CONVERSATIONAL TOPICS

FROM CURRENT EVENTS

LV B2

Compiled for Educational purposes

By:

SHADEL A. ACOSTA

EFL Teacher
th
7 March, 2021
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

UNIT 1: Online learning and lessons to continue in 2021 2nd January, 2021

UNIT 2: Scientists explain videoconferencing fatigue 27th February, 2021

UNIT 3: UAE to offer citizenship to 'talented' foreigners 3rd February, 2021

UNIT 4: Job offers $30 an hour for eating and testing candy, 26 th January, 2021

UNIT 5: IKEA starts selling furniture for gamers, 17, February, 2021

UNIT 6: IDIOMATIC EXPRESSIONS

UNIT 7: Poor diet creates 20cm height gap in children, 11 th November, 2020

UNIT 8: Women to catch up with men’s pay in 200 years, 21 st

UNIT 9: Eating vegetables is healthy habit

UNIT 10: Children lack skills in holding pencils due to iPads,

UNIT 11: IDIOMATIC EXPRESSIONS

UNIT 12: Finland to reform education for the digital age, 1st June, 2017

UNIT 13: UK colleges told to be truthful about online lessons

UNIT 14: Computer translates brainwaves into Sentences, 3rd April, 2020

UNIT 15: Brain chip could give us superpowers, 31 st August, 2020

 UNIT 1:

Online learning and lessons to continue in 2021 , 2nd January, 2021

The year 2020 has been a tumultuous one for educators. Hundreds of thousands of

teachers across the globe had to get to grips with online platforms to deliver their

lessons. Millions of students were stuck at home doing their lessons via websites like

Zoom. This has created an unprecedented transformation in education as technology

has taken centre stage. The quality of education differed around the world according

to the quality of Internet connections, the level of preparedness of teachers and their

competence in engaging with the technology. It also depended on what kind of devices

students had at home. Many students were deprived of lessons because they had no

computer, tablet or smartphone.

The Education Ministry in Malaysia has rolled out a new initi ative to help

underprivileged children. Around 150,000 eligible pupils from 500 schools will receive

a device to enable them to participate in online lessons. The Education Minister hopes

to build on the success of this initial rollout to expand the programme. He said: “Apart

from assisting pupils and schools in need, this pilot project is to find the best

implementation method before it is proposed for expansion.” The plans include

enhancing educational television programming for students with no Internet access,

and employing sign language interpreters to help the hard of hearing. A teacher said

she was happy her government was prioritizing students’ needs.

Sources: theborneoposy.com / theedgemarkets.com / malaymail.com

YOUR POINT OF VIEW:

- Face – to – face learning is always better than online learning. Discuss

DISCUSSION

1. What do you think of online learning?

2. What are the advantages of online learning?

3. What experiences do you have of online learning?

4. Why might teachers like teaching online?

5. What is the best platform for online learning?

6. Will we need teachers in the future?

7. Would robots be better at teaching English that people?

8. What are the pros and cons for learning English online?

9. Is online learning best for the hard of hearing?

10. Do you think learning Chemistry online is safe?

WORDS / PHRASES TO PONDER:

a. Deprived

b. Tumultuous

c. get to grips with

d. competence
 UNIT 2:

Scientists explain videoconferencing fatigue, 27 th February, 2021

A new study from Stanford University has investigated the effects on our health of

extended spells of videoconferencing. Researcher and communications expert

Jeremy Bailenson dubbed the phenomenon “Zoom fatigue,” but acknowledged the

condition is not restricted to just that platform. In the past year, most of us have spent

extended periods of time online using an array of video-conferencing platforms. The

coronavirus pandemic has meant tools like Zoom, FaceTime, Skype and Google

Hangouts have been the only way we have been able to see and chat to loved ones.

Many companies have relied heavily on video-conferencing for meetings, and

educators have used them to teach their lessons online.

Mr Bailenson outlined several factors that make video-conferencing so fatigue-

inducing. He said it is not just tiredness and eye-strain from staring at a computer

screen for hours and hours. It is also brought about by “cognitive overload” and feeling

pressure to be perpetually switched on. We constantly feel we need to be in touch with

friends or available for bosses, customers or students. Bailenson cautioned this leads

to burnout and stress and can heighten your chance of developing moderate to severe
depression. He said this anxiety can adversely affect your self -confidence. This is

because of the large number of faces staring at you in meetings. Bailenson likens this

to the stresses of public speaking.

Sources: lifehacker.com / newatlas.com / techradar.com

YOUR POINT OF VIEW:

- Video-conferencing is better than face – to – face.

DISCUSSION:

1. What do you think of video-conferencing?

2. How do you think video-conferencing affects our health?

3. What would be the pandemic be like without video-conferencing?

4. What you do you about eye- strain?

5. What do you know about “cognitive overload?”

6. Do you feel you always have to be online?

7. How would being online make you depressed?

8. Do you think Zoom is the best website for online video – conferencing or online class?

9. What do you think of public speaking?

10. Do you think Skype is better than Zoom for online class/conference?

WORDS/PHRASES TO PONDER:

a. Phenomenon

b. video – conferencing

c. cognitive overload

d. perpetually

e. fatigue
 UNIT 3: United Arab Emirates (UAE) to offer citizenship to “talented”

foreigners

3rd February, 2021

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has announced it will grant citizenship to foreign

residents who “add value” to the nation. It is very rare for a Gulf state to bestow

citizenship on foreign nationals and represents a bold revision of the UAE’s

immigration policy. UAE Vice-President and ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin

Rashid al Maktoum explained that people with “specialized talents” who “contribute to

our development journey” could fall under the new policy. He said artists, doctors,

engineers, entrepreneurs, intellectuals, inventors, investors and scientists could be

eligible to be given a UAE passport. All successful people and their families would be

permitted to hold dual nationality.

The procedure to be given citizenship is dependent on recommendations and

nominations from members of the UAE royal family and high -ranking government

officials. It will then be the decision of the UAE cabinet to approve or reject the

nomination. Sheikh Mohammed said there are “clear criteria” in the selection process.
Doctors must be specialized in scientific fields that are deemed high -priority by the

UAE. They must have conducted significant studies and research. Scientists must be

active researchers and have made contributions to their field by attaining an

international award or research grant. Inventors need patented inventions registered

by an internationally recognized organization.

Sources: bbc.com / gulfbusiness.com / thenationalnews.com

YOUR POINT OF VIEW:

- The world would be a better place if there were no passports.

