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Handling the Parent-Teacher Conference

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Teachers play a crucial role in our children’s lives.

They are not just educators, but also mentors, role models, and caregivers. Despite this, many students may see their teachers as the enemy, especially when they receive bad grades or have conflicts in the classroom. However, it is important to remember that teachers have the best interest of their students at heart and are there to support them in their academic and personal development.

Read the article to learn how to be a better parent and maintain a good relationship with your child’s school teachers.

https://edition.cnn.com/2024/11/21/health/parent-teacher-conference-wellness/index.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is the meaning of “laundry list“? “If you’re thinking of marching into your parent-teacher conference with a laundry list of complaints, think twice.” Create a sentence using the phrase.
  2. What is the meaning of “to give someone the benefit of the doubt“? “Because she decided to give the teacher the benefit of the doubt, she was able to start the conversation calmly.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What is the meaning of “to talk ill about someone? “This also means that parents shouldn’t criticize a teacher in front of their child. “When you talk ill about a coach or a teacher, what you’re doing is you’re undermining that relationship,” she warned.”  Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What did you learn from this article?
  2. Can you describe your relationship with your child/children’s teachers?
  3. Do you agree with this, “Parents shouldn’t criticize a teacher in front of their child.“? Explain your stance.
  4. Share your thoughts on this, “If parents heed the advice to approach teachers as partners in their children’s success, and treat them with civility and gratitude.”.
  5. What is your opinion on this, “Teachers spend a lot of time with their students, so they often have valuable insights to share with parents.“?

The Rise in Fake Job Listings

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Hopeful job seekers spend countless hours accomplishing online application questionnaires and going through several initial stages of the job application. That is why it is especially discouraging when they don’t hear anything back from the employers. In most cases, this lack of response is due to a competitive talent market. However, new data shows that some of these jobs never existed in the first place.

Let’s read the article and know more about “ghost jobs”.

https://www.cnbc.com/2024/08/22/ghost-jobs-why-fake-job-listings-are-on-the-rise.html?msockid=3e823237b7b86c5f2f8f21e1b6ac6ddf

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the phrase “intention behind something” mean? “And whether there is truly a hiring intention behind that from the employer’s point of view.” Use it in your own sentence.
  2. Define “tight labor market“. “According to June’s Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey, there are 0.8 unemployed individuals per job opening, indicating a tight labor market.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What is the meaning of the verb “muddying“? “The rise of ghost jobs is muddying the jobs report.” Use it in a sentence and give two synonyms.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your take on companies posting fake job listings?
  2. Why do so many companies post ghost jobs?
  3. How would you feel if you found out a job you had applied for wasn’t real?
  4. How can you spot fake job listings?

The Human Heart May Have a Hidden Ability to Repair Itself

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Scientists have discovered that the human heart has a previously unknown ability to repair itself under certain conditions.

Read the article to know more about how this discovery could pave the way for new therapies for heart diseases, focusing on activating these natural regenerative processes.

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/11/241121141348.htm

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “standard-of-care” mean? “Standard-of-care for patients with advanced heart failure is a surgically implanted pump that helps propel blood, a so-called left ventricular assist device (LVAD).” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “radioactivity” mean? “For every following year, there is a little less radioactivity in newly formed cells, which means that they can be ‘dated’.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “date” mean here, “For every following year, there is a little less radioactivity in newly formed cells, which means that they can be ‘dated‘.”? Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Did you know our hearts might have the ability to repair themselves naturally? How do you think this discovery could change heart disease treatments?
  2. What do you think triggers the heart to activate its self-repair mechanisms, and can we use that knowledge to help patients?
  3. How important do you think it is to focus on natural regenerative processes compared to using medical interventions like surgeries?
  4. If our hearts have hidden repair abilities, could similar discoveries be made about other organs? Which organ would you hope scientists study next?

Patients with Heart Failure May Benefit from Weight Loss Drug

B2 – Upper Intermediate

A recent clinical trial found that a popular weight-loss drug significantly reduces the risk of early death in patients with heart failure. This adds to the drug’s potential benefits beyond weight loss, such as improved cardiovascular outcomes​.

