Tag: culture

Japanese People and Alcohol

B1 – Intermediate

It is believed that drinking alcohol is a very social activity. In Japan, people used to go to bars to hang out with friends or colleagues on weekends or after work. This has changed. Less and less people like drinking.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about Japanese people’s changing behavior about alcohol consumption. Be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/japanese-people-and-alcohol-level-1/

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think the same is happening in your country? What is the reason for it?
  2. Is drinking an important custom in your country? Why or why not?
  3. Is it positive or negative if people didn’t drink alcohol anymore? Explain your opinion?
  4. How has your drinking behavior changed over the years?
  5. Do you think it’s true that people care more about their health now? Why or why not?

Why We Say “God Bless You”

B1 – Intermediate

When someone sneezes, some people immediately respond with “God bless you!”. Just why people respond to this is not really crystal clear. There have been numerous beliefs as to its logic and origin.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript to know some of the reasons people use this expression.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/why-we-say-god-bless-you-level-1/

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you use this response when someone sneezes? Why or why not?
  2. Do you know other interpretation of this expression?
  3. Do you think this is considered a polite gesture? Why or why not?
  4. What other polite gestures are common in your country?

The Biggest Bonfire

B1 – Intermediate

Lustenau, Austria had created the tallest bonfire. They now hold the Guinness World Records which was previously with Norway. 

It took three months to build the gigantic structure and only less than 30 minutes before it collapsed.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about the biggest bonfire in the world.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/biggest-bonfire-ever-level-3/

Discussion Questions:

  1. What comes to your mind when you hear the word “bonfire”?
  2. What do you think of this bonfire? Why is it important?
  3. What are the negative things about bonfires such as this?
  4. Would you like to witness this kind of event? Why or why not?
  5. Talk about a similar event in your country. Why is it done/celebrated?

Australia’s Aboriginal Flag

B1 – Intermediate

Every country has its own national flag. A flag is not just an ordinary piece of fabric but a symbol of freedom, dignity, and one’s country.

Read the lesson on Australia’s Aboriginal flag below and be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2201/220127-aboriginal-flag-1.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why are national flags important?
  2. Should everyone have a flag of their country in their house? Explain.
  3. Talk about your national flag. What do you know about the history of your country’s flag?
  4. Can people freely display and use flags to celebrate certain cultures or communities? Explain your opinion.
  5. Have there ever been any controversies revolving a flag/flags in your country? Talk about it.

Sky Lantern Causes Fire

B1 – Intermediate

A sky lantern is basically a small hot hair balloon that is made out of paper. It’s simple, festive, and lovely, but it can also be dangerous. Some countries have banned the use of sky lanterns because they can be very dangerous.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript below about the catastrophic fire that happened in Brazil.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/sky-lantern-causes-fire-level-2/

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is the purpose of sky lanterns? Which celebration/s are sky lanterns used?
  2. Why are they dangerous?
  3. What festivals in Spain use light, fire, and/or lanterns? Describe it/them.
  4. What are other ways to celebrate festivals/events safely?
  5. What do you like doing during the festival in your city?

Researchers Want to Correct Japanese English

B1 – Intermediate

The government in Japan is using computer and online translations to translate Japanese into English which results to confusing words and expressions for English speakers visiting the country.

Let us read more about the article.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2011/201121-japanese-english-1.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your opinion about Japan’s problem?
  2. Are there any strange translations from your language into English?
  3. What do you think of translation software?
  4. What do you think of the government using these software?
  5. Have you ever made a big or strange mistake translating into English?

Huge Financial Rescue Package for UK Arts

B1 – Intermediate

Art is a form of human expression. It is a way not only for everyday people but also artists to show their feelings and true passions. People can be affected in many, different ways through art.

Let’s read the article below to learn more about how the UK has helped support the country’s arts industry post-quarantine and amidst the pandemic.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2007/200708-the%20arts-1.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. What images are in your mind when you hear the word ‘arts’?
  2. What parts of the UK’s culture do you like and know of?
  3. How has corona virus affected the arts in your country?
  4. What do you think of museums? What is your favorite museum and why?
  5. How important is heritage and culture?
  6. What is the “beating heart” of your country?

Where Superstitions Come From

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Superstitions have come a long way in our history. It may be classified roughly as religious, cultural, and personal. Despite the modernization, superstitious beliefs still persist in our society and to some extent, some people believe in such irrational and absurd beliefs.

Watch the video to know its origin and be able to answer the questions that follow:

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your opinion on superstitions?
  2. Are you/people in your country superstitious? Why do you think this is?
  3. Why do some people believe in superstitions?
  4. What superstitious beliefs do you know and/or believe?
  5. Talk about some Spanish superstitious beliefs.

The Food Delivery Revolution

B2 –  Upper Intermediate


When you do not feel like spending time slaving away in the kitchen, there is a quick way to have food ready on your dining table from 30 minutes to an hour just by waiting in the comfort of your own home.


Nowadays, it is so easy to find any dish you crave for at online restaurants. A few clicks and your dinner is on its way to you!

Listen to the podcast to know more about how food deliveries have changed our food culture.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english/ep-200611

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on the food delivery revolution? Is this happening in your country too?
  2. What are the advantages and disadvantages of food deliveries?
  3. Talk about some of your food delivery experiences.
  4. What other changes in your food culture have you noticed in the past 10 years?
  5. What is your most preferred dining experience?

Ancient Monuments Built Around Summer Solstice

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Summer Solstice is the longest day of the year. This day was a big deal for people who lived in the ancient times. This is a way they track summer turning to autumn. Summer Solstice is also their sign to determine when to sow and harvest numerous crops.

There are some ancient monuments which were built to align with the sun indicating summer solstice.

Here are 7 magnificent examples of those monuments.


https://www.rd.com/culture/ancient-monuments-summer-solstice/

Discussion Questions:

  1. What can you say about the monuments built around Summer Solstice?
  2. Which one is your favorite and why? Describe the monument.
  3. Why was Summer Solstice important to ancient people?
  4. What do you think is the reason ancient people built these monuments?
  5. What was your reaction when you saw the photos of those monuments built in ancient times?