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Ways to Support Dog Shelters

B2 – Upper Intermediate

“Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.” – Anatole France

This heartwarming quote beautifully expresses the deep connection between humans and animals. In a world where countless dogs are in need, showing our love and support for dog shelters is essential.

This article explores simple yet powerful ways to make a difference in the lives of homeless pets, proving that even small actions can have a big impact.

https://www.top5.com/support-dog-shelters-and-make-a-difference/

Vocabulary Questions

  1. What does the phrase “gear up” mean in the sentence “Gear up your home to welcome your new four-legged family member.”? Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does the phrase “kick off” mean in the sentence “Kick off online crowdfunding initiatives“?  Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does the phrase “take notice of” mean in the sentence “Take notice of the plight of animals worldwide.”?  Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions

  1. How important do you think dog shelters are in your community? Share your thoughts on why they are important.
  2. Among the ways presented in the article to support dog shelters, which one(s) do you like the most and why?
  3. Do you think it’s more important to help local shelters or international rescue efforts? Share your thoughts.
  4. How can social media help raise awareness and support for shelter animals?
  5. The article inspires readers to take action to support dog shelters and their residents. How does it make you feel about helping?

The Best Jobs That Don’t Require Four Years of School

B2 – Upper Intermediate

This article takes a closer look at well-paying careers that don’t require a traditional four-year college degree. Additionally, these professions offer competitive salaries and promising job prospects, making them an excellent choice for those with a high school diploma or specialized training. 

Click the link below to read the full article.

https://www.top5.com/the-best-jobs-that-dont-require-four-years-of-school/

Vocabulary Questions

  1. What does “job prospect” mean, “We will explore some of the best careers that don’t require a four-year college degree, highlighting their job prospects, median salaries, and educational requirements.”? Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “on-the-job training” mean in the sentence, “These professionals receive specialized on-the-job training, often provided by the employer.“? Give 2 synonyms and use ‘on-the-job training’ in a sentence.
  3. What does “paramount” mean, “Safety is paramount in plumbing, as workers often deal with sharp tools, extreme temperatures, and potentially hazardous materials.“? Give 2 synonyms and use ‘paramount’ in a sentence.

Discussion Questions

  1. What do you think about vocational and non-degree career paths?
  2. Among the careers mentioned in the article, which one(s) pique your interest, and why?
  3. How crucial is job security and growth potential when deciding on a career?
  4. What are the pros and cons of choosing a career that involves on-the-job training or apprenticeships?
  5. If opting for a non-four-year degree career, what factors would be your top priorities, and why?

Get Paid to Move to Italy or Spain

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Yearning for a life under the Tuscan sun or along the vibrant coastlines of Spain? Your dreams may be closer to reality than you think. A growing number of picturesque towns in Italy and Spain are extending an extraordinary offer. Yes! They have generous financial incentives for those willing to call these charming locales home. From the enchanting streets of Italy to the lively shores of Spain, these towns are eager to welcome fresh faces, infusing their communities with newfound energy and vitality.

Click on the provided to explore more.

https://www.euronews.com/travel/2023/11/03/want-to-get-paid-to-move-to-spain-or-italy-here-are-the-towns-in-need-of-new-residents

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “dwindling” mean, “Across Europe, towns with dwindling populations have come up with a radical solution for enticing new residents by offering generous cash incentives.”? Give 2 synonyms and use “dwindling” in your own sentence.
  2. What does “get a slice of something” mean, “Get a slice of the quiet life in Rubia, Spain.”? Use this in your own sentence.
  3. What does “go off grid” mean, “Go off grid on a remote island in Ireland”? Use this in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How do these towns plan to benefit from attracting individuals through such generous offers?
  2. Can individuals from any nationality or background apply for these incentives, or are there specific eligibility criteria based on citizenship or residency?
  3. What might be specific responsibilities or commitments expected from individuals who accept these incentives to move to these towns?
  4. What kinds of assistance or resources do these communities offer to newcomers in terms of inclusion, language learning, and finding work or housing? Please share.
  5. How have these towns been affected by demographic changes or population decline that has led them to take such measures?
  6. How do these towns plan to sustain and grow their communities in the long term after attracting new residents?

Friday 13th Superstitions on Seat Rows and Ticket Prices

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Several dates in the world of superstitions cause as much anxiety as Friday the 13th. Due to the unusual combination of the day and number, which has long been linked to bad luck, many people advise being cautious on this believed ominous day. Of the many myths associated with Friday the Thirteenth, two particularly intriguing ones are the avoiding of specific airline seat rows and the allegedly drop in prices for tickets to different events and services. Are these claims based on valid reports or are they just the result of urban legends?

