Tag: audio

Playing with Fire

B1 – Intermediate

We often hear this idiom “playing with fire”. Literally, we know that fire is dangerous and we could get hurt or destroy stuff. Thus, this phrase means doing something risky or dangerous.

We can also relate this to the story in Prometheus. In Greek religion, he is one of the Titans and also called the God of Fire. He disobeyed the Gods and stole fire to give it to humans. This is a good deed but he was still punished by Zeus in the end.

Let us hear more about the expression “playing with fire” in the audio below.

http://www.idioms4you.com/complete-idioms/playing-with-fire.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. What does “if you play with fire, you might get burned” mean?
  2. Are you always cautious or do you like doing taking risks? Why is this?
  3. What is the most risky thing you have ever done in your life? Did you end up “getting burned”? Given a chance, would you do it again? Why or why not?
  4. What do you do when you can not achieve your objectives?
  5. What fun activities can we do that are not dangerous at all?

The Ideal Woman

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Although there are times when it is not easy to know the reasons why we fall in love, the reasons why we stay in love are easier to recognize. Perhaps looking for a perfect partner is unrealistic that is why we must settle with the next best thing — an ideal partner.

Let’s listen to Ed and Rocky as they talk about Rocky’s ideal woman.

The Ideal Woman

Discussion Questions:

  1. What kind of woman does Rocky like?
  2. What do you think of his ideal woman? Do you agree with his thoughts on household responsibilities?
  3. What is your idea of the perfect man/woman?
  4. Is it good to have high expectations in a relationship?

Divorce Lawyers

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Marriage is a commitment. It’s a commitment to do whatever is necessary to make the marriage work. There are times when it just won’t work despite the compromise the couples make. When is it right to surrender?

Let’s listen to Phil’s potential divorce story.

Divorce Lawyers

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is going on between Sharon and Phil?
  2. What reasons does Phil have to justify his divorce? What does Tonya think about them?
  3. What does “call it quits” mean?
  4. Do you think Phil is ready for a married life?
  5. Do you have high divorce rate in your country? What are the common reasons couple get divorced?
  6. What do you think of divorce lawyers? Are they in demand and highly paid in your country?

Insect Ice Cream

B1 – Intermediate

Ice cream is a popular dessert among kids and adults. It has many flavors. But have you heard of an insect ice cream?

Despite a long tradition of eating insects in some countries, the image of eating insects is not for everyone.

However, a restaurant in South Africa is becoming popular because of an interesting dessert on their menu: maggot ice cream!

Listen to the audio and read the transcript about insect ice cream.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/insect-ice-cream-level-1

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think of this ice cream? Would you like to try it?
  2. What is your favorite dessert? Do you like ice cream?
  3. Have you tried any exotic ice cream flavors before?
  4. Have you eaten insects before? What did it taste like?
  5. In general, what is your opinion on extremely strange flavors/food?

Dating Violence Against Men

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Dating abuse or dating violence is the commission or threat of a violent act by a member of a relationship outside marriage usually during the dating or courtship period. It usually starts when one partner maintains total control over the other by means of violence and constant abuse. Although seldom reported, men can be victims of dating violence too.

Listen to this audio about dating violence against men.

Dating Violence

Discussion Questions:

  1. Who is Brandon? What predicament is he in?
  2. What did he do to get out of this messy situation?
  3. Have you heard of real cases of domestic violence against men?
  4. Why do you think it is hard for men to come forward and talk about abuse?
  5. Since male victims are usually unwilling to seek for help, how do you think the society can encourage them to open up about dating violence?

Honey, Are You Listening?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Communication is probably one of the most difficult parts of any relationship. Meanings get lost in translation because of poor communication or even worse when your partner just isn’t interested in what you have to say.

Let’s listen to this all too familiar couple’s conversation on communication.

Listening Skills

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is the main issue the couple is talking about?
  2. What steps do they plan to take to resolve it?
  3. What does ” hold one’s tongue” mean?
  4. What are the qualities of a good listener?
  5. Do you have someone you always talk to to feel better?

Facebook Wrist Device Aims to Permit Control of Virtual Objects

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Technology is evolving fast. It is changing how people live their lives. We now have The Internet of Things wherein all devices we use can be connected to the internet. From washing machines to air conditioners, we can now control them through voice commands.

Facebook is developing a technology that would allow us to control objects that exist in the virtual world. This technology aims to give people the augmented reality (AR) experience that could one day be used in our day-to-day lives.

Listen to the audio and read the transcript to know more about this wristband device that is supposed to be used with AR glasses.

https://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/facebook-wrist-device-aims-to-permit-control-of-virtual-objects/5828544.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is Augmented Reality (AR)? How interesting is this for you?
  2. Is this kind of device something interesting to you? Why or why not?
  3. Do you think that AR technology could replace smartphones one day? Why or why not?
  4. What could be the possible uses of AR in our day-to-day lives?
  5. How important is technology in your life? Can you live without it?

Payday Loans

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Life is tough and it is even tougher for people who are short of cash.

Payday loans are a form of cash advance to help people cover their expenses until their next paycheck comes in. For some, it is an easy way to have a temporary solution to their money problems.

Listen to the audio and read the transcript about payday loans.

Payday loans

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the idiom “Give it to me straight.” mean? “What do you mean complicated? Give it to me straight. Where did you get a loan?” Use it in your own sentence and give a synonym or similar expression.
  2. What does “to run someone dry” mean? “Exactly, because they can run you dry.” Use it in your own sentence and give a synonym or similar expression.
  3. What does “quicksand” mean here? “And then people like you get locked into a vicious loan cycle that is almost impossible to escape. Like quicksand.” Use it in your own sentence and give a synonym or similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How do you react/feel when someone tries to borrow money from you?
  2. Are payday loans a help to people or not? Explain your thoughts about it.
  3. Are payday loans common in your country? What is your opinion about their high interest rates?

Loose Cannon

B1 – Intermediate

Have you noticed someone in your circle with mood swings and sudden emotional outbursts? This individual is like a ticking time bomb waiting to go off. It is tough to be around this kind of people.

Let’s watch the video and find out what we call them.

https://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/english-in-a-minute-loose-cannon/5982410.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. What does being a loose cannon mean?
  2. Who is the loose cannon in the video? What did he do?
  3. Do you know anyone who is a loose cannon? How do you deal with him/her?
  4. How can we control our temper?

Comfort Food

B2 – Upper Intermediate

When someone is emotionally stressed, they often turn to comfort food. Although most of the food are not good for our health since these are high-calorie, high-fat, salt or sugar food, we still eat it because they are delicious and they give us pleasure.

They also say that these comfort food are sentimental since they remind us of our childhood; that sweet, sweet time when we were taken care of by our parents. In some cultures, comfort food are nuanced since they believe that all food give comfort.

Listen to the audio and read the transcript to learn more about comfort food.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english/ep-210107

Discussion Questions:

  1. Does eating comfort food take your stress away? Why or why not?
  2. What are your comfort food? How often do you eat them?
  3. What food make you feel a bit nostalgic? Why do you think they bring such emotion for you?
  4. Do you feel guilty after eating too much of your comfort food?
  5. Are there any comfort food that are actually healthy?
  6. What are other things that calm your nerves during your stressful or difficult situations?