Tag: B2 – Upper intermediate

The End of Newspapers

B2 – Upper intermediate

News nowadays are just at the fingertips. You’ll know the latest in an instant. No need to go to a newspaper stand to read the latest.

The enormous information over the internet world is overwhelming. The information is so huge that reliability seems irrelevant and undependable. In contrast, news based on articles, ideas and opinions seems to be more honest.

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

Journalists and experts in the news industry wonder if print journalism will survive. More people go to the Internet for news because of accessibility. Readers can browse through additional articles across several newspapers, read blogs, listen to audio, and watch videos. In addition, the content is often free. However, the end of newspapers may mean more than the end of a medium. It could mean the end of journalism as we know it.

For the most part, journalists and the newspaper industry are honest. The same cannot be said about blogs and faux news-like websites, even if they have become a popular source of information. The articles might often express biased opinions, or report information that hasn’t been fact checked. There is a need for balanced reporting or journalistic integrity.

Source: headsupenglish.com

Discussion Questions:

1. What’s your opinion on newspapers and journalists?
2. What’s your opinion on blogs and bloggers?
3. What would happen if newspapers completely disappeared? Why do you think so?

Financial Lessons from Our Grandparents

B2 – Upper Intermediate

In the modern world, everything is easy-access. From buying clothes, to furniture to groceries – everything can now be bought online with your handy dandy credit cards. But did you know that when it comes to saving, the best people to ask advice from are our grandparents?

Read the article below and express your thoughts.

http://www.wisebread.com/10-financial-lessons-we-learn-from-our-grandparents

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are some financial lessons that you have learned from your parents/grandparents?
  2. How can we teach young people about financial sense?
  3. Do you prefer paying with cash or credit card? Explain your choice.
  4. What do you think are the advantages of paying cash?
  5. Are you good at saving money? Why or why not?
  6. What are the things that you plan on spending in the future?

More and More 70-year-olds Working

B2 – Upper intermediate

Around 10 per cent of British people in their early 70s are now working. It is the highest figure since records began. How do you feel about this? Do you think that the government should do something about this?

Read the article below and answer some discussion questions.

More and more 70-year-olds working

Discuss:

1. At what age do you want to stop working?
2. Is it wrong for people in their 70s to work?
3. What are the difficulties for people when they retire?
4. How important is a pension?

Drone Deliveries Coming to a Home Near You

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Drones are a fun way to capture a view from above. In the United States, however, governments have started on laws to regulate the use of drones.

Watch the video below and express your thoughts.

http://www.voanews.com/a/3084535.html

Discussion Questions:

1. Do you like online shopping? What are the advantages and disadvantages of online shopping?
2. What can you say about the new technology that Amazon is planning to use for deliveries?
3. How do you think this technology will affect the demand on human labor in the commercial industry?
4. Does your city have very strict rules when it comes to using drones?

Corruption Busting Is Her Game

B2 – Upper Intermediate

A 23- year old woman investigates corruption and manages an organization’s digital communications platform. She’s trying to build an international community of online corruption fighters.  It’s a space where people share evidence of graft, and where the corrupt are named and shamed.

Read the article about Kavisha Pillay’s work with Corruption Watch and be ready to answer the questions that follow.

http://www.voanews.com/a/corruption-busting-is-her-game/3075265.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. What can you say about Kavisha Pillay’s idea and actions?
  2. Would you be courageous enough to join her in cyber space to fight against corruption?
  3. Do you think the idea of naming and shaming will be as effective as hoped? Why or why not?
  4. What else can concerned citizens do to help curb or stop corruption?

Why Do People Drink?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Drinking alcohol is considered a very social activity. However, what might cause one to drink one too many?

Let’s find out the factors that cause people to consume alcohol. 

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/science-choice/201703/why-do-people-drink

Discussion Questions:

  1. What normally causes people to drink to excess?
  2. What made you have your first drink? Talk about your whole experience having your first taste of alcohol.
  3. What’s the drinking culture like in your country?
  4. Talk about how drinking culture and attitudes to alcohol vary from country to country.

Video: In Hong Kong, Neon’s Fading Glow

B2 – Upper intermediate

Technology has to evolve and we have to adapt. But what about those who are left behind?

Watch the video and talk about “fading” technology and express your thoughts about it.

In Hong Kong, Neon’s Fading Glow

Discuss:

1. What is your general reaction to the video?
2. Name some of the businesses that closed because of evolving technology.
3. Do you think there is a way of “re-using” or mixing old technology with new technology?

The Country Where Fun is a Way of Life

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Have you ever been to Thailand? Thais have actually made having fun a way of life – something we could all learn from.

Find out more why having fun is of utmost reverence in this country.

http://www.bbc.com/travel/story/20151119-can-thailand-teach-us-all-to-have-more-fun

Discussion Questions:

1. What is sanuk?
2. How do the Spanish have fun?
3. In Thailand, people resign from a good-paying job because it’s not fun. What are your thoughts on this?
4. Is there a similar holiday in Spain as Thailand’s “Songkran”?

Barbie the Most Famous Doll in the World

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The Barbie doll has always been an iconic toy. It’s  famous throughout the globe. During the past decades, Barbie doll has undergone through many developments in terms of its appearance. But recently, another toy company has produced a doll that also captures the eyes of children.

Read this lesson about Barbie, the most famous doll, turning 50.

http://www.english-online.at/hobbies/barbie/barbie-famous-doll-at-50.htm

Discussion Questions:

1. Was the Barbie doll famous during your time? How about now?
2. What are some of the popular toys that became part of your childhood?
3. What can guarantee the popularity of a certain toy or merchandise?
4. What kind of toys are good for children?

Smart Snoring Device

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Mayo Clinic says half of adults snore. Snoring is breathing when asleep with some harsh or snorting noises that is caused by vibration of the soft palate inside our mouths. It can cause serious health issues.

Watch the video below to find out about the high tech anti-snoring device.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “damper” mean? “Your snoring is putting a damper on things at home.” Use it in your own sentence.
  2. What does “on the go” mean here, “Nora comes in a beautiful portable bag, equipped with a rechargeable battery, making it easy to use on the go.”?

Discussion Questions:

  1. How does snoring affect one’s sleep?
  2. What do you do to avoid or minimize snoring?
  3. What do you think of Smart Nora?
  4. Would you consider yourself to be a person who generally sleeps well?