Category: Class

Near-Earth asteroids – How Dangerous Are They?

B1 – Intermediate

Space agencies have started looking at the skies for near-earth asteroids that could potentially hit Earth. They believe these asteroids can be a threat to our planet.

Read the article below to get some interesting facts about asteroids.

http://www.english-online.at/news-articles/science/near-earth-asteroids-how-dangerous-are-they.htm

Discussion Questions:

1. How do you feel about the possibility that one day the world would be hit by a big asteroid?
2. If the Earth were to be destroyed, what are the things you’d do before it happens?
3. Other than asteroids, what other threats does the Earth face?

Desktop Dining Etiquette

B1 – Intermediate

A working lunch. So many of us are guilty of being a “desktop diner”. Is it wrong? 

Click on the title below and be ready to talk about the etiquette of dining at your desk.

http://www.bbc.com/news/business-35717493

Discussion Questions:

  1. Discuss the 5 rules when having lunch or eating at your desk.
  2. Have you experienced working during your break? Is this bad for us?
  3. Why should we follow certain rules when eating in our office or at our desk?

Future Work Space

B2 – Upper intermediate

The future is now. It seems that the gadgets we use today were just dreams of the past. How far would you go to have a futuristic work environment?

Click on the link below and be ready to discuss the video.

https://news.microsoft.com/life/the-workspace-of-the-future/

Discussion Questions:

1. Describe this future work space.
2. What are your opinions on the emerging technologies that some companies are using or would like to use? Do you agree with all of them?
3. How would you describe your office?
4. What other new technologies would you think are very useful for everyday work?

Is Coral Bleaching Getting Worse?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

One of the most beautiful organisms ever found are corals. These are even one of the most productive resources in the world.  They are food producers and they support life on the planet. However, they are now in danger.

Watch the short video below then answer some questions.

https://www.bbc.com/news/av/science-environment-35917760

Discussion Questions:

1. What is coral bleaching and what causes it?
2. How important are corals to marine life?
3. Are there any organizations in your country dedicated to help preserve aquatic life?
4. Have you experienced seeing coral in their natural habitat?

Coffee Can Help You Live Longer

B2 – Upper Intermediate

A cup of coffee has always been a part of a lot people’s morning routine. It could definitely awake our senses and boost our energy. Now, coffee drinkers have more reasons to drink that fresh cup.

Read the article on how coffee can help you live longer.

http://www.breakingnewsenglish.com/1511/151119-coffee.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. Are you a coffee drinker? How many cups do you drink each day?
  2. How healthy do you think coffee is?
  3. Why might coffee reduce the incidence of suicides?
  4. How do you feel about certain coffee shops like Starbucks?

Backpacking across Europe as a Backpack

C1 – Advanced

29-year old Kevan Chandler’s condition is degenerative and incurable. However, he remains inspired by Django Reinhardt’s defiance at his disability.

Just like many guys in their 20s, Chandler attempts to tour France, England, and Ireland with the help of his good friends.

http://edition.cnn.com/2016/03/20/travel/europe-backpacker-muscular-dystrophy/index.html

Words to study:

  1. muscular dystrophy
  2. backpacking
  3. ingenuity
  4. budding
  5. degenerative

Discussion Questions:

  1. How would you describe Kevan Chandler?
  2. What do think about his friends?
  3. Have you ever gone backpacking somewhere? Tell us about your experience.
  4. What do you think are the advantages and disadvantages of backpacking?

Cushy Norwegian Prisons

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C1 – Advanced

Nobody wants to go to prison. There is fear even in just saying the word. People have very specific images of what prison looks like. But, in Norway, things are just a little bit different than the usual.

This article includes a video. Please read the article first before watching the video to fully understand the video clip.

Anders Breivik: Just how cushy are Norwegian prisons?

Let’s Discuss!

1. Based on the article, explain what “normality principle” is.
2. Describe the prisons in Bastoey island and in Halden.
3. Explain the conditions of the prisoners in Norway and the rights they can still exercise.
4. What is the defense given by the Norwegian system when critics question their prison structure?
5. How would you describe prisons in your country?

Commuters’ Tales

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C1 – Advanced

Whether you’re taking public transportation or using your car, we all have stories to tell about our daily commute, especially if it’s something we do on a daily basis.

Click on the title below and read about the commuters in Mumbai and their experiences on the train.

Commuters’ tales: No room to sit – even in the toilet

Discuss:

1. Describe the pictures you’ve seen in the article.
2. Recall the experiences of some of the passengers who take the train.
3. How efficient is public transportation in your country? What would you change if any?
4. Share some of your unusual stories as a commuter.

Cutting Up Food Helped Human Evolution

C1 – Advanced

Human evolution is all about the process or physical changes that humans went through over the years. Would a simple activity, like chewing, really have an impact on human evolution? Read the article below to find out more.

Cutting up food helped human evolution

Discuss:

1. What did you think of the article?
2. What do you know about human evolution?
3. How would you describe your eating habits?
4. Do you think it’s right that humans are often compared to chimpanzees?

Top 10 National Parks In Spain

C1 – Advanced

Spain is a country of geographic and cultural diversity. With friendly locals, a relaxed lifestyle and a lively nightlife, it is considered by many to be exotic. Spain offers a wide array of activities and holiday destinations.

Read the article below to explore some of the top national parks worth visiting.

Top 10 national parks in Spain

Discuss:

1. How locally well- travelled are you?
2. Which of the National Parks mentioned in the article do you like most?
3. What was the most amazing local trip you had?