Category: Homework

Human-Centered Design

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Human-centered design is a way of solving problems, and it’s getting a lot of attention. This video shows you what human-centered design is all about and why it’s making waves. It explains how focusing on people can make a big difference in different areas or industries.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the idiom “on the fly” mean in the sentence, “The inspiration phase is about learning on the fly, opening yourself up to creative possibilities, and trusting that as long as you remain grounded in the desires of people you’re designing for, your ideas will evolve into the right solution.”? Give two synonyms and use this phrase in a sentence.
  2. What does the phrase “shore up” mean in the sentence, “During the implementation phrase, you’ll build partnerships, shore up your business model, and get your idea out into the world.”?  Give two synonyms and use this phrase in a sentence.
  3. What does the expression “to get one’s idea/s out into the world” mean in the sentence. “During the implementation phrase, you’ll build partnerships, shore up your business model, and get your idea out into the world.”?  Give two synonyms and use this phrase in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What makes human-centered design effective?
  2. How does human-centered design uniquely benefit users?
  3. Share successful examples of human-centered design applications.
  4. Has your company adopted human-centered design in its projects? Cite examples on how.
  5. Do you think this method can work for personal projects? Why or why not?

A Japanese Method to Relax

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Life moves pretty fast. If you need a quick breather, these Japanese relaxation techniques could be your new go-to. The video spills the beans on a five-minute calming session that could be a game-changer.

Check out the full video and get ready to relax in no time.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the phrase “take a toll” mean in the sentence “Excessive stress can take a toll on your life.”? Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does the word “decisive” mean in the sentence “The ring finger is responsible for making you more decisive.”?  Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does the idiom “hustle and bustle” mean in the sentence “Get peace of mind in the middle of hustle and bustle.”?  Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What’s the Japanese relaxation hack all about?
  2. What are the benefits of a quick relaxation routine that make it worth exploring?
  3. Have you ever tried a similar relaxation method? Share your experiences.
  4. What are your struggles in finding time for relaxation?
  5. In what other situations could a quick relaxation trick come in handy?

The Stress Bucket

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Stress hits everyone differently, and this stress bucket thing? It’s the real deal. This video breaks it all down, giving you the inside scoop on managing stress like a pro.

Check out the full video to wrap your head around the stress bucket and maybe find your own stress-busting strategy.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the phrasal verb “to break something down” mean in the sentence, “Make a list to break problems down.”? Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does the word “tackle” mean? “Which smaller task should you tackle first?”  Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does the phrasal verb “fill up” mean in the sentence “Different problems and demands fill up your buckets.”?  Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What’s this stress bucket the video is talking about?
  2. Discuss about the tricks the video suggests for getting rid of stress.
  3. Share your own stress bucket stories.
  4. Spot the signs – when is your stress bucket about to overflow?
  5. Which stress-busting tip from the video would you like to try?

Positive Psychology at Work

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Ever feel like work is a bit of a rollercoaster? Well, positive psychology might just be the game-changer you didn’t know you needed. This video digs into how positive vibes can seriously shake things up in the workplace.

Dive into the full video here to get the lowdown on injecting some positivity into your 9-to-5 grind.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the phrase “core strength” mean, “By consciously engaging in work and activities that utilise your core strengths, you can become more confident and more productive.”? Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does the phrase “tangible goal” mean in the sentence, “Set tangible goals for yourself.”?  Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does the phrase “take pride in something” mean in the sentence “Take pride in your accomplishments.”?  Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the key takeaways from the video about positive psychology at work?
  2. Can you pick out some practical tips from the video for keeping things sunny at work?
  3. How can positive vibes improve your work life (talk about your situation)?
  4. Do you agree or disagree that a happier workplace makes you more productive? Why or why not?
  5. What are some small changes you can think of to sneak some positive psychology into your work routine?

Viral Post Blew Up a Business

B2 – Upper Intermediate

In today’s digital age, social media has become an integral part of our lives. It has revolutionized the way we communicate, connect, and promote ourselves or our businesses. With just one social media post promotion, individuals and companies can reach a vast audience and make a significant impact.

