Tag: Advanced English CAE

Kids To Start Doing Chores

C1 – Advanced

Some parents are so occupied with letting their kids do activities that will help them be successful individuals in the future. Who would have thought that those expensive personality development courses can be outweighed by doing household chores when it comes to predicting success?

Science Has Figured Out The Best Age For Kids To Start Doing Chores

Discuss:
1. Do you agree with the idea presented in this article?
2. What other activities can help develop a child’s personality and character?
3. How do you think doing household chores as a child helped you in life?

The Struggle to Stay Child-Free

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C1 – Advanced

In many countries, it seems like having a child or children is the most important thing. Some women spoke up about the hardships that they encountered upon deciding not to have children and are telling the world about it.

The struggle to stay child-free

Discuss:

1. In your old age would you want your children to look after you?
2. Is having children the norm in your country?
3. In other countries, like Iran, educated women see having children as a burden. What is your reaction to this?

Facebook boss to take paternity leave

C1 – Advanced

Parental leaves are enjoyed by employees to help take care of their children. In recent years, companies have recognized the importance of a father’s role during the first few weeks of a newborn. Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg took two months of paternity leave following the birth of his daughter. What does this mean for the rest of the working fathers out there?

Facebook boss to take paternity leave 

Discuss:

1. What do you think of the idea of paternity leave?
2. What do you think about what you read?
3. What kind of message is Mark Zuckerberg sending?
4. Do fathers in your country take advantages of their paternity leaves?

Video: Challenging Crossings

C1 – Advanced

This video shows a very colorful representation of traffic in Vietnam.

Click below and be ready to practice your speaking skills by answering discussion questions and by expressing your thoughts.

Challenging Crossings

Discuss:

1. Describe the traffic in Vietnam.
2. What were some of the interesting points that you found in the video?
3. Is this something that you have seen before in your past travels?
4. Describe some of the challenges that you encounter when you travel to a different country.

Russia Interested in Undersea Cables

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C1 – Advanced

Is it any surprise that Russia is involved in something so covert and “underground”? Read the article below then express your thoughts about the topic at hand.

Why Is Russia Interested in Undersea Internet Cables?

Discuss:

1. What could be Russia’s motive to lurk around undersea cables?
2. What do you think will happen if those internet cables will crash?
3. Are you worried about Internet theft by China or Russia?

Why you Should Travel Solo

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C1 – Advanced

What was the worst experience you’ve had traveling with somebody? George Washington once said, “It is far better to be alone, than to be in bad company”.

If you haven’t tried traveling alone, read this BBC article that would surely leave you contemplating on going solo on your next vacation.

Why you Should Travel Solo

Discuss:

1. What do you think are the benefits and drawbacks of traveling without a companion?
2. Have you ever been on a vacation trip alone? How was it like?
3. Which do you prefer: traveling by yourself or with familiar company?

Ecotourism a Danger to Wildlife

C1 – Advanced

Listen to the news clip about ecotourism then be ready to answer some discussion questions.

Choose the speed that you prefer to practice your listening and comprehension. You may also listen and read along using the transcript below the audio clip.

Ecotourism a Danger to Wildlife

Discuss:

1. What is ‘ecotourism’? What do you think of it?
2. What are its benefits? How about the possible dangers?
3. How can we best help animals in the wild?
4. What parts of the world should be off limits to humans?

Russians Shocked as Banned Western Food Destroyed

C1 – Advanced

In 2015, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a certain presidential decree that has brought forth shock and outrage among the populace.

Find out why Russia’s head of state issued this ban and how the citizens reacted. Watch the videos included in the resource to get extra information.

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-33818186

Discussion Questions:

  1. What does the presidential decree state?
  2. Why do you think Russia came up with this ban?
  3. What do you think of the said sanction?
  4. What are the long term consequences of a sanction like the one mentioned in the article?

Why Do Women Live Longer than Men?

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C1 – Advanced

Have you ever wondered why women live longer than men?
Studies show that women’s survival is consistent and truly remarkable as observed in human beings and animals. Lifestyle may be a factor but there are more causes or contributors.

Why Do Women Live Longer than Men?

Discuss:

1. What are the contributing factors mentioned in the article? What surprised you the most?
2. What is Spain’s life expectancy?
3. Would you like to live a long life? Why or why not?
4. Should scientist slow down the aging process?

What Schools Should Do About Bullying

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C1 – Advanced

Used to be that bullying ended when one was off school premises. However, with the ubiquitous nature of social media and mobile technology, more and more students are subject to bullying even within the confines of their homes.

Read about one country’s educational system’s efforts to address the problem that is bullying.

What you should expect your school to do about bullying

Discuss:

1. In your opinion, which is worst: bullying in person, or bullying online? Why do you think so?
2. Do schools and universities in your country have a clear policy in regard to dealing with bullying among students?
3. Do schools or universities in your country educate or inform children about bullying?