Category: Homework

Make Applying for Jobs Less Painful

C1 – Advanced

Many companies receive a high volume of applications every day and you may be wondering if your applications are being read at all.

Watch the video as it talks about the possibilities of using algorithms that can help companies organize job applications and ensure none fall through the cracks.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do hiring algorithms have benefits for workers?
  2. Is there evidence that these algorithms work? Explain.
  3. Do you think their claim about “fairness” is convincing? Elaborate.
  4. To attract employees, should companies focus on pay and benefits instead of complicated hiring algorithms?
  5. What are your hopes about the future of hiring algorithms?

Energy from Peat

B1 – Intermediate

Peat or turf is a brown matter that looks like dirt. It is formed by the partial decay of vegetable or organic matter. They now have a new use. They are made into batteries. These batteries are more environment-friendly.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript on sodium-ion batteries produced from peats.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/energy-from-peat-level-1/

Discussion Questions:

  1. Compare and contrast lithium-ion to sodium-ion batteries.
  2. What kind of batteries do you usually use? Do you think they are good for the natural world?
  3. What do you normally use batteries for?
  4. Why is it important to find energy sources that are better for the natural world?

The Rick Roll

B2 – Upper Intermediate

If you have been on the internet, you probably have watched a video and suddenly, Rick Astley’s Never Gonna Give you Up just shows up randomly.

If you do not know what this is called or just have never experienced it before, it is called the Rick Roll.

The Rick Roll has existed for a while now and still continues to be more prevalent and with such an infamous presence on the internet, you have to wonder how it was created.

Watch this video to find out.

Discussion Questions:

  1. In your opinion, do you think the Rick Roll continue to be prevalent? Why or why not?
  2. Have you ever come across the Rick Roll? What made it a popular meme?
  3. Do you think Rick Rolling is a good or a bad thing?
  4. If you have been Rick Rolled, what is the best Rick Roll you have ever done or experienced?
  5. Is there a phenomenal song in your country? Is there a significant ingredient that made it a hit? Talk about this song.

People Buy Jeans Again

B1 – Intermediate

For almost two years now, the world has been living through the Covid-19 pandemic. This means there have been many restrictions in the activities that we could do.

However, with the progress we have made to end the pandemic, the restrictions have been relaxed more and more. And because of this, people can go out again and do things almost as normally as before, including going out and dressing up again. Now, we go shopping for nice clothes again. This made the sales of clothing companies like Levi’s to increase again.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript on Levi Strauss & Co.’s sales going up again.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/people-buy-jeans-again-level-1/

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your reaction to this news?
  2. Have you shopped more after the pandemic restrictions have been relaxed? Why or why not?
  3. Do you think that businesses in your city/country are recovering now? Elaborate.
  4. What businesses suffered the impact of the pandemic? How have they been affected?
  5. Do you like wearing jeans? Why or why not?

Supermarkets Go Green

B1 – Intermediate

Much of our wastes come from supermarkets. It’s all the plastic packagings used in every single product they sell. But Britain’s largest supermarket Tesco plans to go green. It’s going to be good for the environment but not for the consumers’ budgets. As these changes are more expensive. Customers are not so happy about this.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript on supermarkets going green.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/supermarkets-go-green-level-1/

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your opinion about Tesco going green?
  2. Would it be possible for all supermarkets to do the same? Why or why not?
  3. Do you agree or disagree that not a lot of customers care about the natural world and most only care about low prices? Why? 
  4. Do you care more about the environment or low prices of products? Why?
  5. What other things can supermarkets do to save the environment?

Embrace the Joy of Missing Out

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Social media has opened our world to a whole new world of endless possibilities. Most of what we see is how incredible people live their awesome lives.Without realizing it, this constant exposure to wonderful aspects of other people’s lives haunts us.

Read more about the dangers and benefits of missing out.

https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20200207-why-you-should-embrace-the-joy-of-missing-out

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the factors that drive people to feel ‘FOMO’?
  2. Do you agree or disagree that social media is the biggest culprit in being anxious about missing out on something?
  3. Do you ever feel ‘FOMO’ at times? Talk about those times and what do you usually do to overcome this syndrome?

Japanese Royal to Marry a Commoner

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Japan has very strict lineage rules for royal families which state that male royals can marry commoners but female royals cannot. Princess Mako will not accept the payoff she is entitled to upon abdication. We all know the prestige and wealth that royal families tend to enjoy but this is one of the downsides of being a member of the royal family.

Read more about Japan’s Princess Mako and her upcoming wedding to a commoner.

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-58758317

Discussion Questions:

  1. Which aspects make this wedding very controversial in Japan?
  2. What do you think of Japan’s very strict lineage rules?
  3. How would you compare Japan’s monarchy to other countries’?
  4. What are your thoughts on royals marrying commoners?
  5. What is your opinion on monarchy?

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?