phone english blog
C1 – Advanced
The month of June is known for the time to give appreciation to one of the most important persons in our lives, our fathers. Read the article and know more about the history of this special day.
Discuss:
1. How would you describe your father?
2. How is Father’s Day celebrated in your country? family?
3. If you’re a father, what’s the best Father’s Day present you’ve ever received and why?
4. What interesting presents have you given your father?
C1 – Advanced
What is body language and how does it affect our daily lives?
Watch the 20-minute TED Talks video about body language and be prepared to answer some discussion questions. The video provides subtitles and a transcript. Simply click on the icon below the video.
Discuss:
1. How would you define body language?
2. When you see a person for the first time, are there any outward signs they give which show their status, interests or personality?
3. How much notice do you take of other people’s body language?
4. How conscious are you of your own body language?
5. How much attention do you pay to how you sit or act if you are in a meeting?
C1 – Advanced
Illegal, and sometimes legal, immigration has become a hot topic for quite a while. There seems to be no best solution to this issue.
Watch the video below then express your thoughts about it.
Discuss:
1. Is illegal immigration a problem in your country?
2. In your own understanding, how does illegal immigration affect a country?
3. Define “Illegal Alien”.
4. Illegal immigrants have high hopes to get that “Big American Dream”. By this sentence, do you think America is the best country to live in? Why or why not?
C1 – Advanced
Watch the video below and know more about Cris Cyborg and the things she has learned with her sport.
Discuss:
1. Who is Cris Cyborg and why was she banned from fighting for a year? What did she learn from this experience?
2. Based on the video, what are some of your limitations when you’re a professional fighter?
3. Are you fond of watching MMA or UFC?
4. What was Cyborg’s advice to girls who would like to try MMA or fighting as a sport?
5. How do you motivate yourself in life and at work, especially during difficult times?
6. What are some of the very important life values that you will learn in sports?
C1 – Advanced
This video shows an interesting part of the culture of Haiti. Click below to watch the video. Be ready to answer discussion questions.
Feel free to use the 360-degree feature in the video to fully appreciate the story.
Let’s Discuss!
1. What is your understand of Voodou (Voodoo)?
2. In the video, what are they preparing for? Why do they have to paint their faces white?
3. Using different adjectives, how would you describe the ceremony?
4. What did the narrator say at the end of the video about her traditions and customs?
5. What practices do you have in your culture that bring people together?
C1 – Advanced
Over the past few years, the growing number of English learners has increased. From South East Asia to across Europe.
Below is an interesting article of how Spain has now welcomed the study of the English language.
Discuss:
1. Why is English important?
2. What are the 7 reasons why Spanish people would like to develop their English skills?
3.What age do you think a child should start learning English?
4. What if you spoke English fluently? Do you think you have a different job?/Do you think you have the same job that you have now? Why?
C1 – Advanced
Employees of Chobani learned that they are getting ownership stake that could make them millionaires. They are getting shares worth up to 10 percent of the company when it goes public or is sold. Hamdi Ulukaya, the CEO, believes it’s just right to give the wealth back to his workers who have helped him build this company that is already several billion dollars worth.
Watch the video below to find out more.
Discussion Questions:
1. What do you think of Hamdi Ulukaya’s gesture? If you were him, would you do the same thing?
2. What are things that can transform business to a higher level?
3. What do you think are the advantages and disadvantages of being your own boss?
4. Have you ever thought of starting a business?
C1 – Advanced
The beauty of technology is much appreciated. Millions of people rely on technology to get things done – on a daily basis. But once it exposes personal information, expect a barrage of complaints.
Read the article below to find out more about the data breach that happened in Mexico.
Discuss:
1. How was this unsecured database discovered?
2. What were the steps taken to solve this problem?
3. Think of possible scenarios if these information fall into the hands of the wrong people.
4. How would you react if your personal data became publicly accessible on the internet?
C1 – Advanced
In December 2015, 14 people were killed and 22 were seriously injured in a terrorist attack in San Bernardino, California.
To aid the investigation, the FBI turned to Apple so they can gain access to the iPhone used by a shooter. The tech giant “opposed this order” for reasons such as threats to Data Security – to name one.
The FBI cracked the phone not with the help of Apple but with the cooperation of hackers.
Discussion Questions:
1. What are your thoughts on this FBI–Apple encryption dispute?
2. What is your opinion about FBI seeking help of hackers to access the phone?
3. Should private companies willingly aid in crime investigations?
4. What are your thoughts on data security?
C1 – Advanced
In March of 2016, a tragic construction accident happened in Calcutta, leaving a chaotic scene and many injured.
Watch the videos and read the article on the collapse of an Indian flyover.
Discuss:
1. What do you think could have caused the collapse of the flyover?
2. Have you witnessed a similar accident before in your city?
3. What is your opinion on the rescue effort conducted in the article?
4. What can the Indian government do to prevent such accidents in the future?