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Orthorexia: Healthy Eating Obsession

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Sometimes, a positive habit can turn into something harmful when taken to extremes. What begins as a desire to make better choices may grow into an obsession that affects health, relationships, and daily life. This discussion looks at how balance is lost when the pursuit of “doing the right thing” goes too far.

Let’s read the article and find out more about how this happens, what signs to watch for, and why balance is so important.

Orthorexia: When Healthy Eating Becomes an Obsession

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “hard and fast line” mean? “[There] is no hard and fast line between nutritionally advisable behaviors and potentially dangerous — or even disastrous — ones.” Use it in a sentence and give a synonym.
  2. What does “besiege” mean? “On one side, we are besieged by ultra-processed, factory-farmed, nutrient-poor, and inflammatory food products, many of which are undeniably harming our health.” Use it in a sentence and give a synonym.
  3. What does “to fall squarely into something” mean? “When I first read about orthorexia 10 or so years ago, I fell squarely into that skeptical camp.” Use it in a sentence and give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think motivates people to become overly strict about healthy eating?
  2. How can an obsession with “clean” food affect someone’s social life?
  3. In what ways might orthorexia differ from other eating disorders?
  4. How could healthcare professionals help someone struggling with orthorexia?
  5. What role do social media and wellness trends play in reinforcing orthorexic behaviors?

Farmers Protest EU-Mercosur Deal

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

Farmers took to the streets of central Madrid to demonstrate against European Union’s agricultural policies and the Mercosur deal.

Farmers believe that allowing an influx of goods from countries that have lower health and environmental guarantees will have an impact on the country’s agricultural sector.

Read the article about farmers protesting against the EU-Mercosur deal.

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-02-11/farmers-tractors-gather-in-madrid-to-protest-eu-mercosur-deal

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Define “free trade agreement”. “Thousands of farmers marched into central Madrid on Wednesday to protest against European Union’s agricultural policies and a free trade agreement with a group of South American nations.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “politically charged” mean? “In Spain, farmer protests have become politically charged, with far-right nationalist party Vox having made large inroads among farmers in recent years by denouncing that the country’s largest parties – the governing Socialists and the conservative People’s Party – aren’t doing enough for the agricultural sector.” Use the phrase in a sentence. Give a similar expression.
  3. What does “to make inroads” mean? “In Spain, farmer protests have become politically charged, with far-right nationalist party Vox having made large inroads among farmers in recent years by denouncing that the country’s largest parties – the governing Socialists and the conservative People’s Party – aren’t doing enough for the agricultural sector.” Use the idiom in a sentence. Give a similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the farmers protesting against?
  2. Share your thoughts about this protest.
  3. Share your thoughts about the Mercosur deal.
  4. Talk about everything you know about your country’s agricultural policies.
  5. What are your thoughts on this, “Farmers aren’t seeking a monopoly, but they want food products produced in other countries to be produced under the same conditions that are required of them.”

Apple Unveils Environmental Progress

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Apple, one of the world’s leading technology companies, is taking significant steps to protect the environment. Recent reports show that the company is producing less pollution and working toward more sustainable manufacturing and energy practices. This move highlights Apple’s commitment to a cleaner and greener future.

Read the article to learn more about Apple hitting its new milestones in emissions reductions, clean energy, and recycled materials.

https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2025/04/apple-surpasses-60-percent-reduction-in-global-greenhouse-gas-emissions/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “ripple” mean? “Many of these facilities also serve additional customers, helping this progress ripple beyond Apple.” Make a sentence with this. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “abate” mean? “In 2024, display and semiconductor suppliers abated 8.4 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions, and the new commitments will accelerate that progress in the coming years.” Create a sentence with this. Give a synonym.
  3. Define “footprint“in this context. “Apple today announced that the company has surpassed a 60 percent reduction in its global greenhouse gas emissions compared to 2015 levels, as part of its Apple 2030 goal to become carbon neutral across its entire footprint in the next five years.” Use this in a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How might Apple’s efforts to reduce pollution affect its reputation and sales globally?
  2. How can large technology companies balance innovation, profit, and environmental responsibility?
  3. How does corporate environmental responsibility impact global climate change, and can individual actions make a difference?
  4. Can a company truly be environmentally responsible if it continues to produce millions of electronic devices every year? Discuss.

Humanoid Robots at Hyundai Factories  

B1 – Intermediate 

Hyundai, a South Korean automotive manufacturer, prepares to gradually employ 30,000 humanoid robots in its car factories in the next decade. 

It’s true that many people will lose their jobs, but Hyundai said they will still need people who will train the humanoid robots.

