Tag: audio

Columbus Day: Some Love It, Others Not

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B2 – Upper intermediate

Columbus Day is known as the most disputed holiday in the US. For the Native Americans, Columbus was very devastating to them, as he enslaved the natives and caused depression in the place. Columbus’ critics say that he did not land in America on that day and he did not discover America because it has long been inhabited by the natives.

Read the article below and be ready to have a discussion.

Columbus Day: Some Love It, Others Not So Much

Discuss:

1. Is Christopher Columbus celebrated as an important person in Spanish history?
2. What is your opinion about the Americans dispute about “Columbus Day”?
3. Is there any controversial or disputed holiday in Spain?

Animals That Are Also Verbs

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B2 – Upper intermediate

Pay attention while listening and reading along with this very interesting article. You will find that some verbs are coined from animal names.

Take note of how some nouns can be used as verbs.

Weasel, Duck, Dog: Animals That Are Also Verbs

Discuss:

1. In your own words, explain what it means to weasel your way out of something.
2. Have you ever been hounded by someone to do something?
3. What does it mean to fish for compliments?
4. Aside from the ones used in the article, what other animals can be used as verbs?

Poverty In a Rich World

B2 – Upper Intermediate

We are living in a wealthier world. The number of people living in extreme poverty has halved in recent decades. More people own cars and mobile phones. But why do we still see poverty?

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

https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/features/6-minute-english/ep-150305

Discussion Questions:

  1. How big is the problem of poverty in your country?
  2. Would you say that there is a big gap between the rich and the poor where you are from?
  3. Are you able to see your taxes at work? Why or why not?
  4. What are ways for government to solve poverty?

Are Models Too Skinny?

B2 – Upper intermediate

Should skinny – or very thin – models be stopped from working on the catwalk? We’ve accepted the norm of fashion models to have very slim and slender figures.

Listen to this podcast on how thin is too thin for catwalk models then express your thoughts.

Are models too skinny?

Discuss:

1. Summarize the discussion about skinny models.
2. Do you think that agencies should be responsible for their models?
3. Do very skinny models really give out a negative impression on children and young adults?
4. How would the fashion industry change if female models were not as skinny?

Low Levels of Vitamin D Might Hurt Your Brain

B2 – Upper Intermediate

As we know, vitamins are essential to our health and vitamin D helps protect the body from diseases like diabetes and cancer. A study says it might also prevent brain diseases called dementia.

Read the article below and be ready to talk about health.

http://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/low-levels-of-vitamin-d-might-hurt-your-brain/2974167.html

Discussion Questions:

1. Do you have a strict diet? Why or why not?
2. The article mentions dementia. What do you know about dementia?
3. How do you think poor memory affects one’s life?
4. Do you think taking supplements is a good idea, or should you get your vitamins from just food? Explain.

Is a Game Just a Game?

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B2 – Upper intermediate

When is a computer game just for fun and when does it become dangerous?  Listen to Rob and Finn discussing whether adult computer games could affect our children’s health.

This podcast contains vocabulary expressions that your teacher might ask about so be ready for a discussion.

Is a Game Just a Game?

Discuss:

1. Do you think that computer games can be unhealthy or do you think there are good things that you can get out of it?
2. What are some computer games that you’ve played?
3. If you’re a parent, what rules do you have for your child/children when it comes to computer games?
4. Do you think the government or certain government bodies should be involved in regulating computer games?

Are They Migrants or Refugees?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

By definition, an immigrant is someone from a foreign country who relocates to live in another country. The European migrant crisis is surging and EU is struggling to respond to this.

Listen to the audio and read the transcript whether they should be considered as migrants or refugees.

http://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/migrants-or-refugees/2948447.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the similarities and differences of migrants and refugees?
  2. What’s your take on the migrant crisis?
  3. If given the chance, what kind of help would you give?
  4. Do you think Syrian refugees will be able to call Europe their new home?

The Sounds of Grammar

B1 – Intermediate

Listen to the audio clip to know more about contracted speech and why native English speakers talk fast.

Everyday Grammar: The Sounds of Grammar with Betty Azar

Discuss:

1. What did you learn from the article?
2. Do you have trouble understanding spoken English? What is the biggest challenge for you?
3. What do you think is the best way to catch grammar sound?

Why Did Singapore Ban Gum?

B2 – Upper intermediate

Selling and Chewing gums is prohibited in Singapore. Do you want to find out why? Listen to the podcast carefully then express your thoughts about it.

Why did Singapore ban gum?

Discuss:

1. What do you think of Singapore banning chewing gums?
2. Would you like gums to be prohibited in your country just like in Singapore?
3. What other bad / antisocial habits do you wish to be prohibited in your country?

Vocabulary: Basic Food and Drinks

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A1 – Beginner

This resource will help increase your vocabulary when talking about basic food and drinks.

Read and listen to the different English terms for basic food and drinks and be ready to use them during the speaking exercise.

Basic Food and Drinks

Discuss:

1. What do you usually drink in the morning for breakfast? Are you a coffee or tea drinker?
2. What fruits do you enjoy eating?
3. What are the vegetables you least like or don’t like too much?