Explore Culture articles written for exam English learners. Every story is graded by CEFR level and comes with key vocabulary, audio narration, and discussion questions, so you can build real reading and listening skills while following the topics that interest you most. New culture stories are added regularly.
9 articles in Culture
A village in northern Kazakhstan has witnessed its population plummet from 10,000 to just 216, leaving thousands of homes abandoned. This dramatic decline reflects a nationwide pattern of rural depopulation that has erased nearly 1,800 settlements from the map, raising urgent questions about the sustainability of small communities in post-Soviet Central Asia.
The United States Department of State has announced plans to cancel the passports of approximately 2,700 parents who owe significant child support. This unprecedented enforcement measure, which initially targets those owing $100,000 or more, raises important questions about how governments should balance parental accountability with individual rights.
The US Supreme Court heard arguments on whether the Trump administration can end Temporary Protected Status for hundreds of thousands of Haitians and Syrians. Conservative justices appeared to favor the administration's position, and a final decision expected by late June could affect over one million immigrants from 17 countries.
A major study by Ofcom has found that fewer British adults are posting on social media. Only 49% now actively share content, down from 61% the previous year. Experts suggest that short-form video and privacy concerns are transforming users into passive consumers.
Netflix's top executives have firmly rejected claims that the company instructs filmmakers to restate plot points for distracted viewers. The controversy began when actors Matt Damon and Ben Affleck suggested Netflix required such repetition, and it escalated into an Oscars comedy sketch. This debate raises important questions about storytelling standards in the streaming era.
British model and activist Charli Howard reveals how persistent sexualisation from the age of seven led to severe psychological trauma, eating disorders, and toxic relationships. Her new book, Flesh, examines the systemic objectification of women and its devastating consequences for mental health across generations.
Iceland's Prime Minister has announced plans for a referendum on whether to open EU membership negotiations. With public opinion narrowly favoring accession, this decision could fundamentally reshape Iceland's economic and political trajectory within Europe.
The U.S. administration has granted Immigration and Customs Enforcement broader authority to detain legally admitted refugees who lack green cards. This unprecedented policy shift, framed as a security measure, reverses longstanding immigration practices and raises significant human rights concerns.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has firmly rejected calls to bring home 34 women and children detained in a Syrian camp linked to ISIS. After their failed attempt to leave the Al-Roj detention camp, the decision has intensified an ethical debate about citizenship obligations, national security, and the rights of children born in conflict zones.
