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Hydration Breaks at the World Cup 

B2 — Upper Intermediate 

A hydration break is a short pause during a World Cup match when play is temporarily stopped. During this time, players drink water and rest. This helps them maintain body temperature and prevent fatigue, especially in hot conditions.

However, many people have expressed dissatisfaction with the said water breaks.

Read the article about the controversial hydration breaks at the World Cup.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2606/260622-hydration-breaks-world-cup.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is a “hydration break”? ”Football fans worldwide are not happy about the introduction of hydration breaks at the World Cup.” Use the idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “jeering” mean? “Spectators in the stadiums have been expressing their dissatisfaction with the breaks in play by booing and jeering.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  3. What does “consternation” mean? ”They are not the only ones to express their consternation.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the good and bad things about hydration breaks during a sports event such as football?
  2. Personally, what is your opinion about the hydration breaks at the World Cup?
  3. Do you agree or disagree, “The breaks disrupting the free-flowing nature and momentum of games.”?
  4. Share your opinion, “The breaks are mainly for commercial reasons.”
  5. What is your opinion on this, “Given the financial benefits, it is highly likely that the breaks will remain a long-term feature.”?

Tips to Budget, Invest, and Retire Early

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Financial experts recommend starting to invest as early as possible, even with small amounts. They also encourage creating a realistic budget, avoiding unnecessary debt, and planning for retirement based on personal goals rather than following traditional expectations.

Read the article to know why consistent financial habits are more important than trying to get rich quickly.

https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2026/jun/28/expert-personal-finance-money-tips?

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “index fund” mean? ” Letting go of that belief and investing in low-cost index funds instead allowed her to pay off loans and retire early.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “financial freedom” mean? “Money coach Bernadette Joy emphasizes creating a personalized vision for financial freedom, noting that most people have never defined what “enough” means to them.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “nest egg” mean? “Ask family to help build your kids’ nest egg.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you usually make a budget? Why or why not?
  2. What is one money habit you would like to improve?
  3. Do you think it’s important to start investing at a young age? Why?
  4. Have you ever saved money for a big goal? What was it?
  5. What is the best financial advice you have ever received?

Fewer Gen Z Rely on Family for Financial Assistance

B2 – Upper Intermediate

A recent study by the Bank of America (BofA) found that fewer young adults rely on financial help from their families than in previous years. However, many still live paycheck to paycheck due to rising housing costs, student debt, and everyday expenses.

Watch the video and read the article to know why many Gen Z adults are openly discussing budgeting and saving money, a trend known as “loud budgeting.”

https://newsroom.bankofamerica.com/content/newsroom/press-releases/2026/05/bofa-study-finds-fewer-gen-z-rely-on-family-for-financial-assist.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “side hustle” mean? “Redefining what it means to take control of their finances in early adulthood, nearly 70% of Gen Z have taken concrete steps in the past year to manage rising costs, including cutting back on dining out (40%), passing on events with friends (24%) and picking up a side hustle (16%).” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “to weigh on someone” mean? “However, housing costs still weigh heavily on this generation, with nearly 30% of those surveyed pointing to housing and rent as top barriers to financial success, a figure that has remained consistent in recent years.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “loud budgeting” mean? “From $0 date nights to loud budgeting, Better Money Habits® Survey reveals how Gen Z is managing through affordability challenges and social spending pressure.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. According to the article, why are many young adults still living paycheck to paycheck?
  2. What are your thoughts on loud budgeting?
  3. What are some of the biggest financial challenges facing young adults today?
  4. How has financial support from families changed compared to previous years?
  5. What can young adults do to improve their financial situation despite rising living costs?

Rich Mindset vs Poor Mindset

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

A rich mindset and a poor mindset are often described as different ways of thinking rather than simply the amount of money a person has. A rich mindset focuses on growth, learning, opportunities, and long-term goals, while a poor mindset may be centered on limitations, fear of failure, and short-term survival.

Although circumstances can influence a person’s outlook, these mindsets can change over time through education, experience, and a willingness to adopt new perspectives.

Read the article about the key difference between the rich and the poor mindset.

https://novamoney.com/blog/5-key-differences-between-a-rich-mindset-and-a-poor-mindset

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to live beyond one’s means” mean? “Poor people are those who live beyond their means.” Use the idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  2. What does “to live paycheck to paycheck” mean? “The poor tend to live paycheque to paycheque.” Use the expression in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  3. What does “to make ends meet” mean? “When a crisis hits, making ends meet is nearly impossible.” Use the phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you believe mindset can influence a person’s financial success? Why or why not?
  2. Share your insights on this, “Rich people are said to make money work for them.”
  3. What are your thoughts on this, “Poor people spend on both necessities and desires.”?
  4. Do you agree or disagree, “Poor people care about image.”? Explain.
  5. Why do you think “Rich people tend to be risk takers and poor people risk averse.”?

Mayor Khan Plans to Tackle Online Disinformation about London

B2 — Upper Intermediate 

London Mayor Sadiq Khan has announced a £7 million campaign to promote London globally and combat online misinformation that portrays the city as unsafe or declining.

The move follows a report showing a sharp rise in negative social media content about London, including AI-generated videos spreading false claims, while critics argue the mayor should focus more on addressing the city’s problems directly.

Read the article about London Mayor Sadiq Khan’s £7 million campaign to tackle online disinformation and promote London internationally.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c5yz20qev7zo

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “scourge” mean? “Disinformation about London has become a truly global scourge.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  2. What is the meaning of “relentless”? ”Sir Sadiq Khan said the city had been subjected to a “relentless and unprecedented attack of lies and hatred” on social media.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “in decline” mean? “Between March 2024 and March 2026, online activity describing the capital as a dangerous city in decline increased by between 150 and 200%, while migration-related narratives referencing London surged by more than 350%.” Use the phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. Should governments spend public funds on campaigns to improve their image? Why or why not?
  2. Share your insights on Laila Cunningham’s statement, “If the mayor of London wants to encourage more tourism, he should deal with the crime he has allowed to spiral out of control instead of suggesting that victims of crime are liars.”
  3. How can misinformation affect a city’s image and economy?
  4. How does social media influence people’s perceptions of places they have never visited?
  5. How can individuals help combat misinformation online?
  6. What responsibility do citizens have in shaping their city’s reputation?

Epidemic of Ebola Disease an International Public Health Emergency

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The World Health Organization announced that the outbreak of Ebola disease caused by the Bundibugyo virus in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda constitutes a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.

Read the article to know why the declaration aims to strengthen international coordination and response to contain the disease.

https://www.who.int/news/item/17-05-2026-epidemic-of-ebola-disease-in-the-democratic-republic-of-the-congo-and-uganda-determined-a-public-health-emergency-of-international-concern?

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “epidemiological link” mean? “In addition, there is limited understanding of the epidemiological links with known or suspected cases.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “case management” mean? “These measures must include enhanced surveillance including contact tracing, infection prevention and control (IPC), risk communication and community engagement, laboratory diagnostic testing, and case management.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “nosocomial infection” mean? “Strengthen measures to prevent nosocomial infections, including systematic mapping of health facilities, triage, targeted IPC interventions and sustained monitoring and sustained supervision.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you know about Ebola and how it spreads?
  2. Why do you think the World Health Organization declared the outbreak a global health emergency?
  3. How can countries work together to prevent the spread of infectious diseases?
  4. Do you think people should be concerned about outbreaks happening in other countries? Why or why not?
  5. What lessons have we learned from past health emergencies, such as COVID-19, that could help manage Ebola outbreaks?

Dengue Vaccine Safety for Older and Chronic-risk Travelers

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Researchers analyzed data from 1,028 vaccinated individuals and found that the dengue vaccine TAK-003 showed good safety and tolerability, including among older adults and people with chronic illnesses.

Read the article to know why the findings support wider use of the vaccine to help prevent dengue infections in vulnerable populations.

https://www.news-medical.net/news/20260604/New-data-confirms-dengue-vaccine-safety-for-older-and-chronic-risk-travelers.aspx?

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “mosquito vector” mean? ” In recent decades, dengue incidence has increased due to the geographical spread of mosquito vectors, driven in part by climate change, as well as the rise in international travel, which contributes to the global circulation of the virus.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “pharmacovigilance” mean? “To help address this knowledge gap, we conducted a pharmacovigilance study across eight travel health centers in Catalonia.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “concomitant vaccine” mean? “The analysis found that female participants, people with a previous dengue infection, and those who received concomitant vaccines against other flaviviruses (such as the yellow fever vaccine) had a higher risk of adverse events.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Have you ever received a vaccine before traveling to another country?
  2. Why do you think it is important for older adults and people with chronic illnesses to be protected against dengue?
  3. Would you feel more confident traveling to a tropical country if a dengue vaccine was available? Why or why not?
  4. What are some ways travelers can protect themselves from mosquito-borne diseases besides vaccination?
  5. Do you think governments should recommend dengue vaccines to high-risk travelers? Why?

Ferrari Shares Slump After Unveiling First Fully Electric Car

B2 — Upper Intermediate 

Luxury sports car manufacturer Ferrari has launched its first fully electric vehicle, the Luce, priced at $640,000 (£474,320). 

