Category: Homework

Lost at Sea

B1 – Intermediate

Being lost at sea can be the worst nightmare. The view of the sea in every direction is simply a glistening sheet of nothingness.

Let’s read the article below on how two men survived the sea despite the odds and what their experience was.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2110/211011-lost-at-sea-4.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think about the article you have read?
  2. What would you say about the character of the two men?
  3. How would you feel if you were lost at sea?
  4. What do you think you would do when you try to ‘get away from it all’?
  5. When was the last time you had a nice break? Share that moment.

Smart Tech and Climate Change

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Advanced technology provides a better opportunity for people to live more comfortably. Hence, people are making maximum use of technology as it has evolved exponentially in time. Due to the effects of the climate crisis at present, people are becoming more incentivized to take action with the use of smart technology.

But how could smart technology help with the fight against climate change? Let’s listen to the audio below to find out.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english/ep-211007

Discussion Questions:

  1. How has technology impacted climate change for better or for worse?
  2. What kinds of technologies do you know of that might help stop environmental problems?
  3. Have you made any changes to your lifestyle/energy consumption due to your views on climate change? What happened?
  4. What is your country doing to limit the effects of climate change?

Boxer for President

B1 – Intermediate

Manny Pacquiao is a professional boxer, basketball player, actor, and singer. At the age of 16, he was already a top junior boxer.

He entered politics, even won as congressman and is currently a Philippine senator and has announced that he would be running for President in the 2022 elections.

Let’s read the article below to learn more about this boxing legend and his political aspirations.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2109/210923-boxing-legend-1.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. How can boxing skills help someone to be a good president?
  2. What do you think of Pacquiao’s other successes?
  3. What advice would you give Manny Pacquiao?
  4. For you, what should be the qualifications for presidential candidates?

The Impact of Digital Technology on Healthcare

Digital technology is no doubt an essential part of healthcare and has helped transform the field of medicine. It has improved its way of access by inputting all medical information in an electronic health record (EHR) with the intention that all healthcare professionals can see and share medical information rapidly with each other resulting to a more efficient patient care and better outcome. Researchers can now gather massive amounts of data needed for conducting epidemiological research studies and clinical trials in a short amount of time with the use of technology. Health workers could easily contact each other by means of email, texts, calls etc. with the purpose that they could acquire the information they need quickly. Online platforms and social media are also used in such a manner that they could post videos, write articles, and do webinars to contribute some knowledge to other people specially to those who want pursue a career in medicine or healthcare. We also have different health apps that could help patients monitor their health, access test results, and get medicine recommendations. Overall, digital technology has made a tremendous impact on healthcare and is expected to continue improving in the years to come. 

Read the article to learn more about the impact of digital technology on healthcare.

https://healthmanagement.org/c/cardio/news/the-impact-of-digital-technology-on-healthcare

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the impact of digital technology on healthcare?
  2. What are the pros and cons of using digital technology in medicine and healthcare?
  3. What are the struggles in healthcare without digital technology?
  4. What are some digital technology that are used for healthcare?
  5. What digital technology can be a good invention for the future of healthcare?

Concussion in Sport

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Surprisingly, sports-related concussions are quite common. For most athletes, the symptoms disappear around the second week after the incident occurred. Some, however, have far-reaching effects in their physical and mental well-being. Oftentimes, their way of life and sports career just aren’t the same anymore.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript on concussion in sport.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english/ep-210812

Discussion Questions:

  1. What ‘full contact’ sports are popular in your country? Do you play any of them? How are these sports dangerous?
  2. Do you think these ‘full contact’ sports should be regulated regarding the safety of its athletes/players? Elaborate.
  3. Have you ever had any sport-related injury before? Talk about it.

Nuclear Weapons

B1 – Intermediate

In 1945, the United States of America dropped nuclear bombs in the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Hundreds of thousands of people were killed instantly and more suffered the impact of the nuclear attacks in the years that followed.

It was a dark day in history and it should never happen again. Every country should have the responsibility to ensure this never takes place ever again.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about the issue on nuclear weapons.

https://listenaminute.com/n/nuclear_weapons.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you agree or disagree: “Nuclear weapons are the worst thing invented by man.”? Explain.
  2. What do you know about the nuclear attacks in Japan during World War 2?
  3. Why mustn’t nuclear weapons be used ever again?
  4. Is it necessary for countries to have nuclear weapons? Explain.
  5. Will it be beneficial for your country to have nuclear weapons and military nuclear programs? Why or why not?

Overpopulation

B1 – Intermediate

One problem we have is overpopulation. The world’s population is getting bigger and bigger. This situation can lead to many problems.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about the issue overpopulation.

https://listenaminute.com/o/overpopulation.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the consequences of overpopulation?
  2. What are the causes of this problem and how can this be resolved?
  3. What is your opinion on overpopulation?
  4. Would you like few or many children? Explain your choice.
  5. What might be reasons some people have so many children?
  6. Talk about problems/issues related to population in your country.

Human Rights

B1 – Intermediate

As humans, we are all entitled to some basic rights and freedom. It’s called human rights.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about human rights.

https://listenaminute.com/h/human_rights.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you agree or disagree that many people seem to not know human rights exist? Elaborate on your opinion.
  2. Why is human rights important?
  3. How can we prevent human rights from being violated?
  4. Speak about some human rights issues in your country.
  5. Give an example of human rights violations that in your opinion is absolutely revolting.

Green Burial

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Green burial is an eco-friendly burial. It emphasizes simplicity and sustainability. The body is neither cremated nor prepared with chemicals such as embalming fluids. It is simply placed in a biodegradable coffin and interred. The grave site is allowed to return to nature when the body decomposes and naturally return to the soil.

Watch the video and be able to express your opinion using the guide questions below.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think of green burials? How is it different from the conventional burials?
  2. What are some reasons people choose this? Would you consider this option for you and for your loved ones?
  3. In comparison to conventional burials, what are the benefits and drawbacks of natural burials?

Edibles Business

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Nancy Whiteman is a Colorado-based and CEO of Wana Brands edibles who created the state’s most successful edible cannabis business. According to Whiteman, sales skyrocketed from around $100,000 the first year to $14.5 million in 2017. They are on track to top $16 million, making Wana the most successful edibles manufacturer in the state.

Watch the video and be able to express your opinion using the guide questions below.

https://www.cnbc.com/2018/09/25/wana-brands-makes-millions-selling-cannabis-edibles.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think about Nancy Whiteman’s business?
  2. What’s your take on legalizing marijuana for recreational and medical purposes? Is it legal in you country?
  3. What do you think made Wana Brands successful?
  4. From legal standpoint, what are the challenges they had to face in putting up this business?
  5. Talk about another strange business you know of.