Category: Homework

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. Talk about a language that you know 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 foreign 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?

 

What is the Point of College?

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B2 – Upper intermediate

Nowadays, people with college degrees are going through a tough time finding a job they like. Is getting a degree worth it? Or is it becoming to be a waste of time?

Read the article to know the benefits of getting a college education. Prepare to express your thoughts.

What’s the Point of College, Really?

Discuss:

1. According to the article, explain the benefits of going to college or university.
2. What is your general opinion of the article?
3. Is your current career related to the degree that you took in college/university?
4. In your country, is it important to get a university education to land a good job?
5. If given the chance, what other fields of education would you study or take up?

 

Boot Camps for Internet Addicts

B1 – Intermediate

Internet addiction is one very common problem among teenagers these days. In China, one way to combat this addiction is to take children to a boot camp.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript on a boot camp for internet addicts.

http://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/can-boot-camp-cure-internet-addiction/2442322.html

Discussion Questions:

1. How many hours do you usually spend surfing the internet?
2. At work, are you highly dependent on the internet?
3. Would you consider internet addiction as a disease?
4. What are the ways you can prevent internet addiction?

Thousands Wake Up During Surgery

B1 – Intermediate

A report in England states that thousands of patients a year wake up during an
operation. One doctor said it happens one in every 19,000 operations. They are now trying to find areas that could be improved during an operation to prevent this from happening.

http://www.breakingnewsenglish.com/1409/140914-surgery.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think the case of waking up during a surgery is considered carelessness on the doctor’s side? Why or why not?
  2. Do you know someone who experienced the same situation? Talk about it.
  3. Have you had a surgery or any major medical procedure in the past? How did it go?
  4. How do you think you would feel if you woke up in the middle of your operation?
  5. Would you say that doctors in your country are highly-qualified?

Hunger in America

B2 – Upper intermediate

One in seven American families suffer from food insecurity. Inflation is low but the population’s ability to get healthy food is decreasing. Eating unhealthy food can cause illness such us diabetes and hypertension and food insecurity can lead people to committing crimes such us robbery and stealing.

Hunger Threatens One in Seven Americans

Discuss:

1. What do you think people can do to address this issue in their own little ways?
2. Can you think of alternative ways to get healthy food in cheaper cost?
3. Has your country experienced such difficulty? Do you see this happening in the future?
4. How secure are the citizens of your country when it comes to their employment?

How to Survive the Heat

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B1 – Intermediate

There are common health problems which are caused by high temperatures that, in the worst scenario, can lead to death.

Read the article to know more about the dangers of heat and how to be protected from it.

How to Survive the Heat

Discuss:

1. Do you love soaking yourself in the summer sun? Are you aware of its danger?
2. Have you experienced health related issues due to high temperature?
3. What activities do you enjoy doing during the summer?
4. How do you keep cool when the weather gets too hot?