Category: Homework

Homeless Shelter for LGBT Youth

B2 – Upper intermediate

A shelter in Washington, D.C. will be housing homeless lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender young people. For many, this will be their road to rehabilitation and independence.

Watch the video then read the article to know more about Casa Ruby and how it is helping the LGBT youth.

Homeless Shelter for LGBT Youth Opens in Washington

Discuss:

1. Would you know if your country has the same provision for LGBT youth?
2. How widespread is LGBT in your country?
3. What is your viewpoint on this matter? Do you think people from LGBT communities in your country are well taken care of?

Women Jockeys in Horse Racing

B2 – Upper intermediate

In horse racing, it’s very common to see men as the riders and women as spectators. Not in Maryland. Pimlico racetrack now features female riders.

Watch this video and learn how women are coping in a predominantly male sport.

Discussion Questions:

1. How do you feel about gender equality when it comes to sport?
2. Do you think that gender matters when it comes to being good at a sport?
3. Have you ever been to a horse race before?

Do Brits Really have Bad Teeth?

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C1 – Advanced

How would you define bad teeth? Some people say Britons have bad teeth because their teeth are not white enough nor straight enough. But are those the only measurements?

Read the article below to know more about dental health in Britain and in other parts of the world.

Do Brits Really have Bad Teeth?

Discuss:

1. After reading the article, how would you define bad teeth?
2. How important is dental hygiene?
3. How do you take care of your teeth?
4. Agree or Disagree: Healthy teeth means a healthy body.

Public Loo Converted into Cafe

C1 – Advanced

Would you feel comfortable eating at an old toilet? Some business owners in London got really creative with their space.

Watch the video below and see the transformation of this old Victorian toilet.

Discussion Questions:

1. What can you say about the transformation of the old public toilet?
2. Would you consider dining in this cafe?
3. Describe some of the peculiar cafes or restaurants that you have visited or seen in the past.

The Job of a Food Stylist

B2 – Upper Intermediate

They say, “We eat with our eyes.” Have you ever wondered why food or dishes in magazines look so mouth-watering?

Watch the video below about the job of a food stylist and see what a dish goes through before it is advertised online or on print.

 Discussion Questions:

  1. Describe how Lisa Cherkasky became a food stylist.
  2. Share your thoughts on this kind of profession.
  3. How important is this kind of job?
  4. Do you get hungry when you look at appetizing food photos on books or on TV? Did you get hungry after watching the video?
  5. What are some food you usually crave for?

Childhood Obesity

B2 – Upper Intermediate

We are all guilty of giving children just what they want to show how much we love them.  But, sometimes, we forget that too much of something is not good. Letting them eat more than what is needed and not monitoring their unhealthy eating habits could lead to serious consequences.

Read the article below to know more about the facts when it comes to childhood obesity.

http://www.english-online.at/health_medicine/childhood-obesity/causes-and-risks-of-childhood-obesity.htm

Discussion Questions:

  1. Have you noticed if childhood obesity is happening in your country? Explain why it is or not happening there?
  2. What are good ways to combat childhood obesity?
  3. Describe the kind of eating habits you had as a child and how has it changed as you grew older.
  4. If you had/have children, what would be/are your rules when it comes to food and eating?
  5. Should we pressure children to be so worried about their diet? Elaborate on your stand.

Swiss Banks – a Safe Haven for Money

 B2 – Upper intermediate

Switzerland has very strict privacy laws. This is the main reason  why affluent families and even certain dictators deposit their money in Swiss banks.  There has been pressure for the Swiss government to ease up their banking laws to allow revelation of account holders who are suspected to be doing illegal activities.

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

http://www.english-online.at/economy/banking-in-switzerland/swiss-banks.htm

Discussion Questions:

1. Do you think that it’s time for Swiss banks to change their laws when it comes to privacy?
2. How would you describe the privacy laws of banks in your country?
3. What do you like about the current bank you’re with?

The Future Of Cardiology

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Cardiovascular diseases remain as one of the leading causes of death in the whole world. It is always good news to hear progress in cardiology that can help millions of patients across the globe.

Read the article below to find out how technology has made another advancement in the field of cardiology.

http://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2015/05/22/408810461/the-future-of-cardiology-will-be-shown-in-3-d

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do they call this new project mentioned in the article? Describe the kind of technology featured in the article.
  2. What are your thoughts on this innovation in cardiology?
  3. Name and describe other medical advancements that you know of.
  4. Do you see any disadvantages to using high-tech machines or gadgets in the field of medicine?
  5. What other advancements in the medical field do you want to see? Why?

Video: Abandoned London Stations

B2 – Upper intermediate

Watch the video below and take a look at some of the old spaces that are worth rehabilitating.

Comprehension:

1. When was the said space decommissioned?
2. How do they propose to use the abandoned space?
3. During the 2nd World War how was the space used?

Discuss:

1. What are some of the similar projects that your government has when it comes to restoring old buildings and spaces?
2. Describe some of the interesting reconstructed spaces you’ve seen in the past.

Words to discuss:

Decommission
Bowels (of something)
Shortlist
Payback
Generate

 

 

Link Between Earthquakes and Oil Drilling

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Oil drilling is one of the most important power source industry of our time. However, oil drilling does cause earthquakes.

Click the title below to know more about fracturing and what it does to the environment.

http://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/experts-see-close-link-between-earthquakes-and-oil-drilling/2741941.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. Share your thoughts on oil and gas drilling’s effects on the environment.
  2. What can you say about the environmental effects of industrialization?
  3. Have you ever experienced an earthquake? Talk about that time.