Category: Homework

The Japanese Women who Married the Enemy

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C1 – Advanced

After WWII, Japan was devastated yet thousands of their women married American soldiers and moved to the US to have a new life.

Read the article and watch the videos to find out how the Japanese women survived the American lifestyle.

The Japanese women who married the enemy

Discuss:

1. What was your reaction after reading the text and watching the videos?
2. What were the challenges and how did the women in the story overcome them?
3. Would you marry someone who is considered an enemy by many?
4. What do you know about WWII and what damage did it bring to your country?

Money Makes You a Bad Person

B1 – Intermediate

Is money really the root of all evil? Read the article to find out what professor Paul Piff says about being wealthy and being poor.

Read the article below about what money does to people and be ready to answer the questions that follow.

http://breakingnewsenglish.com/1503/150320-wealth.html

Discussion Questions:

1. Explain what Professor Piff said about wealthy and poor people.
2. Do you agree with the study of Professor Piff?
3. What things will change for you if you become wealthy?

Smoky, Juicy Grilled Mussels and Clams

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Seafoods are some of the best food one can ever have. However, cooking them, especially shellfish, could really be tricky.

In this video, Melissa Clark teaches us the perfect way to prepare and grill clams and mussels.

Watch this video carefully and be ready to answer the comprehension questions afterwards.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Describe the process of how the shellfish were cooked.
  2. Are you fond of shellfish? Why or why not?
  3. Are seafood or shellfish commonly eaten or available in your city/country? Why or why not?
  4. What are some shellfish or seafood recipes you know. Talk about them.

You Look Disgusting

B2 – Upper intermediate

Em Ford, a fashion blogger who suffers from a skin problem and reveals the comments she received from her audience. People have given negative comments whether she’s with or without make up.

Watch the video then answer some discussion questions.

Discussion Questions:

1. What do you think of the video?
2. How would you define beauty?
3. Is wearing makeup a necessity? Does it really make us more beautiful?
4. Why do you think people bully others for their appearance?

Vocabulary: Animal Idioms

B2 – Upper intermediate

You can hold horses and flies can drop. Read and familiarize yourself with the different idioms with animals and be ready to use them in sentences.

Animal Idioms

Discuss:

1. Talk about a time when you sensed something fishy.
2. Describe a situation when you were able to kill two birds with one stone.
3. What’s the advantage of taking the bull by the horns? What’s the disadvantage?
4. Is it difficult for you to hold your horses?

Vocabulary: Colour Idioms

B2 – Upper intermediate

Opportunities have colors and so do lies. Read and familiarize yourself with the different idioms with colors and be ready to use them in sentences.

Colour Idioms

Discuss:

1. Talk about a time you passed an exam or a course with flying colors.
2. Was there a time you had to roll the red carpet for someone?
3. At work, who gives the green light?
4. Would you say that you were born with a silver spoon in your mouth?

Vocabulary: Blow Off Steam

B2 – Upper intermediate

What comes to your mind when you hear someone say “I’m just blowing off some steam.”? Watch and listen carefully to the video to understand what this idiom means.

Discuss:

1. How do you blow off steam?
2. Do you think blowing off steam at someone is acceptable?
3. How do you manage your emotions, especially when getting angry?

Vocabulary: The Apple Doesn’t Fall Far From the Tree

B2 – Upper intermediate

Are apples like people that they fall from trees? Watch and listen carefully to the video to understand what this idiom means.

Discuss:

1. In your own words explain the idiom.
2. Would you say the same thing about you and your parent/s? How about you and your child?
3. Do you know someone (a friend or a relative) who doesn’t fall far from the family tree?

Vocabulary: Keep One’s Eyes Peeled

B2 – Upper intermediate

Can you really physically peel your eyes? Watch and listen carefully to the video to understand what this idiom means.

Discuss:

1. Talk about times when you had to keep your eyes peeled because you were looking for something.
2. At work, when do you have to keep your eyes peeled?
3. Are you very good at finding things?

Do You Trust The Police?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Do you trust your police force? Watch as people from different parts of the globe express their opinions and share their experiences on their country’s protectors.

Discussion Questions:

1. How would you rate the performance of your country’s police force?
2. What changes would you like to be implemented when it comes to protecting the welfare of citizens?
3. Have you ever been treated unfairly by someone in authority?