Category: Class

Spanish Village Changes Name

B1 – Intermediate

The problem between Russia and Ukraine is getting worse and worse. It is necessary to find ways to make everyone know about the problem. We have to do our part to help the victims of this war.

As a way of helping, a Spanish village had decided to change its name from “Fuentes de Andalucia” to “Ukraine”. They also changed the names of some streets in their village.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about the Spanish village that changed its name.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/spanish-village-changes-name-level-1/

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you agree with this change in the name of the village? Why or why not?
  2. How would you feel if your village or city changed its name?
  3. What are the good and bad things about changing the name of a place?
  4. What are ways to make people know about the problems in Ukraine?
  5. How can we help Ukraine?

Fake Accident

B1 – Intermediate

Money is very important for us to live. When you start having money problems, what is the best thing to do?

A British man who was having financial problems faked his own accident and people thought he was dead. But he didn’t really die. He showed up again after many years of disappearance and said he didn’t remember anything.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about a man who faked his accident.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/fake-accident-level-1/

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think Darwin faked his own death? Why or why not?
  2. In your opinion, does his wife know anything about the accident? Explain.
  3. What are the usual reasons people have financial problems?
  4. What can a person do if he/she is having problems with money?
  5. Darwin said that it is better for the family when he is dead. Do you agree with him? Why or why not?
  6. Do you know a person who did the same thing as Darwin? Talk about him/her.

Managing Conflict in the Workplace

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Conflict can happen anywhere. Even more so in a competitive environment such as the workplace. It could stem from different employee backgrounds and personalities. When left unresolved, it could lead to more serious problems at work.

Let’s listen to the podcast about managing conflict in the workplace.

https://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/business-english/podcasts-for-professionals/managing-conflict

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are common causes of workplace conflict?
  2. Have you ever experienced or witnessed workplace conflict? How was it resolved?
  3. How can workplace conflict be avoided?
  4. In your company, what are the conflict management strategies being implemented when workplace tension arises?
  5. How is good, constructive working atmosphere achieved/maintained in your workplace?

Toddlers Running Errands

B2 – Upper Intermediate

It’s understandable that some parents view young children doing errands as risky. The world is so complex, unpredictable, and full of risks. Our children may be exposed to when they are outside for extended periods of time without parental supervision.

A show that has been on Japanese television for more than three decades is fresh to an American audience. Children ages 2 to 4 are tasked with performing chores for their parents on the show.

Watch this video about the Japanese reality show that makes toddlers/very small children run errands by themselves.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think of letting small kids run errands alone?
  2. In your culture, do parents let their very young kids do things on their own?
  3. How do you think would introducing this in your country be received?
  4. What were some of the errands you used to run as a kid? At what age did you start doing them?
  5. What do you think is the proper age to let a small kid be on their own out on the streets?

Why Some People Are Always Late

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Punctuality matters. It benefits us in all aspects of life. When we are punctual, we show others that we are dependable and that we respect their time. But today, we fail to recognize its value. We have so many excuses for being late. The lack of punctuality has become the blatant hallmark of our culture.

Let’s watch the video to find out why some people struggle so much with their punctuality.

https://www.bbc.com/reel/video/p0br5sll/why-some-people-are-always-late

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you consider yourself a “timekeeper” or a “timebender”? Why is this?
  2. What might be a few reasons some people are always tardy?
  3. Is it considered rude in your country to be late? Explain your answer.
  4. Have you ever been late late for an important event? What happened?
  5. How do you feel when you are late for a class/appointment/date?
  6. To what events/situations is it important to arrive on time?

Ethical Fading

B2 – Upper Intermediate

We have all have different ways to rationalize our behaviour. We tend to believe that the ethically-questionable decisions we make are fair and justified, which in fact is quite the opposite. Ethical fading is when we engage in unethical behaviour without perceiving it as such.

Watch the video to learn more about ethical fading and be able to answer the questions that follow.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What’s your take on ethical fading and moral disengagement?
  2. Cite some examples in which these situations happen.
  3. Why do some people engage in ethical fading?
  4. What are some ways to prevent it?

Shrinkflation

B2 – Upper Intermediate

During times of inflation, companies usually increase the price of their products, but some don’t. They choose to sell the product at the same price, but with less contents inside of their containers or packaging. This is colloquially known as “shrinkflation”.

This might sound like a normal thing for companies to do, but after the periods of inflation are over, companies typically don’t go back to their old ways.

To find out more, let’s watch this video about shrinkflation.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on shrinkflation?
  2. In the long run, do you think that this practice would be a problem? If so, how could we spread awareness?
  3. Have you personally experienced shrinkflation? How did you feel about it?
  4. Are you meticulous/savvy when it comes to the products you buy? What are some things you do to make sure you are getting value for your money?
  5. Now that you have heard of this practice, would you be a bit more mindful about buying products, their prices and contents? Why or why not?
  6. What are other ways to help companies deal with inflation without passing the burden to their customers too much?
  7. How did companies you have worked for in the past try saving money?

How to Avoid Being Starstruck

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Most people have idols. These are people they look up to and admire greatly. Most of them are popular people such as movie stars, athletes, musicians and even social media personalities. How do you think fans would react when they encounter their idols face to face?

Let’s read the article and learn some tips on how to avoid being starstruck.

Seven Tips on How to Avoid Being Starstruck

Discussion Questions:

  1. What does to be “starstruck” mean?
  2. Do you agree with the tips mentioned in the article?
  3. Is there anyone you’ve been really star-struck about meeting?
  4. Are people from your country very fond of celebrities?
  5. Who are the biggest celebrities in your country and why do you think they are very popular and well-liked?

The Sky-High Cost of Returning to the Office

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The pandemic enforced the idea of working from home for a huge number of companies. Many have realized that this setup is possible for their roles and have gotten used to it. However, with eased restrictions, companies are now requiring most of their employees to return to the office.

The transition back to the old ways has not been so easy. The increasing prices of fares, petrol, food, and clothing, which are related to an employee’s daily work-related activities, have placed a burden on their finances. Even with salary increases, these were still inadequate to meet their spending demands.

Read this article below to learn more about the impact of transitioning back to the office.

https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20220420-the-sky-high-cost-of-returning-to-the-office

Discussion Questions:

1. What was your work setup before and during the pandemic?
2. What is your current work setup?
3. What would be a preferable alternative work setup for your current role?
4. What are the pros and cons of working from home?
5. What are the pros and cons of working in the office?
6. Has your company introduced a hybrid work setup? What would that be like?
7. What are some work-related costs you shell out daily and monthly?
8. How else can companies help employees with the transition and these increasing work-related costs?

Minister of Loneliness

B1 – Intermediate

The Japanese government appointed Tetsushi Sakamoto to be the “minister of loneliness”. Since Japan has been having problems with the high number of suicide in their country, Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga created this role to help those people who are feeling lonely and isolated due to the coronavirus pandemic. They hope people could do activities that would improve interactions among themselves.

Let’s read the article below to learn more about the minister of loneliness.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2102/210225-minister-of-loneliness-1.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why did the Japanese government appoint a minister of loneliness?
  2. What is your opinion about a ministry of loneliness?
  3. What organizations were formed in your country during the pandemic?
  4. Do you think loneliness and isolation were a problem for many people in your country especially because of the pandemic? Why do you think this is?
  5. How can we know if someone is experiencing anxiety or depression?
  6. How can we help people who are dealing with negative thoughts?