Category: Homework

People From a Rainforest

B1 – Intermediate

A footage shows native people emerge from the Amazon rain forest and make contact with the outside world. Brazilian experts said the indigenous people likely crossed the border from Peru facing pressure from illegal logging and drug trafficking at home.

http://www.newsinlevels.com/products/people-from-a-rainforest-level-3/

Discussion Questions:

1. Is drug trafficking happening in Spain? How about illegal logging?
2. Have you ever taken a trip to exotic places?
3. Are there still places in your country that are still “untouched” by civilization?

Stress Management

B1 – Intermediate

Stress is a very common word for most people. It comes from different causes and everybody can have it. Everyone can experience stress and there are ways to be free from it.

Let’s learn how to manage stress properly.

http://www.ulifeline.org/articles/427-managing-stress

Discussion Questions:

1. Would you consider yourself stressed out?
2. What are the major causes of your stress?
3. What are the ways you do to deal with your stress?

Video Games Good for Children

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B1 – Intermediate

Different studies were conducted on how behavior among children and teenagers are affected by playing video games. A study in Oxford University found that playing video games for less than an hour a day is good. On the other hand, playing violent video games influence teenagers to be more aggressive.

Read the article to know more about the possible benefits and consequences of vieo games on children.

Study: Playing Video Games Good for Children

Discuss:

1. Do you play video games?
2. Does it affect your way of thinking and behaviour?
3. Do you agree with idea suggested in the article?
4. Would you allow your children to play video games? If yes, what set of rules would you impose?

Caffeine Improves Long-Term Memory

A2 – Elementary

Most people drink coffee or tea to jump-start their day. It works as stimulant. It gives them energy and keeps them awake. But, according to the study conducted by Mike Yassa, together with the University of California in Irvine, caffeine also helps improve long term memory.

 

Discuss:

1. Are you a coffee or tea drinker?
2. How does caffeine affect you in a daily basis?
3. What is the best coffee for you?

The Six Secrets of Self-Control

C1 – Advanced

Do you have the habit of checking your phone all the time, even when it’s not necessary? Are you an impulsive person who just can’t resist buying when there’s a sale? Our self-control is always on the line.

Click on the title below and read the article to know more about self-control.

The Six Secrets of Self-Control

Discuss:

1. Explain the 6 secrets of self-control.
2. Which ones do you practice? Do you agree with all of them?
3. Would you say that self-control is your strength?
4. When was the last time that you had to practice self-control?

Language Extinction

B1 – Intermediate

Economic development is causing the extinction of some languages, according to some scientists. A study has found that minority languages in the most developed parts of the world are most at threat.

Listen to the podcast to know more about the extinction of certain languages.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/language/wordsinthenews/2014/09/140905_witn_languages.shtml

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you know a language that has gone extinct?
  2. In your opinion, do you think that rapid growth of a country can affect the extinction of language?
  3. What are some of the other local languages that you can speak? How about international languages?
  4. If you were given an opportunity, which languages would you like to learn and master?

Noisy Neighbors Biggest Problem

B1 – Intermediate

We’ve all had horrible or not-so-good experiences with our neighbors.  The website “Which?” conducted a survey and found out that a number of people are stressed with their neighbors.

Read the article to know more about the different nuisances that neighbors can have with each other.

http://www.breakingnewsenglish.com/1409/140918-neighbours.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. Have you ever had an annoying neighbor? Have you ever had any problems with a neighbor?
  2. What are the common problems that you experience with your neighbors?
  3. How would you describe your neighborhood or the place you live?
  4. Which would you prefer: living in the city or in the country?

Annoying Tourists Habits for Spaniards

 B2 – Upper Intermediate

Spanish are known to be very easygoing. However, even the most patient locals could have some tourists actions or behaviors that tick them off.

Find out some things that tourists do that displease the locals.

http://www.thelocal.es/galleries/travel/twelve-things-tourists-do-that-annoy-spaniards-spain-tourism

Discussion Questions:

1. Which habits annoy you? Which habits do you find tolerable?
2. What tips can you give tourists for them to enjoy your country?
3. Share some of your travel experiences.

Walk or Cycle for ‘a Happier Commute”

B1 – Intermediate

Walking or cycling to work instead of driving a car can improve feelings of health and happiness. Click on the title to know more about alternative ways of commuting. Be ready to answer some discussion questions.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/language/wordsinthenews/2014/09/140915_witn_cycling.shtml

Click on the title to listen to the report:

http://http-ws.bbc.co.uk.edgesuite.net/mp3/learningenglish/2014/09/bbc_witn_cyclists_report_140915_witn_cycling_report_au_bb.mp3

Discussion Questions:

  1. How do you get to work?
  2. Do you think it is better to walk, to take your bike or to travel by public transport to work?
  3. What kind of exercise routine do you have?
  4. How do you stay healthy and happy?

Pope says World War III pretty much here

B2 – Upper intermediate

Pope Francis has announced that a third world war may soon happen. He has made repeated appeals for an end to the world’s conflicts. He cited the loss of life in WWI to what is happening today.

Be ready to have a speaking activity and to discuss some vocabulary words

Pope says World War III pretty much here

Discuss:

1. Do you think that World War III will happen?
2. What is your opinion about war?
3. What do you think we should do to prevent this from happening?