DISCUSSION:

1. How might you get recommendation from a royal?

2. How would a country full of specialties develop?

3. What specialized skills would you like in the future?

4. What international awards would you like to win?

5. Do you think playing guitar is the most useful talent?

6. What other country would you like to be a citizen of?

7. What talents do you have?

8. Do you think growing vegetables is the most useful skill?

9. Do you think coding is the most useful talent?

10. What value do you add to your nation/country?

WORDS TO PONDER:

a. Eligible e. Attaining

b. Revision

c. Dependent

d. Criteria
 UNIT 4:

Job offers $30 an hour for eating and testing candy

The sweetest way to earn some extra cash is on offer for those with a sweet tooth. A

candy company in Canada is searching for people to taste and review its original

creations for the sweet sum of $30 an hour. The company is called Candy Funhouse

and it requires "candyologists" to test and provide feedback on its candy and chocolate

products. The company currently has a huge range of 3,000 products but is always

creating new sweets. The candyologists will be responsible for deciding on 10 new

candies that will be part of a new line of Candy Funhouse branded sweets. Candy

Funhouse hopes to establish a global reputation as a quality confectioner. The

successful applicants will need a number of basic requirements and qualifications. The

company states on its website: "Candidates should have enthusiasm and eagerness

to try confectionery products. We are looking for honest and objective opinions on the

products that will be taste tested." They will have to write a brief, two-sentence
description for each product tested. Budding candyologists must be "passionate about

confectionery," not have any food allergies, be fluent in English and have basic writing

skills. They must also be U.S. or Canadian citizens and be willing to work in Ontario.

The candyologists will "taste samples objectively" and "consider aspects of taste,

texture and quality".

Sources: radio.com / lifehacker.com / msn.com

YOUR POINT OF VIEW:

- The job of a candyologist is one of the best and easiest job in the world.

DISCUSSION:

1. Would you like ta job as a candy tester?

2. What do are the good things about this job?

3. How much do you like candy/chocolate?

4. What do you think of the pay for this job?

5. What are the best candies your country makes?

6. How healthy are the ingredients of candy?

7. What are you passionate about?

8. Do you think honesty is the most important requirement to be a candy taster?

9. Do you think health consciousness is the most important requirement to be a candy

taster?

10. Do you need to have a sweet tooth to become a candy taster?

WORDS TO PONDER:

a. sweet tooth c. aspects

b. enthusiasm d. confectionery
 UNIT 5:

IKEA starts selling furniture for gamers, 17 th February, 2021

The Swedish furniture maker IKEA has released its new range of products - gaming

furniture. Now gamers can buy special desks, chairs, sofas and other items to make

them more comfortable when they play computer games or online games. There are

more than 30 products in IKEA's gaming line. One of the more unusual things is an

accessory that is like a big wooden hand, to hold your headset. There is also a special

pillow with pockets where you can put your hands to keep them warm. IKEA said it

spent many years on designing the furniture. It got expert help in making sure it created

the right products. To do this, it teamed up with the gaming laptop maker Republic of

Gamers.

IKEA said making furniture for gamers was a "natural step" for the company. It wanted

to attract millions of gamers around the world to its stores and website. The company

said it has created, "relevant, functional, beautiful, and affordable products and

complete gaming solutions". It added that it wanted to make products that also

appealed to female gamers, saying: "The needs of billions of gamers around the globe
are very diverse...46% of gamers are women." It said: "Now we take the first step on

our gaming journey, and we do it by presenting affordable, high -performing gaming

products and complete solutions that we hope reflect people's personalities and taste."

Sources: gamespot.com / usatoday.com / theverge.com

YOUR POINT OF VIEW:

- All furniture should be designed

DISCUSSION:

1. What do you think of gaming?

2. Why might female gamers needs different furniture?

3. What furniture reflects your personality?

4. How do you describe your taste in furniture?

5. What item of furniture would you really like to buy?

6. Do you think driving games are the best?

7. Do you think shooting games are even better than driving games? Why/Why not?

8. What action games are the best?

9. What do you think of the hand-warming pillow?

10. In your opinion, what sports games are the best? Worst? Why?

WORDS TO PONDER:

a. appealed to

b. collaborated e. hand – warming pillow

c. teamed up

d. furniture
 COLLOCATIONS AND IDIOMATIC EXPRESSIONS

1. I consider that…../ I deemed that……/ If you wonder my opinion is….

- to think carefully about / to contemplate

Example: He considered the cost before buying the new car.

2. Some people say that….. – this phrase is used to share an opinion that you’ve
heard in a few different places.

Example: Some people say that studying abroad is better.

3. It is considered….. – the difficulties before taking the decision

Example: It’s my considered opinion that none was expected about this issue.

4. . “Takes two to tango” = means that a situation or argument involves two

people and they are both therefore responsible for it.

Example: “Divorce is never the fault of one partner, it takes two to tango
 UNIT 7

Poor diet creates 20cm height gap in children, 11 th November, 2020

Poor diet and nutrition may be behind an average height gap of 20cm between the

tallest and shortest children in different countries. Researchers from Imperial College

London conducted a global analysis of the Body Mass Index (BMI) of schoolchildren

and adolescents around the world. This involved measuring the height and weight of

millions of children and teenagers. They discovered that the world's tallest 19-year-

olds, at 183.8cm, lived in the Netherlands, while the shortest, at 160.1cm, lived in East

Timor. The researchers said teenagers in northwest and central Europe were the

tallest in the world. On average the shortest children lived in South and South -East

Asia, Latin America and East Africa.

The study was extremely comprehensive. It involved analyzing data from 65 million

children aged five to 19 years old in 193 countries. The researchers reported that

children's height and weight varied enormously in different regions. The team warned

that a lack of quality food and nutrition was a major factor behind stunted growth and
a rise in childhood obesity. It said improved diets increased the average height of

children in China. Nineteen-year-old boys there were 8cm taller in 2019 than in 1985.

Researchers attribute this to improved nutrition. The lead author of the report urged

countries to adopt policies that encouraged healthier eating, but to be aware of the

perils of excessive weight gain.

Sources: bbc.com / imperial.ac.uk / tvnz.co.nz

YOUR POINT OF VIEW:

- Is the government’s responsibility to ensure all children are well fed>

DISCUSSION:

1. How much taller do you think humans can grow to be?

2. What policies should government adopt to encourage healthier eating?

3. What advice do you have for someone who is overweight?

4. How good or bad is your diet?

5. How happy are you with your weight and height?

6. What do you know about the Body Mass Index?

7. What are the benefits of being tall? / short? Why?

8. Do you think being slim is the best thing to be?

9. Do you think being intelligent is the best thing for anyone?

10. Do you think being tall is an advantage in sports? Work? Fashions?

WORDS/PHRASES TO PONDER:

a. Body Mass Index e. attribute

b. excessive

c. differed

d. comprehensive
 UNIT 8

Women to catch up with men’s pay in 200 years, 21 st December, 2018

There is still a long way to go before women achieve economic equality with men.

