Category: Class

Instagramming Your Food Makes It Taste Better

B2 – Upper Intermediate

It is often said that “we eat with our eyes“. Do you agree with this saying?

This article will show you the truth about the relationship between taking a photo of your food and how it can taste better.

http://www.digitaltrends.com/photography/food-porn-instagram-psychology/

Discussion Questions:

  1. According to the article, how does food become more delicious when you take a photo of it first before you actually eat it? Do you agree with this?
  2. Do you follow any food-related accounts on Instagram? Why or why not? If yes, talk about the interesting thing about that page/account.
  3. How do you feel about people’s addiction of taking pictures of their food before they eat it? Are you guilty of this habit?

Fighting Like a Girl

C1 – Advanced

Watch the video below and know more about Cris Cyborg and the things she has learned with her sport.

Discuss:

1. Who is Cris Cyborg and why was she banned from fighting for a year? What did she learn from this experience?
2. Based on the video, what are some of your limitations when you’re a professional fighter?
3. Are you fond of watching MMA or UFC?
4. What was Cyborg’s advice to girls who would like to try MMA or fighting as a sport?
5. How do you motivate yourself in life and at work, especially during difficult times?
6. What are some of the very important life values that you will learn in sports?

World of Vodou Healing in Haiti

C1 – Advanced

This video shows an interesting part of the culture of Haiti. Click below to watch the video. Be ready to answer discussion questions.

Feel free to use the 360-degree feature in the video to fully appreciate the story.

Let’s Discuss!

1. What is your understand of Voodou (Voodoo)?
2. In the video, what are they preparing for? Why do they have to paint their faces white?
3. Using different adjectives, how would you describe the ceremony?
4. What did the narrator say at the end of the video about her traditions and customs?
5. What practices do you have in your culture that bring people together?

Spain’s Newfound Love of English

C1 – Advanced

Over the past few years, the growing number of English learners has increased. From South East Asia to across Europe.

Below is an interesting article of how Spain has now welcomed the study of the English language.

7 reasons for Spain’s newfound love of English

Discuss:

1. Why is English important?
2. What are the 7 reasons why Spanish people would like to develop their English skills?
3.What age do you think a child should start learning English?
4. What if you spoke English fluently? Do you think you have a different job?/Do you think you have the same job that you have now? Why?

First Human Head Transplant

B2 – Upper intermediate

Organ transplants have saved many lives. But, an Italian neurosurgeon wants to take a few steps further with his first human head transplant.

Read the article below to learn more about Dr. Canavero and his potential patient.

First Human Head Transplant Planned for 2017

Discuss:

1. Is Dr. Sergio Canavero’s idea worth a try?
2. Do you believe that the current technology we have is well- equipped for this attempt?
3. Would you volunteer for a medical experiment for greater and good intentions?

Giving Employees an Ownership Stake

C1 – Advanced

Employees of Chobani learned that they are getting ownership stake that could make them millionaires. They are getting shares worth up to 10 percent of the company when it goes public or is sold. Hamdi Ulukaya, the CEO, believes it’s just right to give the wealth back to his workers who have helped him build this company that is already several billion dollars worth.

Watch the video below to find out more.

http://www.nbcnews.com/nightly-news/video/chobani-ceo-giving-employees-an-ownership-stake-in-yogurt-empire-674292291768

Discussion Questions:

1. What do you think of Hamdi Ulukaya’s gesture? If you were him, would you do the same thing?
2. What are things that can transform business to a higher level?
3. What do you think are the advantages and disadvantages of being your own boss?
4. Have you ever thought of starting a business?

Food in Britain: The Borough Market

B1 – Intermediate

Whether you dabble in cooking and culinary arts or just love to eat, food really brings people together. And, in the Borough Market, you’ll see different kinds of people with different tastes.

Watch the video then feel free to answer the quiz on the right side of the video. Be prepared to have a speaking activity.

http://www.eslvideo.com/eslvideo_quiz_lowint.php?id=25938

Discussion Questions:

1. What were some of the dishes in the video that you would like to have?
2. Have you been to the Borough Market? Have you visited a similar market?
3. Would you like to try a full English Breakfast?
4. Describe your favourite dish.
5. What are some cuisines that you haven’t tried but are interested in trying?

Doctors Say No to Tackling in Rugby

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B2 – Upper intermediate

Rugby has got to be one of the toughest and testosterone-filled sport out there. There’s beauty and strength in the game, but also danger.

Click on the title below and be ready to express your thoughts about the sport.

Doctors say no to tackling in rugby

Discuss:

1. What are the two sides discussed in this article?
2. How do you feel about contact sports like rugby or American football?
3. Do you agree with what the article is saying?
4. Aside from rugby, what do you think are other sports that can be physically dangerous?

Voter Records ‘were accessible online’

C1 – Advanced

The beauty of technology is much appreciated. Millions of people rely on technology to get things done – on a daily basis. But once it exposes personal information, expect a barrage of complaints.

Read the article below to find out more about the data breach that happened in Mexico.

Millions of Mexican voter records ‘were accessible online’

Discuss:

1. How was this unsecured database discovered?
2. What were the steps taken to solve this problem?
3. Think of possible scenarios if these information fall into the hands of the wrong people.
4. How would you react if your personal data became publicly accessible on the internet?

Fear Over Eating Disorder Care

B2 – Upper Intermediate

There is a commonly held view that eating disorders are a lifestyle choice. Eating disorders are considered serious illnesses that can affect a person’s eating behaviors. Some people, mostly young girls, go too far with their aspiration to become slim.

Watch the video and read the article on how Japan is tackling the issue of eating disorders.

http://www.bbc.com/news/health-36095287

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are causes of eating disorders and how do they affect people who have them?
  2. What should be done to prevent this from happening and to help those suffering from it?
  3. Why is there a stigma around eating disorders and their families and what are the consequences of these to them?
  4. Who should be held responsible for illnesses like eating disorders? Explain your point.
  5. Why is it important to spread awareness about this health issue?