Voca from Articles: March 2026

April 1, 2026

MATERIAL: Daily News Article

CATEGORY: Science/Environment

TITLE: Shrinking North American bird population is getting worse faster. Experts blame agriculture, warming

UNLOCKING WORD MEANINGS: ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

1. shrink [shringk]

Additional Information: A related word is decrease.

2. consolation [kon-suh-LEY-shuhn]

Additional Information: A related verb is console, which means to comfort someone who is sad or upset.

3. adaptable [uh-DAP-tuh-buhl]

Additional Information: Some adverbs used with adaptable are highly and quite.

4. tolerant [TOL-er-uhnt]

Additional Information: This adjective is often followed by the preposition of.

5. indicator [IN-di-key-ter]

Additional Information: A related word is sign.

SYNONYMS

1. shrink - decrease, lessen, reduce

2. consolation - comfort, relief, support

3. adaptable - flexible, adjustable, versatile

4. tolerant - accepting, patient, understanding

5. indicator - sign, signal, clue

DEFINITION:

1. shrink - to become smaller in size, amount, or number

2. consolation - something that makes someone feel better when they are sad, disappointed, or upset

3. adaptable - describing someone or something that can change easily to fit new situations or conditions

4. tolerant - able to live with, accept, or not be bothered by something

5. indicator - something that shows, signals, or gives information about a situation or change

FREE CONVERSATION/DISCUSSION:

1. Why do you think bird populations are shrinking in North America?

2. How does agriculture affect the environment and wildlife?

3. What role does climate change play in bird population decline?

4. Why is biodiversity important for ecosystems?

5. How can people help protect bird populations?

6. Do you think urbanization affects birds more than agriculture?

7. What are some examples of adaptable animals you know?

8. How can birds show adaptability to changing environments?

9. Why is tolerance important in both humans and animals?

10. What indicators can scientists use to measure environmental health?

11. How does warming climate affect migration patterns of birds?

12. What are the consequences of fewer birds in ecosystems?

13. How can schools teach children about protecting wildlife?

14. Do you think technology can help monitor bird populations?

15. What are some ways communities can support conservation efforts?

16. How do pesticides affect birds and other animals?

17. Why is it important to reduce pollution for wildlife survival?

18. What can governments do to protect endangered species?

19. How do birds contribute to the balance of nature?

20. What lessons can humans learn from adaptable animals?

21. How does deforestation impact bird habitats?

22. Why is it important to have indicators of environmental change?

23. How can individuals make small changes to help the environment?

24. Do you think climate change solutions should focus more on agriculture?

25. How can international cooperation help protect migratory birds?

26. What are some examples of tolerant species in nature?

27. How does shrinking wildlife population affect human life?

28. Why do scientists warn about rapid environmental changes?

29. How can bird population decline be reversed?

30. What do you think is the most urgent environmental issue today?

March 31, 2026

MATERIAL: Daily News Article

CATEGORY: Health

TITLE: New mother crochets, collects yarn octopi for use in Detroit hospital’s NICU

UNLOCKING WORD MEANINGS: ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

1. yarn [yahrn]

Additional Information: Image of yarns: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Colorful_yarns._Punchneedle_workshops,_Lodz_Design_Festival_2024.jpg

2. crochet [kroh-SHEY]

Additional Information: An image of a crocheted item: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Leftie_crochet.jpg

3. tentacle [TEN-tuh-kuhl]

Additional Information: An image of tentacles: https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/detailed-close-shot-octopus-tentacles-2479402451?trackingId=3a152745-ad3f-4346-a1a6-b9bb4427f552&listId=searchResults

4. octopi [OK-tuh-pahy]

Additional Information: The prefix octo- means “eight.”

5. clutch [kluhch]

Additional Information: A related word is grab.

