Tag: Text

Misokinesia: Sensitivity to Seeing Others Fidget

B1 – Intermediate 

Some people fidget or move restlessly when they are nervous, anxious, or stressed. To many, it doesn’t bother them seeing other people fidget. But if they suffer from a condition called misokinesia, those movements can be extremely distressing.

Read more about the mental health condition misokinesia in this article.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2412/241216-fidgeting-and-misokinesia-4.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “pop into the head” mean? “A psychologist said, ‘Violent images might pop into the head’ of sufferers.” Use this idiom in a sentence.
  2. What does “twiddle” mean? “Misokinesia sufferers can have an “intense hatred” of people who tap their fingers, click a pen, or twiddle their hair.” Use this word in a sentence.
  3. What is a “support group”? “Researchers in Canada interviewed 21 misokinesia sufferers from a support group.” Use the phrase in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts about misokinesia?
  2. According to the article, “The condition misokinesia can be “life limiting”. What day-to-day problems do you think people with misokinesia have?
  3. What are tiny things other people do that you hate seeing? Why do you think that is irritating for you? And what pops into your head when you see them do that?
  4. What happens to you when you get nervous, anxious, or stressed?

Mystery Drones in USA Causing Alarm

B1 – Intermediate 

Many people all over America have reported sightings of mystery drones. It caused alarm among residents because the drones were flying over military bases and airfields, Donald Trump’s golf course, among others. 

Read more about the suspicious drone sightings in this article.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2412/241219-mystery-drones-2.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “sighting” mean? “People started telling the police about the drones last month. Most of the sightings have been in the state of New Jersey.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘sighting’ in your own sentence. 
  2. What does “spot” mean here, “One drone was spotted near one of Donald Trump’s golf courses.”? Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘spot’ in a sentence in this context.
  3. What does “a case of mistaken identity” mean? “FBI investigators said most of the drone sightings were cases of “mistaken identity.” Use the phrase in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your reaction to this news?
  2. What is your own conspiracy theory about those mystery drones?
  3. If you saw drones flying over your city, what would you think and do?
  4. What is your opinion on this, “FBI investigators said most of the drone sightings were cases of “mistaken identity”. It said people were “over-reacting” unnecessarily to news reports.”?
  5. Talk about any security issues that had occurred in your city/country recently.

Karl Marx -An Important Thinker of the 19th Century

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Karl Marx is known for his role in founding Communism. He predicted that workers would eventually rebel against factory owners, seize control of the economy, and establish a government for the people. Marx’s ideas greatly influenced Communist governments throughout the 20th century and still impact economic discussions today.

Read more about his life and theories in the link below.

https://www.english-online.at/history/karl-marx/marx-thinker.htm

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “radical” mean in the sentence “He turned to journalism and became an editor of a radical newspaper.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “vassal” mean in the sentence “He argued that this conflict of classes happened throughout history. In the ancient world there were masters and slaves, in the Middle Ages lords and vassals, in the industrial world of the 19th century there were middle class owners and workers.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “crack down” mean in the sentence “When France became one of Prussia’s allies, the French government cracked down on people who criticized them.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How do you think Marx’s ideas about workers’ revolutions reflect the struggles of the working class during his time?
  2. Do you agree with Marx’s view that capitalism leads to inequality? Why or why not?
  3. How did Marx’s personal experiences, such as his time in Paris and London, shape his beliefs about workers and the economy?
  4. How do you think Marx’s theories influenced the development of Communist governments in the 20th century?
  5. Do you think Marx’s ideas are still relevant in today’s society? Why or why not?

Chinatown – How Chinese Live in the World’s Cities

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Chinatowns are vibrant neighborhoods filled with history, culture, and community. These areas grew as Chinese immigrants built homes, opened businesses, and kept their traditions alive while adapting to life in a new country. From the food stalls to the street festivals, everything in a Chinatown reflects the journey and resilience of its people.

Read more about these neighborhoods through the link below.

https://www.english-online.at/places/chinatown/chinatowns-around-the-world.htm

Vocabulary Questions:

1. What does “harbour worker” mean? “They had jobs in farming, as cooks on ships or as harbour workers.” Use it in a sentence.

2. What does “façade” mean in this context, “Houses and buildings show typical façades that you would see in China.“? Use it in a sentence.

3. What does “date back” mean? “It dates back to the 1840s when many people rushed to the west coast in search of gold.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How do you think Chinatowns reflect the experiences of Chinese immigrants?
  2. Is there a Chinatown in your city? How do you think it might influence the local culture?
  3. What challenges do immigrants face, and how do you think Chinatowns help?
  4. How do you think festivals and traditions in Chinatowns help preserve cultural identity?
  5. How do Chinatowns help bridge cultural gaps between communities?

Crackdown on Electric Rideable Suitcases

B1 – Intermediate 

The latest technology in suitcases is the electric rideable luggage. While it might seem like a cool piece of device, it could cause problems too.

In Japan, mobile luggage is considered a motor vehicle which means the rider should follow the same rules when operating any motorized form of transportation.

Read the article about the crackdown on electric rideable suitcases in Japan.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2408/240801-rideable-suitcases.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the word “nuisance” mean? “However, it is becoming a nuisance in some parts of Japan.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘nuisance’ in your own sentence. 
  2. What does the phrase “a way of getting around” mean here, “Companies are also trying to make rules for the new way of getting around.” Give one synonym and use this phrase in a sentence in this context.
  3. What does “emerge” mean? “Unexpected new forms of transport will continue to emerge.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘emerge’ in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your opinion on mobile suitcases and their popularity these days?
  2. What is your opinion on Japan’s crackdown on rideable suitcases?
  3. What are the pros and cons of a electric luggage?
  4. Should they be considered a motor vehicle? Explain.
  5. Share your thoughts on this, “Unexpected new forms of transport will continue to emerge.”.

Global Treaty to End Plastic Pollution

B1 – Intermediate 

Countries are meeting in South Korea in hopes of coming up with a treaty that could end plastic pollution all over the world and help protect the planet and our future. The South Korean president urges governments to finalize a treaty to address the problem with plastic pollution.

Read the article about the new zero plastic pollution treaty among countries.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2411/241128-plastic-pollution.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the phrase “insurance policy” mean in this context, “The U.N. said a treaty is, ‘an insurance policy for this generation and future ones, so they may live with plastic and not be doomed by it.’”?Use this phrase in a sentence in the same context.
  2. What does “drown” mean here, “Our world is drowning in plastic pollution.” Use this word in a sentence in this context.
  3. What does “to open a new chapter” mean? “He asked governments, ‘to open a new historic chapter by finalizing a treaty on plastic pollution.’” Use this expression in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your opinion on this treaty among nations to reduce plastic pollution?
  2. What are some problems related to plastic pollution?
  3. Share your opinion on this, “Our world is drowning in plastic pollution.”.
  4. A path to zero plastic pollution, is it possible? Why or why not? If so, how?
  5. Share your thoughts on this, “We must stop thinking of plastic as being convenient.”.

Digital Twins Speed Up Drug Discovery

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Digital twins, which are virtual replicas of real-world systems, are being explored for their potential to transform drug discovery. This innovative technology could improve the efficiency of research and accelerate the process of developing new treatments, offering a promising approach to the pharmaceutical industry. By simulating biological systems, digital twins have the potential to change how drugs are developed, making the process more effective and streamlined.

Read this article to learn more about how digital twins can help reduce the number of injuries and deaths caused by medical devices.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cq8v73dkne3o

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “intersperse” mean? “Using biological data from real people, Sanofi creates AI-based simulated patients – not actual clones of specific individuals – that can be interspersed across the control and placebo groups within the trial.” Make a sentence and give a synonym.
  2. Define “next frontier“. “Powering the next generation of digital twins with accurate AI models of complex human biology is the next frontier.” Use this in a sentence.
  3. What does “a fraction of something” mean? “Even a fraction of those deaths – and the associated lawsuits – could have been avoided with more thorough testing.” Create a sentence with this.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What’s your opinion on digital twins?
  2. How do you feel about the idea of using digital twins to replace animal testing in drug development?
  3. What are the potential risks or limitations of using digital twins in drug development?
  4. In your opinion, what impact will digital twins have on patient safety and drug effectiveness?
  5. Do you think digital twins could eventually make clinical trials faster and more efficient, or do you believe traditional trials will always be needed in drug development?

