Category: Homework

Two Minutes of Walking Improves Health

Operations At Food Ordering Startup TinyOwl As India Fosters Surge Of Errand Apps

B2 – Upper intermediate

There have been numerous studies about sitting too long at work and how it can affect our health. It has been suggested that walking around helps your health. But how long of a walk is considered enough to break the habit of prolonged sitting?

Read the article below then be ready to express your thoughts about staying in good shape.

http://time.com/3843005/health-study-excercise-healthy-living-walking/

Discussion Questions:

  1. Describe a typical day at work or in the office.
  2. Do you sit a lot when working? What do you to remind yourself to stand up regularly?
  3. How do you stay healthy in spite of your busy schedule?
  4. What are your go-to exercises?

South Korean Government Made K-Pop a Thing

B2 – Upper Intermediate

K-pop or Korean pop music is big in Asia and is now spreading to some European countries. But, in South Korea, K-pop is more than just music. Read the article below and discover how the government of South Korea treats their music industry.

This resource includes an audio clip so feel free to listen to the audio as well.

https://www.npr.org/sections/codeswitch/2015/04/13/399414351/how-the-south-korean-government-made-k-pop-a-thing

Discussion Questions:

1. Are you familiar with K-pop? Describe the music industry in your country.
2. Who are some of the very famous musicians in your country? Talk about your preferences in music.
3. Talk about some of the industries in your country that are doing very well or are being taken care of by the government.

Mistakes You Can Make at Work

B2 – Upper Intermediate

It’s one thing to notice someone else’s attitude. It’s another to notice your own. You may be performing very well but your colleagues hold you on low regard due to some behaviors you manifest.

Read the article below to find out some office behaviors or mistakes workers do at work.

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/top-9-things-you-should-never-do-work-dr-travis-bradberry

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to cast someone in a negative/bad light” mean, “No matter how talented you are or what you’ve accomplished, there are certain behaviors that instantly change the way people see you and forever cast you in a negative light.“? Write your own sentence using this idiom.
  2. What does “at all costs” mean, “The following list contains nine of the most notorious behaviors that you should avoid at all costs.“? Give 2 synonyms and write your own sentence using this idiom.
  3. What does “to take credit for someone else’s work” mean, “Taking credit for someone else’s work­—no matter how small—creates the impression that you haven’t accomplished anything significant on your own.” Give 2 synonyms and write your own sentence using this idiom.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How well do you blend in with the people in your office?
  2. Are you familiar with any of the behaviors mentioned in the article? Share some experiences.
  3. Do you almost always try to be at your best behavior but still feel that you’re not giving enough due to prying eyes especially at work?
  4. How do you deal with coworkers who could be a bit difficult to work with?
  5. What are some things you can’t stand people who you work/you’ve worked with do?

World Happiness Report 2015

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C1 – Advanced

Living in different countries, we have different cultures. We all have different definitions of happiness. How would you define Happiness?

Read the article below to know more about the World Happiness Report and its aims or objectives.

World Happiness Report 2015 ranks happiest countries

Discuss:

1. Share some of the happiest moments in your life?
2. Are the people living in your country known for being funny, fun-loving or happy?
3. How would you describe a good and healthy quality of living?

Video: Woman Sues Over Weight-Loss

C1 – Advanced

Some people argue that we live in a world where people are judged by their looks. There are many qualities by which physical appearance is deemed acceptable by modern society: body shape, skin complexion, height and even weight.

Recently, a student sued her own university for allegedly denying her the chance to apply for the dance troupe.

Watch the video then express your ideas on the matter.

Woman sues university over weight-loss suggestion

Discuss:

1. Are there any circumstances when a person’s weight should be factored in for consideration in an organization or activity?
2. Can the situation described in the video be considered an example of discrimination?
3. What adjectives can you use to describe the woman’s feelings? Would you feel the same if you were in her shoes?

Staying Healthy in Summer

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Summer weather has been getting warmer and warmer. It is important that you keep healthy in the middle of an unforgiving high temperature.

Below are some tips in order to beat the heat. Go through them one by one and share some of your ideas in keeping cool.

http://www.healthy.net/Health/Essay/10_Tips_for_Staying_Healthy_in_Summer/676

Discussion Questions:

1. Do you like summer? What do you like about it?
2. Which of the tips in the article do you practice?
3. What activities do you usually do in summer?
4. Have you travelled to a place with a cooler climate during the summer to escape the heat of your city?

Living Away From Home

 

B2 – Upper intermediate

Living away from home used to be just a choice for some. But with today’s economic struggles, it seems to be one of the most viable option for many.  Leaving home is not easy. But there are advantages to calling a foreign country your new abode.

Read the article below then share some of your thoughts.

10 Important Life Lessons You Learn From Living Abroad

Discussion Questions:

1. Have you tried living abroad? If yes, talk about your experience. If not, give reasons why.
2. What are the things you’ve learned from living away from home?
3. What do you think are other positive things of living out of your home country?
4. What are the negative things of this set-up?

Things Not to Say in Sales or Business

B2 – Upper Intermediate

In sales or in business it can be easy or challenging to close a deal.  It is also important for a person in sales to be reminded that he represents not only himself but also the company.

Read the article below for tips on how to better communicate with customers.

https://www.entrepreneur.com/growing-a-business/never-say-these-7-things-in-sales/244982

Discussion Questions:

1. As a consumer, which ones do you look out for when doing business with someone?
2. Have you experienced bad customer service? How did you handle it?
3. What are some of the companies that you trust because of how they treat you as client?

Vaccines Protect Us From Diseases

B1 – Intermediate

Vaccines have been around for many years. But how does it work and what does it do to our body?

Click the title below to know more about vaccines. Be ready to answer some discussion questions.

http://www.english-online.at/health_medicine/vaccines/vaccines-antibodies-that-protect-us-from-diseases.html

Discussion Questions:

1. In your own words, please explain what vaccines are?
2. What are some of the common vaccines that you know?
3. What do you think about vaccines? Are they helpful or harmful?
4. Do you agree that some vaccines can cause illnesses?

Genetically Engineered Rice

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B2 – Upper intermediate

The crisis in food has been foreseen by experts and through this a scientific innovation was developed. This is called GM or Genetically Modified food which resulted in a serious discussion and deliberation whether it will make us healthy or will harm the health of many.

Dispute About Genetically Engineered Rice

Discuss:

1. What is your thought on GM food? Does it contribute to a healthier society?
2. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this gene modification?
3. Are you now more particular when it comes to buying your food as compared to before?