Category: Homework

“Speaking Up About HIV Stigma” Campaign

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Aside from the serious medical issues HIV positives are facing, they are also experiencing stigma and discrimination because of this disease. As a result, they tend to be discriminated in most social groups they belong to. Illinois HIV Care Connect launched a campaign to raise awareness on this issue.

Read this article for more information on this campaign.

https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20201021005133/en/Illinois-HIV-Care-Connect-Launches-%E2%80%9CSpeaking-Up-About-HIV-Stigma%E2%80%9D-Campaign-in-Spanish-to-Encourage-Social-Media-Engagement

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is the campaign about? How will it be helpful to those affected people?
  2. What is your reaction to this news?
  3. Are sexually transmitted diseases openly talked about in your country?
  4. Are there any laws in your country that protect the confidentiality and basic rights of people with HIV?
  5. What do you think are some ways to end the HIV stigma?

Two-fifths of World’s Plants at Risk of Extinction

B1 – Intermediate

Plants are everywhere. They provide us with so many resources to survive and most importantly, they maintain the atmosphere. Plants play an important role in the discovery of new drugs/medicines even for life-threatening diseases.

What will happen if all plants become extinct?

Let’s read the article below to learn more about plants extinction.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2010/201002-plant-extinction-4.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think of plants? How useful are they?
  2. What will happen as more and more plants become extinct?
  3. How serious an issue is food insecurity?
  4. Should we spend more money on genetically modifying plants? Why/why not?
  5. What do you think world leaders will do about this problem?

Four Steps to Ending Extreme Poverty

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Being poor means more than a lack of income. If you are in extreme poverty, you are being stripped of your purpose. Imagining a better life for you and your family seems unfeasible.

Learn the four steps on how to get out of poverty in this video.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What does it mean to be ultra-poor?
  2. What are the 4 ways to end extreme poverty according to the video?
  3. What does “Optimism triumph over despair” mean?
  4. Give some tips on how to manage personal finances.
  5. What are the plans that you have to earn/save more money 3-5 years from now?

Can Exes Be Friends?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Are you familiar with “Can we still be friends?”, a very iconic song by Todd Rundgren from 1978. Until now, it has been a question on everyone’s mind whether ex lovers can remain friends. Some might say that it is possible if you are both matured enough but for others, it is only a complicated relationship that shouldn’t be considered.

Let’s watch the video below to learn more.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the usual reasons why lovers break up?
  2. Do you think that exes can really be friends? Why or why not?
  3. Is it healthy to be friends with your ex? Explain your side.
  4. What would be the complications if ever?
  5. Cite any benefits of being friends with your ex.
  6. Are you friends with any of your ex/exes? Why or why not?

Men Create All the Problems

B2 – Upper Intermediate

While great strides have been made in the fight for women’s rights, there are still a few places on the planet where even their most basic needs continue to be denied by their patriarchal society.

Read the article below and be ready to weigh in on this issue.

https://www.thetimesinplainenglish.com/men-create-all-the-problems/

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think of the article’s headline “Men Create All the Problems!”? Is it justified in the context of the information presented?
  2. What is your reaction to this story on the plight of Afghan women?
  3. Describe how you feel when you contrast the state of women’s rights in Spain to that of the women in Afghanistan.
  4. What improvements have you observed in Spanish society with regards to the treatment of women? What further actions can be done to ensure gender equality?

Things Making a Comeback During the Pandemic

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The coronavirus pandemic has caused a lot of problems and drastic changes in many areas of the economy. However, amidst the crisis, some products and industries are reaping benefits from the massive changes in how we live, work, and shop.

Read the article and know the things making a huge comeback during the pandemic.

https://www.countryliving.com/life/inspirational-stories/g32631751/things-making-comeback-during-pandemic/

Discussion Questions:

  1. Which ones on the list do you think are must-have items during the pandemic? Which ones do you think are not that important?
  2. What items have become in demand again during the pandemic in your country?
  3. What are the things you have bought during the pandemic and what made you buy them?
  4. What are some things you have stopped buying during the pandemic?

What Causes Panic Attacks and How Can You Prevent Them?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Learning about panic attacks could be uncomfortable but recognizing what’s causing them is the only way to prevent them. Have you seen someone experienced lightheadedness, numbness, or hyperventilation? Those are only a few things you can feel when having panic attacks.

Find out more about what causes it and how it can be prevented from the video below.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What can trigger panic attacks?
  2. What are the two main treatments for panic disorder?
  3. What does “Fear can’t hurt you, but holding on to it will escalate panic” mean?
  4. Have you ever had / seen someone have panic attacks before? Talk about your experience.
  5. Why do you think it is important to know more about this topic?
  6. What is the best thing to do when things get a little too scary?

Why Do Memes Matter?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Have you ever heard of memes? It has been considered as the language of the internet. Merriam-Webster defines meme as an amusing or interesting item (such as a captioned picture or video) or genre of items that is spread widely online especially through social media thought to bring light to this trying time. However, internet memes do not only exist to entertain us with the use of the images, but it also could be used to mock or far worst, be the source of disinformation.

Watch the video below and learn more about memes.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do memes amuse you or the contrary? Explain your stand.

2.  How often do you see memes on the internet or your social media accounts? Do they help you feel better and make our world less scary or do they too often cross the line?

3. How do we know if a meme crossed the line?

4. Do you appreciate meme culture? Why or why not?

5.  Does meme culture connect you to a larger internet community?

6.  What are the advantages and possible dangers of this format?

The Salem Witch Trials

B2 – Upper Intermediate

In the early months of 1692, Reverend Samuel Parris’ daughter and niece became ill. Despite the help of the village doctor, their conditions did not improve. He then diagnosed the two children of bewitchment. What happened next was a result of paranoia about the supernatural, misdirected religious fervor, and a broken justice system that valued repentance over the truth.

Watch the video to find out more about the witch trials in Salem, Massachusetts.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How did the justice system work in the Salem witch trial?
  2. What is a false confession?
  3. Have you heard of cases wherein innocent people where convicted of a crime they did not commit?
  4. In our present society where the children are generally considered to be credible witnesses, do you think the same mistake might be committed again?
  5. What are your thoughts when the justice system values repentance over the truth?

Vaccine Volunteers

B1 – Intermediate

Over 25,000 people in the US have volunteered to be part of COVID-19 vaccine trials. They will help find a safe and effective vaccine faster. This will help us to see the end of this pandemic soon.

Read the transcript and listen to the audio and be able to answer the discussion questions.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/vaccine-volunteers-level-1/

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the risks and benefits of clinical trial vaccines?
  2. Would you volunteer for a vaccine study? Why or why not?
  3. Are human trials for vaccines worth the risk? Explain your point.