phone english blog
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
B1 – Intermediate
Bananas are very popular fruits all over the world. They have essential nutrients that helps keep you healthy.
Here’s an article that’s all about bananas. Read about the facts of this well-known fruit and how important it is in some regions or countries.
http://www.english-online.at/biology/bananas/bananas.html
Discussion Questions:
1. What are some of the very common fruits that you have in your country?
2. Talk about some of the food products that your country exports.
3. What are some of your preferences when it comes to fruits and vegetables and how do you like to eat them?
B1 – Intermediate
Each country has its own rules and customs. Some are liberating while others are dated.
Read the article and discover how Saudi Arabia is changing some of their traditions.
http://www.english-online.at/news-articles/people/more-rights-for-women-in-saudi-arabia.htm
Discussion Questions:
1. What are some of the rights that you enjoy as a woman in your country?
2. In your country, what other laws should the government pass for women and children?
3. How are the women viewed in your society?
B1 – Intermediate
In this age of globalization, an Italian city is doing everything to keep their food tradition.
Some groups do not approve of this even if Italy’s Agriculture Minister supports the foreign food ban.
http://www.english-online.at/culture/italy-foreign-food-ban/italian-city-bans-foreign-food.htm
Discussion Questions:
B1 – Intermediate
Vaccines have been around for many years. But how does it work and what does it do to our body?
Click the title below to know more about vaccines. Be ready to answer some discussion questions.
Discussion Questions:
1. In your own words, please explain what vaccines are?
2. What are some of the common vaccines that you know?
3. What do you think about vaccines? Are they helpful or harmful?
4. Do you agree that some vaccines can cause illnesses?