Category: Homework

Idioms and Their Origin

B1 – Lower Intermediate

Image result for cat got your tongue idiom

 

An idiom is a word or phrase which means something different from its literal meaning. When used correctly, it can amplify messages in a way that draws readers and listeners in and helps awaken their senses.

Let us get to find out some of the most used idioms and their crazy origins.

https://www.grammarly.com/blog/popular-idioms-with-crazy-origins

Discussion questions:

1. Tell some real-life situations when you have used or experienced these idioms.

2. Are you good at using idioms when speaking? How do you feel about people who are good at using idioms in a conversation?

3. Give an example of a Spanish idiom and explain its meaning and origin.

4. When is it necessary to use idioms? When is it not?

 

Who was John Titor?

B2 – Upper Intemediate

What would be your reaction if you talked to a person who claimed that he had time traveled and lived in 2036? Scientists attest to the possibility of time traveling, though there is no official announcement of an existence or creation of a time machine.

Find out more about John Titor’s story of taking a leap into the future.

WHO WAS JOHN TITOR?

Discussion questions:
1. What do you think of Titor’s claim of time traveling?

2. Why do you think he said that his goal was not to be believed? If you could meet Titor, what are the things that you would like to know about his experience?

3. Would you try time-traveling? At what point in the past would you like to go back to? How do you visualize the future would be like?

Sugar Baby University

B1 – Intermediate

In the US, there is a growing number of men and woman who have found alternative ways of getting through to college/university. They are turning to dating websites looking for wealthy older men (or women) who want to pay for their college fees.

Read the article below about sugar daddies paying for their sugar babies’ tuition and be ready to answer the questions that follow.

http://www.businessinsider.com/seeking-arrangement-sugar-daddies-pay-sugar-babies-college-tuition-2017-11

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on websites such as “seekingarrangement.com”?
  2. Do you hear this kind of arrangement being sought and made by young people in your country?
  3. Share your thoughts on this statement, “Some of [the sugar daddies] have that ‘white knight’ scenario where they really want to be helping somebody and saving them from their debt.”?
  4. In your country, how expensive is it to get through college?
  5. What are alternative ways to finish your college education if you can’t afford it?

Strange Laws Around the World

B1 – Intermediate

When you’re travelling around the world, it’s not always a bad idea to do your research on local laws and traditions. Not only could this keep you out of trouble, but it can also help you get the most out of your trip. However, there are some strange laws in some countries that will surely make you scratch your head.

Here are 14 strange laws to keep in mind next time you book a trip.

https://www.businessinsider.com/14-strange-laws-from-around-the-world-2016-7

Discussion Questions:

  1. Which among the laws mentioned do you find most absurd?
  2. Does your country have any strange laws as well?
  3. If you could add or remove a law in your country, what would it be?

Companies and Motivation

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Talents are the backbone of any company. However, a lot of companies seem to miss exploring the area where they provide their employees what they need and want.

Read more about companies and motivating employees from the article below and be ready to answer the questions that follow.

Far too many companies get it backwards. As opposed to motivating and instilling their staff with a desire to strive towards success, they sap any motivation that exists. The company becomes rotten, unable to meet changes in the marketplace, filled with staff who does the minimum, and filled with a heavy, oppressive atmosphere.

Companies succeed when employees get what they need and want, namely opportunities to contribute, a sense of achievement, and the feeling of camaraderie. In addition, other important factors include managers who immediately provide both negative and positive feedback, continued training, equity in all decisions and company endeavors, and a sense that teamwork is beneficial and important. For any company moving in the wrong direction, it takes a monumental effort to once again motivate employees. However, it can be done.

Source: headsupenglish.com

Discussion Questions:

1. What does it take for a company or business to succeed?
2. Do you agree or disagree that all companies should motivate their staff?
3. How does your company make sure the employees are well-motivated?
4. What suggestions can you give your employers to ensure employees’ satisfaction at work?
5. What are the things that keep you motivated to do your job?

Introverts vs Extroverts

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Do you get energized when in an outer world or inner world? Are you outgoing or inward? Do you prefer a wide range of friends or are you reflective? Or maybe, you could do both things and be one and the other at the same time. Watch the video to get down pat.

Discussion questions:

1. What are the differences of extroverts and introverts?

2. Do you think one personality is better than the other? Give the advantages and disadvantages of the two types of personalities.

3. Do you consider yourself an extrovert, introvert, or ambivert?
Try this personality test with the student: https://www.quietrev.com/the-introvert-test/

4. What do you think the world would be like if extroverts were the only ones living in it? Only introverts?

Untrue Myths

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Myth, in everyday language, means a fiction or a fabrication. A few or even most of them are total lies. But admit it or not, they can sometimes have a compelling influence on us and a society as a whole.

The article below tries to explain why it is time to put an end to the most alluring everyday myths, mistaken beliefs, and exaggerations passed down from generation to generation.

https://thoughtcatalog.com/nico-lang/2013/09/13- everyday-myths-you-wont-believe-arent-true/

Discussion questions:

1. Which of these myths did you use to believe or do you still believe now?

2. How do you think these myths started?

3. Can you think of an everyday myth that turns out to be real?

4. Do you know if any of these 13 myths can more likely be real?

5. Think of another example of an everyday myth that is not really true.

Go Beyond the Female Stereotypes

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Advertisements can subtlely convey a message to the viewers. A veteran South African politician said, “Adverts create a role model that people look up to, even mimic and try to be like.”  Do you think the government should do something to regulate ads?

Let’s read the article below and talk about female stereotypes in ads.

https://www.voanews.com/a/un-advertisers-female-stereotypes/3912630.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think that advertisements are more influential than movies, books, or online content? Why? Why not?
  2. Why do you think stereotyping is such a common practice?
  3. Would you agree that “adverts create a role model that people look up to?” Why or why not?
  4. Do you think that ads can influence how kids and young adults think about their body? Explain.

Is Binge Watching Bad?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Binge watching wrecks your sleep.

You’re almost certainly guilty of binge watching: market research indicates about two-thirds of us regularly spend several hours inhaling a TV show. But watching just one more episode… just one more… just one more isn’t without consequence.

Watch the video explaining why binge watching is bad for us.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Explain the term “binge watching“. “Is binge watching bad for your brain and body?” Use this term in a sentence.
  2. What does “in one sitting” mean? “Whether you are watching and entire Netflix series in one sitting or playing the newest Zelda from start to finish, most of us spend a significant time in front of screens.” Use this idiom in a sentence.
  3. What does “at the root of” mean? “At the root of many of these claims is the physical inactivity associated with prolonged TV watching.” Use this idiom in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What might be reasons people binge watch?
  2. How is binge watching bad for our brain and body?
  3. What could be some benefits of binge watching?
  4. Have you ever watched multiple movies/series episodes or an entire series in one sitting? Talk about this experience. What effects did it have on your body?
  5. What can one do to avoid a sedentary lifestyle?
  6. What are your thought on this, “The more you move, the more you live.“?

 

Best Things to Do in your Free Time

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Technology has helped us gain more free time. In this day and age, we have all kinds of distractions that cause bad habits that we need to cut down whether it is binge-watching your favorite TV series or drinking alcohol.

Some people say that what you do in your free time actually determines your future. Well, you don’t have to fret or worry. The good thing is that you can take control of your free time and use it wisely to help you be more successful.  Please watch the video below and let’s talk.

Discussion Questions:

1. What are the 4 best things to do in your free time that is cited in the video?
2. How many hours of free time do you have in a day before and after you finish your work?
2. What do you do in your free time?
3. Out of the 4 things to do in the video, what do you want to practice more?
4. In your opinion, what’s the reason why people don’t manage their free time well?
5. Do you agree with the quote, “What you do in your free time determines what you’ll be doing when you don’t have a choice.”