Category: Homework

Vocabulary: Phrasal Verbs for Business English 2

Business English – B2 – Upper intermediate

Read the list of business phrasal verbs and be ready to discuss them with your teacher. You’ll be using them in sentences and will be answering some discussion questions.

Business Phrasal Verbs

Discuss:

1. If you had the chance or the opportunity what business would you like to set up?
2. Describe a time when a meeting was called off and why it happened.
3. Describe a time when you had to deal with a difficult situation at work and what you did to resolve it.
4. What are some of the reasons leaders at work have to step down?

Vocabulary: Phrasal Verbs for Business English 1

Business English – B2 – Upper intermediate

Read the list of business phrasal verbs and be ready to discuss them with your teacher. You’ll be using them in sentences and will be answering some discussion questions.

Phrasal Verbs for Business English

Discuss:

1. During the economic crisis, what were some of the things that your company had to cut back on?
2. Are there any reports that you have to hand in at the end of the day/month?
3. In your profession or industry, what are some of the things you look out for to be able to do a good job?
4. At work, who are some of the people you count on?

Video: The Art of Aging

C1 – Advanced

Everybody wants to live a full and long life. Watch the video below to get to know people who have discovered the art of aging.

The art of aging

Discuss:

1. What are the secrets of the people in California when it comes to living longer?
2. Do you like the idea of getting old up to hundred?
3. What are the physical signs of getting old?
4. What have you learned from the people who were interviewed from this short video clip?

People Spend Half the Day Daydreaming

B1 – Intermediate

A study shows that many people spend half the day daydreaming or have their minds wander instead of concentrating on what they are doing. Most of those who daydream are the ones not happy at the moment like those who are working.

http://www.english-online.at/news-articles/living/people-spend-half-the-day-daydreaming.htm

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you believe that there is a connection between daydreaming and unhappiness or happiness?
  2. Do you sometimes catch yourself daydreaming?
  3. How do you manage to stay focus on what you are doing?

The Chocolate Capital of the World

B1 – Intermediate

Chocolates! One of the most famous desserts and confectionery known to man. So just how famous is chocolate in Belgium? Read on and be ready to talk about some of your cocoa favourites.

http://www.english-online.at/news-articles/world/europe/brussels-chocolate-capital-of-the-world.htm

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you like chocolates? What are some of your favourites?
  2. Traditionally, how do people in your country take chocolate?
  3. Aside from chocolates, what other types of sweets do you enjoy?
  4. What are some of the products that your country famously export?

World’s First Bionic Eye

B2 – Upper intermediate

Most of us are born with good eye sight and sadly take it for granted. Read about Ray Flynn and the extraordinary second chance he had to see life in a different light.

Feel free to work on the different activities below the article with your next teacher.

Man gets world’s first bionic eye

Discuss:

1. Talk about and describe some of the medical breakthroughs that you know of.
2. Have you had an operation before?
3. What medical operations do you think should be free to help citizens in your country?

Capture Life in Your Soul

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C2 – Proficient

Whenever you have a holiday coming up, step back and contemplate on this: Will I be taking pictures of every single detail of my trip then upload them instantly on my social media? Or Will I take the time to appreciate the beauty that is in front of me?

At some point we are all guilty of just clicking away on our cameras. Read the article below then express your thoughts.

Capture Life in Your Soul — Not Your Smartphone

Discuss:

1. Do you agree that taking photos prevents us from fully enjoying the moment?
2. Do you think social media has a lot to do with this habit of taking a photo of everything?
3. Can you imagine disconnecting from social media for a year?
4. How do you get to fully enjoy your vacations or adventures to the fullest?

A Tattoo Done on Holiday

C1 – Advanced

The BBC recently interviewed a young man who spent a holiday with friends. Rather than post photos on social media to commemorate the event, he decided to get a tattoo done on one of his legs.  What was it a tattoo of? It’s not what you’d expect.

Read about Banjo, then share your opinion regarding the questions below.

‘I got a tattoo done of 17 mates’ names on holiday’

Discuss:

1. What do you think about tattoos?
2. What can you say about Banjo’s choice of tattoo?
3. Should the decision to get a tattoo be taken lightly, or should it be given serious thought?

Best Food Markets in Madrid

market-fish

C1 – Advanced

Food markets have been a buzz for some years now and Madrid’s Mercado San Miguel is one of them.

Read the article and watch the video then be ready to talk about the beauty of food markets.

Best Food Markets in Madrid, Spain – Fresh Fish, Meat, Veggies and Cafes

Let’s Discuss!

1. According to the video, what are some of the “services” that the Mercado San Miguel offer as a food market?
2. What are some of the food markets that you’ve been to? Where do you usually shop for food?
3. Share some of your favourite traditional food or dishes.

Why Did Singapore Ban Gum?

B2 – Upper intermediate

Selling and Chewing gums is prohibited in Singapore. Do you want to find out why? Listen to the podcast carefully then express your thoughts about it.

Why did Singapore ban gum?

Discuss:

1. What do you think of Singapore banning chewing gums?
2. Would you like gums to be prohibited in your country just like in Singapore?
3. What other bad / antisocial habits do you wish to be prohibited in your country?