SYNONYMS

1. yarn - thread, fiber

2. crochet - knit, weave

3. tentacle - arm, limb

4. octopi - octopuses, sea creatures

5. clutch - grip, hold

DEFINITION:

1. yarn - long, thin strands of fiber used for knitting, weaving, or making cloth

2. crochet - to make clothing or other items by using a hook to join strings of yarn

3. tentacle - a long, thin part of an animal, like an octopus or squid, that it uses to touch, hold, or move things

4. octopi - the plural form of an octopus, a sea animal with a soft body and eight tentacles

5. clutch - to hold something tightly, usually because of fear, pain, or strong emotion

FREE CONVERSATION/DISCUSSION:

1. Why do you think hospitals use crocheted octopi for newborns?

2. How might yarn octopi help babies feel comforted in the NICU?

3. What emotions might a new mother feel when making these items?

4. Why do you think handmade items are valued in hospitals?

5. How does crocheting differ from knitting?

6. What role does creativity play in helping patients heal?

7. Why might tentacles be comforting for babies to clutch?

8. How does the softness of yarn affect its use in baby care?

9. What does the act of clutching symbolize in human behavior?

10. How can community members support hospitals through crafts?

11. Why do you think octopi are chosen instead of other animals?

12. How does the prefix octo- help us understand the word octopi?

13. What feelings might parents have seeing their baby clutch a yarn octopus?

14. How does crocheting connect generations, like grandmothers and mothers?

15. Why is touch important for newborns in the NICU?

16. How might crocheting be therapeutic for the person making the items?

17. What other handmade crafts could be useful in hospitals?

18. How does the image of tentacles remind us of strength and protection?

19. Why is yarn a good material for hospital crafts?

20. How do small acts of kindness, like crocheting, impact families?

21. What does it mean to give comfort through handmade gifts?

22. How might crocheted octopi help reduce stress for parents?

23. Why is community involvement important in hospital care?

24. How does clutching something soft help babies feel safe?

25. What lessons about compassion can we learn from this story?

26. How might crocheting projects bring people together?

27. Why is the NICU a place where comfort items are especially needed?

28. How does making something by hand show love and care?

29. What other animals could be crocheted to comfort babies?

30. How does this story inspire people to help in simple ways?

March 30, 2026

MATERIAL: Daily News Article

CATEGORY: Human Interest

TITLE: Osaka city stunned by anonymous gold bar gift worth 3.6M to fix aging water pipes

UNLOCKING WORD MEANINGS:

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

1. hefty [HEF-tee]

Additional Information: Related words are massive and tremendous.

2. dilapidated [dih-LAP-i-dey-tid]

Additional Information: A related word is damaged.

3. speechless [SPEECH-lis]

Additional Information: Commonly used with adverbs like completely and almost.

4. sinkhole [SINGK-hohl]

Additional Information: A deep hole that suddenly forms in the ground, sometimes causing damage.

5. infrastructure [IN-fruh-struhk-cher]

Additional Information: Examples include roads, water supply, electricity, and railways.

SYNONYMS

1. hefty - large, massive, big

2. dilapidated - old, broken, damaged

3. speechless - silent, shocked, amazed

4. sinkhole - hole, pit, cavity

5. infrastructure - systems, facilities, framework

DEFINITION:

1. hefty - very large amount or size

2. dilapidated - old and in poor condition, especially because no one has maintained or fixed it

3. speechless - not able to talk or speak because of shock, surprise, or strong feelings

4. sinkhole - a deep hole that suddenly forms in the ground when the surface falls in

5. infrastructure - the basic systems, buildings, and services a country, city, or organization needs to run smoothly

FREE CONVERSATION/DISCUSSION:

1. Why do you think someone would donate gold bars anonymously?

2. How would you feel if your city received such a gift?

3. Do you think the donor wanted recognition or preferred privacy?

4. What are the advantages of anonymous donations?

5. What are the disadvantages of anonymous donations?

6. How can cities encourage more generous acts like this?

7. Why is infrastructure important for daily life?

8. What problems can arise from dilapidated water pipes?

9. How does weak infrastructure affect people’s health?

10. What would you do if you saw a sinkhole near your home?

11. Why do you think Osaka’s citizens were speechless about the gift?

12. How can communities show appreciation for anonymous donors?

13. What other infrastructure problems do cities face today?

14. How should governments prioritize repairs in old cities?

15. Do you think gold is a practical way to donate money?

16. What other valuable items could be donated to help a city?

17. How does generosity impact society?

18. Should donors always reveal their identity?

19. How can cities ensure donations are used properly?

20. What lessons can other cities learn from Osaka’s experience?

21. How would you explain the importance of infrastructure to children?

22. What emotions do you think the city officials felt when receiving the gift?

23. How can citizens contribute to improving infrastructure besides donating money?

24. Do you think this story will inspire similar acts in other countries?

25. How does repairing infrastructure benefit future generations?

26. What role does trust play in accepting anonymous donations?

27. How can communities prevent infrastructure from becoming dilapidated?

28. What would you say to the anonymous donor if you could?

29. Do you think the donor was motivated by personal experience with water problems?

30. How does this story reflect the value of kindness in society?

March 29, 2026

MATERIAL: Daily News Article

CATEGORY: Business

TITLE: Burger King is testing AI headsets that will know if employees say ‘welcome’ or ‘thank you’

UNLOCKING WORD MEANINGS: ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

1. alert [uh-LURT]

Additional Information: Alert can also be used as a noun, which means a warning or signal about a problem.

2. inventory [IN-vuhn-tawr-ee]

Additional Information: Some verbs that are often used with inventory are check, track, and update.

3. intent [in-TENT]

Additional Information: A related word is objective.

4. hospitality [hos-pi-TAL-i-tee]

Additional Information: Some adjectives often used with hospitality are warm and great.

5. automated [AW-tuh-mey-tid]

Additional Information: Some antonyms of this word are manual and by hand.

SYNONYMS

1. alert - warn, notify

2. inventory - stock, supply

3. intent - purpose, aim

4. hospitality - friendliness, kindness

5. automated - mechanical, computerized

DEFINITION:

1. alert - to inform someone about a problem or situation so they can take action

2. inventory - all the items or products that a store, company, or warehouse has at a certain time

3. intent - the purpose or main goal for doing something

4. hospitality - the act of being friendly, kind, and welcoming to guests or visitors

5. automated - done by machines or computers without needing people to do it

FREE CONVERSATION/DISCUSSION:

1. Do you think AI headsets can improve customer service in fast food restaurants?

2. How might employees feel about being monitored by AI for politeness?

3. Should companies prioritize hospitality over speed in customer service?

4. What are the risks of relying too much on automated systems in business?

5. How can businesses balance technology with human interaction?

6. Do you think customers will notice if employees are being monitored by AI?

7. How important is saying “welcome” or “thank you” in customer service?

8. Could AI monitoring reduce genuine hospitality from employees?

9. What other industries could benefit from AI monitoring of employee behavior?

10. Should employees be alerted when they forget to greet customers?

11. How might AI affect employee training programs in the future?

12. Do you think AI can measure sincerity in customer interactions?

13. How could inventory systems become more automated in restaurants?

14. Should intent behind customer service be more important than scripted words?

15. How might customers react if they knew employees were monitored by AI?

16. Could AI monitoring improve fairness in employee evaluations?

17. What are the ethical concerns of using AI to track employee speech?

18. How might hospitality change if machines enforce politeness?

19. Should businesses invest more in human training than in AI systems?

20. Do you think AI monitoring could reduce employee stress or increase it?

21. How can companies ensure AI systems are used responsibly?

22. Could AI monitoring help standardize customer service across locations?

23. Should employees have the right to refuse AI monitoring?

24. How might automated systems affect job satisfaction in customer service roles?

25. Do you think AI will eventually replace managers in monitoring staff performance?

26. How can businesses maintain authenticity in hospitality while using AI?

27. Should customers be informed when AI is monitoring their interactions?

28. Could AI monitoring help reduce disputes between employees and customers?

29. How might AI monitoring affect teamwork among employees?

30. Do you think AI monitoring will become common in all service industries?

March 28, 2026

MATERIAL: Daily News Article
CATEGORY: Lifestyle/Entertainment
TITLE: Tampa International Airport shares it wants to ban pajamas. It was a joke, the airport says

UNLOCKING WORD MEANINGS: ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

1. attire [uh-TAYUHR]
Additional Information: This word is often paired with an adjective or another noun to specify its kind, such as casual attire or business attire.