Centuries, in fact. This is according to the recently released annual Global Gender

Gap Report from the World Economic Forum. It said it would take more than 200 years

before women and men worldwide have economic parity. The report found many areas

in which women lag far behind today. One huge area is pay. Women around the world

currently earn about 20-30 per cent less on average than their male counterparts. A

factor contributing to this is the scarcity of women in management positions. The WEF

said: "In the workplace, women still encounter significant obstacles in taking on

managerial or senior official roles."

The World Economic Forum (WEF) found that the inequalities between the sexes had

closed by only a small amount in the past year, since the last report was published.

Researchers found that the largest gap between the sexes was in politics. It said: "Only

23 per cent of the political gap - unchanged since last year - has been closed, and no

country has yet fully closed political empowerment gaps." Other wide gaps still exist
in healthcare and education opportunities. The WEF said: "The equal contribution of

women and men in this process of deep economic and societal transformation is

critical. More than ever, societies cannot afford to lose out on the skills, ideas and

perspectives of half of humanity

." Sources: nbcnews.com / the hill.com / theguardian.com

YOUR POINT OF VIEW:

- Companies and governments should be fined if there is inequality.

DISCUSSION:

1. Why is the gender gap closing so slowly?

2. Do men or women make better politicians?

3. How angry should women be at the inequality?

4. In what way would societies be better if equality was achieved?

5. What countries do you know of that are unequal?

6. Why do women lag behind men in so many areas?

7. What inequality between the sexes exists in your country?

8. Are men or women better managers? Boss? Teachers?

9. What are the obstacles do women encoun ter in the workplace?

10. Do you think education is the most important gender gap to be reduced?

WORDS TO PONDER:

a. obstacles d. parity

b. perspective e. barriers

c. lag (behind)
 UNIT 9:

Eating vegetables is a healthy habit

New Researchers say people eat more vegetables if the veggies have trendy labels.

A research team found that vegetable sales went up by 25 per cent if they had trendy-

sounding names. The researchers conducted their research on 600 diners at a

university canteen. They labelled vegetable dishes in four different ways each day.

There were vegetable dishes with a "basic" label (with just the word "carrots"), a

healthy label ("carrots with sugar-free citrus dressing"), a "health positive" label

("smart-choice vitamin C citrus carrots") and a trendy label ("twisted citrus-glazed

carrots").

Researchers created a wide choice of vegetables to see how effective the labels were.

They used vegetables like beetroot, carrots, corn, green beans and sweet potato in

their test. They used names like "twisted garlic-ginger butternut squash wedges," or

"dynamite chili," and "tangy lime-seasoned beets". They said the dishes with the trendy

labels were 25% more popular than those with the "basic" labels, and 41% more
popular than those with other labels. A researcher said: "Labels really can influence

our sensory experience, affecting how tasty and filling we think food will be."

YOUR VIEW POINT:

- What is/are your belief in eating vegetables?

DISCUSSION:

1. What kind of vegetables you eat every day?

2. Do you think you should eat more vegetables?

3. Would you eat vegetables with unusual name?

4. How can we encourage children to eat more vegetables?

5. What do you think of the a “dynamite chili” for a vegetable?

6. Will renaming of vegetables influence people to eat vegetable?

7. How much do you like vegetables?

8. Have you heard of “vegetable meat”? Would you like to try it?

9. Were you ever “forced” to eat vegetables you don’t like of hate?

10. Are you going to recommend you favorite meals to people? Is it nutritious?

WORDS TO PONDER:

a. glazed

b. tangy e. citrus

c. diner

d. sensory
 UNIT 10

Children lack skill in holding pencils due to iPads, 4 th April, 2018

A study shows that new technology is reducing children's ability to use a pencil or pen.

The study is from the National Health Service in the UK. Researchers said that

nowadays, children spend so much time swiping iPads or mobile phone screens that

they cannot hold a pencil properly. Children are not using pencils, so they now lack

the muscle strength in their hands to be able to write properly. Researcher Dr Sally

Payne said: "Children are not coming into school with the hand strength and [ability]

they had 10 years ago. Children coming into school are being given a pencil but are

increasingly not able to hold it because they don’t have the fundamental movement

skills."

The researchers said technology is changing the physical way that children write, draw

or make things. Children are increasingly using technology to create. Dr Payne

explained why. She said: "It's easier to give a child an iPad than encourage them to

do muscle-building play such as building blocks, cutting and sticking, or pulling toys
and ropes. Because of this, they're not developing the underlying foundation skills they

need to grip and hold a pencil." Some experts say technology may be causing bigger

problems. One expert said if a child isn't strong enough to hold a pencil, perhaps their

whole body is weak. She said it was better for children's physical development to climb

trees than to watch YouTube videos.

Sources: treehugger.com / theguardian.com / Schwellnus et al

YOUR POINT OF VIEW:

- Pencils are better than tablets and smartphones.

DISCUSSION

1. How good is technology for children?

2. What is wrong with children using smartphones and tablets?

3. Is using a pen and pencil still an important skill?

4. In what other ways does the body change when children use iPads?

5. What problem will children have if they cannot use a pencil?

6. Are children more creative using iPads?

7. Why should children play with buildings blocks?

8. What do you think of climbing trees?

9. Do you think keyboard is the most important thing for children?

10. What are the dangers of children using technology?

WORDS TO PONDER:

a. nowadays

b. fundamental

c. building blocks

d. underlying “foundation”
UNIT 11: COLLOCATIONS AND IDIOMATIC EXPRESSIONS

1. “Kill two birds with one stone” – means to accomplish two different things at the

same time.

Example: “ I have to go to the bank, and on the way back, I’ll pick up the groceries as

well, killing two birds with one stone.”

2. “Rule of thumb” – is a rule or principle that you follow which is not based on exact

calculations, but rather on experience.

Example: “A good rule of thumb is to add the ingredients when the water starts to

boil”.
3. To spill the beans – to reveal secret information unintentionally or indiscreetly

Example: “So who spilled the beans about her secret”?

