phone english blogB1 – Intermediate
A nice t-shirt for only 2 euros sounds like a really good bargain. But, is it really?
Watch the video and discover why this “good buy” comes at a cost for the lowly third world sewers who make them.
Discussion Questions:
1. When buying clothes, what things do you consider?
2. What do you think can be done to help improve the situation of sweatshop workers in third world countries?
3. Is there an advocacy or cause that you support? If you do, explain why you support it.
B1 – Intermediate
Listen to the audio clip to know more about contracted speech and why native English speakers talk fast.
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?
B1 – Intermediate
Is money really the root of all evil? Read the article to find out what professor Paul Piff says about being wealthy and being poor.
Read the article below about what money does to people and be ready to answer the questions that follow.
http://breakingnewsenglish.com/1503/150320-wealth.html
Discussion Questions:
1. Explain what Professor Piff said about wealthy and poor people.
2. Do you agree with the study of Professor Piff?
3. What things will change for you if you become wealthy?
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:
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:
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?
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.
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.
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:
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.