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AI Taking Over the Hiring Process

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly reshaping the way companies recruit and hire talent. From screening resumes to scheduling interviews, AI tools are streamlining processes that once took days or weeks.

While these technologies offer efficiency and objectivity, they also raise questions about fairness, transparency, and the human touch in hiring.

In this article, we explore how AI is taking over parts of the recruitment process and what it means for both employers and job seekers.

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/ai-screener-interviews-jobs_l_6908f3ace4b0ad5446e1157e

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to slog through” mean? “Candidates are slogging through the process trying to just get as much as a conversation, and recruiters and hiring managers are being drowned in resumes and applications by the hundreds.” Use this phrase in a sentence and give a synonym.
  2. What does “to get unstuck out of the mud” mean? “All this AI stuff has felt like a way to try to get unstuck out of the mud, because without it, there’s no way that recruiters could meaningfully sift through the number of applications they’re getting.” Make a sentence with this. Give a synonym or similar expression.
  3. What is the meaning of “to break through the noise“? “The most effective way to break through the noise is through networking and personal connections.” Create a sentence with this idiom and give a synonym or similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How does AI help recruiters manage the large number of applications more efficiently?
  2. What benefits do job seekers get from AI screenings or automated processes, if any?
  3. In your opinion, what is the most promising benefit of integrating AI into the hiring process?
  4. How could candidates leverage AI-driven hiring systems to their advantage?
  5. How would you feel if an AI system reviewed your job application instead of a human recruiter?

Encouraging People to Save is the Key to Financial Resilience

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The article argues that to withstand economic shocks, people need more than just emergency funds systems must proactively support saving. It highlights how employers, policymakers, and institutions around the world can help build financial buffers for individuals.

Read the article to know how to make saving a more structured and accessible habit.

https://www.weforum.org/stories/2025/03/saving-is-key-to-financial-resilience/?

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “staggering” mean? “The financial aftermath post-treatment is staggering: a five-figure medical bill that forced you to use all of your savings, take on high-interest debt and postpone critical expenses for your family.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “unravel” mean? “This is a stark reminder of how quickly a single unexpected event can unravel a household’s financial stability, and how vital it is to build resilience before a crisis strikes.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “financial buffer” mean? “The importance of building financial buffers cannot be overstated. Yet for many households, savings remain a low priority – until circumstances leave no alternative.” Use it in a sentence. Give a similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why do you think many people still struggle to save even when they know it’s important for financial resilience?
  2. What kind of support or systems would help you personally save more consistently?
  3. Do you agree that employers and governments should play a bigger role in encouraging people to save? Why or why not?
  4. How has your own approach to saving changed during economic uncertainties?
  5. What small habit do you think could make the biggest impact on someone’s long-term financial stability?
  6. Share your thoughts on this: Our current savings systems are largely reactive rather than proactive.
  7. What are your thoughts on the idea of employer-sponsored savings programmes?

Shared Reality as a Key Component of Close Relationships

B2 – Upper Intermediate

New research in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that a shared sense of reality plays a such a vital role in social connections.

The research explains how when we meet someone for the first time, we feel that we “click” with that individual. Moreover, it offers an insight about how sometimes, romantic couples and close friends have a sense that they share the same thoughts and feelings about the world.

Read the article to know how shared reality builds social connection and makes relationships stronger.

Psychologists identify “shared reality” as a key component of close relationships

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “riff off” mean? “You know the feeling of striking up a conversation with a stranger and immediately starting to finish each other’s ideas and riff off of each other?” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “subjective experience” mean? “In nine studies with 1,571 participants in total, the researchers found evidence that the subjective experience of sharing a set of feelings, beliefs and concerns about the world was a defining feature of close relationships.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “inside joke” mean? “Couples high on shared reality engage in motivated behaviors to restore their sense of shared reality, like referencing inside jokes and shared memories or trips they took together. “ Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How do you think couples can create a stronger shared reality when they’re going through stressful or uncertain times?
  2. Why do you think shared reality plays such a big role in helping couples build stronger relationship?
  3. What do you think are the dark sides to shared reality?
  4. Why are humans motivated to establish a shared reality with others?
  5. Does a lack of shared reality lead to conflict, and can it be a divisive force, as seen in social and political divides? 

A Space for Teen Boys to Speak Openly about Their Struggles

B2 – Upper Intermediate

At Oberlin High School in Ohio, educators have launched a groundbreaking program designed to help adolescent boys open up about their feelings. Recognizing that many teen boys struggle to express their emotions—reportedly only 38 % feel comfortable discussing mental health with friends—this initiative creates a safe space for discussion and reflection.

Watch the video and read the article to learn more about this school program called “Men’s Work”.