2. tongue in cheek [tuhng in cheek]
Additional Information: Its adjective form is tongue-in-cheek, used to describe comments or actions meant playfully and not seriously.

3. civility [si-VIL-i-tee]
Additional Information: Its adjective form is civil, used to describe polite behavior toward others.

4. jump-start [JUMP-start]
Additional Information: In cars, jump-start means to start a car engine by pushing the car or by using special wires that connect one car battery to another.

5. nod to [nod too]
Additional Information: The verb nod means to move one’s head down and then up, sometimes several times, especially to show agreement, approval, or greeting.

SYNONYMS

1. attire - clothing, outfit, dress
2. tongue in cheek - playful, humorous, joking
3. civility - politeness, courtesy, respect
4. jump-start - boost, restart, energize
5. nod to - tribute, reference, acknowledgment

DEFINITION:

1. attire - clothes or clothing, especially for a particular occasion, purpose, or place
2. tongue in cheek - said or done in a playful way, but often not meant to be taken seriously
3. civility - polite behavior toward other people
4. jump-start - to quickly start or improve something, especially an activity, project, or process
5. nod to - a small action, comment, or idea that shows respect or attention to something important or well-known

FREE CONVERSATION/DISCUSSION:

1. Do you think pajamas should be banned in airports?
2. Why do you think people wear pajamas in public places?
3. How does attire affect the way people are perceived?
4. Should airports have dress codes?
5. What is the most unusual attire you have seen in public?
6. Do you prefer casual attire or formal attire when traveling?
7. How does attire reflect culture and tradition?
8. Do you think jokes made by public institutions should always be clarified?
9. How can tongue-in-cheek comments be misunderstood?
10. Why is civility important in crowded places like airports?
11. How can attire influence civility among travelers?
12. Do you think banning certain clothes improves public behavior?
13. How do you feel when you see someone in pajamas outside their home?
14. Should attire rules be different for children and adults?
15. Do you think attire affects airport security checks?
16. How can humor be used effectively in public announcements?
17. Why do you think the airport made a tongue-in-cheek comment about pajamas?
18. How can attire impact confidence when traveling?
19. Do you think attire rules should apply to airline staff as well?
20. How does attire affect first impressions in public spaces?
21. Should civility be taught in schools as part of daily lessons?
22. How can attire be a nod to cultural identity?
23. Do you think attire rules should vary depending on the country?
24. How does attire affect comfort during long flights?
25. Should attire rules be stricter in formal places like embassies compared to airports?
26. How can attire influence the mood of a group or crowd?
27. Do you think attire rules are more about civility or appearance?
28. How can attire be used to show respect in different settings?
29. Do you think attire rules should be enforced by law or left to personal choice?
30. How does attire connect to self-expression in public spaces?

March 27, 2028

MATERIAL: Daily News Article
CATEGORY: Education/Family
TITLE: As literacy rates lag, a pediatric hospital is screening for reading ability

UNLOCKING WORD MEANINGS: ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

1. screen [skreen]
Additional Information: This verb is often followed by prepositions for and out.

2. readiness [RED-ee-nis]
Additional Information: The adjective form of the word is ready.

3. proficiency [pruh-FISH-uhn-see]
Additional Information: The adjective form of the word is proficient.

4. dip [dip]
Additional Information: A related word is drop.

5. catch up [kach uhp]
Additional Information: This phrasal verb may also mean to do something you did not have time to do earlier.

