phone english blogB2 – Upper Intermediate
The issue of water shortage is closer to home than you think. No country, whether powerful nor developing, is exempt from this imminent problem.
Watch the video below to get more facts on water shortage.
Discussion Questions:
B2 – Upper intermediate
There are 24 official languages spoken at the European Parliament. The European Parliament’s Secretary General has asked Euro politicians to speak more slowly and to use to their native language instead of English. What are your thoughts on the Secretary General’s request?
Discuss:
1. What do you think about the article?
2. What do you think is the difference between an interpreter and a translator?
3. How do you feel about using English in political meetings such as the European Parliament?
4. If you could speak another language fluently, what would it be?
B2 – Upper Intermediate
The story of William Chase is just one of many talking about the struggles and triumphs of doing what you love and turning it into a business. If you’re as lucky as him, you might even end up making millions.
Read the article about the potato farmer who went from being bankrupt to a millionaire. Be ready to answer the questions that follow.
http://www.bbc.com/news/business-35491792
Discussion Questions:
1. In your own words, tell the story of William Chase.
2. What were some of the challenges that he encountered? What were his frustrations?
3. How would you describe the agricultural industry in your country?
4. Are your local farmers supported by the government?
5. If you had the opportunity to have a business, what would you put up?
B2 – Upper Intermediate
Zika virus is spread to people through mosquito bites. In May 2015, the Pan American Health Organization issued an alert regarding the first confirmed Zika virus infection in Brazil.
Read the article below and discuss your current knowledge and opinions about this health issue.
http://www.breakingnewsenglish.com/1602/160202-zika-virus.html
Discussion Questions:
1. What do you know about the Zika virus?
2. How worried are you about the Zika virus?
3. Will there be a vaccine for all viruses one day?
4. If there are no diseases, will there be an overpopulation problem?
5. Why would it be a problem to find a vaccine for the Zika virus?
B2 – Upper Intermediate
Texting is a great way to stay in touch with friends. But, teenagers have actually reached a new high when it comes to sending more than just a message.
What is sexting and how dangerous is it for teenagers? Read this article and express your thoughts.
Discussion Questions:
B2 – Upper Intermediate
It is a known fact that sleep is important to everyone. The article below shows how women are dangerously more susceptible to sleeplessness.
Read the article to get the facts on sleep deprivation among women.
http://www.breakingnewsenglish.com/1601/160130-sleep-deprivation.html
Discussion Questions:
B2 – Upper Intermediate
Social Media has definitely changed our society. Now, we can easily get information on what’s going on with people from other countries. We can get connected with our friends or relatives living miles away.
But because of the usefulness, efficiency and effectiveness of social media, people are becoming too connected and dependent on it. Is social media really helping us become more connected with others?
Read the article below and be ready to answer the questions that follow.
Do social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter make people more social? Or do these sites make people become loners? Of course, social networking sites let people stay in contact, which is especially helpful in the busy world of today.
Social networking offers positives. For example, the various sites and apps help people keep in contact with “proximity friends.” These are people who are or were physically close but not personally close, such as former classmates and colleagues, parents of the children your kids play with in the neighborhood, and friends of friends. We might send these people holiday or birthday cards, or call with congratulations of a wedding or a newborn.
However, face-to-face contact is quite rare. There is the feeling of contact, but it may be superficial and achieved through emails and instant messages. The contact might not be deep and rich, even if many people know more small details about one another.
People “talk” with one another more frequently, but they meet in person less frequently. So let’s return to the original question: Are people becoming social hermits?
Source: headsupenglish.com
Discussion Questions:
1. Have you (or do you) use social networking sites? Talk about the pluses and minuses.
2. Are people better or worse communicators because of social network sites?
3. What is a social hermit? What images or ideas does this phrase raise?
4. How might social networking sites be used for business or education?
B2 – Upper intermediate
A 2016 article shows how the youth of today have switched pastimes. Read the article below to know what young people are preoccupied with and the changes that come with it.
Discuss:
1. Is it common for children in your country to own a tablet or similar device?
2. How does this new trend affect the childhood of these youngsters?
3. What do you think are good ground rules children should have when it comes to using devices?
4. What were some of your hobbies when you were young?
B2 – Upper intermediate
The Big C. The disease has cost many lives and millions of dollars. Studies and research are continuous to help combat the disease.
Read the article below then watch the video of Jack and how he was able to contribute in the fight against cancer.
Discuss:
1. How do you feel about cancer in general?
2. Why do you think more and more people are suffering from this illness?
3. Aside from cancer, what other diseases should be given a lot of attention and funding?
B2 – Upper Intermediate
In most countries, planning your funeral is something not often talked about. But a new generation of entrepreneurs are encouraging people to be more open and comfortable about it.
Click on the title below to read more about the business of death and how businesspersons are breathing new life into it. Be prepared to discuss words and expressions.
http://www.bbc.com/news/business-35235590
Discussion Questions:
1. Describe the different funeral business featured in the article and what they offer.
2. What is your general opinion of a less traditional funeral?
3. Why do you think this business is starting to pick-up in the UK?
4. What is the advantage of having an alternative type of funeral?