Category: Homework

Why I Gave Up a $95,000 Job

B2 – Upper Intermediate

There comes a point when a vacation is just what we need. We need to relax and have a breather to be able to come back recharged and sharper. But, as the author adds, “If you’re constantly thinking you need a vacation, maybe what you really need is a new life.”

The article below is a story of a journalist who gave up her job to move to an island to simplify her life. Express your thoughts after reading.

http://www.marieclaire.com/career-advice/a14268/why-i-gave-up-a-95k-job-to-move-to-an-island/

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is you reaction to the article?
  2. What are your thoughts on living in a competitive city where you have to spend most of your time working to afford to live?
  3. What are your thoughts on this statement: “ambitious people are often overscheduled”?
  4. Share your opinion on this statement: “If you’re constantly thinking you need a vacation, maybe what you really need is a new life.”
  5. Where and how would you most likely spend it in case you want a change in your life and why that place?

Speaking Activity: Health and Fitness

Group of people at the gym doing spinning

B1 – Intermediate

Physical fitness is a very important issue. Especially today, because most people now have a lifestyle that is less active.

Staying active and doing some exercises will give your body better performance and help make your muscles be stronger. It will also keep your weight under control.

Click the title below and be ready to discuss new phrases about exercise and health.

Topic: Health and Fitness

 

Italian Prisoners Play Rugby

B2 – Upper intermediate

They say, sports helps the soul. This rugby team is nothing like any other. The team is consist of prisoners in an Italian jail. They compete but not outside of prison walls.

Watch this video and talk about how rugby is helping these prisoners lead a better life.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is the mission of this sports project/initiative?
  2. Who leads the initiative?
  3. Describe how the players are able to have their matches within the facility.
  4. What are the positive effects of this project?
  5. What are some of the sports you enjoy practicing?
  6. What are the advantages of playing a sport?
  7. Are there other activities you would like to try?

 

He Made His Guitar Sing

B2 – Upper intermediate

B.B. King is one the music legends that has touched the lives of so many people.

Watch the video carefully and prepare to talk about music and musicians.

Comprehension:

1. Describe B.B. King’s lifestyle as a musician. Why did people like him?
2. What were some of his nicknames?
3. Why is his guitar named “Lucille”?

Discussion:

1. Are you familiar with the music of B.B. King?
2. Who are some of the musicians you listen to?
3. What are your preferences in music?

Words/phrases to discuss:

Vibrato
On the road
Finesse

The Time for Urban Farmers

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C1 – Advanced

Have you heard of Urban farming? In the US, it’s been a popular idea for quite some time.

Read the article below and discuss some of the issues that urban farmers are facing.

http://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2015/05/18/407732692/urban-farmers-say-its-time-they-got-their-own-research-farms

Discussion Questions:

1. How do you understand urban farming and what are its advantages?
2. Is urban farming something that is happening in your country?
3. Have you started growing your own vegetables? Have you tried it?

Best Minimum Wage in the World

B2 – Upper Intermediate

People around the world work with minimum wage. A minimum wage is the lowest daily or monthly remuneration that employers may legally pay to workers. Which country has the best minimum wage in the world? Let’s take a look!

http://money.cnn.com/2015/05/14/pf/minimum-wage-countries-australia/index.html

Discussion Questions:

1. What is the minimum wage in your country?
2. What do you think should be the ideal minimum wage in your country?
3. How does salary affect the performance of an individual at work?

China Blocks YouTube

B1 – Intermediate

These days, it is easy to get and share information from different parts of the world. The Internet made this possible. However, in China, the Internet is highly controlled by the government.

Read the article below and be ready to express your thoughts about China and how they control the Internet.

http://www.english-online.at/technology/china-blocks-youtube/china-blocks-youtube.htm

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think what China is doing is a good idea? Explain your thoughts.
  2. How is censorship good and bad?
  3. What do you think would happen if Spain decides to control the Internet?
  4. How often and what do you use the Internet for?
  5. What social media sites do you like visiting and why?
  6. What do you think about YouTube?

Speaking Activity: Sports

soccer

B1 – Intermediate

Playing sports helps you stay in shape, teaches you how to organize your time and builds relationships with your peers and adults.

Click the title below to practice your speaking skills and talk about sports. Be ready to discuss new phrases and to answer discussion questions.

Topic: Sports

How Misbehaving Made One Man a Multimillionaire

C1 – Advanced

Jack Cator was your normal teenage school boy; defying and challenging the rules. But what he got out of that persistent attitude was quite extraordinary.

Read the article below to know more about Jack and his business and its humble beginnings.

http://www.bbc.com/news/business-32702501

Discussion Questions:

1. In your own words, explain how Jack was able to come up with his business.
2. What do you know about VPNs? Is this something you use?
3. Have you experienced doing business remotely with people you’ve never met before? Describe that experience.

Nepal Earthquakes

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C1 – Advanced

On April 25, 2015, Nepal was hit by a 7.8 magnitude earthquake that cost thousands of lives and left so many injured.

Below is an article to look back on the devastation that hit a country and affected so many. Take a look at the before-and-after photos included in the article.

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-32479909

Discussion Questions:

1. What do you know of the earthquake that hit Nepal in 2015?
2. Have you experienced natural disasters such as earthquakes?
3. What are some catastrophes you’ve witnessed?
4. Is your country prepared in case a natural disaster hits?