Talking Points
1. Justin Bieber Talks About Feeling Upset
2. Astronauts Return to Earth After Long Trip
3. AI Chatbots as Emotional Support

Listen Up: Practice contrasting two ideas using but, however, and while.

Focus Phrase: Had enough

Executive Edition: Framing: For Better or Worse.

Figure It Out: Which phrase is incorrectly used by native speakers?

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Justin Bieber Talks About Feeling Upset

Singer Justin Bieber recently shared his feelings on social media. He said he sometimes gets really angry and even feels like he doesn’t like himself.

He also said he tries to be real, but sometimes he feels like he is pretending. Now, he wants to learn how to stay calm and be himself more.

Talking points: Justin said he tried to be real, but sometimes feels like he’s pretending. Have you ever felt this way?

Language tips: The talking point is using the word but to show contrast. Try using that construction in your answer to contrast two things.

Astronauts Return to Earth After Long Trip

NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore are back on Earth after spending nine months in space. They were supposed to come back sooner, but there were problems with their spaceship.

Now that they are home, they have to get used to Earth's gravity again. Their muscles and bones got weaker in space, so they will need time to recover.

Talking points: Problems kept the astronauts from returning to Earth sooner. Have you ever expected to do something, but was delayed due to a problem?

Language tips: We have another chance to use but to draw contrast between two things. Use this opportunity to practice this common sentence structure.

AI Chatbots as Emotional Support

A recent study by OpenAI and MIT Media Lab found that many people are turning to AI chatbots for emotional support. These chatbots are designed to be sensitive and understanding, making users feel comfortable sharing their feelings.

However, not everyone feels the same way about using AI for emotional help. Some people trust these chatbots, while others are unsure if they can really understand human emotions.

Talking points: What’s a benefit of using a chatbot for emotional support? And what could be a possible negative?

Language tips: The first two stories used but to show contrast. This story uses however and while. Listen to the Listen Up section for my explanation of how to use these two words.