SYNONYMS

1. screen - check, test, examine
2. readiness - preparation, willingness, alertness
3. proficiency - skill, ability, expertise
4. dip - fall, drop, decline
5. catch up - match, reach, keep up

DEFINITION:

1. screen - to examine, test, or check someone or something carefully, often to discover if there is anything wrong
2. readiness - the state of being prepared or willing to do something
3. proficiency - the ability to do something well or skillfully
4. dip - to fall or decrease slightly, especially in numbers, levels, or prices
5. catch up - to reach the same level, quality, or standard as someone or something else

FREE CONVERSATION/DISCUSSION:

1. Why do you think literacy rates are important for children?
2. How can hospitals help improve reading skills?
3. Should schools or hospitals be responsible for screening reading ability?
4. What challenges do children face when learning to read?
5. How can parents support their child’s reading readiness?
6. Do you think technology helps or hurts literacy development?
7. Why might literacy rates dip in certain communities?
8. How can teachers catch up struggling students with their classmates?
9. Should reading proficiency be tested regularly in schools?
10. How does reading ability affect future success?
11. What role does civility play in encouraging children to read together?
12. How can communities create programs to jump-start literacy?
13. Do you think screening for reading ability should be free?
14. How can reading readiness be measured in young children?
15. What are some fun ways to help children improve proficiency in reading?
16. Should parents be trained to screen their children’s reading skills?
17. How can schools prevent a dip in literacy rates?
18. Do you think reading aloud helps children catch up faster?
19. How can libraries support literacy readiness?
20. Should hospitals focus on literacy as part of health care?
21. How can games and activities improve reading proficiency?
22. What happens if children stay too long in their comfort zone and avoid reading challenges?
23. How can teachers nod to cultural stories to encourage reading?
24. Should literacy be considered as important as physical health screenings?
25. How can communities show civility when helping families with literacy struggles?
26. Do you think literacy programs should be mandatory in all schools?
27. How can parents jump-start their child’s interest in books?
28. Should literacy screening be done at home or in schools?
29. How can children catch up if they fall behind in reading?
30. What is one simple step families can take to improve literacy at home?

March 26, 2026

MATERIAL: Daily News Article
CATEGORY: Business
TITLE: A settlement is reached in a case tied to eBay’s bizarre deliveries and harassment campaign

UNLOCKING WORD MEANINGS: ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

1. subject to [suhb-JEKT too]
Additional Information: It’s often used in its passive form (be) subjected to.

2. cyberstalking [SAHY-ber-staw-king]
Additional Information: Its verb form is cyberstalk (ex. The teenager reported that a stranger cyberstalked her by sending many unwanted messages online).

3. misconduct [mis-KON-duhkt]
Additional Information: As a verb, misconduct means “to manage the activities of an organization badly.”

4. coordinated [koh-OR-duhn-ay-tid]
Additional Information: A related word is organized.

5. confinement [kuhn-FAHYN-muhnt]
Additional Information: Its verb form is confine (ex. The judge decided the thief should be confined in prison for five years).

SYNONYMS

1. subject to - exposed, forced
2. cyberstalking - online harassment, digital bullying
3. misconduct - wrongdoing, misbehavior
4. coordinated - organized, planned
5. confinement - imprisonment, detention

DEFINITION:

1. subject to - to cause someone to experience something unpleasant, difficult, or unwanted
2. cyberstalking - the act of using electronic communication to scare or bother someone again and again
3. misconduct - wrong behavior, especially by someone in a position of responsibility
4. coordinated - well-planned so that people or actions work well together
5. confinement - the state of being kept in a place and not allowed to leave, such as a prison or home

FREE CONVERSATION/DISCUSSION:

1. Why do you think companies sometimes engage in misconduct?
2. How can businesses prevent harassment campaigns against individuals?
3. What role should law enforcement play in cases of cyberstalking?
4. Do you think confinement is always the right punishment for harassment?
5. How can coordinated efforts help stop online abuse?
6. Why is cyberstalking considered more dangerous than traditional harassment?
7. Should employees be held more accountable for misconduct in large companies?
8. How can victims of harassment be better protected?
9. What lessons can businesses learn from eBay’s harassment case?
10. Do you think settlements are enough to resolve serious misconduct cases?
11. How can technology companies prevent misuse of their platforms?
12. Should cyberstalking be punished more severely than offline stalking?
13. What impact does misconduct have on a company’s reputation?
14. How can coordinated campaigns be used positively instead of negatively?
15. Do you think confinement deters future harassment?
16. How can victims of cyberstalking regain trust in online platforms?
17. Should companies face stricter penalties for harassment campaigns?
18. How can businesses rebuild trust after misconduct scandals?
19. What are the dangers of being subjected to unwanted deliveries or harassment?
20. How can coordinated investigations help uncover misconduct?
21. Should settlements include compensation for emotional distress?
22. How can society raise awareness about cyberstalking?
23. Do you think confinement is fair for non-violent misconduct cases?
24. How can companies train employees to avoid misconduct?
25. What role does leadership play in preventing harassment campaigns?
26. Should victims of cyberstalking have more legal rights?
27. How can coordinated community efforts stop online harassment?
28. Do you think misconduct cases should always go to court?
29. How can businesses use transparency to prevent future scandals?
30. What lessons can individuals learn from being subjected to harassment?

March 25, 2026

MATERIAL: Daily News Article
CATEGORY: Lifestyle/Entertainment
TITLE: Gotta catch them all: European Pokémon championships take place in London

UNLOCKING WORD MEANINGS: ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

1. evolve [ih-VOLV]
Additional Information: It usually follows the form evolve into (something) or evolve from (something).

2. eventual [ih-VEN-choo-uhl]
Additional Information: Some nouns often used with eventual are success, winner, and outcome.

3. presenter [pri-ZEN-ter]
Additional Information: Some related words are speaker and host.

4. opponent [uh-POH-nuhnt]
Additional Information: This word is commonly used in sports, politics, and games.

5. enduring [en-DOOR-ing]
Additional Information: A related verb is endure, which means to continue or suffer patiently.

SYNONYMS

1. evolve - grow, change, develop
2. eventual - final, ultimate, concluding
3. presenter - host, announcer, speaker
4. opponent - rival, competitor, challenger
5. enduring - lasting, continuing, persistent

DEFINITION:

1. evolve - to develop slowly over time or to change gradually into something new or better
2. eventual - relating to something that happens after some time or at the end of a process
3. presenter - a person who speaks in front of people to explain something or guide a program
4. opponent - a person or group that competes against another person or group
5. enduring - relating to something that lasts, stays strong, or continues over time

FREE CONVERSATION/DISCUSSION:

1. Why do you think Pokémon has remained popular for so many years?
2. How do games like Pokémon evolve over time to stay interesting?
3. What makes an event like the European championships exciting for fans?
4. Do you think the eventual winners of such competitions feel more pressure or joy?
5. How important is the role of a presenter in making events engaging?
6. What qualities make a good presenter in sports or entertainment?
7. How do opponents prepare differently for competitions compared to casual games?
8. What strategies can help an opponent succeed in a tournament?
9. Why do enduring games like Pokémon continue to attract new generations?
10. Can you think of other enduring hobbies or interests that last across decades?
11. How does competition bring people together despite being opponents?
12. What lessons can players learn from losing to strong opponents?
13. How do presenters influence the atmosphere of a live event?
14. What role does technology play in evolving games today?
15. How does the eventual outcome of a competition affect the players’ future?
16. Why do fans enjoy following the progress of their favorite opponents?
17. How does Pokémon compare to other enduring franchises like Mario or Zelda?
18. What makes London a good venue for international competitions?
19. How do cultural events evolve when they move to different countries?
20. What challenges do presenters face when speaking to large audiences?
21. How do enduring friendships form through shared hobbies like gaming?
22. What motivates players to keep competing even after losses?
23. How do organizers ensure the eventual success of a big event?
24. Why do some games evolve into global phenomena while others fade away?
25. How do opponents show respect for each other after a match?
26. What makes a championship more memorable for fans and players alike?
27. How do enduring traditions in gaming connect older and younger players?
28. What impact do presenters have on how audiences remember an event?
29. How do players evolve their skills from casual play to professional competition?
30. What do you think makes Pokémon an enduring part of entertainment culture?

