B1 – Intermediate
People have been wearing masks for a long time since the COVID-19 pandemic. Some people in Japan claim that they have forgotten how to smile naturally. Therefore, they are taking smiling lessons from “smile coaches”.
Read more about these smiling classes in the article.
https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2306/230608-smiling-classes.html
Vocabulary Questions:
- What does “complex” mean in this context, “Many people developed a complex about smiling.“? Use this word in this context in a sentence.
- What does “the key to something” mean? “Moving and relaxing the facial muscles is the key to a good smile.” Use this expression in a sentence.
- What is the meaning of “for some time to come“? “Smile coaches in Japan may be busy for some time to come.” Use this phrase in a sentence.
Discussion Questions:
- What is your opinion on smiling lessons?
- Have you ever found it difficult or uncomfortable to smile naturally after wearing a face mask for a lengthy period of time? How did you handle it?
- Would you consider taking lessons from a “smile coach” to relearn how to smile with confidence if you felt self-conscious about it?
- Do you believe that wearing masks has affected your ability to communicate effectively and make good impressions on others? Why or why not?
- What is your opinion on this: “Smiling makes a good impression on others and helps communication. It also has the effect of making yourself feel more positive.”?
2 replies on “Smiling Classes”
Vocabulary Questions:
1. What does “complex” mean in this context, “Many people developed a complex about smiling.“? Use this word in this context in a sentence.
It means a psychological status, a repressed feeling that can provoke a bad behaviour normally because the person feels that he or she is not good enough.
2. What does “the key to something” mean? “Moving and relaxing the facial muscles is the key to a good smile.” Use this expression in a sentence.
It means that someone or something is of crucial importance. “Studying is the key to pass an exam”.
3. What is the meaning of “for some time to come“? “Smile coaches in Japan may be busy for some time to come.” Use this phrase in a sentence.
It means during a period of time in the near future. “Droughts are forecast for some time to come”.
Discussion Questions:
1. What is your opinion on smiling lessons?
In my opinion such a problem is strange and almost impossible. I am from Spain and we, Spaniards and also people from the Mediterranean sea, are very expressive. For us is almost impossible to forgot how to smile, regardless the masks.
2. Have you ever found it difficult or uncomfortable to smile naturally after wearing a face mask for a lengthy period of time? How did you handle it?
No, I am not. In fact, the difficult part was wearing it trying to project kindness.
3. Would you consider taking lessons from a “smile coach” to relearn how to smile with confidence if you felt self-conscious about it?
That is not something I would consider to take. However, I would consider taking lessons from a coach to learn something I feel I need or want to learn.
4. Do you believe that wearing masks has affected your ability to communicate effectively and make good impressions on others? Why or why not?
Not especially. I was having difficulties in the past when masks were mandatory, not to make good impressions, but to communicate easily and comfortably.
5. What is your opinion on this: “Smiling makes a good impression on others and helps communication. It also has the effect of making yourself feel more positive.”?
I totally agree with the sentence. Smiling helps to better communicate and to express kindness. It also gives self confidence.
All the efforts that you put into doing this exercise is much appreciated. Hope this helps you become more confident in your writing skills.
See how this sentence can be written better:
Until your next entries!