Category: Homework

The Currency of Clout

B2 – Upper Intermediate

As the internet becomes more prevalent and its technology more and more developed, clout on the internet is also becoming more important than ever.

But what is clout? Clout is a measurement of how much influence or power someone has.

However due to recent circumstances, clout on the internet has become synonymous to bad people; although, it still has some good uses.

Watch this video as David Castain talks about the currency of clout.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Share your thoughts on how far some people are willing to go just so they could establish their reputation online?
  2. How can clout on the internet influence different sectors?
  3. Name some instances when your digital footprints can help to your advantage?
  4. Talk about some “clout chasers” you know of?
  5. Also name some “clout makers” and what they have done.
  6. How do you portray yourself on social media and/or LinkedIn?

Why We Say “God Bless You”

B1 – Intermediate

When someone sneezes, some people immediately respond with “God bless you!”. Just why people respond to this is not really crystal clear. There have been numerous beliefs as to its logic and origin.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript to know some of the reasons people use this expression.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/why-we-say-god-bless-you-level-1/

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you use this response when someone sneezes? Why or why not?
  2. Do you know other interpretation of this expression?
  3. Do you think this is considered a polite gesture? Why or why not?
  4. What other polite gestures are common in your country?

Boy Dies After TikTok Challenge

B1 – Intermediate

TikTok is a popular video-sharing social network especially among young people. At the beginning, users normally shared their dance moves videos. In recent years, there have been a variety of contents that users can share; including challenges that have proven to be not just dangerous but also fatal.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript to know more about a young boy who lost his life for taking on a TikTok challenge.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/a-boy-dies-after-tiktok-challenge-level-1/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does ‘blackout‘ mean here, “He is in a TikTok challenge called the “blackout challenge”. Use it in your own sentence.
  2. What does ‘to be against something‘ mean, “Archie’s family is against the change.”? Use this expression in your own sentence.
  3. What does it mean ‘to switch off the machines‘ mean here, “Last Sunday, doctors switch off the machines.” Use this expression in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you have a TikTok account? How is it different from other social media platforms?
  2. What is the “blackout challenge” in Tiktok? What are your thoughts on it?
  3. Have you heard of other dangerous TikTok challenges? What are some of them?
  4. Should TikTok be held legally accountable for incidents like this?
  5. How do you think TikTok could improve its safety measures?

Drought Hits Europe’s Rivers and Crops

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The scorching heat is an ongoing problem face by all of Europe. This extended drought has caused riverbeds to be exposed which has led to restrictions on water use in a lot of places.

Read the article to know more about the drought that’s been affecting Europe’s rivers and crops.

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-62466990

Discussion Questions:

  1. Share your reaction to this news.
  2. Talk about the good and bad effects of this drought on different European countries.
  3. Choose a photo from the article, describe it, and talk about how/why it caught your attention.
  4. Describe the drought in your country.
  5. “The boom in Spain’s intensive agriculture has fueled concern about its sustainability, given the pressure on water resources in hotter climatic conditions.” What is your opinion on this?

Israel-Gaza Conflict

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The extent of violence and level of tensions we have seen brought about by the Israel-Gaza conflict is at all-time high. A ceasefire mediated by Egypt has come into force. But until the status quo changes, the threats of future sieges still hold.

Read the article to know more about the root of the issue, the tensions between Israel and Palestinians now, and what the future holds for the two nations.

https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-44124396

Discussion Questions:

  1. Share your thoughts on the Israel-Palestine conflict?
  2. The main issues which Israel and the Palestinians cannot agree on have already been identified but so far, the conflict still have not been solved. Share your thoughts on this.
  3. “Any future peace deal will need both sides to agree to resolve complex issues.” What are your thoughts on this?
  4. What do you know about the Gaza Strip?
  5. Any thoughts on America’s involvement in the Middle East peace plan?

Divorce Affects Your Finances

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Divorce is not pleasant. It is, nevertheless, the appropriate decision at times. But regardless of whether it occurs in your lifetime, everyone should be aware of what would happen to a couple’s money in the event of a divorce.

It might be challenging but crucial to have a clear grasp of finances throughout a divorce. You have power over your future when you have control over your finances.

Here are some things to consider if you’re thinking about getting a divorce, are already going through one, or rebuilding your life.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Is the divorce rate high where you are from? Why do you think that is?
  2. How do you view divorce?
  3. In your country, how are marital assets divided after a divorce? What about the repayment of loans obtained prior to the divorce?
  4. How does divorce affect a person’s taxes?

Building Credit from Scratch

B2 – Upper Intermediate

In several nations, credit is a crucial part of everyday financial life, so if you’re just getting started, building your credit history will be your first step.

The issue is that before approving you for a loan or credit card, many businesses want to verify your credit, and they can be wary if you don’t already have a credit history. Fortunately, there are a few methods to get over this possible obstacle.

You may learn how to start developing your credit by watching the video.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What comes to your mind when you hear the word ‘credit’?
  2. How does the credit system work in your country?
  3. In your country, is it necessary for you to have a credit history to be able to borrow money from the bank?
  4. What is the process for obtaining a bank loan for a property in your country?
  5. How have you built your credit score?

Criticism Can Hurt

B2 – Upper Intermediate

It’s never easy to receive criticism. We find it upsetting when we have to read a negative social media post about ourselves, receive critical comments on a project, or learn that we are the subject of rumors spread by complete strangers.

However, the answer to the issue of how much criticism needs to hurt hinges on a factor that has nothing to do with the particular assault we happen to be subjected to. It validates a deep-seated notion that we are unworthy.

Watch the video about why criticism cuts like a knife.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What does it mean to criticize someone?
  2. How do you respond to criticism?
  3. Is constructive criticism necessary for someone to advance?
  4. Are improvements possible without criticism?
  5. Personally, how do you deal with criticisms?

Ingredients of Mental Health

B2 – Upper Intermediate

We often overlook what an astonishing and difficult accomplishment it is to feel mentally well because of how effective and quiet our brains are in their daily activities. Healthy minds are constantly engaged in a series of actions that support our feelings of clarity and purpose.

Mental health needs some attention and effort to maintain.

Here are various approaches for maintaining our composure and equilibrium.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What comes to mind when you hear the term ‘mental health?
  2. What do you do to maintain or improve your mental health?
  3. Do you think modern society increases the likelihood of mental health problems?
  4. What programs does your government offer to help those suffering from mental illnesses and issues?

Feel Sorry for High Achievers

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The people we refer to as high achievers might initially appear to have no connection to self-hatred. We can’t possibly assume that these people are suffering from the effects of self-loathing, can we?

The fact that we are so quick to applaud outstanding achievers yet so hesitant to see the pain that fuels them speaks much about our collective fantasy.

Watch the video about the silent struggles of the high achievers.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you agree with what the video says about high achievers?
  2. Do you personally know one? How do you feel about them?
  3. How do you think it’s like to be a high achiever?
  4. What’s your most important achievement in life?
  5. How were you as a student/worker?