Read the article to know the other benefits of semaglutide.

https://www.ajmc.com/view/patients-with-heart-failure-may-benefit-from-weight-loss-drug

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “ejection fraction” mean? “Focusing on the 4286 patients with heart failure at enrollment, 53% had heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), 31.4% had heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), and 15.5% had unspecified heart failure.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “baseline characteristics” mean? “While baseline characteristics were similar between patients with and without heart failure, those with heart failure had a higher incidence of clinical events.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “composite” mean here, “We showed, for the first time to our knowledge, that patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, overweight or obesity, and heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (who had a greatest absolute risk) had significant reductions in MACE with semaglutide, and the treatment effect on the heart failure composite was observed to be similar to that seen in the population with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Did you know that a weight-loss drug could reduce the risk of early death in heart failure patients? How do you think this could change treatment approaches?
  2. What might be the benefits of using medications for dual purposes, like weight loss and cardiovascular health?
  3. Why do you think weight management plays such an important role in heart health?
  4. Do you think medications like this could become a standard part of heart failure treatment in the future? Why or why not?

Understanding Overtourism

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Over-tourism is a growing concern, affecting both local communities and the environment. While tourism brings economic benefits, overcrowding leads to problems like environmental degradation, rising living costs, and strained infrastructure. As destinations struggle to manage the increasing flow of visitors, finding sustainable solutions has become more urgent than ever.

Read this article to learn more about the impacts of overtourism.

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/understanding-over-tourism-causes-consequences-pum1f/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “tourist cap” mean in this context? “This can be done through measures such as tourist caps, timed entry systems for popular sites, and differential pricing during peak seasons.” Make a sentence with this.
  2. Define “off the beaten path“. “Marketing efforts can focus on off-the-beaten-path locations, seasonal activities, and cultural experiences that draw tourists away from overcrowded hotspots.” Use this phrase in a sentence and give two synonyms.
  3. What is “equitable tourism“? “Through collaborative efforts, it is possible to create a more sustainable and equitable tourism industry that enriches both travelers and host communities alike.” Make a sentence with this phrase.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How does over-tourism affect the cost of living for local residents?
  2. What role can travelers play in reducing the negative impacts of over-tourism?
  3. In your opinion, what makes a destination “over-touristed,” and how can we identify when a location reaches this point?
  4. How do you think digital platforms like Airbnb contribute to the rise of over-tourism in certain cities?
  5. What are some examples of destinations that have successfully addressed the issue of over-tourism? What strategies did they use?

Most Unusual Festivals

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Across the globe, people celebrate unique festivals that showcase fascinating traditions. For example, in England, participants roll cheese down a steep hill. Meanwhile, in Thailand, monkeys are honored with grand feasts. These events highlight the creativity and diversity of different cultures. Moreover, they invite everyone to enjoy extraordinary and unforgettable experiences.

Read this article to learn about the 13 most unusual festivals in the world.

https://theculturetrip.com/europe/united-kingdom/articles/the-13-most-unusual-festivals-in-the-world

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “decommodification” mean? “Some of the group’s values include ‘radical’ inclusion, self-reliance, self-expression, community cooperation, decommodification and more.” Use this word in a sentence.
  2. Define “drive something up“. ” The festival first occurred in 1989, run by a local businessman who thought of this unique way to drive up tourism in Lopburi.” Make a sentence and give two synonyms.
  3. What is a “peat bog“? “Armed with a snorkel and flippers, participants must complete two consecutive lengths in a 60-yard trench of water cut through a peat bog, relying only on their flippers to push them through.” Make a sentence with this.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What makes a festival “unusual” in your opinion?
  2. Why do you think people celebrate festivals in such creative or unconventional ways?
  3. Do you think unusual festivals help promote tourism? Why or why not?
  4. If you could attend only one unusual festival, which one would you choose and why?
  5. If you could create your own unusual festival, what would it involve?

The Swedish Gummies Candy Craze 

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The Swedish gummies craze is sweeping the internet, capturing the hearts (and taste buds) of candy lovers around the world. Known for their unique flavors, high-quality ingredients, and fun, minimalist packaging, Swedish gummies offer a refreshing twist on classic gummy candy.

Watch the video to learn more and be able to answer the questions below.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the word “palette” in this sentence? “There are plenty of other treats more suited to my American palette.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘palette’ in your own sentence.
  2. What does the phrase “a gap in the market” mean? “Swedish candy was going viral and to me, what that signal is that there was a gap in the market of people who wanted to try new sweets, new textures.” Use the expression in a sentence,
  3. What does the phrase “hail from” mean? “The Bon Bon co-founder hails from Sweden where he says kids are only allowed to have sweets once a week.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘hail from’ in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on the Swedish gummies craze?
  2. What do you think sets Swedish gummies apart from traditional gummies from other countries?
  3. Do you believe that the emphasis on natural flavors and less sugar makes Swedish gummies more appealing?
  4. How important is unique packaging and branding to you when choosing candies like Swedish gummies?
  5. Why do you think Swedish gummies have become so popular on social media platforms?
  6. In what ways might the rise of “healthier” candies like Swedish gummies impact the candy industry overall?