Click on the provided link to find out.

https://www.euronews.com/travel/2023/10/13/very-superstitious-flight-prices-plummet-on-friday-13th-travel-search-engine-reveals

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “good deal” mean in the sentence, “Data shows you can usually find good deals when a Friday falls on the 13th of the month.”? Use this in your own sentence.
  2. What does “get away” mean in the sentence, “Bear in mind that Friday is one of the most popular days to travel so prices are usually higher due to demand as people get away for the weekend.”? Use this in your own sentence.
  3. What does “accident in the air” mean in the sentence, “Though there are superstitions surrounding the date, it isn’t any more likely that you’ll get into an accident in the air.”? Use this in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is the origin of the superstition surrounding Friday the 13th, and why is it considered an unlucky day in many cultures?
  2. Are there any businesses or industries that are particularly affected by the superstitions surrounding Friday the 13th?
  3. How do different cultures and societies interpret and respond to Friday the 13th, and are there variations in beliefs and practices? Tell me more.
  4. Is traveling on Friday the 13th something you’d consider? Why or why not?
  5. Would you say that your culture tends to be superstitious? What’s your take on the belief that Friday the 13th is an unlucky date? Please share.

Best Accounting Skills

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Being an accountant seems to be a challenging job. When accountants report financial data, they have to follow specific rules. These rules are also called accounting principles.

Read the article to know the principles and skills of an accountant. 

https://www.ottawa.edu/online-and-evening/blog/july-2021/10-best-accounting-skills

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is the meaning of the word “diverse”? ” While they analyze and report on a wide range of data, accountants also interact with diverse clientele and break down financial information into language that the average person can understand.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What is the meaning of the word “tangible” “Employers are also looking for soft skills, or the less tangible abilities that help you excel on the job.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What is the “compliance”? “Other types of software with which the general accountant should have expertise include database reporting, financial reporting and analysis, financial statements, compliance, and project management. ” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What skills do you think are the most important for an accountant?
  2. Which of the mentioned skills do you have?
  3. What skills would you like to gain or develop?

Restaurant Charges Parents Extra for Rowdy Children

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Restaurants always value and prioritize a calm and peaceful dining experience for their diners. As easy as it may seem to achieve this, there are still some factors that hinder them. One of those would be rowdy children. As a result, a restaurant has taken an unusual step of charging parents for misbehaving kids, in order to ensure a pleasant environment for the rest of their patrons.

Read this article to learn about this restaurant’s new policy.

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/restaurant-surcharge-bad-parenting_l_6543c278e4b0cde80b8bfd95

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Define “at one’s disposal“. “Of course, we all have at our disposal at least one device capable of successfully pacifying our children, whether they’re stuck on an airplane or waiting for their chicken tenders.” Make a sentence with this phrase.
  2. What does “on the verge of” mean? “A kid who hasn’t had a nap and is basically on the verge of meltdown” isn’t going to be able to handle the demands of a restaurant as well as a contentedly well-rested child.” Make a sentence with this.
  3. What does “to mind one’s manners” mean? “Perhaps you remember being instructed as a child to “mind your manners.” Make a sentence with this idiom.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on this restaurant’s idea? If you were a restaurant owner, would you implement a similar policy to maintain a peaceful atmosphere? Why/why not?
  2. How do you think can this policy affect the restaurant?
  3. Share other ridiculous rules that some places of business you know of have.
  4. Do you think the practice of charging extra for unruly children helps or hinders the overall dining experience for families? Explain.
  5. What alternative approaches could restaurants consider to address disruptive behavior by children?
  6. What other solutions can you think of to maintain a peaceful dining experience for all patrons without implementing such a policy?

Parentifying Your Children

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Parenting is a complex and demanding role that comes with its own set of challenges. As parents, it’s only natural to want the best for our children, but sometimes, in our pursuit of nurturing, protecting, and equipping them for what lies ahead, we may unintentionally engage in a phenomenon known as “parentification.”

Click on the link provided to learn more about the term.