4. Whole nine yards / full nine yards – used to indicate that you are speaking about

everything that is appropriate, available, or pertinent, in all ways

Example: If you want to enhance your communication skills, I’ll be with you the whole

nine yards.
 UNIT 12

Finland to reform education for the digital age, 1 st June, 2017

Finland is not satisfied with constantly being top of the world's education leagues. The

government is now planning to reform its education system so that young Finns are

better prepared for the digital age. A key part of the proposed reforms is to place as

much emphasis on digital and workplace skills as on more traditional subjects. An

example of this would be to use 3D printers in history classes so students can create

models of ancient buildings. The government also wants to promote vocational training

and encourage learning in real-life work settings. Students' performance would be

evaluated by a teacher as well as by an official from the company helping the student.

One teacher, Kirsti Lonka, explained why a shift in educational methods was

necessary. She said: "Traditionally, learning has been defined as a list of subject

matters and facts you need to acquire, such as arithmetic and grammar….But when it

comes to real life, our brain is not divided into disciplines in that way. We are thinking

in a very holistic way, and when you think about the problems in the world - global
crises, migration, the economy, the post-truth era - we haven't really given our children

the tools to deal with this inter-cultural world." She added: "I think it is a major mistake

if we lead children to believe that the world is simple, and that if they learn certain

facts, they are ready to go."

Sources: helsinkitimes.fi / bbc.com / straitstimes.com

YOUR POINT OF VIEW:

- What three improvements would you make to the education system? Why?

DISCUSSION:

1. What is the standard of education in your country like?

2. What skills do you need for the digital age?

3. What educational reforms would you like to see in your country?

4. How much of a school curriculum should be based on workplace skills?

5. How important is vocational training (short courses) at school?

6. What is the best way for children to learn?

7. Do we need to change from teaching traditional subjects?

8. What is the “post – truth era?

9. Should teachers teach children facts or skills? Why?

10. Do you think world problems is the best school subject?

WORDS / PHRASES TO PONDER:

a. reform e. vocational training/school

b. ancient

c. post – truth era

d. holistic way
 UNIT 13

UK colleges told to be truthful about online lessons, 21 st May, 2020

A regulatory body in the UK that looks after student affairs has warned universities to

be honest about online lessons. The Office for Students issued a request to higher

education providers not to make promises that lessons from September will be in -

person or face to-face. Currently, thousands of institutions worldwide are delivering

lessons online because of the coronavirus pandemic. The quality of these lessons

quite often depends on the proficiency of teachers to successfully exploit video

conferencing platforms to replicate a classroom experience. The body said: "Tailored

support needs to be put in place." Cambridge University has announced all of its

lessons will be online until the summer of 2021.

The Office for Students chief executive, Nicola Dandridge, warned universities and

colleges to be "as clear as they can" when informing students of what kind of teaching

situation, they will receive. She said: "None of us knows exactly what is going to be

happening in the autumn. What we don't want to see is promises that it's all going to

be back to usual with an on-campus experience, when that is not the case." She
added: "The point here is absolute clarity to students so they know what they are

getting in advance to accepting [university] offers." She said that, "every reasonable

effort" should be made to ensure that students, "receive good outcomes and that the

quality of their teaching is robust".

Sources: thepienews.com / bbc.co.uk / the times.co.uk

YOUR POINT OF VIEW:

- Online lessons are better than classroom lessons.

DISCUSSION:

1. What are the good things about online lessons?

2. Why might online lessons be better than face -to -face lessons?

3. Should all lessons be online?

4. What are students worrying about during this pandemic?

5. How good do you think teachers are at using technology?

6. What are the bad things about online lessons?

7. Where you learn best? Why?

8. What would you really like to learn online?

9. How “robust” do you think online teaching is?

10. Do you think yoga / art / gardening / are the best thing to learn online?

WORDS / PHRASES TO PONDER:

a. exploit d. rests on

b. replicate

c. robust
 UNIT 14

Computer translates brainwaves into sentences, 3 rd April, 2020

Scientists may soon be able to interpret what someone is saying simply by analysing

their brainwaves as they speak. This revolutionary advance in neuroscience would

help millions of people who suffer from communication problems and neurological

disorders. The scientists developed a form of artificial intelligence that can decode

brainwaves and translate them into text. Algorithms take the brain activity created as

a person speaks and translates it in real time into sentences on a screen. The

scientists are from the University of California, San Francisco.

They say their algorithms have a 97 per cent translation accuracy rate but are working

hard to improve on this. The scientists say they are at the early stages of being able

to machine-translate everything someone says. The software used in their

experiments matched features of speech th at were repeated frequently to parts and

shapes of the mouth. These included elements of English speech such as vowels,

consonants and commands. The experiments were limited to around 40 short and

simply-constructed spoken sentences. The scientists said: "Although we should like

the decoder to learn and exploit the regularities of the language, it remains to show

how many data would be required to expand from our tiny languages to a more general

form of English."

Sources: bbc.com / theguardian.com / inverse.com

YOUR POINT OF VIEW:

- A technology that means we don’t need to learn new languages is great.

DISCUSSION:

1. What do you think is the future of this technology?

2. Would you like software that instantly translates brainwaves?

3. Would you like to learn English if there was real-time translation software?

4. What is most difficult when speaking English?

5. In what other ways could translating brainwaves help us?

6. How can you help people with communication problems?

7. What do you know about artificial intelligence?

8. How good are you at translating English into your language?

9. Do you think grammar is the most important part of learning a language?

10. Do you think spelling is the most important part of learning English?

WORDS / PHRASES TO PONDER:

a. revolutionary

b. cutting – edge

c. exploit

d. broaden

e. correspond
 UNIT 15

Brain – hacking chip could give us superpowers, 31 st August, 2020

Technology trailblazer Elon Musk has unveiled a pig with a computer chip implanted

in her brain that could pave the way to computer-to-brain interfaces in humans. Mr

Musk has a near unrivalled record in pioneering technology, from electric cars and

hyperloop travel to space tourism. Gertrude the pig showcases his latest ambition - to

allow us to control computers with our brains. Conversely, computers could enhance

our brainpower and abilities. The interface is part of a tech startup called Neuralink.

Mr. Musk announced that trials would soon begin on humans. He believes the

technology represents a giant leap into the future and will considerably change our

lives by giving us superhuman powers.

The results shown in Gertrude the pig was somewhat modest in comparison to the

potential Mr. Musk envisages the technology will one day deliver. He hopes Neuralink

will help people with neurological conditions like strokes, dementia and headaches. It

could also mean our brain is wired directly to the Internet. Just like in a science fiction

movie, we could control phones, computers and household devices simply with the
power of thought. The most mind-blowing aspect of the technology is what Musk calls

"superhuman cognition". This is to counter artificial intelligence becoming powerful

enough to destroy the human race. He added the technology will "achieve symbiosis

with artificial intelligence".

Sources: bbc.com / wired.com / vox.com

YOUR POINT OF VIEW:

- Everyone should have superhuman powers.

