Category: Homework

The Lion Whisperer

B1 – Intermediate

There has always been a fascination with wild animals like lions and tigers. Some people’s job is to learn about their behaviors. Due to the risks associated, only a few dare to go near, more so, to live with these wild beasts.

Watch the video below and take a look at how one man is able to live amongst wild African cats.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How do you feel about humans interacting with wild animals?
  2. Are you fond of animals? Why or why not? Do you/Would you like to have any pets?
  3. What are some animals found in your country that are considered wild and endangered?
  4. How would you feel being around lions?
  5. What are your thoughts on this, “The lions are his equal.“?

Video: Kenya’s Catchy Pop Hit

B2 – Upper intermediate

If you’re into music then you’ll find this story interesting. The video below is good practice for your listening skills. Feel free to watch it more than once. The text below the video will give you extra details about the short story.

Kenya’s catchy pop hit that took the world by storm

Discuss:

1. How did the song “Jambo Bwana” come to life? What was its inspiration?
2. What did you think of the tune or the melody of the pop song?
3. What are some of the local songs in your country that are considered a classic and are still played on the radio?
4. What are some of your preferences when it comes to music?

Running Away to Escape a Marriage

B2 – Upper Intermediate

I is rather unfortunate that the practice of arranged marriages is still very much alive in some traditions. Certain Indian communities are continues to strongly practice it, even if the child firmly goes against it.

Read the article below to know the story of one Indian girl who escaped her arranged marriage but had to face the consequences.

https://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-38833804

Discussion Questions:

  1. What did you think of Jasvinder Sanghera’s story? How was she able to escape her arranged marriage?
  2. According to the article, why did Jasvinder dislike being in an arranged marriage? What were the struggles she had to endure?
  3. How do you view this custom? What are the good and bad things about it?
  4. What would you do if your parents fixed your marriage up with someone you barely know?
  5. Discuss other family traditions that you think should be discontinued.

Vocabulary: Killing time

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B1 – Intermediate

This activity is meant to practice your listening skills and increase your vocabulary. Listen to the podcast to understand the idiom “Killing Time” and how to use it.

Killing time

Discuss:

1. What does it mean when you kill time? How would you use it in a sentence?
2. When you have appointments, do you like being early then just kill time? Or do you prefer being on time?
3. What are things you like to do when killing time?

Vocabulary: Eat humble pie

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B1 – Intermediate

This activity is meant to practice your listening skills and increase your vocabulary. Listen to the podcast to understand the idiom “Eat Humble Pie” and how to use it.

Eat humble pie

Discuss:

1. What does it mean when you eat humble pie? How would you use it in a sentence?
2. In the podcast, why did Rob have to eat humble pie?
3. What is the history of the phrase “eat humble pie”?
4. Describe a time you were wrong and had to eat humble pie.

Japan’s Legendary Female Divers

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C1 – Advanced

The Japanese are renowned for keeping most of their traditions alive. “Ama” divers is one of them. Read the article below to know what and who “ama” divers are and be ready to answer some discussion questions.

On the job with Japan’s legendary female ama divers

Discuss:

1. What kind of diving do the “ama” divers do?
2. In your country, what industries were thriving in the past but are now declining?
3. What are some traditions that your country has strongly carried through the years (food,feast, etc.)
4. What are some of the small towns in your country that local and foreign tourists like to visit because of it history and heritage?

World’s Cheapest Michelin-Starred Meal

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C1 – Advanced

Who doesn’t want to have meal rated by the Michelin guide? We all are interested as to why a certain dish was given a star or two, but keeping in mind that it just might break the bank. Interestingly enough, Singapore offers something else.

Read the article below to know more about a cheap yet very tasty serving of noodle.

Singapore offers the world’s cheapest Michelin-starred meal

Discuss:

1. Discuss the restaurant and food of Chan Hon Meng.
2. Have you experienced eating at a Michelin-starred restaurant? How was that experience?
3. What are some of the local food joints that you enjoy going to?
4. What new cuisines would you like to explore or try?

Home Security

B1 – Intermediate

Being safe in your own home is something very important.

Listen to the short audio clip and read the transcript to learn more about some home security measures. Be ready to have a discussion afterwards.

Home Security – Script

Discussion Questions:

1. What are three things you do to protect your apartment or home from burglary?
2. Do you need advanced systems like motion detectors to protect your dwelling, or is a watch dog enough?
3. What are other good ways to protect yourself and your home from burglary?

Supermarkets Are not Cheating Customers

C1 – Advanced

Consumers are always on the look out for promotions and discounts on almost every products. But are all promotional products worth your cash?

Read the article below and express your thoughts about it.

http://www.bbc.com/news/business-38967432

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think multi-buy packages are a good deal or is it a way to entice customers to buy more than what they really want? Share your thoughts.
  2. How could supermarkets handle this issue with multi-buy better without causing annoyance to their customers?
  3. Do you like these kinds of offers? Why or why not?
  4. What are other ways you think supermarkets are tricking their customers?
  5. Share your experience getting tricked by a store or supermarket offer?

The Culture Shock of an International Student

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Culture shock is defined as feeling confused and anxious when you visit another country or city. It happens to everyone, even to young students who are more flexible and adaptable to a new environment.

Read the article below to know about the experience of one international student.

https://www.theguardian.com/education/2016/mar/30/i-wasnt-prepared-for-the-culture-shock-of-being-an-international-student

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on and experiences studying abroad?
  2. What are the advantages and disadvantages of being an international student?
  3. Have you experienced culture shock before? How did you cope with that?
  4. Share an experience you had in staying in another country. What are the things that matched with your expectations before coming to a country and which things didn’t?