Tag: B2 – Upper intermediate

Work Permits for Syrian Refugees

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Syrian refugees have now settled in in their host countries and most of them are working on moving on. But being productive and feeling optimistic about the future proves to be harder.

Watch the video below to know more about the challenges that Syrian refugees are facing when it comes to getting work.

http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-38574483#

Discussion Questions:

1. According to the video, what are some of the things that Syrian refugees want?
2. How would you describe the morale of the refugees?
3. How can host countries benefit from refugees?
4. Do you think that giving work permits to refugees can bring more harm than good? What are the anxieties of the locals (in host countries?)

The Perils of Business Travel

B2 – Upper Intermediate

In some occupations, going places is one of the things that comes with the job. While it has a lot of benefits, it also involves some risks.

Read the article below and be ready to answer the questions that follow.

Although technology has enabled videoconferencing, complete with multiple participants in multiple locations, business travel still proves a necessity for some industries, organizations, and positions. A few reasons include: Difficulties with time zones, the need to have project participants together for brainstorming sessions, or even just an old-fashioned mindset in which an employee’s physical presence is a necessity to get anything done. However, new data confirms what has long been suspected: Frequent business travel is bad for you.

To start, in terms of health, a traveler’s circadian rhythm gets disrupted with travel. This refers to your physical, mental, and behavioral cycle each day, such as when you wake up at a regular time in the morning or experience a dip in energy in the early afternoon. Your mood, ability to concentrate, and judgment are all negatively impacted from travel.

Anyone who has experienced jet lag comprehends just what it feels like to be several hours off a regular schedule. However, the immune system is also compromised, and this can mean a greater likelihood for colds and flu. Even worse, the risk of a heart attack and stroke also increase with frequent travel. And lastly, the business traveler also receives increased exposure to radiation; monthly flights from New York to London put a person above the maximum annual dosage.

There are other negatives too, one of which is the effects on family. Missed birthdays and other important events like milestones can become a regular occurrence, and which lead to the loss of the traveler’s familial role. All in all, there are a lot of perils related to business travel.

Source: headsupenglish.com

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “peril” mean? “All in all, there are a lot of perils related to business travel.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘peril’ in your own sentence.
  2. What does “milestone” mean? “Missed birthdays and other important events like milestones can become a regular occurrence, and which lead to the loss of the traveler’s familial role.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘milestone’ in your own sentence.
  3. What does the adjective “compromised” mean in this context, “However, the immune system is also compromised, and this can mean a greater likelihood for colds and flu.“? Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘compromised’ in your own sentence in this context.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think about business trips?
  2. What are the benefits and drawbacks of always traveling for work?
  3. Is traveling an essential part of your job? If so, please explain the reasons why. If not, would you like to be given the opportunity to do so?
  4. Are there any places you wouldn’t want to visit for business? Why?
  5. Talk about one of the most memorable business trips you’ve ever had. What made it so unforgettable?

Women’s Right to Vote

B2 – Upper Intermediate

We have to admit that women’s rights have come a long way. They are now able to hold different important professions, to vote and to study in universities of their choosing.

Listen to the podcast below and be ready to talk about important people and what they have done for their countries. Be ready talk about some of your role models.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english/ep-161124#

Discussion Questions:

  1. Who are some of the historically important women in your country? What have they contributed to promote changes in your society?
  2. Which woman has inspired you? Describe her and why you find her inspiring.
  3. What do you think it would be like if you couldn’t vote?
  4. What are your thoughts on women not being allowed to vote?
  5. What are some plights of women in your country and/or in the world?

India Banning Commercial Surrogacy

B2 – Upper Intermediate

India is known worldwide as an outsourcing country of choice by many multinational companies for almost any kind of services.

In addition to this, India is also popular for surrogacy. In fact, it is dubbed as the “surrogacy hub” of the world, where couples who are having troubles conceiving their own children, go to in order to hire a local woman to get pregnant with their baby.

Recently, the Indian government unveils its plans to regulate this multi-billion industry.

Watch the video on why India is banning commercial surrogacy.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think about India’s decision to ban commercial surrogacy?
  2. In general, how do you feel about surrogacy?
  3. Why is commercial surrogacy attractive to surrogate mothers?
  4. What are your thoughts on this opinion about surrogacy: “It’s immoral to bear another child when there are already a lot of children viable for adoption”?

