Tag: B1 – Intermediate

Interesting Facts about Spanish Culture

B1 – Intermediate

Spain has a lot to offer any sort of traveler. Spanish culture is just as fascinating as the nation’s coastlines and museums, and probably much more nuanced! Even if you spent years in Spain you most likely wouldn’t be able to uncover every aspect of the country’s vibrant traditions, but that doesn’t mean you won’t try, right?

Let’s check a few interesting facts about Spain and the Spanish way of life.

https://www.languagetrainers.co.uk/blog/2017/06/21/6-interesting-facts-about-spanish-culture/

 

Discussion Questions:

1. What do you think is interesting about your culture?

2. What don’t you like about your culture?

3. When people from other countries think about your culture, what do they usually think of?

Idioms and Their Origin

B1 – Lower Intermediate

Image result for cat got your tongue idiom

 

An idiom is a word or phrase which means something different from its literal meaning. When used correctly, it can amplify messages in a way that draws readers and listeners in and helps awaken their senses.

Let us get to find out some of the most used idioms and their crazy origins.

https://www.grammarly.com/blog/popular-idioms-with-crazy-origins

Discussion questions:

1. Tell some real-life situations when you have used or experienced these idioms.

2. Are you good at using idioms when speaking? How do you feel about people who are good at using idioms in a conversation?

3. Give an example of a Spanish idiom and explain its meaning and origin.

4. When is it necessary to use idioms? When is it not?

 

Sugar Baby University

B1 – Intermediate

In the US, there is a growing number of men and woman who have found alternative ways of getting through to college/university. They are turning to dating websites looking for wealthy older men (or women) who want to pay for their college fees.

Read the article below about sugar daddies paying for their sugar babies’ tuition and be ready to answer the questions that follow.

http://www.businessinsider.com/seeking-arrangement-sugar-daddies-pay-sugar-babies-college-tuition-2017-11

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on websites such as “seekingarrangement.com”?
  2. Do you hear this kind of arrangement being sought and made by young people in your country?
  3. Share your thoughts on this statement: “Some of [the sugar daddies] have that ‘white knight’ scenario where they really want to be helping somebody and saving them from their debt”?
  4. In your country, how expensive is it to get through college?
  5. What are alternative ways to finish your college education if you can’t afford it?

Strange Laws Around the World

B1 – Intermediate

When you’re travelling around the world, it’s not always a bad idea to do your research on local laws and traditions. Not only could this keep you out of trouble, but it can also help you get the most out of your trip. However, there are some strange laws in some countries that will surely make you scratch your head.

Here are 14 strange laws to keep in mind next time you book a trip.

https://www.businessinsider.com/14-strange-laws-from-around-the-world-2016-7

Discussion Questions:

  1. Which among the laws mentioned do you find most absurd?
  2. Does your country have any strange laws as well?
  3. If you could add or remove a law in your country, what would it be?

Digital Cloning

B1 – Intermediate

Cloning has long been a subject of debate since the year dot. Supporters of cloning claim that it is the answer to preventing endangered species from disappearing as well as allowing human beings to live healthier lives. But just recently, another form of cloning has come to rise – digital cloning, wherein a copy of your “self” will be created online.

Read this blog about digital heaven.

http://fullspate.digitalcounterrevolution.co.uk/english-articles-advanced/digital-heaven.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “cease” mean, “Creating a digital copy of your “self” and keeping that “alive” online long after your physical body has ceased to function.”? Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “insurmountable” mean, “The obstacles to keeping your body alive indefinitely still seem insurmountable.”? Use this word in a sentence.
  3. What does “virtual” mean, “Rather than send your friends e-mails you would agree to meet up on some virtual tropical beach.”? Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think about ‘digital cloning’?
  2. Would you like to be cloned and/or digitally cloned? Why/why not?
  3. With this technological advancement, how do you see the future of humanity?
  4. What can you say about the the last statement-question ‘Who needs faith when you’ve got broadband’?

Fad Diets

B1 – Intermediate

People go on special diets for different reasons. Some take it way too far though.

Fad diet, also known as diet cult, promises weight loss or other health benefits such as longer life without any scientific basis, and is often characterized by highly restrictive or unusual food choices.

Get more information about different examples of fad diets and some issues associated with them here:

https://www.medishare.com/blog/7-ways-to-lose-weight-no-fad-diets

Discussion Questions:

1. Talk about your regular diet.

2. Have you ever been on a diet?

3. In your opinion, how important is exercising as part of a diet?

4. Is it important to track one’s weight? Why or why not?

5. Are dietary habits in your country changing?

6. Why are people so worried about the way their body looks?

Can a Computer Teach Children to Read and Write?

B1 – Intermediate

Global XPrize aims to help the poorest children of the world to learn how to read and write by developing a user-friendly app.  They will test the winning app with thousands of children in Africa by using a tablet to learn.

Let us know your opinion after reading the full article and watching the video.

https://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/can-a-computer-teach-children-to-read-and-write/4055194.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on the Global XPrize competition?
  2. Do you think that children will be able to teach themselves basic educational skills with only a tablet? Why or why not?
  3. Is the U.N.’s goal to provide “universal primary and secondary education by 2030” realistic? Why or why not?
  4. Do you think that computers will play a major role in education in the near future? Why or why not?
  5. Would you say that teachers are an essential part of the education system? Why or why not?

Organic Food Craze

B1 – Intermediate

Organic food is the product of a farming system which avoids the use of man-made fertilizers, pesticides, growth regulators and livestock feed additives.

Many people believe organic produces offer much more health benefits. Some beg to differ.

Let’s find out more about the truth behind organic food.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/1209/120904-organic_food.html

Discussion Questions:

1. What is your stand on the organic food craze?

2. Do you buy organic food? Why or why not?

3. Why do you think organic food is so much more expensive?

4. Do you think that organic food is much better than normal food or are they about the same?

Learn English by Watching TV

B1 – Intermediate

For any immigrant or refugee who doesn’t speak the language of the country where they’ve moved into, it would be a complete culture shock and in some ways, may very well be a very frustrating moment in his life.

There are many ways to learn English. Discover and be inspired as to how Farid, an Afghan refugee, learned English. Watch the video that talks about Farid’s journey and read the article to know whether we can really learn English the way he did.

http://www.bbc.com/news/education-41516251

Discussion Questions:

1. What are some ways to learn English or a language?
2. In your opinion, what is the best way to do so?
3. What do you think of Farid’s suggestion to English learners?
4. What are things you’ve done/tried to improve your foreign language skills?
5. What advise or tips would you give other English/foreign language learners?

Travel Accommodations

B1 – Intermediate

Accommodation is a concern of every traveler, whether looking for a place to pitch a tent or a luxury suite in a fancy resort. Booking accommodation, dealing with the vast array of accommodation options, and considering alternative lodging options are all issues that travelers face.

https://veesko.com/post/114961446726/different-types-accommodation-tourism

Discussion Questions:

1. Which do you prefer to stay in when you travel:  hotels, hostels, or another type of place? Why?

2. What are the best and worst things about staying in hotels?

3. Do you feel comfortable when you are staying at a hotel?

4. Couch surfing is staying for free at people’s homes in different countries. Is this a good idea or bad idea? Why?

5. What is the most common accommodations in your country?

6. Do you have any interesting stories about staying somewhere other than your house, like a hotel or hostel?