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Sweden Wants Travellers to Embrace Boredom

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Travel often feels like a race to see and do everything. But a new approach invites us to slow down, embrace quiet moments, and find meaning in stillness. Sweden is encouraging travelers to follow this path, valuing rest over rush and discovering the beauty of simply being.

Read on to learn more about this new travel campaign in Sweden.

https://www.euronews.com/travel/2025/11/26/dark-skies-and-empty-itineraries-why-sweden-wants-travellers-to-embrace-boredom

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the phrase “to beckon” mean? “In Sörmland, cabins next to forest trails beckon travellers with blissful solitude.” Use it in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “stillness” mean? “Lighting a fire, going for a walk, stargazing, and watching the Northern Lights: the campaign frames these moments of stillness as the appeal rather than the absence of activity.” Use it in your own sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “a sweeping change” mean? “In an era defined by the ceaseless cycle of news and entertainment, slow travel represents a sweeping change in what many travellers seek from their trips.” Use it in a sentence and give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How does the new Visit Sweden campaign inspire travelers to rethink their approach to travel?
  2. In what ways does Visit Sweden present the country as an ideal place to experience boredom?
  3. What types of experiences or activities does the campaign highlight for visitors seeking a slower pace?
  4. Have you ever experienced Sweden? How would you feel about slowing down and embracing boredom there?
  5. In what ways might experiencing boredom benefit us?

Spain’s First Quantum Computers

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Telefonica (TEF) has teamed up with IQM and CESGA to bring Spain its first quantum computers, including a 54‑qubit system for advanced research and a 5‑qubit system for education and training. This marks a major step for Spain in joining the global quantum computing landscape.

The partnership aims to provide researchers and industry with access to hybrid quantum‑classical computing, accelerating innovation in science, technology, and AI. It also positions Spain as a growing hub for quantum technology development in Europe.

Read the article to know more.

https://www.tradingview.com/news/zacks:e2a292356094b:0-tef-ties-up-with-iqm-cesga-to-deploy-spain-s-first-quantum-computers

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to underscore” mean? “Telefonica’s involvement underscores the growing importance of quantum computing beyond academia.” Give a synonym. Use ‘underscore’ in a sentence.
  2. What is “free cash flow (FCF)”? “Financial goals include 1.5–2.5% revenue and EBITDA CAGR through 2028, accelerating to 2.5–3.5% from 2028–2030, alongside stronger, de-risked free cash flow and continued investment-grade strength.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What is “dividend”? “The company has confirmed a dividend of €0.30 per share for 2025, set a dividend of €0.15 per share for 2026, and plans to allocate 40–60% of free cash flow to dividends for 2027–2028.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Share your thoughts and reaction to this, “Scheduled for delivery by June 2026, the deployment positions CESGA among Europe’s most advanced high-performance computing (HPC) centres and significantly strengthens Spain’s role in next-generation computing technologies.“
  2. How do you think quantum computing could change the way companies like Telefónica operate in the next 5–10 years, and do you think Europe can become a global leader in this technology?
  3. Why is it important for Europe to achieve technological autonomy in telecom and computing?
  4. How might combining quantum computing with AI and high-performance computing change research or everyday life?
  5. “IQM Spark system for education” Should schools and universities focus on teaching emerging technologies like quantum computing?

How a Spanish Virus Brought Google to Málaga

B2 – Upper Intermediate

A small, mostly harmless computer virus created in Spain once infected a university computer in Málaga. What seemed like a minor digital nuisance became a turning point, inspiring a young student to dive deep into cybersecurity instead of turning away from technology.

Years later, that early challenge led to the creation of VirusTotal, a platform that caught Google’s attention and reshaped Málaga’s tech landscape. The acquisition brought Google’s European cybersecurity hub to the city, transforming it into a global center for digital security.

Read the article and now more. 

https://tech.yahoo.com/cybersecurity/articles/spanish-virus-brought-google-m-180000233.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to dive back into” mean in this sentence? “He dove back into the virus’s code, looking for clues his 18-year-old self might have missed.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does the idiom “hit someone like a ton of bricks” mean? “This hit Quintero like a ton of bricks; now, he would never be able to ask Antonio about “Kike.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does the idiom “to live on beyond these walls” mean? “Astorga’s legacy also lives on beyond these walls, and not just through his students.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How did the virus discovered at the university influence Bernardo Quintero’s career path and future decisions?
  2. In what ways can unexpected problems or challenges lead to innovation and long-term success?
  3. What factors helped Málaga transform from a regular city into a European technology hub?
  4. Share your thoughts on Malaga being a true cybersecurity talent hub.
  5. How does this story illustrate the relationship between curiosity, experimentation, and learning?

Google to Launch First of its AI Glasses

B2 – Upper Intermediate

AI glasses are smart eyewear that use artificial intelligence to give information directly to the user. They can work through sound or visuals and help with tasks like directions, translation, or quick answers, and are part of a growing trend in wearable technology that makes devices more personal and interactive.

