Tag: C1 – Advanced

FBI Paid Professional Hackers to Crack iPhone

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.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/fbi-paid-professional-hackers-one-time-fee-to-crack-san-bernardino-iphone/2016/04/12/5397814a-00de-11e6-9d36-33d198ea26c5_story.html

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?

India Kolkata Flyover Collapse

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.

India Kolkata flyover collapse: At least 20 dead

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?

 

Backpacking across Europe as a Backpack

C1 – Advanced

29-year old Kevan Chandler’s condition is degenerative and incurable. However, he remains inspired by Django Reinhardt’s defiance at his disability.

Just like many guys in their 20s, Chandler attempts to tour France, England, and Ireland with the help of his good friends.

http://edition.cnn.com/2016/03/20/travel/europe-backpacker-muscular-dystrophy/index.html

Words to study:

  1. muscular dystrophy
  2. backpacking
  3. ingenuity
  4. budding
  5. degenerative

Discussion Questions:

  1. How would you describe Kevan Chandler?
  2. What do think about his friends?
  3. Have you ever gone backpacking somewhere? Tell us about your experience.
  4. What do you think are the advantages and disadvantages of backpacking?

Cushy Norwegian Prisons

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C1 – Advanced

Nobody wants to go to prison. There is fear even in just saying the word. People have very specific images of what prison looks like. But, in Norway, things are just a little bit different than the usual.

This article includes a video. Please read the article first before watching the video to fully understand the video clip.

Anders Breivik: Just how cushy are Norwegian prisons?

Let’s Discuss!

1. Based on the article, explain what “normality principle” is.
2. Describe the prisons in Bastoey island and in Halden.
3. Explain the conditions of the prisoners in Norway and the rights they can still exercise.
4. What is the defense given by the Norwegian system when critics question their prison structure?
5. How would you describe prisons in your country?

Commuters’ Tales

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C1 – Advanced

Whether you’re taking public transportation or using your car, we all have stories to tell about our daily commute, especially if it’s something we do on a daily basis.

Click on the title below and read about the commuters in Mumbai and their experiences on the train.

Commuters’ tales: No room to sit – even in the toilet

Discuss:

1. Describe the pictures you’ve seen in the article.
2. Recall the experiences of some of the passengers who take the train.
3. How efficient is public transportation in your country? What would you change if any?
4. Share some of your unusual stories as a commuter.

Cutting Up Food Helped Human Evolution

C1 – Advanced

Human evolution is all about the process or physical changes that humans went through over the years. Would a simple activity, like chewing, really have an impact on human evolution? Read the article below to find out more.

Cutting up food helped human evolution

Discuss:

1. What did you think of the article?
2. What do you know about human evolution?
3. How would you describe your eating habits?
4. Do you think it’s right that humans are often compared to chimpanzees?

Top 10 National Parks In Spain

C1 – Advanced

Spain is a country of geographic and cultural diversity. With friendly locals, a relaxed lifestyle and a lively nightlife, it is considered by many to be exotic. Spain offers a wide array of activities and holiday destinations.

Read the article below to explore some of the top national parks worth visiting.

Top 10 national parks in Spain

Discuss:

1. How locally well- travelled are you?
2. Which of the National Parks mentioned in the article do you like most?
3. What was the most amazing local trip you had?

Steps to Stronger Willpower

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C1 – Advanced

Humans have the ability to control thoughts and actions in order to achieve what they want to do. The question is, are we effective or efficient enough to exercise that ability?

Click on the title below to read more about willpower.

Six Steps to a Stronger Willpower

Discuss:

1. Explain the different steps the article gave to help boost willpower.
2. Would you agree on the items featured in the list?
3. Which ones do you already practice and which ones would you like to put to the test? Would you add anything?
4. What do you normally do whenever you need to make a big decision?

China’s Curious Cult of the Mango

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C1 – Advanced

Who knew that mangoes can be sacred?

Click on the title below to read about how mangoes were viewed in China. Read the article part by part and take note of new vocabulary words and expressions.

China’s curious cult of the mango

Discuss:

1. Explain the past that China had with the mango fruit. How Significant was it?
2. In the article, what were some of the ancient insights that showed a part of the Chinese culture?
3. Share some of the unique traditions that your country has that has been long part of history.

Offer Words of Encouragement

C1 – Advanced

How would you define encouragement? And how different is it from motivation?

Watch the video below then read the article to know more about how encouragement changes a person’s life.

How and Why to Offer Words of Encouragement

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Discuss:

1. Based on the article and video, how would you explain the difference between encouragement and motivation?
2. What makes encouraging so important to people?
3. How do you encourage people at work or in your family?
4. Do you enjoy challenges or do you usually shy away from them?