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UK to Lower Voting Age

B1 – Intermediate 

Legal voting age refers to the minimum age that an individual is allowed to cast their vote in a democratic process. Most nations in the world have 18 as their voting age.

However, UK is considering to lower it to 16.

Read the article about UK’s plans to lower voting age and be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2507/250721-voting-age.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “a step forward” mean? “By [extending] the vote to younger people, we are taking a generational step forward in restoring public trust and boosting engagement in UK democracy.” Use this idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “to have a say on something” mean? “It’s only right they can have a say on the issues that affect them.” Use this phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. Explain “parent’s consent”. “Some point to the fact that 16-year-olds cannot drink alcohol, buy a lottery ticket, or get married without their parent’s consent, yet they will be able to vote.” Use this term in a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Share your opinion on this, “16-year-olds in Britain work and pay taxes, so they should be allowed to vote.”
  2. Do you think voting age should be lowered in your country, too? Why or why not?
  3. Share your opinion about this statement, “By [extending] the vote to younger people, we are taking a generational step forward in restoring public trust and boosting engagement in UK democracy.“
  4. What are the good and bad things about letting people as young as 16 years old vote?
  5. If 16 year olds will be allowed to vote, then, should they be allowed to drink alcohol, buy a lottery ticket, or get married without their parent’s consent too? Explain your views on this.
  6. What do you think is the best voting age and why?

Undersea Cable Attacks Backed by Russia and China

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

A string of incidents in the Baltic Sea and Taiwan have had many thinking it be a precursor of more attacks backed by Russia and China on submarine cables that account for more than 90% of the intercontinental data traffic in the whole world.

Read the article about the possible threats to the undersea cables and be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/jul/17/risk-undersea-cable-attacks-backed-russia-china-likely-rise-report-warns

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “a spate of something” mean? “The risk of Russia- and China-backed attacks on undersea cables carrying international internet traffic is likely to rise amid a spate of incidents in the Baltic Sea and around Taiwan.” Use this idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “to single out” mean? “A US cybersecurity company, singled out nine incidents in the Baltic Sea and off the coast of Taiwan in 2024 and 2025 as a harbinger for further disruptive activity.” Use this phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “harbinger” mean? “A US cybersecurity company, singled out nine incidents in the Baltic Sea and off the coast of Taiwan in 2024 and 2025 as a harbinger for further disruptive activity.” Use this word in a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Share your reaction and opinion about this news.
  2. Why has the two attacks in the Baltic Sea in November 2024 had minimal impact in Europe? 
  3. “Campaigns attributed to Russia in the North Atlantic-Baltic region and China in the western Pacific are likely to increase in frequency as tensions rise.”? Do you think this is most likely to happen? Share your views.
  4. Share your opinion on this, “Analysts say targeting these cables can be an attractive tactic because the damage can be passed off as an accident.”
  5. What can the governments do to address the potential threats to the countries’ subsea cables?

Nvidia First to Reach Four Trillion in Market Value

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Nvidia just made history, it’s now the first company ever worth $4 trillion. Known for making super-powerful computer chips, Nvidia is a big reason why artificial intelligence (AI) is growing so fast. Its technology powers tools like chatbots, smart cars, and massive data centers.

Let’s read the article to learn more about how Nvidia rose from a gaming chipmaker to the world’s most valuable company.

https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/jul/09/nvidia-first-company-4-trillion

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the word “volley” mean here, “Nvidia has rebounded about 74% from its April lows, when global markets were jolted by Donald Trump’s tariff volley.” Use it in a sentence and give a synonym.
  2. Define the word “unabated“. “Nvidia achieved a $1tn market value for the first time back in June 2023 and the surge continued unabated with its market value – the total value of its shares – more than tripling in about a year, faster than Apple and Microsoft, the only other US firms with a market value of more than $3tn.” Use it in a sentence and give a synonym.
  3. What does the term “poster child” mean? ““The poster children for the AI revolution are led by Nvidia and Microsoft as both are foundational pieces of building on the biggest tech trend we have seen in our 25 years covering tech stocks on the Street.” Use it in a sentence and give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you make of Nvidia becoming one of the most valuable companies in history?
  2. Where is Nvidia’s stratospheric rise attributed to?
  3. If you had some spare money lying around, which tech giants would you invest in? Why?
  4. How has AI reshaped the landscape of companies in your field?
  5. Which businesses are scaling quickly within your country’s market?

MicroHarvest Scales Up Microbial Protein Production

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

As the global demand for protein continues to increase, there is a race to develop technologies to mass produce protein.

Micro Harvest, a company that focuses on biotechnology and microorganisms, was able to turn non-protein substances into protein. They are able to make huge amounts of protein. Their goal is to also be able to produce food that is fit for human consumption in the future.

