Tag: FCE

Personality Types

B2 – Upper intermediate

In the world of business and even in our day to day interactions, we will meet with and talk to people with different personalities. Understanding other people’s personality traits can completely transform your communication skills with others in any setting.

Learn about the four personality traits in the video below.

Discussion Questions:

1. Explain the four personality types and how to deal with them in a business transaction.

2. What personality do you think you have?

3. What personality type/s do most of your clients have?

4. How can we de-escalate or resolve personality clashes with a friend, family, and co-worker?

Living on the Most Crowded Island on Earth

B2 – Upper intermediate

Santa Cruz del Islote is a tiny island off the coast of Colombia. It is home to 1,200 people and is considered the most densely populated island on the planet.

Check out the video to learn more about this unusual place.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Would you like to live on an island like this? Why or why not?
  2. What are the pros and cons of living in a densely populated and isolated area?
  3. Have you ever thought of island living? Is it something that you would like to do?

Here’s Who You Call When an Earthquake Strikes

B2 – Upper intermediate

Disasters can strike without warning. And loss of life and property can be devastating. In Mexico, a group of brave volunteers formed a rescue team in order to save lives trapped beneath collapsed structures.

Meet the “Topos” or “Moles”. Learn about them in this short but inspiring video.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Who are the moles? Why were they formed? What do they do?
  2. Talk about disaster rescue teams in your area/country.
  3. Have you ever been in a disaster? Talk about your experience.

Nature Makes You Happy

B2 – Upper Intermediate

A new study from BBC Earth and the University of California has revealed that watching nature documentaries can make you happier. In today’s age of digital and high technology, using it could bring back our connections with nature. New research suggests that it could improve our health, happiness, and well-being.

Watch the video and find out how our relationship with nature may be deeply linked to our happiness.

Discussion Questions:

  1. According to the video, how does nature affect people? How does it affect you?
  2. How often to do you watch nature documentaries and why?
  3. How does watching nature footage affect viewers?
  4. What do you think is the importance of connecting with nature?

When You Drink Coke Instead of Water

B2 – Upper Intermediate

In a small town in Mexico, water is not so readily available. Its residents therefore, have resorted to drinking the much more plentiful Coca Cola instead.

Check out the article to find out more about the dire consequences this situation has brought about.

http://www.thetimesinplainenglish.com/when-you-drink-coke-instead-of-water/

Discussion Questions:

1. What does the article say about this Mexican town?

2. Who do you think is to blame in these circumstances, and why?

3. Do you like soft drinks or soda? Talk about the effects of drinking too much of these.

Living in the Netherlands’ Futuristic Homes

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Have you ever imagined living inside a house that resembles a golf ball? For many, this would seem like a very strange idea. But in Bolwoningen, a small village outside Amsterdam, this is a reality.

Watch the video to learn more.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Explain the video in your own words. What do you think about Bolwoningen?
  2. Have you ever seen an unusual or unconventional home? Would you like to try to live in one? Why or why not?
  3. Talk about the most bizarre-looking house you’ve ever seen.

Man Escaped Communism by Zip Line

B2 – Upper Intermediate

More than 30 years ago, Daniel Pohl attempted to leave his country and its Communist views. The means by which he tried to escape was highly unconventional and required a lot of daring.

Watch the video to find out more about Pohl’s amazing feat.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Who is Daniel Pohl? Explain what he tried to do.
  2. What is your take on his escape strategy?
  3. Talk about the bravest or most daring thing you have ever done.

Laptop vs Handwriting

B2 – Upper Intermediate

handwriting-day-fun

Due to many students’ illegible handwriting, Cambridge University is allowing students to use their laptops in exams and no longer pen and paper. The wonders and usefulness of the laptop are great but are we losing the art of handwriting?

Let’s read the article and answer the questions that follow.

https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2017/sep/11/laptops-handwriting-students-university-exams-skill

Discussion Questions:

1. Is handwriting a lost art now?

2. Do you think writing notes in a paper makes it easier to remember and synthesize information than typing in a laptop?

3. Is using a laptop for typing a more effective way of learning and retaining information?

4. Do you think computers might one day replace handwriting?

 

Growing Organic Food Sin Fronteras

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Growing organic food is a healthy and environmentally friendly way to produce fresh fruits and vegetables without using harmful chemical pesticides or synthetic fertilizers. Organic farming uses natural methods, such as compost, animal manure, and natural pest control, to help plants grow. It also improves soil quality and supports beneficial insects and other wildlife. By growing organic food, people can enjoy nutritious produce while helping protect the environment and promote sustainable farming.

Click the title below and watch the video. Be ready to share your thoughts and talk about growing organic food.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think about Eduardo Rivera’s passion for farming?
  2. What are his challenges of growing organic food?
  3. Share your thoughts on what Mr. Rivera reveals: “What hurts the most is that my people can’t have access to my food because it’s so expensive.“
  4. What are your thoughts about organic farming?
  5. How do organic produces fare in your country?
  6. How can organic produces be made more affordable for everyone?

3D Printing: Turn Your Head into Chocolate Lollipops

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Imagine your head as a chocolate. Now, you can actually have it done and enjoy watching your friends eating a candied version of your head.

A start-up in London has come up with a novel way to make personalised chocolate: lollipops modelled on customers’ heads.

Watch the video and express your thoughts about this start-up company and their sweet idea.

http://www.bbc.com/news/business-35040661

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think of this start-up company and their product?
  2. What is your opinion of 3D printing? Would you like to have one? Why or why not?
  3. Are 3D printers popular in your country? Why is this?
  4. If you had a 3D printer, what would you print from it?
  5. If you were having a party, would you give out chocolate heads as sweets or souvenirs? Why or why not?