phone english blogB2 – Upper Intermediate
Happiness- the quality or state of being happy. We each have our own definition of happiness depending on situations we are in.
Read the article below and know more about the pursuit of happiness.
http://edition.cnn.com/2014/03/20/opinion/alston-happiness-day/index.html?hpt=hp_t5
Discussion Questions:
1. What makes you happy?
2. What are the components of happiness?
3. Will you consider happiness as a luxury item?
B2 – Upper intermediate
Lies are part of human nature. Cliché, but true. It can be inevitable in some instances especially when you have personal reasons. How would you detect if someone is lying to you? Watch this interesting video.
Click on CC on the video to watch the clip with subtitles.
Discuss:
1. How about you? How can you tell when your colleagues or friends are being dishonest to you?
2. Were there times when you told a lie to impress someone? Or maybe lied to avoid hurting someone’s feelings?
3. Share some of your funny experiences about lying.
B2 – Upper intermediate
People usually have preconceived ideas of men’s or women’s characteristics, traits, habits or roles in general. Have you ever wondered what causes gender stereotypes and how it all started? Watch this video to see our history.
Discuss:
1. Can you name a few stereotypes of men and women?
2. Have you been a victim of a stereotype?
3. Do you witness gender discrimination in your workplace?
B2 – Upper Intermediate
Being a women and a CEO of one of the world’s top companies might not be a walk in the park for anybody. But we’ve watch a lot of boss ladies successfully conquer both family and work life.
Watch the interview of Indra K. Nooyi and why she said, “Women can’t have it all.”
Discussion Questions:
B1 – Intermediate
The number of grown-ups who are living at home is continually increasing in different countries in the world.
This article talks about the underlying reasons regarding the issue. Some advantages and disadvantages are also discussed by different individuals from different countries.
Audio:
Discussion Questions:
1. Is living at home a good or bad point in your own perspective?
2. Do people in your place share the same issue (grown-up and living at home) with people from other parts of the world?
3. What do you think parents and children should do to address this issue?
B2 – Upper intermediate
According to a global study carried out by consultancy firm, Nielsen, 86% of the Spanish claim to have changed their buying habits over the last year in order to save on household expenses.
This percentage is “well above the European average,” which is currently at 65%. The study noted that 18% of the Spanish have no money left at the end of the month after covering their basic needs. Among those who have some money left, 41% is spent on leisure activities/entertainment outside of the home, 37% on savings, 29% on clothes, 25% on holidays, 24% on paying off debts or loans and only 6% is dedicated to pension plans or investments.
The report highlighted that 85% of those questioned believe that now is not a “good time” to buy things they do not want or need. Nielsen pointed out that this “negative” view over buying, is the view held by the majority throughout Europe.
The actions the Spanish are taking in order to save are to spend less on entertainment outside the home (69%); spend less on gas or electricity bills (65%); reduce spending on telephones/communications (58%), buy fewer clothes (56%) and take less holidays (51%).
The consultant noted that a “large part” of those interviewed said that they will maintain these cost-cutting measures even when the economic situation improves, “especially when it comes to reducing their spending on bills.”
Spanish among the most pessimistic
The consumer confidence index in Spain fell four points during the third quarter, reaching 48, “which puts it at the bottom of all the countries of the world.” The European average is currently 74 points, whereas the world average is 92.
El Economista reported that 96% of Spanish consumers believe the country is in recession, and 82% do not foresee an improvement in the next twelve months.
Discussion Questions:
1. What brought about the changes in the Spanish’s spending habit?
2. What do you think about the Spanish spending habit?
3. What is your spending habit like?
4. What changes have you done in your spending habits over the years?
B2 – Upper Intermediate
Keeping up in today’s fast-paced world can be a daunting task to many. Take control of your life by enhancing your time management skills. Learn valuable tips from an expert through this article.
http://jamesclear.com/time-management-tips
Discussion Questions:
1. Describe your time management skills at work and at home.
2. How do you deal with distractions?
3. Share your own approach in getting things done.
B1 – Intermediate
South Korea is now facing problems related to low birthrate.
Find out the reasons and consequences for their dropping birthrates.
http://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/the-end-of-south-korea/2436486.html
Discussion Questions:
C1 – Advanced
In 1937, the book “Think and Grow Rich” was a big hit. Everybody wanted to be rich and the book gave tips on how to be so. Could it still be practical today? Read the article and express your thoughts about it.
Be ready to explain the different idiomatic expressions used in the article. Feel free to listen to the audio clip as well.
http://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/think-yourself-rich-or-try-saving/1906479.html
Discussion Questions:
1. What does the expression “Money is the root of all evil” mean?
2. How would you explain the phrase “Money makes the world go round”?
3. Do you consider yourself thrifty or a spendthrift?
4. What are the ways in which we can save money?
B1 – Intermediate
Health experts believe that sugar in chocolates is unhealthy. However, doctors say that there are also some benefits to eating chocolates.
This VOA news clip discusses the good effects of chocolates to your body.
http://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/raw-chocolate-better-for-your-health/2423907.html
Discussion Questions: