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Why Gen Z Is Obsessed with Hyrox

B2 — UpperIntermediate 

Gen Z is becoming obsessed with HYROX because it combines fitness, competition, and social media culture. The workout includes running and functional exercises, making it challenging but accessible to people with different fitness levels. Many Gen Z participants also enjoy sharing their training, progress, and race experiences online, which helps create a strong fitness community. Its competitive yet social atmosphere makes HYROX more than just a workout—it has become a lifestyle and a way for young people to challenge themselves and connect with others.

Read the article and find out why Gen Z is obsessed with Hyrox.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cj0nmj72v8ro

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does it mean when something is “a stretch“ mean? “Travelling abroad plus the costs involved to run around a bit and get out of breath is a stretch for me.” Use this expression in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  2. What does “to catch the bug” mean? “Jorell Hill, who has competed in 10 races so far, says he has “definitely caught the bug“.” Use the idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “bespoke” mean? “Mara-cations” (marathon vacations) and Hyrox holidays are now so popular that some travel companies are offering bespoke trips abroad for competitions.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your opinion on this: “Hyrox has created this addiction for people who do it because they never really do one race. When they do their first race they then sign up for another one and because the course is the same it creates this level of competition with yourself.”?
  2. “Hyrox boss says event is not a fad, believes it will survive where others failed.” Do you agree or disagree? Explain.
  3. What do you think about spending every holiday revolving around Hyrox or incorporating events into holidays? 
  4. What can you say about spending £2,000 traveling to another place for the Hyrox World Championships? What sport are you willing/have spent thousands of euros for? 
  5. Share your thoughts on personal trainer and owner of parkfit Fran Sirl,’s opinion: “Exercise doesn’t need to be expensive or complicated.”
  6. What do you think about this, “For people in their 20s and 30s, exercise is non-negotiable and part of their identity.”?

Doomjobbing: Modern Job Hunt a Vicious Loop

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Have you ever opened a job website just to “look around” and suddenly spent an hour scrolling through job openings? You see interesting positions, imagine yourself doing something new, and think about applying—but somehow, you never click the apply button. This habit now has a name: doomjobbing.

Doomjobbing is more than simply looking for a new job. It can happen when people feel frustrated, anxious, or uncertain about their careers and the job market. With AI changing the way companies hire and increasing competition among applicants, finding a job can feel overwhelming.

The article explores why people keep scrolling through job ads even when they don’t actually apply—and what this behavior says about the modern hiring process.

https://www.theguardian.com/money/2026/apr/27/doomjobbing-how-modern-job-hunt-became-vicious-loop-scrolling

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to sink into a rabbit hole” mean? “It’s where you find yourself sinking into a rabbit hole of short-form content designed to reinforce your worst perceptions of the world.” Use it in a sentence. Give a synonym or similar expression.
  2. What does “cookie-cutter application” mean? “Most experts agree that the best thing to do is to stop blitzing arbitrary jobs with cookie-cutter applications and instead drill down on a handful of roles that you really want.” Construct a sentence using this term. Give a synonym or similar expression.
  3. What does “to be sucked into a pit of despair” mean? “Set a time limit to stop yourself being sucked into a pit of despair.” Use it in a sentence. Give a synonym or similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How can doomjobbing affect a person’s mental well-being and motivation?
  2. How might doomjobbing affect a person’s career development in the long term?
  3. Why do you think people keep looking at job advertisements even when they are not planning to change jobs?
  4. How has technology changed the way people look for jobs?
  5. What makes a job advertisement stand out to you?

Helicopter Parenting

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Parenting plays a significant role in shaping a child’s development, confidence, and independence. While parents naturally want to protect their children from harm and ensure their success, excessive involvement can sometimes prevent children from learning how to handle challenges and make decisions on their own.

One parenting style that highlights this concern is helicopter parenting, which involves being overly protective and closely monitoring a child’s activities and decisions. Understanding its causes, effects, and potential drawbacks can help parents find a healthy balance between providing guidance and allowing their children the freedom to grow and develop essential life skills.

Read on to better understand helicopter parenting.

https://www.parents.com/parenting/better-parenting/what-is-helicopter-parenting

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Differentiate “helicopter parenting“, “lawnmower parenting,” “cosseting parenting,” and “bulldoze parenting“. “The term “helicopter parent” was first used in Dr. Haim Ginott’s 1969 book Between Parent and Teenager. A teen featured in the book reported that his mother watched over him like a helicopter. Similar terms include “lawnmower parenting,” “cosseting parenting,” or “bulldoze parenting.” Use each term in a sentence.
  2. What does “to shadow someone” mean? “In toddlerhood, a helicopter parent might constantly shadow the child, always playing with and directing his behavior, allowing him zero alone time.” Use this idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “botched” mean? “Parents might fear their child’s rejection from the sports team or a botched job interview—especially if they feel they could’ve done more to help.” Use it in a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Share your thoughts about helicopter parenting.
  2. Where should parents draw the line between protecting their children and giving them independence?
  3. Do you think parents today are more protective than parents in the past? Why or why not?
  4. Do you think helicopter parenting is common in your country? Talk about it.
  5. Do you think there is such a thing as loving a child too much? Share your insights regarding this.

