Tag: Text

Snap Inc Blames AI as It Lays Off 1,000 Workers

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Snap, the parent company of Snapchat, plans to cut about 1,000 jobs as it tries to reduce costs and improve efficiency. The move follows pressure from an activist investor and reflects the company’s growing reliance on artificial intelligence, which it says is helping smaller teams work faster and handle more tasks.

Read this article to learn more about it.

https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2026/apr/15/snap-inc-blames-ai-worker-layoffs

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is an “activist investor“? “Cuts by Snapchat’s parent company come in response to a declining stock price and pressure from an activist investor.” Make a sentence with this. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “mass layoff” mean? “Snap, which owns the photo- and video-sharing app Snapchat, joins a host of other tech companies that have carried out mass layoffs amid the AI boom.” Use this in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. Define “murky” “Although Spiegel’s memo stated that the company had already seen productivity benefits from AI, many experts and workers believe that the reality of receiving gains from implementing AI is murkier.” Use it in a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why do you think companies like Snap are cutting jobs while investing more in AI?
  2. Do you think AI is truly replacing human work, or are companies using it as a reason to reduce costs? Share your insights.
  3. What are the possible benefits of running a company with smaller, AI-assisted teams?
  4. Do you think tech companies are moving too quickly toward AI-driven workplaces? Explain.
  5. If your company said that AI could now do part of your job, how would you respond?

Driverless Taxis Set to Launch in UK

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Driverless taxis are starting to appear on city streets as companies test how well this technology works in real traffic. These vehicles are designed to operate without a human driver, using sensors, cameras, and artificial intelligence to move safely and efficiently. While they offer convenience and innovation, they also raise questions about safety, trust, and the future of transportation.

Read this article to learn more about it.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/czej9n578k9o

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “at the wheel” mean? “But when the service launches to paying passengers, there will be no human at the wheel.” Use this in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. Define “fleet“. “The firm, which is owned by Google-parent Alphabet, showed off a fleet of cars it brought to the UK at London’s Transport Museum on Wednesday.” Make a sentence with this. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “hail‘ mean in this context? “Passengers will be able to hail Waymo robotaxis via an app once the rules permit.” Use this in a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Would you feel comfortable riding in a driverless taxi? Why or why not?
  2. What do you think are the biggest advantages of driverless taxis?
  3. What concerns might people have about using a taxi with no human driver?
  4. How might driverless taxis affect the jobs of taxi drivers and ride-hailing drivers?
  5. What kind of rules should governments create before allowing driverless taxis on public roads?
  6. Do you think people will trust self-driving cars easily, or will it take a long time?

Where You Grow Up Affects Your Personality

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The place where a person grows up can have a strong influence on their personality. Their home environment, the people around them, their culture, and the experiences they have while growing up can all shape the way they think, feel, and interact with others. For example, someone raised in a quiet rural area may develop different habits and values than someone who grows up in a busy city. These differences can affect communication style, confidence, interests, and even the way a person handles problems and relationships.

Read this article to learn about it.

https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20260206-is-our-identity-affected-by-where-we-live/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to take with a grain of salt” mean? “These results are always to be taken with a grain of salt, though, says Vignoles, as it is extremely difficult to disentangle behaviour, personality, culture and many other influences that come into play in this realm – and there is still so much more research to be done in the field.” Use this in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “how someone sees themselves” mean? “While the basic idea that culture shapes how people see themselves is now well supported in psychology, it did come as a surprise to some psychologists in the mid-20th Century, Vignoles says.” Use this in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. Define “encapsulate“. “Similarly, about 14% supported theories suggesting the self isn’t biological but rather encapsulated in something like a soul, and that that is what makes us who we are, no matter where we’ve grown up. “ Use this in a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think the place where you grew up strongly affects your personality? Why or why not?
  2. If you had grown up in a different country or city, how do you think you would be different today?
  3. Which shapes a person more: genes, family, culture, or the environment? Explain.
  4. Do people from big cities and small towns usually have different personalities? In what ways?
  5. Have you ever noticed changes in your own personality after moving, traveling, or meeting people from different backgrounds?
  6. Which part of your personality do you think comes most from where you grew up?

Australia EV Sales Surge

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Electric vehicle sales in Australia increased sharply in March as more people looked for alternatives to petrol cars. With fuel prices rising and concerns about fuel shortages growing, many buyers are turning to EVs, although challenges such as charging access and affordability still remain.

Read this article to learn more about it.

http://abc.net.au/news/2026-04-07/australia-ev-sales-spike-amid-fuel-fears-rising-petrol-prices/106516598

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “iron out” mean? “But as fuel supply disruptions ripple through global markets and households look to lower their costs, experts are warning that now is the time to iron out existing roadblocks to that transition.” Use this in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “ripple through” mean? “But as fuel supply disruptions ripple through global markets and households look to lower their costs, experts are warning that now is the time to iron out existing roadblocks to that transition.“ Use this in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “bring something to the fore” mean? “But since the conflict in the Middle East brought global fuel vulnerability to the fore, consumer interest has spiked.” Use this in a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why do you think more Australians are buying electric vehicles now? Is it the same in your country?
  2. Do you think people are buying EVs mainly to save money or to help the environment? Explain your answer.
  3. What are the advantages and disadvantages of owning an electric vehicle?
  4. Do you think fuel shortages can change the way people buy cars? Why or why not?
  5. If you were planning to buy a car this year, would you choose an electric vehicle, a hybrid, or a petrol car? Why?

The Science and Myth of Sleepwalking

B2 – Upper Intermediate

People have long been curious about the strange experience of moving around while asleep. Many old beliefs about it, such as the idea that waking someone in this state is dangerous, are myths. Today, science shows that stress, genetics, and poor sleep habits often play a role in these nighttime episodes.

Let’s read the article and see how science clears up the myths about sleepwalking.

https://interestingengineering.com/culture/body-wanders-brain-naps-science-myth-sleepwalking

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to hover on” mean? “Sleepwalking, or somnambulism, belongs to a family of sleep disorders called parasomnias, behaviors that hover on the boundary between sleeping and waking.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. Define the phrase “to ripple through“.”Deep in stage 3 of NREM, a surge of activity ripples through the motor networks while regions needed for self-awareness and decision-making stay largely offline.” Use it in a sentence and give two synonyms.
  3. What does the adjective “garbled” mean? “Passers-by may receive a blank stare or garbled replies.” Use it in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why do you think people have created so many myths about sleepwalking?
  2. What everyday factors do you think can trigger sleepwalking episodes?
  3. What risks might sleepwalkers face if they are not guided or protected?
  4. Can you think of a time when stress or tiredness affected your sleep in unusual ways?
  5. How do you think sleep science has changed the way people understand sleepwalking today?

War in Middle East Creating Fertilizer Shortage

B1 –  Intermediate 

The war in Iran has raised fertilizer prices. Shipping in the Strait of Hormuz is disrupted. About 30–40% of fertilizer trade is affected. Farmers now pay more and may grow fewer crops. The United Nations warns of higher food prices and possible shortages.

Read the article about how the war in Middle East is creating fertilizer shortage.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2603/260330-fertilizer-shortages-5.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “yield” mean here, “In the worst case, this means lower yields and crop failures next season.”? Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  2. What is “input cost”? “In the best case, higher input costs will be included in food prices next year.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  3. What does “dual cost shock” mean? “Farmers are facing a dual cost shock.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. Explain how the conflict in the Middle East affect global food prices.
  2. What could the United Nations or governments do to reduce the impact of this crisis?
  3. How can countries reduce their dependence on imported fertilizers?
  4. How could rising fertilizer prices affect farming in your country? 
  5. Do you think food prices will continue to rise in the future? Why or why not?
  6. Do you think consumers in your country would change their eating habits if food prices increase? Why or why not?

Spanish Island Magaluf Launched a Selfie Trail for Tourists

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The resort town on the Spanish island of Majorca, Magaluf, has introduced a playful twist to sightseeing: a dedicated selfie trail. Instead of wandering aimlessly in search of the perfect backdrop, visitors can follow a mapped route designed for the perfect selfie.