March 24, 2026

MATERIAL: Daily News Article
CATEGORY: Technology/Innovations
TITLE: AI boosts efficiency for some in India

UNLOCKING WORD MEANINGS: ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

1. roll out [rohl out]
Additional Information: It also follows the form roll (something) out.

2. dashboard [DASH-bawrd]
Additional Information: An image of a dashboard: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Pihole_dashboard_kelvin.png

3. internship [IN-turn-ship]
Additional Information: A person doing an internship is called an intern.

4. tedious [TEE-dee-uhs]
Additional Information: A related adjective is annoying.

5. mammoth [MAM-uhth]
Additional Information: A related adjective is huge.

SYNONYMS

1. roll out - launch, introduce
2. dashboard - panel, display
3. internship - training, placement
4. tedious - boring, dull
5. mammoth - huge, gigantic

DEFINITION:

1. roll out - to introduce or launch something new, often a product, service, or plan
2. dashboard - a screen or page in a computer program that shows important information clearly in one place
3. internship - a period of time when a student or recent graduate works for a company to gain experience
4. tedious - boring and tiring because something takes a long time or is repetitive
5. mammoth - extremely large

FREE CONVERSATION/DISCUSSION:

1. How do you feel about AI being rolled out in workplaces?
2. What are the benefits of using a dashboard in daily tasks?
3. Why do you think internships are important for students?
4. Can you share an experience that felt tedious to you?
5. What comes to mind when you hear the word mammoth?
6. How can AI reduce tedious tasks in offices?
7. Do you think dashboards make information easier to understand?
8. What skills can someone gain from an internship?
9. How do you stay motivated during tedious work?
10. What mammoth changes have you seen in technology recently?
11. How does rolling out new technology affect employees?
12. Would you prefer a digital dashboard or paper reports?
13. How can internships prepare people for real jobs?
14. What strategies help you manage boring tasks?
15. Can mammoth investments in AI benefit small businesses?
16. How do companies decide when to roll out new products?
17. What features make a dashboard effective?
18. Should internships always be paid? Why or why not?
19. How do you avoid making meetings tedious?
20. What mammoth challenges does AI face in India?
21. How can rolling out AI improve customer service?
22. What industries benefit most from dashboards?
23. How do internships connect theory with practice?
24. What is the most tedious household chore for you?
25. Can mammoth projects succeed without AI?
26. How do people react to sudden rollouts of new apps?
27. What role does a dashboard play in decision-making?
28. How do internships shape career choices?
29. Why do some people find repetitive tasks tedious?
30. What mammoth opportunities could AI create in education?

March 23, 2026

MATERIAL: Daily News Article
CATEGORY: Business
TITLE: Grandson of the inventor of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups accuses Hershey of cutting corners

UNLOCKING WORD MEANINGS: ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

1. lash out [lash out]
Additional Information: It is usually followed by the preposition at.

2. innovation [in-uh-VEY-shuhn]
Additional Information: Its verb form is innovate.

3. position [puh-ZISH-uhn]
Additional Information: This verb literally means “to put something or someone in a particular place.”

4. go too far [go too fahr]
Additional Information: Some variations of this expression are take something too far or carry something too far.

5. edible [ED-uh-buhl]
Additional Information: The antonym of this word is inedible.

SYNONYMS

1. lash out - attack, criticize, strike
2. innovation - invention, creation, novelty
3. position - place, arrange, set
4. go too far - overdo, exaggerate, exceed
5. edible - eatable, consumable, digestible

DEFINITION:

1. lash out - to suddenly speak, act, or criticize someone or something angrily and strongly
2. innovation - a new idea, product, or way of doing something that improves or changes what already exists
3. position - to show a product, service, or idea so people see it in a certain way or think of it in a specific role or place in the market
4. go too far - to do or say something in a way that is extreme, unfair, or that makes others unhappy
5. edible - safe or good to eat

