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B2 – Upper intermediate
Kim Jong Un is no stranger to the world. Mostly, for all the wrong reasons. Read the short article below and express your thoughts about North Korea and its leaders.
Discuss:
1. Why are human rights violation common in countries like North Korea?
2. Do you think that the UN council has the right to hold this kind of investigation? Why?
3. What are your thoughts on countries under communism?
B2 – Upper Intermediate
Rent-A-Minority website is described as “a revolutionary new service” which was created for those times when you remember your event consists completely of Caucasian men.
Discover the reasons why the creator came up with such idea and how social media was set abuzz by this website.
http://www.bbc.com/news/blogs-trending-35589621
Discussion Questions:
There’s no doubt that technology has improved over the years. But with that comes controversies and questions.
This speaking activity will serve as a good exercise in negating, expressing opinions, and increasing fluency.
Discuss the questions below. Remember to support your answers.
Source: headsupenglish.com
B1 – Intermediate
Reality TV or reality shows have been around for quite some time and it seems like they’re getting more popular.
Read the article below and be ready to answer the questions that follow.
American Idol is a reality TV program broadcast in the US and over one hundred countries around the world. It debuted in the summer of 2002, and has become one of the most popular programs on air. It has ranked as the number one show for five seasons in a row. On the program, contestants sing before three judges to be the best singer in the country. The winner usually goes on to win large record contracts.
Although very successful, there has been some controversy too. For example, Sir Elton John called the show “racist” after African American contestants scored poorly. The show also has total control of the careers of each year’s winners, a fact which may or may not be favorable to the contestants.
Source: headsupenglish.com
Discussion Questions:
1. Do you watch shows such as American Idol or other reality TV programs?
2. What are some of your preferences when watching TV shows?
3. What has been the impact of airing reality shows?
C1 – Advanced
Humans have the ability to control thoughts and actions in order to achieve what they want to do. The question is, are we effective or efficient enough to exercise that ability?
Click on the title below to read more about willpower.
Discuss:
1. Explain the different steps the article gave to help boost willpower.
2. Would you agree on the items featured in the list?
3. Which ones do you already practice and which ones would you like to put to the test? Would you add anything?
4. What do you normally do whenever you need to make a big decision?
C1 – Advanced
Who knew that mangoes can be sacred?
Click on the title below to read about how mangoes were viewed in China. Read the article part by part and take note of new vocabulary words and expressions.
Discuss:
1. Explain the past that China had with the mango fruit. How Significant was it?
2. In the article, what were some of the ancient insights that showed a part of the Chinese culture?
3. Share some of the unique traditions that your country has that has been long part of history.
B2 – Upper intermediate
Diversity in America is nothing new. With thousands of migrants and immigrants flocking the United States for a number of reasons.
Read the article below to know some facts about some of the more diversified states in the US.
Discuss:
1. How diverse is the population in Spain?
2. Which cities are more diverse?
3. How does immigration affect the locals?
4. What do you think is the difference between a migrant and an immigrant?
B2 – Upper Intermediate
The issue of water shortage is closer to home than you think. No country, whether powerful nor developing, is exempt from this imminent problem.
Watch the video below to get more facts on water shortage.
Discussion Questions:
C1 – Advanced
How would you define encouragement? And how different is it from motivation?
Watch the video below then read the article to know more about how encouragement changes a person’s life.
“VIDEO not available”
Discuss:
1. Based on the article and video, how would you explain the difference between encouragement and motivation?
2. What makes encouraging so important to people?
3. How do you encourage people at work or in your family?
4. Do you enjoy challenges or do you usually shy away from them?
B2 – Upper intermediate
There are 24 official languages spoken at the European Parliament. The European Parliament’s Secretary General has asked Euro politicians to speak more slowly and to use to their native language instead of English. What are your thoughts on the Secretary General’s request?
Discuss:
1. What do you think about the article?
2. What do you think is the difference between an interpreter and a translator?
3. How do you feel about using English in political meetings such as the European Parliament?
4. If you could speak another language fluently, what would it be?