The world is facing many big problems like wars, diseases, and climate change. In this video, Jose Manuel Barroso talks about why countries need to work together to solve these problems. He explains how cooperation between countries and organizations can save millions of lives, especially children, through vaccines and partnerships.
Watch the full video here:
Vocabulary Questions
What does “geopolitical friction” mean in the sentence, “My prediction is that the geopolitical friction will increase not decrease.”? Use it in a sentence.
What does “supra national cooperation” mean in the sentence, “Sometimes some forms of supra national cooperation like the European Union is the right way forward.”? Use it in a sentence.
What does “private partnership” mean in the sentence, “It is a public private partnership with the governments of rich countries and developing countries”? Use it in a sentence.
Discussion Questions
Why do you think it is important for countries to cooperate on global problems?
How can partnerships between governments and private companies help solve health problems?
Have you ever worked with others to solve a big problem? What did you learn?
What do you think are some challenges when countries try to work together?
How can people like you help support global health and cooperation?
In a historic race between humans and machines, Chinese robots took on the world’s first humanoid half-marathon. Despite their advanced technology, they struggled to keep up, finishing far behind their human competitors.
Let’s read the article and also watch the video to learn more about how the race unfolded, what it means for humanoid robots, and whether machines will ever match human endurance.
What does the verb “billed as” mean? “A robot loses control at the start of what is billed as the world’s first robot half marathon in Beijing, China.” Use it in a sentence and give two synonyms.
What does the phrase “gain ground” mean? “And while AI models are fast gaining ground, sparking concern for everything from security to the future of work, Saturday’s race suggested that humans still at least have the upper hand when it comes to running.” Use it in your own sentence. Give a synonym.
What is the meaning of the verb phrase “pitted against“? “The robots were pitted against 12,000 human contestants, running side by side with them in a fenced-off lane.“Use it in a sentence and give two synonyms.
Discussion Questions:
What do you think about robots joining humans in a half-marathon? Do you think they’ll ever catch up, or is endurance one race where humans will always have the advantage?
Do you think we will we see more sports where robots go head-to-head with humans in the future? Why or why not?
Do you think robots should be allowed to compete with humans in official sports events? Why or why not?
Have you ever taken on a half-marathon? If you have, how did you do? If not, would you ever train for one?
In 2025, launching a business no longer requires deep pockets—just clarity, creativity, and resourcefulness. With access to digital platforms, freelance marketplaces, and zero-cost tools, aspiring entrepreneurs are rethinking what it takes to get started. As traditional barriers fall away, the path to entrepreneurship is open to more people than ever before.
Watch this video to know how you can turn an idea into a business—without spending a dime.
Vocabulary Questions:
What does “signature content” mean? “Over the last five years, we ran a marketing campaign using a quiz. It got 90,000 leads and we generated 20 million of sales and we’re now going to be sharing with people how that campaign unfolded and how that campaign worked. If you’re interested in that, I’ve put it into a signature piece of content that you can read about.” Use this expression in a sentence.
What does “call to action” mean? “It was really a methodical process. 3,000 cold DMs into a signature piece of content into a call to action and that’s how I got that business off the ground.” Make a sentence with this term.
What does “cold outreach” mean? “The reason most people don’t like cold outreach is because we’re taught not to do this. We are taught as children, “Don’t talk to strangers.”, “Don’t bother people.”.” Use this phrase in a sentence.
Discussion Questions:
What are your thoughts on the tips shared in the video? Do you agree or disagree with any of them?
Do you believe that starting a business with no money is a realistic goal for most people? Why or why not?
In your opinion, what is the biggest challenge entrepreneurs face when launching a business with no capital?
When funds are limited, do you think businesses should focus on offering free services or products initially to attract customers? Why?
How do you feel about the statement: “This is how you start your business with no money. You don’t need capital, you need an in-demand skill.”? Do you agree with it? Why or why not?
The construction of the Three Gorges Dam in China has brought significant attention to the effects of large-scale engineering projects on the Earth’s natural systems. One of the remarkable findings associated with this dam is its potential impact on the Earth’s rotation. Although the idea may seem far-fetched at first, scientific studies indicate that massive reservoirs can influence the global distribution of mass and, consequently, the rotation speed of the Earth.
In conclusion, these dams serve as an example of how human actions can have broader environmental effects than previously anticipated. While the immediate goal of the dam was to generate electricity and control flooding, the dam also illustrates the complex relationship between human engineering and the Earth’s systems. As we move forward, it is essential to consider these interactions when planning and executing large-scale projects. Understanding these dynamics can help in making better decisions that align with environmental sustainability and Earth’s natural rhythms.
Watch the video to learn more about how the Three Gorges Dam slows the Earth’s rotation.
Vocabulary Questions:
What is a “reservoir”? “When the dam slows or stops the flow of water to fill up its reservoir, it holds 10 trillion gallons of water which weigh a total of 83.4 trillion pounds.” Use it in a sentence.
