Tag: B2 – Upper intermediate

Small American Towns at Night

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B2 – Upper intermediate

When the night falls, some cities transform into something else.

Take a look at some photographs capturing nocturnal sights in some small American towns.

Small American Towns at Night

Discuss:

1. Choose one photo from the series of photographs in this article. Describe it and explain why you chose it.
2. How would you differentiate the night time views in small towns and big cities?
3. How is night time like in the city that you live in? How is the atmosphere different during the day?
4. What might be the good and bad things about night time in small towns and big cities?

Does Online Therapy Actually Work?

Modern guy typing on a smartphone.

B2 – Upper intermediate

Online therapy is counseling using the Internet. It’s also known as e-therapy, distance therapy, Internet therapy and web therapy. Apps for texting, video chatting, voice messaging and audio messaging are used as forms of communication between therapist and patient. But the BIG question is, does it actually work?

Click below to find out more:

Does Online Therapy Actually Work?

Discuss:

1. When you saw the phrase “online therapy,” what came to mind?
2. Would you be willing to undergo online therapy if you had any issues?
3. What are the downsides of Online Therapy?
4. What do you think are other ways you can counsel a person?

10 Ways To Reduce Stress By Decluttering Your Life

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B2 – Upper intermediate

It may seem like there’s nothing you can do about stress. The bills won’t stop coming, there will never be more hours in the day, and your work and family responsibilities will always be demanding.

Stress management is all about taking charge. No matter how stressful your life seems, there are steps you can take to relieve the pressure and regain control.

10 Ways To Reduce Stress By Decluttering Your Life

Discuss:

1. What are you most stressed about these days?
2. Do you think stress can sometimes be good?
3. Which of the ways mentioned in the article do you find most useful?
4. What are some decluttering practices that you do?

Syrian Children in Toxic Stress

B2 – Upper Intermediate

War affects children as much as it affects adults, how ever different the impact is. Children are dependent on the care, empathy, and attention of adults who love them. Their attachments are frequently disrupted in times of war, due to the loss of parents or other custodians.

Read the article below to know more on how the children are fairing in the middle of the Syrian war.

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-39188402

Discussion Questions:

1. How does war affect children? What are the lifelong influences?
2. How do children of war view this phenomenon?
3. How should we rehabilitate children who have witnessed the horrors of war?

Tackling Air Pollution

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B2 – Upper intermediate

Aside from politics and the economy, pollution is also a growing issue in most countries. Air pollution has become more and more evident in the past years that people from different walks of life are trying to lessen air pollution in their own little way.

Read the article below and express your thoughts about it.

http://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-39132679

Discussion Questions:

1. How is your government addressing the issue of air pollution?
2. How would you describe pollution in your city?
3. What are some of the places you visited that you would consider very clean?
4. Do you enjoy living in your current city?

The Doctor Who Saved 100,000 Eyes

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Our eyesight is very important to us. Yet, just like the other senses, we tend to take it for granted until we realize how much we rely on it.

Watch the video below to know of a doctor who restores hope in people through better eyesight.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Discuss what the doctor and his team does for people in Nepal.
  2. How important is this medical project to small cities and developing countries?
  3. Talk about medical projects or missions in your country that you know of.
  4. Have you ever volunteered to help those in need? How was that experience?

Why are We So Attached to Our Things?

B2 – Upper intermediate

Ever wonder why we get attached to our belongings? Are we innately selfish? There must be a scientific explanation to this. This video details the psychology of ownership.

Watch the video carefully then be ready to answer some discussion questions.

Discuss:

  1. What does the “endowment effect” describe?
  2. What are some of the almost magical ways that we think about the connection between objects and their owners?
  3. Can there ever be a downside to feeling attached to our things? Elaborate your answer.

Aid Given in Cash

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Some people are hesitant in giving money to charities as they are doubtful whether their donations would be used efficiently.

In Kenya, charitable organizations are trying out a new way of helping through direct cash transfers, letting the recipients spend the money however they wish to.

Read more on this from the article below.

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-39038402

Discussion Questions:
1. How did Joseph Ombimbo Nyakwaka spend the money he received?
2. What are the positive things about direct cash transfers in donating?
3. What are the criticisms on this method of giving?
4. Imagine receiving $1000 and you can spend it however you want. How would you like to spend it?

Video: Kenya’s Catchy Pop Hit

B2 – Upper intermediate

If you’re into music then you’ll find this story interesting. The video below is good practice for your listening skills. Feel free to watch it more than once. The text below the video will give you extra details about the short story.

Kenya’s catchy pop hit that took the world by storm

Discuss:

1. How did the song “Jambo Bwana” come to life? What was its inspiration?
2. What did you think of the tune or the melody of the pop song?
3. What are some of the local songs in your country that are considered a classic and are still played on the radio?
4. What are some of your preferences when it comes to music?

Running Away to Escape a Marriage

B2 – Upper Intermediate

I is rather unfortunate that the practice of arranged marriages is still very much alive in some traditions. Certain Indian communities are continues to strongly practice it, even if the child firmly goes against it.

Read the article below to know the story of one Indian girl who escaped her arranged marriage but had to face the consequences.

https://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-38833804

Discussion Questions:

  1. What did you think of Jasvinder Sanghera’s story? How was she able to escape her arranged marriage?
  2. According to the article, why did Jasvinder dislike being in an arranged marriage? What were the struggles she had to endure?
  3. How do you view this custom? What are the good and bad things about it?
  4. What would you do if your parents fixed your marriage up with someone you barely know?
  5. Discuss other family traditions that you think should be discontinued.