DISCUSSION:

1. Is technology moving too fast nowadays?

2. What do you think of computer-to-brain interfaces?

3. What do you think of electric cars?

4. What do you think of space tourism?

5. Would you like a computer chip connected to your brain?

6. What do you think of technology ending all disease?

7. How is life today like science fiction?

8. How dangerous is artificial intelligence?

9. Would you like to use the Internet just by using thought?

10. Do you think telepathy is the best superhuman power? Why/Why not?

WORDS / PHRASES TO PONDER:

a. pave the way d. telepathy

b. unveiled e. innovative

c. trailblazers
 PART II

READING DISCUSSIONS

A dream is only a dream until you take action

Make it happen!
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

UNIT 1: Why do we love junk food?

UNIT 2: Facebook to launch a global crypto – currency

UNIT 3: Billionaire to pay off student debt for class 2019

UNIT 4: Biden vows to repair global alliances

UNIT 5: Lab – grown meat given green light in Singapore

UNIT 6: Microsoft Flight Simulator includes all world airports

UNIT 7: Breakthrough in bio-printing of new body organs

UNIT 8: Japan to use artificial intelligence to match couples

UNIT 9: 2020 – A year we will never forget

UNIT 10: Diet drinks may be as unhealthy as sugary ones

UNIT 11: You are what you eat, say scientists

UNIT 12: English Language Test suggested for Australia visa

 UNIT 1: Why do we love junk food?

You asked us, "Why do we love junk food?"

A lot of money and strategy goes into designing junk food. A lot of effort also goes
into designing junk food too.

The goal is to make it cheap and handy. And despite the fact that it has little to no
nutritional value, the goal is to keep you wanting more.

It's typically high in things like salt, sugar and fat. They trigger pleasure centers in our
brains, making us feel oh-so-yummy-good and making us want to keep eating.

See, our brains are relatively big. They require a lot of energy to do their thing. So
we evolved to love high-energy food.

Beyond the super high calorie count, junk food makers have a million tricks up their
sleeves when it comes to making their products tempting.
Like the melt-in-your-mouth quality that tricks us. We think the calories have
magically floated away.

Or boosting flavor just short of what's called, "sensory specific satiety." It is flavor
that's so big, it overwhelms your brain. And you end up not wanting anymore.

So despite knowing it's not good for us -- eating it is linked with things like obesity,
diabetes, heart disease, and even cancer -- junk food can be really hard to resist.

YOUR POINT OF VIEW:

- Why does it take a lot of time and money to design fast food, when the food
itself is fast and cheap?

DISCUSSION:

1. How often do you eat junk food?

2. What is it about junk food that is so bad for us?

3. Why is junk food so delicious?

4. Are there any foods that you wouldn’t eat as a child that you eat now?

5. AT what times do you usually eat your meals?

6. How often do you go shopping for food?

7. What is the most unusual thing you’ve ever eaten? Did it taste good or bad?

8. Do you know the nutritional value of the food you eat every day?

9. Do the utensils we use to eat affect the kin d or way we prepare the foods we eat?

10. Have you ever thought food was your only friend?

WORDS / PHRASES TO PONDER:

a. melt – in – your – mouth d. hard to resist

b. magically floated away

c. obesity
 UNIT 2: Facebook to launch a global crypto – currency, 20th June, 2019

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg is expected to unveil details of an ambitious plan for

his company to create a new global cryptocurrency. A white paper outlines a plan that

is designed to create a new global currency. It will represent the entry of the social

network site into the lucrative financial services market. The crypto-currency is called

Libra. Facebook said it is aimed at the millions of people around the world who cannot

get a bank account. Libra will allow people to send and receive payments anywhere

in the world with minimal fees. The banking will be done online via the myriad of

Facebook-owned apps. The 2.7 billion users of Facebook and WhatsApp will have

access to the Libra cryptocurrency.

Analysts say Libra has some similarities to the Bitcoin crypto-currency. However, a

major difference is that Libra will be a more stable currency and will avoid the wild

fluctuations in value that Bitcoin has experienced. Libra will be backed up by a basket

of currencies, such as the dollar, euro and yen. It will also have the backing of major

multi-national companies like Mastercard, PayPal, Spotify and Uber. The new crypto-

currency could revitalize Facebook's fortunes. The finance company RBC Capital
Markets said: "We believe [Libra] may prove to be one of the most important initiatives

in the history of the company, to unlock new engagement and [generate new] revenue

streams.

Sources: nytimes.com / foxbusiness.com / nytimes.com

YOUR POINT OF VIEW:

- Crypto – currencies are dangerous and will not last.

DISCUSSION:

1. Do you use payment services like Apple pay and PayPal?

2. Are crypto-currencies better than cash?

3. Will Libra “revitalize Facebook’s fortunes”?

4. Does the world need a global currency?

5. Should social network sites be creating crypto – currencies?

6. Would you trust Facebook with your financial details?

7. Do you think credit card is the best form of payment?

8. Do you think cash is the best and easiest form of paymen t?

9. How happy are you with banking services?

10. What do you think of the currency in your country?

WORDS / PHRASES TO PONDER:

a. unveil e. myriad

b. lucrative

c. fluctuations

d. revitalize
UNIT 3: Billionaire to pay off student debt for class of 2019, 23 rd May, 2019

University students receiving their diplomas at a college in the USA got the surprise of

their lives during their commencement ceremony. Students at Morehouse College in

Atlanta, Georgia was listening to a speech from the philanthropist Robert F. Smith, a

recipient of an honorary degree from Morehouse. Mr. Smith ended his speech by

informing the 400 students that he would pay off their student loans and debt. He said:

"This is my class, 2019, and my family is making a grant to eliminate their student

loans." He added: "On behalf of the eight generations of my family who have been in

this country, we're going to put a little fuel in your bus." Mr. Smith's kindness is

estimated to be worth about $40 million.

Robert F. Smith, 56, graduated from Columbia Business School, where he earned an

MBA with honors. In the year 2000, he founded the investment company Vista Equity

Partners, which currently manages over $46 billion in assets. His company made him

a multi-billionaire. Mr. Smith was the first African-American to sign the Giving Pledge,

where people promise to commit at least half of their wealth to philanthropic causes.

One graduate to benefit from Smith's generosity said it would have an "immeasurable
impact" on his life. Dwight Lewis, 21, whose $150,000 loan is now no more, added:

"Just imagine the weight lifted off your shoulders when you have a clean slate coming

out of college."

Sources: abcnews.com / cbsnews.com / atlantablackstar.com

YOUR POINT OF VIEW:

- All millionaires and billionaires should help the poor.

