Category: Homework

Video: Germans Give Warm Welcome to Migrants

B2 – Upper intermediate

September of 2015, Germans gave a warm welcome to migrants and refugees who reached Munich. They are willing to help them have a decent home and education but the growing number of migrants and refugees is also alarming on their part.

Watch the video and express your thoughts.

Germans give warm welcome to migrants

Discuss:

1. Are there any Syrian refugees in Spain?
2. What is your opinion about the issue as a European?
3. To what extent should people do their social humanitarian responsibility?

Are They Migrants or Refugees?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

By definition, an immigrant is someone from a foreign country who relocates to live in another country. The European migrant crisis is surging and EU is struggling to respond to this.

Listen to the audio and read the transcript whether they should be considered as migrants or refugees.

http://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/migrants-or-refugees/2948447.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the similarities and differences of migrants and refugees?
  2. What’s your take on the migrant crisis?
  3. If given the chance, what kind of help would you give?
  4. Do you think Syrian refugees will be able to call Europe their new home?

Braille – A Language for Blind People

B2 – Upper intermediate

They say that necessity is the mother of all inventions and man, in general, will always crave for knowledge. It is probably this combination that brought Louis Braille to the development of the Braille System.

Read the article below to find out more about the Braille system.

Braille – A Language for Blind People

Discuss:

1. Does your country have special training facilities for people who are visually impaired?
2. In your country, do people with disabilities have specific benefits?
3. Are you aware of any new technologies that people with disabilities are using to make everyday life easier?

Turkey Allows Schools to Teach Kurdish

B2 – Upper intermediate

Minority groups all over the world are given their rights and privileges. But how far is a government willing to go to make them feel part of the society?

Read the article below and be ready to express your thoughts by answering the discussion questions.

Turkey allows schools to teach Kurdish

Discuss:

1. What is the importance of allowing Kurdish to be taught in schools in Turkey? How significant is it?
2. What are the different minority groups in your country?
3. Is your country fair in giving rights to citizens belonging to minority groups?

Disability: Get rid of your Frustration

B2 – Upper intermediate

Disability can be devastating to one’s physical and emotional health. Disabled people find it difficult to do even the simplest task. It can also affect the family.

Read the article below then express your thoughts about the topic.

https://www.disabled-world.com/disability/coping-disability-illness.php

Discussion Questions:

1. What problems do people with disabilities face in your country?
2. What do you think of the Paralympic Games?
3. What kinds of discrimination do people with disabilities face?
4. What message do you think disabled people would like to tell those without a disability?

Should India’s Jains Be Given the Choice to Die?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Jainism is an ancient religion which still exists and practised by a large number of people in India. Jains have a controversial practice in which they stop eating and drinking with the intention of preparing for death.

Read the article below to see how the government of India is responding to Jainism’s method of moving on to the after life.

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-33998688

Discussion Questions:

1. What is your own perspective about this controversy?
2. When do you think it’s right for the state (government) to intervene against any religious practice?
3. In your country, what are the different religions or faiths that are practiced?

Sleeping in a Taxi

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B2 – Upper intermediate

If you can make it there, you’ll make it anywhere.

The beauty of New York calls travelers from all over the world and one businessman has just made it possible for budget travelers to enjoy the allure of Manhattan without having to break the bank.

Read the article and watch the video to find out how.

Sleeping in a taxi

Discuss:

1. What can you say about Jonathan Powley’s idea for budget travelling? Would you try it?
2. What are some of the best accommodations you’ve experienced during your past travels? What about not-so-good experiences?
3. How would you travel if you were on a budget?

Eating Out in Old Dubai

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B2 – Upper intermediate

What makes a city more interesting is its diversity and the history behind it. Take a stroll in the streets of Dubai and discover the medley of cultures it has to offer.

Eating Out in Old Dubai

Discuss:

1. Describe the diversity of the city or town you live in.
2. If I were to visit your country or your city, where would you bring me? (Also talk about places that aren’t touristy.)
3. Describe some of the places that you have visited that are very rich in history and diversity.

The Sounds of Grammar

B1 – Intermediate

Listen to the audio clip to know more about contracted speech and why native English speakers talk fast.

Everyday Grammar: The Sounds of Grammar with Betty Azar

Discuss:

1. What did you learn from the article?
2. Do you have trouble understanding spoken English? What is the biggest challenge for you?
3. What do you think is the best way to catch grammar sound?

Never Give Up!

B2 – Upper intermediate

In this life, success and failure are normal. How we view them is another matter.
Let us watch an inspirational video about a young man and how he dealt with his failure.

Discuss:

1. In your own words, re-tell the story of the man featured in the video.
2. Have there been any failures that made your life better?
3. Is there a right time to give up and stop trying? Or should you never give up?
4. Talk about a time you failed at something you tried.