Category: Homework

Used Luxury Goods Growing Popularity

B2 – Upper Intermediate

In the midst of the economic crisis and financial uncertainties, the market for used luxury products is booming in China. More and more owners of such items now know that they can make good money from their luxury goods and on the buyers’ end, they get a good bargain.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about the growing popularity of used luxury goods in China.

https://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/in-china-used-luxury-goods-growing-in-popularity-/6768412.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why are second-hand luxury products becoming popular in China?
  2. Is this trend happening in your country too? Why or why not?
  3. Do you think it is a good investment to buy luxury items in the middle of an economic crisis? Explain your point.
  4. Do you have luxury items and would you be willing to sell and why?
  5. What are ways to get through an economic crisis?

Woman Lives Every Day Like It’s 1958

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The idea of time travel is fun as it lets you see how people lived before. For some, it is scary because they have no idea what to expect. What if I tell you that today there is a woman who lives her life exactly like she is in the 1950s?

Watch the video and meet Laci Fay, the vintage girl next door.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Looking at Laci Fay, describe the vibe that she gives off.
  2. When people choose to live differently than others, what do you think are some challenges that they might face?
  3. Do you know anything about the 1950s? Discuss your ideas.
  4. How do you think the 1950s is different from today?
  5. If you could travel back in time, which era would you choose? And why?

Why Great Businesses Fail

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Experts believe that when a successful company fails to deal with disruption, it might collapse. On the other hand, what sets companies like Amazon and Walmart apart from those that fail, is their ability to decide quickly. They do not let the slow process of decision-making kill innovation.

Watch the entire video that explains why great businesses fail.

Discussion Questions:

  1. The video talks about the term ”ideation”. How do you define it in your own words?
  2. Think of a successful company in the past that failed and went bankrupt. What were the reasons for it going under?
  3. According to the speaker, some companies are good at the incubation period. Why do you think these companies fail when they decide to scale up?
  4. What lessons can companies in the world learn from Amazon?
  5. The video teaches companies about ideation and scaling up. How can these concepts be applied in your personal and professional life?

The Life of Nelson Mandela

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Nelson Mandela never supported discrimination on the grounds of race. If truth be told, he fought against it. He was an activist, a politician, and a philanthropist. Learn more about this Nobel prize awardee who was also the first black president of South Africa.

Watch this video to know more about the life of Nelson Mandela.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your understanding of the term ”white-only authority”?
  2. Describe Nelson Mandela as an activist.
  3. Do you think he was an ideal politician? Explain your answer.
  4. Many considered Mandela a freedom fighter. Do you agree or disagree? And why?
  5. In the 90s, Mandela became president and pushed for equal rights. Has it been achieved today? Provide specific points to support your answer.

How Adidas Turns Plastic Bottles Into Shoes

B2 – Upper Intermediate

According to studies, there will be more plastic bottles in the seas than fish in thirty years. This prediction could spell trouble for both humans and animals. By turning plastic bottles into shoes, Adidas, a multinational corporation, helps prevent such plastics from getting to the ocean.

Watch this video to learn how Adidas uses plastic bottles to manufacture shoes.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think Adidas is successful in reducing marine pollution? Explain your answer.
  2. Recycling is one of the topics covered in the video. Talk about some recycling ideas that you see in your community.
  3. Aside from Adidas, do you know any other companies that have exerted effort to help the environment? Talk about these companies.
  4. Have you ever tried purchasing any Adidas sportswear? If so, what can you say about its quality?
  5. What recommendations do you have for Adidas relative to sustainability initiatives?

Experimental Drug Slows Decline among Alzheimer’s Patients

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Good news for loved ones and sufferers of Alzheimer’s disease. Biogen and Eisai claim that their experimental drug showed a significant decrease in rate of mental decline of Alzheimer’s patients.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about an experimental Alzheimer’s drug. Be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/experimental-drug-slows-decline-among-alzheimer-s-patients/6767483.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. Talk about things you know about Alzheimer’s disease.
  2. Do you know anyone who suffers/suffered from this? How severe was it? What kind of treatments were given to them?
  3. What are your thoughts on/What is your reaction to this news?
  4. Would you be willing to take experimental drugs if it were your only hope?
  5. What are ways to improve our memory?

Robots and the US Economy

B1 – Intermediate

The more modern the society and technology become, the more we make use of machines and robots in every industry. 

In the US, more and more companies rely on robots for better and more efficient operations.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about robots and their impact on businesses and ultimately, on the US economy. Be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/robots-and-us-economy-level-1/

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why do more businesses in the US use robots?
  2. Is this a good or bad thing? Explain your opinion.
  3. How is your job easier because of machines/programs?
  4. What are the pros and cons of using robots/machines/programs instead of humans in your own sector/industry?
  5. Will robots replace humans one day? Explain your thoughts.

Japanese People and Alcohol

B1 – Intermediate

It is believed that drinking alcohol is a very social activity. In Japan, people used to go to bars to hang out with friends or colleagues on weekends or after work. This has changed. Less and less people like drinking.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about Japanese people’s changing behavior about alcohol consumption. Be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/japanese-people-and-alcohol-level-1/

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think the same is happening in your country? What is the reason for it?
  2. Is drinking an important custom in your country? Why or why not?
  3. Is it positive or negative if people didn’t drink alcohol anymore? Explain your opinion?
  4. How has your drinking behavior changed over the years?
  5. Do you think it’s true that people care more about their health now? Why or why not?

Campaigns and Elections

B2 – Upper Intermediate

When election period is just around the corner, along with it are political candidates and their campaign events. In these events, it is typical for candidates to persuade voters by putting their proposals forward should they be elected. Some campaign speeches are too long and boring that they easily lose their audience while some are short, direct, and entertaining.

Let’s listen to the recording for an example of a campaign speech.

Campaigns and Elections

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is the candidate running for? What are his proposed plans and programs?
  2. Do you like listening to political candidates’ campaign speeches? Why or why not? How can political candidates persuade you to vote for them?
  3. From a voter’s perspective, what do you think should a political campaign speech include?
  4. How are electoral campaigns like in your country?
  5. How are local and national elections carried out in your country?

AdSense: Making Money

B2 – Upper Intermediate

We live in a society that cannot be separated from the internet. This is why online ads have become very significant. Some online ads can be very helpful not only to consumers, but also to the website owners and the advertisers. Today, placing ads on websites have been made easier by AdSense.

Let’s listen to the audio and read the transcript to know more about AdSense.

Adsense: Making Money Online

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is AdSense? How does it work? How can AdSense help grow online businesses?
  2. What might be benefits and drawbacks of using AdSense?
  3. What can you say about AdSense ads on some websites you have visited?
  4. Are you inclined to purchase products or services through online ads? Why or why not?
  5. How important is making money to you? Explain.