Read the article about MicroHarvest’s microbial protein production.

https://www.proteinproductiontechnology.com/post/microharvest-scales-up-production-aiming-for-15-000-tons-of-microbial-protein-annually-by-2026

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “strain” mean in this context, “A recent large-scale production trial confirmed that MicroHarvest’s strain performance and process parameters remain stable at this elevated scale.” Use this word in a sentence. Give another meaning of “strain”.
  2. What does “to pave the way for someone/something” mean? “This breakthrough paves the way for MicroHarvest’s ambitious plan to construct a facility capable of producing up to 15,000 tons of microbial protein annually by the end of 2026, addressing the increasing global demand for sustainable protein solutions.” Use this phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “stringent” mean? “This technological advantage supports the company’s ability to meet the stringent requirements of commercial-scale production.” Use this word in a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What was your reaction to and opinion about this special process of producing protein?
  2. What are the advantages and disadvantages of such method of protein production?
  3. Do you think this protein production process could be adapted in your country? Why or why not?
  4. Would it be interesting for you to try the meat that was produced through this process? Why or why not?
  5. Do you like meat? Why or why?
  6. Do people consume a lot of meat in your country? Talk about it.

North Korea to Open Beach Resort to Woo Tourists

B1 – Intermediate 

For the longest time, North Korea has been one of the most elusive countries in the world. Very little is known about the country because it has remained closed to the world.

Recently, North Korea has announced that they are to open a beach resort to help attract tourists into the country and subsequently, boost the tourism sector.

Read the article about North Korea’s flagship resort. 

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2506/250630-north-korea-beach-resort.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Define “flagship”. “State media reported that the flagship resort is the first of many developments planned throughout the country.” Use this term in a sentence. Give 2 synonyms/similar expressions.
  2. What does “gleaming” mean? “Its gleaming new hotels can accommodate 20,000 guests.” Use this word in a sentence. Give 2 synonyms/similar expressions.
  3. What does “feat” mean? “He also said it was one of the country’s “greatest feats” of the year.” Use this word in a sentence. Give 2 synonyms/similar expressions.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What was your reaction to North Korea’s first beach resort open to foreign tourists?
  2. What could be the benefits and disadvantages of North Korea opening up for tourism?
  3. Would it be interesting for you to visit this beach resort given a chance? Why or why not?
  4. What things has your country/government done to expand its travel sector?
  5. Do you like staying at beach resorts? Why or why not?

Emoji Impacts Relationship Outcomes

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Emojis aren’t just cute, they help couples feel closer. This is according to a new study that shows using emojis in messages can make romantic partners feel more connected and understood, even when they’re far apart.

Let’s review the findings to gain deeper insight into how emojis influence emotional connection.

https://phys.org/news/2025-07-emoji-impact-relationship-outcomes-reveals.html#:~:text=The%20use%20of%20emojis%20in%20text%20messaging%20improves,from%20the%20University%20of%20Texas%20at%20Austin,%20U.S.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “closeness” mean in this context, “The use of emojis in text messaging improves perceived responsiveness and thereby enhances closeness and relationship satisfaction.“? Use it in a sentence and give two synonyms.
  2. What does “to move beyond something” mean? “Despite these caveats, the experimental design of this research helps to isolate the effects of emoji use on friendship dynamics, moving beyond the correlational approaches that dominate much of the existing literature.” Use it in a sentence and give two synonyms.
  3. What does the verb “enrich” mean? “Defined as digital representations of emotions and ideas, emojis enrich text-based communication by conveying emotional nuance and increasing expressiveness.” Use it in a sentence and give two synonyms.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What’s your take on what the research reveals?
  2. Are you an emoji fan when you’re texting? Which ones do you reach for most?
  3. Do you think emojis bring extra meaning to messages? Why or why not?
  4. Are there certain emojis you avoid using—or can’t stand seeing?
  5. What’s your go-to method for keeping up with friends or family, and why?

France Bans Smoking for Tobacco-Free Generation

B1 – Intermediate 

France aims to create a tobacco-free generation by 2032. In order to do this, the government has banned smoking, especially in public places, particularly in spaces where children usually stay in such as parks, schools, etc.

Read the article about the smoking ban in France in hopes of a tobacco-free generation.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2507/250703-tobacco-free-generation.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Define “passive smoking”. “The new smoking ban is to protect children from passive smoking.” Use this term in a sentence. Give 2 synonyms/similar expressions.
  2. What does “to break the law” mean? “Any smoker who lights up a cigarette in public will be breaking the law.” Use this phrase in a sentence. Give 2 synonyms/similar expressions.
  3. What does “disorder” mean in this context, “One large survey found that 30-40 percent of individuals will have a clinically significant sleep disorder in their lifetime.” Use this word in a sentence. Give 2 synonyms/similar expressions.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What comes to your mind when you hear the word “tobacco”?
  2. What was your reaction to the smoking ban in France?
  3. Do you agree or disagree with this, “Tobacco must disappear from places where there are children … a park, a beach, a school. These are places to play, learn, and breathe; not for smoking.”? Share your thoughts.
  4. Is it possible for your country to create a tobacco-free generation? Share your views on this goal.
  5. “Smoking is slowly falling in France.” Is it the same in your country? Why do you think this is?

