Category: Class

How to Call in Sick to Work

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Everyone needs a time off from work for being under the weather. We are not machines that do not get run-down, so calling in sick to work is necessary. However, some people skip out work for some reasons, such as having a doctor’s appointment, not feeling like working, needing to relax, and catching up on sleep. Regardless if it is a genuine illness or not, be sure to follow the right steps for taking a sick day.

Read here: https://www.thebalancecareers.com/how-to-call-in-sick-to-work-4172109

Discussion Questions:

1. Talk about the process of filing a leave in your company.

2. Have you faked an illness just to take a day off?

3. What are some common fake reasons for taking a personal day? How can we lessen some of these crooked actions?

4. How can one motivate himself to go to work everyday?

Starbucks Cafes

B1 – Intermediate

Cafes are known for their very comfortable and homey ambiance. This makes it a perfect place to relax and pass time. The question is, if you want to stay in a cafe for many hours or just use their toilets, is it necessary to order something?

Read more below about this new rule that Starbucks is implementing in its stores.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/1805/180522-starbucks-cafes-1.html

Discussion Questions:

1. What is your opinion about this news?
2. Do you agree that any person who enters a shop is a customer? Explain.
3. Do you believe this new rule will make life easier for the cafe managers? Why or why not?
4. What do you think would be the results of this new rule to Starbucks?

Film Star Pay

B1 – Intermediate

It looks like they live in a world of fame, money, and glamour. Celebrities seems to have it all. This kind of life attracts many people to dream of becoming a star too.

But what if movie stars do not receive high pay? Will it be as interesting to become one?

Read more about the new rule in China in the article below.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/1807/180701-film-star-pay-1.html

Discussion Questions:

1. Do you agree with the government’s decision?
2. Should movie stars be paid a lot of money? Why or why not?
3. Who is your favorite movie star? Talk about him or her.

Open-Plan Offices

B2 – Upper Intermediate

In recent years, companies have opted for open-plan offices to encourage employee interaction and collaboration. In a new study, however, having an open floor plan may in fact have the opposite effect and be counterproductive.

Read the article to find out more.

https://theconversation.com/a-new-study-should-be-the-final-nail-for-open-plan-offices-99756

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is the article all about? Explain in your own words.
  2. What are the pros and cons of having an open floor plan? What about a closed one?
  3. Talk about the layout or floor plan of your own company/office. How do you think can communication and teamwork be improved in your company?

Four-Day Workweeks

B2 – Upper Intermediate

This headline may seem too good to be true. But a New Zealand company is saying otherwise. In fact, it may be a true solution to productivity problems.

Read the article to find out about this innovative experiment.

https://theconversation.com/working-four-day-weeks-for-five-days-pay-research-shows-it-pays-off-100375

Discussion Questions:

  1. Explain the article in your own words. What is your opinion about this New Zealand company’s bold move?
  2. Talk about your work schedule. Do you think applying this same technique can be beneficial for yourself and for your company? Why or why not?
  3. How can one achieve work-life balance? Provide some of your own personal tips.

Japan Lowers Age of Adulthood

B1 – Intermediate

More and more young Japanese do not want to get married and start a family. This would affect the economy and the whole society in the future.

To avoid serious consequences of this trend, the Japanese government has decided to change adulthood age from 20 to 18.

Read on about this change through the article below.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/1806/180617-adulthood-4.html

Discussion Question

  1. What can you say about this change?
  2. What effects are the Japanese government hoping for with this change?
  3. Do you think those would be achieved?
  4. How do you think the traditional “Coming of Age” Day in this country will change now?
  5. What are some things 18 and 20 year-olds do in your country?

Cash for Not Speeding

B2 – Upper Intermediate

From 2018 to 2019, Brabant, the Netherlands will be installing a dynamic speedometer. This would track whether drivers are following the 30 km/hr speed limit.

The project aims to make motorists attentive to their speed and at the same time, earn some cash for the benefit of their community.

Find out more about this new road safety scheme through the article below:

https://www.theguardian.com/cities/2018/may/25/dutch-speed-camera-stop-drivers-limit-helmond

Discussion Questions:
1. What are your thoughts on this news? Do you think positive reinforcement would work in this case?
2. Do you agree that keeping the proper speed when driving reduces the occurence of road accidents?
3. What are other ways to achieve zero or reduced road fatalities?

When a Night Owl Lives Like an Early Bird

C1 – Advanced

Do you always get a good night sleep or is it always a struggle to have one? Well, we’ve got our own circadian rhythm to blame. This cycle which is also known as the “body clock” harmonizes other vital organs as it regulates many physiological processes such as when we need to sleep, rise and eat.  Being a night owl however lets us function differently in our society and can take its toll.

Let’s find out how a night owl operates in our society by watching the video below.

Discussion Questions:

1. Talk about your circadian rhythm. Are you a night owl or a lark?

2. What is social jet lag?

3. How difficult is it for a night owl to live like an early bird?

4. Has your sleeping pattern changed over time?

5. Do schools start early in your country?

Narcissism

C1 – Advanced

One of the tested rules to success is to love and trust one’s self but when is loving or admiring one’s self excessive?

Narcissism is the extreme interest and admiration in oneself.

The video below explores narcissism’s history, types of narcissistic disorder, and how the way we live now tends to foster it.

 

 

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the dangers of narcissism?
  2. How has social media multiplied self-promotion?
  3. What are two kinds of narcissistic disorder according to the video?
  4. In what ways is narcissism beneficial?
  5. Talk about your own experience dealing with a person/people who you believe suffers from narcissism.

Flying Car

B2 – Upper Intermediate

For decades, we have faced traffic congestion problems. One bizarre idea to help ease traffic jams on the roads is to invent cars that fly. Flying cars will no longer be just an imagination as flying cars could be on sale next year.

Read the full article and know more details about this invention.

https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-44805697

Discussion Questions:

1. Would you like to own a flying car?

2. How would flying cars change our lives?

3. What do you think should be the requirements to be able to fly this kind of car?