What does “to put something in perspective” mean? “To put it in perspective, this dam could power the entirety of New Zealand and Ireland and Iceland and Costa Rica and the Bahamas and Rwanda combined.” Use it in a sentence. Give a similar expression.
What does “miniscule” mean? “Every single movement of mass up or down, in fact, has some miniscule effect on how fast Earth rotates.” Use it in a sentence. Give a synonym.
Discussion Questions:
How does a dam slow down the Earth’s rotation?
What is your reaction to this?
Do you think it’s a problem if human activities can slightly change how the Earth spins? Why?
Should countries consider global effects when planning large infrastructure projects? Why?
The report states that there are many reasons for the slowing of Earth’s rotation, both natural and man-made. Are you concerned? Why or why not?
US college enrollment is declining as more Gen Z students are choosing trade schools and blue-collar careers over traditional four-year universities. With college costs rising over 100% in the past 20 years and job security in degree-required fields becoming less reliable, many young people are turning to skilled trades like welding, construction, and landscaping, which offer quicker entry into the workforce and solid earning potential.
Stories like Morgan Bradbury’s welding career and Chase Gallagher’s landscaping business show how hands-on careers can lead to financial success without a college degree. This shift reflects a changing view of success, as more young workers respond to market demands and rising costs with practical, skill-based career choices.
Watch the video to learn more about this shift and be able to answer the questions below.
Vocabulary Questions:
What does “blue-collar career” mean? “Morgan isn’t alone among her peers in choosing a blue-collar career over college.” Give two (2) synonyms and use this idiom in a sentence.
What does “tout” mean? “Since the last half of the 20th century, a college degree has been touted as a must-have for a stable and successful career.” Give two (2) synonyms and use this term in a sentence.
What does “for the long haul” mean?“Morgan Bradbury says she plans to stick with welding for the long haul but also wants to pass along her skills to others.” Give two (2) synonyms and use this idiom in a sentence.
Discussion Questions:
What factors do you think have contributed most to Gen Z’s shift away from traditional four-year colleges, and do you think this trend will continue? Why or why not?
How might the rise in skilled trade jobs impact the perception of success and social status in American society over the next decade?
With the increasing cost of college and the availability of good-paying jobs without a degree, should high schools place less emphasis on college preparation and more on trade skills? What are the risks and benefits of doing so?
Morgan and Chase both found success outside of the traditional college route. What qualities or mindsets do you think contributed to their achievements, and how can schools better support students with different career goals?
How might current U.S. tariffs on imported goods (such as steel, aluminum, or foreign machinery) affect the demand for skilled trades like welding, manufacturing, and construction? Could tariffs help or hurt the blue-collar workforce?
In what ways could trade policies and tariffs influence the future career decisions of Gen Z workers, especially those considering careers in industries affected by international supply chains?
We all know prices are rising—but what if the true cost of living is climbing even faster than it appears? Hidden inflation is quietly draining our wallets, not just through sticker shock but through shrinking product sizes, sneaky fees, and downgraded quality. Companies are finding clever ways to give you less for more, without officially raising prices.
Watch the video to uncover the tactics behind hidden inflation—and how it’s reshaping our everyday spending without us even noticing.
Vocabulary Questions:
What does the phrase “rip-off” mean? Hidden inflation is the ultimate rip-off—you’re paying more for less, and most people don’t even realize it’s happening. Make a sentence using this phrase.
What does the word “recoup” mean? “Companies shrink product sizes but keep prices the same to quietly recoup rising costs—leaving consumers ripped off by hidden inflation.” Use it in a sentence.
What does the phrase “rake in” mean?” While consumers struggle with shrinking product sizes and rising prices, big corporations continue to rake in record profits.” Use it in a sentence.
Discussion Questions:
What are some common examples of hidden inflation that people encounter in everyday life?
How do companies justify practices like shrinkflation or added fees without losing consumer trust?
Should governments or consumer protection agencies do more to regulate or expose hidden inflation tactics? Why or why not?
Do you think hidden inflation is more harmful than traditional price increases? Why or why not?
Would you rather see a clear price increase or experience subtle cost-cutting measures like smaller portions or lower quality?
Is it the consumer’s responsibility to stay informed, or should companies be more transparent about changes?
Have you ever been duped by a layaway service that charged you for your purchases using “buy now, pay later” shopping platforms? The current global boom has become a trend, particularly with regards to online purchases that appear so promising and may seem to be the ideal way to allay our guilt from spending too much.
Watch the video below to learn more about the “buy now, pay later” trap.
Vocabulary Questions:
Define “down the road”. “I can just sign up for these payments and then worry about paying it sometime down the road.” Use this term in a sentence. Give a synonym.
What does “in a vacuum” mean? ” “But this explosion wasn’t just happening in a vacuum.” Use this phrase in a sentence and give a synonym.
Expound on the term “last hurdle”? “You see, brands have mastered psychological manipulation through their website, but specifically on the last hurdle, which is the checkout page.” Use this idiom to make your own sentence and give a synonym.
Discussion Questions:
Have you availed of a “Buy now, pay later” scheme, and how does it make you feel after purchasing something online and not having to pay immediately?
Do you think that we failed to recognize the financial trap of “buy now, pay later”? Explain.
Explain the differences between a “buy now, pay later” plan and a credit card payment scheme.
In your opinion, how can we stay out of any financial pitfalls that result in mounting debts?
What are the most important financial education lessons you can impart to us, and how did you come to know them?
South Korea is witnessing an unprecedented trend as consumers sharply reduce spending both on dining out and at home. Driven by rising living costs, economic uncertainty, and changing lifestyle habits, this shift marks a significant change in the country’s consumption patterns and raises concerns about broader impacts on the food and restaurant industries.
Watch this video and more about how Koreans are cutting corners.
Vocabulary Questions:
What does “frugal” mean? “Amid rising living costs, many Koreans have adopted a more frugal lifestyle, cutting back on both dining out and home food expenses.” Use the word in your sentence. Give a synonym.
What does the word “sluggish” mean? “The sluggish economy has further pushed many Koreans to embrace a frugal lifestyle, reducing spending on both dining out and meals at home.” Make a sentence using the word.” Give a synonym.
What does “at play” mean? “There’s a wider issue at play too with the sluggish economy creating job uncertainty and financial challenges causing people to spend less.” Use the idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym.
Discussion Questions:
What are the main factors causing Koreans to cut back on both dining out and home meals?
How might this shift affect small restaurants, grocery stores, and food producers?
Could this trend lead to long-term changes in Korean eating habits and culture? Explain.
Do you think cutting back on food spending is a wise way to handle financial pressure? Share your opinion.
Would you personally reduce eating out and cooking at home if prices kept rising? Explain.
Airlines around the world are investing billions of dollars to expand and upgrade their first-class cabins, signaling a shift in strategy as they cater to growing demand for premium travel experiences. This trend reflects changing passenger expectations, the rise of luxury tourism, and increased profitability in the high-end travel segment. As competition intensifies, carriers are betting that enhanced comfort, privacy, and exclusivity will win over affluent travelers and boost long-term revenue.
Watch the video and be able to answer the questions that follow:
Vocabulary Questions:
What does the phrase “to bet on someone or something” mean? “Airlines arebetting onthe idea that growing demand for comfort and exclusivity will make first-class cabins a major source of future profits.” Use it in a sentence. Give a synonym.
What does the word “tailwind” mean in this sentence, “The airline industry is experiencing tailwinds from increased demand for luxury travel.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a similar expression.
What is the meaning of “overhead cost“? “The global aviation industry has about $900 billion in annual expenses, largely fuel, labor, equipment and various overhead costs.” Make a sentence using the word.
Discussion Questions:
Do you think investing in first-class cabins is the best way for airlines to increase profits? Explain.
Would you personally pay more for a first-class experience if given the option? Why or why not?
Is it fair for airlines to focus more on luxury travel rather than improving economy class? Share your thoughts.
Do you believe the rise in first-class spending reflects growing inequality in air travel? What is your opinion?
What factors are driving airlines to invest more in first-class rather than economy or business class?
There were talks that Amazon would display the costs of the US tariffs on its products on their website.
However, Amazon has denied this and said that they never considered listing tariffs on their main retail website, but did on their low-cost Amazon Haul Store. They considered the idea, but it was never approved and implemented in the end.
Watch this video about Amazon and US tariffs.
Vocabulary Questions:
Define “on-shoring”. “It’s another reason why we are on-shoring critical supply chains here at home to shore up our own critical supply chain and boost our own manufacturing here.” Use this word in a sentence.
What does “duty” mean here, “This month, Trump signed an executive order that closes a trade loophole that has allowed low-value packages from China and Hong Kong to enter the United States free of duties.”? Use this word in a sentence.
What does “to trade near flat” mean? “The comments by the White House sent Amazon shares down more than 2% in pre-market trading, but they rebounded and weretrading near flat by midday.”? Use this phrase in a sentence.
Discussion Questions:
How is Amazon affected by the growing political and trade tensions between the US and China?
Amazon decided not to display the costs of tariffs on products on its website. What is your opinion on this?
Do you agree or disagree that “Amazon should be more transparent about tariff costs.” What do you think are the advantages and disadvantages of doing this?
The White House accused Amazon of a hostile political act. Share your insights on this.
What are your thoughts on low-value packages from China and Hong Kong entering the United States not duty free anymore? What impact could this have on China and Hong Kong and on the US?