When it comes to promoting a product or service on social media, suppliers can be valuable allies. By collaborating with suppliers and showcasing their contribution in the production process through engaging posts, companies can not only increase brand visibility, but also strengthen their supplier relationships.

Watch this video to find out how a single Facebook post transformed a business.

https://www.bbc.com/news/av/business-67692431

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does idiom “blow up” mean in the sentence? “A viral Facebook post nearly blew up our business.” Use this in your own sentence.
  2. What is the meaning of the phrase “supply chain“? “We quickly sold out of everything we had in the warehouse and we had to dial up our relationships with the whole of our supply chain.” Use this phrase in a sentence.
  3. What is the meaning when “to change the game“? “We started the brand, launched it nationwide in 2014, but everything changed in 2017 when a viral Facebook post completely changed the game for us.” Use this in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How important is advertising for a company or a product?
  2. Do you advertise your business (the company you are working for) or its products? If so, in what ways?
  3. How significant is it to research a product’s supply and demand chain?
  4. Why should a company value its relationships with its suppliers?

Power of Personal Development in Building Wealth

B2 – Upper Intermediate

In the quest for success and financial prosperity, many focus on external investments, but there’s a potent yet often overlooked strategy: investing in oneself through personal development. This ongoing journey involves enhancing knowledge, skills, and overall well-being.

Personal development takes varied forms, from attending seminars to caring for physical and mental health. It’s a holistic approach that not only boosts intellectual prowess, but also nurtures qualities vital for success.

Read the article below and be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/investing-yourself-power-personal-development-building-wealth/

Vocabulary Discussions:

  1. What does “personal development” mean, “By focusing on personal development, you can increase your earning potential, develop an entrepreneurial mindset, and gain numerous other benefits that can help you achieve your goals.? Construct a sentence using this phrase.
  2. What does “entrepreneurial mindset” mean in the sentence, “You can increase your earning potential, develop an entrepreneurial mindset, and gain numerous other benefits that can help you achieve your goals”? Use this in a sentence.
  3. What does the expression “venture” mean in the sentence, “By learning how to identify opportunities, take risks, and innovate, you can start your own business or invest in entrepreneurial ventures that have the potential for high returns.“? Construct a sentence using this word.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How would you define personal development and why do you think that this is referred to as an investment?
  2. How can developing new skills and knowledge impact your career advancement, especially in your chosen field?
  3. Do you believe that continuous learning is essential for career growth? Why or why not?
  4. What is a “growth mindset,” and why is it considered essential for long-term success? Can you share an example from your own life where having a growth mindset helped you overcome a challenge?
  5. How do you currently invest in yourself for personal development? Are there specific goals you would like to achieve through personal development soon?

Muslim-Friendly Hotels for Islamic Travelers

B1 – Intermediate

The halal travel industry is booming because of the ease and affordability of transportation and the eagerness of Muslims to explore different countries.

Western countries would like to take a bite of the apple by providing this group of travelers with their needs that are in accordance with their religious beliefs.

Let’s read the article and find out how western countries provide hospitality to Muslim travelers.

https://www.english-online.at/news-articles/living/islamic-travellers-in-search-of-muslim-friendly-hotels.htm

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “tend to” mean in this context? “In contrast to other people Muslims tend to travel in larger groups, stay longer and spend more.” Use it in your own sentence.
  2. Define the verb “ignore“. “Western tourism cannot afford to ignore them.” Use it in a sentence and give two synonyms.
  3. What is the meaning of the verb “afford” in this sentence, “Western tourism cannot afford to ignore them.“? Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. According to the article, how do western countries adapt to the needs of Muslim travelers?
  2. Share your thoughts on this trend.
  3. Is your country Muslim-tourist-friendly? How so?
  4. Do you have establishments in your country that are Muslim-friendly? What amenities or special treats do they have for their Muslim clients?
  5. As a traveler, do you usually have special requests when staying at a hotel or eating at a restaurant? What are they?

