Category: Class

Paradox of Unanimity

C1 – Advanced

When majority of the people agree on something, it is easy to conclude that it may be true/reliable or it is the right thing to do. However, in ancient Jewish law, it was the opposite. If the defendant was found guilty unanimously then he would be acquitted. Why was that so? Lawmakers back then observed that when there is unanimous agreement, there is the presence of systemic flaws in their judicial process.

Watch the video to know about the paradox of unanimity and know whether we should trust unanimous decisions.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is the paradox of unanimity?
  2. Have you ever agreed on something  because most people around you have done so?
  3. What does the last phrase, “if it is too good to be true, it probably is” mean?

 

Worst Breakup in History

C1 – Advanced

Falling in love is the most beautiful experience one could ever have. However, at some point, some people fall out of love. It is one of the most painful emotions one has to endure. What happens when instead of parting ways, breakups ended with imprisonment and beheading? Intrigued?

Watch the video and see for yourself.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Whose breakups were mentioned in the video?
  2. What misfortunes befell the royal couple?
  3. How was the royal life back then differ from the royalties you know at present?
  4. Who was Anne Boleyn and how did she die?

 

 

 

Pyramid Scheme

C1 – Advanced

Most people want to amass wealth and the thought of earning quick substantial amount of money over a short period of time without putting in so much work is surely enticing. This is exactly what a pyramid scheme promises.

Let’s watch the video and find out the pitfalls of a pyramid scheme and also know how to keep an eye out for one.

 

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is a pyramid scheme and how is it different from multi-level marketing?
  2. Is this business prevalent in your country? What is your opinion on this business structure?
  3. Have you been offered to join a pyramid or multi-level marketing company?
  4. What are the ways to spot a pyramid scheme?

Why Starbucks Failed in Australia

C1 – Advanced

It’s easy to find a Starbucks cafe almost anywhere in the world. However, in Australia, there aren’t that many. That’s because in 2008, the company closed more than 70 percent of its under-performing locations, leaving only 23 Starbucks stores throughout the entire continent. Starbucks has failed to make an impression in the Australian marketplace but where did it go wrong?

Watch the video and be able to answer the questions that follow:

Discussion Questions:

  1. According to the video, why did Starbucks fail in Australia?
  2. Do you enjoy Starbucks coffee? How often do you have it?
  3. Is Starbucks popular in your country?
  4. What do you think made Starbucks popular all over the world?

The Truth Behind Calorie Labels

B2 – Upper Intermediate

New York City’s Health Department amended the city Health Code to require the posting of calorie counts by chain restaurants on menus, menu boards, and item tags. This was one element of the city’s response to rising obesity rates.  So if you’re stopping by a fast-food spot or chain restaurant, chances are you’ll be reminded of just how many calories you’re about to consume, thanks to the listings on the menu. But the question is, how spot-on are these listings?

Watch the video to know the findings:

Discussion Questions:

  1. Are you conscious of your calorie intake?
  2. What do you think of the video?
  3. Is calorie-labeling effective to curb the rising obesity rates?
  4. What do you do to stay fit and healthy?

Soda Ban

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Under Mayor Bloomberg’s ban, “sugary beverages” larger than 16 ounces could not be sold at food-service establishments in New York City. At restaurants with self-service soda fountains, cups larger than 16 ounces would not be provided. Only outlets that get health-department grades were included, so supermarkets, vending machine operators and convenience stores (including 7-Eleven and its Big Gulps) didn’t have to worry about the ban. There was no ban on refills as well.

Watch the video and be able to discuss the questions that follow:

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think about the issue discussed in the video?
  2. Do you think Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg’s proposal to restrict sales of big sugary drinks in New York will be effective?
  3. In your own opinion, should soda be banned?
  4. What are some other ways to help the government decrease citizens’ soda consumption?

Japan’s Robot Hotel

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Japan is a world leader in robotics technology, and the government is trumpeting robotics as a pillar of its growth strategy.  The Henn na – or Weird Hotel – has opened in Japan where guests check in with robots which also deliver their luggage to their rooms. Another feature is facial recognition technology, so instead of the standard electronic keys, a digital image of the guest’s face is registered during check-in.

Watch the video and discuss the questions that follow:

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think of a hotel staffed by robots?
  2. Would you like to check-in in this type of accommodation?
  3. What do you think are the advantages and disadvantages of having robots as staffs in a hotel?
  4. What is the most surprising and exciting things that you have ever experienced in a unique or strange hotel?

Reasons Brands Matter to Consumers

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Brands go way beyond just a logo or graphic element. They are a way for companies to communicate with their customers in a simple way – to reach customers looking for what they are aiming to provide.  However, do brands really matter? How does a customer perceive them?

Read the article and be able to discuss the questions that follow.

https://www.articlecube.com/5-reasons-why-brands-matter-consumers

Discussion Questions:

  1. Which among the reasons in the article do you agree/disagree with?
  2. Are you brand-conscious?
  3. In your own opinion, are brands important? Why or why not?
  4. Are all branded products really better?

 

 

Climate Change Will Crush Real Estate Values

C1 – Advanced

Key players in the real estate industry are spending huge amount of resources into estimating climate risk and its possible consequences on property portfolios. This process might cost investors large amounts of money if they aren’t prepared. But for those who are, there’s a big chance to profit more.

Read the article to find out more about climate risk and its probable effect on property investments.

https://www.cnbc.com/2019/04/08/climate-change-will-crush-real-estate-values-for-unprepared-investors-report.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think properties are good investment? Why or why not?
  2. How much damage do you think natural disasters have affected residential and commercial real estate in your country in the past years? Cite some incidents.
  3. Explain what this statement means, “This process will be painful for investors who are caught off guard, but those who are prepared have the potential to outperform”.
  4. How do real estate investment companies in your country gauge climate change risks? What mitigation strategies have they developed?

Passwords to Be Replaced by Web Authentication

B1 – Intermediate

IT experts believe passwords are not as effective as before. Threats to our online accounts are becoming stronger. We need a stronger and simpler login process.

Read more about the more secure login system.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/1904/190401-web-authentication-4.html

Discussion Questions:

1. What is Web Authentication? What are the good and bad things about it?
2. Which do you think is stronger: biometrics or passwords? Talk about the good and bad things for each.
3. What are ways to make your online accounts e.g. bank, social media etc. passwords strong?