Category: Class

Insiders Blast Trump’s ‘Sexist’ Remarks

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C1 – Advanced

Donald Trump has been accused of sexism by ex-contestants and staff on his reality show The Apprentice. Over 20 people that were interviewed said his behavior toward women was inappropriate.

Read the article then express your thoughts about it.

Ex-Apprentice insiders blast Trump’s ‘sexist’ remarks

Discuss:

1. Do you think someone who insults women should have the privilege to lead them?
2. Donald Trump has avoided paying federal taxes. Do you think it’s fair that someone who makes millions every year pay less in taxes than someone who makes minimum wage?
3. Do you think these allegations are true?
4. What is the general consensus of Donald Trump in Spain?

Pitbull Ban Put on Hold

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C1 – Advanced

Last week the city of Montreal passed a bill banning the pitbull dog breed.  The law will prevent the sale of any pitbull and all current pitbulls will need to be sterilized, micro-chipped and vaccinated by 31 March 2017. They must also be kept on a short leash and muzzled in public. Pitbull owners must also undergo a criminal background check.

Montreal pitbull ban put on hold

Discuss:

1. Do you think a state has the right to ban an entire breed of dog?
2. Do you think it’s the owner or the breed of dog that can make a dog violent?
3. Is there any law in Spain that legislates dog breeds?
4. Have you ever seen a pitbull and did it appear to be violent or more aggressive than another breed?

Speaking Activity: Homeless People

B1 – Intermediate

Homelessness is when a person does not have a permanent home or a place to live in. It’s very difficult for homeless people to find a secure and safe place to stay in. There are several reasons why and how people end up homeless.

Answer the questions in this activity then express your thoughts about it.

Homeless People and their Struggles

Sad Movies Help Reduce Pain

three sad teenage girl watching tv at home

B2 – Upper intermediate

A new study suggests that watching sad movies alleviates pain and may boost social bonds among audience members due to good chemicals produced by the brain.

Read the article below to find out more.  Be ready to express your preferences.

Sad movies help reduce pain

Discuss:

1. What do you think of sad movies? What’s the saddest movie you have ever seen?
2. How much tolerance do you have for pain?
3. What do you do to get a natural high?
4. What kind of movies do you like?

These Cuisines Could Help You Live Longer

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C1 – Advanced

Good food does wonders. The past decade has been all about healthy and organic ingredients to combat diseases naturally and to live a fuller life.

The article below shows cuisines that can help you reach past your prime. Read the article, watch the video and view the photos that showcase delectable dishes.

These cuisines could help you live longer

Discuss:

1. What did the article say about processed and unprocessed food?
2. What are some of the healthy ingredients that the featured countries use in their daily food intake?
3. Which of the cuisines featured have you tried?
4. Would you say that you have a healthy diet?

Video: Secret to Homemade Donuts

B2 – Upper intermediate

This video is very good practice for your listening skills, for increasing your food vocabulary and describing processes.

Watch the video below then be ready to answer some comprehension questions. Take note of new vocabulary terms that you would like to discuss.

Secret to Homemade Donuts

Discuss:

1. In your own words re-tell the process of how to prepare and make donuts.
2. Why do a lot of people like to eat donuts?
3. How do you feel about donuts? Do you enjoy them or do you try to stay away from them?
4. What are some food recipes that you have tried in the past?

Video: Living With Tigers

B2 – Upper intermediate

Taking care of pets has a number of advantages. It teaches us responsibility, it allows us to be connected emotionally and even helps us to de-stress.

Click the link below to watch how a family has taken pet care to a whole new level.

Living With Tigers

Discuss:

1. What is your initial reaction after watching the video?
2. What do you think are the dangers of keeping wild animals as pets?
3. Does your country have specific rules when it comes to owning pets?
4. Have you experienced taking care of pets?

Body in a Freezer

B1 – Intermediate

People will do anything not to be caught by the police. Crime nowadays are becoming more and more aggressive.

Read the article below then play the audio clip to practice your listening skills. Be ready to answer some discussion questions.

Body in a Freezer

Discuss:

1. Have you heard of a similar news happening in Europe?
2. In your country, are there people who try to sell passports and documents illegally?
3. Is drug trafficking a problem in your country/city?
4. How would you describe the police force of your country?

Being Alone The Key to Rest

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B2 – Upper intermediate

At the end of a long week or even a hectic month at the office, we all long for that time when we can just sit back and relax. Resting is important to everyone.

Read the article below to know some facts about the kind of rest that we need. You may read the article in parts. Take note of new vocabulary words.

How being alone may be the key to rest

Discuss:

1. What did the article say about getting the best kind of rest?
2. What recreational activities do you enjoy doing?
3. How do you make sure that you get enough rest?
4. Have you experienced going on a short holiday alone?

Car-Free Day in Madrid

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© El Pais

B2 Upper Intermediate

Commuters were faced with heavy traffic congestion as Madrid celebrates its yearly car-free day or “Día sin Coches”.

Read the article below to see how some reacted to this event.

http://elpais.com/elpais/2016/09/22/inenglish/1474544921_591930.html

Discussion Questions:

1. What can you say about the Car-Free Day?
2. What do you think about the traffic situation in your city?
3. What do you think are other alternatives to private transport?