Cheese Gives Us Nightmares

B1 – Intermediate 

Did you know that almost 85% of adults have a nightmare at least once every year. In addition, about 5% experiences having a bad dream quite often.

Do you ever wonder what causes us to dream about bad or scary things?

What if I tell you that cheese can be a reason for night terrors to visit you in your sleep? 

Read the article about how dairy products such as cheese could give people nightmares.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2507/250707-cheese-nightmares.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “severe” mean? “Research published in the journal “Frontiers in Psychology” found that people with a severe lactose intolerance were more prone to bad dreams and insomnia.” Use this word in a sentence. Give 2 synonyms/similar expressions.
  2. What does “to account for something” mean? “If you have gastrointestinal issues, that could account for a lot of what’s happening in terms of sleep disturbances that could be associated with different dreams.” Use this phrase in a sentence. Give 2 synonyms/similar expressions.
  3. What does “disorder” mean in this context, “One large survey found that 30-40 percent of individuals will have a clinically significant sleep disorder in their lifetime.” Use this word in a sentence. Give 2 synonyms/similar expressions.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What was your reaction to this, “Cheese and other dairy products could disturb  sleep.”?
  2. Would this finding change the way you consume dairy, specifically cheese? Why or why not?
  3. What do you think about the fact that the food we eat affect our dreams? Elaborate.
  4. What usually cause sleep disturbances for you?
  5. What is the worst/scariest nightmare you’ve ever had? Talk about it.
  6. Talk about a nightmare you’ve had recently.

Things You Need to Make It Through a Power Cut

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

On April 28, 2025, a massive power outage hit Spain and Portugal which resulted to disruption across said countries.

No one thought this could happen and so, no one was prepared enough for it. When there is no electricity and nothing works, how do we overcome?

Having experienced one of the worst power interruptions in history, people realized what things do they need in case of a power cut.

Read the article about some things we need to make it through a power cut.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cwy6d0987r0o

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to piece something together” mean? “The complete loss of communication was the most confusing and concerning thing… we were only left to speculate as to the cause and piece together news from people in the neighbourhood.” Use this phrase in a sentence. Give 2 synonyms/similar expressions.
  2. What does “to get through something” mean in this context, “The power is out and nothing is working. How am I supposed to get through the day?” Use this expression in a sentence. Give another meaning of “get through”.
  3. What does “to go off” mean in this context, “We bought a lot of food that wasn’t going to go off, like tuna in cans, just in case.” Use this phrase in a sentence. Give another meaning of “go off”.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you agree with the five things you need to make it through a blackout mentioned in the article? Which ones do you think are the most important and which one the least? What items would you add to this list and why?
  2. What helped you get on with your day during the massive blackout in your country?
  3. How did not having access to the internet make you feel?
  4. Is it necessary to have an emergency kit? Why or why not? Do you have one at home and why? 
  5. Share your thoughts on this statement, “This thing that happened was important to make us be more aware and be more conscious about our habits.”
  6. Do you agree or disagree, “Cash is king.”? Explain.

Venice Divided Over Bezos Wedding

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

The extravagant 3-day wedding party of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and journalist Lauren Sanchez in Venice had just come its conclusion.

While what was dubbed as “the wedding of the year” was thought to bring glitz and glamour and the much-needed high-quality tourism to the delicate city on the water, some citizens feel that billionaires come to Venice and turn the city into their “amusement park”.

So, as the wedding festivities took place, Venetians took to the streets to protest against issues such as over-tourism, climate change, and capitalism.

Read the article about Jeff Bezos’ lavish wedding in Venice and what the Venetians make of it.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c5ylk5nznkyo

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “a drop in the lagoon [ originally ocean ]” mean? “As for the 30 million euros the wedding might net the city in other ways – activists call that “a drop in the lagoon” for one of the richest men on earth.” Use this idiom in a sentence. Give 2 synonyms/similar expressions.
  2. What does “what to make of someone/something” mean? “Spotted heading into Harry’s Bar for lunch on Saturday, Bezos blew kisses towards the cameras when a local journalist asked what he made of the protests.” Use this expression in a sentence. Give 2 synonyms/similar expressions.
  3. What does “to bring something to a halt” mean? “It seems, however, that talk of this wedding bringing the city to a halt was overblown.” Use this phrase in a sentence. Give 2 synonyms/similar expressions.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on the Venetians protesting Bezos’ wedding?
  2. What do you think about rich people choosing a specific city to hold big events such as their weddings? What impact do you think it has on the city?
  3. How would you feel about your city being chosen as a venue for a very important event? What could this event bring to your town?
  4. Share your insights on this, “The fears of Venice becoming a tourist playground, forcing locals out of town, are no exaggeration.”
  5. According to one resident of Venice, “I think there should be more people like Bezos here. Right now, we get trash tourism and Venice doesn’t deserve that.” What do you think about her statement?