In their efforts to take on Chinese EVs, they have been faced with serious backlash. Luce was highly criticized because some think that it betrays the brand’s legacy.

Consequently, shares of the company declined by over 8% on the Milan market and more than 5% on the New York market.

Read this article about Luce, Ferrari’s first ever electric car.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cwy22rddy5no

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is the meaning if something is “made in-house”? ”The firm said that all of the components are made in-house, so that the car can be repaired by the company well into the future, protecting the Luce’s resale value.” Use the phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “a masterclass in something” mean? “Responses on social media to the launch ranged from describing it as “straight to the junkyard trash” to an “absolute masterclass in design”.” Use the idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  3. What does “to scale back on something” mean? “Supercar rivals like Lamborghini and Porsche have scaled back on their EV plans due to poor demand and intense competition from Chinese brands.” Use the phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think about Ferrari’s electric car Luce? What are its promises and pitfalls?
  2. What is your opinion on Lamborghini and Porsche scaling back on their EV plans due to poor demand and intense competition from Chinese brands.
  3. What are some major obstacles of companies like Ferrari facing in shifting to EVs?
  4. Ferrari’s chief design officer Flavio Manzoni believes that critics are part of the innovation process. What is your insight on this?
  5. Do you think that the concept of an electric Ferrari with a new design is “polarising”? Will people eventually come to appreciate it? Share your views.
  6. What are your insights on this, “Yet Ferrari’s shares have dropped by more than 30% over the past year, mirroring a wider slump across luxury brands as inflation around the world has shaken demand for high-end goods.”?

Stopping the Latest Ebola Outbreak in DR Congo Is So Difficult

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

Ebola is a severe and often deadly viral disease that affects humans and other primates. It is caused by the Ebola virus and spreads through direct contact with the bodily fluids of an infected person or contaminated objects.

The World Health Organization has declared the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo a public health emergency of international concern.

This outbreak is especially difficult because it involves a rare strain of Ebola that currently has no vaccine, and infections have been reported in a conflict-affected region.

Read the article about Ebola and why stopping the latest outbreak in DR Congo is so difficult.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cz72p75zg4qo

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Define “organ failure”. “As the disease progresses, vomiting and diarrhoea develop and it can lead to organ failure.” Use the term in a sentence.
  2. What does “porous” mean here: “A further complication is that the outbreak is taking place in a conflict zone, with a quarter of million people displaced from their homes and people moving across porous borders into neighbouring countries.” Use the word in this context in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  3. What does “to bolster” mean? “Several African countries are tightening border screenings and bolstering health facilities.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. What makes the latest Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo difficult to control?
  2. Why do you think Ebola outbreaks are so dangerous compared to other diseases?
  3. What do you think is the most effective way to stop the spread of Ebola in the long term?
  4. How important is international cooperation in responding to outbreaks like Ebola?
  5. What challenges do healthcare workers face when treating Ebola patients?
  6. How can misinformation or fear impact efforts to stop an Ebola outbreak?
  7. What lessons has the world learned from past Ebola outbreaks?

UN Lowers Forecast for Global Economic Growth 

B2 – Upper Intermediate

A recent global finance story reports that the United Nations has lowered its 2026 global economic growth forecast from 2.7% to 2.5% because of rising oil prices and instability in the Middle East. Economists warn that higher energy costs could increase inflation worldwide and slow down consumer spending and investment.

Read the article to learn why countries that are heavily dependent on imported fuel may be affected the most.

https://apnews.com/article/un-global-economic-forecast-growth-inflation-oil-e79c64aeb599030c308e6c93eaf9b350

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “plunge” mean? “Economic growth in the region is projected to plunge from 3.6% in 2025 to 1.4% in 2026, “driven not only by the energy shock but also by direct infrastructure damage and severe disruptions to oil production, trade and tourism.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “strategic reserve” mean? “In Asia, the U.N. said China’s diversified energy mix, sizable strategic reserves and government actions are providing a buffer, so its economic growth is only expected to slow from 5% in 2025 to 4.6% this year.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “resilient” mean? “In the United States, the economy is expected to remain “comparatively resilient” with 2% growth forecast this year, broadly similar to 2025, it said.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How do you think rising oil prices affect everyday people around the world?
  2. Why do you think global economic growth is slowing down this year?
  3. In your opinion, which countries are most vulnerable to higher fuel costs? Why?
  4. Have you personally noticed any increase in prices related to fuel or transportation recently?
  5. What do you think governments can do to help people during economic slowdowns and inflation?