WARM-UP

Answer briefly. No overthinking.

1. Do you use skincare products?

2. Have you tried matcha before?

3. Do you follow beauty trends?

VOCABULARY

ESSENTIAL (A1–B1)

compound – a substance made from two or more elements
Example: Water is a chemical compound.

texture – how something feels or looks on the surface
Example: This cream has a smooth texture.

wrinkle – a small line or fold in the skin
Example: She noticed a new wrinkle near her eye.

robust – strong and able to handle difficulty
Example: The company has a robust reputation.

inflammation – swelling or redness in the body
Example: Ice can reduce inflammation.

DEVELOPED (B2–C2)

antioxidant – a substance that prevents cell damage
Example: Blueberries are rich in antioxidants.

EGCG – a powerful antioxidant found in green tea
Example: EGCG is linked to skin protection.

polyphenol – a natural plant chemical with health benefits
Example: Tea contains many polyphenols.

meta-analysis – a study of many studies
Example: The meta-analysis reviewed dozens of experiments.

reap – to gain something as a result
Example: She hopes to reap the benefits of healthy habits.

READING

INTRODUCTION

Matcha is popular in drinks and food, but now it is also appearing in skincare. This article explores whether its compounds truly benefit the skin.

ARTICLE (ALL LEVELS)

Matcha is made from finely ground green tea leaves and contains chemical compounds that may help the skin.

Green tea has strong antioxidants that can improve skin texture and reduce wrinkles.

DEVELOPED ARTICLE (B1–C2)

A meta-analysis found that creams containing green tea showed small improvements in wrinkle reduction and skin hydration, but the studies were limited.

Scientists also note that EGCG is difficult for the skin to absorb.

There is more robust evidence that drinking green tea helps fight inflammation and cell damage throughout the body.

Matcha contains higher levels of antioxidants than regular green tea, so people may reap more benefits by drinking it rather than applying it.

COMPREHENSION CHECK

A1–A2

1. What plant is matcha made from?

2. Does green tea contain antioxidants?

3. Can green tea help skin texture?

B1–B2

1. What did the meta-analysis study?

2. Why are results about skincare limited?

3. What problem exists with EGCG absorption?

C1–C2

1. Why is drinking green tea considered more effective than applying it?

2. How does study size affect reliability?

3. Why is matcha considered stronger than regular green tea?

SPEAKING

A1–A2 — FOUNDATION

Language Support:
“I use…”
“I like…”
“I don’t use…”

PERSONAL QUESTIONS

1. Do you use face cream?

2. Do you wash your face daily?

3. Have you tried matcha?

4. Do you like tea?

5. Do you worry about wrinkles?

6. Do you use sunscreen?

7. Do you prefer natural products?

8. Do you like smooth texture in creams?

9. Do you follow trends?

10. Do you buy skincare products often?

11. Do you like trying new products?

12. Do you drink green tea?

13. Do you read labels?

14. Do you trust advertisements?

15. Do you care about skin health?

B1–B2 — EXPANSION

Language Support:
“In my opinion…”
“I think that…”
“One reason is…”

PERSONAL QUESTIONS

1. Why are antioxidants important?

2. Do you think skincare trends are reliable?

3. Would you try matcha skincare?

4. How do you choose products?

5. Do you prefer simple routines?

6. Can diet affect skin health?

7. Do you believe in scientific studies?

8. How do you reduce inflammation naturally?

9. Do you trust online reviews?

10. Do you compare brands?

11. Do you check ingredients?

12. Should people rely more on diet than creams?

13. What makes evidence robust?

14. Do expensive products work better?

15. How important is consistency?

C1–C2 — DEPTH & REFLECTION

Language Support:
“This suggests that…”
“One implication is…”
“From a scientific perspective…”

PERSONAL QUESTIONS

1. How should consumers interpret limited research?

2. Why do trends spread faster than evidence?

3. How does marketing shape beliefs?

4. Should companies prove effectiveness before selling?

5. How can people reap health benefits wisely?

6. Is internal health more important than appearance?

7. How does placebo effect influence skincare?

8. Should governments regulate beauty claims?

9. How can consumers evaluate meta-analyses?

10. Why is absorption important in topical products?

11. How do lifestyle choices affect aging?

12. Can antioxidants prevent disease long-term?

13. Should science communication be simplified?

14. How do cultural values influence beauty trends?

15. What defines real skincare effectiveness?