Category: Class

Speaking Activity: Science & Technology

There’s no doubt that technology has improved over the years. But with that comes controversies and questions.

This speaking activity will serve as a good exercise in negating, expressing opinions, and increasing fluency.

Discuss the questions below. Remember to support your answers.

  • Everyone was far happier before such inventions as the computer and automobile. Do you agree or disagree? Why?
  • Science has become the new religion. Do you agree or disagree? Why?
  • Have you ever had an idea for an invention? Please explain.
  • If you could invent something, what would it be? Please explain.
  • Did you study science at school? How did you feel about your science class? How did you feel about your science teacher?
  • Do you think science helps or harms humankind? Why do you think so?
  • What, if any, scientific advances have had negative results? Why do you think so?
  • Some people believe less money should be spent on science and technology and more should be spent on helping third world countries. What do you think?
  • How has science improved your life? Think of three examples and explain.
  • In your opinion, what has been the single greatest invention during your life thus far? How about in the last 100 years? Why do you think so?
  • Some people say that scientists have begun to play God. What do you think this means? What are your thoughts on the subject?
  • What interesting news about science and technology have you seen or heard recently?
  • Tell your partner about an interesting sci-fi movie you have seen. Why was it interesting? Was it believable? Why?
  • Do you believe science is more important than religion to many people? Why/not?
  • Do you think there is still a lot to invent? Why/not?
  • Do you trust scientists? Why/not?
  • What great scientific advances do you imagine happening in the next 10 years? 25 years? 100 years? Please explain.
  • What scientific or technological advance would make your life easier? Do you think any of these will be invented soon?
  • Which field of science do you find the most interesting? Why?
  • What is the most dangerous and deadly invention in the past 100 years? Do you think humankind will invent something worse in the next 100 years? Why/not?

Source: headsupenglish.com

American Idol

B1 – Intermediate

Reality TV or reality shows have been around for quite some time and it seems like they’re getting more popular.

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

American Idol is a reality TV program broadcast in the US and over one hundred countries around the world. It debuted in the summer of 2002, and has become one of the most popular programs on air. It has ranked as the number one show for five seasons in a row. On the program, contestants sing before three judges to be the best singer in the country. The winner usually goes on to win large record contracts.

Although very successful, there has been some controversy too. For example, Sir Elton John called the show “racist” after African American contestants scored poorly. The show also has total control of the careers of each year’s winners, a fact which may or may not be favorable to the contestants.

Source: headsupenglish.com

Discussion Questions:

1. Do you watch shows such as American Idol or other reality TV programs?
2. What are some of your preferences when watching TV shows?
3. What has been the impact of airing reality shows?

Steps to Stronger Willpower

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C1 – Advanced

Humans have the ability to control thoughts and actions in order to achieve what they want to do. The question is, are we effective or efficient enough to exercise that ability?

Click on the title below to read more about willpower.

Six Steps to a Stronger Willpower

Discuss:

1. Explain the different steps the article gave to help boost willpower.
2. Would you agree on the items featured in the list?
3. Which ones do you already practice and which ones would you like to put to the test? Would you add anything?
4. What do you normally do whenever you need to make a big decision?

China’s Curious Cult of the Mango

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C1 – Advanced

Who knew that mangoes can be sacred?

Click on the title below to read about how mangoes were viewed in China. Read the article part by part and take note of new vocabulary words and expressions.

China’s curious cult of the mango

Discuss:

1. Explain the past that China had with the mango fruit. How Significant was it?
2. In the article, what were some of the ancient insights that showed a part of the Chinese culture?
3. Share some of the unique traditions that your country has that has been long part of history.

How Diversity Has Changed America

B2 – Upper intermediate

Diversity in America is nothing new. With thousands of migrants and immigrants flocking the United States for a number of reasons.

Read the article below to know some facts about some of the more diversified states in the US.

How Diversity Has Changed America

Discuss:

1. How diverse is the population in Spain?
2. Which cities are more diverse?
3. How does immigration affect the locals?
4. What do you think is the difference between a migrant and an immigrant?

Two-thirds of World Faces Water Shortage

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The issue of water shortage is closer to home than you think. No country, whether powerful nor developing, is exempt from this imminent problem.

Watch the video below to get more facts on water shortage.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Is there a threat of water shortage in your country?
  2. How badly could water shortage affect the public?
  3. What alternative solutions can you think of to address this issue?
  4. In your own ways, how do you conserve water?

Offer Words of Encouragement

C1 – Advanced

How would you define encouragement? And how different is it from motivation?

Watch the video below then read the article to know more about how encouragement changes a person’s life.

How and Why to Offer Words of Encouragement

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Discuss:

1. Based on the article and video, how would you explain the difference between encouragement and motivation?
2. What makes encouraging so important to people?
3. How do you encourage people at work or in your family?
4. Do you enjoy challenges or do you usually shy away from them?

Euro Politicians Told to Stop Speaking English

B2 – Upper intermediate

There are 24 official languages spoken at the European Parliament. The European Parliament’s Secretary General has asked Euro politicians to speak more slowly and to use to their native language instead of English. What are your thoughts on the Secretary General’s request?

Euro politicians told to stop speaking English

Discuss:

1. What do you think about the article?
2. What do you think is the difference between an interpreter and a translator?
3. How do you feel about using English in political meetings such as the European Parliament?
4. If you could speak another language fluently, what would it be?

Life Forms and Habitats in the World’s Oceans

B1 – Intermediate

Nature includes the terrestrial and marine environments. It is so interesting that we enjoy life mainly because of the deep-sea elements of our planet Earth. How much do you know about the aquatic environment?

Enjoy reading the article here to appreciate the life beneath the water surfaces.

http://www.english-online.at/biology/marine-biology/life-forms-and-habitats-in-the-worlds-oceans.htm

Discussion Questions:

  1. When was the last time you visited a coastal area?
  2. How can we keep or preserve our marine areas and marine life-forms? How is it being protected in your country?
  3. What marine problems exist in your country?
  4. Why is it important to take care of marine life?
  5. Have you gone scuba diving or snorkeling? What water sports have you tried in the past?

Conspiracy Theories

C2 – Proficient

There are a lot of unproven conspiracy theories circulating in the world.  Either they’re in conflict with a consensus or isn’t historically proven.

Watch this video about five of the most mysterious conspiracy theories.

Discuss:

1. Do you find conspiracy theories interesting?
2. Name one (or more) conspiracy theory (theories) you know of.
3. In your opinion, how true can conspiracy theories be?
4. Where do you think these theories come from?