Category: Homework

The Benefits of Boredom

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Boredom is often perceived as a negative emotional state. We perceive our environment as tedious and lacking of stimulation. But it can actually be a good thing. It can actually be a catalyst for action.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about the benefits of boredom.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2022/ep-220217

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you agree with the benefits of boredom stated in this material? Why or why not?
  2. Time seems to pass more slowly when you are bored. What activities do you find the most boring?
  3. How does boredom make you feel? What do you do when you are bored?
  4. Do you think that now we have too many entertainment choices? Why or why not?
  5. Is boredom necessary? Explain your answer.

Russian Athletes Face Backlash

B2 – Upper Intermediate

War is never good and it results in unspeakable crimes against humanity. Generally, ordinary people do not support wars. However, there are some who do and this is made even more controversial when these popular personalities such as athletes do it in an international sports event.

Read the article about Russian athletes expressing their support for the invasion of Ukraine.

https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2022/mar/23/russian-athletes-face-backlash-after-wearing-z-symbol-at-putin-rally

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think of Russian athletes openly supporting the war?

2. What is your opinion on some major sport organizers banning athletes from countries at war?

3. Talk about some sports personalities you know of who have received backlash for publicly supporting controversial actions or ideologies?

4. Is it fair for sponsors to pull out because this? Explain your point.

Sleep and Light

B1 – Intermediate

Sleep is essential for all humans and animals. Without sleep, our bodies won’t have the time to rest and recharge. However, it’s not only about the number of hours that matter, but also the conditions under which we sleep.

Researchers have discovered that sleeping with the lights on can cause serious health problems. Now, sleeping in the dark not only makes sense, but could also have huge benefits on our overall health.

Read the article below to learn about the effects on our health when we sleep in a brightly-lit room.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2203/220324-sleeping-with-the-light-on-1.html

Discussion Questions:

  1.  Share your opinion, “It is important to sleep in the dark. Sleeping with the light on could be bad for us.“
  2. What is your opinion on this, “Sleeping in the dark is more difficult for people in cities.“?
  3. How do phones, TVs, and other screens impact sleep at night?
  4. Why is it important to maintain a consistent sleep environment?
  5. Choose between the two: Lights on or lights off? Total silence or with a little white noise?
  6. What changes could you make in your bedroom to create a better sleep environment?

Plant-Based Diets

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Plant-based diets are getting extremely popular among communities and if you do your research, you’ll find that they are the way of life for many athletes and environmentalists.

Maybe you’re not a person who knows a lot about nutrition, though. This can make it hard for you to understand who or what sources you can trust.

Read the article to know more about veganism.

https://www.everydayhealth.com/diet-nutrition/plant-based-diet-food-list-meal-plan-benefits-more/

Discussion Questions:

  1. Have plant-based diets become more popular in your country recently? Why do you think this is? Share your observations on this trend.
  2. Do you think all vegetarian products are healthy? Explain your point.
  3. Why is a plant-based diet considered to be healthy?
  4. What are considered to be the biggest challenge for a vegan?
  5. What are your thoughts on plant-based diets?

Y2K or the Millenium Bug

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Right before 2000, people were anticipating the start of a new millennium.

However, people started getting worried about that year due to a possible computer bug, that would cause many problems to banks and electricity. This bug was called “Y2K”.

But what exactly is Y2K? To find out more, let’s watch this video.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you remember Y2K? If you do, were you terrified of what was going to happen then?
  2. In your opinion, were people stocking up and taking most items from stores an overreaction?
  3. Did the government not take enough time to properly research about Y2K? What is your stance on that past situation?
  4. How did you think Y2K would have affected the world, if it did happen?
  5. What do you think would happen if a bug such as the Y2K were to emerge at present time?

Illegal Ivory Business

B1 – Intermediate

In Africa, elephants are being illegally hunted for their tusks. These tusks contain ivory that are used in making expensive ornaments. Hunting elephants is illegal in Africa but sadly, this illegal activity is still ongoing. 

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about the illegal ivory business.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/illegal-ivory-business-level-1/

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you agree that hunting elephants for ivory should be illegal? Why or why not?
  2. Who do you think should get a harder punishment – those who hunt elephants for ivory or those who buy the tusks/ivory? Why?
  3. Do you think that if people who buy the tusks go to prison, the killings of elephants will stop? Explain.
  4. What are other ways to stop this illegal business?
  5. What illegal businesses do you know exist in your country? How do they operate?

Digital Detox Leads to Better Health and Lifestyle

B1 – Intermediate

People in this present generation are probably the most dependent on digital or electronic devices such as mobile phones, tables, and laptops. We use them so much that sometimes, we forget to “live”.

Read the article about the dangers digital devices bring to people and how digital detox can be beneficial to our health and lifestyle.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2203/220314-digital-detox-4.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your opinion about digital detox? 
  2. Would you be interested to do it too? Why or why not?
  3. Do you agree or disagree that people should consider digital detox? Explain.
  4. What are the negative effects of being too addicted to digital devices?
  5. What is the worst effect of digital devices to you?
  6. Do you know anyone with “nomophobia”? Describe him/her.

Germany and Electricity

B1 – Intermediate

By the end of 2022, Germany wants to close all its nuclear and coal power plants. Their goal is that by 2040, they will only use energy that comes from renewable resources like wind and sunlight.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about Germany’s plans to stop using all its nuclear and coal power plants and transition to using renewable energy resources.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/germany-and-electricity-level-2/

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your opinion about this plan?
  2. Do you think Germany will succeed in getting all the energy from renewable resources? Why or why not?
  3. Do you think your country should do the same? Why or why not?
  4. What is your opinion about using renewable resources?
  5. What do you think would happen if more countries stopped importing oil from Russia?

Plant-Based Diet Helps the Heart

B1 – Intermediate

Your parents probably told you when you were young that you have to eat your vegetables because they’re good for you. However, a new study found that we may not be greatly reducing the risk of heart attacks by eating a lot of veggies because there are many other factors that may affect our heart.

Read more about the study on how plant-based diet helps our heart.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2203/220310-plant-based-diet-1.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you agree or disagree that people should eat lots of vegetables? Explain.
  2. What are the other things that can affect our heart?
  3. Money and lifestyle also affect the heart. What is your opinion on this?
  4. How important is eating vegetables to you?
  5. What can you tell someone who doesn’t like eating vegetables too much/at all?

Bulletproof Backpack

B1 – Intermediate

In the US, schools may no longer be one hundred percent safe. Due to some shooting incidents in the past decade, there have been a couple of additional trainings and protocols for students in case such things happen in their schools.

In Israel, a company has created a special backpack to help with this situation. It is easy to use and offers protection from bullets.

Listen to the audio and read the transcript about this bulletproof backpack.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/bulletproof-backpack-level-3/

Discussion Questions:

1. Do you think this backpack would be effective? Why or why not?
2. What would be some other good uses for this bag?
3. What should be some other measures that schools and the government take to prevent school shootings?
4. Are there similar inventions that you know of? What are they? Where are they used?
5. What does your city/country do to make sure schools are safe?