CEO Loses Case to Get Back Gifts from Ex-girlfriend

B1 — Intermediate 

Giving presents is a way to show love and care. We give gifts to make others happy. A simple gift can have a special meaning.

However, a CEO who wanted his ex-girlfriend to return the gifts that he had given and the money that he had loaned her while they were together. 

He filed a case, but lost. The judge decided that the gifts were given out of love, so she did not have to return anything.

Read the article about the man who lost the case against his ex-girlfriend to retrieve the gifts and money that he had given her when they were still in a relationship.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2609/260914-lavish-gifts-4.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “lavish“ mean? ”The judge said the man had “displayed a consistent pattern” of showering his ex with “lavish gifts”.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  2. What does “to have an affair” mean? “They split up after he thought she was having an affair.” Use the idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “to split up” mean? “The judge concluded that after they split up, the man was determined to get money back from his ex.” Use the phrasal verb in a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your opinion about the man’s action to take his ex to the court so she would return everything he had given her?
  2. If you were the man’s situation, would you do the same? Why?
  3. Do you agree with the judge’s decision that the woman did not need to return anything to the man? Why?
  4. The woman said “All gifts were “made out of love and affection.” What do you think about this?
  5. What is the most expensive present you have ever given a partner or anyone?  

Companies Destroying Books to Train AI Models 

B1 — Intermediate 

Consumer groups in the US want the government to check AI companies. They say some AI companies are buying rare and old books to train AI. They scan the books and then destroy them.

People are worried because some books may be the last copies of important texts. Bookstores are also concerned because AI companies are buying many expensive books. Critics say we should save old books because they are important to history.

Read the article about how some companies destroy rare books to train AI models.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2608/260831-destroying-rare-books-4.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “spine“ mean here: ”The process includes breaking the spines of the books, scanning the pages, and then destroying them. ” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  2. What does “bulk buying” mean? “The bulk buying of books is creating a problem for bookstores.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “to digitize” mean? “The groups claim that AI companies are digitizing rare books to train their large language models (LLMs).” Use the verb in a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think about destroying old books after scanning them?
  2. Should rare books be protected? Why?
  3. Should the government make rules about this?
  4. Would you sell a rare book if you knew it might be destroyed? Why?
  5. How can we protect old books while still helping AI improve? 
  6. Do you think AI is more important than keeping old books? Why or why not?
  7. What should bookstores do if AI companies buy too many rare books?

Australia Bans AI Songs from Official Music Charts

B1 — Intermediate 

AI is now used to help make music. It can help people make songs and sounds faster. Some musicians use AI to get new ideas or improve their songs. 

However, some people worry that AI may take the place of human musicians. AI is a helpful tool, but people should still be the ones who create the music.

Australia’s music group, ARIA, will not allow songs made completely by AI on its music charts. This happened after an AI version of a Madonna song became very popular.

However, songs made with help from AI are still allowed if people are still involved in creating them. ARIA wants to protect human musicians and their jobs.

Read the article about the ban onAI songs from official music charts in Australia. 

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2609/260907-ban-on-ai-songs-4.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “hit“ mean here: ”There is controversy over an AI version of a Madonna hit.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  2. What does “cover/cover version” mean in music? “The cover version used AI technology. It spent 16 weeks in the top 20.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “music chart” mean? “Australia’s recording industry (ARIA) has banned songs that are “wholly” created with AI from the official music charts.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your view on using AI in making music? Do you agree that “AI in music isn’t for everyone and that’s fine.”?
  2. What do you think are the advantages and disadvantage of using AI in making music?
  3. How do you feel about AI music being on top of the music charts?
  4. What is your opinion about banning AI songs from official music charts?
  5. What is your opinion on banning “wholly AI-generated” music from the charts, but not “AI-assisted” music?
  6. How can human artists be protected and their “human nature of artistry” promoted?

Canada Flight Cancelled After Child Refuses to Wear Seat Belt

B2 — Upper Intermediate 

A flight in Canada was cancelled after a child refused to wear a seat belt. The situation caused a delay and affected all the passengers on the plane.

This story shows how important it is to follow safety rules on flights. Passengers, especially children, should listen to the crew to help keep everyone safe.

It has also raised new questions about safety rules and children’s behavior while flying.

Read the article about the cancellation of a flight in Canada after a child refused to wear a seat belt.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cj6307x3wdgo

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “reignite” mean? “The cancellation of a flight in Canada after a child refused to wear a seat belt has reignited a debate about the etiquette and safety procedures relating to children travelling on planes.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “to split opinion” mean? ”The incident has split opinion about how children should be treated in such situations and how airlines should respond.” Use the expression in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  3. What does “to be beyond the pale” mean? “We’ve all been those parents,” he said. “But this is beyond the pale.” Use the idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think the flight was right to be cancelled? Why or why not?
  2. Who should be responsible when a child refuses to follow safety rules—the child, the parents, or the airline?
  3. What should parents do if their child refuses to wear a seat belt on a plane?
  4. Should airlines have stricter rules for children traveling by plane? Share your thoughts.
  5. Have you ever experienced a difficult situation while traveling? What happened?

