Tag: B2 – Upper intermediate

Tech Support Scams on the Rise

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Nowadays, we seem to rely highly on technology to go about our daily lives. Because of this, there are some people who take advantage of this to dupe people. How dependent are you on technology?

Read the article below to learn of the new threat where technology is involved.

http://www.breakingnewsenglish.com/1606/160624-tech-support.html

Discussion Questions:

1. What do you think about what you read?
2. How worried are you about Internet security?
3. What do you do to keep your computer safe? What risks are there of being online?
4. Who do you think are most at risk from scams like this?

Chile Bans McDonald’s Happy Meals

B2 – Upper Intermediate

With hopes of reducing the growing number of overweight children, Chile’s government bans marketing of toys in children’s food. McDonald’s Happy Meal and Kinder Surprise Egg are some, among others, affected by this measure.

Read this article about Chile banning Mc Donald’s Happy Meals.

https://www.csmonitor.com/The-Culture/Family/2012/0802/No-McDonald-s-Happy-Meal-toy-Chile-bans-toys-in-children-s-meals

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on this ban? Should this policy be adapted on a global scale? Why or why not?
  2. What are your thoughts on unhealthy food being passed off as something that could make kids happy?
  3. What are other ways to keep children from becoming overweight?
  4. What are things that the health authority in your country is doing to keep children healthy?
  5. Were you fond of fastfood as a kid? Why or why not?

Work You Were Meant to Do

B2 – Upper Intermediate

We often wonder why people choose to settle over something which don’t seem to suit them. We often feel like he or she is too good for whatever they choose to do.

Each person has a different calling in life. Have you found yours?

http://ideas.ted.com/7-lessons-about-finding-the-work-you-were-meant-to-do/

Discussion Questions:

1. How would you explain the term “calling”?
2. How satisfied are you with your life at the moment?
3. Can you say that you’ve found your purpose in life?
4. What are some of the changes that you wish you could do?

UK Leaving Europe is Bad for Science

B2 – Upper intermediate

One of the main principles of EU membership is “free movement”. Which means you don’t need to get a visa to go and live in another EU country. But, some British citizens don’t agree with this idea.

On the other hand, there are those campaigning for Britain to stay in the EU, as it makes selling things to other EU countries easier. And the flow of immigrants fuel economic growth and help pay for public services.

http://www.breakingnewsenglish.com/1606/160614-brexit.html

Discussion Questions:

1. What do you know about Brexit?
2. Do you think it is better for the UK to leave or stay in the EU?
3. What are the good things about being in the European Union?
4. Is it better for a country to be part of a union or be totally independent?
5. How important is the European Union?

Swiss Vote No to Free Monthly Income for All

B2 – Upper Intermediate

These days it seems that every country has problems regarding its economy, employment rate and social welfare. Swiss nationals made a life-changing decision regarding it’s social welfare policy.

Read the article below and express your opinions about it.

http://www.breakingnewsenglish.com/1606/160608-basic-income.html

Discussion Questions:

1. Why do you think voters rejected the proposal?
2. Is a guaranteed monthly state income a good idea? How happy would you be at getting a $2,500 monthly salary for free?
3. Is it better to give people a salary or give them welfare payments?
4. What’s the best way to deal with income inequality?

Why Go Vegetarian?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

There are a lot of health benefits to being vegetarian.

Let’s find out about the reasons being vegetarian is good for us. Also be ready to answer the questions that follow.

Why Be a Vegetarian? Consider Your Health.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the health benefits of being a vegetarian?
  2. What do you think are the downsides of having a vegetable-based diet?
  3. Do you know any vegetarians? What can you say about their dietary habits?
  4. Could you try vegetarianism for a week? Why or why not?
  5. What meal would you miss the most if you became vegetarian?

Women Wearing Cosmetics Are Paid More

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Do looks really matter? Apparently, they do. A recent study conducted by the University of Chicago and University of California reveals that attractive employees tend to get paid more.

Read the article below and be ready to answer the questions that follow.

http://www.breakingnewsenglish.com/1605/160523-cosmetics.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. Is it right that attractive people get paid more? Defend your stand.
    Are you very particular when it comes to clothes or beauty products?
  2. How is beauty defined in your society?
  3. How important is looks in your job?
  4. Are your colleagues particular about how you look and what you wear?
  5. Is there a dress code in your office or can you wear whatever you wish?

Anger Over Racist Chinese Advertisement

B2 – Upper intermediate

TV advertisements have very big impact on people. The are able to persuade their audience to buy certain products. The catchier the ad, the more it will be remembered.

One specific Chinese advert made an impact on a lot of people. Specifically because it hit a nerve and was branded a racist.

Anger over racist Chinese advert

Discuss:

1. What did you think of the advertisement? Do you think it was funny at all?
2. Do you think that the advertsing agnecy failed to be sensitive or were they just being funny?
3. Do you agree that there is a bit of a racist in each one of us?

Try Something New for 30 Days

B2 – Upper intermediate

It’s never too late to try something new – no matter your age, gender or disposition in life. Humans are meant to explore and be better. Here’s a short, lighthearted video to motivate us to achieve new goals.

Discuss:

1. What do you think of the talk?
2. What are some of your short-term and long-term goals?
3. Have you ever tried something new? How long did it last?
4. What new things would you like to try for 30 days? Why?
5. What motivates you to be a better person in different areas of your life?

Have You Got Too Much Stuff?

B2 – Upper intermediate

Do you often find yourself in the middle of so many things that are not really necessary in your life? Do you think you could live a simpler and de-cluttered life?

Listen to the podcast about a world that revolves around material possessions.

Have you got too much stuff?

Discuss:

1. Kindly explain the three buckets system.
2. Do you believe we could all live better with less?
3. In your opinion, how much stuff is too much?
4. Do you buy labelled goods?
5. Talk about something that you fondly collect.
6. What thing do you own that has great sentimental value? Why?