Category: Class

Increase your Vocabulary Through Idioms 2

B2 – Upper intermediate

Idioms are a very fun way to express certain situations. They put more color to your sentences and are a great way to increase your vocabulary.

Read the short articles and answer the questions that follow.

Idiom 1:The Economy is Tough

Idiom 2: Good Working Habits

Podcast: Domestic Chores

B2 – Upper intermediate

Should cleaning the house be really an issue between partners? Listen to the podcast below and express your thoughts about doing domestic chores. Share some of your experiences as well.

Be ready to discuss the different vocabulary terms featured in the podcast.

6 Minute English: Domestic chores

Discuss:

1. What are some of the domestic chores that you do? Which ones do you hate?
2. Would you say that you have a very high threshold or a low threshold when it comes to untidiness?
3. Do you agree that women have a tendency to take care more of their children as compared to men?
4. How do you feel about hiring cleaning ladies and nannies to help you around?

China Bans Immoral Content from Television

B2 – Upper Intermediate

It is a well-known fact that media is very influential. Censorship boards are present to help rate television shows and guide parents and children accordingly. But, in China, the government has decided to totally ban shows that display violence, homosexuality and excessive drinking.

Read the article below then express your thoughts about the topic.

http://www.english-online.at/news-articles/world/asia/china-bans-immoral-content-from-television.htm

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think it’s a good idea for China to ban television shows mentioned in the article? Explain.
  2. The article mentioned that China considers homosexuality as a mental disease. What is your opinion on this?
  3. Is there really a way to protect children and youth from sensitive social issues? What are some ways to do this?
  4. Does your country have a censorship board? If not, should your country have one? If yes, are they very strict? Talk about this government agency in detail.
  5. What contents should be censored on different media (social, TV, radio, etc.)?

Fukushima – 5 Years Later

B2 – Upper intermediate

In 2011, Japan suffered a devastating disaster that left many homeless. After some years, residents of Fukushima are still picking up the pieces, hoping that normality will be restored.

Read the article below and express your thoughts about it.

Fukushima – 5 Years Later

Discuss:

1. What do you know about what happened in Fukushima and to its nuclear power plant?
2. What is your general opinion about nuclear energy?
3. Does your country rely on nuclear energy? How about alternative forms of energy?
4. Do you think it is possible to fully rely on natural forms of energy?

How to Sound Credible

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Being credible can greatly affect our professional career.  Lack of it will make it difficult for us to have a good deal with clients.

What is credibility and how important is it? Click on the link below to listen to the podcast.

Skills 360 – How to Sound Credible (Part 1)

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is the audio saying about credibility? How would you explain credibility?
  2. Why is credibility important to an employee and to a company?
  3. How do try to maintain your credibility at work?
  4. Why are company principles and values important? Name one corporate value that you think is the most important to uphold at all times and why do you think it is important.
  5. Explain the importance of admitting mistakes? What should you do after committing one?

Strike in South Korea

B1 – Intermediate

The fight for better wages continues. In South Korea, workers are fighting for a wage system that pays based on performance and not on tenure.

Read the article then listen to the audio clip. Express your thoughts about the topic.

http://www.newsinlevels.com/products/strike-in-south-korea-level-3/

For additional information on this story, read also:

http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20180510000763

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “seniority” mean, “More than 40,000 South Korean workers in different industries went on strike as the government said that their pay should be based on their job performance rather than on their position or seniority.”? Use this word in your sentence.
  2. What does “demand” mean in this sentence, “The workers demand a stop to adopting the legal wage system based on performance which the government is pushing and they say will hurt the people.”? Use it in your sentence.
  3. What does “dispute” mean, “Workers hope that the protest will achieve their aim and allow the disputes to be resolved soon.” Use it in your sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think of when you hear the word ‘strike’?
  2. Do you think salaries should be based on performance or seniority? 
  3. Are there a lot of labor strikes and unions your country?
  4. What are the changes necessary in your current labor system/policies?
  5. In your country, is the minimum wage enough to live by?

Internet Addiction Sign of Mental Health Problems

B1 – Intermediate

The Internet is like any other tool that can be useful or harmful. Many young people, including adults, find themselves addicted to the Internet.  What is an Internet addiction?  Can it really cause mental health problems?

Read the article below then express your thoughts.

http://www.breakingnewsenglish.com/1609/160921-internet-addiction.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think of internet addiction? Do you think it is possible to be addicted to the internet? Explain.
  2. Can internet addiction lead to more serious mental health problems? Explain.
  3. Do you rely on the internet for work?
  4. Are you able to “switch-off” or stay away from the internet, too? How do you do it?
  5. Is it important to disconnect from the internet, too? Why?
  6. What are the pros and cons of always being online?
  7. Discuss the following issues related to the internet:
    Cyber-bullying
    Identity theft
    Online gambling

Do Fitness Trackers Help You Lose Weight?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Are you looking for something that would finally drive you to get back into shape? Ever considered using Fitness Trackers? These are wearable devices that are designed to help you achieve that goal of losing some weight. The question is, are they really effective?

http://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/3532167.html

Discussion Questions:

1. What is your take on fitness trackers? Do you find them useful?
2. What kind of exercise/s do you do? How did you get into this workout?
3. What are effective ways to develop a habit of exercising?

Video About Domestic Violence

C1 – Advanced

This is  a 5-minute video about domestic violence.

Domestic violence isn’t just about physical abuse. It includes emotional abuse and it affects the whole family. One in three women are affected by domestic violence in Australia.

Watch the video below then share your thoughts.

Discuss:

1. How would you describe the husband during the first part of the video? How about the wife?
2. Is domestic violence a big problem in your country?
3. What are the necessary steps to solve domestic violence?
4. Are there organizations in your country helping domestic violence victims and survivors?

Hats Off to You!

B2 – Upper Intermediate

This article will help increase your vocabulary. It contains different idiomatic expressions which you can use on a daily basis.

Read the article and listen to the audio clip then be ready to use the expressions in sentences.

https://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/words-and-their-stories-clothing-expressions/3538378.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. What does it mean when something is tailor-made just for you?
  2. Have you ever given the shirt off your back for a friend? Share your story.
  3. Talk about the time that you had to roll up your sleeves at work.
  4. Explain what it means to ride someone’s coattails.