phone english blogB2 – Upper intermediate
Selling and Chewing gums is prohibited in Singapore. Do you want to find out why? Listen to the podcast carefully then express your thoughts about it.
Discuss:
1. What do you think of Singapore banning chewing gums?
2. Would you like gums to be prohibited in your country just like in Singapore?
3. What other bad / antisocial habits do you wish to be prohibited in your country?
C1 – Advanced
Street art has evolved from the usual graffiti to full scale city murals.
Read the article and get to know artist Francesco Camillo Giorgino and his works. Also, take note of new expressions or vocabularies you’d like to discuss.
Let’s Discuss!
1. According to the article, explain what the artist loves about street art. What was his background?
2. What do you think of Millo’s art? Is this something that you have in your city?
3. What kind of art do you prefer?
B2 – Upper Intermediate
At one point in our lives, we’ve been guilty of liking a song that was just too mainstream pop. We’ve secretly danced to Britney Spears and sang along the Backstreet Boys.
Watch the video to find out how our guilty pleasure music benefits our well-being.
Discussion Questions:
C1 – Advanced
In the summer of 2014, one guy posted a video of himself pouring a bucket of ice water over his head to support ALS and other causes. Then his friends decided to do it as well. In total, more than 17M people took part in the Ice Bucket Challenge.
Ever wondered what happened to the money the supporters donated? Watch the video then read the article to get an update on the ALS research.
Discuss:
1. What do you know about ALS?
2. What did you think about the Ice Bucket Challenge?
3. If you could support a research or an organization, what would it be?
B2 – Upper Intermediate
A new security bill has been passed in Japan. It will allow military troops to fight abroad for the first time after the WWII. Some believe this is unconstitutional.
Opponents of this new legislation are taking their frustrations to the streets. But what exactly are they fighting for?
Watch the video and be ready to discuss the issue that Japan is facing.
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-33546379
Discussion Questions:
B2 – Upper intermediate
How safe are you and your children when using the Internet?
Read the article and get to know the software PhotoDNA.
Discussion Questions:
2. What are ways to ensure children’s internet safety?
3. What do you think is the role of parents when it comes to children and their Internet usage?
4. How is the government in your country trying to fight cybercrimes?
C1 – Advanced
America is the place where everything is big – from food portions to super skyscrapers and warehouse stores. “Small” is the last word one associates with the US. Surprisingly, however, it was in this very land of everything mega that the tiny house movement was born.
Watch the video and learn more about the minimalist lifestyle that has made some people move from big houses to whimsical dollhouse-type homes.
Discuss:
1. According to the video, why are there more and more people joining the tiny house movement?
2. In your country, what did people do to adjust when the economic crisis hit? Did people start selling their homes?
3. Is it usual for people to live in big houses in your country?
4. Describe your ideal house.
Getting ready for an interview? This article will give you tips on how to answer top interview questions.
Read on and be ready to have a speaking activity. You’ll be able to practice by answering some of the featured questions during the discussion.
http://jobsearch.about.com/od/interviewquestionsanswers/a/top-50-job-interview-questions.htm
Discussion Questions:
1. Have you had an all-English job interview?
2. What do you think are the questions that are difficult to answer?
B2 – Upper intermediate
Are you a true-blue Espanol? Read the article and see which among the cultural quirks you can identify with. Be ready to debunk the myths, explain the idiosyncrasies, and add what you think is missing from the list.
Discuss:
1. Which ones do you practice? Which ones are not true for you?
2. Do you think you can add more to the list?
3. What do you think is the history behind some of the mentioned practices?
B2 – Upper Intermediate
A team of scientists who’ve successfully transplanted a genetically modified pig’s heart into a baboon is hoping someday to do the same procedure for human patients desperately in need of replacement organs.
Read the following article then be prepared to answer some discussion questions.
Discussion Questions: