Category: Homework

Why are We Attracted to People Who Look Like Us?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

We have heard the phrase: “opposites attract” before. Is it always the case though? When choosing our life/romantic partner, do we tend to abide by this idea or do we look for someone who we have more similarities with?

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

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is assortative mating? Do you agree with this study?
  2. What do you look for in a partner?
  3. Explain the experiment conducted discussed in the video. Were you surprised with the result of the said experiment?

Gaslighting

B2 – Upper Intermediate

If truth is universal, then why is it that there are many interpretations about the truth? Have you ever doubted your seemingly real perception of truth because someone manipulated you to think so? Some cult leaders and dictators tend to use this method called gaslighting.

Watch the video and find out more about gaslighting.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How is gaslighting defined?
  2. Who are at risk of becoming a victim of gaslighting?
  3. What are the signs one is being gaslighted?
  4. Is gaslighting considered a form of abuse? Share your thoughts.
  5. Is it possible for someone to be engaging in gaslighting behaviors and not know it or is it always done with intent? Elaborate on your ideas.

Why Cities are Full of Uncomfortable Benches

B2 – Upper Intermediate

In cities, architects purposely design uncomfortable benches. Defensive architecture is an urban design trend in which public spaces are constructed or altered to prevent people from using them in undesirable ways. It can come in the form of spiked or sloped benches to block homeless people from using them as a place to sleep. Critics argue that such measures reinforce social divisions and create problems for all members of the public, especially seniors, children, and people with disabilities.

Is it driving people and nature out of the cities?

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

 

Discussion Questions:

1. Is defensive architecture visible where you live?

2. Do you think it’s hostile? What do you think about it?

3. Cite some advantages and disadvantages of defensive architecture.

4. How are homeless people treated in your country?

5.  What does your government do to help them?

 

Jail Risk for Parents Who Raise Children as Vegans

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Vegans have a plant-based diet avoiding all animal foods such as meat including fish, shellfish, dairy, eggs, honey and they also avoid animal-derived materials, products tested on animals and places that use animals for entertainment.

It’s the individual’s choice to go vegan but is it unethical to force this on children?

Please read the article and answer the questions that follow.

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2019/05/16/parents-raise-children-vegans-should-prosecuted-say-belgian/

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is the meaning of being vegan?
  2. What kind of diet do you have?
  3. Please state the pros and cons of being vegan.
  4. Is it unethical to force a vegan diet on children?

Huawei Ban in the US

C1 – Advanced

Huawei, the Chinese telecom giant, is getting blacklisted by the United States. The tech company was added to the Commerce Department’s Entities List ban that could pose a threat to national security.

Let’s watch the video:

 

Discussion Questions:

1. Why did the United States ban Huawei?

2. How will this affect Huawei? Do you think they will survive?

3. Do you think the new restrictions on Huawei are fair?

4. Do you believe banning products from China would be helpful to the United States?

5. How will this trade war between the United States and China affect other countries?

Social Media Killed the Retail Store

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Millennials do things differently. The influence in fashion has clearly changed due to social media and influencers around. They are changing the rules of brand marketing, redefining purchase habits, and revolutionizing the shopping experience. They have different priorities in terms of shopping habits, spending more on entertainment and experiences, such as dining and travel, than on products. The influence of minimalism also plays a role in this shift.

Read more about this on this article here:

https://www.nbcnews.com/business/business-news/social-media-killed-retail-store-how-millennials-have-changed-our-n1008371

Discussion Questions:

  1. How has social media changed your shopping habits?
  2. What are your priorities when shopping for things?
  3. Are you influenced by social media and famous celebrities/influencers when shopping?
  4. Which do you believe in more now – “dress for success” or “You’re not building wardrobes today. You’re building memories.” Explain your choice.

The Rising Popularity of Comfy Shoes

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Everyone seems to be wearing or owning a pair of comfortable shoes these days. Comfort shoes such as trainers are now on trend as trendsetters are popularizing them. Many believe that comfort is more important than style. But, if you could mix them, it would much better. There is a mass casualization known as streetwear trend happening over the years as what one of a fashion editor has said.

Listen to the podcast and learn more about this topic.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english/ep-190425

Discussion Questions:

1. What has caused people to wear comfy shoes recently?
2. Are you wearing or owning a pair of comfy shoes?
3. Do you prefer comfort over style? If so, why?
4. According to the podcast, what is the streetwear trend?

San Francisco Bans Facial Recognition Software

B1 – Intermediate

Facial recognition is biometric technology. It works by getting a picture of a person and then using that photo to identify the individual through facial analytics. The results are then compared to existing photos in the database.

Facial recognition systems are commonly used for security purposes. But in San Francisco, the police cannot use it anymore.

Read the article below to know more about this ban on facial recognition software.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/1905/190517-big-brother-1.html

Discussion Questions:

1. Why was facial recognition software banned in San Francisco?
2. What are the pros and cons of facial recognition?
3. Do you agree or disagree that facial recognition software is Big Brother technology?
4. What is your opinion on prohibiting facial recognition technologies?
5. How does the police maintain security in your city?

How Powerful Is Spain?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Spain is not only a country of diverse geography and cultures but one with a relatively strong economy, powerful military, and long history.

But just how powerful is this country?

Watch the video to know more about Spain’s advantage over other countries and some of the issues that the country needs to address head-on in order to regain its former glory as a superpower nation.

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

 

Discussion Questions:

1. What are the strong points of Spain?
2. What are some of the problems it is currently facing?
3. How can Spain’s global power be restored?
4. Which do you think is the best moment (economically speaking) in your country? Describe that time.
5. In your opinion, how powerful is your country? Do you want your country to be more powerful than it is now?
6. Which points in this video do you agree and/or disagree with?

Why you should know your coworkers salary?

C1 – Advanced

It’s cringe-worthy to ask your colleagues how much they earn, and the same goes for telling them your salary. Hence, knowing how much they make causes curiosity among employees. According to a new study, salary and pay are now more openly discussed among coworkers in the U.S. and there is a good reason to do so.

Watch the video to know why salaries should be shared and why it actually makes business sense.

 

Discussion Questions:

1. How does salary transparency benefit a company?

2. Do you agree or disagree with the speaker?

3. Are you confident to share how much your salary is?

4. What do you think are the risks of discussing your salary with your colleagues?