Category: Homework

Never Too Old for a Tiara

B2 – Upper intermediate

The Philippines just recently hosted the Miss Universe pageant last January 2017. It showcased a range of beauties and talents from across the globe. All young and in their prime. The video below shows a different kind of beauty contest. Watch the video carefully then be ready to answer comprehension and discussion questions.

Discuss:

1. Discuss what the video is all about.
2. What are the contestants saying about joining the pageant/contest? What are their words of wisdom?
3. What is your general opinion of beauty contests/pageants?
4. What message do you think is this video trying to send?
5. In the United States, they have beauty contests for girls as young as 5 or 6. Do you think that’s a good idea? How do you think it will affect the child?

Farmers Spray E.U. Building With Milk Powder

B2 – Upper intermediate

When the government is helping the big corporations win, the smaller guys continue to struggle. Watch the video below about a protest that some farmers made against the European Union’s decision regarding milk production and selling.

Discuss:

1. Explain why the farmers decided to spray an EU building with milk powder.
2. How’s the agriculture business/industry in your country?
3. Do you think the European Union’s action to “stabilize the market” was a good one?
4. What are some agricultural products that you import from other countries?
5. What’s an ideal way to help local farmers survive in today’s world?

Consumer Protection

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Consumer protection is an important part of any business. It allows fair transaction between buyers and sellers.

This activity will help increase your business vocabulary and practice your sentence construction. Click on the link below and be ready to have a speaking activity. Discuss the vocabulary words then answer the discussion questions.

https://www.businessenglishresources.com/learn-english-for-business/teachers-section/conversation-lessons/business-english-conversation-lessons-consumer-protection/

Discussion Questions:

  1. Which product bans do you agree/disagree with in your country? Why?
  2. What type of consumer protection laws does your company need to know about? How do these laws affect your company?
  3. What are your thoughts on anti-trust laws?

Reasons to Shower Less

B2 – Upper Intermediate

We all take a bath or a shower to feel fresh before going to work, after a rigorous work-out or simply to feel clean before going to bed. Do you enjoy your bath time? How often do you take a shower? They say that taking a shower might not be so good for you, so let’s find out.

Read the article below and be ready to answer the questions that follow.

http://www.rd.com/health/wellness/shower-less-often/

Discussion Questions:
1. Name the reasons mentioned in the article about showering less. Do you agree or disagree with them?
2. Do you prefer taking a shower or having a bath?
3. Do you prefer a quick shower in the morning or a warm bath in the evening?

Express your thoughts:
• A few germs are good for you. People wash and clean too much.
• Expensive shampoos and shower gels are a waste of money. A bar of soap is just as effective.
• The advertising industry is to blame for all the money we waste on cleaning products that we don’t need.

Video: Kuwaitis in ‘5-star’ Tents Under the Stars

B2 – Upper intermediate

In Kuwait, locals have a different way of escaping the heat during the summer. Watch the video carefully to find out what dessert camping is and express your thoughts about it.

Kuwaitis seek roots in ‘5-star’ tents under the stars

Discuss:

1. What is dessert camping and why do Kuwaitis like this?
2. How much does it cost to go camping in the dessert?
3. Describe the tents featured in the video.
4. Have you ever gone camping before? What did you like/didn’t like about it?
5. Would you consider yourself adventurous when it comes to travelling?

How to Drink Baijiu

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Have you heard of baijiu? If you’re into spirits and drinking then this is one liqueur that you might want to try.

Read the article about a Chinese drink heartily consumed by the locals.

Take a look at the pictures as well and be ready to answer comprehension questions.

http://edition.cnn.com/2017/01/29/foodanddrink/how-to-drink-baijiu-china/index.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is baijiu and how is it made? What is it made of?
  2. On which occasions is baijiu the choice of drink?
  3. What is baijiu tourism? What do you think of it?
  4. Is there a similar tour like this in your city/country? Talk about it.
  5. What are some of the local alcohol or spirits that are commonly and popularly consumed in your country?
  6. What are your preferences when it comes to alcohol?

Africa’s Coffee Renaissance

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Nigeria’s young entrepreneurs are thinking creatively and boldly. Watch the video and read the article about two Nigerian brothers who profited on coffee.

2 brothers have tapped into Africa’s coffee renaissance

Discussion Questions:

1. Describe the coffee business of Ngozi and Chijioke Dozie. What makes their coffee bar different?
2. What do the brothers hope for in the future for their business?
3. How are coffee bars faring in your city/country?
4. Are there many start-up businesses in your city/country? Are they being supported by the local government?

Saudi Arabia’s Cinema Ban

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C1 – Advanced

It is common knowledge to most that the Middle Eastern culture is one that comes with very rigid rules. From what women can wear to gender segregation. In Saudi Arabia, cinemas are struggling as well.

Read the article below to know more about the film industry in Saudi.

In the age of YouTube, what’s the point in Saudi Arabia’s cinema ban?

Discuss:

1. What information did the article say about the cinema ban in Saudi Arabia?
2. What did the article say about women and driving?
3. Tell me something about the author of the article.
4. What do you know about the Middle Eastern culture?
5. Would you consider travelling to the Middle East?

Festivals: Chinese New Year

B1 – Intermediate

In most Asian countries, New Year’s is celebrated twice – in January and in February.

Read the article below to know more about the Chinese New Year and some cultural traditions that the Chinese practice. Be ready to also talk about this holiday and the important festivals from your country.

http://www.english-online.at/culture/chinese-new-year/chinese-new-year-celebrations.htm

Discussion Questions:

  1. Describe how the Chinese celebrate their New Year.
  2. How do you celebrate NY in your country?
  3. Have you ever seen or witnessed a dragon dance or a Lantern Festival? What do you think of it?
  4. What are some Spanish festivals that are very specific to a region?
  5. In your country, what are the dishes or food that are especially served during New Year? Why are they typical NY food?

Are We Ready for E-Books?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

There is an increasing popularity of e-books, especially among youngsters. Some people think that printed books will be replaced by e-books, which are more convenient and affordable. However, some argued that nothing could ever replace the feeling of owning and the physical enjoyment that printed books can provide to its readers.

Let’s find out more about e-books.

http://www.english-online.at/media/ebooks/are-we-ready-for-ebooks.htm

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the advantages and disadvantages of e-books?
  2. What do you like about printed book?
  3. Based on the article, why do major publishers think that reading books on screen is what most of the consumers need?
  4. What are some of the books that you have enjoyed reading?
  5. Do you also like to read articles from magazines or the newspaper?