Tag: B2 – Upper intermediate

Bride Meets Recipient of Son’s Heart

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Nuptials are always memorable occasions. One wedding, in particular, stood out, going viral because of an unexpected sixth groomsman. Who was the young man, and why was his presence so significant to the newlyweds?

Watch the video below and find out.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Many people have opined that the groom’s gesture was the best wedding gift possible for his wife. Do you agree?
  2. If you could give or receive a truly memorable wedding present, what would it be? Would you prefer a physical object or a unique experience?
  3. What is the attitude towards organ donation in your country? Should people consider becoming organ donors?

Remarkable Ways Dogs Comfort Us When We’re Sick

Researchers provide us with information about the therapeutic benefits of dogs, both physical and psychological. Dogs have a remarkable sense of smell which detects illnesses and changes in people’s behavior. The positive reactions to pet dogs can also stimulate social bonding, relaxation, and trust, and ease stress.

Our dogs can make us feel better. Read the article below to see how dogs know when and how to provide support and comfort for us when we’re not in the pink of health.

https://barkpost.com/good/5-remarkable-ways-dogs-comfort-us-when-were-sick/

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think of pet dogs? How do you feel being with them?
  2. Have you ever been comforted by a dog before?
  3. Do you agree with what the article says?
  4. What are some other popular pets in your country?

Family Christmas Photo

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Christmas is a memorable time and an opportunity to spend extra time together as a family, reconnect with our spouse, children, friends and create holiday memories together. But sadly some people can’t have this, like this family. A military wife edited her deployed husband to be part of their Christmas family photo.

Watch this heart-warming video:

Discussion Questions:

1. How do you feel about their Christmas family photo?

2. Have you been away from your family during the Christmas holidays?

3. Do you enjoy large family get-togethers or find them overwhelming during Christmas holidays?

4. Describe your most memorable Christmas /New Years gathering. What makes it so special? 

5. Talk about your best Christmas family photo and some family traditions your family has.

Is Shame Always Bad?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

In this age of social media, public shaming is nothing new. It is easier to call out people when they have done something unacceptable – big or small. Some experts say that public shaming has lasting damaging effects but can something good also come out of it?

Listen to the podcast and learn more about this feeling.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english/ep-190718

Discussion Questions:

  1. How popular is social media shaming? Can you recall some instances of such?
  2. How is shaming someone good according to the podcast?
  3. What does the speaker mean with ‘Teflon-coated politicians’?

A Teen’s First Look at Color

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Color. It’s something most of us don’t even give a second thought to. But really, how differently we might experience the world around us if we were unable to perceive its rich hues.

Watch the video below and join a young man and his friends as they celebrate a momentous event in his life.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How important is color? In what ways would we be disadvantaged if we couldn’t accurately see colors?
  2. Think of a memory that stands out for you. What dominant colors do you recall from this page in your personal history?
  3. What is your favorite color? Why do you like it?
  4. Aside from color perception, what other things do we humans usually take for granted?
  5. What does it mean when we say a person uses colorful language, or that he or she has a colorful past? What about if that person is a colorful character?

Can Robots Care for Us?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another. Can robots have empathy? Can robots care for us?

Let’s find out by listening to the podcast carefully.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english/ep-191121

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the pros and cons of having a robot carer?
  2. Do you think it’s possible for robots to have empathy?
  3. Would you buy one for yourself? Why or why not?
  4. How are elderlies taken care of in your country?

“Living Funerals” in Seoul

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Some people would rather not talk about death, finding it too morbid to dwell on. However, one community center in Seoul, South Korea has taken mulling over death to a whole new level with its “dying well” program. It has provided more than 25,000 people an experience it calls a “living funeral”.

Listen to the audio and read the transcript to see how thinking about death has actually helped some people lead better lives.

https://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/south-koreans-take-part-in-living-funerals-to-improve-lives/5156961.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is a “living funeral”?
  2. What benefits did the participants say they got out of this event?
  3. Do you think talking about death can be healthy?
  4. What do you feel when people bring up the topic of death?
  5. What are your thoughts on “living funerals”?

Japan’s Micro Apartment Boom

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Japan is famous for its minimalist and downsized architecture even though the country has not always been so densely populated. With not enough space in the cities and low budgets for renting or owning a house, many Japanese have chosen to live in these tiny and cramped apartments. Even so, Japanese have created some clever design elements that allow the micro apartment to be a very functional and cozy home.

Watch the video and see what is so special about these micro apartments in Japan:

Discussion Questions:

  1. What brought about the rise in tiny living spaces?
  2. What do you think about micro apartments?
  3. How would you feel living in this tiny apartment?
  4. What do you think are the good things about micro apartments? What are the disadvantages of living in these small apartments?
  5. What are apartments like in your country?

Should Hate Speech Be Censored?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

With all the anonymity the internet provides trolls and the negativity in the world, many had been wondering if hate speech as defined by Encyclopedia Britannica as an expression that denigrates a person or persons on the basis of (alleged) membership in a social group identified by attributes such as gender, race, ethnicity, religion, age, and etc.

The typical hate speech would usually have slurs that promote malicious stereotypes and intended to incite violence or hatred against someone or a group. After the series of suicide cases among celebrities in South Korea it has been a debate on social media if it is possible to regulate hate speech as it has been limitless and not punishable by law because they are only considered by many to be simply free speech.

Watch the video below to further understand hate speech.

Discussion Questions:

  1. When do we know that free speech becomes hate speech?
  2. When does hate speech become dangerous?
  3. Should people spread hate speech be held accountable for their words?
  4. Is hate speech a precursor to more serious violence or crimes?
  5. Is there a need to regulate or censored hate speech?

Telling Women to Smile in the Workplace

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Smile is the best asset one can have. And why not? It costs nothing and radiates happiness, confidence, and health. It’s contagious and can attract another person to do the same.

But in a recent poll, women are discovered to feel discriminated against by how they are treated in the workplace when they are commanded to smile.

Read the article below and find out how this simple comment can affect their work performance.

https://www.inc.com/marcel-schwantes/a-new-study-reveals-that-telling-women-they-need-to-smile-more-is-bad-for-business-heres-why.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. How do you feel when you are told to smile?
  2. Why do you think men, unlike women, are rarely or not asked to smile?
  3. How does your boss create or stimulate a positive working environment?
  4. Can you think of other microaggressions in the/your workplace?