Let’s read the article and find out more about this new technology from Google.

https://www.cnbc.com/2025/12/08/google-ai-glasses-launch-2026.html?msockid=3e823237b7b86c5f2f8f21e1b6ac6ddf

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to ramp up efforts” mean in this sentence? “Google is ramping up its efforts to compete against Meta.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “to get back into the game” mean in this sentence? “Google’s Monday updates come after the company in May announced that it would be getting back into the smart glasses game.” Use it in a sentence and give two synonyms.
  3. What does “competitive market” mean? “Other companies like Snap and Alibaba have also been churning out their own AI glasses offerings as the small but competitive market continues to grow.” Use it in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think AI glasses will become as common as smartphones? Why or why not?
  2. What are the potential advantages of audio-only glasses compared to glasses with a display?
  3. How might AI glasses change the way people communicate and learn languages?
  4. What risks or challenges could arise from wearing AI-powered glasses in public?
  5. How might AI glasses affect privacy and data security?

AI Artwork Sells for $1m

B2 – Upper Intermediate

A painting created by an artificial intelligence robot has sold for more than $1 million, showing how technology is changing the world of art. This surprising sale has sparked conversations about creativity, value, and whether machines can be considered real artists.

Read the article or watch the video to find out more information about this.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cpqdvz4w45wo

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to crack a code” mean? “The scientist played a crucial role in the Allies’ victory over Nazi Germany in World War Two by helping to crack codes and deciphering the infamous Enigma machine at Bletchley Park.” Make a sentence with this phrase and give a synonym or similar expression.
  2. What is the meaning of “to grapple with“? “Aidan Meller, director of the Ai-Da Robot Studios, said: “This auction is an important moment for the visual arts, where Ai-Da’s artwork brings focus on artworld and societal changes, as we grapple with the rising age of AI.” Use this phrase in a sentence and give a synonym or similar expression.
  3. What is the meaning of “outstrip”? “Sotheby’s said the online sale, which ended at 19:00 GMT on Thursday, was bought by an undisclosed buyer for a price “far outstripping the artwork’s estimate price”.” Make a sentence using the word and give a synonym or similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think AI can be considered an artist? Why or why not?
  2. Can AI truly be creative, or is it just copying patterns?
  3. What does the sale of AI art for over $1 million say about our society and culture?
  4. Can art still be meaningful if it has no emotions or life experiences behind it?
  5. How does knowing a robot made a painting change how you feel about it?

A Mother’s Plea after Girl Died Copying Social Media Trend

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

Sonia Hopkin, the mother of Tiegan Jarman, the 13-year-old girl who died after doing a trend she saw on TikTok, pleas for measures to be taken to make young children more aware not only about the dangers of household chemicals, but also of the internet. 

Read the article about a mother’s plea after losing her daughter over a social media trend.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cz94j0zd9j3o

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Define “chroming”. “Mrs Hopkin also called on TikTok to do more to stop actions, such as chroming, from becoming trends.” Use the term in a sentence.
  2. What does “solvent abuse” mean? “The mother of a girl who died while copying a “horrible” social media trend is calling for children to be taught about the dangers of solvent abuse.” Use the term in a sentence.
  3. What does “to raise awareness” mean? “Mrs Hopkin now wants to raise awareness of the “dangers of this horrible trend”.” Use the idiom in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts about what happened to Sonia Hopkin’s daughter?
  2. What is your opinion about introducing mandatory lessons about solvent abuse at schools?
  3. Share your thoughts on this, “One video would be bad, but the fact it has become a trend is unbelievable. It shouldn’t be available on the internet.“
  4. What can you say about Tik-tok’s statement, “Content promoting dangerous challenges is not allowed on TikTok, and we proactively removed 99.8% of videos that violated our policies on this issue before they were reported to us.”
  5. How are children taught about the dangers of social media and the internet at schools in your country?
  6. Have you ever heard of similar incident where a person got into trouble because of some trend they saw on social media?

AI to Help Doctors Find and Fix Broken Bones

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Artificial intelligence (AI) is changing the way doctors diagnose and treat bone problems. With new tools and technologies, bone treatment has become faster, more accurate, and easier for both patients and medical professionals.

Read this article to learn more about this.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ce9de78gdleo

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “pilot scheme” mean? “Trust will take part in a two-year NHS England pilot scheme starting later this month.” Use this term in a sentence. Give a synonym or similar expression.
  2. Define “dislocation“. “Artificial Intelligence (AI) will be used in hospitals to find fractures and dislocations and provide quicker treatment as part of a new trial.” Make a sentence using the word in the same context.
  3. What’s the meaning of “course of treatment“? “Every x-ray will still be examined by our clinicians, and they will make the final decision about the diagnosis and the correct course of treatment for that patient.” Use the phrase in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think AI should be allowed to assist in diagnosing medical conditions? Why or why not?
  2. The article mentions that AI will highlight “potential issues.”
    Do you think this could cause doctors to rely on AI too much, or will it help them work more efficiently?
  3. How do you feel about your personal medical information being processed by AI systems?
  4. If AI becomes highly accurate, should it eventually replace some tasks done by radiologists and clinicians, or should humans always make the final decision? Explain your viewpoint.