DISCUSSIONS:

1. What do you know about philanthropy?

2. What do you think about student loans?

3. What do you remember about your graduation ceremonies?

4. What has been the biggest surprise in your life?

5. What philanthropic actions would you take?

6. What should billionaires do with their money?

7. Should everyone with money commit to helping the poor?

8. When has a weight been lifted for your shoulders?

9. What has had an “immeasurable impact” on your life?

10. Do you think debts to friends are the worst kind of debts?

WORDS /PHRASES TO PONDER:

a. Philanthropy d. clean slate

b. Philanthropist e. fresh start

c. impact f. immeasurable impact

UNIT 4: Biden vows to repair global alliances, 22 nd January, 2021

Joe Biden has promised to reestablish global alliances in his first speech as U.S.

President. Mr. Biden was sworn in as the 46th U.S. President on Wednesday amid

tight security in Washington. In unprecedented scenes, around 25,000 National Guard

troops were positioned to make sure the inauguration took place without incident. In

the first days of his presidency, Mr. Biden will make several executive orders to change

the direction of America's foreign policy. He will rejoin the Paris climate accord. Biden

spoke about restoring America's reputation overseas. He said: "America has been

tested. And we've come out stronger for it. We will repair our alliances and engage

with the world once again."

Outgoing President Donald Trump left office vowing to "be back". His parting words to

the American public were: "Have a good life, we will see you soon." Mr. Trump broke

with tradition by not attending his successor's inauguration. In his farewell speech, Mr.

Trump said: "This has been an incredible four years. We've accomplished so much

together. What we've done has been amazing by any standard." He added: "It's been

a great honour and privilege to be your president. I will always fight for you .... I wish
the new administration great luck and great success. I think they will have great

success. They have the foundation to do something really spectacular."

Sources: theguardian.com / usatoday.com / bbc.com

YOUR POINT OF VIEW:

Joe Biden will be a great U. S. President.

DISCUSSION:

1. What kind of President will Joe Biden be?

2. How important are global alliances?

3. What is the USA’s reputation around the world?

4. Do you think foreign policy is the most important thing for governments to focus?

5. Do you think environment is the most important thing for the governments to focus?

6. How about education? How would the government improve and what are they

going to focus? (Example: subjects – English, Math, Science and Technology...)

7. Do you think homeland security is the most important thing for government to

focus?

8. How would you compare Donald Trump from Joe Biden’s administration?

WORDS / PHRASES TO PONDER:

a. unprecedented d. amid

b. reputation e. vowed

c. spectacular f. unheard of
UNIT 5: Lab-grown meat given green light in Singapore, 9 th December, 2020

Singapore has approved the production, sale and consumption of meat manufactured

in a lab. The lab-grown meat could be the start of a revolution in the way we eat.

Despite the cultured meat coming from bioreactors in a laboratory, it is, scientifically,

real meat. To be more precise, it is chicken. The "chicken bites" look and taste like

real chicken. The chicken is made by the U.S. company Eat Just. The "just" in the

company's name is the adjective "just" (meaning "fair") rather than the adverb that

means "only". Josh Tetrick, the Eat Just CEO, said no animals are killed to make the

meat. This has the potential to transform the meat industry. It could also have an

adverse impact on poultry and livestock farming.

Mr. Tetrick believes Singapore's green light is just the start of a huge shake-up that

will revolutionize meat manufacturing. He said: "I'm sure that our regulatory approval

for cultured meat will be the first of many in... countries around the globe." He said lab-

grown meat could lead to a huge reduction in the environmental impact of livestock

production and thus change the world for the better. We could see disease-free meat,

an end to the use of drugs in meat, and an end to animal cruelty. Tetrick added:

"Cultured meat's role in creating a safer, more secure global food supply has...given
rise to a steady increase in the application of animal cell culture technology...of food

products."

Sources: mashed.com / foodsafetynews.com / metro.co.uk

YOUR POINT OF VIEW:

Lab-grown meat will be better for us than killing animals for meat.

DISCUSSIONS:

1. How happy would you be if lab-grown meat was very cheap?

2. Would you buy / eat the lab-grown meat”

3. What do you think of all our food being grown in a lab?

4. Will this technology end animal cruelty?

5. Do you worry about the drugs in our meat and other food?

6. How will lab-grown meat help the global food supply?

7. What do you think of meat? Healthy or not? Why? Why not?

8. Is lab-grown meat, for which no animals die, good for vegetables?

9. Do you think tuna is better than lab-grown meat?

10. How could this technology adversely affect livestock farming?

WORDS /PHRASES TO PONDER:

a. adverse d. constant

b. green light e. rubber - stamped

c. shake-up f. precise
UNIT 6: Microsoft Flight Simulator includes all world airports, 29 th February,

2020

The Microsoft airplane game Flight Simulator has been upgraded to include every

airport in the world. This means gamers will have a choice of over 37,000 airports to

take off from and land at. The upgrade has added over 13,000 new airports to the

previous version of the game, which included 24,000 airports. The game includes

international hubs like New York's JFK and London Heathrow. It also includes tiny

airports like rural, grassy landing strips and runways that are in the middle of deserts

or on the top of mountains. The 37,000 airports in Flight Simulator have been manually

designed to look like the real airports. Designers used satellite images and Bing Maps

to do this.

The graphics are also much better in the latest release of Flight Simulator. The

designers put a lot of work and effort into increasing the level of detail you see. Gamers

will see windsocks blowing in the wind and service vehicles driving around the roads

next to the runways. The markings on the runways in the game are the same as those

on the real runways. Lead game designer Sven Mestas said: "To reach a new level,

we needed a new approach. We decided to innovate by editing airports from real

satellite pictures. This technique involves editing each airport manually. This means
we paid particular attention to detail to bring every airport a step closer to reality."

Sources: pcgamer.com / ladbible.com / rockpapershotgun.com

YOUR POINT OF VIEW:

Using a flight simulator game is better than really flying.

