Category: Class

Is It Worth Having Kids

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Children are usually perceived to be the ray of sunlight to many families, but is it always the case? Taking into account the various aspects of parenting them, that ultimately result in the significant occurrence of the opposite consequence such as opting not to have them at all.

Take a look at the video below to learn more about the value of having of kids.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “financial implications” mean”? The financial implications are big.” Use it in your own sentence.
  2. Do you know what “to miss out on something” mean? “…so I almost felt like I’m missing out something on something...” Use it in your own sentence.
  3. What does ” motherhood penalty” mean? “...but for women, the dip is much bigger and their earnings rarely recover…this is known as the motherhood penalty.“ Use it in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What’s your stance on having kids?
  2. Would it make families happier? Explain.
  3. How does the cost of raising kids affect your plans to have them now, later, or not at all?
  4. What is it like to be a parent? Kindly share the process and experience of this very challenging journey.
  5. How does parenting shape the society we are currently living in?

Schools of Philosophy

B2 – Upper Intermediate

According to Aztec Philosophy, the meaning of life was to live in balance with nature and make sure that the energy keeps flowing.  But the meaning of life is different for everybody.

Read the article to know more about the 10 schools of Philosophy that may help us find the light and the meaning of life. 

https://bigthink.com/thinking/10-schools-of-philosophy-and-why-you-should-know-them/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is the meaning of the word “slur“? “The word “hedonistic”, when used as a slur, relates to this school only in that many hedonistic thinkers also saw pleasure as the key to a good life.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What is the meaning of the word “construe”? “While happiness is often construed as pleasure and the green light is often given to depravity by this school, Greek thinker Epicurus was also a hedonist and tied it to a virtue ethics system based around moderation.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What is the meaning of the word” snockered”? “Most hedonistic philosophers would say you should read a book rather than get drunk, as reading is a higher kind of happiness than getting snockered.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. In your opinion, how can philosophy help us understand the meaning of life?
  2.  Are there similarities in any of these viewpoints? What are they?
  3. What is your philosophy in life and why?

Your Family Tree Explained

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Let us explore the significance of terms like “great” and “grand” in describing your ancestors and their connections. Explore this fascinating topic and gain a deeper understanding of your familial bonds.

Here’s a video that unravels the mysteries of family tree relationships.

Vocabulary Questions:

Explain the meaning of the highlighted words below and make some sentences.

1. Your siblings’ children are your nieces and nephews, collectively – niblings, and you are their aunt or uncle.

2. When you get married, you get everyone’s favorite in-laws.

3. The cousin number is the same as the “G” rule: it tells you how many in-betweeners until the connection on the family tree.

Discussion Questions:

1. Is it important for you to learn about your family tree and ancestors? Why or why not? 

2. How far back can you trace your family tree? Do you know any ancestors beyond your grandparents?

3. How can understanding one’s family tree help in developing a sense of identity and belonging? 

4. What are some common methods for researching and documenting a family tree?

5. Do you enjoy connecting with relatives or distant cousins? If yes, how do you go about it?

The Law You Won’t Be Told

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Did you know there’s more to the legal system than just guilty or non-guilty verdicts? Have you ever heard of ‘jury nullification’? In the thought-provoking video ‘The Law You Won’t Be Told,’ you’ll gain insights into this intriguing concept.

Take a moment to watch the video and contemplate whether some of the cases you’ve come across might fall into this category. Join us on this exploration of an often-overlooked aspect of the law.

Vocabulary Questions:

Explain the meaning of the highlighted words below and make some sentences.

  1. Be warned: Simply watching the video may prevent you from ever serving on a jury.
  2. When the defendant is 100% beyond-a-reasonable-doubt guilty, but the jurors also think he shouldn’t be punished, then the jury can nullify the law and let him go.
  3. Jury nullification usually refers to the non-guilty version but juries can convict without evidence just as easily as they can acquit in spite of it.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What thoughts do you have about jury nullification?
  2. What are some potential benefits and drawbacks of jury nullification within the legal system? Discuss both sides of the argument.
  3. In your understanding, how can discussing jury nullification in the wrong circumstances can lead to arrest?
  4. Have you ever encountered a case where you believe jury nullification may have been at play? If so, what were your thoughts on the outcome?
  5. Is the legal system fair? Why or why not?

Multinational Companies to Hire Refugees

B1 – Intermediate

Wars and political problems have increased in many countries. This puts many people in danger. Due to this, they try to find a way to escape their country and they go to another where it is safer. 

To start a new life in a new country, refugees need a job. The good news is that big companies such as Adidas, Amazon, Pepsi, and Starbucks have promised to give refugees jobs.

Read the article about some multinational companies’ promise to give jobs to refugees.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2306/230622-multinational-companies-1.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Define “homeland”here, “Many people are fleeing wars or feel unsafe in their homeland.” Use this word in your own sentence.
  2. What does “refugee” mean, “Multinational companies will give jobs to 250,000 refugees.”? Use this word in your own sentence.
  3. What does ”diversity” mean, “It said refugees would add diversity and make the company stronger.”? Use this word in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why do refugees leave their country?
  2. What is your opinion on multinational companies hiring refugees?
  3. What are other ways to help refugees?
  4. Do you agree or disagree that “refugees would add diversity to its workforce and would make the company stronger.”?
  5. Share your opinion on this, “Diversity brings creativity and different points of view.”.

Things That Harm Your Happiness

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Individuals frequently face various challenges and obstacles in their pursuit of happiness. While each person’s path to happiness is distinctive, medical professionals and mental health experts have pointed out a common factor that drastically impairs one’s happiness.