Amish Forced to Change Their Lifestyle

B2 – Upper Intermediate

To outsiders, the Amish life is both fascinating and shocking. Their way of living does not seem to fit in the modern world we currently live in. However, much of the knowledge we have about this group is not entirely accurate because of the sense of privacy this group upholds. In the USA, several Amish people are straying from their traditional norms and practices.

Let’s read the article and know more as to why some Amish are forced to change their way of living.

https://www.english-online.at/news-articles/people/amish-forced-to-change-lifestyle.htm

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Define the adjective “scarce“. “However, as their traditional farmland is getting scarcer more and more of them are forced to change the way they live and adopt to a new lifestyle.” Give 2 synonyms and use ‘scarce’ in your own sentence.
  2. What is the meaning of “far cry” in this context? “Some have even started internet-based shops, a far cry from the typical Amish traditions.” Use it in a sentence and give two synonyms.
  3. What is the meaning of the word “breach“? “Normally this means more income for the family, but it also represents a breach of culture and traditions.” Use it in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you know about the Amish? What misconceptions have you heard about them?
  2. What are your thoughts on their way of life?
  3. What do you think this change in their lifestyle imply?
  4. Is there a group in your country that is similar to the Amish? If yes, how are they similar?
  5. What factors contribute to the change of lifestyle of the Amish in the USA?

Jobs AI Won’t Take Yet

B2 – Upper Intermediate

In a time of swift technological progress and the widespread impact of artificial intelligence, the nature of the labor market is changing dramatically. There is no denying that automation and artificial intelligence have revolutionized many industries, but there is a fascinating subset of occupations that are resisting the increasing digital takeover.

Read the article to learn about the jobs that AI will never be able to replace, demonstrating the timeless essence of mankind’s capabilities in an age of unprecedented advancement in technology.

https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20230507-the-jobs-ai-wont-take-yet

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “on the horizon” mean in the sentence, “For the most part, the humans have prevailed. Now, say some experts, with AI ubiquity on the horizon, the threat’s being realised: the robots really are coming for some jobs.”? Give 2 synonyms and use ‘on the horizon’ in your own sentence.
  2. What does “caveat” mean in the sentence, “The experts issue their warnings with a caveat: there are still things AI isn’t capable of – tasks that involve distinctly human qualities, like emotional intelligence and outside-the-box thinking.”? Use this in your own sentence.
  3. What does “fall under the umbrella” mean in the sentences, “Many trade jobs – think electricians, plumbers, welders and the like – fall under this umbrella.”? Use this idiom in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Can you give examples of jobs that require complex decision-making in unpredictable and dynamic environments, as well as why AI struggles to match human versatility? Please elaborate.
  2. In what ways do professions requiring high levels of emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills remain beyond the reach of current AI capabilities?
  3. What significance does compassion serve in positions which involve providing care to others, and how does the human connection make caregiving professions less vulnerable to automation?
  4. Can you discuss the importance of intuition and gut feeling in decision-making within certain professions, and why these qualities are challenging for AI to replicate?
  5. In what ways is your sector experiencing the influence of artificial intelligence? Please share.

Slogan Is Necessary for Business

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Slogans play a strategic role for any business. They say what your company is all about in a few words. Good slogans “play” with customer’s minds, making them believe your product is reliable.

Read the article to know why brand identity is necessary and how catchy slogans help in achieving it.

https://mailchimp.com/resources/is-a-slogan-necessary/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is a “catchphrase”? “”Let’s Go Places,” is the catchphrase for Toyota, the maker of the world’s most popular car, the Corolla.” Give 2 synonyms and use “catchphrase” in a sentence.
  2. What does “rent real estate in someone’s brain” mean? “Imagine that you could rent real estate in your customer’s brain.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “to stay fresh in one’s mind” mean? “We listen to people, and we say things to people, but, at least for most of us, not a lot of what we hear stays fresh in our minds.” Give 2 synonyms and use “to stay fresh in one’s mind” in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How good are you at slogans? Give examples of some catchy slogans.
  2. Do you know any examples of companies failing their marketing strategies?
  3. What can you say about this statement “”If your competitors start copying you, then your marketing strategy is working!”?