Category: Class

Modern Humans Came from Botswana

B1 – Intermediate

New research affirms that the origin of modern humans is Botswana. The study is published in the journal ‘Nature’. Researchers in the study used DNA to find out where modern humans came from.

Read the article to find out more.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/1911/191101-homeland-0.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your opinion on this discovery?
  2. How far back do you know about your family tree? Talk a little bit about your family history.
  3. Talk about the most interesting ancestor you have in your family.
  4. Where do you think most of the people in your country come from? Why do you think they came from there?

Ex-Nissan CEO Escapes Japan

B1 – Intermediate

Japan needs to make its immigration stricter after Nissan ex-CEO Carlos escaped the country.

Read more about this news and be ready to talk about it.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2001/200108-carlos-ghosn-1.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your reaction to this news?
  2. What can you say about Ghosn’s great escape?
  3. Talk about other criminals who were able to flee your country.

Population Slowdown and Spain’s Economy

B2 – Upper Intermediate

A great number of Spanish leaving Spain, not a very vigorous growth in the number of immigrants and the imbalance between births and deaths in the country are some of the issues Spain is confronted with.

Read the article to find out more about this issue and how it can potentially be resolved.

https://elpais.com/elpais/2019/12/23/inenglish/1577115169_134179.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. Talk about the population slowdown in Spain and how it affects the economy.
  2. Explain how the population helps the economy.
  3. What are the solutions to this problem?

Chatting to New People

B2 – Upper Intermediate

“Don’t talk to strangers.” That is the advice we hear from parents to their young ones for safety reasons. In contrast, this may be terrible advice for adults.

Let’s listen to the podcast and find out why it is good to talk to strangers.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english/ep-191212

Discussion Questions:

1. Do you like talking to strangers?

2. Do you like starting the conversation or do you wait for others to initiate contact?

3. According to the podcast, why is it good to talk to strangers? Do you agree with these reasons?

The Best Home-Cooked Meals

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Many will surely agree that nothing beats a home-cooked meal, especially one that’s prepared with love. Whether it’s kneading dough or licking excess icing off our fingers, or peeling vegetables or stirring a pot of soup, most of us have memories of either watching or helping out our family in the kitchen. Recipes handed down through the generations also serve as opportunities to bond and enjoy each other’s company.

In the video below, grandchildren from the four corners of the world praise their favorite cooks and the dishes they do best.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you agree with the premise of the video that grandmothers make the best home-cooked meals?
  2. What are your favorite kitchen memories spent with family? What dishes did you prepare and eat together?
  3. What recipes have been handed down to your generation by your elders like precious family heirlooms?

2019 Person of the Year

B1 – Intermediate

Greta Thunberg is TIME Magazine’s Person of the Year. She is the famous 16-year-old Swedish environmental activist.

Read more about Greta and this award that she recently received.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/1912/191215-greta-thunberg-1.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think Greta deserves this award?
  2. Who is your person of the year and why?
  3. What are your achievements this year?
  4. What do you want to achieve next year?
  5. What do you plan to do in order to become a useful member of society?

Grocery Store Influencers

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Influencers are becoming more and more important in reaching shoppers nowadays. A full-time Detroit mother blogs about the discount German grocery chain that has a huge following. She gives very objective reviews of different products and her experiences.

Here is the article about it:

https://edition.cnn.com/2019/12/07/business/influencers-aldi-kroger-costco-publix/index.html

Discussion Questions:

1. What is influencer marketing?

2. Do you follow any influencers? Why or why not?

3. Is there any authenticity in influencer marketing?

4. What do you think will be the future of influencer marketing?

5. What are other ways you find out about deals and discounts on products or services?

Bride Meets Recipient of Son’s Heart

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Nuptials are always memorable occasions. One wedding, in particular, stood out, going viral because of an unexpected sixth groomsman. Who was the young man, and why was his presence so significant to the newlyweds?

Watch the video below and find out.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Many people have opined that the groom’s gesture was the best wedding gift possible for his wife. Do you agree?
  2. If you could give or receive a truly memorable wedding present, what would it be? Would you prefer a physical object or a unique experience?
  3. What is the attitude towards organ donation in your country? Should people consider becoming organ donors?

Remarkable Ways Dogs Comfort Us When We’re Sick

Researchers provide us with information about the therapeutic benefits of dogs, both physical and psychological. Dogs have a remarkable sense of smell which detects illnesses and changes in people’s behavior. The positive reactions to pet dogs can also stimulate social bonding, relaxation, and trust, and ease stress.

Our dogs can make us feel better. Read the article below to see how dogs know when and how to provide support and comfort for us when we’re not in the pink of health.

https://barkpost.com/good/5-remarkable-ways-dogs-comfort-us-when-were-sick/

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think of pet dogs? How do you feel being with them?
  2. Have you ever been comforted by a dog before?
  3. Do you agree with what the article says?
  4. What are some other popular pets in your country?

Family Christmas Photo

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Christmas is a memorable time and an opportunity to spend extra time together as a family, reconnect with our spouse, children, friends and create holiday memories together. But sadly some people can’t have this, like this family. A military wife edited her deployed husband to be part of their Christmas family photo.

Watch this heart-warming video:

Discussion Questions:

1. How do you feel about their Christmas family photo?

2. Have you been away from your family during the Christmas holidays?

3. Do you enjoy large family get-togethers or find them overwhelming during Christmas holidays?

4. Describe your most memorable Christmas /New Years gathering. What makes it so special? 

5. Talk about your best Christmas family photo and some family traditions your family has.