Let’s listen to the audio and discover how this new selfie trail is transforming tourism.

https://www.firstpost.com/lifestyle/the-spanish-island-which-has-launched-a-selfie-trail-for-tourists-13998392.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “foot traffic” mean? “While the selfie trail promotes sustainable tourism by spreading foot traffic to lesser-known scenic spots, it raises a philosophical question for the modern lifestyle.” Use it in your own sentence. Give a similar expression.
  2. What does “the lens of change” mean? “The lens of change has focused the future of the region.” Use it in your own sentence. Give a similar expression.
  3. What is the meaning of “hinterland“? “The trail moves away from the neon lights and toward the soul of the island, showcasing the rural hinterland, the historic Cas Saboners estate, and the rugged beauty of the Illa de Sa Porrassa.“ Use it in your own sentence. Give a similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why do you think destinations are creating selfie trails for tourists?
  2. How might a selfie trail change the way people experience sightseeing?
  3. Do you think a selfie trail could also be a good idea in your own city? Why or why not?
  4. What are your thoughts on this, “The Selfie Trail suggests that the best way to change behavior is not through prohibition, but through redirection.“?
  5. Share your opinion on this statement, “This new model thrives on the premise that travelers are no longer just tourists; they are publishers.“
  6. Share your opinion on this statement, “UNESCO has voiced concerns that selfie-tourism can lead to a shallow engagement with culture, where the history of a site is eclipsed by its value as a backdrop.”
  7. How does the selfie culture influence modern travel habits?

US Wants Gamers to Become Air Traffic Controllers

B1 –  Intermediate 

There is a shortage of about 3,000 air traffic controllers. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the USA is recruiting gamers to become air traffic controllers.

The FAA thinks gamers may have useful skills. Officials want more young people to apply.

Read the article about USA’s FAA recruiting gamers to become air traffic controllers.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2604/260413-air-traffic-controller-gaming.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “recruitment campaign” mean in this context, “The USA’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has launched a recruitment campaign aimed at gamers.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  2. What is a “candidate pool”? “Our union welcomes innovative approaches to expanding the candidate pool, including outreach to individuals with high-level skills, such as gamers, so long as all pathways maintain the rigorous standards required of this safety-critical profession.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  3. What is a “tagline”? “The tagline is explicitly aimed at gamers.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think about FAA trying to recruit gamers as air traffic controllers?
  2. What skills from gaming might help in this job?
  3. Do you think gamers are a good fit for this job? Why or why not?
  4. What do you think about the job of being an air traffic controller?
  5. Why do you think there is a shortage of air traffic controllers in America? Is it the same situation in your country? Talk about it.

Free Electricity in the UK

B1 –  Intermediate 

People in the UK may get free or cheap electricity this summer.

NESO made this idea to use extra energy better and help the system work well.

Read the article about getting discounted or even free electricity in the UK this summer.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2604/260416-free-electricity.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “in excess” mean? “Power companies say that on sunny days, weather conditions result in excess supply.” Use the phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  2. What does a “zero-carbon future” mean? “National Energy System Operator (NESO) also says it will deliver what is needed to reach a zero-carbon future.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  3. What is a “solar panel”? “There is also more energy coming from  solar panels.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your opinion about discounted or free power?
  2. Have you ever experienced getting free or discounted electricity? If not, do you think it should be done too? Share your opinion.
  3. “The market has the capacity to deliver sufficient supply.” Is it the same situation in your country? Discuss.
  4. What are your thoughts on this, “There could be free summer power even with the war in the Middle East.”?
  5. Do you believe we can reach a zero-carbon future? Share your opinion.

Wildlife Trade Fuels the Spread of Diseases to Humans

B2 – Upper Intermediate

A new study found that 41% of traded wild mammals carry diseases transmissible to humans, compared to just 6.4% of non-traded species.

Read the article to know more about why experts warn that activities like hunting and transporting wildlife increase the chances of future pandemics and call for stricter global regulation.

https://www.gavi.org/vaccineswork/wildlife-trade-fuelling-spread-diseases-humans-study-finds

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “spillover” mean? “The global wildlife trade could be accelerating the spillover of diseases from animals to humans” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “multilateral agreement” mean? “Currently, the main multilateral agreement governing international trade in wild species, CITES, focuses primarily on preventing extinction.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “disease emergence” mean? “To reduce disease emergence, these opportunities for encounters must be limited, and therefore the overall volume of trade.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why do you think wildlife trade still continues despite the health risks?
  2. How can governments balance economic needs and public health when it comes to wildlife trade?
  3. Do you think pandemics caused by animals are preventable? Why or why not?
  4. How might wildlife trade affect not just health, but also the environment?
  5. Would you support stricter penalties for illegal wildlife trade? Why or why not?