Category: Class

Venice – City of Canals

rialto-bridge-canale-grande-venice

B2 – Upper intermediate

Some say that Venice is the romance capital of the world.

Read the article below to know more about the city itself and the life and history of this tourist spot.

Venice – City of Canals

Discuss:

1. Describe some of the beautiful places that you’ve visited in the past.
2. Do you often travel? What do you like most about travelling?
3. Have you been to Venice? If you have, describe your trip. If you haven’t, is this city on your bucket list of places to visit?

All About Bananas

B1 – Intermediate

Bananas are very popular fruits all over the world. They have essential nutrients that helps keep you healthy.

Here’s an article that’s all about bananas.  Read about the facts of this well-known fruit and how important it is in some regions or countries.

http://www.english-online.at/biology/bananas/bananas.html

Discussion Questions:

1. What are some of the very common fruits that you have in your country?
2. Talk about some of the food products that your country exports.
3. What are some of your preferences when it comes to fruits and vegetables and how do you like to eat them?

More Rights for Women in Saudi Arabia

B1 – Intermediate

Each country has its own rules and customs. Some are liberating while others are dated.

Read the article and discover how Saudi Arabia is changing some of their traditions.

http://www.english-online.at/news-articles/people/more-rights-for-women-in-saudi-arabia.htm

Discussion Questions:

1. What are some of the rights that you enjoy as a woman in your country?
2. In your country, what other laws should the government pass for women and children?
3. How are the women viewed in your society?

Tower of David

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Venezuela is famously known for its beautiful people. But, like any other country, Venezuela struggles with poverty and citywide housing shortage. The Tower of David is a glimpse of some issues that the country is facing.

Discussion Questions:

1. Is poverty an issue in your country?
2. How is your government taking care of the housing needs of the citizens?
3. What do you think are some of the best ways to address poverty in the middle of an economic recession?

Chinese Kids Driving Supercars

B2 – Upper intermediate

In Southern California, a group of wealthy Chinese teenagers have a very interesting way of getting together. Watch this short video and express your thoughts about it.

Discuss:

1. What thoughts came in to your mind while watching the video?
2. In your country, how do the rich and famous “flaunt” their lifestyles?
3. If you were a wealthy person, how would you spend your money?

Italian City Bans Foreign Food

B1 – Intermediate

In this age of globalization,  an Italian city is doing everything to keep their food tradition.

Some groups do not approve of this even if Italy’s Agriculture Minister supports the foreign food ban.

http://www.english-online.at/culture/italy-foreign-food-ban/italian-city-bans-foreign-food.htm

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think about banning foreign food in a city?
  2. Is this possible in the city where you live in? Why or why not?
  3. Do you like foreign food? Why or why not?
  4. Are there many foreign restaurants in your city? Which one is your favourite and why?
  5. How can cities and regions preserve their food traditions?

Fast Japanese Train

B2 – Upper Intermediate

It is known that transportation in Japan is modern and highly developed.

Let’s look at this fast Japanese train. Be ready to talk about the different modes of transportation you have in your country.

Read the article then watch the video included.

http://www.newsinlevels.com/products/fast-japanese-train-level-3/

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on these fast trains in Japan?
  2. What is the most common form of transportation in your country?
  3. Do you think your country needs a fast train like Japan’s maglev train? Why or why not?
  4. Talk about how you normally get to work.

US Love Affair with McDonald’s Waning

B2 – Upper Intermediate

More and more Americans are turning their backs on McDonald’s. With lower sales for six straight quarters, one of the largest fast-food chain’s new British CEO’s main task now is to entice Americans to remain drawn to eating their burgers, among their other food products.

Read the article about how Americans’ love for McDonald’s is waning.

http://www.bbc.com/news/business-32573204

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are reasons for fast food becoming less craved for by many?
  2. How much do people love fast food in your country? Why do you think it’s that way?
  3. Do you agree that people are more health-conscious nowadays? Explain your point.
  4. What are the pros and cons of fast food?
  5. Talk about your own diet / eating habits.

The Canadian Niceness

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Have you ever travelled to a country full of rude people or experienced being greeted by stiff immigration officers after a long-haul flight? Canada offers something different.

Read the article and discover the innate humility and politeness of Canadians.

http://www.bbc.com/travel/story/20150311-can-canada-teach-the-rest-of-us-to-be-nicer

Discussion Questions:

  1. What can you say about Canadians’ reputation for being some of the nicest people in the whole world?
  2. How would you describe people from your country and their general attitude toward foreign tourists? Do you think they’re nice enough?
  3. Share some of your past travel stories. Have you ever had bad experiences with rude locals?
  4. What are some of the countries that you have visited which you would like to visit again because of the locals’ niceness?
  5. Some countries are known as rude countries as perceived by travelers. Are you still interested to travel there? If so, what are some things you can do to make sure that your experience visiting those countries will be as pleasant as possible?

Speaking Activity: Social Media & Privacy

social-media-and-privacy

B2 – Upper intermediate

Many people increasingly utilize social Networks such as Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, etc. These networks allow users to publish details about themselves and their lives and also connect to their friends and colleagues. However some of the information revealed in these networks should remain private and not published at all.

Click the title below to practice your speaking skills and talk about using social media. Be ready to discuss new phrases and to answer discussion questions.

Topic: Social Media & Privacy