and themes to understand their potential impact on our mental well-being.

Ultimately, the importance of paying attention to dreams varies from person to person, but many find that acknowledging and reflecting on their dreams can offer unique perspectives and foster personal growth.

Read the article about how much should we be paying attention to our dreams and some benefits of keeping a dream log. Be ready to answer the questions that follow.

How Much Should We Be Paying Attention To Our Dreams?

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the verb “decipher” mean, “People have been recording, analyzing, and attempting to decipher dreams for centuries, as is seen in evidence of cave drawings and early literature.”? Give two synonyms and use ‘decipher’ in a sentence.
  2. What does “omen” mean, “Some believed they were prophecies from God, others interpreted dreams as omens from demonic forces”? Give two synonyms and use ‘omen’ in a sentence.
  3. What does “wiring” mean in the sentence, “Keeping a dream log is just one more way we can get to know ourselves and better understand our unique wiring.”? Use this word in a sentence. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you typically remember your dreams? How do you perceive the importance of dreams in your life?
  2. What are your thoughts on making a dream log? How might keeping one contribute to personal growth or understanding oneself better? 
  3. Do you believe dreams have psychological significance, or do you see them as random brain activity during sleep? Explain.
  4. Have you experienced instances where your dreams seemed influenced by your activities or thoughts before sleep? How do you think external factors affect dream content?
  5. What are your thoughts on the idea that dreams might reflect physical health or conditions in the body? Do you find this concept plausible or far-fetched? Explain.

New Year’s Resolutions Cardiologists Make

B2 – Upper Intermediate

It’s the start of a new year which means it’s time for people to make their new year’s resolutions. Individuals often vow to have healthier habits and make positive personal changes.

Cardiologists, in particular, understand the importance of leading a heart healthy-lifestyle. Hence, they focus on resolutions to maintain their own heart health.

Read this article to learn what new year’s resolutions cardiologists always make for better cardiovascular health.

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/heart-health-cardiologists-new-years-resolutions_l_65831ae9e4b0d9bdbf6876af

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “out of whack” mean? ““It’s important to know where you’re at in terms of those numbers, but also not to be discouraged if numbers are out of whack,” Jackson noted.” Give two synonyms and make a sentence using ‘out of whack’.
  2. What does “to turn on a switch” mean? ““Our cardiovascular health is not just turning on a switch.” Use this expression in this context in your own sentence.
  3. What does “to cut someone some slack” mean? “You should cut yourself some slack if you miss a day at the gym or fall back into an old habit you’re trying to break.” Give two synonyms or similar expressions and make a sentence using ‘to cut someone some slack’.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Talk about the four resolutions mentioned in the article and share your thoughts on them.
  2. Have you considered your heart health while making New Year’s resolutions, and if yes, what changes are you contemplating?
  3. How might cardiologists’ resolutions inspire you to incorporate heart-conscious habits into your own life?
  4. Which habits have you adopted that are influenced by cardiologists’ resolutions for heart health in your own lifestyle?

Harmless Habits May Increase Risk of Dementia

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Dementia is an umbrella term for loss of thinking ability, memory attention, problem-solving, and other cognitive abilities that are severe enough to interfere with daily life. In our every day lives, habits create a pattern that we often overlook. While some habits contribute to our well-being, some may harbor hidden risks especially to our mental health.

Read this article to learn about those seemingly harmless habits that may actually increase your risk of dementia.

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/habits-raise-dementia-risk_l_6595a041e4b0912833aeb922

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “somebody’s way or the highway” mean? “Additionally, “try to be flexible with your reactions and avoid the ‘my way or the highway’ mentality, which can be common in older adults,” Steel said.” Use this in a sentence.
  2. Define the expression “put something on the back burner“. “Let’s face it, sleep tends to be put on the back burner.” Make a sentence with this.
  3. What does “unplug” mean in this context, “Try unplugging at least 30 minutes before bed.”? Give two synonyms and make a sentence with “unplug”.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Which habits mentioned in the article do you have?
  2. Are there other habits in your daily routine that seem harmless, but might potentially pose a risk to your cognitive health?
  3. How do you prioritize activities that promote brain health in your personal lifestyle?
  4. What specific cognitive health goals have you set for yourself, considering your current habits and lifestyle?

Hospitals Sue Patients for Medical Debts

B2 – Upper Intermediate

We often hear about patients suing doctors or hospitals for negligence or some kind of medical malpractice.

However, some hospitals in America are doing it the other way around. They are taking some legal actions against their patients.

Read the article to find out why some US hospitals sue patients.

https://www.chiefhealthcareexecutive.com/view/many-hospitals-sue-patients-or-turn-to-collectors-for-medical-debts-report

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is “wage garnishment“? “More than two-thirds of hospitals are filing lawsuits or taking other legal measures, including garnishing wages and placing liens on homes or property.” Use this word in a sentence.
  2. What does “(property) lien” mean? “More than two-thirds of hospitals are filing lawsuits or taking other legal measures, including garnishing wages and placing liens on homes or property.” Use this word in a sentence.
  3. What does “saddled with” mean? “At a White House event in April, Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra said, “Too many families across the country are saddled with crushing medical debt.” Use this phrase in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on hospitals aggressively going after patients for unpaid medical bills?
  2. How can this impact patients with huge medical debts?
  3. What are things being done in order to address the issue of hospitals suing patients who have increasing unpaid hospital bills?
  4. What impact could these solutions have on the healthcare system in America?
  5. Does this also happen in your country? Why or why not?

Biocomputers

B1 – Intermediate

We are so close to seeing a fusion between humans and computers. Organoids are lab-grown tissues that are much like human organs. Bioengineers have successfully, though still in its early stages, built a cross between organoids and AI.

Read the article about biocomputers.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2312/231218-brainoware-biocomputer-4.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the noun ”merging” mean,“Humans and machines are closer to merging.”? Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and make a sentence using ‘merging’.
  2. What does “early stage” mean? “Brainoware is in its early stages, but can already do complex tasks like voice recognition.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and make a sentence using ‘early stage’.
  3. What does the phrase “proof-of-concept” mean? “A researcher said: “This is just proof-of-concept to show that we can do the job.” Use this term in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is a biocomputer?
  2. What is your opinion on this technology?
  3. What makes this invention important?
  4. What are some good uses of biocomputers? Can you think of more? 
  5. How about the disadvantages/challenges we have with it?

Experts Figure What to Focus On

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Experts often determine what to focus on through a combination of experience, knowledge, and strategic thinking. 

In essence, experts use a blend of knowledge, experience, analysis, and adaptability to determine what to focus on in their respective domains. They often prioritize based on the bigger picture, understanding how their actions contribute to overarching goals or solve critical problems.

Read the article below and be ready to answer the questions that follow.

How Experts Figure What to Focus On

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is the meaning of the idiom “cast a wide net”? “If you want to master and deeply understand the core fundamentals of a task you may, paradoxically, need to start by casting a very wide net.” Use in your own sentence.
  2. What does the phrasal verb “whittle something down” mean? “Then you need to edit those words and whittle them down to the most powerful version possible.” Use in your own sentence.
  3. What does “make a call” mean in this context, “Even when you do measure things, however, there comes a point where you have to make a call and decide what to focus on.”? Use this expression in your own words.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Share your thoughts on this, “Focus is a core factor of success.“
  2. What methods or strategies do you think experts use to prioritize their tasks or goals effectively?
  3. Can you share an instance where you had to decide what to focus on? How did you approach this decision-making process?
  4. From your perspective, what could be some common challenges experts face when figuring out what to focus on in their respective fields?
  5. The text mentions the author’s Year of Many Errors. What role do you think failure plays in helping experts refine their focus or direction?
  6. What role does consistent practice or repetition play in an expert’s ability to determine their focus and master their field?

What Do You Love Most about Your Home?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

“What do you love most about your home?” explores the intimate and personal connections individuals have with their living spaces. It delves into the multifaceted reasons why people cherish their homes, highlighting key themes such as comfort, functionality, location, and the nostalgic value of memories.

Through anecdotes and reflections from various individuals, it celebrates the emotional significance of different aspects of home life, whether it’s the coziness of a favorite corner, the adaptability of spaces for work or leisure, the importance of location and community ties, or the treasure trove of memories embedded within the walls. Overall, it emphasizes the diverse and profound reasons why our homes hold such a special place in our hearts.

Read the article about on what we all love most about our homes and be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://hathways.co.uk/blog/what-do-you-love-most-about-your-home/10594

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is the meaning of the adjective “tight-knit”? “I’ve recently moved back to Caerleon and I finally feel ‘home’, being close to my friends and family in a tight-knit community is what I love most about my new house“. Use it in your sentence.
  2. What is the meaning of the idiomatic expression “There’s no place like home”? “As Dorothy once said, “There’s no place like home” and for many of us the area in which we live is what makes our house feel like home“. Use it in a sentence.
  3. What is the meaning of the adjective “roaring”? “I love my new roll-top bath and sitting in front of my roaring log burner”. Use it in your own words.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How important is it for you to have a space at home that provides comfort and relaxation?
  2. How do functional spaces at home impact your daily life, especially considering changes in work or lifestyle habits?
  3. Do you feel a strong connection to your community, and how does that influence your perception of your home?
  4. Has your perception of “home” evolved over time? If so, in what ways?
  5. What factors influence how you define and appreciate your home now compared to the past?