Finding Mushrooms in Catalonia

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Mushroom hunting is a popular activity in Spain, especially during the autumn months when the weather is cooler and the mushrooms are in season. This cultural tradition has been passed down through generation, with families and friends heading out into the forest in search of these delicious fungi.

It is a time-honored tradition that allows individuals to connect with the natural world and appreciate the beauty and diversity of the mushroom kingdom. So if you ever find yourself in Spain during mushroom season, be sure to join in on the fun and hunt for some delicious fungi.

Read the article and learn what you need to know about mushroom hunting.

https://www.senia.es/en/blog/beach-or-mountain/mushroom-hunting-catalonia

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the phrase “wear and tear” mean? “Mushroom pocket guides are usually small in size so that they can be carried with you when you are looking for mushrooms. There are also those that are well packed to prevent wear and tear.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does the idiom “to dive deep into something” mean? “On the other hand, if you like books more than technology, there are several pocket guides with all kinds of information, with more detailed drawings to dive deeper into the world of mushrooms.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does the word “encroachment” mean? “Finally, we don’t want to forget that the forest belongs to everyone and that our passage should not affect encroachment.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on the mushroom culture in Catalonia/Spain?
  2. What’s the mushroom hunting culture like now in your city?
  3. Have you ever been mushroom hunting before? Share your experience.
  4. What other cultural activities would you like to preserve and why? Also, why do you think it is important to pass it down to the next generations?

Misinformation on Social Media Leads to Ineffective Voting Decisions

B2 – Upper Intermediate

A new study shows that social media might cause people to make wrong voting decisions, especially when misinformation spreads. When social media posts are fact-checked, people make better decisions. But if there’s misinformation, people might vote less accurately and make choices that don’t reflect the true facts.

This article explains how social media affects voting. To read the full article, follow the link below.

https://www.psypost.org/misinformation-on-social-media-leads-to-ineffective-voting-decisions-study-suggests/

Vocabulary Questions

1. What does “group payoff” mean in the sentence? “Misinformation reduced the overall quality of decision-making, resulting in poorer voting outcomes and lower group payoffs.” Use it in a sentence.

2. What does “partisan view” mean? “People tend to engage more with information that aligns with their existing beliefs, which can reinforce partisan views and further entrench misinformation.” Use it in a sentence.

3. What does “political bias” mean? “Additionally, each participant had a unique partisan preference, which created a personal bias toward one of the outcomes, simulating real-world political biases.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How might misinformation on social media cause people to make wrong choices?
  2. How can fact-checking improve voting decisions on social media?
  3. What are some challenges of moderating social media to reduce misinformation?
  4. How do you feel when you see conflicting information on social media?
  5. What are some ways to help people make better decisions when using social media?

Third World Is an Offensive Term

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The term “Third-World country” was first used in the 1950s as a way to group countries. The capitalist, economically developed countries like the US were classified as “First World”. The communist states led by the Soviet Union were in the “Second World” country group. The remaining countries were included in the “Third World” category.

However, in more recent times, the term “Third World” has been deemed by some as offensive.

Let’s read the article and know more why this term has become outdated and insulting.

https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2021/01/08/954820328/memo-to-people-of-earth-third-world-is-an-offensive-term

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the phrase “strike as” mean? “When she heard the label growing up, she says it struck her as making “this assumption about people outside of the ‘First World’ — that they lived really different lives, the assumption they were poor, they should be happy to eat every day.” Use it in your own sentence.
  2. What is the meaning of the idiom “in some respects“? “And when you think about it, “developing countries” are quite developed in some respects. In countries where government safety nets are practically nonexistent, people step forward to help out.” Use it in a sentence and give two synonyms.
  3. What does “to loom large” mean? “That’s the ‘Fourth World’, Farmer says, referring to parts of the United States and other wealthy nations where health and economic problems loom large.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you agree that the term “Third World” is old-fashioned and insulting? Why or why not?
  2. What is your opinion on the alternative terms to “Third World” mentioned in the article? Which one/s do you think is the best term to use to refer to such countries and why?
  3. Share your insights on this statement, “There is no ‘Third World.’ There were the oppressed and the oppressors.“
  4. State your thoughts, “D’Silva once heard the late Hans Rosling talk about countries that aren’t yet in the upper-income category. He said, “They’re the rest of the world.” And, she says, why not just call them by their names?“