Tag: audio

Fortune Tellers Work Online

B1 – Intermediate

Fortune telling is a curious thing. Many people try it out just to see how it works, while others fully believe in the power of these predictions. Others are also very vocal about this practice as being a hoax. Despite these opposing views, a lot still seek them out as a way to secure their future.

In Thailand, people became innovative when the pandemic hit. They found a way to still avail of fortune-telling services even with limited movement.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about online fortune-telling services.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/fortune-tellers-work-online-level-2/

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you believe in fortune telling? Why or why not?
  2. How popular is fortune telling in your culture?
  3. Why do some people trust fortune tellers?
  4. How has fortune telling affected people’s decisions in positive or negative ways?
  5. What are some jobs that have resorted to online platforms due to the pandemic?

Problems with Bottled Water

B1 – Intermediate

Water isn’t a luxury. It is a basic need. Unfortunately, many people do not have access to safe drinking water. This is why bottled water is very important. All over the world, people drink bottled water.

However, there are many problems with producing this drink.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about the problem with water bottles.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/problems-with-bottled-water-level-2/

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the problems with bottled water?
  2. What should be done to lessen these problems?
  3. Is drinking bottled water also very common in your country? Why is that? 
  4. How often do you buy bottled water? 
  5. Now that you know the problems bottled water bring, would you change your habits in consuming them? Why or why not?

A Special Helmet

B1 – Intermediate

The Israeli company Brain Space created a special helmet that can monitor people’s brain activities. From the information that will be collected using the helmet, it is the goal to make products and services for people.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about Brain Space.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/a-special-helmet-level-3/

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think about this helmet?
  2. What are the uses of this helmet?
  3. What might be the bad things about this product?

Spanish Village Changes Name

B1 – Intermediate

The problem between Russia and Ukraine is getting worse and worse. It is necessary to find ways to make everyone know about the problem. We have to do our part to help the victims of this war.

As a way of helping, a Spanish village had decided to change its name from “Fuentes de Andalucia” to “Ukraine”. They also changed the names of some streets in their village.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about the Spanish village that changed its name.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/spanish-village-changes-name-level-1/

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you agree with this change in the name of the village? Why or why not?
  2. How would you feel if your village or city changed its name?
  3. What are the good and bad things about changing the name of a place?
  4. What are ways to make people know about the problems in Ukraine?
  5. How can we help Ukraine?

Fake Accident

B1 – Intermediate

Money is very important for us to live. When you start having money problems, what is the best thing to do?

A British man who was having financial problems faked his own accident and people thought he was dead. But he didn’t really die. He showed up again after many years of disappearance and said he didn’t remember anything.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about a man who faked his accident.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/fake-accident-level-1/

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think Darwin faked his own death? Why or why not?
  2. In your opinion, does his wife know anything about the accident? Explain.
  3. What are the usual reasons people have financial problems?
  4. What can a person do if he/she is having problems with money?
  5. Darwin said that it is better for the family when he is dead. Do you agree with him? Why or why not?
  6. Do you know a person who did the same thing as Darwin? Talk about him/her.

Managing Conflict in the Workplace

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Conflict can happen anywhere. Even more so in a competitive environment such as the workplace. It could stem from different employee backgrounds and personalities. When left unresolved, it could lead to more serious problems at work.

Let’s listen to the podcast about managing conflict in the workplace.

https://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/business-english/podcasts-for-professionals/managing-conflict

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are common causes of workplace conflict?
  2. Have you ever experienced or witnessed workplace conflict? How was it resolved?
  3. How can workplace conflict be avoided?
  4. In your company, what are the conflict management strategies being implemented when workplace tension arises?
  5. How is good, constructive working atmosphere achieved/maintained in your workplace?

Rhetoric: How Persuasive Are You?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Giving persuasive speeches is a skill. One has to be able to deliver their messages clearly and effectively to convince people.

In the past, these were done face-to-face in front of a huge audience. Nowadays, people can do it with just a simple tap on their gadgets. Either can be effective in inspiring and influencing people into certain decisions or actions.

Listen to the audio and read the transcript to know more about what rhetoric is.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2022/ep-220414

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are some instances that you have used rhetoric?
  2. What are some good qualities of rhetoric?
  3. Where can rhetoric be effective or useful?
  4. Who are some famous people who are good at rhetoric?
  5. What skills should you possess to deliver good rhetoric?
  6. Are there other ways to persuade people? What are they?
  7. Is social media affecting the way leaders and other people connect with the public or general audience?
  8. How has rhetoric shaped our history in both good and bad ways?

Holidays

B1 – Intermediate

We can see how vacations are crucial in keeping a healthy balance in everyone’s life, whether they are students or working professionals. Everyone yearns for holidays to revitalize and enhance their quality of life by taking a break from the grind. We must take pleasure in our vacations and spend them efficiently to avoid time loss and disappointments.

Let’s read the transcript and listen to the audio about holidays. https://listenaminute.com/h/holidays.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why are holidays important?
  2. What holidays do you really look forward to?
  3. How can one spend their holidays?
  4. Is it better to stay at home on holidays or go somewhere?
  5. What is it like moving around your country during holiday time?
  6. What are the pros and cons of spending holidays with your family, with your friends, or alone?

Frustration

B1 – Intermediate

Frustration is the source of many chronic mental conditions and severe emotional symptoms. It is a feeling that can distress a person. It is a very strong emotion that should not be ignored. It may not seem threatening, but prolonged exposure to this feeling could harm your psychological well-being.

Let’s have a look at the transcript and listen to the audio about frustration.

https://listenaminute.com/f/frustration.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. What causes frustration?
  2. What are the common responses to frustration?
  3. How can we overcome frustration?
  4. How do you manage your frustration?
  5. What is an example of frustration?
  6. When was the last time you felt frustrated? Share about that moment.

Bad Habits

B1 – Intermediate

A habit is understood as the process of demonstrating or committing a particular trait on a continuous basis. A person might adapt to a variety of harmful behaviors over time. Possessing a serious addiction, a dietary issue, or a variety of other disruptive behaviors are just a few examples.

Listen to the audio and read the transcript about bad habits.

https://listenaminute.com/b/bad_habits.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. How have you successfully gotten rid of a bad habit?
  2. What bad habits bother you the most?
  3. What good habits do you admire the most?
  4. What unusual habits do you observe in your family members? Do these habits bother you?
  5. How can an individual develop a good habit?
  6. Which habit is the most important for parents to set as an example for their children?
  7. Are we born with our bad habits or do we develop them from the environment we grew up in? Explain your point.