phone english blogB1 – Intermediate
A man hopes to become the first to swim across the Pacific Ocean.
Read on to find out about his goal, how he prepared for this, and some challenges he might face during his attempt.
https://breakingnewsenglish.com/1806/180607-pacific-ocean-2.html
Discussion Questions:
1. What are Lecomte’s reasons for doing this?
2. What do you think about his goal?
3. What’s the hardest thing you’ve ever had to do?
B2 – Upper Intermediate
Risk taking is a highly critical element of leadership. It is defined as the “undertaking of a task without certainty and with possibility of a failure.” The problem in risk taking is the fear of an unfavorable outcome. Yet, despite all that, there are still risk takers out there willing to fail over again because there is a slight of chance of success.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english/ep-180531
Discussion Questions:
C1 – Advanced
Human cannibalism is the act or practice of humans eating the flesh or internal organs of another person. Many think of it as a gruesome procedure and is considered taboo in most countries. Although it is very rare nowadays, there are still some groups or cultures who continue doing this for religious or ritualistic purposes. In modern societies, some forms of cannibalism exist as well.
How nutritious though is the human body as a food source? Watch the video and tell us what you think.
Discussion Questions:
B2 – Upper Intermediate
The Loch Ness Monster, also known as Nessie, is a supposed creature, said to live in Loch Ness, the second biggest lake in Scotland. Most scientists believe that the Loch Ness Monster is not real, and they say that many of the sightings are either fake or pictures of other mistaken existing animals. Watch the video and tell us what you think.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WR-mNHIsBf4
Discussion Questions:
B2 – Upper Intermediate
Popularity of English as a medium of instruction at Dutch universities is alarming among local lecturers and students. As English usage is particularly dominant at Master’s degree level, Dutch are concerned that Dutch language is gradually disappearing from campuses. To what extent should English language be used in non- native countries?
Read the article:
Discussion questions:
1. Is what’s happening in Netherlands alarming?
2. Should non-English speaking countries teach English?
3. Why is English important to learn?
4. Can the use of English influence a native language?
B2 – Upper Intermediate
Both men and women were overjoyed as results confirmed overwhelming win for ‘yes’ vote for abortion in Ireland. The event was historic as it ended the ban after almost 35 years.
Rightists believe that an unwanted pregnancy or killing an unwanted child should be against the law. However, the new act is only allowed when a woman’s life is at risk, or if there is a complication in pregnancy, but not in cases of rape, incest or fatal fetal abnormality. Do we have the right to judge the perception of individuals and their doings? Watch the video and you decide.
Discussion Questions:
B2 – Upper Intermediate
Have you ever thought of owning a dog but unsure of the best breed to get especially because you live in an apartment with limited space? Does the size of your home determine the right canine companion to have?
Watch the video and read the transcript to find out more about the dog breeds that are most suitable for apartment living.
https://www.businessinsider.com/best-dog-breeds-apartment-living-2018-5
Discussion Questions:
B2 – Upper Intermediate
Think about how much waste you’ve produced in two years. How much do you think it is?
Lauren Singer has striven to live a zero waste life after she realized how much she is contributing to the environment’s degradation. With her new lifestyle, she was able to fit all her trash the past two years in a mason jar. Is it possible?
Let her give you a sneak peak into this lifestyle through this video.
Discussion Questions:
1. What are some benefits of a garbage-free lifestyle?
2. What are the challenges we might encounter in trying to live waste-free?
3. What do you think about her lifestyle?
4. How do you contribute to reducing waste and protecting the environment?
B2 – Upper Intermediate
Employment conditions vary from generation to generation. Loads of changes have occurred in the way we work through the years. Notice that the way we work has been quite very different from our parents’ time.
Read the article about work trends over the years.
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/how-workplace-trends-have-shifted-over-last-8-years-dan-schawbel
Discussion Questions:
B1 – Intermediate
Driving is a privilege and along with it is its responsibilities. In order to get a driver’s license you must have the necessary driving skills and knowledge and obedience to the traffic rules. All these should be enforced especially after you get your license and start to hit the road.
Discussion Questions: