Category: Class

United States Falling Behind in Women’s Rights

B2 – Upper Intermediate

A recent report showed that while women in the United States are generally treated better than women in other countries, there are still a few areas where gender inequality exists.

Watch the following video then express your opinions.

http://edition.cnn.com/videos/world/2015/04/15/women-status-orig-ms.cnn/video/playlists/women-in-politics/

Discussion Questions:

  1. According to the video, in what specific areas do American women lag behind their foreign counterparts when it comes to gender equality?
  2. Based on the video, what countries are leading the way in terms of women’s rights?
  3. On a scale of 1 to 10 (ten being the highest), how would you rate your country’s efforts to provide better opportunities for its women?

Schools Feeding and Clothing Pupils

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C1 – Advanced

It has been said that the school is the second home of the child. Read the article and discuss the boundaries that schools should have when it comes to taking care of children.

Schools feeding and clothing pupils, say heads

Discuss:

1. What is the concern raised in the article?
2. What do you think should be the primary roles of schools?
3. Describe the educational system of your country.
4. How would you describe the welfare program for poor people in your country?
5. If you could, what changes or improvements would you implement in your country’s educational or social systems?

 

Wedding Detectives Booming Trade

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Though rather old-fashioned, in some cultures, arranged marriages are still practiced up to this day. It’s when your family chooses your husband or wife.

Read the article about the growing number of Indians who hire wedding detectives.

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-radio-and-tv-15520929

Discussion Questions:

  1. How do you feel about arranged marriages?
  2. What are your thoughts on using matrimonial sites to find a prospect for marriage?
  3. What do you think of marriage detectives? Would you be interested in using this service?
  4. Do you think this kind of service would be interesting for people in your country? Why or why not?
  5. Describe some of the marriage or wedding traditions that you have in your country.

Two Minutes of Walking Improves Health

Operations At Food Ordering Startup TinyOwl As India Fosters Surge Of Errand Apps

B2 – Upper intermediate

There have been numerous studies about sitting too long at work and how it can affect our health. It has been suggested that walking around helps your health. But how long of a walk is considered enough to break the habit of prolonged sitting?

Read the article below then be ready to express your thoughts about staying in good shape.

http://time.com/3843005/health-study-excercise-healthy-living-walking/

Discussion Questions:

  1. Describe a typical day at work or in the office.
  2. Do you sit a lot when working? What do you to remind yourself to stand up regularly?
  3. How do you stay healthy in spite of your busy schedule?
  4. What are your go-to exercises?

South Korean Government Made K-Pop a Thing

B2 – Upper Intermediate

K-pop or Korean pop music is big in Asia and is now spreading to some European countries. But, in South Korea, K-pop is more than just music. Read the article below and discover how the government of South Korea treats their music industry.

This resource includes an audio clip so feel free to listen to the audio as well.

https://www.npr.org/sections/codeswitch/2015/04/13/399414351/how-the-south-korean-government-made-k-pop-a-thing

Discussion Questions:

1. Are you familiar with K-pop? Describe the music industry in your country.
2. Who are some of the very famous musicians in your country? Talk about your preferences in music.
3. Talk about some of the industries in your country that are doing very well or are being taken care of by the government.

Mistakes You Can Make at Work

B2 – Upper Intermediate

It’s one thing to notice someone else’s attitude. It’s another to notice your own. You may be performing very well but your colleagues hold you on low regard due to some behaviors you manifest.

Read the article below to find out some office behaviors or mistakes workers do at work.

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/top-9-things-you-should-never-do-work-dr-travis-bradberry

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to cast someone in a negative/bad light” mean, “No matter how talented you are or what you’ve accomplished, there are certain behaviors that instantly change the way people see you and forever cast you in a negative light.“? Write your own sentence using this idiom.
  2. What does “at all costs” mean, “The following list contains nine of the most notorious behaviors that you should avoid at all costs.“? Give 2 synonyms and write your own sentence using this idiom.
  3. What does “to take credit for someone else’s work” mean, “Taking credit for someone else’s work­—no matter how small—creates the impression that you haven’t accomplished anything significant on your own.” Give 2 synonyms and write your own sentence using this idiom.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How well do you blend in with the people in your office?
  2. Are you familiar with any of the behaviors mentioned in the article? Share some experiences.
  3. Do you almost always try to be at your best behavior but still feel that you’re not giving enough due to prying eyes especially at work?
  4. How do you deal with coworkers who could be a bit difficult to work with?
  5. What are some things you can’t stand people who you work/you’ve worked with do?

World Happiness Report 2015

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C1 – Advanced

Living in different countries, we have different cultures. We all have different definitions of happiness. How would you define Happiness?

Read the article below to know more about the World Happiness Report and its aims or objectives.

World Happiness Report 2015 ranks happiest countries

Discuss:

1. Share some of the happiest moments in your life?
2. Are the people living in your country known for being funny, fun-loving or happy?
3. How would you describe a good and healthy quality of living?

Video: Woman Sues Over Weight-Loss

C1 – Advanced

Some people argue that we live in a world where people are judged by their looks. There are many qualities by which physical appearance is deemed acceptable by modern society: body shape, skin complexion, height and even weight.

Recently, a student sued her own university for allegedly denying her the chance to apply for the dance troupe.

Watch the video then express your ideas on the matter.

Woman sues university over weight-loss suggestion

Discuss:

1. Are there any circumstances when a person’s weight should be factored in for consideration in an organization or activity?
2. Can the situation described in the video be considered an example of discrimination?
3. What adjectives can you use to describe the woman’s feelings? Would you feel the same if you were in her shoes?

Staying Healthy in Summer

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Summer weather has been getting warmer and warmer. It is important that you keep healthy in the middle of an unforgiving high temperature.

Below are some tips in order to beat the heat. Go through them one by one and share some of your ideas in keeping cool.

http://www.healthy.net/Health/Essay/10_Tips_for_Staying_Healthy_in_Summer/676

Discussion Questions:

1. Do you like summer? What do you like about it?
2. Which of the tips in the article do you practice?
3. What activities do you usually do in summer?
4. Have you travelled to a place with a cooler climate during the summer to escape the heat of your city?

Living Away From Home

 

B2 – Upper intermediate

Living away from home used to be just a choice for some. But with today’s economic struggles, it seems to be one of the most viable option for many.  Leaving home is not easy. But there are advantages to calling a foreign country your new abode.

Read the article below then share some of your thoughts.

10 Important Life Lessons You Learn From Living Abroad

Discussion Questions:

1. Have you tried living abroad? If yes, talk about your experience. If not, give reasons why.
2. What are the things you’ve learned from living away from home?
3. What do you think are other positive things of living out of your home country?
4. What are the negative things of this set-up?