phone english blog
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.
Discussion Questions:
1. How do you understand urban farming and what are its advantages?
2. Is urban farming something that is happening in your country?
3. Have you started growing your own vegetables? Have you tried it?
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 was able to come up with his business.
2. What do you know about VPNs? Is this something you use?
3. Have you experienced doing business remotely with people you’ve never met before? Describe that experience.
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?
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?
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?
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.
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?
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.
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?
C1 – Advanced
Some people argue that we live in a world where people are judged by their looks. There are many qualities by which physical appearance is deemed acceptable by modern society: body shape, skin complexion, height and even weight.
Recently, a student sued her own university for allegedly denying her the chance to apply for the dance troupe.
Watch the video then express your ideas on the matter.
Discuss:
1. Are there any circumstances when a person’s weight should be factored in for consideration in an organization or activity?
2. Can the situation described in the video be considered an example of discrimination?
3. What adjectives can you use to describe the woman’s feelings? Would you feel the same if you were in her shoes?
C1 – Advanced
The prophecy of the Mayan Calendar became such a hype when it predicted the end of the world in 2012. Thus, a Siberian company cashed in on the panic and came up with a survival kit.
Read this article from 2012 and express your thoughts about it.
Discuss:
1. How did you react when you heard about the Mayan Prophecy of the world ending on the 21st of December 2012?
2. Should people preoccupy themselves with predicting when the world will end?
3. If you knew the exact date the world would end, would it change the way you live? If so, in what ways? If not, why?
4. If you had to prepare your own Doomsday kit, what would be in it?
C1 – Advanced
Getting tired and working too hard is now being equated to productiveness. And there is a growing sense of pride in being too busy to do anything else but work. Should this be the case? Is this the better choice?
Read the following article and express your thoughts about it.
Discuss:
1. What is Professor Brown’s attitude toward work?
2. Does she think it’s possible to achieve work-life balance? What do you think?
3. With the range of office technology available to workers, are we truly able to do more with less?
4. Why does Brown think giving five minutes of feedback spells a difference in today’s office culture?
5. If you had full control over your schedule, what changes would you make? What items in your timetable would you prioritize?