Category: Homework

Covering Tattoos in Japan

B2 – Upper Intermediate

In some countries, tattoos are still viewed as a negative sign about a person and a lot of people are still offended by seeing people who have them. Japan is one of those countries that maintain a rather conservative view on tattoos.

Read more about the request made to tattooed rugby players ahead the Rugby World Cup next year in Japan.

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-45586210

Discussion Questions:

1. Do you agree with this request?

2. Would you consider having a tattoo?

3. Why do you think people want to get tattoos?

4. Is it accepted in your country?

5. How important is it to respect local customs?

Nervous vs. Excited

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Do you feel nervous during an interview or presentation or just generally feel anxious? There are plenty of moments that can make us nervous. The good news is that you can overcome your fears with the simple technique of training your mind to perform under pressure.

Watch as Simon Sinek explains this technique further.

Discussion Questions:

1. Is there a difference between nervous and excited?

2. In what situations are you often nervous and excited about?

3. How would you turn nervousness into excitement? Give examples.

Electricity in All Villages

B1 – Intermediate

Electricity is a basic necessity. But not all places in the world have it. In some remote communities, people still have to live in the dark.

Read on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s proud announcement that every Indian village now has electricity.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/1805/180502-electricity-1.html

Discussion Questions:

1. What are your thoughts on this news? How are Indians’ lives going to be changed?
2. What do you think it would be like to live without electricity?
3. If there was a power outage in your village/city for a day/a week, what would you do?
4. Are there still areas in your country without proper electricity or other services available?
5. If there’s one service (electricity, water, telephone, internet, cable TV, mobile, gas) you can live without, which one would it be?

Give All Tips to Staff

B1 – Intermediate

Waiting tables is one of those jobs that pay too little. A lot of waiters who work in restaurants depend on tips for more salary.

However, not all restaurants give the full amount of tips collected to their waiters.

Read the article below about a new law that obliges restaurant owners to give all the tips to their waiting staff.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/1810/181004-tipping-1.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “tip” mean, “UK restaurants will soon have to give all tips to their staff.”? Give a synonym and use the word ‘tip’ in a sentence.
  2. What does “staff” mean, “Many waiting staff are happy with the new law.”? Give a synonym and use the word ‘staff’ in a sentence.
  3. What does “to be fed up with sb/sth” mean, “They are fed up with chain restaurants keeping their tips.”? Use this expression in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you agree with this new law? Do you think it is necessary to have this law?
  2. What is your opinion on restaurants not giving the tips to their staff?
  3. Do you need to tip waiters in your country? Why or why not?
  4. What are some low-paying jobs in your country?
  5. How can we make sure all workers are treated fairly by their employers?

The Language of Lying

C1 – Advanced

How do we recognize deception? When a person looks you in the eye, does that mean he is being truthful? When one stutters, does that mean he is telling a lie?

Watch the video and find out about some telltale clues that could help you to identify when someone is lying to you.

 

 

Discussion Questions:

1.  According to the video, what are the four clues we can use to determine a lie?

2. Is it completely wrong to tell a lie? When is it acceptable to do so?

3. Can you tell when you’re being lied to?

Why Socrates Hated Democracy

C1 – Advanced

Not a single type of government fits all. Let us get to know about the failures and loopholes of democracy according to Socrates.

Discussion Questions:

1. In your opinion, is the video opinion-based or factual?

2. What are your thoughts about voting being vested to educated people only?

3. What are your opinions on democracy?

Living Without Plastic

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Whether we like it or not, we feel and see the drastic changes in our environment these days. About 71 percent of our planet is made up of water and most of it is now contaminated with plastics brought about by human consumption and improper disposal.

Let’s discuss how plastics destroy the environment and what we can do to save the planet.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think it is hard to live without plastics? Why or why not?
  2. Should the use of plastics be regulated? Would it be easy or not to to do so? Why or why not?
  3. What are the alternatives to plastics and using them?
  4. What do you do in order to reduce your and your family’s plastic use?
  5. Why is it important to be aware of the effects of using plastics?
  6. Would it be easy for us to nourish and care for our polluted planet?

How Would You Escape North Korea?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

North Korea has an unsavory and sinister reputation. There is a blatant disregard for human rights, very limited freedom of movement, and brutal consequences for minor offenses or even trivial things. It is no wonder that many of its citizens have attempted to escape in order to get a better life.

This video showcases seven ways to escape this country. Success is not guaranteed, though.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you know about North Korea?
  2. Talk about the different possible ways of escaping from North Korea.
  3. If you were a North Korean, would you try to leave? How would you do it?

Japan’s Independent Kids

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Parents all over the world have different values and ways of rearing their children. And most parents want their child to grow into happy, confident, and independent adults. For the Japanese however, some might say that their parenting skills are a step away from the traditional.

Take a look at this video to have some ideas about what parents and children are like in the Land of the Rising Sun.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Talk about the video in your own words.
  2. What are the differences between Japanese and Spanish parenting styles?
  3. Talk about the pros and cons of each.

Why Louboutin Shoes Are So Expensive

B2 – Upper intermediate

Chanel, Gucci, Louis Vuitton are some very famous designer brands. For the average shopper, just an item or two from any of these high-end products can cost an entire month’s salary or even more.

What makes a designer piece different from the rest? And what makes it so desirable that some people are willing to pay ridiculous sums in order to attain one?

Try to learn more from this video, which takes a look at the world of Christian Louboutin, an iconic shoe designer.

Discussion Questions:

1. Explain the video in your own words.

2. Do you think designer pieces are worth their hefty price tags? Why or why not?

3. Talk about your own shopping habits. Where do you shop and what do you like to buy?

4. What are the cheapest and most expensive things you have?