Tag: Culture & Countries

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The term “Third-World country” was first used in the 1950s as a way to group countries. The capitalist, economically developed countries like the US were classified as “First World”. The communist states led by the Soviet Union were in the “Second World” country group. The remaining countries were included in the “Third World” category.

However, in more recent times, the term “Third World” has been deemed by some as offensive.

Let’s read the article and know more why this term has become outdated and insulting.

https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2021/01/08/954820328/memo-to-people-of-earth-third-world-is-an-offensive-term

Vocabulary Questions:

1. What does the phrase “strike as” mean? “When she heard the label growing up, she says it struck her as making “this assumption about people outside of the ‘First World’ — that they lived really different lives, the assumption they were poor, they should be happy to eat every day.” Use it in your own sentence.
2. What is the meaning of the idiom “in some respects“? “And when you think about it, “developing countries” are quite developed in some respects. In countries where government safety nets are practically nonexistent, people step forward to help out.” Use it in a sentence and give two synonyms.
3. What does “to loom large” mean? “That’s the ‘Fourth World’, Farmer says, referring to parts of the United States and other wealthy nations where health and economic problems loom large.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

1. Do you agree that the term “Third World” is old-fashioned and insulting? Why or why not?
2. What is your opinion on the alternative terms to “Third World” mentioned in the article? Which one/s do you think is the best term to use to refer to such countries and why?
3. Share your insights on this statement, “There is no ‘Third World.’ There were the oppressed and the oppressors.“
4. State your thoughts, “D’Silva once heard the late Hans Rosling talk about countries that aren’t yet in the upper-income category. He said, “They’re the rest of the world.” And, she says, why not just call them by their names?“

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Yearning for a life under the Tuscan sun or along the vibrant coastlines of Spain? Your dreams may be closer to reality than you think. A growing number of picturesque towns in Italy and Spain are extending an extraordinary offer. Yes! They have generous financial incentives for those willing to call these charming locales home. From the enchanting streets of Italy to the lively shores of Spain, these towns are eager to welcome fresh faces, infusing their communities with newfound energy and vitality.

Click on the provided to explore more.

https://www.euronews.com/travel/2023/11/03/want-to-get-paid-to-move-to-spain-or-italy-here-are-the-towns-in-need-of-new-residents

Vocabulary Questions:

1. What does “dwindling” mean, “Across Europe, towns with dwindling populations have come up with a radical solution for enticing new residents by offering generous cash incentives.”? Give 2 synonyms and use “dwindling” in your own sentence.
2. What does “get a slice of something” mean, “Get a slice of the quiet life in Rubia, Spain.”? Use this in your own sentence.
3. What does “go off grid” mean, “Go off grid on a remote island in Ireland”? Use this in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

1. How do these towns plan to benefit from attracting individuals through such generous offers?
2. Can individuals from any nationality or background apply for these incentives, or are there specific eligibility criteria based on citizenship or residency?
3. What might be specific responsibilities or commitments expected from individuals who accept these incentives to move to these towns?
4. What kinds of assistance or resources do these communities offer to newcomers in terms of inclusion, language learning, and finding work or housing? Please share.
5. How have these towns been affected by demographic changes or population decline that has led them to take such measures?
6. How do these towns plan to sustain and grow their communities in the long term after attracting new residents?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Fashion trends have changed dramatically over the years but this Vietnamese fashion designer encourages youth to choose heritage to bring back traditions and customs with a twist of modern fashion.

Let’s read the article to know more.

https://www.gulftoday.ae/lifestyle/2020/11/28/vietnamese-fashion-designer-encourages-youth-to-choose-heritage

Discussion Questions:

1. What do you think about cultural heritage fashion ?
2. Are you a fashionable person? What fashion trend do you follow?
3. How are some fashion designers reinventing heritage as modern design?
4. Do you think heritage fashion can be restrictive and impractical in today’s society?
5. Do you wear any fashionable clothes that represents your country?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Grocery shopping is one of the essentials that everyone should do in order to survive during this trying times. It has been an issue in some countries as they try to control the crowd of shoppers while abiding with the quarantine rules. One mayor in Japan had recently received backlash for stating that men should do the grocery shopping as women take longer which could lead to overcrowding at the supermarkets.

Read the article below for more details on this story and be ready to answer the questions for discussion.

https://edition.cnn.com/2020/04/24/asia/japan-coronavirus-osaka-mayor-hnk-scli-intl/index.html

Discussion Questions:

1. What is your opinion on the mayor’s statement? Could it be considered a sexist remark?
2. How do you plan your grocery shopping during the pandemic?
3. Is there such thing as gender preference in effective grocery shopping?
4. Based on your experience, make a comparison between men and women when it comes to grocery shopping.
5. Describe your grocery runs during the pandemic.