10.06.2025

 https://test-english.com/reading/b2/the-most-sought-after-company-benefits-b2-english-reading-test/  

https://www.instagram.com/p/DH3ujkVt9Vp/

https://test-english.com/use-of-english/b2/b2-english-test-4-multiple-choice-questions/

https://en.islcollective.com/english-esl-video-lessons/listening-comprehension/deep-listening-focus-on-meaning/ability/psychiatric-labels/1151926

05.06.2025

 https://www.instagram.com/p/DJ7NhjWNRLk/    

https://wordwall.net/resource/92786332/getting-dressed

Weak ties: The power of acquaintances

Picture your social world as a vibrant garden. Your close friends and family are the sturdy trees and colourful flowers that provide structure and beauty. But let’s consider another kind of plant in this garden analogy, perhaps the grass that blankets the ground. The grass represents what has been coined as your “weak ties”, that is, your casual acquaintances – the barista who knows your coffee order, the neighbour you greet in the morning, or the coworker from a different team you occasionally share a joke with. 1 __. Yet these casual connections harbour a surprising strength that can subtly enrich your life in ways you might not expect.

In our quest to nurture deep, meaningful relationships, we sometimes overlook the significance of the grass beneath our feet. 2 __. They boost our mood and enrich our day-to-day experience making us feel that we are part of something. By acknowledging the value of these casual connections, we can foster a richer, more diverse social garden that nourishes our well-being and strengthens our ties to the community around us. 3 __.

Imagine you’re stressed from work, and on your way home, you engage in a lively chat with your bartender about yesterday’s football match, exchanging a bit of banter that brings a genuine smile to your face. 4 __. These brief yet spirited exchanges momentarily lift you out of your worries, making you feel connected and lighter. When you finally get home, the residual stress from work feels diminished, replaced by a sense of community and shared joy. 5 __.

In the digital age, the significance of nurturing these casual face-to-face connections becomes even more pronounced. It’s a proven remedy for social isolation and the unhealthy habit of being in your head. It’s about appreciating those quick, light exchanges as much as we do the long, heartfelt conversations. 6 __. Thus, the next time you find yourself sharing a simple “Good morning” or a small talk about the weather with someone you don’t know well, think of it as tending to your garden of possibilities. Every person we meet, no matter how briefly, adds a thread to the intricate tapestry of our social lives. And every thread, regardless of its thickness, contributes to the strength and beauty of the whole.

Questions

Page 1 of 6

1Gap 1

A.These brief interactions, which might be dismissed as trivial, actually infuse our daily lives with unexpected little moments of joy.

B.Weak ties serve as bridges to new information, opportunities, and perspectives.

C.Had you not shared any moments with others, you'd arrive home still burdened by the day's stress.

D.Feeling disconnected from everyone is, after all, one of the main reasons for unhappiness.

E.At first glance, they might seem as unremarkable as the grass underfoot, nothing worth noting.

F.Remember, every deep connection begins as a shallow one.

G.Then, you have a pleasant small chat with your neighbour about the weather and joke about when you'll see sunshine again.

 https://test-english.com/use-of-english/b2/b2-english-test-4-multiple-choice-questions/

 

https://en.islcollective.com/english-esl-video-lessons/visual-comprehension/prediction-game/5-hilarious-news-bloopers/526002

03.06.2025

https://test-english.com/use-of-english/b2/b2-english-test-3-text-multiple-choice-gaps/ 

On June 1, Sunday, Swedish eco-activist Greta Thunberg, along with eleven other activists, set off by boat with humanitarian aid to Gaza, attempting to break the Israeli blockade. This information was confirmed by the AP agency.

The sailing vessel Madleen, owned by the non-governmental organization Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC), departed from the port of Catania, located in southern Italy. The organizers emphasized their goal – to deliver humanitarian aid and draw the world’s attention to the critical situation in Gaza.

The activists plan to reach Gaza in about a week, if they are not stopped. Among the crew are actor Liam Cunningham, known for his role in the series “Game of Thrones,” and Member of the European Parliament Rima Hassan, who is banned from entering Israel due to her stance on the conflict.

One of the initiative’s participants, Thiago Avila, noted that in June the activists plan to hold a Global March to Gaza – a march through the Egyptian checkpoint in Rafah demanding an end to hostilities and access to humanitarian aid.

This is not the first attempt to reach Gaza by sea. In May, another ship from the same group, “The Conscience,” was attacked, likely by drones, in international waters near Malta. The activists blame Israel for the attack.