Read the article about humanoid robots at Hyundai car factories.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2601/260112-hyundai-humanoid-robots-4.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is a “subsidiary”? “The humanoids called Atlas are being made by a Hyundai subsidiary.” Use the term in a sentence.
  2. What does “amplify” mean? “Hyundai said Atlas would advance human-robot collaboration, and assist in “evolving hardware-driven robotics designed to amplify human potential”.” Use the word in a sentence and give a synonym.
  3. What does “convergence” mean? “The robot’s maker said: “The convergence of robotics and AI will make human life safer and more enriching.” Use the word in a sentence and give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Share your reaction to this news.
  2. What comes to your mind when you hear “humanoid” and why?
  3. What are the pros and cons of using humanoids at factories?
  4. Are factories in your country using robots more these days? Talk about it.
  5. What is your opinion about this, “The convergence of robotics and AI will make human life safer and more enriching.”
  6. What do you think about this, “Hyundai acknowledged that people could lose their jobs to Atlas, but some people would be needed to train it.”?

Continued Measles Transmission in the Americas

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) issued an international alert because measles outbreaks are rising in multiple countries in the Americas.

Read the article to know more about how the warning suggests declining vaccination coverage after the pandemic has created “immunity gaps,” allowing the highly contagious disease to spread again.

https://www.paho.org/en/news/4-2-2026-paho-issues-epidemiological-alert-amid-continued-measles-transmission-americas-and

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “vulnerable population” mean? Use the term in a sentence. “The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has issued a new epidemiological alert on measles for the Region of the Americas, calling on countries to intensify epidemiological surveillance, vaccination, and rapid outbreak response activities to interrupt transmission and protect vulnerable populations.”
  2. What does “immunity gap” mean? Use the phrase in a sentence. “PAHO recommends strengthening surveillance and active case finding, including laboratory diagnosis; implementing supplementary immunization activities to close immunity gaps; and ensuring a timely response to any suspected measles case.”
  3. What does “active transmission” mean? Use it in a sentence. “At the same time, for all countries in the Region, PAHO stressed the importance of closing vaccination coverage gaps, maintaining sensitive and timely surveillance, and protecting travelers through vaccination, particularly those traveling to areas with active transmission.”

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why do you think measles is starting to spread again in different countries?
  2. How did the pandemic affect vaccination rates?
  3. Who is most at risk when measles outbreaks happen?
  4. Why is measles considered a dangerous disease even though it can be prevented?
  5. What can governments and families do to stop measles from spreading?

Obesity Linked to Infections and Deaths

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Scientists believe excess body fat disrupts the immune system, making the body less able to fight viruses and bacteria. Experts are urging governments to promote healthier food access and physical activity to prevent hospitalizations and deaths as obesity rates continue rising worldwide.

Read the article to know why obesity is not only a weight problem; it also weakens immunity.

https://www.euronews.com/health/2026/02/11/obesity-is-linked-to-70-higher-risk-of-infection-and-1-in-10-deaths-worldwide-study-says

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “infectious disease” mean? Use the phrase in a sentence. “Our finding that obesity is a risk factor for a wide range of infectious diseases suggests that broad biological mechanisms may be involved.”
  2. What is “dataset”? Use the term in a sentence. “The study analysed data from over 67,000 adults in Finland and over 470,000 adults in the UK Biobank dataset to look at the relationship between obesity and severe infectious disease.”
  3. What does “underlying” mean? Use the word in a sentence. “Kivimäki noted, however, that additional research is required to confirm the mechanisms underlying these associations.”

Discussion Questions:

  1. What surprised you most about how obesity affects the immune system?
  2. Which illnesses become more dangerous for people who are obese?
  3. The article says some infection-related deaths are linked to obesity why do you think that happens?
  4. Why do experts say obesity is more than just a “weight” problem?
  5. What do you think governments or people can actually do to lower these health risks?

OpenAI Sora to Generate AI Videos of Disney Characters

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Disney’s new deal with OpenAI has caused concern in Hollywood. The agreement will allow OpenAI to use many of Disney’s famous characters in its AI tools to create videos and images.

While Disney says this partnership will bring new creative opportunities, many writers and actors are worried. They believe AI could reduce job opportunities and change the way movies and shows are made.

The deal has started an important discussion about the future of creativity and technology in the entertainment industry.

Read this article or watch the video to learn more.

https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/tech-news/openai-disney-sora-ai-videos-rcna248617

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Define “to play whack-a-mole” in this context. “With OpenAI, Disney would be creating a legitimate avenue through which a generative AI program could deploy its characters, rather than playing whack-a-mole with every AI company, as Disney has done with other kinds of media in the past.” Make a sentence with this phrase.
  2. What does “sprawling portfolio” mean? “The deal is notable in part because Disney is famously protective of its sprawling portfolio of intellectual property, from the animated shorts of the 1920s to modern superhero and fantasy franchises.” Make a sentence with this phrase.
  3. What is the meaning of “to close the avenue for someone/something“? “As Disney seeks to open the path to copyrighted usage of its characters by OpenAI, it simultaneously appears to be trying to close the avenue for a top competitor: Google.” Make a sentence with this phrase.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why are writers and actors worried about this deal?
  2. Why do you think Disney decided to partner with OpenAI?
  3. Is this partnership more exciting or more dangerous for the entertainment industry? Explain your opinion.
  4. Should companies ask for permission before using characters or creative work in AI tools?
  5. Would you feel comfortable watching a movie mostly created by AI? Why or why not?

