Category: Class

Euro Politicians Told to Stop Speaking English

B2 – Upper intermediate

There are 24 official languages spoken at the European Parliament. The European Parliament’s Secretary General has asked Euro politicians to speak more slowly and to use to their native language instead of English. What are your thoughts on the Secretary General’s request?

Euro politicians told to stop speaking English

Discuss:

1. What do you think about the article?
2. What do you think is the difference between an interpreter and a translator?
3. How do you feel about using English in political meetings such as the European Parliament?
4. If you could speak another language fluently, what would it be?

Life Forms and Habitats in the World’s Oceans

B1 – Intermediate

Nature includes the terrestrial and marine environments. It is so interesting that we enjoy life mainly because of the deep-sea elements of our planet Earth. How much do you know about the aquatic environment?

Enjoy reading the article here to appreciate the life beneath the water surfaces.

http://www.english-online.at/biology/marine-biology/life-forms-and-habitats-in-the-worlds-oceans.htm

Discussion Questions:

1. When was the last time you visited a coastal area?
2. How can we keep or preserve our marine areas and marine life-forms?
3. Why is it important to take care of marine life?
4. Have you gone scuba diving or snorkeling? What water sports have you tried in the past?

Conspiracy Theories

C2 – Proficient

There are a lot of unproven conspiracy theories circulating in the world.  Either they’re in conflict with a consensus or isn’t historically proven.

Watch this video about five of the most mysterious conspiracy theories.

Discuss:

1. Do you find conspiracy theories interesting?
2. Name one (or more) conspiracy theory (theories) you know of.
3. In your opinion, how true can conspiracy theories be?
4. Where do you think these theories come from?

A Great Place to Live, A Terrible Place to Work?

C1 – Advanced

Working longer days compared to neighboring European counterparts isn’t exactly the best way to boost productivity and reduce work-related stress among Spanish workers.

Discover why Spain is the best place to live in, but the contrary as a place to work.

Spain – A great place to live, a terrible place to work?

Discuss:

1. Do you agree or disagree that Spain is a great place to live but a terrible place to work or invest in?
2. What are your thoughts on Spain’s image of the land of the siesta?
3. How can work practices be improved in your country?

Potato Farmer Swapped Bankruptcy for Making Millions

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The story of William Chase is just one of many talking about the struggles and triumphs of doing what you love and turning it into a business. If you’re as lucky as him, you might even end up making millions.

Read the article about the potato farmer who went from being bankrupt to a millionaire. Be ready to answer the questions that follow.

http://www.bbc.com/news/business-35491792

Discussion Questions:

1. In your own words, tell the story of William Chase.
2. What were some of the challenges that he encountered? What were his frustrations?
3. How would you describe the agricultural industry in your country?
4. Are your local farmers supported by the government?
5. If you had the opportunity to have a business, what would you put up?

Video: What Do You Think of America?

C1 – Advanced

What’s the first thing that enters your mind when you hear the word “USA”? Click on the title below to find out what some people think of North America.

This video is meant to practice your listening skills. Feel free to watch it more than once.

London, Singapore and Delhi tell the BBC what they think of the US

Discuss:

1. After watching the video, recall the things that the people said after being asked about the United States.
2. Do you agree with any of the opinions shared? Do you disagree?
3. What do you think makes America great? Not so great?
4. Have you been to the US? What can you say about their culture?

Zika Virus Could Affect 4 Million People

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Zika virus is spread to people through mosquito bites. In May 2015, the Pan American Health Organization issued an alert regarding the first confirmed Zika virus infection in Brazil.

Read the article below and discuss your current knowledge and opinions about this health issue.

http://www.breakingnewsenglish.com/1602/160202-zika-virus.html

Discussion Questions:

1. What do you know about the Zika virus?
2. How worried are you about the Zika virus?
3. Will there be a vaccine for all viruses one day?
4. If there are no diseases, will there be an overpopulation problem?
5. Why would it be a problem to find a vaccine for the Zika virus?

The Social Pressure of Sexting for Teenagers

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Texting is a great way to stay in touch with friends. But, teenagers have actually reached a new high when it comes to sending more than just a message.

What is sexting and how dangerous is it for teenagers? Read this article and express your thoughts.

The Social Pressure To Do Sexting As A Teenager

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on the rising problem with sexting among teenagers?
  2. What are the dangers of using the technology without restriction on teenagers?
  3. What are some things we can teach our children about e-safety?
  4. How do you protect yourself when you’re using technology?

Women Do Not Get Enough Sleep

B2 – Upper Intermediate

It is a known fact that sleep is important to everyone. The article below shows how women are dangerously more susceptible to sleeplessness.

Read the article to get the facts on sleep deprivation among women.

http://www.breakingnewsenglish.com/1601/160130-sleep-deprivation.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. What might be reasons women do not sleep enough?
  2. What are your thoughts on the results of this report?
  3. How important is sleep to you?
  4. How are you like when you did not get enough sleep?
  5. Would you change your sleeping habits after reading this article?
  6. Talk about a time when you suffered from sleeplessness and how did you deal with it?
  7. Would you consider going to a sleep doctor if you ever suffered from sleeplessness over a period of time? Explain.

Burning Off A Burger

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C1 – Advanced

Is losing weight something that you’ve been working on? It always is , for most people. There are now hundreds of ways and “tricks” that people can follow to lose weight. But is staying in the gym for half the day the key to losing weight? Or can simple, mundane activities do the trick?

Click on the title below to know roughly how much exercise you need depending on the food you eat.

How Far Do You have to Run to Burn Off A Burger?

Discuss:

1. Based on the article, explain the correlation of food and exercise.
2. What was your reaction after seeing some of the representations in the article? Do you agree with them?
3. Where do you find yourself in terms of over all health and wellness?
4. What foods are you willing to ignore for the sake of health? What foods are you fond of?