Category: Homework

The Ice Bucket Challenge Years After

C1 – Advanced

In the summer of 2014, one guy posted a video of himself pouring a bucket of ice water over his head to support ALS and other causes. Then his friends decided to do it as well. In total, more than 17M people took part in the Ice Bucket Challenge.

Ever wondered what happened to the money the supporters donated? Watch the video then read the article to get an update on the ALS research.

One year later, your ALS Ice Bucket money goes to …

Discuss:

1. What do you know about ALS?
2. What did you think about the Ice Bucket Challenge?
3. If you could support a research or an organization, what would it be?

Japanese Troops Set to Fight

B2 – Upper Intermediate

A new security bill has been passed in Japan. It will allow military troops to fight abroad for the first time after the WWII. Some believe this is unconstitutional.

Opponents of this new legislation are taking their frustrations to the streets. But what exactly are they fighting for?

Watch the video and be ready to discuss the issue that Japan is facing.

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-33546379

Discussion Questions:

  1. In your own words, explain what the Japanese people in the video are against.
  2. What are your thoughts on this news?
  3. What do you think are the fears that the Japanese protesters are facing?
  4. Would you say that the troops in your country are ready to fight in case the need arises?
  5. In your country, how do citizens express their thoughts and negative reactions?

A Tool to Rid Internet of Child Porn

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B2 – Upper intermediate

How safe are you and your children when using the Internet?
Read the article and get to know the software PhotoDNA.

Microsoft launches tool to rid Internet of child porn

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on this tool?

2. What are ways to ensure children’s internet safety?

3. What do you think is the role of parents when it comes to children and their Internet usage?

4. How is the government in your country trying to fight cybercrimes?

Video: America’s Shrinking Homes

C1 – Advanced

America is the place where everything is big – from food portions to super skyscrapers and warehouse stores. “Small” is the last word one associates with the US. Surprisingly, however, it was in this very land of everything mega that the tiny house movement was born.

Watch the video and learn more about the minimalist lifestyle that has made some people move from big houses to whimsical dollhouse-type homes.

America’s shrinking homes

Discuss:

1. According to the video, why are there more and more people joining the tiny house movement?
2. In your country, what did people do to adjust when the economic crisis hit? Did people start selling their homes?
3. Is it usual for people to live in big houses in your country?
4. Describe your ideal house.

Top 50 Job Interview Questions

Getting ready for an interview? This article will give you tips on how to answer top interview questions.

Read on and be ready to have a speaking activity. You’ll be able to practice by answering some of the featured questions during the discussion.

http://jobsearch.about.com/od/interviewquestionsanswers/a/top-50-job-interview-questions.htm

Discussion Questions:

1. Have you had an all-English job interview?
2. What do you think are the questions that are difficult to answer?

Signs You Were Born and Raised in Spain

spain-born-raised

B2 – Upper intermediate

Are you a true-blue Espanol? Read the article and see which among the cultural quirks you can identify with. Be ready to debunk the myths, explain the idiosyncrasies, and add what you think is missing from the list.

15 Signs You Were Born and Raised in Spain

Discuss:

1. Which ones do you practice? Which ones are not true for you?
2. Do you think you can add more to the list?
3. What do you think is the history behind some of the mentioned practices?

Baboon Survives after Pig Heart Transplant

B2 – Upper Intermediate

A team of scientists who’ve successfully transplanted a genetically modified pig’s heart into a baboon is hoping someday to do the same procedure for human patients desperately in need of replacement organs.

Read the following article then be prepared to answer some discussion questions.

https://www.theguardian.com/science/2018/dec/05/baboon-survives-pig-heart-organ-transplant-human-trials

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on this scientific breakthrough?
  2. Should we transplant pig organs into humans? Discuss.
  3. Cite some issues with xenotransplantation.
  4. Is it right to alter an animal’s genome for the purpose of using its organs for human patients? Why or why not?

Vocabulary: Food – Different categories

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A1 – Beginner

This page will show you the different English terms of food. From fruits and vegetables to spices and seasonings.

Click on each food category and familiarize yourself with the different terms. Be ready to use some of the words during the speaking exercise.

 

Food Vocabulary: Different Categories

Discuss:

1. Do you like to cook? Which ingredients do you often use when you cook?
2. What are your preferences when it comes to eating bread?
3. Which type of you meat do you prefer?

Starbucks Is Hiking Prices Again

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Part of most people’s morning routine is getting their daily coffee fix. How would a 5 to 20-cent increase on your favorite coffee’s price sound? 

Like any business, Starbucks has the power to raise its prices. Loyal customers are probably just going to brush this aside.

Read the article and watch the video to learn about Starbucks’ plans to hike their prices again and also know how they are doing in the market.

https://edition.cnn.com/2022/02/02/business/starbucks-prices/index.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the primary reasons for price hikes at Starbucks?
  2. How does this price increase affect the company?
  3. Is Starbucks popular in your country? What are the other big coffee chains or coffee bars that are doing well in your country?
  4. Why do people keep on coming back to Starbucks despite the high prices of their coffee and their constant price increase?

Vocabulary: Basic Food and Drinks

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A1 – Beginner

This resource will help increase your vocabulary when talking about basic food and drinks.

Read and listen to the different English terms for basic food and drinks and be ready to use them during the speaking exercise.

Basic Food and Drinks

Discuss:

1. What do you usually drink in the morning for breakfast? Are you a coffee or tea drinker?
2. What fruits do you enjoy eating?
3. What are the vegetables you least like or don’t like too much?