Category: Homework

Being Unhappy at Work

B2 – Upper Intermediate

It is a fact that most of us dedicate majority of our time to working.

So, it is rather imperative that we make sure that we hold a job that does not bring us sorrow.

Being happy at our work is so much more than high compensation and great benefits.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about being happy at work.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2023/ep-230817

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to be on one’s feet” mean? “When I waitressed in cafes I was on my feet ten hours a day – it was exhausting!” Use this idiom in your own sentence.
  2. Define “presenteeism”. “In the work that we’ve done within the construction industry, we have trialled what we would call an ‘output-based’ way of working, which means we shift away from this sense of presenteeism.” Use this word in a sentence.
  3. What does “to breathe down one’s neck” mean, “The pressure to work quickly means you might have your boss breathing down your neck.”? Use this idiom in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What makes a workplace horrible? On the other hand, what is a good job/workplace?
  2. What should someone do if they had a terrible job/workplace? Give them some pieces of advice on how to handle this ordeal.
  3. Share your thoughts on shifting away from presenteeism and instead, heading toward an output-based way of working.
  4. What’s the worst job you’ve ever held? How did you go through with it?
  5. How can burnout be prevented?
  6. According to a Forbes magazine survey done in the UK, being a call center agent is voted the worst job. What is your reaction to this?

Eco-Anxiety

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The impact of climate change is undoubtedly on Mother Nature. However, this problem isn’t only affecting the planet, but also people’s mental health.

According to experts, more and more people suffer from ‘eco-anxiety’. Knowing the state that our world is in now is enough to bring people stress and anxiety.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about climate anxiety.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2023/ep-230810

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does ”ball game” mean? “We perhaps have these models… now we have the exact science, so it is an absolutely different ball game… we actually know what to do now.” Use this idiom in your own sentence.
  2. What does ”impassioned” mean? “It is about getting on with it, and the young people are the furthest ahead in this they can see the future as theirs and they’re impassioned to do something about it.” Give 2 synonyms and use “impassioned” in your own sentence.
  3. What does “to reach net zero” mean, “And also, you know, at the moment the government is trying to reach net zero by 2050 and all that, and they committed to creating 2 million new green jobs.”? Use this idiom in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on eco-anxiety?
  2. How do the climate change-related issues take a toll on you and/or the people around you? 
  3. How can we deal with eco-anxiety?
  4. What is your reaction to this, “Many of those suffering from eco-anxiety are young people.“? Why do you think this is the case?
  5. Do you think young people are truly impassioned to do something about the state we have left the planet in? Why or why not?
  6. Do you think dedicating one’s entire working life to building a green sustainable future has a huge effect on their psychology? Explain your thoughts.

Penny Supermarket Charges True Cost of Foods

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Food is an ultimate essential for humans. Perhaps most of us do not pay so much attention to it, but agriculture and food production contribute a great deal to greenhouse emissions.

The German-French discount supermarket chain Penny wants their customers to pay extra for certain food items in order to cover for their true climate/environmental costs. This initiative from Penny also aims to make grocery shoppers aware of the impact of food production on the environment.

Read the article about Penny’s “True Cost” campaign.

https://www.dw.com/en/true-food-prices-germany-penny/a-66422126

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does ”greenwashing” mean? “Bernhard Krüsken, the general secretary of the German Farmers’ Association, called the campaign a “greenwashing project of a discount supermarket that otherwise has little interest in fair pricing.” Use this word in your own sentence.
  2. What does ”markedly” mean? “Almost all of the products that the German discount supermarket Penny is now selling at the “true cost” of their environmental impacts are markedly more expensive.” Give 2 synonyms and use “markedly” in your own sentence.
  3. What does “to be reflected in something” mean, “These impacts are not yet reflected in sales prices, but they cost our society money indirectly.”? Use this idiom in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your opinion on Penny’s campaign? Do you believe it is just greenwashing? Why or why not?
  2. How will this campaign affect Penny?
  3. Will this initiative really make consumers consider the environmental consequences of their purchases? Explain.
  4. What are some things you do as a consumer to minimize the impact of your purchases on the environment?
  5. “Germans paid only 11.1% of their household budget for food, less than people in the EU usually pay.” How much do you think a household in your country typically spends on food? Is it a very high or very low budget in your opinion?

