Category: Class

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?

Are There Hidden Truths in Dreams?

B1 – Intermediate

Would you still continue you trip or your planned activity, even if you had a bad dream about it the previous night?

Read the article below to get some information about dreaming and how it affects people.

http://www.english-online.at/science/dreams/hidden-truths-unconscious.htm

Discussion Questions:

1. Do you remember any of your dreams?
2. Do you believe in the interpretations of dreams?
3. Share some of the nightmares you’ve had in the past. Share some of the good ones as well.
4. Has a dream ever influenced your thoughts?

Bullfighting – A Big Attraction in Spain

B1 – Intermediate

It is no secret that Spain is famous for its bullfighting. Thousands of tourists get excited to watch a real bullfight in the arena.

Read the article below and express your thoughts about bullfighting and how activists are trying to stop the sport.

http://www.english-online.at/culture/bullfighting/bullfighting-in-spain.htm

Discussion Questions:

1. What do you think of bullfighting as a kind of entertainment?
2. Do you think bulls should be eaten after being killed in the arena?
3. Is it possible to completely wipe out the industry of bullfighting?
4. Are there other historical activities in your country that should be stopped?

Ancient Mummy Wearing Adidas Boots

B1 – Intermediate

We have heard many stories and have watched a number of films about time travel. But is time travel really possible?

Read the article below about a mummy wearing a specific footwear that has made many people think about time travelling.

http://www.breakingnewsenglish.com/1604/160415-time-travel.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think this story is believable? Why or why not?
  2. If given a chance, would you time travel? Why or why not?
  3. Which period of time would you like to go back to? Why?

3D Printing: Turn Your Head into Chocolate Lollipops

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Imagine your head as a chocolate. Now, you can actually have it done and enjoy watching your friends eating a candied version of your head.

Click on the link below and express your thoughts about this start-up company and their sweet idea.

http://www.bbc.com/news/business-35040661

Discussion Questions:

1. Explain the process of making the 3D chocolate heads.
2. What do you think of this start-up company?
3. What is your opinion of 3D printing? Do you think it has its own limitations?
4. If you were throwing a party, would you give out chocolate heads as sweets or souvenirs?
5. Would you like a candy version of yourself on a stick?

Jealousy, Prejudice, and Short People

B1 – Intermediate

We have all heard of the expression “walk tall” to signify confidence and pride. Or how you can “feel ten feet tall”  when you feel extremely good, like right after getting a promotion.

This light-hearted article shows a very interesting study of how our actual height can play a role in our success.

Read the article below and be ready to answer the questions that follow.

A recent study discovered that short people are more likely to feel jealous. The research questioned more than 500 men and women from Denmark to Spain. They then used the data to discover which characteristics made people feel uncomfortable. Men and women were intimidated by money, strength, looks, and charm. However, shorter people felt more nervous than taller people.

In regards to evolution, this conclusion makes sense. Women who are average height or taller have the best health, popularity, and fertility with men. In addition, the study said taller men often have more success with women.

Other similar studies about height and modern culture agree. For example, tall men are more successful in business. In another study, a look at Fortune 500 companies showed that 58% of the CEOs were taller than six feet (169 centimeters), but only 14.5% of the US population was six feet. Moreover, taller people received better salaries than shorter people. One inch adds more than $750 to a person’s salary each year.

The study finished by stating that prejudice towards shorter people isn’t conscious.

Source: headsupenglish.com

Discussion Questions:

1. Would you consider yourself a jealous person? Why/not?
2. Do you agree or disagree? Taller people enjoy more success in life.
3. If people from other countries were interviewed, would the results be the same?
4. Do you have any prejudices? Please explain.