Category: Homework

The End of Newspapers

B2 – Upper intermediate

News nowadays are just at the fingertips. You’ll know the latest in an instant. No need to go to a newspaper stand to read the latest.

The enormous information over the internet world is overwhelming. The information is so huge that reliability seems irrelevant and undependable. In contrast, news based on articles, ideas and opinions seems to be more honest.

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

Journalists and experts in the news industry wonder if print journalism will survive. More people go to the Internet for news because of accessibility. Readers can browse through additional articles across several newspapers, read blogs, listen to audio, and watch videos. In addition, the content is often free. However, the end of newspapers may mean more than the end of a medium. It could mean the end of journalism as we know it.

For the most part, journalists and the newspaper industry are honest. The same cannot be said about blogs and faux news-like websites, even if they have become a popular source of information. The articles might often express biased opinions, or report information that hasn’t been fact checked. There is a need for balanced reporting or journalistic integrity.

Source: headsupenglish.com

Discussion Questions:

1. What’s your opinion on newspapers and journalists?
2. What’s your opinion on blogs and bloggers?
3. What would happen if newspapers completely disappeared? Why do you think so?

The Ups and Downs of Coffee and Caffeine

B1 – Intermediate

Many people drink caffeinated drinks to stay awake. A new study conducted by American and British researchers reveals the effect of caffeine on sleeping pattern.

Watch the video below to find out more.

http://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/the-ups-and-downs-of-coffee-and-caffeine/3029909.html?z=0&zp=1#relatedInfoContainer

Discussion Questions:

1. What is the video (research) about?
2. Do you like drinking caffeinated drinks?
3. How often and how much coffee or tea do you drink?
4. What is circadian rhythm? How important is it?

Financial Lessons from Our Grandparents

B2 – Upper Intermediate

In the modern world, everything is easy-access. From buying clothes, to furniture to groceries – everything can now be bought online with your handy dandy credit cards. But did you know that when it comes to saving, the best people to ask advice from are our grandparents?

Read the article below and express your thoughts.

http://www.wisebread.com/10-financial-lessons-we-learn-from-our-grandparents

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are some financial lessons that you have learned from your parents/grandparents?
  2. How can we teach young people about financial sense?
  3. Do you prefer paying with cash or credit card? Explain your choice.
  4. What do you think are the advantages of paying cash?
  5. Are you good at saving money? Why or why not?
  6. What are the things that you plan on spending in the future?

More and More 70-year-olds Working

B2 – Upper intermediate

Around 10 per cent of British people in their early 70s are now working. It is the highest figure since records began. How do you feel about this? Do you think that the government should do something about this?

Read the article below and answer some discussion questions.

More and more 70-year-olds working

Discuss:

1. At what age do you want to stop working?
2. Is it wrong for people in their 70s to work?
3. What are the difficulties for people when they retire?
4. How important is a pension?

Drone Deliveries Coming to a Home Near You

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Drones are a fun way to capture a view from above. In the United States, however, governments have started on laws to regulate the use of drones.

Watch the video below and express your thoughts.

http://www.voanews.com/a/3084535.html

Discussion Questions:

1. Do you like online shopping? What are the advantages and disadvantages of online shopping?
2. What can you say about the new technology that Amazon is planning to use for deliveries?
3. How do you think this technology will affect the demand on human labor in the commercial industry?
4. Does your city have very strict rules when it comes to using drones?

World Wonders Threatened

B1 – Intermediate

More and more people are becoming aware of climate change, simply because it’s more evident. Do you think we still have time to save this Earth?

Winters are becoming warmer each year. Summers are hotter and drier. Scientists say that extreme weather will become normal in the future. Water shortages will be common too, and will affect more than one billion people around the world. And according to new information, global warming may destroy some of the Earth’s natural wonders.

World governments and environmental organizations are starting to talk more honestly about climate change. Evidence increasingly shows how much damage we have done to the environment. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change in Brussels recently said that humankind’s activities are definitely the top reason for our hotter planet.

So what will the impact be? With warmer oceans, coral reefs everywhere will begin to die. Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, one of the world’s natural wonders, will disappear. In the Amazonian rain forest, many of the trees will die, and much of the area will become dry savannah. In Chile and Argentina, melting glaciers will create a drier climate. As a result, there will be more forest fires in the region.

Some of the damage cannot be repaired. Action now, though, could limit or prevent some of the problems.

Discuss: (from article)

1. Are you concerned about the environment?
2. What could every person on Earth do right now to help save the environment?
3. How has the environment changed since you were a child?
4. What do you think the Earth will be like in the future?
5. Have you ever seen any of the natural wonders?

Facebook boss to take paternity leave

C1 – Advanced

Parental leaves are enjoyed by employees to help take care of their children. In recent years, companies have recognized the importance of a father’s role during the first few weeks of a newborn. Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg took two months of paternity leave following the birth of his daughter. What does this mean for the rest of the working fathers out there?

Facebook boss to take paternity leave 

Discuss:

1. What do you think of the idea of paternity leave?
2. What do you think about what you read?
3. What kind of message is Mark Zuckerberg sending?
4. Do fathers in your country take advantages of their paternity leaves?

Corruption Busting Is Her Game

B2 – Upper Intermediate

A 23- year old woman investigates corruption and manages an organization’s digital communications platform. She’s trying to build an international community of online corruption fighters.  It’s a space where people share evidence of graft, and where the corrupt are named and shamed.

Read the article about Kavisha Pillay’s work with Corruption Watch and be ready to answer the questions that follow.

http://www.voanews.com/a/corruption-busting-is-her-game/3075265.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. What can you say about Kavisha Pillay’s idea and actions?
  2. Would you be courageous enough to join her in cyber space to fight against corruption?
  3. Do you think the idea of naming and shaming will be as effective as hoped? Why or why not?
  4. What else can concerned citizens do to help curb or stop corruption?

Why Do People Drink?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Drinking alcohol is considered a very social activity. However, what might cause one to drink one too many?

Let’s find out the factors that cause people to consume alcohol. 

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/science-choice/201703/why-do-people-drink

Discussion Questions:

  1. What normally causes people to drink to excess?
  2. What made you have your first drink? Talk about your whole experience having your first taste of alcohol.
  3. What’s the drinking culture like in your country?
  4. Talk about how drinking culture and attitudes to alcohol vary from country to country.

Diamonds Are a Waste of Your Money

C1 – Advanced

As the famous saying goes, “Diamonds are a girl’s best friend.” Ira Weissman will make people change their minds in his article about diamonds.

Read the piece below then share your thoughts about the well-loved stone.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ira-weissman/7-reasons-why-you-shouldn_b_1720870.html

Discussion Questions:

1. How did the tradition of diamonds as an engagement ring begin?
2. Do you think diamonds are worth it?
3. Is giving some diamonds a sign of true love or appreciation?