Tag: C1 – Advanced

What your Name says about You

C1 – Advanced

We all need to be identified. From the time of birth and even before conception, most parents have already thought of names for their children.  The origin of our names can be from names of the seasons, famous people, from baby books or simply from our parents’ imagination.

Is choosing a good name necessary?

WHAT YOUR NAME SAYS ABOUT YOU

Discuss:

1. Are you happy with your name? How did your parents choose your name?
2. What are some of the most common names for boys and girls in your country?
3. Do you know the meaning of your name? If yes, what does it mean?
4. Do you believe some names or words have magical qualities?
5. Is the trend of naming children changing in your country?

Men Taking their Wives’ Names

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C1 – Advanced

What’s in a name?  Some traditions and culture call for women taking their husband’s name immediately after getting married. But there’s a trend happening when it comes to changing names. Is it really new or is it just popularized by celebrities?

Read on to find out why.

A new wedding trend? The men taking their wives’ names

Discuss:

1. How do you feel about this trend of men taking their wife’s surname?
2. Do you know anyone who has adapted this practice?
3. What is the custom in your country when it comes to taking names?

Public Loo Converted into Cafe

C1 – Advanced

Would you feel comfortable eating at an old toilet? Some business owners in London got really creative with their space.

Watch the video below and see the transformation of this old Victorian toilet.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What can you say about the transformation of the old public toilet?
  2. Talk about a public place that was transformed into something else in your city or country.
  3. Would you consider dining in this cafe? Why or why not?
  4. Describe some of the peculiar cafes or restaurants that you have visited or seen in the past.

The Time for Urban Farmers

C1 – Advanced

Have you heard of Urban farming? In the US, it’s been a popular idea for quite some time.

Read the article below and discuss some of the issues that urban farmers are facing.

http://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2015/05/18/407732692/urban-farmers-say-its-time-they-got-their-own-research-farms

Discussion Questions:

  1. How do you understand urban farming and what are its advantages? How about disadvantages, what might they be?
  2. Is urban farming something that is happening in your country? Why or why not?
  3. Have you started growing your own vegetables? Have you tried it?

How Misbehaving Made One Man a Multimillionaire

C1 – Advanced

Jack Cator was your normal teenage school boy; defying and challenging the rules. But what he got out of that persistent attitude was quite extraordinary.

Read the article below to know more about Jack and his business and its humble beginnings.

http://www.bbc.com/news/business-32702501

Discussion Questions:

  1. In your own words, explain how Jack Cator was able to come up with his business.
  2. What challenges did he encounter along the way and how did he overcome them?
  3. What do you know about VPNs?
  4. Have you experienced doing business remotely with people you’ve never met before? Describe that experience.
  5. How were you like as a 16-year-old?

Nepal Earthquakes

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C1 – Advanced

On April 25, 2015, Nepal was hit by a 7.8 magnitude earthquake that cost thousands of lives and left so many injured.

Below is an article to look back on the devastation that hit a country and affected so many. Take a look at the before-and-after photos included in the article.

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-32479909

Discussion Questions:

1. What do you know of the earthquake that hit Nepal in 2015?
2. Have you experienced natural disasters such as earthquakes?
3. What are some catastrophes you’ve witnessed?
4. Is your country prepared in case a natural disaster hits?

Green Energy for Denmark

C1 – Advanced

When it comes to renewable energy, Denmark aims high. By 2020,  the country would like to get half of its energy from the wind. There are hopes that there will be environmental focus to inspire people to go green.

Watch the video below to know more about some of the efforts that Denmark is doing to be a greener country.

Discussion Questions:

1. According to the video, what are organizations doing to be environmentally conscious?
2. Do you think that your country is working on the same issue as well?
3. Is having a green house something that you’re interested in?

Tower of David

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Venezuela is famously known for its beautiful people. But, like any other country, Venezuela struggles with poverty and citywide housing shortage. The Tower of David is a glimpse of some issues that the country is facing.

Discussion Questions:

1. Is poverty an issue in your country?
2. How is your government taking care of the housing needs of the citizens?
3. What do you think are some of the best ways to address poverty in the middle of an economic recession?

Schools Feeding and Clothing Pupils

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C1 – Advanced

It has been said that the school is the second home of the child. Read the article and discuss the boundaries that schools should have when it comes to taking care of children.

Schools feeding and clothing pupils, say heads

Discuss:

1. What is the concern raised in the article?
2. What do you think should be the primary roles of schools?
3. Describe the educational system of your country.
4. How would you describe the welfare program for poor people in your country?
5. If you could, what changes or improvements would you implement in your country’s educational or social systems?

 

World Happiness Report 2015

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C1 – Advanced

Living in different countries, we have different cultures. We all have different definitions of happiness. How would you define Happiness?

Read the article below to know more about the World Happiness Report and its aims or objectives.

World Happiness Report 2015 ranks happiest countries

Discuss:

1. Share some of the happiest moments in your life?
2. Are the people living in your country known for being funny, fun-loving or happy?
3. How would you describe a good and healthy quality of living?