Turkey Allows Schools to Teach Kurdish

B2 – Upper intermediate

Minority groups all over the world are given their rights and privileges. But how far is a government willing to go to make them feel part of the society?

Read the article below and be ready to express your thoughts by answering the discussion questions.

Turkey allows schools to teach Kurdish

Discuss:

1. What is the importance of allowing Kurdish to be taught in schools in Turkey? How significant is it?
2. What are the different minority groups in your country?
3. Is your country fair in giving rights to citizens belonging to minority groups?

Disability: Get rid of your Frustration

B2 – Upper intermediate

Disability can be devastating to one’s physical and emotional health. Disabled people find it difficult to do even the simplest task. It can also affect the family.

Read the article below then express your thoughts about the topic.

https://www.disabled-world.com/disability/coping-disability-illness.php

Discussion Questions:

1. What problems do people with disabilities face in your country?
2. What do you think of the Paralympic Games?
3. What kinds of discrimination do people with disabilities face?
4. What message do you think disabled people would like to tell those without a disability?

Should India’s Jains Be Given the Choice to Die?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Jainism is an ancient religion which still exists and practised by a large number of people in India. Jains have a controversial practice in which they stop eating and drinking with the intention of preparing for death.

Read the article below to see how the government of India is responding to Jainism’s method of moving on to the after life.

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-33998688

Discussion Questions:

1. What is your own perspective about this controversy?
2. When do you think it’s right for the state (government) to intervene against any religious practice?
3. In your country, what are the different religions or faiths that are practiced?

Sleeping in a Taxi

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B2 – Upper intermediate

If you can make it there, you’ll make it anywhere.

The beauty of New York calls travelers from all over the world and one businessman has just made it possible for budget travelers to enjoy the allure of Manhattan without having to break the bank.

Read the article and watch the video to find out how.

Sleeping in a taxi

Discuss:

1. What can you say about Jonathan Powley’s idea for budget travelling? Would you try it?
2. What are some of the best accommodations you’ve experienced during your past travels? What about not-so-good experiences?
3. How would you travel if you were on a budget?

Eating Out in Old Dubai

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B2 – Upper intermediate

What makes a city more interesting is its diversity and the history behind it. Take a stroll in the streets of Dubai and discover the medley of cultures it has to offer.

Eating Out in Old Dubai

Discuss:

1. Describe the diversity of the city or town you live in.
2. If I were to visit your country or your city, where would you bring me? (Also talk about places that aren’t touristy.)
3. Describe some of the places that you have visited that are very rich in history and diversity.

Never Give Up!

B2 – Upper intermediate

In this life, success and failure are normal. How we view them is another matter.
Let us watch an inspirational video about a young man and how he dealt with his failure.

Discuss:

1. In your own words, re-tell the story of the man featured in the video.
2. Have there been any failures that made your life better?
3. Is there a right time to give up and stop trying? Or should you never give up?
4. Talk about a time you failed at something you tried.

Smoky, Juicy Grilled Mussels and Clams

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Seafoods are some of the best food one can ever have. However, cooking them, especially shellfish, could really be tricky.

In this video, Melissa Clark teaches us the perfect way to prepare and grill clams and mussels.

Watch this video carefully and be ready to answer the comprehension questions afterwards.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Describe the process of how the shellfish were cooked.
  2. Are you fond of shellfish? Why or why not?
  3. Are seafood or shellfish commonly eaten or available in your city/country? Why or why not?
  4. What are some shellfish or seafood recipes you know. Talk about them.

You Look Disgusting

B2 – Upper intermediate

Em Ford, a fashion blogger who suffers from a skin problem and reveals the comments she received from her audience. People have given negative comments whether she’s with or without make up.

Watch the video then answer some discussion questions.

Discussion Questions:

1. What do you think of the video?
2. How would you define beauty?
3. Is wearing makeup a necessity? Does it really make us more beautiful?
4. Why do you think people bully others for their appearance?

Vocabulary: Animal Idioms

B2 – Upper intermediate

You can hold horses and flies can drop. Read and familiarize yourself with the different idioms with animals and be ready to use them in sentences.

Animal Idioms

Discuss:

1. Talk about a time when you sensed something fishy.
2. Describe a situation when you were able to kill two birds with one stone.
3. What’s the advantage of taking the bull by the horns? What’s the disadvantage?
4. Is it difficult for you to hold your horses?

Vocabulary: Colour Idioms

B2 – Upper intermediate

Opportunities have colors and so do lies. Read and familiarize yourself with the different idioms with colors and be ready to use them in sentences.

Colour Idioms

Discuss:

1. Talk about a time you passed an exam or a course with flying colors.
2. Was there a time you had to roll the red carpet for someone?
3. At work, who gives the green light?
4. Would you say that you were born with a silver spoon in your mouth?