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/oberlin-ohio-high-school-unique-space-teen-boys-speak-openly-struggles

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is an “emotional roller coaster“? “I think boys, in particular, feel this emotional roller coaster, this push and pull, on the one hand, I’m hearing from media and news that I think men should be able to cry.” Use this expression in a sentence.
  2. Define “manosphere“. “The Men’s Work sessions are designed to discuss and challenge messaging from the “manosphere” that students like Santos Navarro, a senior at Oberlin High, are frequently exposed to online.” Make a sentence with this term.
  3. What does “to be drawn to someone/something” mean in this context?  “It’s one reason that some young men are drawn to social influencers collectively known as the “manosphere,”” Create a sentence using this idiom.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your personal reaction to this initiative? Would you support a program like this in your school?
  2. According to the article/video, what are some of the benefits boys experience from participating?
  3. How can schools create a safe space for boys to share their feelings?
  4. How can emotional literacy help students in their academic and personal lives?
  5. What do you think young boys/men in your country struggle with?
  6. Share your insights on what you believe it means to be a modern man.
  7. What are your thoughts about “manosphere”?

Malawi’s First Climbers Take Their Sport to New Heights

B2 – Upper Intermediate

As stress and pressure continue to affect young people in Malawi, many are turning to an unexpected source of relief—rock climbing. What was once a little-known sport in the country is now gaining popularity among the youth, who see it not only as a physical challenge but also as a way to clear their minds, build confidence, and find balance in their daily lives.

Read this article to learn more about it.

https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2025/jul/29/malawi-first-rock-climbers-bouldering-take-their-sport-to-new-heights

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “jutt out” mean? “But, once it jutted out at a 25-degree overhang, he struggled – and was hooked.” Use this in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. Define “self-sufficient“. “The coronavirus pandemic was a wake-up call that Malawi’s climbers had to be more self-sufficient, says Nhlane, 34.” Make a sentence with this. Give a synonym.
  3. What does the expression “to never look back” mean? “Ed Nhlane was running a tour guiding company and hoping to get into rock climbing when he heard about Algeo’s wall through a friend in 2019. ‘I never looked back,’ he says.” Use this in a sentence. Give a similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why do you think rock climbing is becoming a popular sport among young Malawians?
  2. What personal qualities or skills do you think rock climbing helps develop among the youths?
  3. Do you think governments should invest in outdoor recreational facilities for young people? Why or why not?
  4. How might economic or social challenges in Malawi influence young people to seek new hobbies like rock climbing?
  5. In what ways can adventure sports like rock climbing positively impact mental health?

Alberta Curbs Immigration to Boost Youth Employment

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The Alberta government is exploring measures to curb immigration, with the hope that reducing the influx of new residents will create more job opportunities for young people in the province.

Officials say this strategy aims to address rising youth unemployment and provide Alberta’s next generation with a stronger foothold in the labor market.

Read this article and watch the video to learn more about the topic.

https://globalnews.ca/news/11433837/alberta-government-immigration-youth-employment

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to reach out to someone” mean? “Alberta’s government is helping to pay $10 of the hourly wage for young people up to 400 hours,” explained Smith. So if you’re looking for staff, do please reach out to them.” Make a sentence with this phrase.
  2. Define “resume targeting“. “They’re free to access for anyone aged 15 – 24, and provide services that range from resume targeting, interview prep and connecting youth with potential employers.” Use this phrase in a sentence.
  3. What does “transferable skill” mean? “Communication, working within a team, those are things they’re actively doing at school, along with transferable skills they’ve learned at home.” Create a sentence with this term.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How might immigrants and newcomers feel about such a policy?
  2. Do you think youth unemployment is caused more by a lack of opportunities or by other factors, such as skills or education? Explain your stance.
  3. In your opinion, should governments prioritize local employment over the benefits brought by immigration? Why or why not?
  4. How do you think immigrants contribute to the job market, and how might limiting them affect different sectors?
  5. What’s your opinion on this line from the article “A lack of job experience doesn’t mean a lack of skills.“?

Google Maps Now with an AI Conversational Companion

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Google Maps just got a lot more helpful. It now includes a smart voice assistant that you can talk to while you drive. Instead of just showing directions, it can answer questions, help you find places, and make your trip smoother, all without needing to touch your phone.

Read the article and also listen to the audio and see how this new feature is changing the way people travel making driving safer, easier, and more connected than ever before.

https://fortune.com/2025/11/06/google-maps-gemini-conversational-companion-ai

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. In tech speak, what does “hallucination” mean? “AI chatbots, like Gemini and OpenAI’s ChatGPT, have sometimes lapsed into periods of “hallucinations” — but Google is promising that built-in safeguards will prevent Maps from accidentally sending drivers down the wrong road.” Use the term in a sentence in the same context.
  2. Define the word “overhaul“. “The changes have included an overhaul of Google’s ubiquitous search engine that has de-emphasized a listing of relevant web links in its results and increasingly highlighted AI overviews and conversational responses provided through an AI mode.” Use it in a sentence and give a synonym.
  3. What is the meaning of “prodded by“? “Prodded by OpenAI’s release of ChatGPT in late 2022, Google has been steadily rolling out more of its own technology designed to ensure its products continue to evolve with the upheaval being unleashed by AI.” Use it in a sentence. Give a similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How do you feel about Google using AI to improve Google Maps to it a more conversational companion?
  2. Would you feel comfortable talking to your AI map while walking or driving? Why or why not?
  3. “Google is hoping the AI features will turn into a showcase that help gives Gemini a competitive edge against ChatGPT.” Do you think this will be so? Share your insights.
  4. Share your thoughts about AI chatbots sometimes lapsing into periods of “hallucinations”.
  5. What is your preferred navigation app and what makes it better than the others?