Airships: The Future of Sustainable Travel

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Could airships be the key to sustainable air travel? With concerns over aviation’s environmental impact rising, these eco-friendly vehicles are being revisited as a possible solution. While they offer the promise of lower carbon emissions, questions about their practicality and cost-effectiveness remain.

Read the article to discover whether airships can provide a viable, greener alternative to modern air travel, or if they’re just a nostalgic dream.

https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20241204-could-the-airship-be-the-answer-to-sustainable-air-travel

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “at the height of luxury” mean? “The journey is expected to take two days and will be conducted at the height of luxury in an airship gondola decked out with panoramic windows, fine dining areas and opulent cabins containing eco-luxury beds that take in the views of the icebergs as you go.” Make a sentence with this.
  2. What is “a niche role”? “In my view, airships cannot replace aircraft but might have a niche role to play, like cruise ships, on slower journeys.” Create a sentence with this phrase.
  3. Define the expression, “poised to enter something”. “LTA – which stands for “Lighter Than Air” – is one of a handful of airship manufacturers around the world currently poised to enter the aviation market.” Use this in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What makes airships a potential solution for sustainable air travel?
  2. Do you believe airships could become a viable alternative to airplanes for long-distance travel?
  3. Should governments and industries invest more in the development of airships for sustainable travel?
  4. Would you consider traveling by airship if it were available as a sustainable option?
  5. Do you think the cost of building and operating airships would be justified by their environmental benefits?

Cyclists on Mobile Phones Could Go to Jail

B1 – Intermediate 

Distracted driving is one of the most common causes of accidents on the road. It is definitely unacceptable to be on your phone while driving. It is the same for bikers.

So, in Japan, in order to prevent more traffic accidents involving cyclists who use their phones, it is now illegal for cyclists to use mobile phones or be under the influence of alcohol while riding their bicycles.

Read the article about the new traffic laws for bikers in Japan.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2411/241104-road-traffic-laws-cycling-4.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to be under the influence” mean? “New traffic laws in Japan make it illegal for cyclists to use mobile phones or be under the influence of alcohol when they are on their  bikes.” Use this phrase in a sentence.
  2. What does “sentence” mean here, “Cyclists using phones could get a six-month prison sentence or a fine of $650.” Use this term in a sentence.
  3. What does “to raise (public) awareness” mean? “Authorities say raising public awareness of the new rules could be a challenge.” Use this expression in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is the reason for this new traffic law?
  2. What are the good and bad things about these new traffic rules?
  3. What is your personal opinion about it and the punishment?
  4. Do you have the same rules for bikers in your country? If so, what do you think of it? If not, do you think you should have them? Elaborate.
  5. Do you think jail time is a heavy penalty for drunk bikers and those who use their phones while cycling? Explain your opinion.
  6. How can accidents involving bikers be reduced?

Three-Minute Hugs at New Zealand Airport

B1 – Intermediate 

It is not easy to say goodbye to our loved ones when they are about to leave the country. It usually takes people a long time to finally say farewell to their family or friends at airports. 

This sometimes causes problems with traffic. So, an airport in Dunedin, New Zealand is putting a three-minute limit on goodbye hugs in their car drop-off zones.

Read the article about the new hugging policy at a New Zealand airport.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2410/241024-hugs-at-airports.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to get someone in trouble” mean? “Hugging at Dunedin International Airport in New Zealand could get you in trouble.” Use this phrase in a sentence.
  2. What does “drop-off zone” mean? “The airport has set a three-minute limit on the time people can spend hugging at the drop-off zone.” Use this phrase in a sentence.
  3. What does “someone/something is not popular with everyone” mean? “The airport’s hugging policy is not popular with everybody.” Use this expression in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is the reason for this new rule?
  2. What are the good and bad things about this new hugging limit?
  3. What is your personal opinion about it?
  4. Do you think this rule will be popular with everyone in your country? Why or why not?
  5. How can traffic at the airport drop-offs be lessened?
  6. How is traffic like at the airport drop-offs in your city/country?