According to United Nations data, despite the resumption of limited aid deliveries, the humanitarian situation in Gaza remains the worst since the war between Israel and Hamas militants began 19 months ago.

On October 7, 2023, the Hamas group launched an attack on Israeli territory from the Gaza Strip, capturing several settlements and dozens of hostages. In response, Israel launched a counter-terrorism operation that led to a humanitarian crisis and numerous casualties.

On January 15, 2025, Israel and Hamas reached a ceasefire agreement, which came into effect on January 19. However, on March 18, 2025, the Israel Defense Forces announced the resumption of hostilities in Gaza.

On May 17, the Israel Defense Forces announced a new offensive aimed at eliminating Hamas and freeing the hostages. The Palestinian side reported 146 deaths, and fighting continues.

Part 1: Multiple Choice (Choose the best answer)

 1. What was the main purpose of the activists’ voyage aboard the Madleen?

A. To evacuate civilians from Gaza

B. To deliver humanitarian aid and raise awareness

C. To engage in military support for Gaza

D. To protest climate change

 2. What risk do the activists face based on previous attempts to reach Gaza?

A. Engine failure due to outdated boats

B. Capture by Hamas forces

C. Attack in international waters

D. Harsh weather conditions

 3. Why is Rima Hassan mentioned specifically in the text?

A. She is the captain of the vessel

B. She is banned from entering Israel

C. She funded the humanitarian aid

D. She is leading the Egyptian march

 

 5. The word “emphasized” in “The organizers emphasized their goal…” is closest in meaning to:

A. Forgot

B. Ignored

C. Stressed

D. Criticized

⸻

Part 2: True or False

 6. ___ Greta Thunberg is the only public figure participating in the mission.

 7. ___ The Freedom Flotilla Coalition is a governmental organization.

 8. ___ The humanitarian situation in Gaza has improved since January 2025.

 9. ___ The activists’ march is planned to go through the Israeli checkpoint in Rafah.

 10. ___ The ship “The Conscience” was reportedly attacked by drones near Malta.

⸻

Part 3: Short Answer (1–2 sentences)

 11. Why might the activists have chosen to sail from southern Italy specifically?

 12. What message might the activists be trying to send by risking their safety?

 13. How does the inclusion of a well-known actor and an MEP affect the public perception of the mission?

 14. Describe the current situation in Gaza based on the latest reports in the text.

 15. What does the activists’ mission suggest about civil society’s role in international conflicts?

11

https://en.islcollective.com/english-esl-video-lessons/visual-comprehension/prediction-game/5-hilarious-news-bloopers/526002

27.05.2025 (23.05.2025 cc)

  

 https://test-english.com/use-of-english/b2/b2-english-test-2-multiple-choice-questions/  

Regulating deepfakes

What are deepfakes?

Deepfakes are videos, images, or audio that have been changed using artificial intelligence (AI) to make something look real, even though it’s not. 1 ___ Deepfakes can swap faces, change voices, and create fake content that looks real. While this technology can be fun in movies or art, it can also be dangerous when used to spread false information.

How do deepfakes work?

Deepfakes use AI technology called generative adversarial networks (GANs). GANs involve two systems: one creates fake content, and the other tries to detect if it’s real or not. 2 ___ By using a lot of video, photos, and audio of someone, AI can make deepfake videos that are very convincing, making people look and sound like someone they aren’t.

Why is it important to talk about deepfakes?

Deepfakes are becoming increasingly easier to make. 3 ___ Now, almost anyone with a computer and some basic software can create one. This makes it easier for people to spread fake content, which can be harmful. The more people are aware of the existence of deepfakes, the less likely they are to believe everything they see.

What’s the effect of deepfakes on politics?

Deepfakes can cause big problems in politics. People can create fake videos of politicians saying things they never said, or doing things they never did. 4 ___ These fake videos can quickly spread online, confusing people and damaging the politician’s reputation.

5 ___ Fake videos might be shared during election campaigns, and voters might not have enough time to check if they are real or not. As these videos spread on social media, millions of people might see them before the truth comes out, which can hurt political discussions and make it difficult to know what’s true.

What’s the impact of deepfakes on personal reputation?

Deepfakes don’t just affect politicians—they can harm anyone. People can make fake videos or audio to spread lies about someone’s personal life, making it look like they said or did something wrong. These fake videos can be shared online, ruining someone’s reputation, relationships, or career. For example, some people use deepfakes to create fake inappropriate videos of celebrities or private individuals without their consent. 6 ___ Once a deepfake is online, it’s very hard to remove it completely, so the harm can be permanent.

