Category: Class

Millions Are Connecting with Chatbots and AI

C1 – Advanced

Not surprisingly, Lexico’s 2020 Word of the Year is “quarantine,” or “cuarentena” in Spanish. It has dominated headlines and people’s lives, and it will endure in the stories we tell our grandchildren many years hence.

Part and parcel of the whole pandemic experience is the loneliness and overall impact on mental well-being experienced by a populace told to shelter in place for days on end. Restrictions on movement and reduced hours outdoors have led some to turn to technology to assuage their isolation in the new normal. Whether it’s reconnecting with loved ones on WhatsApp or attending an online class on Zoom, various communication platforms have come front and center as sensible solutions.

Now consider Replika, an artificial-intelligence app that was popular even in pre-COVID-19 times. Millions of users consider this chatbot a virtual friend whom they can connect with and share their feelings.

Given the possiblity of new lockdowns due to spikes in COVID-19 infections, are more downloads in store for these kinds of smartphone applications?

Get to know the Replika phenomenon further by watching the video below.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Describe the possible contexts in which people would turn to AI for companionship?
  2. What possible use cases for bots like Replika are mentioned in the video? Can you think of other uses?
  3. Why do chatbot users sometimes prefer talking with their virtual friends rather the humans around them?
  4. Do you believe it’s truly possible to develop an emotional connection with a chatbot?
  5. What are some ethical considerations that arise as this technology continues to evolve?

Luxury Hotel in Outer Space

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Everything that’s been happening around us recently is quite an evidence of advanced technology.

Just like the latest COVID-19 vaccine that has recently made record of the fastest vaccine created in human history. It’s all because of the technology we have at the present time.

Although, flying cars are still on the verge of becoming reality, it is real that we are all living in the modern world.

Now, Elon Musk, creator of SpaceX, has another advanced innovation that might be available for everyone that is capable of paying a hefty price for a trip and stay in his luxury hotel located in outer space.

Read the article below about a luxury hotel in outer space.

https://www.msn.com/en-ph/lifestyle/other/a-luxury-hotel-in-outer-space-could-open-by-2024/ar-BB1cIbf8?ocid=msedgdhp

Discussion Questions:

  1. What comes to mind when you think of luxury hotels?
  2. Do you ever imagine what type of experience you’d have especially if the hotel is located in outer space?
  3. Are you willing to pay a hefty price for a once in a lifetime experience in this outer space hotel? Why or why not?
  4. Is this considered absurd or a crazy concept not to be tagged a realistic one? Explain your point.
  5. Talk about the best type of holiday accommodation you’ve ever stayed in.

Wristband Lets Others Know Your Mood

B1 – Intermediate

If you know how a person is feeling at certain moments, it will be a little easier to communicate and relate with them.

A wearable device lets you do that. You can see a person’s mood when they are wearing this wristband.

Read more about this wearable mood device.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2101/210120-moods-0.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is Moodbeam and what do you think about it?
  2. What are the advantages and disadvantages of such device?
  3. Do you agree or disagree that moods are hard to explain and difficult to talk about?
  4. What causes you to be in a good/bad mood?
  5. What device/technology do you want to invent/to be invented?

Paris’ Champs-Elysees To Be an Extraordinary Garden

B1 – Intermediate

The Champs-Elysees is right in the center of Paris. It is well-known for its elegance and long line of luxury shops and restaurants.

Wouldn’t it be wonderful to take a walk along this street. In the future, we would probably be able to enjoy this avenue more as the city is planning to improve it.

Read more about plans to redo the Champs-Elysees.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2101/210116-champs-elysees-1.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. Have you been to Champs-Elysees? What can you say about it?
  2. What do you think of the plans to improve this famous avenue?
  3. Do you think it is worth it to spend $305 million for this? Why/why not?
  4. Which place in your country do you think needs to be improved? What improvements can be done with it?
  5. What is the most beautiful place in your city/country? Be very detailed in describing it.

Ways Companies Can Support Grieving Employees

B2 – Upper Intermediate

We all have different means on how to cope up with pain and grief. Some would use their work to get back up while living with their anguish. It’s called productive destruction as work itself can restore one’s purpose after dealing with loss.

