Tag: B2 – Upper intermediate

How to Keep Mentally Healthy During a Quarantine

B2 – Upper Intermediate

In the advent of the global pandemic Covid-19, people in many countries were put on lockdown or quarantine in their own homes in order to stop them from passing the virus on to each other. Being restricted to go out of our houses is something no one is accustomed to. Hence, many individuals struggle with this new and hopefully, temporary lifestyle we have.

Listen to the audio and read the transcript of this lesson and be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/how-to-keep-mentally-healthy-during-a-quarantine/5338332.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. How do you keep yourself mentally healthy during the quarantine in your country?
  2. Talk about your routine now that you are stuck at home. How is it different from your old routine?
  3. What do you think are some effects of this quarantine on people’s mental health?

Canadians Start ‘Caremongering’ Trend

B2 – Upper Intermediate

In the wake of a pandemic in 2020, a new word emerged — Caremongering. No one knows if this word is going to stick around for long for it to be included in dictionaries. Nevertheless, this word is making rounds in Canada.

Read the article to learn about ‘caremongering’ and be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-51915723

Discussion Questions:

  1. Explain the term ‘caremongering’. Why is this important these days?
  2. What does ‘scaremongering’ mean? What are your thoughts on this?
  3. Talk about some acts of kindness you saw on social media.
  4. Would you like to do or have you done anything to practice ‘caremongering’ amidst the pandemic?
  5. What things do you do or you see other people do to remain hopeful despite these hard times?

Mobile Phones Have Killed Photography

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Photography was meant to capture the moments from the real world. Did mobile phones kill photography or have they made it easier for everyone to take photographs?

Watch the short clip below:

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you agree or disagree that mobiles have killed photography?
  2. Do you enjoy taking photographs? Give examples of things you like photographing.
  3. What kind of tools do you use for taking pictures? Which is the best for photography? Do you use editing apps/software?
  4. What is your opinion on filters and editing apps?
  5. Do you agree or disagree with some of Wim Wenders statements: “everyone’s a photographer”, “selfies are not photography”, and “the less you have, the more creative you become”?

Aromatherapy: Uses, Facts and Health Benefits

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Aromatherapy or essential oil therapy refers to a range of traditional or alternative therapy that uses essential oils and other aromatic plant compounds. It has been used for thousands of years, with the aim of improving a person’s health or mood. Aromatherapy applications include massage, topical applications, and inhalation.

Watch the video to know more about it and be able to answer the questions that follow:

Discussion Questions:

  1. What springs to your mind when you hear the word “aromatherapy”?
  2. What do you know about “aromatherapy”?
  3. Do you think it is a good form of treatment? Why/Why not?
  4. Would you like to try it to treat your illness?
  5. How does your society view this traditional treatment?

The Real Reason Conspiracy Theories Work

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Conspiracy theories are defined by Merriam-Webster dictionary as a theory that explains an event or set of circumstances by usually powerful conspirators in which existed for about a hundred of years and it continues to flourish until the present time and with the power of the internet, it has quickly accelerated and grown its power. However, is it social media sites’ responsibility to make sure that the videos they promote more likely meet the standard of truth? Or is it our sole responsibility as viewers to verify the accuracy of a certain claim?

Watch the video below that explains why humans fall for conspiracy theories.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you believe that conspiracy theories are dangerous?
  2. Have you seen any conspiracy theories featured on TV or YouTube?
  3. How do you know if the video is factual or fabricated?
  4. Why do you think it is becoming popular on social media?
  5. Do you think conspiracy theories are just interesting and fun or do you think it could present serious consequences?
  6. Talk about a conspiracy theory that you believe in.

Is It a Good Idea to Have a Tattoo?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Nowadays, many people have tattoos and having it has become more socially acceptable. More and more people are using tattoos to represent their hardships or in memory of family, friends, and love ones. Some people consider tattoos a work of art that lets them express themselves. Different people get their tattoos for different reasons and most of the time, it’s sentimental.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english/ep-191024

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the reasons people get tattoos?
  2. What is your opinion about people who have tattoos?
  3. Would you like to have a tattoo? What would it be and why?
  4. What are the pros and cons of getting a tattoo?
  5. What are the differences of tattoos before and now?

Why Does Seeing Someone Yawn Make You Yawn?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Yawning is an involuntary reflex of opening the mouth and inhaling in deeply followed by an exhalation of breath. There are a lot of theories regarding yawning. It is said that it’s a sign of being fatigue, bored, or drowsy. One interesting fact about yawning is that it is contagious. If you see, hear, read, or even think about it can make you yawn.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english/ep-200102

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the reasons you yawn?
  2. Why are yawns contagious?
  3. What do you do to stop yawning?
  4. Is it disrespectful to yawn when somebody is talking?
  5. What should you do if you are caught yawning?

Does It Make Sense to Pay People to Have Kids?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Most European countries are struggling with population slowdown. Several countries are trying to provide financial inducements to deal with this problem and prevent imminent consequences in the future – but just how effective are these measures?

Read this article and watch the video to see all compelling points around this incentive.

https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20191017-does-it-make-sense-to-pay-people-to-have-kids

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on the ‘baby bonus’?
  2. What do you think are the strong and weak points of this measure?
  3. Do you think this kind of bonus would soon be implemented in your country too? Why or why not? What are other good family policies do you have in your country?
  4. Do you agree or disagree that people’s attitudes to having children at all have changed over time? Cite situations to support your stand.
  5. What are other means to reverse shrinking population?

South Korean Men Leads Beauty Market

B2 – Upper Intermediate

South Korean men have begun spending more money on beauty and skincare products. This has become a trend to which men conform more to using cosmetics products that enables them to improve their appearance. Will the Western men’s definition of beauty change because of this fashion?

Let’s read more about it in the article below.

https://edition.cnn.com/style/article/south-korea-male-beauty-market-chanel/index.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your opinion about male beauty?
  2. How is vanity among men viewed in your country? What do you personally think when a man takes care of his skin so much and/or puts on some makeup?
  3. What is your beauty obsession? Why?
  4. How do makeup and beauty products affect masculinity?
  5. Should we associate beauty rituals with femininity or with self-care and success?

Is It Good to Disagree?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

We often find ourselves in disagreement with others. It’s inevitable to have it with your friends, family, colleagues, or even strangers. Experiencing this could give you a headache especially if it ends badly. However, disagreements are not always bad. Sometimes it’s necessary and surprisingly healthy.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english/ep-200206

Discussion Questions:

  1. Dalai Lama said “Disagreement is something normal”. Do you agree or disagree?
  2. How is disagreeing a bad thing and a good thing?
  3. What are the usual things that you disagree with with other people?
  4. How would you explain the phrase “agree to disagree”?
  5. Do you think that people should always compromise? Why?
  6. How can disputes be settled amicably?