How can we fight deepfakes?

As deepfakes become more common, governments and tech companies are trying to find ways to stop them from being used to harm people. 7 ___ Governments are also discussing new laws to control the use of deepfake technology. At the same time, teaching the public about deepfakes is important, so people know how to spot them and avoid being tricked.

---

Take the reading test.

Page 1 of 7

1Gap 1  

A.This can cause a lot of emotional pain and long-term damage to the victims.

B.For example, a deepfake might show a party leader lying, insulting others, or supporting a policy they don’t actually support.

C.With AI tools, people can make someone appear to say or do something they never actually did.

D.Some websites are using AI to detect and take down deepfakes before they spread.

E.In the past, creating a deepfake required special skills and expensive tools.

F.Anyone should find it easy to identify deepfakes due to their poor quality.

G.Deepfakes can also be used during elections to spread false information.

H.The first system improves its work until it can make the second system believe the fake content is real.

11111

https://en.islcollective.com/english-esl-video-lessons/visual-comprehension/prediction-game/5-hilarious-news-bloopers/526002

“You Said She Was Bald!” | Friends

 

 https://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/skills/reading/c1-reading/state-world 

 

15.05

  

 

Mind Control: How Apps Use Design Tricks To Hook You

The ubiquity of apps has revolutionized how we interact with technology, embedding them seamlessly into our daily routines. However, beneath their seemingly benign interface lies a realm of cunning design tactics employed by apps.

Photo by Daria Nepriakhina 🇺🇦 on Unsplash

In the digital era, where technology intertwines seamlessly with daily life, the allure of applications lies not only in their functionality but also in their ability to engage and retain users. Behind the interface lies a labyrinth of design strategies meticulously crafted to captivate our attention and, in some cases, cultivate addictive behaviors. This article delves into the intricate tactics employed by apps, exploring the ways they subtly influence user behavior and delve into what’s coined as “mind control” in the digital realm.

The Psychology of User Engagement

Apps wield an array of psychological techniques to ensure prolonged user engagement. Understanding these strategies unveils the psychology behind user behavior and the art of keeping individuals immersed in the app ecosystem.

Variable Rewards and Dopamine Triggers

At the core of many apps’ engagement strategies lies the concept of variable rewards. By employing intermittent reinforcement, apps provide unpredictable rewards, triggering the release of dopamine in the brain, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward. This tantalizing unpredictability keeps users hooked, fostering habitual app usage akin to a slot machine addiction.

The Persuasive Power of Design Elements

From vibrant colors to intuitive user interfaces, design elements play a pivotal role in shaping user behavior. Techniques such as persuasive design and nudging subtly steer users towards desired actions, influencing decision-making processes without explicit coercion.

Part 1: Comprehension (Open-ended & Multiple Choice)

 1. What is the main idea of the article?

(Open-ended)

 2. Which of the following best summarizes the function of “variable rewards” in app design?

A. They make apps more visually appealing.

B. They ensure that users receive regular updates.

C. They exploit unpredictability to increase user engagement.

D. They remove addictive features from the app.

 3. What does the comparison to a slot machine imply about app usage?

(Open-ended)

 4. According to the article, how do design elements influence users without forcing them?

(Open-ended)

 5. Which statement is true according to the article?

A. All apps aim to reduce screen time.

B. Vibrant colors in app design are used primarily for aesthetics.

C. Nudging is a direct way to control user actions.

D. Apps can use design to subtly influence user behavior.

⸻

Part 2: Vocabulary & Synonyms

 6. Find a synonym for the word “ubiquity” in the context of the article.

(Open-ended)

 7. What does “intermittent reinforcement” mean in simple terms?

A. Giving rewards on a set schedule

B. Giving no rewards at all

C. Giving rewards at unpredictable intervals

D. Giving increasingly large rewards

 8. What is the meaning of “cultivate” in the phrase “cultivate addictive behaviors”?

A. To reject

B. To eliminate

C. To encourage or grow

D. To observe

Part 4: Paraphrasing

 11. Paraphrase the following sentence:

“Apps wield an array of psychological techniques to ensure prolonged user engagement.”

(Open-ended)

 12. Rephrase using simpler vocabulary:

“This tantalizing unpredictability keeps users hooked.”

(Open-ended) 

 Do you think the phrase “mind control” is an exaggeration in the context of the article? Justify your answer.

https://en.islcollective.com/english-esl-video-lessons

https://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/skills/reading/c1-reading/state-world