Tag: audio

Dinosaurs Already Decreasing Before Asteroid Hit

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B2 – Upper intermediate

Has the existence of dinosaurs crossed your mind yet? What if we co-exist with them? Whatever your answer may be, there sure is some discussion on the existence of dinosaurs.

Let’s learn more about this through the research made by a Japanese paleontologist.

Dinosaurs Already Decreasing Before Asteroid Hit

Discuss:

1. What evidences prove the existence of dinosaurs in the past?
2. Why do you think the dinosaurs have lost their place on earth?
3. Explain the beliefs of scientists why the dinosaurs became extinct.
4. Have you ever been to a natural museum?

Is Social Media a Distraction?

B2 – Upper intermediate

There is no doubt that a lot of us have become dependent on social media to get updated with current events and the latest trends from every corner of the world. But is social media doing us more harm than good?

Listen to the podcast then be ready to answer discussion questions.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english/ep-160331

Discussion Questions:

1. How do you feel about the “rule of three” mentioned in the audio file?
2. Do you and your friends or family have a similar rule?
3. Do you think social media is doing us more harm than good?

Corporate Team Building

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Team building activities are a great way to foster and encourage teamwork. With activities designed specifically to address workplace issues, corporate team buildings can prove to be beneficial.

Listen to the podcast below and try to express your thoughts about corporate team building.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english/ep-160310

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think about corporate team building activities?
  2. What is your idea of an effective corporate team building?
  3. Talk about a memorable team building event you’ve ever had.
  4. How is group unity/teamwork encouraged in your company?
  5. Mary Kay Ash said, “People are definitely a company’s greatest asset.“. Share your thoughts on this.

Giving Away Your Fortune

B2 – Upper Intermediate

If you were a millionaire or a billionaire, would you be willing to give 99% of your fortune away to charity and leave almost nothing to your children?

Discover why Mark Zuckerberg along with many other super rich decided to give their fortune to charity.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/features/6-minute-english/ep-160218

Discussion Questions:

1. What do you think of what Mark Zuckerberg and others like him did with their wealth?
2. If you would give your fortune away, who/which organization/cause would you give it to?
3. Do you agree with what Andrew Carnegie believed in, that wealth should be spent to make the world a better place?
4. How are you making a difference in your own little way?

Guilty of Crimes Against Humanity

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B2 – Upper intermediate

Kim Jong Un is no stranger to the world. Mostly, for all the wrong reasons. Read the short article below and express your thoughts about North Korea and its leaders.

UN: Kim Jong Un Could Be Guilty of Crimes Against Humanity

Discuss:

1. Why are human rights violation common in countries like North Korea?
2. Do you think that the UN council has the right to hold this kind of investigation? Why?
3. What are your thoughts on countries under communism?

Best Tool to Teach Babies Speech

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B1 – Intermediate

Parenting is one of the most difficult but fulfilling jobs on the planet. Most parents now have very hectic work schedules, and it’s easy for them to resort to electronic gadgets to teach and keep their children busy.

Read the short article below to know more information about spending time with children.

https://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/best-tool-to-teach-babies-speech-their-parents-voice/3140320.html

Discussion Questions:

1. Discuss the pros and cons of electronic educational tools for children.
2. Is it good to learn several languages? When do you think is the best time to learn languages?
3. If you have children, what are your rules when it comes to using electronic tools?

One School, Five Languages

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B2 – Upper intermediate

Jobs in the future will require people to be able to speak more than one language. Some schools in New York are providing dual language programs. What are your thoughts on being a polyglot?

One School, Five Languages

Discuss:

1. How many languages can you speak fluently?
2. Do you think that one day there will be just one language in the world? Would the world be a better place?
3. Are there any disadvantages in learning another language?
4. What are the advantages of being able to speak more than one language?

The Ups and Downs of Coffee and Caffeine

B1 – Intermediate

Many people drink caffeinated drinks to stay awake. A new study conducted by American and British researchers reveals the effect of caffeine on sleeping pattern.

Watch the video below to find out more.

http://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/the-ups-and-downs-of-coffee-and-caffeine/3029909.html?z=0&zp=1#relatedInfoContainer

Discussion Questions:

1. What is the video (research) about?
2. Do you like drinking caffeinated drinks?
3. How often and how much coffee or tea do you drink?
4. What is circadian rhythm? How important is it?

Will New Two-Child Policy Lift China’s Economy?

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B2 – Upper intermediate

For the longest time China has sat tight with the law of one child per family. But, in 2015, the country announced its plan of lifting the old law and moving forward with two children per family.

Read the article below then express your thoughts about the topic.

Will New Two-Child Policy Lift China’s Economy?

Discuss:

1. What do you know of China’s previous one-child policy?
2. Is it good for the government to pass such laws?
3. How would you describe the population in your country?

The Meaning of Clothes

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B2 – Upper intermediate

The say that the clothes make a man. But do clothing really matter? Is the way you dress significant to who you are?

Listen to the podcast and be ready to answer some discussion questions. Be prepared to also study and explain some vocabulary words.

The meaning of clothes

Discuss:

1. According to the podcast, explain what a sari is. How is it worn?
2. How would you describe your style when it comes to clothes? What are your preferences?
3. How do you usually dress for work? Do you have a dress code at the office?
4. What is your opinion of the clothes that we have now in this generation?