Tag: B1 – Intermediate

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.

Minister of Loneliness

B1 – Intermediate

The Japanese government appointed Tetsushi Sakamoto to be the “minister of loneliness”. Since Japan has been having problems with the high number of suicide in their country, Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga created this role to help those people who are feeling lonely and isolated due to the coronavirus pandemic. They hope people could do activities that would improve interactions among themselves.

Let’s read the article below to learn more about the minister of loneliness.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2102/210225-minister-of-loneliness-1.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why did the Japanese government appoint a minister of loneliness?
  2. What is your opinion about a ministry of loneliness?
  3. What organizations were formed in your country during the pandemic?
  4. Do you think loneliness and isolation were a problem for many people in your country especially because of the pandemic? Why do you think this is?
  5. How can we know if someone is experiencing anxiety or depression?
  6. How can we help people who are dealing with negative thoughts?

Identical Twins Are Not So Identical

B1 – Intermediate

Most people would be in awe with the sight of identical twins since it is pretty rare to see individuals who looks perfectly alike. Some would say that they are carbon-copy physically and even mentally but according a study, they are not perfectly similar since identical twins do not share totally identical DNA. This research shows that this tiny difference could impact the twins’ characteristics.

Let’s read the article below to learn more about identical twins.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2101/210110-identical-twins-4.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. Is it common in your country to have twins? Why do you think that is?
  2. How can identical twins be similar and different?
  3. How does nature versus nurture affect child development?
  4. What do you think are the good and bad things about having twins?
  5. What do you think are the hardships that twins could experience?

Online Romance Fraud

B1 – Intermediate

Online romance has increased a lot in the information age; even more during the coronavirus pandemic since most people have been isolated in their own homes. People try to find their romantic partner using different platforms.

Unfortunately, not everyone on these platforms wants romance. Some are just there with fake online identities. They gain their victim’s affection and trust and then try to take their money. These fraudsters deceive people into believing they are in a platonic or romantic relationship when all they want is money.

Let’s read the article below to learn more about the increase in online romance fraud.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2103/210319-romance-fraud-4.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. Is online romance fraud popular in your country? Why or why not?
  2. Why has online romance fraud increased nowadays?
  3. How can we know if someone is a scammer on these dating apps?
  4. How can we prevent being scammed online?
  5. Have you experienced any form of online fraud?
  6. How is online dating different from dating in-person?

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?

Will Smith Apologizes to Chris Rock after the Oscars Slap

B1 – Intermediate

Everyone in the entertainment industry anticipates the Academy Awards, popularly known as the Oscars, whereby artist are given with international recognition, prestige, and awards. The 94th Academy Awards for the year 2022 could be one of the most controversial events when actor Will Smith slapped host Chris Rock on the stage for joking about Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, and her shaved head. Afterwards, Will Smith apologized to everyone except to Chris Rock but eventually made a public apology to him a day later.

Let’s read the article below to learn more about Will Smith’s apology.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2203/220331-will-smith-apology-1.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts about Will Smith’s actions during the Oscars?
  2. What would you do if your were in Will Smith’s situation at that time?
  3. How do you usually react to an insensitive joke about you or your love ones?
  4. Is it better to defend yourself through words or actions when offended? Explain your point.
  5. How do you apologize when you intentionally or unintentionally hurt someone?

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.

Sleep and Light

B1 – Intermediate

Sleep is essential for all humans and animals. Without sleep, our bodies won’t have the time to rest and recharge. However, it’s not only about the number of hours that matter, but also the conditions under which we sleep.

Researchers have discovered that sleeping with the lights on can cause serious health problems. Now, sleeping in the dark not only makes sense, but could also have huge benefits on our overall health.

Read the article below to learn about the effects on our health when we sleep in a brightly-lit room.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2203/220324-sleeping-with-the-light-on-1.html

Discussion Questions:

1. What are the conditions that allow you to sleep well?
2. Is the number of hours you sleep important to you? Why or why not?
3. How do you feel after a day or two without proper sleep?
4. How many days do you think, you can last with only a few hours of sleep?
5. Are apps that monitor sleep effective and helpful? Why or why not?
6. Do you monitor your sleeping patterns? Why or why not?
7. How do you deal with low energy during the day because of lack of sleep?