Tag: B2 – Upper intermediate

The Job of a Food Stylist

B2 – Upper Intermediate

They say, “We eat with our eyes.” Have you ever wondered why food or dishes in magazines look so mouth-watering?

Watch the video below about the job of a food stylist and see what a dish goes through before it is advertised online or on print.

 Discussion Questions:

  1. Describe how Lisa Cherkasky became a food stylist.
  2. Share your thoughts on this kind of profession.
  3. How important is this kind of job?
  4. Do you get hungry when you look at appetizing food photos on books or on TV? Did you get hungry after watching the video?
  5. What are some food you usually crave for?

Childhood Obesity

B2 – Upper Intermediate

We are all guilty of giving children just what they want to show how much we love them.  But, sometimes, we forget that too much of something is not good. Letting them eat more than what is needed and not monitoring their unhealthy eating habits could lead to serious consequences.

Read the article below to know more about the facts when it comes to childhood obesity.

http://www.english-online.at/health_medicine/childhood-obesity/causes-and-risks-of-childhood-obesity.htm

Discussion Questions:

  1. Have you noticed if childhood obesity is happening in your country? Explain why it is or not happening there?
  2. What are good ways to combat childhood obesity?
  3. Describe the kind of eating habits you had as a child and how has it changed as you grew older.
  4. If you had/have children, what would be/are your rules when it comes to food and eating?
  5. Should we pressure children to be so worried about their diet? Elaborate on your stand.

Swiss Banks – a Safe Haven for Money

 B2 – Upper intermediate

Switzerland has very strict privacy laws. This is the main reason  why affluent families and even certain dictators deposit their money in Swiss banks.  There has been pressure for the Swiss government to ease up their banking laws to allow revelation of account holders who are suspected to be doing illegal activities.

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

http://www.english-online.at/economy/banking-in-switzerland/swiss-banks.htm

Discussion Questions:

1. Do you think that it’s time for Swiss banks to change their laws when it comes to privacy?
2. How would you describe the privacy laws of banks in your country?
3. What do you like about the current bank you’re with?

The Future Of Cardiology

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Cardiovascular diseases remain as one of the leading causes of death in the whole world. It is always good news to hear progress in cardiology that can help millions of patients across the globe.

Read the article below to find out how technology has made another advancement in the field of cardiology.

http://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2015/05/22/408810461/the-future-of-cardiology-will-be-shown-in-3-d

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do they call this new project mentioned in the article? Describe the kind of technology featured in the article.
  2. What are your thoughts on this innovation in cardiology?
  3. Name and describe other medical advancements that you know of.
  4. Do you see any disadvantages to using high-tech machines or gadgets in the field of medicine?
  5. What other advancements in the medical field do you want to see? Why?

Video: Abandoned London Stations

B2 – Upper intermediate

Watch the video below and take a look at some of the old spaces that are worth rehabilitating.

Comprehension:

1. When was the said space decommissioned?
2. How do they propose to use the abandoned space?
3. During the 2nd World War how was the space used?

Discuss:

1. What are some of the similar projects that your government has when it comes to restoring old buildings and spaces?
2. Describe some of the interesting reconstructed spaces you’ve seen in the past.

Words to discuss:

Decommission
Bowels (of something)
Shortlist
Payback
Generate

 

 

Link Between Earthquakes and Oil Drilling

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Oil drilling is one of the most important power source industry of our time. However, oil drilling does cause earthquakes.

Click the title below to know more about fracturing and what it does to the environment.

http://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/experts-see-close-link-between-earthquakes-and-oil-drilling/2741941.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. Share your thoughts on oil and gas drilling’s effects on the environment.
  2. What can you say about the environmental effects of industrialization?
  3. Have you ever experienced an earthquake? Talk about that time.

Why I Gave Up a $95,000 Job

B2 – Upper Intermediate

There comes a point when a vacation is just what we need. We need to relax and have a breather to be able to come back recharged and sharper. But, as the author adds, “If you’re constantly thinking you need a vacation, maybe what you really need is a new life.”

The article below is a story of a journalist who gave up her job to move to an island to simplify her life. Express your thoughts after reading.

http://www.marieclaire.com/career-advice/a14268/why-i-gave-up-a-95k-job-to-move-to-an-island/

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is you reaction to the article?
  2. What are your thoughts on living in a competitive city where you have to spend most of your time working to afford to live?
  3. What are your thoughts on this statement: “ambitious people are often overscheduled”?
  4. Share your opinion on this statement: “If you’re constantly thinking you need a vacation, maybe what you really need is a new life.”
  5. Where and how would you most likely spend it in case you want a change in your life and why that place?

Italian Prisoners Play Rugby

B2 – Upper intermediate

They say, sports helps the soul. This rugby team is nothing like any other. The team is consist of prisoners in an Italian jail. They compete but not outside of prison walls.

Watch this video and talk about how rugby is helping these prisoners lead a better life.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is the mission of this sports project/initiative?
  2. Who leads the initiative?
  3. Describe how the players are able to have their matches within the facility.
  4. What are the positive effects of this project?
  5. What are some of the sports you enjoy practicing?
  6. What are the advantages of playing a sport?
  7. Are there other activities you would like to try?

 

He Made His Guitar Sing

B2 – Upper intermediate

B.B. King is one the music legends that has touched the lives of so many people.

Watch the video carefully and prepare to talk about music and musicians.

Comprehension:

1. Describe B.B. King’s lifestyle as a musician. Why did people like him?
2. What were some of his nicknames?
3. Why is his guitar named “Lucille”?

Discussion:

1. Are you familiar with the music of B.B. King?
2. Who are some of the musicians you listen to?
3. What are your preferences in music?

Words/phrases to discuss:

Vibrato
On the road
Finesse

Best Minimum Wage in the World

B2 – Upper Intermediate

People around the world work with minimum wage. A minimum wage is the lowest daily or monthly remuneration that employers may legally pay to workers. Which country has the best minimum wage in the world? Let’s take a look!

http://money.cnn.com/2015/05/14/pf/minimum-wage-countries-australia/index.html

Discussion Questions:

1. What is the minimum wage in your country?
2. What do you think should be the ideal minimum wage in your country?
3. How does salary affect the performance of an individual at work?