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/parentification-parentified-children_l_6536b883e4b0689b3fbd8ac2

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “extreme end of this spectrum” mean in the sentence, “On the more extreme end of this spectrum, they might be facing serious poverty or war or living under a violent regime or in a neighborhood where kids have to grow up too fast.”? Use this in your own sentence.
  2. What does “to be born out of something” mean in the sentence, “Other ways in which parentification comes about is born out of a parent’s need for emotional support.”? Use this in your own sentence.
  3. What does “to be not afforded something” mean in the sentence, “They may struggle with being assertive and advocating for themselves, feelings of guilt, depression, and a sense of loss and grief over the childhood they were not afforded the opportunity to experience.”? Use this in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is parentification and how does it manifest in parenting?
  2. Why is parentification considered a problematic phenomenon in child development?
  3. What are some common signs that a child may be experiencing parentification? Tell me more.
  4. Are there specific strategies parents can employ to avoid unintentionally parentifying their children? Please share.
  5. How can parents strike a balance between nurturing their children and allowing them to develop age-appropriate independence?

Laser Pointer Incidents on the Rise

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Laser pointers are typically used in business and school presentations. It is a pointing device that makes it easier for the audience to follow what the speaker is discussing.

Unfortunately, some people tend to use it for other purposes that could be fatal to a lot of people travelling by plane.

Let’s read the article and know more about the threats this kind of incidents pose to planes.

https://www.english-online.at/news-articles/technology/laser-pointer-incidents-on-the-rise.htm

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the word “shine into” mean? “In February, a Virgin Atlantic flight to New York JFK had to return to London Heathrow because a laser light had been shone into the cockpit.” Use it in a sentence and give two synonyms.
  2. What does “to target a particular person or thing” mean? “Pope Franciscus’ flight from Cuba to Mexico was targeted by a laser beamer during landing.” Use it in a sentence and give two synonyms.
  3. What does the phrasal verb “carry something out” mean? “Most attacks are carried out by young men or boys, who are often not aware of the dangers of laser instruments.” Use it in a sentence and give two synonyms.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your reaction to this news?
  2. How does laser pointing affect aviation safety?
  3. Given the possible danger laser pointing pose to aircrafts, do you think the selling of this item should be strictly regulated?
  4. What might be airline measures for pilots to reduce the severity of this incident?
  5. How can these incidents be stopped?
  6. Have you heard of laser pointing incidents involving aircrafts in your country? How did it end?
  7. Share your thoughts on this: “According to psychologists, playing around with guns and other weapons is something that typically attracts males.“.

Supporting vs. Enabling

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Distinguishing “supporting” and “enabling” is crucial in relationships and personal growth. Both of these ideas involve lending a hand to others but they have different outcomes.

Read this article to learn the difference between supporting and enabling.

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/supporting-enabling-difference_l_64c004ffe4b00356919b39ae

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “cross the line”mean? “People often do not realize that they are crossing the fine line between support and enabling.” Give a synonym and write a sentence using “cross the line”.
  2. What does “teeter into” mean? “But sometimes people’s attempts at support teeter into more harmful territory: enablement.” Give a synonym and write a sentence using “teeter into”.
  3. What does “swoop into” mean? “It sends the signal that life is perfect, that everyone else will swoop into clean up the mess and reinforces entitled behavior.” Give a synonym and write a sentence using “swoop into”.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is the key difference between supporting and enabling when it comes to helping someone in need?
  2. Are there situations where enabling might be necessary or justified, and if so, what distinguishes them from situations where support is more appropriate?
  3. How does setting healthy boundaries play a role in differentiating between support and enabling?
  4. What are some instances of enabling actions that might be misinterpreted as support?
  5. How do you find a balance between giving support and letting a friend or family member to face the repercussions of their actions when faced with constant mistakes or poor choices?

Thalidomide Malformed Children

B2 – Upper Intermediate

An Australian doctor named William McBride published a letter in The Lancet in 1961. This letter indicated the connection between thalidomide and its impact on the development of an unborn child. This was the first public findings on the harmful effects of this drug.

Let’s read the article and know more about this drug and how it devastated tens of thousands of families in the past.

https://www.english-online.at/health_medicine/thalidomide/thalidomide-victims.htm

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is the meaning of the adjective “malformed“. “Thousands of other babies survived but their limbs, eyes, ears and internal organs were severely malformed.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. Define the word “lawsuit“. “After a series of lawsuits Thalidomide was withdrawn from the market.” Use it in your own sentence and give two synonyms.
  3. What does the word “withdraw” mean here? “After a series of lawsuits Thalidomide was withdrawn from the market.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is thalidomide and what was it used for?
  2. How did it affect the offspring of the mothers who took them?
  3. According to the article, what is the drug used for at present?
  4. Given the enormity of its ill-effects, do you think it should be completely banned? Why or why not?
  5. Talk about a drug that had been withdrawn from the market due to its adverse effects on patients.