Difficulty
B1 30-C2 90
A1
A2
A2+
B1
B1+
B2
B2+
C1
C1+
C2
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
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80
90
100
Top News
Difficulty30 - 90
C1+
US and Iran Close to Agreement to End War, Reopen Strait of Hormuz, and Resolve Nuclear Issues
The United States and Iran have made important progress in talks aiming to end their conflict, reopen the key Strait of Hormuz, and address Iran's nuclear program. While a final agreement has not been signed, both sides have narrowed differences. Iran remains cautious due to past attacks during negotiations, and Israel's security concerns, especially regarding Hezbollah in Lebanon, are central to the deal. Republican opposition in the US adds political pressure. The talks began after joint US-Israeli strikes led to the Strait's closure and a US blockade, causing a global energy crisis. The negotiations continue, with hope for a settlement in the coming months.
Listening (4.8 minutes)
B2+
Norway’s Largest Viking Age Coin Hoard Found Near Rena
In April 2026, metal detectorists found over 3,150 Viking Age silver coins near Rena, Innlandet County, Norway. Archaeologists have been excavating the site, uncovering coins from England, Germany, Denmark, and Norway. The hoard dates from around 1047 to 1050, a time when Norway was shifting from foreign to national coinage under King Harald Hardrada. The find is the largest Viking Age coin hoard in Norway and is expected to deepen understanding of the region’s economy and history. The site is now carefully protected to preserve this important treasure.
Listening (4.5 minutes)
B2
Donut Lab Launches First Solid-State Battery at CES 2026
At CES 2026, Donut Lab unveiled the first commercially ready solid-state battery, sparking excitement and skepticism in the tech world.
Listening (6.2 minutes)
B2
From Four-Day Weeks to Job Losses: Tech Leaders Discuss AI’s Influence on Employment
As 2026 approaches, Elon Musk's insights on AI's potential to transform work ignite discussions on economic prosperity and job security.
Listening (3.8 minutes)
B2
Google's Gemini Closes the Gap with ChatGPT in the AI Market
Google's Gemini has surged to nearly 18% user activity, closing the gap with ChatGPT and reshaping the AI landscape.
Listening (2.9 minutes)
B2
NVIDIA Plans H200 Chip Shipments to China Amid Regulatory Scrutiny
NVIDIA aims to ship its H200 AI chips to China by mid-February, pending regulatory approval. This could restore access to a key market for advanced technology.
Listening (5.0 minutes)
B2
Brain-Inspired Computing: A Breakthrough for AI Energy Efficiency
New research highlights brain-inspired computing as a solution to AI's growing energy demands, potentially reducing consumption by up to 99%.
Listening (6.3 minutes)
B2
Zelensky Signals Willingness to Reconsider NATO Membership
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky indicates readiness to reconsider NATO membership as peace talks with Russia begin in Berlin.
Listening (4.9 minutes)
B2
Silver Reaches New Heights as Fed Rate Cut Anticipations Grow
Silver prices skyrocketed to a record $59.65 per ounce due to expectations of a Federal Reserve interest rate cut following disappointing U.S. employment data.
Listening (4.1 minutes)
B2
European Equity Markets Plunge as AI Valuation Fears Rise
European equity markets experienced significant losses on November 21, 2025, driven by investor concerns over AI and technology stock valuations.
Listening (5.3 minutes)
B2
China Excludes Electric Vehicles from 2026-2030 Strategic Plan
China's recent decision to exclude electric vehicles from its 2026-2030 strategic industry list signals a major policy shift, reducing reliance on subsidies.
Listening (5.4 minutes)
B2
Elon Musk Predicts AI Will Make Work Optional Amid Amazon Automation
Elon Musk warns that AI and robotics could replace all human jobs, making work a personal choice. Amazon’s plan to automate 600,000 positions sparks a global debate on the future of labor.
Listening (5.1 minutes)
B2
McLaren Faces Team Turmoil After Singapore GP 2025 Collision
The 2025 Singapore Grand Prix witnessed a dramatic first-lap crash between McLaren teammates Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, igniting debates over team strategy and fairness. McLaren’s internal investigation and escalating tensions reveal the challenges of balancing competition with team harmony as Piastri’s future remains uncertain.
Listening (3.5 minutes)
B2
Trump Announces 100% Tariff on All Chinese Imports Starting November 2025
In October 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump declared a 100% tariff on all imports from China, effective November 1, escalating trade tensions amid Beijing's expanded rare earth export controls. This move triggered sharp market declines and raised concerns over global supply chains and technology sectors.
Listening (3.9 minutes)
B2
Surge in Starlink Satellite Re-Entries in 2025: Rising Environmental Concerns
In 2025, SpaceX's Starlink satellites are deorbiting at an alarming rate, raising environmental and safety concerns.
Listening (3.3 minutes)
B2
AI Model ESSA Reveals Hidden Lunar Cave Entrances for Future Missions
A British scientist uses the AI model ESSA to discover potential cave entrances on the Moon, crucial for future lunar missions.
Listening (3.4 minutes)
B2
2025 Nobel Prizes in Physics and Chemistry: Quantum Tunneling and Molecular Sponges
The 2025 Nobel Prizes celebrate groundbreaking discoveries in quantum mechanics and material science, with implications for technology and sustainability.
Listening (5.3 minutes)
B2
Gold and Bitcoin Reach New Heights During U.S. Government Shutdown
Gold and Bitcoin achieve unprecedented levels as safe haven assets during the U.S. government shutdown, reflecting strong investor interest.
Listening (3.9 minutes)
