Category: Homework

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.

Retire in Your 30s

C1 – Advanced

The thought of having the financial freedom to enjoy what you love doing and have the opportunity to live the lifestyle you want without feeling restricted to access your own retirement savings is how most people define pre-retirement.

Watch the video to know how retiring early might seem like an impossible financial goal but with the right plan, it can be done.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on early retirement?
  2. How will you spend your time in retirement? How will you keep your body and mind healthy?
  3. What do you want a day in retirement to look like?
  4. How will you define yourself and derive self-worth post-career?
  5. What will your social circles and interactions be like?
  6. What is your backup plan for dealing with financial emergencies or hardship?

Pills or Therapy

C1 – Advanced

Choosing the right treatment can be quite complicated as different people respond to treatments differently so it is important to choose something that you are willing to do.

Some research show that medications can help alleviate the symptoms of depression and anxiety more quickly. Thus, giving the person a chance to be relieved from their symptoms while undergoing therapy at the same time.

Watch the video to know how combining therapy and medication can improve outcomes for mental health conditions including depression and anxiety disorders.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Should depression be treated with medicines, psychotherapy, or both? Explain your stand.
  2. Could depression cause physical pain? Elaborate on your answer.
  3. What kind of lifestyle changes will help with the symptoms of depression?
  4. Could other health conditions be contributing to symptoms of mental health problems? Share your thoughts.

Rules for Better Work-Life Balance

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Most of the time, employees sacrifice their personal time thinking they’d eventually be able to progress up the corporate ladder and somehow secure their job not realizing the dangers of not having a good work-life balance.

Watch the video to know how we can better protect our personal time while still being committed at work.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the 3 rules mentioned in the video? Do you do them?
  2. How do you think flexible working helps in achieving a healthy work-life balance?
  3. Why do you think some people become workaholics?
  4. Who do you think is responsible for overwork – the company or the employee? Explain your stand.
  5. How do you ensure that you have a good work-life balance?