Emerging Risks Tied to Short-Form Video

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Short videos have become a big part of our daily lives. Platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts provide fast, entertaining content that keeps us scrolling for hours. While these videos may seem harmless and fun, they can have a powerful effect on how our brains work. From attention span and memory to dopamine and motivation, short-form content can change the way we think, focus, and process information. Understanding how short videos affect the brain is important so we can use them wisely and maintain a healthy balance in our digital lives.

Read this article to learn more about this topic.

https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/brain-rot-research-short-form-video-consumption-rcna245739

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “cornerstone” mean? “From TikTok to Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts, short-form video content has become a cornerstone of just about every online platform, including LinkedIn and even Substack.” Make a sentence with this.
  2. What does “to crusade against something“. “James Jackson, a neuropsychologist at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, said there’s a long history of people crusading against new technologies and cultural phenomena, whether it’s video games or Elvis concerts.” Use this in a sentence.
  3. What’s the meaning of “parse“? “But it will take more research to parse the nuances, such as who’s most vulnerable, how permanent the effects are and which particular mechanisms cause harm.” Make a sentence with this. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How do short videos influence memory retention compared to long-form content?
  2. Do you think watching many short videos can reduce our ability to focus on long tasks? Why or why not?
  3. How can we create a healthy balance when using social media?
  4. How has your own behavior changed because of short videos?
  5. Do you think children and teenagers are more affected than adults? Why?

Adult Children Affected by Grey Divorce

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

There are more couples getting divorce at a much later stage in their married life. When we thought that twilight divorces probably won’t affect a couple’s grown children, surprisingly, it does.

Read the article about the effects grey divorce have on adult children.

https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20250912-how-grey-divorce-affects-adult-children

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “smoke and mirrors” mean? “Reflecting on the memories shared with their family, adult children may wonder: Was it all smoke and mirrors? Were they ever really happy?” Use the idiom in a sentence and give a synonym.
  2. What does “the bottom falls” mean? “All of a sudden, their parents are divorcing, and they feel like the bottom has fallen out of their lives.” Use the idiom in a sentence and give a synonym.
  3. What does “to become like an island in the sea” mean? “Women are basically the social directors of family life. When that goes away, men become like islands in the sea.” Use the idiom in a sentence and give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Share your thoughts on this, “Adults aged 65 and older are now the only age group in the US with a growing divorce rate.” Do you think there is a similar trend in your country?
  2. What might be reasons for later-in-life divorces?
  3. What is your opinion about how grey divorce affect adult children?
  4. Share your insight on this, “A parental divorce can be a difficult experience for any individual […] no matter the age, no matter the marriage duration.”
  5. What do you make of this, “Women are basically the social directors of family life still in 2025, and when that goes away men become like islands in the sea.”?

The Government of Spain Approves Pension Increase

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The Spanish Government has approved a new package of measures that combines a pension increase for 2026 with the extension of key social protection policies, reinforcing its commitment to protect purchasing power and support vulnerable groups. The decision was adopted by the Council of Ministers as part of broader efforts to respond to inflation and rising living costs.

The measures include pension revaluations in line with inflation and the continuation of the so-called “social shield”, which covers protections against evictions, safeguards for essential utilities, and targeted aid for low-income households. Together, these actions aim to strengthen social cohesion and ensure economic stability for millions of residents across Spain.

Read the article and know more about the news.

https://www.lamoncloa.gob.es/lang/en/gobierno/councilministers/paginas/2025/20251223-council-press-conference.aspx?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “foreclosure” mean? “Furthermore, the suspension of evictions and foreclosures for vulnerable families without alternative housing is extended throughout 2026, as are the compensation payments from the affected landlord or property owner.” Use the word in a sentence.
  2. What does “unwavering” mean? “With this measure, Saiz said, ‘the government is fulfilling an unwavering commitment: to offer the more than 9.4 million pensioners in our country the certainty that if prices rise, their pensions will also rise to help them cover their daily expenses’.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “purchasing power” mean? “We will continue to increase the purchasing power of citizens and, at the same time, we will continue to reduce the inequality gaps that still exist.” Use the word in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How do you think the pension increase will impact the daily lives of retirees in Spain?
  2. In what ways could the government’s “social shield” measures help families who struggle with housing and energy costs?
  3. Why do you think the government chose to give early retirement options to firefighters and environmental agents? How could this affect public safety?
  4. How could the combination of pension increases, social measures, and public transport improvements improve the overall quality of life for different groups in Spain?