Category: Homework

Working Long Hours Kills

B1 – Intermediate

In Japan, there is a specific term for death by overwork, which is “karoshi”. However, this phenomenon is not only exclusive in Japan. It happens all over the world. In fact, a WHO study revealed that 750,000 people die prematurely due to overwork.

Click the link to learn more about the dangers of overworking.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2105/210522-working-hours-4.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the dangers of overworking?
  2. How many hours do you spend time working? Do you work overtime or not? Do you sometimes get overworked?
  3. What is your opinion on this statement: “No job is worth the risk of stroke or heart disease.”?
  4. In your country, what are some government policies to prevent workers from overworking?
  5. How has your working hours and workload changed during the pandemic?

Dog Body Armor Against Bald Eagle Attacks

B1 – Intermediate

To protect their pet dogs from bald eagle attacks, owners are buying a special dog armor. This vest also protects small dogs from coyotes.

Let’s read the article about this special dog vest and be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2105/210520-bald-eagles-1.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think of this dog armors/coyote vests?
  2. Should dogs wear protective vests from other harmful animals?
  3. Are you a pet owner? How do you protect your pet/s from danger?
  4. What other things can people use to scare birds or coyotes away from their dogs?

Backyard Squirrel Maze

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Have you ever seen a squirrel before? And if so, have you ever thought that small creatures like them could have an advanced brain?

Probably not right? Well, think again. As of recent, squirrels have been proven to be incredibly smart. Want to know how that is?

Let’s watch this video to find out if squirrels are really smart.

Discussion Questions:

  1. After watching the video, do you partially understand the intelligence of squirrels? After watching this video, do you now think that some humans are possibly not as intelligent as squirrels? Explain your thoughts.
  2. Do you believe that squirrels can fall from any height and survive? Explain your stand.
  3. What animal do you know of that possesses such wits? What are they capable of doing?

Live Well with Covid and Chronic Illness

B2 – Upper Intermediate

We all know what it feels like to be sick. It feels unpleasant and distressing. For people suffering from chronic illnesses such as cancer, heart disease, or Covid, there are some things you can do to feel better. While you’ll still have to let the illness run its course, you can at least make things a little more bearable.

Here are ten helpful tips on living well through a chronic illness. Let’s read the article below.

https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2021/apr/22/10-ways-live-well-with-long-covid-chronic-illness

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you consider yourself healthy? How can you tell?
  2. How often do you get sick? Talk about the last time you had a serious illness.
  3. What do you think the worst illness to have would be? Why do you say so?
  4. How does chronic illness affect one’s daily life?
  5. How can one stay positive if they have a chronic illness?

Brain Implant Lets Man Write Using Thoughts

B1 – Intermediate

Despite the advancement of technology, our society still does not have disability inclusion. Policies to include disabled people are still not enough. A lot of them still have a hard time finding permanent jobs.

However, recent technological advancements could help change this. Scientists from Stanford University have implanted sensors inside a paralyzed man’s brain. Such sensors let his mind to write. The success of this research could be a game-changer for a lot of paralyzed people out there.

Click the link and read the article to know more about this brain implant.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2105/210516-brain-implants-1.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. What did the scientists do to the patient that allowed him to write his thoughts?
  2. How important is the ability to communicate by text?
  3. What do you think of this medical advancement?
  4. What could be the possible implications if this project becomes successful?
  5. Do you agree that our society needs to be more disability inclusive? Why or why not?

The Crazy Starbucks Order

B2 – Upper Intermediate

You are a regular at this cafe. All you want is your customized drink from your favorite cafe. So you order it. 

You are a barista at this coffee shop. All you want is to come in to work and have a normal day.

Watch the video and see the story of the 13-ingredient order at Starbucks that got a barista fired from his job. Be ready to answer the questions that follow.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think of the barista posting something like that?
  2. What are your thoughts on getting fired for your social media posts about things related to work?
  3. What do you think about the customer’s order and stand that his order is okay as long as he tips generously?
  4. What are usual reasons people would want to quit their jobs?
  5. At restaurants or cafes, what kind of customer are you?

Lessons the Pandemic Taught Us about Work, Life, and Balance

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

Everybody is just going forward so afraid to get stuck. While this pandemic opened our eyes to endless possible ideas, it has also made us realize how strong, resilient, and brave we can be in times of hardships. It has made us rethink our life decisions and ponder whether we have truly lived to our fullest potential. It has made us answer one big question: Are you genuinely happy with the kind of life that you’ve lived so far?

Watch the video on the four things this pandemic has taught all of us.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What has this pandemic taught you?
  2. How has your work/life changed since the pandemic?
  3. What struggles have you experienced working from home?
  4. How can you be a better employee this year?
  5. What difference can you make?

The Strongest Predictor for Success

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

Grit can make or break your future. Studies show that grittier kids have a higher chance of succeeding simply because they persevere even when they fail.

Watch this video and know about the strongest predictor of success.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Explain “Grit”? Do you agree or disagree with her that looks, physical health, IQ, etc. aren’t the greatest predictor of success?
  2. Who do you consider is successful and why?
  3. What’s the greatest failure you’ve ever had and what did you learn from it?
  4. Do you still persevere in difficult times? How do you do it? What’s the most difficult circumstance you’ve ever had to persevere with?
  5. How do you motivate yourself? Do you have a growth mindset?

The Keys to a Great Conversation

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

Talk is never cheap. It takes a lot of effort to make a good conversation. Some are not very good at carrying conversations while some are just naturally born with it.

Watch the 10 basic rules on how to have a better conversation:

Discussion Questions:

  1. Talk about the tips/rules mentioned in the video that you’d likely start using/doing.
  2. Talk about the tips/rules mentioned in the video that you disagree with.
  3. Why is it important to be interested in what others have to say?
  4. Is it difficult for you to make a conversation with a stranger? Why or why not?
  5. Talk about an important conversation you have ever had in your life.
  6. What do you do to improve your communication skills?

Texting and Driving

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Driving requires focus and attention. You need to pay attention to the road, to the car in front of you, and to pedestrians crossing the road. Texting while driving is not advisable and in fact, against the law. You won’t be able to focus on your surroundings and immediately react to different situations. Worse, you might get into an accident and hurt other people too.

Click the link and listen to the audio about texting while driving.

Texting and Driving

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the dangers of texting while driving?
  2. Is it against the law in your country to text and drive?
  3. Have you seen someone texting while driving? What do you think of people doing this?
  4. Have you gotten into and accident before? If yes, what happened?
  5. What are some important things to remember when you are driving?