Category: Homework

Soda Ban

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Under Mayor Bloomberg’s ban, “sugary beverages” larger than 16 ounces could not be sold at food-service establishments in New York City. At restaurants with self-service soda fountains, cups larger than 16 ounces would not be provided. Only outlets that get health-department grades were included, so supermarkets, vending machine operators and convenience stores (including 7-Eleven and its Big Gulps) didn’t have to worry about the ban. There was no ban on refills as well.

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

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think about the issue discussed in the video?
  2. Do you think Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg’s proposal to restrict sales of big sugary drinks in New York will be effective?
  3. In your own opinion, should soda be banned?
  4. What are some other ways to help the government decrease citizens’ soda consumption?

Japan’s Robot Hotel

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Japan is a world leader in robotics technology, and the government is trumpeting robotics as a pillar of its growth strategy.  The Henn na – or Weird Hotel – has opened in Japan where guests check in with robots which also deliver their luggage to their rooms. Another feature is facial recognition technology, so instead of the standard electronic keys, a digital image of the guest’s face is registered during check-in.

Watch the video and discuss the questions that follow:

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think of a hotel staffed by robots?
  2. Would you like to check-in in this type of accommodation?
  3. What do you think are the advantages and disadvantages of having robots as staffs in a hotel?
  4. What is the most surprising and exciting things that you have ever experienced in a unique or strange hotel?

Reasons Brands Matter to Consumers

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Brands go way beyond just a logo or graphic element. They are a way for companies to communicate with their customers in a simple way – to reach customers looking for what they are aiming to provide.  However, do brands really matter? How does a customer perceive them?

Read the article and be able to discuss the questions that follow.

https://www.articlecube.com/5-reasons-why-brands-matter-consumers

Discussion Questions:

  1. Which among the reasons in the article do you agree/disagree with?
  2. Are you brand-conscious?
  3. In your own opinion, are brands important? Why or why not?
  4. Are all branded products really better?

 

 

Climate Change Will Crush Real Estate Values

C1 – Advanced

Key players in the real estate industry are spending huge amount of resources into estimating climate risk and its possible consequences on property portfolios. This process might cost investors large amounts of money if they aren’t prepared. But for those who are, there’s a big chance to profit more.

Read the article to find out more about climate risk and its probable effect on property investments.

https://www.cnbc.com/2019/04/08/climate-change-will-crush-real-estate-values-for-unprepared-investors-report.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think properties are good investment? Why or why not?
  2. How much damage do you think natural disasters have affected residential and commercial real estate in your country in the past years? Cite some incidents.
  3. Explain what this statement means, “This process will be painful for investors who are caught off guard, but those who are prepared have the potential to outperform”.
  4. How do real estate investment companies in your country gauge climate change risks? What mitigation strategies have they developed?

Passwords to Be Replaced by Web Authentication

B1 – Intermediate

IT experts believe passwords are not as effective as before. Threats to our online accounts are becoming stronger. We need a stronger and simpler login process.

Read more about the more secure login system.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/1904/190401-web-authentication-4.html

Discussion Questions:

1. What is Web Authentication? What are the good and bad things about it?
2. Which do you think is stronger: biometrics or passwords? Talk about the good and bad things for each.
3. What are ways to make your online accounts e.g. bank, social media etc. passwords strong?

The ‘Deadly’ Food

C1 – Advanced

Palm oil is found in most products such as bread, chocolate, soup and other processed food, as well as some cosmetics. Why is palm oil the most controversial cooking oil in the market?

Let’s find out why the production of palm oil is problematic:

https://www.bbc.com/reel/video/p074jwbm/the-deadly-food-we-all-eat?ocid=ww.social.link.facebook&fbclid=IwAR2xL94FxG7BdqMuDdRGxG_5_TbHsLo9TM5LaMoKiH0hegXlXcvfD7oCc44

Discussion Questions:

1. What’s the problem discussed in the video?

2. What are your thoughts on this?

3. Is there such a thing as sustainable palm oil?

4. What kind of oil do you use for cooking? Would you consider using palm oil?

5. Have you heard of other news about palm oil?

Going Through Your Spouse’s Phone

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Honesty in a marriage is so important. You can’t build a strong relationship on half-truths and half-lies. However, is it necessary to have your phone checked or you checking on your spouse’s phone?

Watch this video and weigh in on whether or not it is okay to go through your spouse’s phone.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Is it okay to go through your partner/spouse’s phone? Why or why not?
  2. What reasons does the speaker put out why women check their husband’s phone? Do you think they are justifiable reasons? Explain your thoughts.
  3. How do you get your better half to open up to you?
  4. How can privacy exist in a marriage?

Why Should You Vote?

C1 – Advanced

The 2019 Spanish general election is just around the corner. Are you thinking of not exercising your right of suffrage? Then, think again. Here’s why you should vote.

Discussion Questions:

1. Do you agree with the video?

2. What is your guiding principle for voting and choosing a leader?

3. In Spain, are there sanctions for failing to vote?

4. Give other reasons why we should vote.

5. Can you give reasons why we should not vote?

Japanese Women Rebel Against High Heels

B1 – Intermediate

Most companies impose dress codes on their workers and some companies even compel their female workers to wear high heels while working. We all know that it is important to follow our company’s rules and regulations but what if apart from the pain, women also complain about injuries after slipping, falling, and tripping due to wearing of high-heeled shoes.

Let’s find out how the movement started in Japan.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/1904/190403-high-heels-1.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “hashtag” mean? “The movement has the hashtag KuToo – a combination of the Japanese words that mean “shoe” and “pain”.” Use this word in your own sentence.
  2. What does “petition” mean? “She started an online petition.” Use this word in your own sentence.
  3. What does “impaired” mean? “A visually impaired woman who has to wear high heels at work said it is difficult for her to keep her balance in high heels.” Use this word in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How did the campaigns against having to wear high heels start?
  2. Why do companies require women to wear high heels?
  3. What do you think about wearing high heels?
  4. Have you ever been compelled to do something you don’t want to at work?

Effects of Growing a Beard

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Beards are in.  Beards have fascinating history that evolved into something more socially acceptable.

Find out about the scientific effects when men grow a beard.

Discussion Questions:
1. What are the 7 scientific effects that happen when a man grows a beard?
2. Is growing a beard good or bad?
3. How is growing a beard viewed in your country? In workplaces?
4. Do you agree that men with beards are generally regarded as more masculine, dominant, and socially mature?