Top Health and Nutrition Trends 2026

B2 – Upper Intermediate

In 2026, the health and wellness landscape is evolving rapidly. More consumers are turning to plant-based proteins and avoiding additives as they aim for holistic well-being. With weight management a major concern globally, newer therapies such as GLP-1 medications are gaining traction alongside traditional diet and exercise. These shifts mean health strategy is becoming a long-term enterprise-level concern.

Read the article to know why employers and health-plan providers are grappling with structural cost pressures, deferred care surges, high-cost claims and pharmacy spend.

Top Health and Nutrition Trends 2026: Global Market Overview

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “holistic approach” mean? “Among global consumers, Gen Z and Millennials are viewing naturalness from a holistic approach.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “to gain a competitive edge” mean? “Therefore, highlighting the benefits of plant-based products can help brands tailor to younger consumers and gain a competitive edge.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “key driver” mean? “Additionally, the movement toward preventative health is a key driver of nutrition trends, with global consumers seeking more proactive approaches to well-being.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How do you feel about the growing trend of using plant-based proteins instead of meat? Do you think it’s something you’d try long-term?
  2. Many people are now focusing on mental wellness and stress recovery. What do you usually do to relax or clear your mind?
  3. Wearable health tech is becoming more popular for tracking sleep, fitness, and stress. Would you be interested in using one, or do you prefer traditional methods?
  4. The article mentioned “quiet burnout” becoming more common. Have you ever experienced something like that without realizing it at first?
  5. With more people paying attention to gut health and balanced nutrition, what are some healthy food habits you’d like to build or improve this year?

Breast Cancer Screening Scandal Outrages Spain

B2 – Upper Intermediate

A major scandal has erupted in the southern Spanish region of Andalucía, where thousands of women were reportedly never informed that their mammograms showed inconclusive or abnormal results, preventing crucial follow‑up tests. 

The fallout has triggered mass protests, the resignation of the regional health minister, and a national investigation into cancer‑screening programmes. Authorities say about 2,000 women may have been affected, and legal action is now being pursued. 

Read this article to know more about Andalusian health authorities failing to inform thousands of female patients about the results of their breast cancer screening.

https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20251008-breast-cancer-screening-scandal-outrages-spain?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to bow to the pressure” mean? “Andalusia’s leader Juanma Moreno bowed to the pressure and announced the resignation of his health minister on Wednesday evening.” Use the word in a sentence. 
  2. What does “to lash out at someone” mean? “Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez also lashed out at conservative leader Alberto Nunez Feijoo in parliament over the scandal, saying his party “defended the interests of private healthcare”.” Use the word in a sentence. 
  3. What does the phrase “to spill over into something” mean? “But the scandal spilt over into the national arena, with far-left Health Minister Monica Garcia saying on social media she had required all the regions to submit cancer screening data “to strengthen surveillance”.”  Use the phrase in a sentence. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. How do you feel about the news that thousands of women were not informed about their breast cancer screening results?
  2. Why is it important for patients to receive timely information about medical tests?
  3. How might such a scandal affect public trust in the healthcare system?
  4. If it were you, would you go and join the protest? Why or why not?
  5. How do protests and public outrage influence government actions in healthcare scandals?

Spain Orders Poultry Indoors As Bird Flu Spreads

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Spain has ordered all high-risk areas to keep their poultry indoors starting November 10, 2025, after a surge in bird flu cases across Europe. The government said the move is a precaution to prevent farmed birds from coming into contact with infected wild birds.

The order affects several regions in the southwest, center, and north of Spain. While it may temporarily impact free-range farming, officials stress that keeping poultry indoors is necessary to protect animal health and prevent major outbreaks.

Read this article to know more about this restriction amid rising avian flu cases.

https://phys.org/news/2025-11-spain-poultry-indoors-bird-flu.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to confine something indoors” mean? “Spain will confine poultry indoors in several regions starting Monday in response to escalating cases of avian influenza across Europe, the agriculture ministry said Wednesday.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “to prompt concern” mean? “The virus can spread through bird droppings and saliva, as well as contaminated food and water, prompting concern among farmers and health authorities.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “free-range” mean?  “Free-range poultry farming will be banned in these zones starting November 10, save for exceptional cases. No end date has been set.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is avian flu? What are all the information you know about it?
  2. What are some effects of avian flu on humans?
  3. What do you think about Spain’s decision to keep poultry indoors?
  4. How might this rule affect poultry farmers and industry?
  5. In your opinion, how important is it to balance food production with animal health and safety?