Category: Homework

Factory Decorates 8 Cakes a Minute

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Baking a single-tiered cake at home takes about 25-30 minutes. However, decorating it is another story. It usually takes about 4 hours or longer to make one cake. However, one factory manages to decorate eight cakes in a minute.

Here’s a full video and watch how the workers do it.

Vocabulary Discussions

Explain the meaning of the highlighted words below and make some sentences.

1. Start by scraping the icing to make sure that the icing goes into the holes of the stencil.

2. My handmade snowflakes are finally getting their starring role.

3. 480 cakes are boxed and conveyed towards the end of the line.

Discussion Questions

1. How does the video make you feel?

2. Discuss how the cake assembly lines in the video make it possible to decorate eight cakes a minute.

3. The workers use stencils to decorate cakes at a fast pace. Can you think of other tools or methods that help to speed up tasks?

4. Do you like decorating things? Talk about the best decoration you have ever made.

5. Have you ever witnessed a high-speed production process like the cake assembly lines in the video? If so, share your experience and impressions.

The Mini Cooper

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The Mini Cooper, a car that is not longer than 10 feet but can fit four people. This quirky piece of machine has its interesting history.

Discover how Mini Cooper came to be in a short video below.

Vocabulary Discussions:

Explain the meaning of the highlighted words below and make some sentences.

1. The Mini Cooper is a quirky machine that’s unapologetically British.

2. However, in 1956, Egypt nationalized the canal.

3. Its distinct British sensibility still sets it apart from other cars.

Discussion Questions:

1. What does the video say about the Mini Cooper’s design?

2. “The Mini Cooper is a quirky machine that’s unapologetically British.” Talk about something from your country and what makes it distinctively from your country.

3. The Mini Cooper was invented in response to the oil crisis. Think of other products that have emerged as solutions to address social issues.

4. How have cars influenced our daily lives and transportation options in modern society?

5. Talk about a product or service your company sells or offers and what sets it apart from others.

The Pythagorean Cup

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Do you know who Pythagoras is? If you answer “yes,” you probably know him as a Greek mathematician. You are also aware that he founded the Pythagorean school of thought. What you probably don’t know is that Pythagoras also invented a cup. The uniqueness of this cup lies in its remarkable ability to prevent intoxication. Hard to believe?

Watch the entire video and be amazed at how this simple-looking cup can prevent you from being drunk.

Vocabulary Discussions

Explain the meaning of the highlighted words below and make some sentences.

1. That is extremely sneaky.

2. It is a morality lesson and a practical joke at the same time.

3. Pythagoras has applied his brilliance to the temptations of the flesh.

Discussion Questions

1.What is the video all about?

2. How does the Pythagorean cup make sure people don’t drink too much wine?

3. How is the cup related to a morality lesson?

4. Would you consider buying a Pythagorean cup? Why or why not?

5. Can you think of any practical uses for the Pythagorean cup in modern times?

Crackdown on Same-Sex Parenting

B2 – Upper Intermediate

In Italy, same-sex couples believe the government is limiting their opportunities to start families, while the government argues against surrogacy, likening it to modern slavery. This anti-surrogacy law has increased challenges for rainbow families and hindered same-sex couples in their pursuit of legal parenthood.

Discover more insights about this issue by reading the full article.

https://www.aajenglish.tv/news/30317258/italys-crackdown-on-same-sex-parenting-leaves-children-bemused

Vocabulary Discussions

Explain the meaning of the highlighted words below and make some sentences.

1. Ginevra was indignant when, two weeks ago, an interviewer on a TV show asked her parents whether the twins missed having a mum.

2. Critics warn of the potential poverty bias against women who become surrogate mothers due to financial need.

3. Going abroad to have a baby is an emotional rollercoaster, and you might face hostility when you return to your home country.

Discussion Questions

1. What is the primary issue highlighted in the article regarding same-sex parenting in Italy? Compare it to the situation in your country.

2. Would you characterize Italy as a conservative society? Explain.

3. What are your personal views on surrogacy? Do you believe it should be accessible to same-sex couples?

4. How can Italian Government handle the situation better?

5. Are there rainbow families in Spain? If so, what are your thoughts and observations about these families?

Israel Politics Changes

B1 – Intermediate

Israel’s current government wants its Supreme Court to have less power. Some politicians started discussing about a new law to do this. However, not everyone is in favor of this law.

The Supreme Court is part of the judiciary system. In most countries, there are three equal and separate branches of government. This should guarantee the other two branches would not be able to control too much power.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about about this proposed amendment on Israel’s legal system.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/israel-politics-changes-level-2/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is the meaning of the word “bill” in this context? “Israeli lawmakers started discussing a bill on Sunday to limit the powers of the Supreme Court.” Give a synonym and use “bill” in a sentence.
  2. What is the meaning of “hold” in this context? “Protests against the government caused Netanyahu to stop the plan in March and hold talks with opposition parties.” Give a synonym and use “hold” in a sentence.
  3. What does “to rule against someone/something” mean? “The new bill will be a less extreme version of the previous proposals which wanted to greatly reduce the Supreme Court’s power to rule against the government.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think are the consequences of weakening Israel’s Supreme court?
  2. What laws in your country had been amended? Do you agree with these changes? Why or why not?
  3. What are the main branches of government in your country? What are their functions?
  4. Do you know any countries at present where its leaders have total control? What do you think of these countries?
  5. What are some changes in your country politics that allowed for corruption?

Hobbies to Help You Relax and Have Fun

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Outside of a work performance realm, having a quality leisure time has shown to help people gain physical health and cognitive well-being.

Read the article to be inspired to take up a new activity that could help you relax and have fun at the same time, for example, baking or making jewellery.

https://brainmd.com/blog/main-types-of-hobbies/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is the meaning of “virtuous cycle“? “Looking at hobbies through the prism of brain health, reveals a virtuous cycle.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “to look at something through a prism” mean? “Looking at hobbies through the [sic] prism of brain health, reveals a virtuous cycle.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “engrossed” mean? “If you’re engrossed in a creative hobby, the flow state can deliver feel-good benefits.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you enjoy doing in your free time? Are you into any interesting or unusual hobbies? Talk about them.
  2. Talk about a hobby that boosts your performance when you are trying to refocus on your job.
  3. Do you think this is true, “When you start a new hobby, you may not feel motivated to spend time on it. It might be difficult.“? Talk about a time when you were demotivated when you were starting with a new hobby and how it went eventually.
  4. What might be the benefits and drawbacks that can come from engaging in a hobby?
  5. What are your thoughts on this, “More than 100 years ago, having leisure time to pursue hobbies was a symbol of status. Perhaps it’s time to bring back a little of that mentality.“?

Situation in the Himalayas


B1 – Intermediate

When someone accidentally falls into a deep pit and can’t climb out, it is a very scary situation. It can happen in different places like caves or construction sites. Being trapped in a hole can be confusing and can cause fear. It’s important to stay calm and look for ways to escape or get help.

Let’s read the article below to know more about a man who was in a dramatic situation in the Himalayas.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/dramatic-situation-in-the-himalayas-level-2/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “give up” mean in this sentence, “The man thought that he was going to die. His arm and five ribs were broken, but he didn’t give up and he moved out of the gap.” Give a synonym and use “give up” in a sentence.
  2. What does “trapped” mean in this sentence, “The crack in the ice was 22 metres deep, and the man got trapped in it.” Give a synonym and use “trapped” in a sentence.
  3. What does “gap” mean in this sentence, “His arm and five ribs were broken, but he didn’t give up and he moved out of the gap.” Give a synonym and use “gap” in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. In your opinion, will this experience affect the professor’s future adventures or activities? Why or why not?
  2. What do you think were some of the problems the professor had while climbing out of the hole?
  3. If you were in a similar situation, what would be your biggest fear or concern and why?
  4. How can someone stay calm in this kind of situation?
  5. What do you think are some important lessons we can learn from this incident about preparedness and safety during outdoor activities?

Summer Anxiety

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Relaxation, vacation, carefree days—these come to mind when we hear the word “summer”. As much as many people anticipate the summer season, some also dread it. The rise in temperatures and changes in routines may cause a phenomenon known as summer anxiety.

Read the article to learn about the causes of summer anxiety.

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/more-summer-anxiety-stress_l_62f13f61e4b0ecfe3f72c18a

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to feed into something” mean? “For people with social anxiety, more social obligations may feed into anxiety, too.” Use this phrase in a sentence.
  2. What does “false alarm” mean? “Anxiety can be triggered through thoughts, environment, or, in the case of summer heat, through a physiological false alarm.”. Make a sentence with this phrase.
  3. Define the word “throw off” mean here, ““What happens is it throws off our circadian rhythm,” which are 24-hour cycles that help control when we fall asleep and when we wake up.” Use this phrase in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Have you personally experienced summer anxiety? If so, could you describe what it feels like for you?
  2. How does the change in routines and schedules during the summer months affect individuals experiencing anxiety?
  3. How does the pressure to have a “perfect” summer or meet certain social expectations contribute to summer anxiety?
  4. What do you think is the best way to handle summer anxiety?

Upcycle Leftover Food

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Food waste is an all too common problem in households and among food establishments. Leftover food at home are more often thrown away after some time. Fortunately, more and more people and businesses are using leftover food in another dish in the name of environmental sustainability and additional profits.

Listen to the audio and read the transcript about the ways some US companies are upcycling their leftover food.

https://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/us-restaurants-companies-upcycle-leftover-food-/7150515.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is the meaning of the word “upcycling“. “Malek’s ice cream company is among those at the start of a movement called upcycling.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does the word “seal” mean in this sentence, “The Upcycled Food Association gives out an official “Upcycling Certified” seal to qualifying products.”? Use it in a sentence and give two synonyms.
  3. Define the idiom “to gain ground“. “The movement is gaining ground as buyers want to know what is in their food, where their food comes from, and how it affects the environment.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is upcycling?
  2. What leftover food can be upcycled?
  3. How do you feel about restaurants upcycling their food? Would you buy them?
  4. Do you think upcycled food should cost less? Why or why not?
  5. What are other ways to fight food wastage?

Overcoming Vacation Guilt

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Holidays are intended to be moments of leisure, relaxation, and fun. However, loads of individuals experience feelings of guilt when they take time off from work or other obligations. Vacation guilt is an unfortunate trend that can reduce the perks of a well-deserved break.
Hence, various strategies aimed at helping those struggling with beating this guilt and fully acknowledging the advantageous features of taking holidays have been put together by therapists.

Click on the link to learn about therapist-approved recommendations for dealing with vacation guilt, as well as the significance of self-care.

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/vacation-guilt-tips_l_64948bb3e4b095a2925c0334

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “second thoughts” mean in the sentence, “Even though you’ve booked that much-needed vacation, you may have second thoughts about actually taking the time off.”? Use this expression in your own sentence.
  2. What does “weigh someone down” mean in the sentence, “So, how do you tackle the guilt that may be weighing you down and finally enjoy your vacation?”? Use this expression in your own sentence.
  3. What does “draw the fine line between” mean in the sentence, “Setting clear boundaries will help you draw the fine line between taking time off on vacation and other responsibilities.”? Use this expression in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are some common reasons why people experience guilt when taking a vacation?
  2. How do you overcome feelings of guilt when taking a vacation?
  3. What are some therapist-approved strategies for dealing with vacation guilt?
  4. How essential is the idea of going on a holiday in terms of your work-life balance?
  5. How frequently do you prioritize taking breaks and going on trips? Please share.