Smart Home Voice Control Changing Security Habits

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

The integration of voice control in smart home technologies has been reshaping the way homeowners manage their home security systems.

Tasks that used to require manual action or using a mobile application can now be done with a simple voice command.

Read the article about the fusion of voice assistants and home security systems.

https://www.articlecube.com/how-smart-home-voice-control-changing-everyday-security-habits

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “household safeguarding” mean? “This new relationship between voice control and household safeguarding is reshaping the everyday habits of households seeking a more secure, efficient experience.” Use the term in a sentence and give a synonym or similar expression.
  2. What does “arming system” mean? “This voice-activated communication is making individuals more disciplined about arming systems before going to sleep, checking the lock, and checking the alarms.” Use the term in a sentence and give a synonym or similar expression.
  3. What does “second nature” mean? “Asking a voice assistant to arm the system and pick up keys, making breakfast, and going out to work is second nature.”  Use the idiom in a sentence and give a synonym or similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the pros and cons of smart home voice control in home security?
  2. Share your thoughts and own experience with using voice assistants in your home security system.
  3. Share your insights on this, “This voice-activated communication is making individuals more disciplined about arming systems. The outcome will be a shift from reactive involvement to a more active, everyday security practice.”
  4. What do you think about this, “Voice control also helps one to be alert and informed, even where the user would have been distracted or fatigued.”?
  5. Share your thoughts on this, “Voice interaction is convenient and encourages users to engage more with their systems, resulting in improved security outcomes.”

Greece Is the Best Place to Retire 

B1 – Intermediate 

It has become very common for older people to live abroad in their golden years. They choose to spend their retirement years in another country.

Some factors they consider when choosing a place to retire in are climate, the cost of living, healthcare, and housing. 

International Living magazine released its Annual Global Retirement Index and named Greece as the best place to live in during a person’s sunset years.

Read the article about Greece as the best country to retire in the whole world.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2512/251204-retiring-in-greece.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “overseas” mean? “More and more people are choosing to spend their retirement overseas.” Use the word in a sentence and give 2 synonyms or similar expressions.
  2. What does “retiree” mean? “It is the first time Greece has been the number-one choice for retirees.” Use the word in a sentence and give 2 synonyms or similar expressions.
  3. What does “in every sense” mean? “Greece had what many people were looking for. The country was beautiful, welcoming, and affordable. It offered a lifestyle that feels rich in every sense.”  Use the phrase in a sentence and give a synonym or similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your opinion about Greece being the best place to retire?
  2. In general, what would make a place a very good place to retire in?
  3. Climate, the cost of living, healthcare, and housing are the most important things for older people who want to live in another country. Which one among these four factors do you think is the most important and why?
  4. In your opinion, where is the best place to retire and why?
  5. What do you think about retiring overseas?

Magnitude 4 Earthquakes in Alava

B2 – Upper Intermediate

A magnitude 4 earthquake struck the province of Álava, giving residents a brief but noticeable jolt. Although relatively moderate in strength, the quake was strong enough to be felt across several nearby towns, prompting many people to pause and check their surroundings.

Local authorities quickly reported that there were no immediate signs of serious damage or injuries, but monitoring continues to ensure everyone’s safety. Events like this serve as a reminder of the region’s seismic activity and the importance of staying informed and prepared.

Read this article to learn more about the earthquakes in Alava.

https://russpain.com/en/news-3/earthquake-magnitude-4-alarms-alava-and-neighboring-regions-347604

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the phrase “a tense atmosphere reigns” mean? “For several minutes, a tense atmosphere reigned in the streets until it became clear the danger had passed.” Use it in a sentence. 
  2. What does the word “rattling” mean? “At 12:10 a.m. local time, residents of Iruña de Oca and nearby areas were awakened by vibrating walls and rattling windows.” Use it in a sentence. 
  3. What does the word “aftershock” mean? “Experts emphasize that the likelihood of aftershocks is extremely low.” Use it in a sentence. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. How would you feel if you were awakened in the middle of the night by shaking walls or rattling windows?
  2. Share your thoughts about the public and the authorities’ response to the earthquakes.
  3. Have you ever experienced an earthquake before? What did you do at that moment?
  4. A magnitude 4 earthquake is considered “moderate.” Why do you think it caused so much alarm in Álava?
  5. Do you think most people in Europe are prepared for earthquakes? Why or why not?
  6. How much do you know about what to do when an earthquake occurs?