Creative Activities that Can Make You Happier

B2 – Upper Intermediate

We can’t always have control over the conditions and events in our lives. However, we have the ability to choose how we think and feel about our circumstances, as well as how we respond to them. The activities we do always have an effect on our physical and mental health.

Read this article to learn about some creative activities that can make you happier.

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/five-creative-activities-happiness_l_64b7f9efe4b0dcb4cab6a23a

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “play a role” mean? “They may also play a role in morbidity and mortality, weight distribution, blood pressure, and other physical qualities.” Use this phrase in a sentence.
  2. Define “safe outlet” in this context. “Activities such as singing and dancing are transformational because they enable us to process a variety of emotions either by providing a safe outlet for their expression or their release.” Make a sentence with this phrase in this context.
  3. What does “partake in” mean? “Generally, any activity that you take the time to partake in outside of your daily routine can improve your mental and physical well-being.” Use this in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think of the activities mentioned in the article?
  2. What are some examples of creative activities that you personally find bring you happiness?
  3. Do you think there is a connection between creativity and personal happiness? Why or why not?
  4. Are there any potential downsides or challenges associated with relying on creative activities for happiness?
  5. How do you incorporate creative activities into your daily or weekly routine to enhance your own happiness?

Breastfeeding Experiment 

B1 – Intermediate

Breastfeeding is a natural and essential way for mothers to nourish their newborns. Mothers produce a special kind of milk that provides all the necessary nutrients for a baby’s growth and development. It also promotes a strong bond between the mother and the baby, creating a sense of closeness and security.

In this lesson, a social experiment was conducted, where people tested how others react to breastfeeding in public.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/breastfeeding-experiment-level-2/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “social experiment” mean? “People created a social experiment to see how others really react to breastfeeding in public spaces. Part of the experiment showed a situation on the tube in London.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “increasingly” mean? “The man became increasingly louder.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “step in” mean? “One of the passengers stepped in” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your initial thoughts and feelings about the social experiment? Elaborate.
  2. Should breastfeeding in public be considered a normal and acceptable practice? Why / Why not?
  3. What are some ways society can promote and normalize breastfeeding in public spaces while respecting the comfort of all individuals involved?
  4. Should there be designated breastfeeding areas in public spaces, or should mothers have the right to breastfeed anywhere they feel comfortable? Talk about it.

Dog Drives a Motorbike

B1 – Intermediate

Having a pet dog is a joyful experience. They offer constant companionship, playfulness, and unconditional love, brightening our lives every day. The simple presence of a furry friend can bring immense happiness and warmth to our homes.

Let’s read the article below to learn more about a dog and his owner that gone viral.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/dog-drives-a-motorbike-level-3/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “go viral” mean? “A video has gone viral of a dog named Sydney driving his owner around on a motorbike in Indonesia.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “glare” mean? “The dog wears a pair of thick sunglasses to protect his eyes from any glare on the road.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “lap up something” mean? “The duo is lapping up some limelight at the moment, all because it is something that we are not used to seeing, but the dog’s owner said that this is actually completely normal in Indonesia.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your initial thoughts and feelings upon hearing about this viral video of a dog driving a motorbike? Why do you think it became so popular?
  2. How important is trust in the relationship between humans and their pets?
  3. How do you think the internet and social media platforms impact the spread of viral videos and stories like this one? What are the pros and cons of this phenomenon?
  4. What are some personal stories or experiences related to pets or animals that have had a significant impact on your life or cultural perspectives?

China’s Economy a Ticking Time Bomb

B2 – Upper Intermediate

China is considered the world’s second-largest economy. With the recent economic crises that the economic powerhouse is confronted with, US President Joe Biden described its economy as a ‘ticking time bomb’.

On contrary, Chinese President Xi Jinping believes their country’s economy has “strong resilience, tremendous potential, and great vitality”.

Read this article to learn more about China’s economic problems.

https://www.bbc.com/news/business-66636403

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “ticking time bomb” mean? “US President Joe Biden described the world’s second-largest economy as “a ticking time bomb, predicting growing discontent in the country.” Use this phrase in your own sentence.
  2. What does “to ride a wave of something” mean? “For two decades, the sector boomed as developers rode a wave of privatization. But crisis struck in 2020.” Use this phrase in your own sentence.
  3. What does “meltdown” mean here, “The government, fearing a US-style 2008 meltdown, then put limits on how much developers could borrow.”? Use this phrase in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. In your own words, discuss China’s economic crisis.
  2. How do you think China’s economic crisis could affect the world economy?
  3. What are some economic crises that your country is facing right now and what do you think caused it.
  4. “A change of economic direction requires a change of political ideology.” Do you think China should consider changing some of its political ideologies? Talk about your opinion.
  5. “There could be a danger that Mr Xi is prioritizing ideology over effective governance, or control over pragmatism.” Share your thoughts on this.

Put your Phone on Airplane Mode

B2 – Upper Intermediate

If you are a frequent flyer, you have probably heard the cabin crew’s announcement to switch off your mobile phone or atleast put it on airplane mode for the duration of the flight. They expect the passengers to follow this rule without necessarily providing ample details for doing so.

Watch the video and be informed as to why our mobile phones should be on airplane mode when we are flying.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is the meaning of the word “interference” in this context? “At least your special eyes would be able to see this if the sky wasn’t flooded with interference from routers, satellites, and of course, people flying who haven’t put their phones on airplane mode.” Use it in your own sentence.
  2. Define the phrasal verb “drown out“. “Since planes travel so quickly, the phones might find themselves much closer to a cell tower than expected; blasting it with a massive signal that drowns out those on the ground.” Use this phrase in a sentence.
  3. What does the phrasal verb “blot out” mean? “This leads consumers to pay for more bandwidth, pushing service providers to take over more of the radio spectrum, and eventually, send more satellites into the sky — creating a vicious cycle that could eventually blot out the stars.” Use this phrase in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the benefits of putting your phone on airplane mode when you are on a plane?
  2. What are the dangers of not putting your phone on airplane mode?
  3. Do you think airline companies should stop offering wi-fi connection on a plane? Why or why not?
  4. Do you put your phone on airplane mode every time you fly? Are there other situations where you do the same?

Child-Free Zones on Planes

B2 – Upper Intermediate

For some people, flying on a plane could be a stressful experience by itself. The fear of flying, missing a connecting flight, or misrouted luggages are some of the reasons for this anxiety. Apart from these, another reason a plane experience could be stressful is if you are sitting close to a disruptive child. A few airline companies have taken the initiative to launch child-free zones in their flights.

Let’s read the article and find out more about this “quiet zones” on the plane.

https://thepointsguy.com/news/child-free-flights/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the phrase “within earshot” mean?”I know how stressful it can be for the parents and how disruptive it can be for passengers within earshot.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. Define the word “shriek“. “One airline, though, has devised a plan to separate silence-seeking adults from the wails and shrieks that so often find their way out of a baby’s surprisingly strong lungs.” Use it in a sentence and give two synonyms.
  3. What is the meaning of the word “a pretty penny? “I’m kidding (or am I?), but my point is that unless you pay a pretty penny, flying — like life — has its inconveniences.” Use it in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are child-free zones on a plane? Where can they be found and what is the passenger age requirement?
  2. Do you think child-free zones is a win-win solution or a form of alienation? Explain your stand.
  3. Should passengers pay extra to be in these quiet zones? Explain.
  4. Do you think it’s worth the added cost? Why or why not?
  5. Have you ever been disrupted by a child on a plane? If yes, how did you handle it?
  6. In your opinion, should there be child-free zones in other public places and transportation too?

Moonshot Thinking

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Margaret Mead said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” This mindset is what most trailblazers uphold. They go on paths no one ever dared to ever before. This then inspires others and eventually what leads to changing the world one crazy idea at a time.

Watch this video to learn more about moonshot thinking.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does ”to bring the world together” mean? “Moonlight thinking brought the world together.” Use this phrase in your own sentence.
  2. What does ”to set one’s mind to something” mean? “People can set their minds to magical, seemingly impossible ideas and then through science and technology, bring them to reality.” Use this phrase in your own sentence.
  3. What does “to set someone on fire” mean, “That then sets other people on fire that other things that look impossible might be accomplishable.”? Use this phrase in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Share your thoughts on moonshot thinking.
  2. Do you have any experience being an innovator? If yes, talk about it. If not, what do you think of being one?
  3. What’s your take on challenges? How do you normally take them on?
  4. In your own way, how do you think something you have done/created changed things?
  5. What is something you thought was shooting for the moon, but ended up doing anyway?