Tag: B2 – Upper intermediate

Potato Farmer Swapped Bankruptcy for Making Millions

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?

Zika Virus Could Affect 4 Million People

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?

The Social Pressure of Sexting for Teenagers

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.

https://www.cybersmile.org/blog/the-social-pressure-to-do-sexting-as-a-teenager

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on the rising problem with sexting among teenagers?
  2. What are the dangers of using the technology without restriction on teenagers?
  3. What are some things we can teach our children about e-safety?
  4. How do you protect yourself when you’re using technology?

Women Do Not Get Enough Sleep

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:

  1. What might be reasons women do not sleep enough?
  2. What are your thoughts on the results of this report?
  3. How important is sleep to you?
  4. How are you like when you did not get enough sleep?
  5. Would you change your sleeping habits after reading this article?
  6. Talk about a time when you suffered from sleeplessness and how did you deal with it?
  7. Would you consider going to a sleep doctor if you ever suffered from sleeplessness over a period of time? Explain.

Social Hermits

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?

Time Spent Online ‘overtakes TV’

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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.

Time spent online ‘overtakes TV’ among youngsters

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?

15-Year-Old Puts Cancer Industry To Shame

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.

15-Year-Old Puts Cancer Industry to Shame: Develops 100% Accurate Cancer Test Using Google

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?

The Rise of Alternative Funerals

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?

Compulsive Internet Disorder

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Is the Internet killing us?

Read the article below about the disorder that is directly related to using the Internet. Be prepared to answer the speaking activities.

The Internet has become an important aspect of most people’s lives, because it’s used for communication, information, or entertainment. Billions of people around the world send e-mail, chat online, read the news, and maybe even gamble, trade stocks, or play competitive games on a daily basis. Some have moved into a dangerous realm, though. The Internet can provide a sense of instant fulfillment or cause people to withdraw from the real world, exactly like someone addicted to drugs or alcohol.

A number of psychologists state that people who become addicted to the Internet already suffer from some kind of illness. For example, someone hooked on day trading would still recklessly buy and sell stocks by phone or face to face with a broker. But other psychiatrists see the addiction as real. These professionals believe the medical world should recognize Internet addiction, and insurance companies should pay for treatment.

While doctors and other experts debate the issue, South Korea has already acted on the problem. In addition to counseling centers and treatment programs at hospitals, a rehab center for teens has recently been established. The country held the world’s first conference on compulsive Internet disorder, too. Ninety percent of South Korean homes have Internet access, and online gaming is a national sport. Children ditch school to play games. Some gamers have even dropped dead from exhaustion after days and days online.

The rehab center offers teens the opportunity to rediscover satisfaction with the real world. During the twelve days, participants are barred from computers and may only use a cell phone one hour per day. The remaining time gets filled with physical exercise and group activities which establish real-life emotional bonds.

The center turns away about four applicants for each available opening.

Source: headsupenglish.com

Discussion Questions:

1. How many hours per day do you use the Internet?
2. Is Internet addiction a real illness that doctors and insurance companies should recognize?
3. Could you go without a computer or the Internet for one week? one month? one year?
4. At which point does the Internet become an addiction rather than a useful tool?
5. What is the most useful invention of the last thirty years? How about the most dangerous?

The Magic of Tidying Up

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B2 – Upper intermediate

Are you one of those people who always has a messy room? You have so many stuff but you just don’t know how to throw them out.

Read the article below and see how easy it is to organize and live in a place with space for you to finally breathe, relax and think.

The magic of tidying up: your guide to getting your place clean once and for all

Discuss:

1. How do you organize your things?
2. Is it easy for you to do housework or household chores?
3. What other tips can you think of on how to tidy up a room?