Category: Class

Food Theft ‘Not a Crime’

B2 – Upper Intermediate

An Italian court has ruled that stealing a small amount of food due to starvation is not a crime. A man’s sentence was overturned because his lawyer argued that he only committed the crime out of desperation.

Read the article about the man who had stolen food “in the face of the immediate and essential need for nourishment” and an Italian court ruled that this is not a crime.

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-36190557

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you agree with this Italian court ruling? Why or why not?
  2. What are the good things and consequences of the said ruling?
  3. What should be done with people who are caught stealing food?
  4. What do people in your country do when they are starving and don’t have any money to buy food?

Growing Organic Food ‘Sin Fronteras’

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Organic food and organic products have increased its popularity in the last years.

Click the title below and watch the video. Be ready to share your thoughts and talk about health.

Discussion Questions:

1. What has farming taught Eduardo Rivera?
2. Why is he very interested in organic farming? What is his goal?
3. How does he promote his products?
4. How are organic products fairing in your country?

Happiness Is… Family?!

B1 – Intermediate

Almost everyone belongs to a family. We can’t imagine to exist without someone else who cared for us when we were young.  We need a family.

What else is the meaning of family to you? The following article lets you know the response of other teens and young adults about how their families make them happy.

Read the article below and be ready to answer the questions that follow.

What makes teens and twenty-somethings happy? According to a survey, spending time with family made people in this age group the most happy. Time with friends came in second place, and time with a boyfriend or girlfriend came in third place. Almost no one said money brought happiness.

Seventy-three percent said that a good relationship with their parents made them feel good. In addition, when they looked for a role model, almost half of the people who took the questionnaire mentioned one of their parents. Moms ranked higher than dads, though.

Some of the discoveries were less positive. White people generally felt happier than black people or Hispanics in all economic categories. And as for stress, kids had a 10% higher rate than adults. Younger respondents said school stressed them out the most. Older people were worried about jobs and finances.

The survey also wanted to know whether today’s youth will remain happy in the future. Sixty-two percent of teens believed the future will bring more happiness. However, they also expect to have a more difficult life than their parents.

Source: headsupenglish.com

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the top three things that make you happy? Why are they the most important things to you?
  2. Who is your role model in life? Why do you look up to them?
  3. What are some things that worry or stress you out? Why are you stressed out by this?
  4. Do you think the future will bring more happiness for everyone? Why or why not?
  5. Do you agree or disagree that we could have a more difficult life than our parents? Elaborate on your stand.

Dinosaurs Already Decreasing Before Asteroid Hit

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B2 – Upper intermediate

Has the existence of dinosaurs crossed your mind yet? What if we co-exist with them? Whatever your answer may be, there sure is some discussion on the existence of dinosaurs.

Let’s learn more about this through the research made by a Japanese paleontologist.

Dinosaurs Already Decreasing Before Asteroid Hit

Discuss:

1. What evidences prove the existence of dinosaurs in the past?
2. Why do you think the dinosaurs have lost their place on earth?
3. Explain the beliefs of scientists why the dinosaurs became extinct.
4. Have you ever been to a natural museum?

Instagramming Your Food Makes It Taste Better

B2 – Upper Intermediate

It is often said that “we eat with our eyes“. Do you agree with this saying?

This article will show you the truth about the relationship between taking a photo of your food and how it can taste better.

http://www.digitaltrends.com/photography/food-porn-instagram-psychology/

Discussion Questions:

  1. According to the article, how does food become more delicious when you take a photo of it first before you actually eat it? Do you agree with this?
  2. Do you follow any food-related accounts on Instagram? Why or why not? If yes, talk about the interesting thing about that page/account.
  3. How do you feel about people’s addiction of taking pictures of their food before they eat it? Are you guilty of this habit?

Fighting Like a Girl

C1 – Advanced

Watch the video below and know more about Cris Cyborg and the things she has learned with her sport.

Discuss:

1. Who is Cris Cyborg and why was she banned from fighting for a year? What did she learn from this experience?
2. Based on the video, what are some of your limitations when you’re a professional fighter?
3. Are you fond of watching MMA or UFC?
4. What was Cyborg’s advice to girls who would like to try MMA or fighting as a sport?
5. How do you motivate yourself in life and at work, especially during difficult times?
6. What are some of the very important life values that you will learn in sports?

World of Vodou Healing in Haiti

C1 – Advanced

This video shows an interesting part of the culture of Haiti. Click below to watch the video. Be ready to answer discussion questions.

Feel free to use the 360-degree feature in the video to fully appreciate the story.

Let’s Discuss!

1. What is your understand of Voodou (Voodoo)?
2. In the video, what are they preparing for? Why do they have to paint their faces white?
3. Using different adjectives, how would you describe the ceremony?
4. What did the narrator say at the end of the video about her traditions and customs?
5. What practices do you have in your culture that bring people together?

Spain’s Newfound Love of English

C1 – Advanced

Over the past few years, the growing number of English learners has increased. From South East Asia to across Europe.

Below is an interesting article of how Spain has now welcomed the study of the English language.

7 reasons for Spain’s newfound love of English

Discuss:

1. Why is English important?
2. What are the 7 reasons why Spanish people would like to develop their English skills?
3.What age do you think a child should start learning English?
4. What if you spoke English fluently? Do you think you have a different job?/Do you think you have the same job that you have now? Why?

First Human Head Transplant

B2 – Upper intermediate

Organ transplants have saved many lives. But, an Italian neurosurgeon wants to take a few steps further with his first human head transplant.

Read the article below to learn more about Dr. Canavero and his potential patient.

First Human Head Transplant Planned for 2017

Discuss:

1. Is Dr. Sergio Canavero’s idea worth a try?
2. Do you believe that the current technology we have is well- equipped for this attempt?
3. Would you volunteer for a medical experiment for greater and good intentions?

Giving Employees an Ownership Stake

C1 – Advanced

Employees of Chobani learned that they are getting ownership stake that could make them millionaires. They are getting shares worth up to 10 percent of the company when it goes public or is sold. Hamdi Ulukaya, the CEO, believes it’s just right to give the wealth back to his workers who have helped him build this company that is already several billion dollars worth.

Watch the video below to find out more.

http://www.nbcnews.com/nightly-news/video/chobani-ceo-giving-employees-an-ownership-stake-in-yogurt-empire-674292291768

Discussion Questions:

1. What do you think of Hamdi Ulukaya’s gesture? If you were him, would you do the same thing?
2. What are things that can transform business to a higher level?
3. What do you think are the advantages and disadvantages of being your own boss?
4. Have you ever thought of starting a business?