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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.

Examples of Employee Incentives

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Incentives come as form of reward employers provide to their employees to recognize their invaluable contributions to the organization.

These professional development opportunities are intended to boost workers’ morale, motivation, and consequently, productivity at work.

Read the article and check out some examples of employee incentives. Be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/examples-of-incentives

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is the difference between ”tangible reward” and “intangible reward”? ”The promise of an incentive—from an intangible reward like recognition to a tangible reward can motivate employees to work harder and use their time at work productively.” Use these words in sentences.
  2. What is a ”top talent”? “In a competitive marketplace, workplaces that reward employees with comprehensive benefits are better able to attract top talent and make sure they stay.” Use this term in a sentence.
  3. What does “well-rounded” mean, “Many offices include in-house amenities as a way to provide their employees with a more well-rounded workplace.”? Give 2 synonyms and use “well-rounded” in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why are employee incentives important?
  2. Is it okay to accept a job because of the incentives it offers? Share your thoughts.
  3. Name incentives (compensation, activities, perks) your company offers its employees.
  4. What incentives (compensation, activities, perks) would you like to receive?
  5. What professional development opportunities would you look for in your next company?

The Difference between Nice and Kind

B2 – Upper Intermediate

We often describe someone as “nice or kind” rather than “nice and kind”, primarily due to the common perception of these two words being synonymous. According to researchers, one represents a significantly superior quality compared to the other, though.

Read this article to learn the difference between nice and kind.

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/nice-kind-difference_l_650b53ffe4b0d75184692b0e

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to go to great lengths” mean? “While a nice person might go to great lengths to gain approval from others (potentially even causing harm in the process), a kind person engages in generous acts built on a foundation of self-love.” Use this idiom in a sentence.
  2. Define “fall short”. “By contrast, he believes niceness falls short of deep impact, perhaps in part due to its roots in notions of ignorance.” Use this in a sentence.
  3. What does “to let someone down” mean? “Sometimes being kind may mean letting someone down in the short term…” Make a sentence with this phrase.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How do “nice” and kind” differ from each other according to the article?
  2. How do you personally set the difference between being “nice” and being “kind” and which quality do you value more in your interactions with others?
  3. In your opinion, which is more valuable in building meaningful relationships – niceness or kindness?
  4. Can you recall a time when someone’s kindness had a significant impact on your life and how did it make you feel?
  5. According to Plante, “Our world is so fractured. We are very quick to be mean to each other and even cruel.” Do you agree or disagree with this statement?

The Hidden Meaning Behind Dress Codes

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Dress codes are implemented in many places, may it be at school, in the office, or in a swimming pool. These guidelines serve to mold the social atmosphere and uphold standards of attire. However, it prompts the question, “Why do we concern ourselves with what anyone chooses to wear?”.

Read this article to learn about the hidden meaning behind dress codes.

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/why-do-we-care-what-anyone-wears-experts-reveal-the-hidden-meaning-behind-dress-codes_l_6515c2c8e4b0e237dcdfa77b

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to size someone/something up” mean? “In reality, within seconds, all of us size someone up based on their appearance and determine what level of respect they should receive based on that finding.” Use this phrase in a sentence.
  2. Define “boom” in this context. “Participants who opted for formal business attire reported feeling more powerful and experienced a boom of “enhanced abstract thinking.” Use this in a sentence.
  3. What does “to ruffle someone’s feather” mean? “His recent look, deemed too casual by senators from both parties and “inappropriate” by fashion critics on Reddit, ruffled some feathers.” Make a sentence with this idiom.

Discussion Questions:

  1. In your opinion, do dress codes contribute to a more organized and structured society or do they stifle personal expression and creativity?
  2. Why do dress codes matter so much and why should we care? Share your insights.
  3. Share your views on this, “In reality, within seconds, all of us size someone up based on their appearance and determine what level of respect they should receive based on that finding.“.
  4. Do you agree or disagree to this, “Dress codes in the business world essentially function as signals of power.”? Explain your thoughts.
  5. What is your personal fashion style and how does it reflect your individuality and self-expression?
  6. Have you ever felt restricted or uncomfortable due to a dress code or clothing expectation in a specific environment? Share about that experience.

The 5 A.M. Productivity Trend

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Because of a growing trend on social media sites like TikTok, the early morning hours have taken center stage in the world of modern productivity. Many people display their “5-to-9s” with pride before starting their typical 9 to 5 workday. However, as enticing as this early morning routine may seem, it’s important to recognize that it isn’t a one-size-fits-all routine. In fact, there are specific groups for whom this regimen might not be the best fit.

Click on the link provided to know more about the sunrise productivity crowd.

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/5-am-productivity-trend_l_652575d8e4b09f4b8d4203e9

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to carve out something” mean in the sentence, “Beginning the day with personal interests sounds healthy, but carving out extra time is not easy, especially for those who have young kids or work long hours.”? Use this in your own sentence.
  2. What does “bad rap” mean in the sentence, “The pathway to world-class is hard. I think suffering’s got a bad rap.”? Use this in your own sentence.
  3. What does “to tack on something” mean, “Bill Clinton and John F. Kennedy liked to tack on extra sleep during their presidencies with naps.”? Use this in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Tell me about the 5 A.M. productivity trend and why has it gained popularity, particularly on platforms like TikTok.
  2. How do individuals typically structure their mornings during the 5 A.M. productivity trend, and what are the perceived benefits?
  3. Can you explain some potential drawbacks or concerns associated with following the 5 A.M. productivity trend?
  4. Have you entertained the thought of becoming a part of this trend? Tell me more.
  5. What time do you wake up and what is your pre-work/shift routine?
  6. Discuss some tips or guidelines for individuals who want to experiment with early rising, while still prioritizing their overall health and well-being.

Google Your Health Symptoms Effectively

B2 – Upper Intermediate

In the age of information, turning to the internet for health-related queries has become second nature. However, distinguishing credible medical information from the misleading or anxiety-inducing can be a daunting task.

How do we discern reliable healthcare data from the misleading, and prevent ourselves from succumbing to unnecessary anxiety?

Click on the link provided to empower you with the skills needed to navigate the vast sea of health facts online, while maintaining your peace of mind.

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/how-to-google-health-symptoms-goog_l_651480ade4b07c60b51571b5

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “go awry” mean, “Surveys suggest about 90% of patients Google their symptoms before they talk to their doctor. But it can, of course, quickly go awry.”? Use this in your own sentence.
  2. What does “brush up on something” mean, “Brush up on some study basics.”? Use this in your own sentence.
  3. What does “due diligence” mean, “It can also be useful to look for media coverage of a study, because in an ideal world, health reporters and editors are doing their due diligence when deciding what to cover.”? Use this in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the key guidelines for effectively Googling health symptoms? Provide me with information about them.
  2. How can individuals ensure that they are not unnecessarily alarming themselves when conducting online health research?
  3. Can you explain the importance of seeking information from reputable sources when Googling health symptoms?
  4. Do you resort to using Google to investigate your symptoms? Please share.
  5. What are some effective ways to stop oneself from becoming overly anxious while exploring health information on the internet? Tell me more.

China’s Inventions Changed the World

B1 – Intermediate

China, a land steeped in history and culture, has given the world some truly incredible inventions. These inventions have not only shaped China’s own society, but have also had a profound impact on the rest of the world.

Let’s read the article below to know more about Chinese inventions that changed the world.

https://www.english-online.at/news-articles/history/chinese-inventions-during-song-dynasty.htm

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “course of history” mean? “Chinese inventions have changed the world during the course of history.” Give a synonym and use “course of history” in a sentence.
  2. What does “date back” mean? “Most of them date back to the Song Dynasty, which ruled the Asian empire between 960 and 1280 A.D.” Give a synonym and use “date back” in a sentence.
  3. What does “at the height of” mean? “It was during this era that drinking tea was at the height of its popularity.” Give a synonym and use “at the height of” in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How do you think China’s early inventions compare to modern technological innovations in terms of their impact on the world?
  2. How have these Chinese inventions influenced the fields of science and technology on a global scale?
  3. Can you think of any other inventions or discoveries from different cultures that had a similar impact on the world as these Chinese inventions?

A World Without Antibiotics

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Antibiotics are like superheroes in the world of medicine. They are tiny but mighty, and they play a crucial role in helping our bodies combat infections and illnesses. These remarkable substances, although small in size, wield immense power. They are the front-line defenders that our immune system relies on to conquer invading germs and restore our health.

Let’s read the article below to know more about it.

https://www.english-online.at/news-articles/health-medicine/world-without-antibiotics.htm

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “run out” mean? “In some areas, especially Third World countries and densely populated areas in India, Pakistan or Bangladesh doctors have already run out of antibiotics.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “densely populated” mean? “In some areas, especially Third World countries and densely populated areas in India, Pakistan or Bangladesh doctors have already run out of antibiotics.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “call for action” mean? “Health experts call for increased action to fight off diseases.”  Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the potential consequences of a world without antibiotics? Explain.
  2. Can you think of any alternative solutions or treatments that might be used if antibiotics become less effective?
  3. How might the loss of effective antibiotics affect the treatment of infectious diseases in developing countries?
  4. How do you think healthcare professionals can effectively communicate the importance of responsible antibiotic use to patients?
  5. Are there any natural or alternative remedies that can be used to help treat common infections in place of antibiotics?

Regular Exercise Improves Memory

B1 – Intermediate

Exercise is a simple but powerful way to keep your body and mind healthy. Whether you’re a beginner or an exercise pro, it can make a huge difference in how you feel every day.

In this article, we’ll explore why exercise is important and how it can help you stay fit and happy.

https://www.english-online.at/news-articles/health-medicine/regular-exercise-can-improve-your-memory.htm

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “mild form” mean? “More than 6% of all people around the world have a mild form of cognitive impairment.” Give a synonym and use ‘mild form’ in a sentence.
  2. What does “cognitive impairment” mean? “More than 6% of all people around the world have a mild form of cognitive impairment.” Give a synonym and use ‘impairment’ in a sentence.
  3. What does “to cope with” mean” “Unlike people with dementia, those with mild cognitive impairment can cope with their regular routine, like getting dressed or preparing meals.” Give a synonym and use ‘impairment’ in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How does exercise impact the brain and why is this important for memory enhancement?
  2. How can people incorporate exercise into their daily routines to improve memory?
  3. What are some examples of simple memory-boosting exercises that anyone can do?
  4. Are there any potential barriers or challenges people might face when trying to exercise for memory improvement? How can these be overcome?
  5. How do you think society as a whole can encourage more people to prioritize regular exercise for memory improvement and overall health?