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B2 – Upper-intermediate
The world was shocked when a Paris publication was attacked and resulted in the death of 12 people. This particular event leads a debate towards freedom of speech.
Discussion Questions:
1. What is your opinion about freedom of speech?
2. Is it dangerous to be aggressive when you are a member of the press?
3. How do limits play a role in freedom of expression?
B2 – Upper Intermediate
Many scientists believe that runaway global warming could occur much more quickly than expected.
This article contains recent information about the rising temperature of our planet.
http://edition.cnn.com/2015/01/14/opinion/co2-crisis-griffin/index.html
Discuss:
1. In your country, do you feel the worsening condition of global warming?
2. What is your local community doing to minimize or prevent global warming?
3. Do you think there is still hope when it comes to “repairing” the environment?
B2 – Upper Intermediate
Being beautiful gives you a lot of advantages. It boosts confidence and people seem to trust you more. In some job applications, they prefer to hire people who are more good looking. But how far you will go to be beautiful?
Read the article below and be prepared to express your thoughts.
http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-30295758?OCID=fbasia
Discussion Questions:
B2 – Upper Intermediate
A research suggests that humans have become less smarter since the Victorian Era. In this article, it explains how and why human intelligence has declined over the past years.
Read the article below and watch the two videos included in the article.
Discussion Questions:
B2 – Upper Intermediate
Bullying has become a universal issue, whether in school or at work. Is it really bullying or just a normal competition among peers?
Let’s find out more about it through the audio conversation below. Be prepared to answer the questions that follow.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english/ep-150108
Discussion Questions:
B2 – Upper Intermediate
If you have teenagers at home, then you’re probably familiar with the problem of them not going to bed on time and consequently, not being able to wake up the next morning for school.
Read the article below to discover the importance of getting enough sleep for teenagers and how to help them get enough of it.
Discussion Questions:
B2 – Upper intermediate
Life can be very difficult if you don’t know how to relax. Having time for leisure is important for us to stay healthy. There are various activities we can do to give ourselves enjoyment and take our minds away from work even just for a short time.
Read the article below to know more about the relationship between leisure time and mental health.
Discuss:
1. What activities do you do when you’re not working? How often do you do them?
2. How do you handle everyday stress?
3. What sport or physical activities are you engaged in?
B2 – Upper intermediate
More and more students from other countries flock to the US to pursue their education. Watch the video and read the article below to know more of the facts.
Discuss:
1. What do you think are the main reasons why most students prefer to study in America?
2. What are the benefits of studying abroad?
3. Have you ever considered or experienced studying abroad? Talk about this experience.
B2 – Upper Intermediate
Scientist Stephen Hawking believes that Artificial intelligence can be a threat to human race.
Read the article below to know more about the possible consequences of artificial intelligence. Be ready to answer the questions that follow.
http://breakingnewsenglish.com/1412/141209-stephen-hawking.html
Discussion Questions:
1. What do you know about artificial intelligence?
2. Do you believe this famous scientist’s
statement?
3. How have robots helped us in the past 15 years?
4. In your opinion, what are some jobs that only people can do?
B2 – Upper Intermediate
There’s a surprising census data among Americans who have never married. Nowadays, women are more likely to pursue a better career and look for men with stable jobs. On the other hand, men who have never married said finding a woman who would be a good mother is more important.
Listen to this audio and read the transcript on changes in the American family over the years.
http://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/the-league-dating-app-marriage-dating-trends-us-/2514824.html
Discussion Questions: