Category: Homework

Drones Save People

B1 – Intermediate

Lifeguards are people who help people who have problems while swimming in the water on a pool or on the beach. They have a lot of training so they can do their jobs rescuing people very well.

In Australia, lifeguards started using drones to help them save people who are drowning.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about how drones were used in saving two young boys.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/drone-saves-two-boys-level-2/

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your opinion about using drones to rescue people? What are its advantages and disadvantages?
  2. Do you have a drone? Why or why not? Talk about your experience/s with drones.
  3. In what other situations can drones be useful?
  4. How do you make sure that you are safe when swimming?
  5. Have you ever been in a dangerous situation? Who helped you?

Same Charger for All Devices

B1 – Intermediate

These days, everyone is very dependent on gadgets like smartphones, tablets, cameras, etc. You normally need a different charger for every different device. 

The European Union wants to pass a law so charger ports will be the same for all our devices. This law is also an attempt at reducing electronic wastes.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about the new EU law for universal charger for all devices.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/the-same-charger-for-all-smartphones-level-1/

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on this new EU law?
  2. What are the advantages and disadvantages of having the same charger for all your gadgets?
  3. What other things can we do to reduce e-waste?
  4. Apple strongly opposes this law saying it is a restrain on innovation. Do you agree or disagree with Apple on this? Why?
  5. Among all your gadgets, which one is your favorite and why?

I Love My Language

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Language is a vital part of human connection. It is a huge part of a person’s history, culture, and identity. Unfortunately, some indigenous languages are becoming extinct. This can happen due to disasters, wars, or shifts to other languages.

So what can be done to preserve indigenous languages?

Listen to this audio and read the transcript on a woman’s fight to preserve her language.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english/ep-210923

Discussion Questions:

  1. It seems that languages are disappearing from the world every day and some people want to preserve them. What are your feelings about this?
  2. How many languages can you speak well? Why does one have to learn several languages?
  3. Is there any language which you don’t presently speak but which you would like to learn? Why does this language interest you?
  4. It is sometimes suggested that certain ideas can only be expressed in particular languages. Do you think this is true or not? Explain your opinion.
  5. Do you think the world would be a better or a worse place if everybody spoke the same language? How would the world be better or worse in such a case?

The Case for International Civil Servants

B2 – Upper Intermediate

More than ever, the works of high-quality international civil servants are needed when it comes to worldwide efforts in tackling issues such as climate change and digital technologies.

Read the article below about the case for international civil servants.

The case for international civil servants

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on the functions of international civil servants?
  2. What are some challenges international civil servants face?
  3. Talk about the presence and importance of international civil service within your own country.
  4. Share your insights on this statement, “These officials’ special status extends global governance beyond cooperation among nation-states, but it does not reflect a utopian attempt establish a world government.“.
  5. How exactly can international organizations and civil servants champion “common good”?

Homestay

B2 – Upper Intermediate

There are people who do not feel safe staying in normal accommodations such as hotels. They prefer to stay in a homey environment where they can interact with the same people in a familiar setting. For these people, homestay is a good option.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript on homestays.

Homestay

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your opinion on homestays as a tourist accommodation?
  2. Are homestays a popular type of accomodation in your city/country? Why or why not?
  3. What are the advantages and disadvantages of homestays?
  4. Have you tried living in a homestay before? If yes, talk about your experience. If not, would you like to?
  5. What’s your most and least favorite type of accommodation and why?
  6. What are the good and bad things about living with other people?

McDonald’s Is a Real Estate Company

B2 – Upper Intermediate

We have all heard of McDonald’s, one of the most, if not the most famous and most successful fast-food chain in the entire world.

However, even with McDonald’s being the biggest food company, is there a possibility that it could be much more successful in a different part of the business world?

Watch this video to find out about McDonald’s more successful business.

Discussion Questions:

  1. If ever you got into real estate, would you consider starting a McDonald’s franchise even if McDonald’s gets more money than you?
  2. Did you know about McDonald’s benefit from real estate before this video? If not, what is your reaction when you found out?
  3. Do you think McDonald’s is better off only being a real estate company? Explain your points.

Attitude Defines Your Life

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Our situation right now is because of the choices we’ve made along the way. There are a lot of factors that are affecting our choices. Attitude is one of the major ones. It has a great impact on making choices from the time we wake up until the time we call it a day.

In this video, you’ll watch a story about a person who remains having a great positive attitude even after a major accident happened in his life.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How will you describe Jerry’s attitude?
  2. What does “If I were any better, I would be twins!” mean?
  3. Do you consider yourself as natural motivator to the people around you? Share a moment when you motivate someone.
  4. What is the best choice you’ve made in your life so far? How did you come up with the decision ultimately?
  5. Do you consider yourself a pessimist or an optimist? State your reasons.

Ancient Story about Friendship

B2 – Upper Intermediate

One of the most important relationships that we have is friendship. Our friends are one of the reasons for our happiness. They are the ones whom we can connect and share our feelings and thoughts with.

In this video, you will watch an ancient Indian story about friendship and its worth.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is the summary of the story?
  2. Define friendship.
  3. Do you have best friends? Can you describe each of them?
  4. Do you agree that it’s possible to be friends with your enemies? Explain.
  5. What might be the factors to making friendships last?

France Recalls its Ambassadors to Australia and US

B1 – Intermediate

French ambassadors to Australia and the US have been recalled. This is after a diplomatic row of “exceptional gravity” involving Australia cancelling a deal with France. After which, Australia planned to negotiate with the US.

Read the article about the diplomatic dispute between France and Australia and the United States.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2109/210920-ambassador-recall-4.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. In your own words, explain why France decided to pull out their ambassadors to Australia and the US.
  2. What do you think will happen to the diplomatic relations between the three countries now and in the future?
  3. Has your country had a diplomatic spat with other countries? What was the dispute about? How was it resolved?
  4. Why is diplomacy important between countries?
  5. Does your country have good foreign relations with most other countries? 

Video Stores’ Digital Streaming Resistance

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Since the late 1870s, films have been in existence as one of the most popular forms of entertainment. Since its introduction to the society, films and the industry that revolves around it have evolved so much. 

Year 2020, the availability of technology and the Coronavirus pandemic led to a new phase in the history of films and the way we consume them. Streaming digitally through platforms like Netflix, HBO, and Amazon Prime became widely embraced by the world. Keeping the passion for physical movies became more challenging than ever.

Read the article about the video stores in Spain fighting to attract customers amidst the rising popularity of digital streaming.

https://english.elpais.com/science-tech/2021-09-16/netflix-resistance-the-video-stores-fighting-the-rise-of-streaming-in-spain.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do physical movie stores still exist in your city? Talk about these places and your experience/s going there.
  2. Do you think video stores would continue to thrive further on? Talk about the challenges and opportunities of such business in the recent times. 
  3. Do you agree or disagree that with streaming platforms “You are forced to see what the company wants you to see, you don’t have any autonomy.”? Explain.
  4. What do you think about digital streaming platforms?
  5. Compare and contrast physical and digital film formats.
  6. Should we make sure that our children know about physical movies? Why or why not?