phone english blogB2 – Upper Intermediate
The issue of water shortage is closer to home than you think. No country, whether powerful nor developing, is exempt from this imminent problem.
Watch the video below to get more facts on water shortage.
Discussion Questions:
C1 – Advanced
How would you define encouragement? And how different is it from motivation?
Watch the video below then read the article to know more about how encouragement changes a person’s life.
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Discuss:
1. Based on the article and video, how would you explain the difference between encouragement and motivation?
2. What makes encouraging so important to people?
3. How do you encourage people at work or in your family?
4. Do you enjoy challenges or do you usually shy away from them?
B2 – Upper intermediate
There are 24 official languages spoken at the European Parliament. The European Parliament’s Secretary General has asked Euro politicians to speak more slowly and to use to their native language instead of English. What are your thoughts on the Secretary General’s request?
Discuss:
1. What do you think about the article?
2. What do you think is the difference between an interpreter and a translator?
3. How do you feel about using English in political meetings such as the European Parliament?
4. If you could speak another language fluently, what would it be?
B1 – Intermediate
Nature includes the terrestrial and marine environments. It is so interesting that we enjoy life mainly because of the deep-sea elements of our planet Earth. How much do you know about the aquatic environment?
Enjoy reading the article here to appreciate the life beneath the water surfaces.
http://www.english-online.at/biology/marine-biology/life-forms-and-habitats-in-the-worlds-oceans.htm
Discussion Questions:
C2 – Proficient
There are a lot of unproven conspiracy theories circulating in the world. Either they’re in conflict with a consensus or isn’t historically proven.
Watch this video about five of the most mysterious conspiracy theories.
Discuss:
1. Do you find conspiracy theories interesting?
2. Name one (or more) conspiracy theory (theories) you know of.
3. In your opinion, how true can conspiracy theories be?
4. Where do you think these theories come from?
C1 – Advanced
Working longer days compared to neighboring European counterparts isn’t exactly the best way to boost productivity and reduce work-related stress among Spanish workers.
Discover why Spain is the best place to live in, but the contrary as a place to work.
Discuss:
1. Do you agree or disagree that Spain is a great place to live but a terrible place to work or invest in?
2. What are your thoughts on Spain’s image of the land of the siesta?
3. How can work practices be improved in your country?
B2 – Upper Intermediate
The story of William Chase is just one of many talking about the struggles and triumphs of doing what you love and turning it into a business. If you’re as lucky as him, you might even end up making millions.
Read the article about the potato farmer who went from being bankrupt to a millionaire. Be ready to answer the questions that follow.
http://www.bbc.com/news/business-35491792
Discussion Questions:
1. In your own words, tell the story of William Chase.
2. What were some of the challenges that he encountered? What were his frustrations?
3. How would you describe the agricultural industry in your country?
4. Are your local farmers supported by the government?
5. If you had the opportunity to have a business, what would you put up?
C1 – Advanced
What’s the first thing that enters your mind when you hear the word “USA”? Click on the title below to find out what some people think of North America.
This video is meant to practice your listening skills. Feel free to watch it more than once.
Discuss:
1. After watching the video, recall the things that the people said after being asked about the United States.
2. Do you agree with any of the opinions shared? Do you disagree?
3. What do you think makes America great? Not so great?
4. Have you been to the US? What can you say about their culture?
B2 – Upper Intermediate
Zika virus is spread to people through mosquito bites. In May 2015, the Pan American Health Organization issued an alert regarding the first confirmed Zika virus infection in Brazil.
Read the article below and discuss your current knowledge and opinions about this health issue.
http://www.breakingnewsenglish.com/1602/160202-zika-virus.html
Discussion Questions:
1. What do you know about the Zika virus?
2. How worried are you about the Zika virus?
3. Will there be a vaccine for all viruses one day?
4. If there are no diseases, will there be an overpopulation problem?
5. Why would it be a problem to find a vaccine for the Zika virus?
B2 – Upper Intermediate
Texting is a great way to stay in touch with friends. But, teenagers have actually reached a new high when it comes to sending more than just a message.
What is sexting and how dangerous is it for teenagers? Read this article and express your thoughts.
Discussion Questions: