Category: Homework

Are Children of Same -Sex Parents Disadvantaged?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The well-being of children who are being raised by same-sex parents has gained more and more attention over the past few years. Opponents have argued that “same-sex parenting” adversely affects children. However, various scientific research show that gay and lesbian parents are as fit and capable as heterosexual parents. They do not raise their children any differently than heterosexual couples do.

Watch the video and be able to answer the questions that follow:

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on the points discussed in the video?
  2. In general, what are your thoughts on same-sex parenting? Why or why not?
  3. How is it like for same-sex parents in your country? Are there changes that still needs to be done for families in this setup?
  4. Is sexual orientation a problem when adopting a child? Does it affect the welfare of the child’s upbringing? Explain your answer.
  5. Are children in traditional families better than the non- traditional ones? Why or why not?

The Power of Touch

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Since the pandemic started last year, authorities have been constantly reminding us to strictly observe social distancing. People have to have as little interaction as possible with people outside of their households. As a result, social gatherings were drastically reduced. We barely see our friends and for some, even families. And even if we do, we have to be mindful of our interactions with them. Hugging, kissing, or even handshakes have been discouraged.

The sense of touch is most taken for granted, but now that it’s being controlled, we miss the nonchalance towards it. The changes in our social interactions have caused some people to feel “skin hunger,” the feeling of deprivation and abandonment. They made us realize the importance of human touch to us and the people around us.

Click the link to learn more about skin hunger and the power of touch.

https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2021/feb/28/the-power-of-touch-is-this-the-sense-we-have-missed-most

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is skin hunger? How important is the human touch for people?
  2. According to the article, how do different cultures speak the language of touch?
  3. What can you say about psychologist Sydney Jourard’s conclusion that Americans and Britons live under a “touch taboo”? How is it compare to people in your country?
  4. According to the article, what did the skin-hungry do as substitutes for human touch?
  5. How do people in your country greet their friends and family pre and post-pandemic?
  6. When was the last time you hugged or kissed someone to greet them?
  7. Can you imagine a world where people are not allowed skin contact with others?

Technology Changes Sense of Right and Wrong

B2 – Upper Intermediate

When we judge others let’s bear in mind that our notions and our understanding of right and wrong changes over time. There are some things that we once considered wrong but are totally acceptable now. Technology plays a massive role in society’s emerging moral sense.

Watch the video to know more about how the advances in technology lead to more ethical behavior and why we should build a community wherein having different points of view is accepted.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “burn someone at the stake” mean, “And that means that those who think you’re wrong, may burn you at the stake.”? Use this expression in a sentence.
  2. What does “narrowcast” mean, “In a weird way, today’s machine guns are narrowcast social media.”? Use this word in a sentence.
  3. What does “180-degree shift/change” mean, “It’s almost 180-degree shift in the opinion.”? Compare it with ‘360-degree shift/change’ and use these phrases in sentences.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How has technology changed our ethics and moral and ethical points of view over the years?
  2. Why is it necessary to be more understanding towards others?
  3. Why is it not right to use people’s mistakes against them?
  4. What is something you think was wrong that lasted for so long in your society?

Get Wind of Something

B1 – Intermediate

It happens all the time and in all places too. It could be in the office, school or at a local pub. We may not mean to eavesdrop but we hear things we don’t intend to know. What do we do with the piece of information we unwillingly learned?

Let’s hear more about this expression in this audio.

http://www.idioms4you.com/complete-idioms/get-wind-of.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. What does “get wind of something”mean? What situation was mentioned in the audio?
  2. Have you been in a similar situation? What was it about?
  3. Are you good at keeping secrets?
  4. How likely are you going to react when you get wind of an important information?

Shoot Yourself In the Foot

B1 – Intermediate

Some people try hard to be cautious with their words and deeds in order for things to go as planned. No matter how careful we are there are still some moments when we unwittingly make a situation worse for us.

Let’s listen to the audio about the expression “shoot one’s self in the foot”.

http://www.idioms4you.com/complete-idioms/shoot-yourself-in-the-foot.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. What does the idiom “shoot yourself in the foot” mean? Do you have a similar expression in your language?
  2. Have you ever shot yourself in the foot? What happened? What did you do to get out of that situation?
  3. What can you do when you ‘shot yourself in the foot’?

Living Online

B2 – Upper Intermediate

We are now living in a technological era. Whether we like it or not, technology is slowly changing the way we live and work. As a result, we are spending more time online than ever before.

People are doing loads of things online. From watching videos to shopping, we spend a lot of our time on the internet. Some say it is so addictive that we do not realize we are already spending a worrying amount of time on it.

Click the link and listen to the audio to learn more about the life of people online.

https://learnenglishteens.britishcouncil.org/skills/listening/advanced-c1-listening/living-online

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are some of the common activities we can do online?
  2. Do you agree or disagree that we should be equally worried about how much adults are becoming obsessed with online communication as much as teenagers?
  3. How do you communicate with your friends?
  4. Do you ever have FOMO? Share your experience.
  5. How do think the world would be without the internet?
  6. What are the pros and cons of online communication?
  7. What are your thoughts on being able to ‘stay in touch with everyone at the same time, all the time’?

Do Essential Oils Work?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

As wellness trend becomes stronger and stronger, many people nowadays enjoy using essential oils as part of their wellness routines. A lot of essential oils from billion-dollar companies like doTerra and Young Living claim to be “therapeutic-grade” or medicinal. People are using them in diffusers, applying them on their skin, and even putting them in their food recipes.

Watch the video to know why we should be cautious in using essential oils. Be able to answer the questions that follow.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kS9Gt40bTWQ

Discussion Questions:

  1. Have you tried essential oils before? What do you think about them?
  2. According to the video, what are some potential side effects of these oils?
  3. Do you agree that natural isn’t always safe? Explain.
  4. Some people report benefits from essential oils. Do you believe them? Why or why not?
  5. What do you do when you are sick or not feeling well? What remedy or treatment do you take?

Your Space Shapes Your View of Remote Work

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Working from home is big news. During the COVID-19 pandemic, those lucky enough to have avoided layoff are more likely than ever to be adapting to a working environment that is familiar and alien at the same time.

When working from home, there are some factors we need to take into consideration. The size and location of our space – as well as whom we share it with – play a significant role in determining how well we are able to work remotely during the pandemic. 

Read the article below to find out more about how our workspace affects how we telework.

https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20210218-how-your-space-shapes-the-way-you-view-remote-work

Discussion Questions:

  1. How do you feel about working from home?
  2. What makes a good workspace?
  3. Describe your workspace at home.
  4. Are you less productive, equally productive, or more productive than when working in the office?
  5. What is the most challenging thing about working from home?
  6. How do you create a productive workspace in your house?

What Makes a Great Story?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

One of the many ways to communicate is to tell stories. It is considered to be the most effective way of making sense of the world. Now, not all of us are capable of relaying a good one.

When you are watching a series or a movie, what is the main thing you look for to be connected with an immerse curiosity to follow it with the sense of enormous patience because the story makes you want and long for more?

Listen to this audio and learn more about what makes a good story.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is a good story?
  2. How do we know that the story is great?
  3. Could you name the factors mentioned in the conversation that makes a great story? Do you agree or disagree to these factors of a great story?
  4. Have you ever had a favorite movie or series that conveys a great story?
  5. Are you good at conveying stories? What makes you a good/bad storyteller?

Colosseum Opens Again

B1 – Intermediate

Traveling is something that everybody misses doing. Most of us have not been able to travel for nearly a year because of the pandemic.

Here’s a good news to all travel enthusiasts: The Colosseum in Rome has reopened after things got a little better in Italy.

Listen to the audio and read the transcript about the Colosseum and its reopening.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/colosseum-opens-again-level-1/

Discussion Questions:

  1. How does this news make you feel? 
  2. Have you ever visited The Colosseum or Rome? What can you say about it?
  3. Do you think it is fine to open important tourist spots again now? Why or why not?
  4. Would you like to travel again soon? Why or why not? Where would you want to go?
  5. Talk about one important touristic place in your city/country. How was it affected by the pandemic?