EU Commends Spain’s Swift Response to Ceuta Migrant Crisis

B2 — Upper Intermediate 

About 72,000 migrants entered the Spanish territory in North Africa. Unfortunately, at least 75 people died on the Spanish side of the border, while Morocco reported 11 deaths.

Many European member states have expressed their concern over the Ceuta migrant crisis in Spain.

Since then, Spain has responded to the large number of migrants arriving in Ceuta by placing a 500-meter floating barrier near the Tarajal breakwater.

It also worked with Morocco to return thousands of migrants, provided emergency aid, and approved €25 million to help unaccompanied children.

Read the article about Spain’s response to the Ceuta migrant crisis.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c80n3j55g0do

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to stand in solidarity with someone” mean? ”Irish Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan, who chaired Tuesday’s meeting, said the EU stood in solidarity with Spain and that migration required “a united European response”.” Use the idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “to draw tension“ mean? ”The meeting had been expected to draw some tension, following earlier criticism of Spain from some EU nations.” Use the expression in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  3. What does “exclave” mean? ”The crossings came after Spain’s Supreme Court ruled that migrants stopped at sea while trying to reach Ceuta or Melilla, another Spanish exclave, cannot be summarily returned to Morocco.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on how Spain dealt with the Ceuta crisis?
  2. “It is thought that the influx was fuelled by criminal networks and social media disinformation.” What is your view on this?
  3. Share your opinion on the other European nations expressing their concerns over the Ceuta migrant crisis.
  4. What is your opinion on Italy suspending its Schengen zone agreement with Spain on free movement in response to the Ceuta crisis?
  5. Share your views on this, “Finland and Denmark backed Italy’s move, while Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš urged a temporary suspension of Spain’s Schengen membership.”
  6. How can countries work together to solve migration problems? 

Google Earth Flight Simulator

B1 — Intermediate 

Google’s Flight Simulator is a fun feature in Google Earth. You can fly a virtual plane over cities, mountains, and oceans. It uses real satellite images and 3D maps. The controls are simple, but flying takes practice. It is great for exploring the world from the sky.

Read the article about Google Earth flight simulator.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2606/260618-google-earth.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is a “flight simulator”? ”To use the flight simulator, you will have to open the Google Earth website and click on the “Explore Earth” button in the top right corner.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “high-fidelity“ mean in this context: ”The flight simulator is designed for casual exploration rather than high-fidelity aerodynamic training.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  3. What is a “drop-down menu”? ”To start flying, you need to click on “Tools” in the menu bar and then select “Flight simulator” from the drop-down menu.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How can this simulator help people learn about the world?
  2. What are other things people can learn from using Google’s Flight Simulator? 
  3. Would you ever use Google’s Flight Simulator? Why or why not? Which country would you like to visit in the simulator?
  4. Is it better to explore places online or in real life? Why?
  5. Do you like games or apps that let you explore places?
  6. If you could fly anywhere, where would you go first?

Benefits of Boosting Data Sharing in the EU

B2 — Upper Intermediate 

Boosting data sharing in the European Union can bring many benefits. 

It allows governments, businesses, and researchers to work together more effectively by sharing useful information. Better data sharing can improve healthcare, support scientific research, and help create smarter public services. It can also make businesses more innovative and competitive by giving them access to valuable data. At the same time, the EU aims to protect people’s privacy by using strong data protection rules. With secure and responsible data sharing, the EU can promote economic growth, improve public services, and encourage innovation.

Read this article about the benefits of boosting data sharing in the EU.

* You may also watch the videos embedded throughout the article for more information.

https://www.europarl.europa.eu/topics/en/article/20220331STO26411/boosting-data-sharing-in-the-eu-what-are-the-benefits

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “aftermarket service” mean? ”Providers of aftermarket services will be able to compete on an equal footing with comparable services offered by manufacturers, which may reduce prices and boost innovation.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What is “data pooling”? ”This will be achieved through a range of tools, from technical solutions such as anonymisation and data pooling to legally binding agreements by the reusers.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What is “retro-engineering“? ”In order to prevent competitors from retro-engineering services or devices thanks to increased access to data, MEPs strengthened provisions to protect trade secrets.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. While boosting data sharing in the European Union has many benefits, it also has some disadvantages. What might be some of them?
  2. Do the benefits of data sharing outweigh the risks? Why or why not?
  3. Do you think that the EU privacy laws can really protect the citizens and their personal information? Share your views.
  4. What is your opinion on this, “With immense possibilities in areas from farming to health, big data can play a key role in the EU’s digital transformation. However, data sharing is essential to unlock this potential.”?
  5. Do you think small businesses and large companies benefit equally from data sharing? Explain.
  6. What improvements would you suggest to make data sharing safer and more effective in the EU?
  7. How do you think data sharing will affect people’s lives in the future?