Click on the link to learn more about the specific thing that therapists consistently identify as the most hazardous to our happiness and its consequences in every aspect of our lives.

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/worst-things-for-happiness-therapists_l_6491badbe4b025003ee6dbe3

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “hostage to something” mean in the sentence, “When you’re experiencing one of these feelings, you’re holding yourself hostage to past life experiences or worrying about the future.”? Use this expression in your own sentence.
  2. What does “fill your cup” mean in the sentence, “And when you have a stronger connection with yourself, you can learn what you need to fill your cup, such as setting healthy boundaries.”? Use this expression in your own sentence.
  3. What does “a glass half-full” mean in the sentence, “It can feel hard to be honest and vulnerable in a society that encourages a glass half-full mentality.”? Use this phrase in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is the one thing therapists commonly identify as the most harmful to our happiness?
  2. How does happiness contribute to our overall well-being and quality of life?
  3. In what ways does social media contribute to the problem of comparison and its negative effects on happiness?
  4. How does cultivating gratitude and practicing mindfulness impact our happiness levels?
  5. How do you prioritize self-care and ensure that your own happiness is not neglected? Please share.

Change Jobs Without Fear

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Changing jobs when you are unhappy seems like a good idea, but not everyone has the guts to do so. Going out of your comfort zone and the fear of the unknown makes it really scary for others to change jobs.

Watch the video to learn how to change jobs without fear.

https://edition.cnn.com/videos/business/2023/06/15/nightcap-changing-jobs-clip-orig-jc.cnn

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “upheaval” mean? “Changing jobs can feel like this dramatic major upheaval.” Use this word in a sentence.
  2. What is a “grumbler“? “The people who are chronically dissatisfied, the grumblers, they keep on being unhappier and unhappier.” Use this in a sentence.
  3. What does “perch” mean? “People who are really looking for a new perch, a new place that’s going to be good for them, they start getting happier again.” Use this word in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why are some individuals afraid or hesitant to change jobs?
  2. What are the potential advantages of changing jobs for someone who is dissatisfied with their job?
  3. How can people overcome the anxiety or uncertainty that comes with changing jobs?
  4. Have you ever experienced dissatisfaction or unhappiness in your current job? If so, what were the main reasons?
  5. How do you typically handle fear or uncertainty when faced with major decisions or changes in your life?

Titanic Wreck Lucrative Tourism Industry

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Off the isolated coast of Newfoundland, more than two miles under the water, lies the rusting, decaying skeleton of a ship that has fascinated the public for more than a century. Discovering its tragic past is still appealing to scholars, adventurers, and common people.

Tourists have been paying for years to have a chance to see the Titanic shipwreck from below. Five individuals boarded the underwater vehicle Titan on Sunday to undertake the trip.

Let’s read the article below to know more about it.

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/history/article/titanic-tourism

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “insatiable” mean in this sentence, “More than a century after the ship’s sinking, interest in the Titanic remains insatiable.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “pretty penny” mean in this sentence, “And for a pretty penny, tourists have been able to go too.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “to catch a glimpse” mean, “For decades, tourists have been paying for a chance to catch an undersea glimpse at the wreck of the Titanic.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on this style of tourism and the impacts of the submersibles on the deteriorating site?
  2. Should the site be left undisturbed in memory of the more than 1,500 people who died there? Explain.
  3. What do you think happened to the explorers?
  4. Would you be willing to give this type of tourism a try? Why or why not?

Gran Canaria Mystery 

B1 – Intermediate

Gran Canaria is a beautiful island in the Atlantic Ocean. It is known for its beautiful landscapes and pleasant weather. With its picturesque beaches, mountains, and charming villages, it is a perfect place for nature lovers and adventurers.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about the mystery Gran Canaria Island.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/gran-canaria-mystery-level-2/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “take control of something” mean in this sentence, “The men were face-down with their hands tied and stones on top of them. They probably died violently a long time ago, even before Spain took control of the island in the 15th century. ” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “symbolic” mean in this sentence, “This type of burial wasn’t normal, which means that it could be a symbolic death.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “conquer” mean in this sentence, “The bodies could be from after Spain conquered the island or from the time before.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is Gran Canaria known for?
  2. How do archaeological findings contribute to our knowledge of pre-colonial history in different regions?
  3. What can we learn from this archaeological finding about the island’s past?
  4. How might this archaeological discovery impact future research or exploration on Gran Canaria?
  5. Talk about a place in your country/city that is also known for a mystery.

Europe’s Night Trains

B1 – Intermediate

Europe’s night trains offer a unique and pleasing way to travel across the continent while you sleep. These overnight train travels allow you to wake up in a new city, ready to explore it.

With comfortable sleeping accommodations, and a relaxing atmosphere, night trains provide an adventurous and time-efficient option for travelers who wants to maximize their European experience.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about Europe night trains.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/europes-night-trains-level-2/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “launch” mean in this sentence, “The launch of a new affordable night train service from Brussels to Berlin by European Sleeper could have a big impact on rail travel in Europe.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “demand” mean in this sentence, “Hopefully, there will be demand for night train services and it will support night train travel in Europe.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. “More and more people are looking for sustainable travel and an alternative to budget airlines, and the Brussels-Berlin service wants to offer this.” What does “budget” mean? Give 1 synonym and use “budget” in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is the purpose of Europe’s night trains?
  2. Would you like to try going on the European Sleeper? Why or why not?
  3. How do night trains make traveling across Europe more convenient?
  4. What are some of the benefits of using night trains as a mode of transportation in Europe?
  5. How can night trains enhance the overall travel experience in Europe?