phone english blogB2 – Upper Intermediate
Oil drilling is one of the most important power source industry of our time. However, oil drilling does cause earthquakes.
Click the title below to know more about fracturing and what it does to the environment.
Discussion Questions:
B2 – Upper Intermediate
There comes a point when a vacation is just what we need. We need to relax and have a breather to be able to come back recharged and sharper. But, as the author adds, “If you’re constantly thinking you need a vacation, maybe what you really need is a new life.”
The article below is a story of a journalist who gave up her job to move to an island to simplify her life. Express your thoughts after reading.
http://www.marieclaire.com/career-advice/a14268/why-i-gave-up-a-95k-job-to-move-to-an-island/
Discussion Questions:
B1 – Intermediate
Physical fitness is a very important issue. Especially today, because most people now have a lifestyle that is less active.
Staying active and doing some exercises will give your body better performance and help make your muscles be stronger. It will also keep your weight under control.
Click the title below and be ready to discuss new phrases about exercise and health.
B2 – Upper intermediate
They say, sports helps the soul. This rugby team is nothing like any other. The team is consist of prisoners in an Italian jail. They compete but not outside of prison walls.
Watch this video and talk about how rugby is helping these prisoners lead a better life.
Discussion Questions:
B2 – Upper intermediate
B.B. King is one the music legends that has touched the lives of so many people.
Watch the video carefully and prepare to talk about music and musicians.
Comprehension:
1. Describe B.B. King’s lifestyle as a musician. Why did people like him?
2. What were some of his nicknames?
3. Why is his guitar named “Lucille”?
Discussion:
1. Are you familiar with the music of B.B. King?
2. Who are some of the musicians you listen to?
3. What are your preferences in music?
Words/phrases to discuss:
Vibrato
On the road
Finesse
C1 – Advanced
Have you heard of Urban farming? In the US, it’s been a popular idea for quite some time.
Read the article below and discuss some of the issues that urban farmers are facing.
Discussion Questions:
1. How do you understand urban farming and what are its advantages?
2. Is urban farming something that is happening in your country?
3. Have you started growing your own vegetables? Have you tried it?
B2 – Upper Intermediate
People around the world work with minimum wage. A minimum wage is the lowest daily or monthly remuneration that employers may legally pay to workers. Which country has the best minimum wage in the world? Let’s take a look!
http://money.cnn.com/2015/05/14/pf/minimum-wage-countries-australia/index.html
Discussion Questions:
1. What is the minimum wage in your country?
2. What do you think should be the ideal minimum wage in your country?
3. How does salary affect the performance of an individual at work?
B1 – Intermediate
These days, it is easy to get and share information from different parts of the world. The Internet made this possible. However, in China, the Internet is highly controlled by the government.
Read the article below and be ready to express your thoughts about China and how they control the Internet.
http://www.english-online.at/technology/china-blocks-youtube/china-blocks-youtube.htm
Discussion Questions:
B1 – Intermediate
Playing sports helps you stay in shape, teaches you how to organize your time and builds relationships with your peers and adults.
Click the title below to practice your speaking skills and talk about sports. Be ready to discuss new phrases and to answer discussion questions.
C1 – Advanced
Jack Cator was your normal teenage school boy; defying and challenging the rules. But what he got out of that persistent attitude was quite extraordinary.
Read the article below to know more about Jack and his business and its humble beginnings.
http://www.bbc.com/news/business-32702501
Discussion Questions:
1. In your own words, explain how Jack was able to come up with his business.
2. What do you know about VPNs? Is this something you use?
3. Have you experienced doing business remotely with people you’ve never met before? Describe that experience.