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Why Can’t We Remember Our Early Years?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Do you ever find it puzzling that you can’t recall moments from your earliest years? It’s a shared experience, and there’s a term for it in psychology: childhood amnesia. This refers to the fact that most adults have little to no memory of events from their first 3-4 years of life.

Let’s read the article and know more details as to why we have little to no recollection of our early years.

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/3/29/why-cant-we-remember-our-early-years-do-babies-make-memories-at-all

Vocabulary Discussions:

  1. What does “episodic memory” mean? “The findings suggest that episodic memory – the kind of memory that helps us remember specific events and the context in which they took place – begins to develop earlier than scientists previously believed.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What is the meaning of “to take place“? “This is the first time scientists have directly observed how a memory begins to take shape in an awake baby’s brain. ” Use it in a sentence and give two synonyms.
  3. What is the meaning of the phrase “to bury deep in something“? “Psychoanalysts such as Sigmund Freud believed that early childhood memories are not lost, but buried deep in the unconscious, and that psychotherapy might help bring them to the surface by changing mental states.“. Use it in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How do you feel about the outcomes presented in this study?
  2. Do you find it intriguing that we begin forming memories at such a young age?
  3. Can you share some of the first memories you have from childhood?
  4. If it were an option, would you choose to unlock all your early childhood memories? Why or why not?
  5. Do you know anyone who possesses an incredible ability to remember things?

Trump Defends Sweeping Tariffs

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The implementation of reciprocal tariffs by Donald Trump in 2025 marked a significant shift in U.S. trade policy, aimed at addressing perceived inequities in international trade relationships. In response to persistent goods trade deficits, Trump’s administration declared a national emergency, citing the lack of reciprocity and unfair economic practices by trading partners as primary concerns. The administration’s approach involved conducting extensive investigations to identify these disparities and proposed tariffs ranging from 10% to 50%, contingent upon bilateral trade deficits.

Critics argue that the methodology underpinning these tariffs is fundamentally flawed. The Tax Foundation contends that Trump’s calculations fail to account for actual tariff rates or non-tariff barriers imposed by other nations, leading to economically detrimental outcomes. Furthermore, FactCheck.org highlights discrepancies between the tariffs proposed by Trump and the World Trade Organization’s average rates, suggesting that this misrepresentation could exacerbate tensions with trading partners. Consequently, while intended as a corrective measure for trade imbalances, Trump’s reciprocal tariffs may have far-reaching negative implications for both domestic consumers and international relations.

Read this article to know more on how Trump defended sweeping tariffs on imports.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c2093qgx14po

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to play something down” mean? “Trump’s top officials stressed that the tariffs – announced last week – would be implemented as planned, playing down recession fears.” Use it in a sentence and give a synonym.
  2. What does “S&P 500” stand for and what is it? “On Friday, all three major stock indexes in the US fell more than 5%, while the S&P 500 dropped almost 6% in the worst week for the US stock market since 2020.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “reciprocal tariff” mean? “Lutnick went on say the steeper reciprocal tariffs were still on track.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on Donald Trump’s approach to tariffs during his presidency? Do you think they helped or hurt the US economy?
  2. Trump’s tariff policies were often criticized for starting trade wars. Do you think this strategy was sustainable in the long run?
  3. Share your insights on this, “There was ‘no reason’ to expect a recession as a result. This is an adjustment process.”
  4. What do you think about Trump’s statement, “I think your question is so stupid,” he told the reporter. “I don’t want anything to go down. But sometimes you have to take medicine to fix something.“?
  5. What is your country’s official opinion on this situation?

Noise-Cancelling Headphones Cause Hearing Problems

B1 – Intermediate

A BBC report highlights concerns that noise-cancelling earphones, popular among young people, may be contributing to hearing problems. Experts suggest that prolonged use could affect listening skills and make it harder to process important sounds.

Read the article to know more.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2502/250220-noise-cancelling-headphones.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “complain” mean? “She said there was an increase in the number of young people complaining about poor hearing.” Use this word in a sentence.
  2. What does “filter out” mean? “Our ears must filter out sounds we don’t think are important.” Use this phrase in a sentence.
  3. What is “audiologist”? “Another audiologist suggested that headphones can lead to bad listening habits.” Use this word in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Have you noticed any hearing issues from using earphones or headphones? Talk about it.
  2. Do you prefer using regular earphones or noise-cancelling ones? Why?
  3. Do you think hearing tests should be done to people who use headphones frequently? Explain.
  4. What will happen if we forget to hear important sounds?

Korean Air Wins Best Airline

B1 – Intermediate

AirlineRatings.com named Korean Air the top airline of 2025 for its focus on passenger comfort and modern aircraft. Qatar Airways won best business class, while Singapore Airlines took the best first-class award. Changi Airport was named the best airport, and AirAsia was recognized as the best low-cost airline for its service offerings.

Read the article to find out more.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2503/250313-worlds-best-airlines.html

Vocabulary Questions:

1. What does “thoughtful touch” mean? “The site added: “Korean Air’s thoughtful touches, such as slippers and generous meal portions on long-haul flights, enhanced its appeal. ” Use this phrase in a sentence.

2. What does “rigorous” mean? “Airlines must also meet rigorous safety standards.” Give a synonym of this word and use it in a sentence.

3. What is “redefine”? “The reviewers said the airline has redefined luxury.” Use this term in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think makes an airline the best in terms of customer service?
  2. What’s the most important factor for you when booking a flight—price, comfort, or service? Why?
  3. How do you feel about airlines offering extra services like wi-fi, meals, and entertainment? Are they worth the extra cost?
  4. Do you think low-cost airlines offer a good value for money, or do you prefer a more premium experience? Explain.
  5. Talk about one of your best experiences with an airline.

World’s First Artist Robot

B2 – Upper Intermediate

As artificial intelligence continues to evolve, it is now making its mark in the world of art. The development of the world’s first artist robot raises questions about creativity, originality, and the role of human intuition in artistic expression. Can AI generate truly meaningful art, or is it merely replicating human techniques? As machines push the boundaries of creativity, they challenge our understanding of what it means to be an artist.

Read this article to learn more about Ai-Da, the world’s first robot artist.

https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2022/apr/04/mind-blowing-ai-da-becomes-first-robot-to-paint-like-an-artist

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “eye-watering” mean in this context? “We haven’t spent eye-watering amounts of time and money to make a very clever painter.” Use this in a sentence and give two synonyms.
  2. Define “encroach“. “Titled Leaping into the Metaverse, Ai-Da Robot’s Venice exhibition will explore the interface between human experience and AI technology, from Alan Turing to the metaverse, and will draw on Dante’s concepts of purgatory and hell to explore the future of humanity in a world where AI technology continues to encroach on everyday human life.” Use this in a sentence and give two synonyms.
  3. What does “stilted” mean? “ I have been seeing different things to humans as I do not have consciousness,’ she responded in stilted fashion.” Use this in a sentence and give two synonyms.

Discussion Questions:

  1. In what ways is artificial intelligence transforming the art world?
  2. Should AI-generated artwork hold the same value as human-created art? Why or why not?
  3. Can AI-generated art carry true meaning, or is it just the result of complex algorithms? What are your thoughts?
  4. What ethical dilemmas arise from AI’s growing presence in the art industry?
  5. How do you interpret this statement? “Soon, with the amount of data we freely give about ourselves, and through talking to our phones, computers, cars and even kitchen appliances, AI algorithms ‘are going to know you better than you do’, Meller warned. We are entering a world, he said, ‘not understanding which is human and which is machine’.”
  6. How comfortable are you going to be with a world where we no longer can understand which is human and which is machine?

Spain’s 100% Tax for Homes for Non-EU Residents

B2- Upper Intermediate 

Spain is to impose a tax that is up to 100% of the value of the property on non-EU residents, UK citizens included. This measure is believed to be one of the ways to address the country’s increasing housing crisis.

Read the article about Spain’s plans to impose 100% property tax on foreigners from outside of EU.

Be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cr7enzjrymxo

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to lose sight of something” mean? “Here in the UK, we also have problems with landlords buying multiple properties and driving up the rest, but this policy is losing sight of those of us who want to spend money in the country.” Use this phrase in a sentence and give a synonym or similar expression.
  2. What does “a drop in the ocean” mean? “But this will be a drop in the ocean in my opinion and there will be other alternatives that will have a higher impact on the housing market.” Use this idiom in a sentence and give a synonym or similar expression.
  3. What is “retrospective tax”? “I definitely wouldn’t consider trying to get in before this tax, because who knows what else they could do, a retrospective tax.” Use this term in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Put your two cents in on this plan by the Spanish government. Are pro or against it? Do you think it could help solve the country’s housing problem? Explain.
  2. How might this impact Spain?
  3. How else can the purchase of homes by non-EU foreigners be limited?
  4. Do you think foreigners buying homes in another country actually adds to the local economy? Share your opinion.
  5. Do you agree with Spain’s “golden visa” scheme being abolished? Elaborate.
  6. If you were a non-EU resident, would you still consider buying a property in Spain now? Why or why not?

Get Kidney Stones by Following Carnivore Diet 

B1- Intermediate 

Nowadays, we see all kinds of diets that are being promoted by influencers on social media. We need to be very cautious not to just follow any of them. It is important to know more information about it and best that we first consult with our doctor or nutritionist if we plan to go on some kind of diet.

Read the article about the influencer who developed kidney stones after following the carnivore diet.

Be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2503/250320-carnivore-diet.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Explain the “carnivore diet”. “A 23-year-old woman followed the carnivore diet and ended up in hospital.” Use this phrase in a sentence.
  2. What are “kidney stones”? “She explained in a TikTok video how the high-protein diet gave her kidney stones.” Use the term in a sentence.
  3. What does “to pass blood” mean? “She was horrified after she passed blood in her urine.” Use this phrase in a sentence and give a similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your reaction to this news?
  2. What is your opinion about the carnivore diet?
  3. What are the good and bad things about the carnivore diet? 
  4. What might be the other effects of the carnivore diet on our body/health? 
  5. Share your thoughts on this, “The carnivore diet has been growing in popularity on social media. Many influencers and content creators are promoting its benefits.”.

Effective Communication in the Workplace

B2- Upper Intermediate 

Communication in the workplace is the communication you do at work about work. It is important to know how to communicate very well at work to avoid any miscommunication. Effective workplace communication is key in maintaining harmonious working relationships.

Read the article for some tips for effective communication in the workplace.

Be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://extension.psu.edu/effective-communication-in-the-workplace

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “hold one’s temper” mean? “Hold your temper. An angry person takes the wrong meaning from words.” Use this idiom in a sentence and give 2 synonyms or similar expressions.
  2. Explain what a “town hall meeting”is. “Hold town hall meetings and cross-functional check-ins.” Use this term in a sentence.
  3. What does “cross-functional check-in” mean, “Hold town hall meetings and cross-functional check-ins.”  Use this term in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why does workplace communication matter?
  2. What are some strategies to have effective workplace communication?
  3. How does your company make sure that an effective communication in the workplace exist? How can it still be improved?
  4. Share your insights on this, “Effective communication in the workplace is all about where, how, and when you’re communicating.”
  5. What is your opinion on this statement, “Teams that know how to communicate effectively about work are better prepared for difficult situations.”?

Trump’s Antics Anger Canadians

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Canada, as a young and multicultural nation, often grapples with defining its identity. However, one common sentiment among Canadians is that being ‘Canadian’ means distinctly ‘not American.’ So, when US President Donald Trump suggested Canada should become the 51st US state and referred to former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as Canada’s ‘governor’, a title typically reserved for US state leaders, it sparked widespread anger among Canadians.

Let’s read the article to learn more about the tensions between the USA and the Canadian people.

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2025/03/15/trump-canada-tariffs-trade-war-vacations/82411737007

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the idiom “to get the cold shoulder” mean? “Americans are getting the cold shoulder from our neighbors to the north.” Use it in your own sentence and give two synonyms.
  2. Define the verb “jeer“. “Canadians are learning to “Buy Beaver” instead of U.S.-made products. They’re jeering our national anthem at hockey games.” Use it in your own sentence and give two synonyms.
  3. What is the meaning of the idiom “cannot in good conscience do something“? “They’re writing in, saying ‘I can no longer in good conscience do business with American businesses,'” said Lorenzo McGregor, 45, the co-owner of Tex’s Riverways boat shuttle service here.” Use it in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on the idea of Canada becoming the 51st state of the United States?
  2. Do you think the relationship between the US and Canada will get better in the near future? Why or why not?
  3. Has your country ever experienced trade disputes with other nations? If so, what were the circumstances?
  4. Are there significant taxes placed on foreign goods or services in your country?
  5. How would you describe your country’s current relationship with the US?
  6. What is “Buy Beaver”? Would you use such an app if your country got into a dispute with another country?

Fear of Flying is Pushing Ticket Sales Down

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Flight anxiety has soared, causing a nosedive in sales. Since the beginning of the year, a series of fatal accidents and alarming incidents have shaken Americans’ confidence in air travel, leading some passengers to reconsider their travel plans, according two airlines involved in crashes.

Let’s read the article to explore how fatal plane crashes influence people’s decisions about flying.

https://edition.cnn.com/2025/03/11/business/passengers-air-travel-crashes-fear

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “consumer confidence” mean? “Consumer confidence and certainty in air travel started to wane a little bit as questions of safety came in.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “regulatory filing” mean? “On Monday the company revised its expected revenue growth for the quarter down by half in a regulatory filing.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. Define the phrase “closed door meeting“. “CNN has not confirmed that exchange at the closed door meeting.” Use it in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. In what ways have recent crashes influenced airline ticket sales?
  2. Have the recent crashes affected your confidence in air travel? Why or why not?
  3. Are you someone who carefully listens to the safety briefing before flying? If yes, why do you tend to so?
  4. What do you find most stressful about flying?
  5. What’s the roughest turbulence you’ve encountered during a flight? Did it make you reconsider flying?