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Man Collects Old Apple Devices

B1 – Intermediate

Everyone has that one thing they love so much. Sometimes, they even collect them. There are many reasons for someone to collect something.

Jimmy Grewal collects old Apple devices and accessories.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about Jimmy Grewal’s Apple products collection.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/man-collects-old-apple-devices-level-2/

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think of this man’s obsession with Apple products?
  2. What are all the Apple products you have owned?
  3. What is something that reminds you of your childhood and why?
  4. What is something that you wanted as a child but you couldn’t have it and when you became older, you got or bought it? Why do you want this thing so much? How did you feel finally having it?
  5. Is there something you collect? Why do you collect this thing? Talk about your own collection.
  6. What are reasons people collect things?

Swedes Don’t Feed Their Children’s Playmates

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Cultures’ customs on hospitality differ. It is said that hospitality customs are very complicated issue.

Swedes are under fire on social media. Apparently, visiting playmates of their children are not offered snacks or to join the family’s meal. 

Find out why and why it is causing an uproar online.

https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2022/jun/01/its-a-scandi-scandal-why-has-social-media-turned-on-sweden

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on Swedes’ not feeding their children’s playmates when they visit? In your opinion, should Swedes change this? Why or why not?
  2. What is the custom in your country on this? Is it customary in your country to offer house guests food?
  3. What are other customs you have with house visitors and when visiting others’ home?
  4. Do families eat together in your country? Why or why not?
  5. Do you agree or disagree that “the meaning of shared meals and, in particular, the cultural mechanism of hospitality runs deep”? Share your insights.
  6. Share some mealtime customs in your country.

Airlines Miss Climate Change Targets

B1 – Intermediate

Since the year 2000, UK airlines have set their climate change targets. However, according to the climate group Possible, airlines have not had any success in reducing their carbon footprints.

Read the article about how airlines fail to reach their climate change targets.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2205/220512-climate-change-targets-1.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. The climate record of airlines was very “poor”. What is your reaction to this?
  2. Do you think that the airlines set impossible targets that’s why they failed? Share your opinion.
  3. To meet the goal to be net zero, frequent fliers should pay more. What is your opinion on this?

Tax Millionaires More

B1 – Intermediate

With global crises like the Coronavirus pandemic and the Ukraine war, it has been difficult for many countries and their citizens.  The prices of food and energy have increased a lot recently. 

It is necessary for global leaders to think of solutions to our many economic problems. Some millionaires think they should be taxed more by their governments.

Read the article about rich people asking their governments to tax them more.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2205/220526-millionaires-tax-1.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your opinion on these rich people asking their governments to increase their taxes?
  2. Do you think rich people are paying very little taxes? Should they pay higher taxes? Explain your opinion.
  3. How else can economies recover from economic crisis?
  4. How is the economy of your country now and what is your government’s plan to improve the economy of your country?
  5. How are you and everyone in your country affected by the the cost of living crisis?

Upskilling and the Future of Work

B2 – Upper Intermediate

If you haven’t noticed, the world as we know it is changing ever so fast. No one is spared from keeping up with the times. No employee remains indispensable.

For one to stay competitive in their industry and relevant in the workplace, there is a  compelling need to be honing or discovering new skill sets. 

Read the article below about the importance of upskilling.

https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20220412-what-upskilling-means-for-the-future-of-work

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why is upskilling important?
  2. Does your company offer training sessions on various subjects and do you normally sign up for them? What is the most significant skill have you acquired so far?
  3. Is this statement true in your industry or kind of job: “the skills required in the workforce are changing fast”? Explain.
  4. What are ways you get yourself ahead of the curve professionally?
  5. What other hard and soft skills do you wish to acquire and why?

Companies’ Business Model: Supporting and Rewarding Employees

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Any perceptive company would be wise enough to put their money on their employees’ mental health and overall wellness to ensure they remain motivated and feeling supported. 

Read the article below about some companies that support and reward their employees.

https://www.inc.com/graham-winfrey/best-workplaces-editors-list-2022.html?cid=sf01002

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you agree that “companies should be invested in their employees’ success, no matter the cost”? Explain.
  2. Which perk/s mentioned in the article do you also want to get?
  3. What are things your company invest in when it comes to its employees’ wellness?
  4. In what other ways do you think your company supports its employees?
  5. Where is the best place you’ve ever worked in and why?

The End of Retirement

B2 – Upper Intermediate

It is essential to perceive that retirement is a man-made process, not a step backwards or an indispensable moment in time. But given all the changes in time, retirement might not be how we perceive it anymore.

Have you contemplated on what you’re going to do after you retire from your job? Is it globe trotting? Are you spending time at home or do nothing and simply relax? Gardening? Or simply having a good time with your grandkids? Should you run your own business instead?
Is there so much more to do? What exactly would your retirement years be like?

To find out more, let’s take a moment to read the full article.

https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20220526-is-this-the-end-of-retirement-as-we-know-it

Discussion Questions:

  1. How has retirement changed over the years? Is this happening in your country as well?
  2. What do you think of the tendency for “people to expect and need to work past traditional retirement age”?
  3. How do you picture your retirement in your head?
  4. Do you think people who retire miss working? Why or why not?
  5. What’s the best age for retirement and why?
  6. In what ways do you think retirement might be gleeful?
  7. In what ways do you think retirement might be stressful?

Replace Forks with Chopsticks

B2 – Upper Intermediate

It is said that there is a link between health and the use of chopsticks. Chopsticks are crafted pair of equal length sticks used for eating that are popular in Asian countries such as China, Japan, Korea, Singapore, and Thailand.

Read the article to know why using chopsticks is better for our health and be able to answer the questions below.

https://www.sakara.com/blogs/mag/why-you-should-be-using-chopsticks

Discussion Questions:

  1. How do you feel about what is said in this article? Do you agree that using chopsticks is better for our health? Why or why not?
  2. Have you used chopsticks before? What do you think of chopsticks as utensils?
  3. Would you like to try using chopsticks to help you achieve better health? Why or why not?
  4. How do you compare the way people normally eat in your country with those from other countries?
  5. What do you do in order to prevent yourself from overeating?

Truths about TV Reality Talent Shows

B2 – Upper Intermediate

We are entertained. We watch an ordinary person achieve their dreams of making it. We see a superstar unfold. These and more is why we love TV reality talent shows. 

But are they really only about looking for talents or are there any secrets behind the curtains?

Here is an article that reveals the truth about TV reality talent shows.

5 Truths You Need to Know about TV ‘Reality’ Talent Shows

Discussion Questions:

  1. Were you surprised by any of the facts from the text? Which ones? Why?
  2. Cite other ways talent shows are beneficial for contestants.
  3. What do you think are the downsides of being part of such shows?
  4. Are there any talent shows in your country? What are they? How popular are they among the audiences in your country?
  5. Do you like this kind of shows? Why or why not?

Google Translate Adds New Languages

B1 – Intermediate

Google Translate is used worldwide. It is a tool that allows you to interact quickly and learn more foreign languages. It’s free, easy, and convenient to use.

Let’s read the article below to know more about the new languages added on Google Translate.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2205/220516-google-translate-4.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. How good do you think Google Translate is?
  2. What will Google Translate be like in 25 years?
  3. How important is your language to you? What do you think of the idea of having one global language?
  4. What would life be like if all language were translated immediately?
  5. How many languages do you know? How difficult is it to learn a new language?