Category: Class

The Unexpected Items Deemed Essential

B2 – Upper Intermediate

In order to prevent the spread of Covid-19, many countries locked down and pretty much the world seems to be put on a stop. It has been necessary for “essential” services to be business as usual though.

Watch this video and find out about some countries’ culture based on what they think is considered indispensable for the whole duration of the stay-at-home policy.

https://www.bbc.com/news/av/world-us-canada-52272652/coronavirus-the-unexpected-items-deemed-essential

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the essential services mentioned in the video?
  2. Do you agree that those shops/services are essential?
  3. If you would be asked this question, what items/services or businesses do you deem are absolutely necessary?
  4. What are the “essential” services that has remained open in your country during the quarantine? Why are these services/businesses very important?

Trump’s ‘Disinfectant Injection’ Suggestion

C1 – Advanced

President Donald Trump suggested the possibility of an “injection” of disinfectant into a person infected with the coronavirus as a deterrent to the virus during his daily briefing. Following heavy criticism from medical professionals, Pres. Trump said his remarks were made sarcastically.

Watch the video to know more about the news and be able to express your opinion.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How do you feel about the news? Do you think President Trump’s briefings are actively endangering the public’s health?
  2. How powerful are the words of political leaders to their people?
  3. What do you think about disinfectants? Do you use them at home? If so, why and how often?
  4. What do you do in order to protect yourself and your family from the Coronavirus?

Four Signs You’re Not Cut Out For Freelance Work

B2 – Upper Intermediate

There are enormous advantages to freelancing that is why a lot of people are considering shifting from a traditional job to a freelance work. Freelance work offers flexibility and the notion of being your own boss. Although there are a lot of benefits to this alternative way of working, at some point, going freelance may not suit everyone.

Read the article below and be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://www.ellevatenetwork.com/articles/9253-four-signs-you-re-not-cut-out-for-freelance-work-and-what-to-do-about-it

Discussion Questions:

  1. Is freelancing becoming more popular in your country?
  2. What are the most in-demand industries for freelancers?
  3. What are the benefits of having a freelance work?
  4. Do you agree with the disadvantages mentioned in the article?
  5. Have you done freelance work before? Do you think you are cut out for it?

Are Bucket Lists Always a Good Thing?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The term “bucket list” is a list of all the goals and dreams we want to achieve in our lives before we kick the bucket. It can be in a duration of a month, a year, or even a lifetime; depending on the person. Almost everyone makes a bucket list. Some are doable but others are just unachievable. More or less, people make one for some sort of self-fulfillment.

Hear more information about it from the audio below.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english/ep-200416

Discussion Questions:

  1. How can having a bucket list be good for you?
  2. How can having a bucket list be bad for yourself and/or others?
  3. What items are on your bucket list?
  4. Do you like planning activities or are you the spontaneous type?
  5. What really excites you the most in life?

The Power of Crying

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Everyone had shed tears in our lifetime. Starting from the day we were born until we aged. There are countless reasons why people cry – from irritations in our eyes to different emotions we feel. Crying is part of human nature that can actually benefit us somehow.

Hear more information about it through the audio below.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english/ep-200423

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are reasons people cry?
  2. Why do women cry more than men?
  3. Why is it embarrassing for a man to be seen crying?
  4. Do you often cry? What makes you cry?
  5. How can crying help people?

Actors

B1 – Intermediate

It must be great to be famous, paid a lot of money, and do what you love doing. Welcome to the life of an actor!

Listen to the audio and read the transcript of this lesson about actors.

https://listenaminute.com/a/actors.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think about being an actor?
  2. What are the good and bad things about being an actor?
  3. Who are some of your favorite movie stars and theatre actors?
  4. Do you like watching movies and theatre plays? Why or why not?
  5. Have you ever performed in front of many people? Talk about that moment.

Man Raises Millions for Health Service

B2 – Upper Intermediate

A war veteran started a fundraiser in order to gather funds for UK’s health service. While his act of altruism has been highly praised by many, some are quick to comment that this is nothing but a mere reflection of how poor the state of their country’s health service currently is.

Read the full lesson from the link below and be ready to answer the discussion questions.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2004/200419-fundraising.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. Talk about Captain Tom Moore’s fundraising efforts and where the funds would go.
  2. What are your thoughts on this statement that Moore’s ‘altruism is a damning reflection on the state of UK’s NHS’?
  3. Have you ever been involved in a fundraising activity before? What kind of fundraiser was it and who were the beneficiaries of the money collected?
  4. Talk about the state of health service in your country.
  5. Would you consider doing the same thing Moore did?

Hand Sanitiser by Louis Vuitton

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Events all over the world have been cancelled in order to avoid the spread of COVID-19 virus. Life seems to have stopped and the same can be said for the business of luxury brand companies. Fortunately, some of these luxury brands are stepping in to help fight this pandemic.

Read the full lesson for more information on this brands’ plans in producing anti-viral products.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2003/200318-hand-sanitiser.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. What will the luxury goods maker Louis Vuitton do to help fight the COVID-19 virus? How will they do it?
  2. Do you think it is a social responsibility for these companies to provide their services and products for free?
  3. Did local companies in your country do the same thing? Give examples.

Sleep Better To Be Better

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Although there are habits and techniques to sleeping properly that we can all follow, everyone’s needs are different. If we’re serious about preventive health, we need to pay more attention to our sleep.

Poor sleep is a major risk factor for conditions such as obesity, diabetes, mood disorders, and immune impairment. Poor sleep can shorten life too.

Read the article below and be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg23030753-400-sleep-better-be-better/

Discussion Questions:

  1. How many hours do you sleep?
  2. How important is sleep for you?
  3. Do you notice any difference in your performance when you lacked sleep?
  4. How do you deal with sleep issues?
  5. What’s the importance of getting proper sleep?

Teenagers and Saturday Jobs

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The conventional Saturday job is vanishing as teenagers are now more focused on their school and college work rather than “earning while learning”, a report suggests.

Read the article below and be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/education/education-news/saturday-jobs-teenagers-school-work-students-resolution-foundation-report-a9270206.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. Is it common for teenagers to work while studying in your country?
  2. How is/was your teenage life like?
  3. If you would be given a chance, would you work and study?
  4. What are the possible advantages and disadvantages of juggling work and studies?
  5. Did you have a job when you were a teenager? What lessons did that experience teach you?
  6. Do you agree or disagree that Saturday jobs for teens should disappear?