Tag: B2 – Upper intermediate

The Culture Shock of an International Student

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Culture shock is defined as feeling confused and anxious when you visit another country or city. It happens to everyone, even to young students who are more flexible and adaptable to a new environment.

Read the article below to know about the experience of one international student.

https://www.theguardian.com/education/2016/mar/30/i-wasnt-prepared-for-the-culture-shock-of-being-an-international-student

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on and experiences studying abroad?
  2. What are the advantages and disadvantages of being an international student?
  3. Have you experienced culture shock before? How did you cope with that?
  4. Share an experience you had in staying in another country. What are the things that matched with your expectations before coming to a country and which things didn’t?

Virtual Reality in the Classroom

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Virtual reality used to be just something out of a movie. Now, it is widely used in different industries, whether it be in entertainment or in technical training. But is it as effective if it is used in classrooms? Are there any physical side effects to using virtual reality?

Click the link below and read the article to know more of the advantages and disadvantages of using virtual reality.

https://elearningindustry.com/pros-cons-using-virtual-reality-in-the-classroom

Discussion Questions:

1. Do you think that this technology can benefit students in their learning environment? Why or why not?

2. In the article, cite one advantage and one disadvantage of virtual reality in the classroom that you agree with. Explain why.

3. In your own personal opinion, do you think the advantages outweigh the drawbacks of Virtual Reality?

4. Would you like virtual reality to be applied in the classroom for your child or children? Or, would you rather have them be taught in a traditional way? Explain your answer.

Dying to be Thin: Eating Disorders

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Do you feel fat? Interestingly enough, fat is not a feeling. For some people, the thought of feeling full, bloated or bigger than they should be conjures up a wide range of emotions.

For people suffering from eating disorders, feeling fat goes beyond the sensation of feeling full after a meal. They also suffer from depression, from feeling unloved and ignored or unappreciated.

Click the link below to learn more about eating disorders.

http://www.thejournal.ie/readme/column-dying-to-be-thin-what-you-should-know-about-eating-disorders-793076-Feb2013/

Discussion Questions:

1. What are the signs and symptoms of eating disorders?
2. What are your thoughts on the eating disorders mentioned in the article? Is this something that people in your country struggle with?
3. The influence of the media is greater than ever. They promote bodies that are thin and idealistically well proportioned. Do you agree or disagree with this? Why or why not?
4. What should the government do to help reduce the number of people suffering from this
condition?

Racial Profiling

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Racial profiling has been a hot topic for the past few years. The reality of it is getting to be more and more common.

Read about racial profiling and express your thoughts about it.

https://edition.cnn.com/2018/05/11/us/everyday-racial-profiling-consequences-trnd/index.html

Discussion Questions:

1. What images spring to mind when you hear the term ‘racial profiling’?
2. Is racial profiling OK if it leads to a reduction in terrorist attacks?
3. Which races are targeted most under racial profiling? Is this fair?
4. Which is worse – racial profiling or religion profiling?
5. Do you think racial profiling will alienate those profiled and thus lead to greater social problems?
6. How would you feel if you were suspected of wrongdoing because of your colour or race?

Stereotypes About The Spanish That Are True

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B2 – Upper intermediate

Stereotypes are nothing new. We all have fixed ideas of different cultures. Fortunately, most of them aren’t true. The article below shows an interesting view of Spanish stereotypes that are interestingly true.

Read the different points and be ready to express your points about them.

12 Stereotypes About The Spanish That Are DEFINITELY True

Discuss:

1. What was your initial reaction when you read the title?
2. Which of the stereotypes mentioned in the article do you think are true?
3. What other Spanish stereotypes do you know of that were not mentioned?
4. Share some of the stereotypes that you have of other culture.

Chemicals in Fast Food Packaging

B2 – Upper Intermediate

“Health is wealth.” is a common English expression. But how can we maintain good health in the midst of  our busy lives? Apparently, we can. All we need to do is to be aware of what we are eating. Find out from this link about a new study of packaging in fast food restaurants.

http://edition.cnn.com/2017/02/01/health/fast-food-packaging-chemicals-pfas-study/index.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. Summarize what was written in the article.
  2. What are the side effects of fluorine in our body?
  3. What is your reaction to this news?
  4. Take a look at the pictures and share your thoughts about them.
  5. What should we do to avoid exposure from fluorine in fast food restaurants?
  6. What are other food safety policies do you think should be implemented?

Traditional and Western Medicine

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The World Health Organization estimates that between 65 to 80 percent of the world’s population (over 4 billion people) rely on alternative medicine as their primary form of health care compared to only 10 to 30 percent of people who use conventional medicine.

http://medcitynews.com/2012/11/the-great-debate-between-western-and-alternative-medicine/

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think traditional medicines are tried, tested, and safe?
  2. What traditional medicine do you know of? Have you ever tried any?
  3. Would you like to try acupuncture, cupping, massage etc.?
  4. Do you think traditional medicine works? Why or why not?
  5. Do you think traditional medicine is just a fad? Elaborate.
  6. What do you think of things like art therapy, music therapy, healing with animals, etc?

App Targets Fake ‘Made in Italy’ Labels

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Have you ever seen or bought products that looked genuine but they really aren’t? There’s an a mobile app that helps you spot fraudulent Italian products.

Read more about this app and how it works and what it can do.

http://www.bbc.com/news/blogs-news-from-elsewhere-38743912

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think about this app? What other features would you add to it?
  2. Why might be reasons people purchase knockoffs?
  3. How prevalent is counterfeiting in your country? Talk about this problem in respect to the situation in your country.
  4. How does fraudulent labels affect the businesses/companies that manufacture the original ones?
  5. What are ways to possibly lessen the spread and sale of counterfeit products?

Swiss Army to Accept Overweight Recruits

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B2 – Upper Intermediate

The Swiss Members of Parliament is hoping to increase the number of military service recruits in their country.

Find out more how they are going to do it through this BBC article:

Calls for Swiss army to accept overweight recruits

Discuss:

1. What are your thoughts on this proposal?
2. How would you feel about mandatory military service in your country?
3. What do you think are the advantages and disadvantages of doing military service?

Never Too Old for a Tiara

B2 – Upper intermediate

The Philippines just recently hosted the Miss Universe pageant last January 2017. It showcased a range of beauties and talents from across the globe. All young and in their prime. The video below shows a different kind of beauty contest. Watch the video carefully then be ready to answer comprehension and discussion questions.

Discuss:

1. Discuss what the video is all about.
2. What are the contestants saying about joining the pageant/contest? What are their words of wisdom?
3. What is your general opinion of beauty contests/pageants?
4. What message do you think is this video trying to send?
5. In the United States, they have beauty contests for girls as young as 5 or 6. Do you think that’s a good idea? How do you think it will affect the child?