phone english blogB2 – Upper intermediate
Technology has to evolve and we have to adapt. But what about those who are left behind?
Watch the video and talk about “fading” technology and express your thoughts about it.
Discuss:
1. What is your general reaction to the video?
2. Name some of the businesses that closed because of evolving technology.
3. Do you think there is a way of “re-using” or mixing old technology with new technology?
C1 – Advanced
This video shows a very colorful representation of traffic in Vietnam.
Click below and be ready to practice your speaking skills by answering discussion questions and by expressing your thoughts.
Discuss:
1. Describe the traffic in Vietnam.
2. What were some of the interesting points that you found in the video?
3. Is this something that you have seen before in your past travels?
4. Describe some of the challenges that you encounter when you travel to a different country.
B2 – Upper Intermediate
Have you ever been to Thailand? Thais have actually made having fun a way of life – something we could all learn from.
Find out more why having fun is of utmost reverence in this country.
http://www.bbc.com/travel/story/20151119-can-thailand-teach-us-all-to-have-more-fun
Discussion Questions:
1. What is sanuk?
2. How do the Spanish have fun?
3. In Thailand, people resign from a good-paying job because it’s not fun. What are your thoughts on this?
4. Is there a similar holiday in Spain as Thailand’s “Songkran”?
B1 – Intermediate
Knowing what happiness is can be difficult to explain. People from different situations will give different kinds of answers.
Read the article below and be ready to answer some discussion questions.
Although you may not be able to measure your happiness levels, you can still take some advice to increase the positive emotions in your life.
It’s difficult for experts to understand happiness. However, according to experts, married people are generally happier. Richer people also tend to be happier, although they then compare their wealth to their peers (and maybe don’t feel so rich). And if you live in a richer country, you’re likely happier too.
But it’s not easy to earn more money, move to a rich country, or find the perfect partner. Some things you can control include exercise, because healthy bodies and minds lead to happiness. You should also solve problems sooner rather than later. Spending time in nature also lowers stress, which might then improve happiness. Meditation is also very effective.
Source: headsupenglish.com
Discussion Questions:
1. Are you generally a positive or a negative person? Why do you think so?
2. Why do you think some people are so happy? Why are other people so unhappy?
3. What advice would you give to someone for a happier life? Please explain.
C1 – Advanced
Are you able to save money or does money simply flow through your fingers? Often than not we have our own tips and tricks on how to save money. But are those really helpful? Let’s find out what Reader’s Digest editors say about some money saving myths:
7 False Money-Saving Tricks You Try That Might Be Making You Poor
You use travel sites, not airlines, to book flights
Now that travel sites like Expedia are doing such brisk business, airlines are fighting for their own pieces of the profits. Many carriers now offer lowest-price-guaranteed fares on their own websites, and waive the booking fees that the big travel sites often tack on to your reservation. And if you’re wondering why you’re not finding fares for some of your favorite bargain airlines, like Southwest or JetBlue, on these big travel sites, it’s because these airlines don’t always release their inventory to travel superstores. That’s yet another reason to do some extra sleuthing on your preferred carrier’s web page before finalizing your reservations. Don’t miss more savvy ways to save money online.
You ‘top off’ your gas tank
Those little squirts of gas you try to add to your tank at the end of a filling often end up staying in the hose. That means you’ve actually given gas away to the next user of your pump!
You always turn off lights when you leave a room
Think you’re doing your electric bill a favor? Turning off compact fluorescent lights (CFLs), which use about 75 percent less energy than standard incandescent light bulbs and can last up to 10 times longer, when you leave a room for less than 15 minutes actually costs more than leaving them on. So if you are likely to be back in that part of your house soon, leave the lights on to save. Try these tricks to save money on your electricity bill, instead.
You cut up extra credit cards
Yes, it’s smart to reduce your temptation to splurge by destroying cards. But if you actually cancel them, it could hurt your credit rating. Here’s why: Lenders worry about how close you are to using all the credit available to you. If you close an account, you lose its credit line. As a result, you are using a greater portion of the reduced amount you can now borrow. How many cards do you need? While the average American household has nine, two or three active cards should be plenty. (By the way, these are the times you should never, ever use your credit card.)
You fall for common grocery store promotions
Here’s a well-kept secret: When a grocery store advertises a special (say, buy 10 containers of yogurt for $5), you don’t have to buy the number of items they’re advertising. In this case, you could buy one container for 50 cents. Unless the store specifically states otherwise, you should buy as few as you want. Also: Don’t fall for limits. Keep your money in your purse when you see signs like “Limit six per customer. Stores know that customers will buy more of an item if they think there’s a shortage, and there generally isn’t. Check out 50 more supermarket tricks you still fall for.
You dropped your wholesale club membership (and no longer use the pharmacy)
If you decide to stop paying for a wholesale club membership, you can still buy prescriptions there even if you’re not a member. The pharmacy may tack on a small fee, but you have the right under federal law to fill prescriptions at any pharmacy, so tell the person asking for your ID at the front door that you’re only visiting the pharmacy. (But don’t get carried away; you won’t be able to buy anything else without a club membership ID). Learn more tips to wholesale shop without a membership card.
You frequent discount stores
They tempt you not only with their excellent bargains, but also with their, “I don’t know what I was thinking when I bought this” impulse buys. How can you avoid these temptations? Avoid the shopping cart. Buy only what you can carry in your arms. You’ll end up buying only what you really need and want. Here are 56 more almost effortless ways to save money.
Discuss:
1. What are the 7 mentioned saving tricks that can backfire on your budget? Do you agree or disagree?
2. Are you guilty of doing these tricks?
3. How do you save money?
4. Explain the phrase “Save your pennies for a rainy day.”
B2 – Upper Intermediate
The Barbie doll has always been an iconic toy. It’s famous throughout the globe. During the past decades, Barbie doll has undergone through many developments in terms of its appearance. But recently, another toy company has produced a doll that also captures the eyes of children.
Read this lesson about Barbie, the most famous doll, turning 50.
http://www.english-online.at/hobbies/barbie/barbie-famous-doll-at-50.htm
Discussion Questions:
1. Was the Barbie doll famous during your time? How about now?
2. What are some of the popular toys that became part of your childhood?
3. What can guarantee the popularity of a certain toy or merchandise?
4. What kind of toys are good for children?
B2 – Upper Intermediate
Mayo Clinic says half of adults snore. Snoring is breathing when asleep with some harsh or snorting noises that is caused by vibration of the soft palate inside our mouths. It can cause serious health issues.
Watch the video below to find out about the high tech anti-snoring device.
Vocabulary Questions:
Discussion Questions:
B2 – Upper intermediate
With the recent attacks in some European countries, a top member of the French government has expressed the need to take action to defend itself from terrorist threats.
Discuss:
1. What is your definition of terrorism?
2. Is there a difference between a freedom fighter and a terrorist?
3. If a country repeatedly kills innocent civilians while trying to kill terrorists, does that country take part in terrorism?
B2 – Upper intermediate
It’s no surprise that English has become the world’s language when it comes to business and learning English in companies is now the norm.
Click the title and read the article to know more about the company Rakuten and its journey with the English language.
Discussion Questions:
B2 – Upper intermediate
For the longest time China has sat tight with the law of one child per family. But, in 2015, the country announced its plan of lifting the old law and moving forward with two children per family.
Read the article below then express your thoughts about the topic.
Discuss:
1. What do you know of China’s previous one-child policy?
2. Is it good for the government to pass such laws?
3. How would you describe the population in your country?