The Next Generation of Roads That Talk to Cars

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The safety of travellers and drivers on the road have always been a priority. From building better road infrastructure to using technology to ensure a driver’s safety.

Watch the video below to know more of how advanced technology is upping its game when it comes to road safety. Be ready to express your thoughts about it.

Discussion Questions:

1. How do smart-roads work? How can roads communicate with cars?
2. According to the video, what are the benefits of self-driving cars?
3. Which states in the US are already working on smart-roads?
4. What are your thoughts on self-driving cars?
5. Do you think smart-roads will work in your country?

Pros and Cons of Artificial Intelligence

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) has been preoccupying people from all different walks of life. Whether you’re a scientist, an engineer or a mother of two, questions will always be asked. Is it good? Or does it bring more harm?

Click the link below to read the article about the pros and cons of artificial intelligence.

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/pros-cons-artificial-intelligence-mike-fekety

Discussion Questions:

  1. Talk about all the things you know about AI.
  2. Talk about its pros and cons.
  3. In your opinion, what are some of the most worrisome threats associated with AI at the moment? How can we deal with them?
  4. How prevalent is AI used in your country these days? How about at your job? And in your community?
  5. How can AI help address some of the world’s most pressing problems?

Rules That Make Employees Want to Quit

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Every workplace needs rules. They discourage employees from coming to work late, getting drunk at their desks, and most importantly, are intended to ensure efficiency. However, a lot of companies have rules that frustrate employees because they sometimes cross the line into ridiculousness.

Read the article below then express your thoughts about it.

http://www.inc.com/lolly-daskal/10-dumb-rules-that-make-your-best-people-want-to-quit.html?utm_content=buffer49014&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer

Discussion Questions:

1. Do agree with the items listed? why or why not?
2. Give examples of “dumb rules” you’ve encountered.
3. Why do you think rules are necessary?

Speaking Activity : Tourism

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B2 – Upper intermediate

Tourism is travelling for pleasure. It also involves the business of attracting, accommodating, and entertaining tourists, as well as the business of operating tours.

People will always want to travel. The tourism industry has been growing in the past years and travelling has been a lot of people’s passion and hobby.

Answer the questions below and be ready to have a discussion about tourism and travelling.

Discuss:

1. How important is tourism in your country?
2. What is the biggest tourist destination in your country?
3. What are the benefits of international tourism? Are there any drawbacks?
4. Do you prefer tourism package tours or do you prefer to plan your own vacations? Why?
5. Is it better to go to popular tourist destinations or lesser known tourist destinations? Why?
6. Should a government try to improve domestic tourism or try to attract international tourists instead? Why?
7. What’s the best way to travel when you visit a country? Train, car, bicycle, bus?
8. If you could create a tourism slogan for your country, what would it be?
9. What’s the best way for a country to bring in more tourists?
10. How do you feel about tourists who visit your country?

Speaking Activity : Childhood

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B2 – Upper intermediate

Childhood is a moment in life when children enjoy their time with friends, parents and teachers in school. A moment when they should feel safe from violence and abuse. A time when they can learn and grow.

How would would describe your childhood? Answer the questions below and be ready to practice your sentence construction.

Discuss:

1. What was the best thing about your childhood?
2. What do you miss most about being a child?
3. Do you think that children these days have a better or worse childhood than your generation? Why?
4. What do you think is important to have a happy childhood?
5. Where did you grow up? How did that affect your childhood?
6. What were some of your favorite activities when you were a child?
7. Who, besides your parents, had the biggest impact on your childhood?
8.What do you want to provide your children that you didn’t have when you were growing up?
9. What was your experience at school like? (elementary, junior high, or high school)

NASA Developing Food Bars for Mars Flights

B2 – Upper Intermediate

When you go travel somewhere, probably, one of the things you would usually pack is food. Ever wonder how astronauts’ food are prepared for their space travel?

Read the article and watch the video. Be ready for a discussion.

http://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/nasa-developing-food-for-mars-flights/3625387.html

Discussion Questions:
1. What are the things to consider and challenges encountered preparing food for Mars explorations?
2. What are your thoughts on Mars space missions?
3. What do you think of the idea that we could escape into space if (or when) the earth becomes uninhabitable for whatever reason?
4. If you would be sent to space, what food items would you want to bring with you and why?
5. Should rich countries invest more money on these efforts?