Watch as Tilak Mandadi talks about the importance of culture of empathy in the workplace and how it can support grieving employees.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Discuss the 3 tips on the video. How can they be helpful for grieving employees?
  2. What was the most painful thing you had experienced? Who helped you get through it?
  3. How do you deal with grief and pain?
  4. What can you say about your work environment?
  5. What are the things that your company offers to mourning employees?

EU Plans To Recycle All Plastic Waste

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Plastics are inexpensive, lightweight, and durable materials, which can readily be molded into a variety of products that find use in a wide range of applications. As a consequence, the production of plastics has increased markedly over the last 60 years. However, current levels of their usage and disposal generate several environmental problems. 

Let’s read the article about the plan of the EU to resolve this issue.

https://www.english-online.at/news-articles/environment/eu-plans-to-recycle-all-plastic-waste-by-2030.htm

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you recycle plastic? What other things do you recycle?
  2. Should there be a reward system for people who recycle things?
  3. Do people commonly recycle in your country? What do they do? Can they do more?
  4. What is your opinion on plastic shopping bags?
  5. What is the best way to deal with the problem of plastic?

Taxi Driver Offers Free Rides for Karaoke

B1 – Intermediate

Karaoke is a popular form of entertainment in the world. But, it is way more popular in Asia. A taxi driver in Taiwan thought of a brilliant way to combine his love for karaoke and his job.

Read more about this taxi ride while doing karaoke.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2101/210108-karaoke-1.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think of his gimmick?
  2. How popular is karaoke in your country? Why do you think this is?
  3. Is singing a big part of culture in your country?
  4. Do you like doing karaoke? Feel free to speak about your karaoke sessions.
  5. What are other popular past-times or form of entertainment do people commonly enjoy in your country?

Teraanga: The Word That Defines Senegal

B2 – Upper Intermediate

There are so many bad things happening everywhere around us. Sometimes, all we need is a little random act of kindness from a stranger. Can you just imagine how different the world would be like if we all treat each other with kindness.

It is reassuring to know that such a place still exists. 

Find out more about the country ruled by kindness. Read the full article below.

http://www.bbc.com/travel/story/20201115-teraanga-the-word-that-defines-senegal

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on teraanga and how it is embodied in Senegal?
  2. What do you think is the word that defines your country? Explain the meaning of the word in your language and how is it mirrored in people’s daily lives?
  3. Describe the people and way of life in your country. Feel free to talk about the positives and negatives.
  4. What’s the boldest request you’ve ever gotten from a stranger and the other way around, what’s the biggest favor you’ve ever had to ask a complete stranger?
  5. What is the nicest / most generous thing you have ever done in your life?

Shakira Sells the Rights to Her Music

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Shakira is undeniably one of the most popular Latin artists of all time. Hips Don’t Lie, Whenever, Wherever and She Wolf are just some her most famous songs. 

We have seen many artists fight for rights to their songs but in other instances, they actually are the ones who sell them to big music companies and Shakira has recently decided to sell the rights to her songs to Hipgnosis.

Curious to know why she did it? Read the full article below.

https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-55645178

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think about Shakira’s decision to sell the rights to her music?
  2. Is this a good deal for both parties (Shakira and Hipgnosis)?
  3. For artists, what are the benefits of selling music? Why are artists selling their music?
  4. If you were an artist like Shakira, do you think you would do the same?
  5. Who is your favorite musician? Talk about their music and artistry.

Paternity Leave Extended in Spain

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Effective 1 January 2021, fully-paid paternity and maternity leave will be the same duration of 16 weeks. This can be considered as one of the most generous for men.

Read on this good news for families in Spain.

https://english.elpais.com/spanish_news/2021-01-06/something-to-celebrate-for-new-fathers-in-spain-as-paternity-leave-extended-to-16-weeks.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your opinion on this new entitlement for fathers in Spain?
  2. What do you think are the pros and cons of this new rule?
  3. Discuss your opinion on this statement: “The fact that women are able to leave their jobs for longer is detrimental to them professionally as it makes them seem less committed to their jobs”.
  4. How can we change the norm where women are the ones who most often reduce their working hours for care purposes of children and elderly dependents?
  5. If you are a mom or a dad, talk about your experience during your maternity or paternity leave/s.