phone english blogC1 – Advanced
According to Psychology, announcing our goals makes us less motivated to accomplish them. This video shows why people who talk about their ambitions may be less likely to achieve them.
Discussion Questions:
1. Give a summary of the talk.
2. According to psychologists, what is “social reality”?
3. Do you agree with the speaker? Discuss your answer.
4. Do you usually talk about your goals or do you keep them to yourself?
C1 – Advanced
When you try to read the papers or browse through news headlines, it seems that the same kinds of news are popping up over and over again.
Read the article below to get a better understanding of coincidences.
Discuss:
1. What are the reasons why same stories happen at one given point in time?
2. Do you believe the saying “Bad luck comes in threes”?
3. Share a story when things happened to you and it seemed to be ‘pouring’ at that moment.
4. What are some recent news/headlines that are of the same nature?
B1 – Intermediate
This speaking activity will give you phrases and dialogues you can use when on the telephone, during meetings, while having a presentation and making negotiations.
For every topic, there are recorded audios and scripts. Remember the phrases that are useful for conversations.
B2 – Upper Intermediate
Nowadays, we seem to rely highly on technology to go about our daily lives. Because of this, there are some people who take advantage of this to dupe people. How dependent are you on technology?
Read the article below to learn of the new threat where technology is involved.
http://www.breakingnewsenglish.com/1606/160624-tech-support.html
Discussion Questions:
1. What do you think about what you read?
2. How worried are you about Internet security?
3. What do you do to keep your computer safe? What risks are there of being online?
4. Who do you think are most at risk from scams like this?
B2 – Upper Intermediate
With hopes of reducing the growing number of overweight children, Chile’s government bans marketing of toys in children’s food. McDonald’s Happy Meal and Kinder Surprise Egg are some, among others, affected by this measure.
Read this article about Chile banning Mc Donald’s Happy Meals.
Discussion Questions:
B2 – Upper Intermediate
We often wonder why people choose to settle over something which don’t seem to suit them. We often feel like he or she is too good for whatever they choose to do.
Each person has a different calling in life. Have you found yours?
http://ideas.ted.com/7-lessons-about-finding-the-work-you-were-meant-to-do/
Discussion Questions:
1. How would you explain the term “calling”?
2. How satisfied are you with your life at the moment?
3. Can you say that you’ve found your purpose in life?
4. What are some of the changes that you wish you could do?
B2 – Upper intermediate
One of the main principles of EU membership is “free movement”. Which means you don’t need to get a visa to go and live in another EU country. But, some British citizens don’t agree with this idea.
On the other hand, there are those campaigning for Britain to stay in the EU, as it makes selling things to other EU countries easier. And the flow of immigrants fuel economic growth and help pay for public services.
http://www.breakingnewsenglish.com/1606/160614-brexit.html
Discussion Questions:
1. What do you know about Brexit?
2. Do you think it is better for the UK to leave or stay in the EU?
3. What are the good things about being in the European Union?
4. Is it better for a country to be part of a union or be totally independent?
5. How important is the European Union?
B2 – Upper Intermediate
These days it seems that every country has problems regarding its economy, employment rate and social welfare. Swiss nationals made a life-changing decision regarding it’s social welfare policy.
Read the article below and express your opinions about it.
http://www.breakingnewsenglish.com/1606/160608-basic-income.html
Discussion Questions:
1. Why do you think voters rejected the proposal?
2. Is a guaranteed monthly state income a good idea? How happy would you be at getting a $2,500 monthly salary for free?
3. Is it better to give people a salary or give them welfare payments?
4. What’s the best way to deal with income inequality?
C1 – Advanced
There are daily struggles in life. But there are also small miracles. Read the article below to know some of the greatest things that have happened to different people.
Think of as many reasons to love the the world.
Discuss:
1. What do you think of the reasons mentioned in this feature?
2. What are the things that you’d like to do or experience for yourself?
3. What other places in the world would you like to travel to?
C1 – Advanced
Looks aren’t everything. Image is powerful.
Let’s pay attention and listen to a talk by Cameron Russell.
Discuss:
1. What does the speaker mean when she says “People are paying for how they look not on what they are.”?
2. Why do you think the speaker says that she’s really insecure?
3. How is media affecting our ideas of beauty?
4. Aside from beauty, what else did the speaker talk about?