Category: Class

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

 

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.