Tag: B2 – Upper intermediate

Brain-Dead Man Dies after Drug Trial

B2 – Upper Intermediate

In France, an experimental drug intended to treat mood, anxiety, and movement disorders went shockingly wrong, resulting in the death of one participant and hospitalization of others. Biotrial says correct procedures were followed at every stage of the trial. So what went wrong?

Read the article below to get more information then express your thoughts.

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-35337671

Discussion Questions:

  1. What’s your take on this issue?
  2. When a clinical trial goes wrong, who do you think is to blame? And why?
  3. Would you be willing to be participate in a drug trial? Why or why not?
  4. Should scientists stick to animal testing? Why or why not?
  5. In your opinion, has drug trial safety improved over the years? Explain.

The Unstoppable Growth of Themed Cruises

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Over the past decade, traveling on ​large ​ships for ​pleasure has become increasingly appealing to larger number of vacationists and younger generation holidaymakers. Themed cruises are now very popular catering not only to the traditional customers of this kind of holiday but also to people who are interested in varied subjects.

Read on this article about the growth of themed cruises.

http://www.bbc.com/news/business-35924022

Discussion Questions: 

  1. Have you ever been on a cruise? Tell us about this holiday.
  2. Talk about the popularity of cruises among holidaymakers in your country.
  3. If you were to go on a themed cruise, what would it be?
  4. What are other popular holiday ideas common in your country?

Child Labour

B2 – Upper intermediate

Child labour is nothing new. It’s been happening since the 18th century. Over the years, do you think that this social problem has been solved or has it evolved to something worse? Read the article below and express your thoughts about it.

http://www.english-online.at/society/child-labour/working-children-around-the-world.htm

Discussion Questions:

1. Does child labour exist in your country?
2. What are steps the government can take to stop child labour?
3. When is it okay for a child to work?
4. Have you experienced working when you were younger?

Future Work Space

B2 – Upper intermediate

The future is now. It seems that the gadgets we use today were just dreams of the past. How far would you go to have a futuristic work environment?

Click on the link below and be ready to discuss the video.

https://news.microsoft.com/life/the-workspace-of-the-future/

Discussion Questions:

1. Describe this future work space.
2. What are your opinions on the emerging technologies that some companies are using or would like to use? Do you agree with all of them?
3. How would you describe your office?
4. What other new technologies would you think are very useful for everyday work?

Is Coral Bleaching Getting Worse?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

One of the most beautiful organisms ever found are corals. These are even one of the most productive resources in the world.  They are food producers and they support life on the planet. However, they are now in danger.

Watch the short video below then answer some questions.

https://www.bbc.com/news/av/science-environment-35917760

Discussion Questions:

1. What is coral bleaching and what causes it?
2. How important are corals to marine life?
3. Are there any organizations in your country dedicated to help preserve aquatic life?
4. Have you experienced seeing coral in their natural habitat?

Coffee Can Help You Live Longer

B2 – Upper Intermediate

A cup of coffee has always been a part of a lot people’s morning routine. It could definitely awake our senses and boost our energy. Now, coffee drinkers have more reasons to drink that fresh cup.

Read the article on how coffee can help you live longer.

http://www.breakingnewsenglish.com/1511/151119-coffee.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. Are you a coffee drinker? How many cups do you drink each day?
  2. How healthy do you think coffee is?
  3. Why might coffee reduce the incidence of suicides?
  4. How do you feel about certain coffee shops like Starbucks?

Corporate Team Building

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Team building activities are a great way to foster and encourage teamwork. With activities designed specifically to address workplace issues, corporate team buildings can prove to be beneficial.

Listen to the podcast below and try to express your thoughts about corporate team building.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english/ep-160310

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think about corporate team building activities?
  2. What is your idea of an effective corporate team building?
  3. Talk about a memorable team building event you’ve ever had.
  4. How is group unity/teamwork encouraged in your company?
  5. Mary Kay Ash said, “People are definitely a company’s greatest asset.“. Share your thoughts on this.

Fascinating Facts About Eye Contact

B2 – Upper intermediate

Making eye contact can evoke different emotions. Whether it was too long or the lack of it. Depending on the situation, there happens to be a proper way of making eye contact.

Read the article below to get some interesting facts about eye contact.

Fascinating Facts About Eye Contact

Discuss:

1. Would you agree on what the article is saying about making eye contact?
2. Are you the type of person who is comfortable looking people in the eye? Or are you more reserved?
3. Which of the situations in the article have you experienced?

Facts About Dreaming

B2 – Upper intermediate

Dreams or dreaming is something we all know about. But why it happens remains a mystery to most.

Read the article below to get more facts on dreaming.

Facts About Dreaming

Discuss:

1. Explain the important details mentioned in the article about dreams.
2. Which points do you agree with? Disagree with?
3. What is your own explanation to why people dream?
4. Do you remember most of your dreams or do you forget them as soon as you wake up?

Are You a Saver or a Spender?

B2 – Upper intermediate

Are you the type of person who has a money app on his phone and keeps track of every expense? Or is it more common for you to go shopping impulsively?

Read the article below to find out what kind of person you are when it comes to money.

Are You a Saver or a Spender?

Discuss:

1. What did the article say about being a saver and being a spender?
2. After reading the article, where would you put yourself?
3. What are some of the things you mostly spend on?
4. What are some of the things that you are willing to save for? Or invest in?