English B1: Intermediate level

New York police kill knife-wielding woman in Times Square

A woman has been shot dead by police in New York’s Times Square. Police say she was armed with knives.

Five years after Saied’s power grab, Tunisia’s old grievances resurface

Economic grievances persist while space for dissent has narrowed under President Kais Saied.

Paperwork, lines, hours on hold: There's a 'Time Tax' on Americans who need help most

Annie Lowrey explores the administrative burdens people face applying for government benefits. It's not just about wasted time: "When the government treats us like this, we don't trust it," she says.

Business & career

Freelancing vs. a Full-Time Job

Jack's friend Sofia has been freelancing for years, while Jack has always had a full-time job. He and Emma compare the freedom and the uncertainty of freelance work with the stability and structure of a regular paycheck.

Entertainment

Are Video Games a Form of Art?

Jack and Emma discuss whether video games should be considered a serious art form, looking at storytelling, music, and visual design in modern games.

Coming of age

Peer Pressure and Growing Up

Jack and Emma share honest teenage memories of resisting and giving in to peer pressure, from skipping class to smoking behind the gym. They discuss both the negative and positive sides of social influence.