Tag: B2 – Upper intermediate

French “Right to Disconnect” Law

working-from-home

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Work-life balance is a global issue now since we are constantly asked by our employers to be always online. The pressure and stakes are high. If we don’t follow them, we might not get the promotion we’ve long been aiming for or worst-case scenario, lose our jobs. But is all this worth the stress?

France had declared a new law that allows employees to have the right to disconnect. Some say it is what every country needs but is it really possible (to be TOTALLY disconnected from work)? Let’s read and start a discussion about the topic.

https://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/french-disconnect-law/3661695.html

Discussion Questions:

1. What can cause a lot of stress according to this article?
2. What do you think about this new French law?
3. What are the advantages of this law for the employees? What are the disadvantages of this law for companies?
4. What new laws do you have in your country?

Making Someone Redundant

B2 – Upper Intermediate

If one is ever made to be redundant, their employer must treat them with fairness and act in accordance with their contract and legal redundancy rights. That includes making sure they’re consulted, following the right selection process, and giving them sufficient notice period.

Everyone should know their rights when faced with this situation.

Watch the video and read the transcript about making someone redundant.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/english-at-work/50-language-used-making-someone-redundant

Discussion Questions:

  1. Is work redundancy common in the workplace in your country? Talk about some instances you know of.
  2. What are the rights of an employee who has been terminated due to redundancy?
  3. In your opinion, how long should the notice period be?

Compulsory Voting

 B2 – Upper intermediate

There are currently 32 countries with compulsory voting around the world. They include Australia, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, Uruguay, Singapore, Cyprus, Greece, and others. Of these 32 countries, 12 aggressively enforce their mandatory voting laws with penalties of varying kinds, including nominal penalties and small fees of as low as $15 and the deprivation of government services or the freezing of one’s bank account.

Listen to this podcast to know more about exercising our right to vote:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english/ep-150813

Discussion Questions:

1. Are you a voter? Why is important to vote? Should it be made compulsory?

2. Does compulsory voting contradict the concept of free will?

3. Do you agree with some people who choose not to vote as a form of political expression?

Why Do We Dream?

B2 – Upper intermediate

Dreaming is a part of our everyday lives and yet we don’t know much about it. While we don’t fully understand its purpose, a couple of theories might shed some light on this matter.

Watch the video below to find out why we dream.

Discussion Questions:

  1. According to the video, what are the possible purposes of dreaming?
  2. What do you usually dream about?
  3. What do you think the usual things you dream of mean?
  4. Do you think dreams can be interpreted? Explain.

Why Do We Age?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Aging is a natural process that we are very well aware of. However, the process itself is still poorly understood. How and why exactly do we age?

Watch the video to find out.

Discussion Questions:

1. What are the factors that contribute to aging?
2. Like Jeanne Louise Calment, would you like to live for 122 years? Why or why not?
3. How long do you think is the ideal lifespan?
4. Do you think it is possible for people to not age at all?

The Pros and Cons of Pesticides

B2 – Upper Intermediate

For many years, people have relied on using pesticides in order to prevent agricultural catastrophes. However, it is not without consequences. What are the negative effects of using pesticides?

Watch the video below to find out.

Discussion Questions:

1. What are the advantages and disadvantages of using pesticides?
2. After banning DDT (dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane), do you think Paul Hermann Müller’s Nobel Prize should have been revoked?
3. Are there strict regulations regarding the use of pesticides in your country?
4. What do you think will happen in the event of an agricultural catastrophe?
5. Can you think of alternatives to chemical pesticides not mentioned in the video?

Olive Oil Protects Brain from Alzheimer’s

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Extra-virgin olive oil is said to “protect memory and learning ability and reduce the formation of amyloid-beta plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain – classic markers of Alzheimer’s disease.”

Read more about the results of this study on the benefits our brains get from olive oil.

https://www.voanews.com/a/mht-olive-oil-protects-brain-from-alzheimers-study/3911487.html

Discussion Questions:

1. In your own words, define and describe Alzheimer’s disease.
2. Aside from Alzheimer’s disease, what other conditions exhibit cognitive decline?
3. What are the other benefits of olive oil?
4. Does olive oil have any negative effect on the body?

Mediterranean Sea Acidification

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Research shows that a portion of the Mediterranean Sea’s acidity has reached an almost 7-percent increase. This phenomenon poses a threat on sea creatures like oysters and mussels.

https://www.voanews.com/a/rising-temperatures-acidification-threaten-mediterranean-sea-species/3913767.html

Discussion Questions:

1. In your own words, describe the cause/s and effect/s of ocean acidification.
2. Based on the article, what caused the acidification of the Mediterranean Sea, and what are its effects?
3. In your opinion, what will be the impact of this phenomenon on countries like Italy, France and Spain?

Students in Amsterdam Share Housing With Refugees

B2 – Upper Intermediate

There are at least two biggest problems in every European country. They are: the influx of refugees and the increasing prices of apartments. Amsterdam might have a solution to this problem. They have introduced a new concept called “Startblok” where university students can live in a low-priced good quality apartments with refugees.

Watch the video, listen to the audio and read the article to know more about this integration project between university students and refugees.

https://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/students-amsterdam-share-housing-refugees/3695391.html

Discussion Questions:

1. What are the students and refugees expected to do in exchange for the cheap housing?
2. What are your thoughts on the “Startblok” project? Do you see this succeeding in your country?
3. What is the general attitude towards refugees in your country? Do you think that refugees find it difficult to integrate into your local community?
4. Is housing cheap in your country? Would you ever consider moving abroad because of lower housing costs?

 

Spanish Smart City

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The fast advent of technology has helped improve our lives in a tremendous way. Have you ever heard of the term “Smart City” before? A Smart City uses technology to help locals live conveniently and comfortably. Apps are developed to aid locals in doing things such as finding a parking space, checking your favorite shop’s business hours, among others.

Watch the video and read the article to learn more about how Santander is becoming a smart city.

https://www.voanews.com/a/spanish-smart-city-project-saves-time-money/3274146.html

Discussion Questions:

1. How can drivers in Santander find out where they can find available parking spots?
2. What made all these innovations possible?
3. What do you think about the technological innovations in Santander?
4. Do you know of any other “smart” cities in the world?
5. What do you think big cities would look like in 100 years?
6. How do you think public transportation will change in the future?