FREE CONVERSATION/DISCUSSION:
1. Why do you think the grandson accused Hershey of cutting corners?
2. How can accusations like this affect a company’s reputation?
3. Do you believe family members of inventors should have influence over company decisions?
4. What does “cutting corners” mean in business practice?
5. How can companies balance cost-saving with product quality?
6. Why is innovation important in the food industry?
7. Can innovation sometimes go too far?
8. How should companies position their products to attract customers?
9. What risks do companies face when they go too far in cost-cutting?
10. How can consumers lash out against companies they feel disappointed by?
11. Do you think social media makes it easier for people to lash out at companies?
12. What role does a mediator play in resolving disputes between companies and consumers?
13. How can labor relations affect product quality?
14. Why do you think edible products must meet strict standards?
15. What happens when a product is found to be inedible or unsafe?
16. How can companies innovate without losing customer trust?
17. Do you think Hershey should respond publicly to the grandson’s accusations?
18. How can accusations from family members impact brand loyalty?
19. What strategies can companies use to rebuild trust after negative publicity?
20. Do you think consumers care more about price or quality?
21. How can companies position themselves as both affordable and high-quality?
22. What examples of innovation in the food industry impress you most?
23. Do you think innovation always leads to better products?
24. How can companies avoid going too far when changing recipes?
25. Should companies prioritize tradition or innovation in their products?
26. How can accusations of cutting corners affect employee morale?
27. Do you think edible standards should be stricter for big companies?
28. How can companies use innovation to solve problems instead of creating them?
29. What lessons can other companies learn from Hershey’s situation?
30. Do you think customers will lash out if they feel betrayed by a brand they trust?

March 22, 2026

MATERIAL: Daily News Article
CATEGORY: Health
TITLE: FDA will drop two-study requirement for new drug approvals, aiming to speed access

UNLOCKING WORD MEANINGS: ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

1. novel [NOV-uhl]
Additional Information: Some antonyms of this word are old and traditional.

2. long-standing [LAWNG-STAN-ding]
Additional Information: Some nouns often described as long-standing are relationship, tradition, and problem.

3. slash [slash]
Additional Information: A related verb is decrease.

4. directive [dih-REK-tiv]
Additional Information: Some verbs commonly used with directive are issue and comply.

5. assured [uh-SHOORD]
Additional Information: It is often used after linking verbs feel and seem.

SYNONYMS

1. novel - new, unique, different
2. long-standing - lasting, enduring, established
3. slash - cut, reduce, lower
4. directive - order, instruction, command
5. assured - confident, certain, secure

DEFINITION:

1. novel - new and different; describing something that is not usual and has not been seen or done before
2. long-standing - describing something existing for a long time
3. slash - to reduce something a lot and quickly
4. directive - an official instruction or order given by a person or organization with authority
5. assured - confident and self-sure

FREE CONVERSATION/DISCUSSION:

1. Why do you think the FDA decided to drop the two-study requirement?
2. How might this change affect patients waiting for new treatments?
3. Do you believe speeding up drug approvals is always a good idea?
4. What risks could arise from approving drugs with fewer studies?
5. How can regulators balance safety and speed in drug approvals?
6. Why is scientific evidence important in medicine?
7. Do you think patients should have more say in drug approval processes?
8. How might pharmaceutical companies benefit from this change?
9. Could this decision encourage innovation in medicine?
10. What role does trust play in public health decisions?
11. How might doctors feel about prescribing drugs approved under new rules?
12. Do you think this change will lower drug costs?
13. How could faster approvals affect global health?
14. Should rare disease treatments have different approval standards?
15. How might patients with chronic illnesses view this decision?
16. Do you think safety testing should ever be reduced?
17. What are the dangers of rushing medical research?
18. How can technology help ensure drug safety faster?
19. Should the public be informed more about approval processes?
20. How might this change affect clinical trials?
21. Do you think this will increase competition among drug companies?
22. How important is transparency in drug approvals?
23. Could this decision improve access in poorer countries?
24. Do you think patients will trust drugs approved under new rules?
25. How might this change affect long-standing traditions in medical research?

26. What ethical issues could arise from faster approvals?

27. Should there be stricter monitoring after approval?

28. How might insurance companies react to this change?

29. Do you think this will lead to more novel treatments?

30. How can regulators assure the public that safety is not compromised?