Category: Class

Music Makes Us Happy

B1 – Intermediate

A brain chemical called ‘dopamine’ is said to be released when we listen to music, eat, and do other rewarding activities.

Read the article below to know how exactly music affect our mood and be ready to answer the questions that follow.

Music has been a part of human history and culture for a very long time. Perhaps it has always been a part of our history and culture. And scientists now know the reason. Music makes us feel good.

It doesn’t matter what kind of music people listen to. When we listen to music, our brains produce a chemical. The chemical increases our heart rate. It makes us breathe faster. We even get chills with some exciting music. The same chemical makes us happy when we eat delicious food, laugh with friends, or win at something difficult.

Almost everyone feels the same way about music. In fact, even babies reacted to music!

Source: headsupenglish.com

Discussion Questions:

1. Does music make you feel good?
2. What kind of music gives you the chills?
3. What other things make you feel good?

The Benefits of a Bilingual Brain

B2 – Upper Intermediate

When you know more than one language, it’s no doubt that it makes life easier. Traveling seems more fun, watching movies even without subtitles is not a problem, and talking with native speakers is not too intimidating anymore. But are there other advantages to having a bilingual or multilingual brain?

Watch the video and know the other benefits of knowing more than one language and what it can do to our brain.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How is a bilingual brain different from a monolingual brain?
  2. Talk about some benefits of a bilingual brain.
  3. Talk about any disadvantages to knowing multiple languages.
  4. What are your thoughts on staying monolingual?
  5. Do you think everyone will be bilingual or even multilingual in the near future? Why or why not?

Banning Smartphones for Children Under 13

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© User: 3dman_eu / pixabay / CC0

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Kids born in the late 1990s and early 2000s are born in the digital age. Some kids as young as 2 years old already knows how to turn on a phone and use some apps. Young children learn how to use devices or gadgets such as mobile phones very easily these days but is it beneficial for them to start using cell phones at a young age?

Let us read the article below first and then answer the questions that follow.

https://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/colorado-moves-to-ban-smartphones-for-children-under-13/3906933.html

Discussion Questions:

1. What do you think about the proposal?
2. Why do you think the proposal only targets phones with internet access?
3. What “mental effects” might constant smartphone use have on children?
4. Would you agree that a child’s smartphone usage is a “family matter?” Why? Why not?
5. Do you agree that children under the age of 6 should only watch an hour of videos a day? Why? Why not?
6. Do you think that the children of today will be completely dependent on digital devices by the time they grow up? Why? Why not?

The Impossible Burger

B2 – Upper Intermediate

A Silicon Valley start-up Impossible Foods make burgers entirely from plants. The burger is made from all natural ingredient and a special ingredient called heme. Heme makes the meat smell, sizzle, bleed, and taste gloriously meaty.

A butcher, a cardiologist, a vegan and a technology reporter put the burger to a test. Let’s find out what they think of it:

 

Discussion Questions:

1. How did the people in the video react?
2. What do you think of the Impossible Burger? What makes it special?
3. How much do you like burgers? Would you try this burger?

 

Pakistani Farmers Get Tips via Text

B2 – Upper Intermediate

One problem farmers face is overwatering. It would help them a lot if they could get an advice regarding the proper amount of irrigation water to prevent them from overwatering their fields.

Farmers are now getting tips via text messages in Pakistan to make sure they get access to information for their irrigation needs in the quickest time possible.

Click on the article for more information on this way of disseminating information to farmers:

https://www.voanews.com/a/pakistan-farmers-get-tips-via-text/3917603.html?src=voa-editor-picks

Discussion Questions:

1. How does this new program help the farmers?

2. What are the advantages and disadvantages of the said program?

3. Should farmers rely on this technology?

4. What are other ways to help farmers better?

 

 

 

Boy Beats Disability

B1 – Intermediate

Everyday, thousands of people with disabilities are challenged. Disability need not be an obstacle for this boy to succeed.

Read the transcript and/or watch the video to find out more about an incredible 10-year old boy who faced up to challenges of being disabled.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/boy-beats-disability-level-3/

Discussion Questions:
1. What kinds of disability do you know of?

2. What kinds of discrimination do people with disabilities face?

3. What can you do to help handicapped people?

4. Does your country have special training facilities for handicapped people?

5. Can a physical disability prevent a person from succeeding?

No Wi-Fi, No Problem

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Have you ever imagined a world without internet? Can you live or work in such an environment? Well, there’s a place in the US where they don’t have any wi-fi or even an internet connection.

Let’s read more about the lifestyle of the people living in this place and start a discussion.

https://www.voanews.com/a/no-wi-fi-no-internet-no-problem/3784710.html

Discussion Questions:

1. How would you feel about living in a town with no internet service? Why?
2. What do you imagine the lifestyle of Green Bank residents is like?
3. Do you think it is difficult for Green Bank residents to stay informed? Why? Why not?
4. How do you think the priorities of people living with and without the internet differ?
5. Are there any populated areas in your country with no internet access?

Ways the Rich Signal Their Wealth

C1 – Advanced

Long time ago, corsets and silver spoons symbolized high social position. In the modern times, more middle-class people can go on fancy vacations and afford luxury bags too. The challenge for the super rich is to look for ways to set them apart in terms of their elite social status.

Read this article to find out how the elites mark their social position.

http://www.bbc.com/capital/story/20170614-the-new-subtle-ways-the-rich-signal-their-wealth

Discussion Questions:

1. According to this article, how are the rich establishing their status now?
2. What are your thoughts on conspicuous and inconspicuous consumption?
3. Why do you think the super rich are spending less on material goods and the middle-income groups are going on the opposite direction?

French “Right to Disconnect” Law

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B2 – Upper Intermediate

Work-life balance is a global issue now since we are constantly asked by our employers to be always online. The pressure and stakes are high. If we don’t follow them, we might not get the promotion we’ve long been aiming for or worst-case scenario, lose our jobs. But is all this worth the stress?

France had declared a new law that allows employees to have the right to disconnect. Some say it is what every country needs but is it really possible (to be TOTALLY disconnected from work)? Let’s read and start a discussion about the topic.

https://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/french-disconnect-law/3661695.html

Discussion Questions:

1. What can cause a lot of stress according to this article?
2. What do you think about this new French law?
3. What are the advantages of this law for the employees? What are the disadvantages of this law for companies?
4. What new laws do you have in your country?

Making Someone Redundant

B2 – Upper Intermediate

If one is ever made to be redundant, their employer must treat them with fairness and act in accordance with their contract and legal redundancy rights. That includes making sure they’re consulted, following the right selection process, and giving them sufficient notice period.

Everyone should know their rights when faced with this situation.

Watch the video and read the transcript about making someone redundant.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/english-at-work/50-language-used-making-someone-redundant

Discussion Questions:

  1. Is work redundancy common in the workplace in your country? Talk about some instances you know of.
  2. What are the rights of an employee who has been terminated due to redundancy?
  3. In your opinion, how long should the notice period be?