DISCUSSIONS:

1. How important are graphics in video games?

2. How important are video games to you?

3. What other simulator games would you like to play

4. Which is better, flying or using a flight simulator?

5. What will games be like in 50 years from now?

6. What would it be like to fly a real airplane?

7. Which do you like better, taking off or landing?

8. Is it better to land on top of a mountain or on a grassy strip?

9. Do you think war game is the best simulator?

10. Do you think extreme sports are the best simulator? Why? Why not?

WORDS / PHRASES TO PONDER:

a. manually d. simulator

b. windsocks blowing e. done by hand

c. grassy landing strips

 đột phá in sinh học [ˈɔːr.ɡən] cơ quan nội tạng
UNIT 7: Breakthrough in bio-printing of new body organs, 7 th May, 2019

[ˈsaɪən.tɪst] nâng cao/ tiến bộ

[ˌpɑː.səˈbɪl.ə.t̬i] [ˌriː.prəˈduːs] tái sản xuất/ sinh sản
Scientists say they have greatly advanced the possibility of being able to reproduce
[ˈvaɪə]
the body's organs via the use of 3D printing. Replacement organs could be created

using a new technique for bio-printing organic tissue. This allows scientists to create
[tuːb] mạch [ˈves.əl]
networks of thin tubes and vessels, like those used in our body for the flow of blood

and air. These are called vascular networks. Bio-engineering professor Jordan Miller

explained why the breakthrough was so important. He said: "One of the biggest
rào cản [ˌɪn.əˈbɪl.ə.t̬i] ko thể, bất lực
roadblocks to generating functional tissue replacements has been our inability to print
[ˈvæs.kjə.lɚ] mạch máu [ˈnuː.tri.ənt] chất dinh dưỡng
the complex [vascular networks] that can supply nutrients to densely populated
[ˈdens.li] dày đặc
mô
tissues."

Professor Kelly Stevens of the University of Washington wrote about the difficulties
[ˌriː.kriˈeɪting} tái tạo
scientists had in recreating a vascular network. She said: "Tissue engineering has
[ˈstrʌɡ.əl] đấu tranh
struggled with this for a generation." She believes the new breakthrough will allow

medical practices to change in the future. She asked: "If we can print tissues that look

and now even breathe more like the healthy tissues in our bodies, will they also then

functionally behave more like those tissues?" Professor Stevens said "This is an

important question, because how well a bio printed tissue functions will affect how
 θer.ə.pi trị liệu, liệu phát

successful it will be as a therapy." Scientists hope this method will help millions of
[trænˈsplænt] cấy ghép
people waiting for an organ transplant.

Sources: digitaltrends.com / popularmechanics.com / independent.com

YOUR POINT OF VIEW:

Bio-printing new body organs is a good thing.

DISUCCIONS:
[ˈeθ.ɪ.kəl] đạo đức

1. What ethical issues are there with bio-printing?

2. What will medicine look like in 100 years from now?

In the next 100 years, medicine is poised to undergo remarkable transformations. While we can’t predict the future with certainty
3D bioprinting will create functional organs for transplantation.
Waiting lists for donor organs could become a thing of the past.
3. What do you think of cyborg humans with bio-printed organs? [ˈsaɪ.bɔːrɡ] người máy

4. What medical breakthroughs would you like to see?

5. Would you accept a brio-printed organ if you needed one?

6. Is bio-printing a little like Frankenstein?

7. Do you think the wheel is the biggest scientific breakthrough? Why / Why not?

8. Would it be possible to bio-print a new brain?

9. Will scientists be able to bio-print a whole human one day?

10. Do you think internet is one of the biggest scientific breakthroughs?

WORDS / PHRASES TO PONDER:

a. densely d. roadblocks

b. via e. vascular networks

c. wrestled [ˈres.əl] vật lộn = struggled

UNIT 8: Japan to use artificial intelligence to match couples 11th December,

2020

Japan is trying to get more men and women to go on dates. It wants to increase its

birth rate because there are fewer and fewer babies being born. Japan is going to use

artificial intelligence (AI) to match couples and help residents find love. The

government has decided to use $19 million next year to set the software up. There are

already matchmaking services in half of Japan's 47 prefectures. These involve filling

out forms and answering questions on hobbies and interests. A worker then matches

people based on the answers. Some prefectures are now starting AI projects to

automate the system. AI software can perform a more advanced analysis of data and

get better matches.

The government hopes the project will increase the size of the population. Japan's

fertility rate is one of the lowest in the world. The average number of children a

Japanese woman is expected to have in her lifetime is 1.36. This figure is continuing

to go down, which is why the government is trying the AI programmed. A government

spokesperson said: "We hope this support will help reverse the decline in the nation's

birth rate." Japan's population is rapidly ageing because people are living longer. The
longevity rate for women is the highest in the world. This is a problem for the economy.

There are fewer and fewer younger workers to pay for the pension and welfare costs

of retired people.

Sources: japantimes.co.jp / uk.reuters.com / globaltimes.cn

YOUR POINT OF VIEW:

Computer matchmaking is the best way to find a partner.

DISCUSSIONS:

1. What ‘s the best way to find partner?

2. Why might A.I. matchmaking be better that a person at matchmaking?

3. How important is it your partner has the same hobbies as you?

4. What problems does a shrinking population cause?

5. How can the government get people to have more children?

6. What kind of person is your ideal partner?

7. Would you use the A.I. matchmaking service?

8. Do you think hiking is the best first date? How about movie theatre?

9. What about picnic on the beach or finest restaurant for first date?

10. Are parents good matchmakers?

WORDS / PHRASES TO PONDER:

a. filling out d. ageing

b. automate e. reverse

c. prefectures
UNIT 9: 2020 - A year we will never forget 31st December, 2020

For billions of people around the world, January the 1st, 2020 seemed like a great day.

It was the start of a year that sounded like science fiction - 2020. Many people had

great hopes for the year ahead. Few knew what a rollercoaster ride 2020 would be

and how the world would change. The year has been dominated by the COVID -19

pandemic. This has brought hundreds of thousands of deaths, economic chaos,

lockdowns and masked populations. Another huge event was the death of George

Floyd at the hands of U.S. police in July. This sparked the Black Lives Matter

movement and global protests. The year ended with Joe Biden being voted in as the

President-elect of the USA.

Different people will have different memories of 2020. Our reporters asked people

around the world to tell us what they will remember 2020 for. Ahmed Hussein from

Lebanon said he would never forget the massive explosion at a Beirut port in August

that killed at least 190 people. He said he thanked God none of his family or friends

were hurt, but was sad at the destruction of his city. Lucy Baxter, a nurse in the UK,

said her happiest moment came with the news of the vaccines for COVID-19. She said

she could see light at the end of a long and dark tunnel. Ayumi Miyamoto of Japan
was saddened by the postponement of the Tokyo Olympics but is happy they will go

ahead in 2021. She said 2021 would be a good year.

Source: BreakingNewsEnglish.com

YOUR POINT OF VIEW:

- What three things can we learn from 2020 to make the world better?

DISCUSSIONS:

1. What did you think 2020 would be like at the start of the year?

2. What was the best thing about 2020?

3. What regrets do you have about 2020?

4. How was your English studying in 2020?

5. How much did the pandemic affect you?

6. What do you know about the Black Lives Matter Movements (BLM)?

7: What do you think of some vaccines that are being injected to citizens?

8. Has there been a worse year than 2020?

9. Can we see light at the end of the tunnel despite the vaccine’s scientist found?

10. What’s the biggest news story of 2020 besides the pandemic?

WORDS / PHRASES TO PONDER:

a. chaos d. enormous

b. destruction e. ruination

c. saddened f. dispirited
UNIT 10: Diet drinks may be as unhealthy as sugary ones

Many people drink diet sodas as part of their diet. They believe these drinks are

healthier than fizzy drinks. However, according to a new study, "diet" versions of

sugary drinks can be as bad for our heart as fizzy drinks that are loaded with sugar.

The researchers who conducted the study said people should avoid diet sodas and

other artificially sweetened beverages if they want to look after their health. They said

the artificial sweeteners in diet drinks are not healthy. Dr Guy Mintz, a heart specialist,

said: "The belief that artificial sweeteners are a safe substitute for sugar is fake news."

He added: "Artificial sweeteners have been associated with weight gain, insulin

resistance, and diabetes."

The research is published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.

Researchers looked at health data from over 100,000 people in France. Participants

in the study recorded their diet, activity level, and health status every six months. The

researchers said: "Higher intakes of...artificially sweetened beverages were

associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, suggesting that artificially

sweetened beverages might not be a healthy substitute for sugary drinks." They

added: "Water, water, and more water should be the beverage of choice. Given
childhood obesity, no sweetened or artificially sweetened beverage should be a staple

in children's diets."

Sources: healthline.com / medicallxpress.com / metro.co.uk

YOUR POINT OF VIEW:

- All soda is a danger to our health and should be banned.

DISCUSSIONS:

1. How much do you like reading about health issues?

2. Have you ever taken part in research?

3. How can we keep out cardiovascular system healthy?

4. What do you think of sugary drinks? Are they good for kids?

5. What can we do to reduce childhood obesity?

6. How good or bad is your diet?

7. What would you like to cut from your diet?

8. Do you prefer the word “fizzy drink” or “soda”?

9. Should we be eating or drinking anything artificial?

10. Do you think skipping breakfast? Lunch? Or Dinner is the best way to diet?

WORDS / PHRASES TO PONDER:

a. conducted d. substitute

b. synthetic e. obesity

c. beverages f. cardiovascular disease

UNIT 11: You are what you eat, say scientists

Scientists have cast new light on the effects our diet has on our mental health.

Researchers say what we eat affects and alters our brain chemistry up until the age

of 30. They say this explains why older adults are more emotionally stable and resilient

than under-30s. The research was conducted by a team led by Lina Begdache, a

professor of health and wellness studies. Researchers said that while the link between

our diet and diabetes, heart disease and obesity is well established, there is a paucity

of research on the influence our dietary intake has on mental health. The researchers

also suggested that mental well-being stimulated healthy eating, healthy practices,

and exercising.

The research was carried out via an anonymous internet-based survey. It was sent

through social media platforms to different professional and social group networks.

Professor Begdache found that adults under 30 who ate fast food more than three

times a week scored higher on levels of mental distress, anxiety and depression. She

said that for adults over 30, the study found that eating less carbohydrates and more

fruit reduced anxiety and depression. Begdache pointed to research showing how a
Mediterranean diet was as good for our brain as for our body. She said: "It has all the

components that are important for the healthy structure of the brain."

Sources: tandfonline.com / theguardian.com /

YOUR POINT OF VIEW:

- Scientists say we are what we eat. Do you agree or disagree? Why?

DISCUSSIONS:

1. How healthy is your diet?

2. Do you eat any food to keep your brain healthy?

3. How does lots of cola and coffee affect our brain and mood?

4. Why is there so little research on diet and mental health?

5. Do mentally-well people have healthier lives?

6. Will you change what you eat from now on?

7. How might fast-food affect out mental well-being?

8. What do you know about the Mediterranean diet?

9. Do you think spinach, chicken or chocolate is the best food for diet?

10. Are under – 30s less emotionally stable that the over – 30s?

WORDS / PHRASE TO PONDER:

a. alters d. anxiety

b. paucity e. components

c. carried out f. well - balanced

UNIT 12: English Language Test suggested for Australia visa, 10th October,

2020

Visa requirements in Australia just got a little tougher. Foreign partners of existing

residents who want a permanent residence visa must soon have to pass an English

language test. Australia's government says it is important that people prove a

predetermined level of English proficiency before they are granted a permanent visa.

The prerequisite could be in place from the middle of 2021. Immigration Minister Alan

Tudge said: "We will require an applicant and a sponsor to have met a functional level

English or to have at least made reasonable efforts to learn English." He said such

efforts would entail about 500 hours of free English classes on a government-run

language programme.

The proposed requirement has stoked controversy in Australia's parliament.

Politicians critical of the planned measure called the new language test

"discriminatory" and "racist". They argue it targets people from non -Western nations

and their partners. A spokesman for Australia's opposition party said: "English

proficiency isn't a test of someone's love." He said couples already faced an uphill

struggle in the application process and that the new requirement would add an

"additional burden". An immigration expert said: "It certainly puts a lot of pressure on
couples who've been hit hard by COVID. Many of them have lost their jobs and now

they've got this added burden to pass an English test."

Sources: bbc.com / abc.net.au / sbs.com.au

YOUR POINT OF VIEW:

- There should be no language requirements for any kind of visas.

DISCUSSIONS:

1. Why do you think the proposal is controversial?

2. Why might the test be seen as racists?

3. What uphill struggles have you faced with English language?

4. Is the test an unwanted additional burden?

5. Should a visa depend on a language test?

6. Should residents in a country all have to speak the language?

7. Which country would you like to have a permanent residence visa for?

8. What efforts are you making to learn English? Do you think having an “accent” (British,

American, Canadian) is an advantage?

9. Do you think learning vocabulary is the most important area of English?

10. Do you think grammar and pronunciation are the most important area of English?

WORDS / PHRASE TO PONDER:

a. proficiency d. Parliament

b. entail e. resident

c. prerequisites
March - “Milk Flower Tree” (Hoa Sua)

Yellow bee

SOURCES:

https://www.tweentribune.com/article/tween56/why-do-we-love-junk-food/

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/25/learning/what-students-are-saying-about-

vaccine-trials-sports-without-spectators-and-a-chaotic-year.html

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/1905/190523-philanthropist-m.pdf

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2010/201010-english-language-test-m.pdf

All sources were internet based and would be used for

Educational purposes only.