Tag: B1 – Intermediate

People Spend Half the Day Daydreaming

B1 – Intermediate

A study shows that many people spend half the day daydreaming or have their minds wander instead of concentrating on what they are doing. Most of those who daydream are the ones not happy at the moment like those who are working.

http://www.english-online.at/news-articles/living/people-spend-half-the-day-daydreaming.htm

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you believe that there is a connection between daydreaming and unhappiness or happiness?
  2. Do you sometimes catch yourself daydreaming?
  3. How do you manage to stay focus on what you are doing?

The Chocolate Capital of the World

B1 – Intermediate

Chocolates! One of the most famous desserts and confectionery known to man. So just how famous is chocolate in Belgium? Read on and be ready to talk about some of your cocoa favourites.

http://www.english-online.at/news-articles/world/europe/brussels-chocolate-capital-of-the-world.htm

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you like chocolates? What are some of your favourites?
  2. Traditionally, how do people in your country take chocolate?
  3. Aside from chocolates, what other types of sweets do you enjoy?
  4. What are some of the products that your country famously export?

Festival of the Sun

B1 – Intermediate

Every culture has a different way of celebrating certain events. Christmas in Spain might be celebrated differently from Christmas in South Korea.

Read the article and watch the video to learn how Peru celebrates the Festival of the Sun.

http://www.newsinlevels.com/products/festival-of-the-sun-level-3/

Discussion Questiosn:

1. Describe how Peruvians commemorate or celebrate the Festival of the Sun.
2. Describe how traditional or religious festivals are observed in your country. Which ones do you participate in?
3. What other traditional festivities from other countries do you know of?

Speaking Activity: At Work

020614-N-0552D-001

Business English – B1 – Intermediate

For this activity, you’ll be able to learn common phrases that you can use at the office. Be ready to also share some of your past work experiences and to talk about employment in your country.

Click the title below and be ready to have a discussion.

Topic: At Work

Speaking Activity: Health and Fitness

Group of people at the gym doing spinning

B1 – Intermediate

Physical fitness is a very important issue. Especially today, because most people now have a lifestyle that is less active.

Staying active and doing some exercises will give your body better performance and help make your muscles be stronger. It will also keep your weight under control.

Click the title below and be ready to discuss new phrases about exercise and health.

Topic: Health and Fitness

 

China Blocks YouTube

B1 – Intermediate

These days, it is easy to get and share information from different parts of the world. The Internet made this possible. However, in China, the Internet is highly controlled by the government.

Read the article below and be ready to express your thoughts about China and how they control the Internet.

http://www.english-online.at/technology/china-blocks-youtube/china-blocks-youtube.htm

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think what China is doing is a good idea? Explain your thoughts.
  2. How is censorship good and bad?
  3. What do you think would happen if Spain decides to control the Internet?
  4. How often and what do you use the Internet for?
  5. What social media sites do you like visiting and why?
  6. What do you think about YouTube?

Speaking Activity: Sports

soccer

B1 – Intermediate

Playing sports helps you stay in shape, teaches you how to organize your time and builds relationships with your peers and adults.

Click the title below to practice your speaking skills and talk about sports. Be ready to discuss new phrases and to answer discussion questions.

Topic: Sports

Grammar: Double Negatives

B1 – Intermediate

Double negatives in a sentence or clause are often confusing, that is why teachers tell students to avoid using them. They are also considered a taboo in English grammar.

Watch the video then read the article below to know more about the origin of double negatives and how it can be used properly.

Everyday Grammar: The Story of the Double Negative

Discuss:

1. Explain the two kinds of double negatives.
2. Which double negative should be avoided when taking exams or when applying for school or a job?
3. Give your own examples of double negatives.

Top Cities to Visit

B1 – Intermediate

There are many cities in the world that most people like to visit. Perhaps you’ve been to one of them.

It is very important to know some information you can use if you’re planning your next out-of-the-country trip.

Listen to the audio and read the transcript about the top 25 cities to visit.

http://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/top-25-cities-to-visit-in-the-world/2760339.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. Which of the cities in the article have you been to? Talk about your experiences there.
  2. Which ones do you want to visit one day and why?
  3. Which cities are the easiest and hardest for you to visit and why?
  4. What is your ultimate dream destination? Why do you want to visit this country so much?
  5. What are some of the best things to do when someone visits your city/country?

Speaking Activity: Asking A Favor

can-i-ask-you-a-favor

B1 – Intermediate

A favor is something you do to help someone. When asking for a favor we usually ask people to help us and, most of the time, we ask politely making sure that it is not an inconvenience.

Click the title below to practice your speaking skills and learn the words we can use when asking for a favor. Be ready to discuss new phrases and to answer discussion questions.

Topic: Asking a favor