Tag: First Certificate FCE

Conformity Bias

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Conformity bias refers to our tendency to go along with a group and to be influenced by those around us. It occurs when we model our behavior to fit the behavior of others rather than using our own judgement.

Watch the video to know what conformity bias is and see how it works and be able to answer the questions that follow.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is conformity bias? Cite some examples.
  2. How does conformity affect decision-making?
  3. What should we do in order to maintain independence in the face of the pressure to conform?
  4. Share an experience you had about conformity bias.
  5. What is your opinion on groupthink?

Rhetoric: How Persuasive Are You?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Giving persuasive speeches is a skill. One has to be able to deliver their messages clearly and effectively to convince people.

In the past, these were done face-to-face in front of a huge audience. Nowadays, people can do it with just a simple tap on their gadgets. Either can be effective in inspiring and influencing people into certain decisions or actions.

Listen to the audio and read the transcript to know more about what rhetoric is.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2022/ep-220414

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are some instances that you have used rhetoric?
  2. What are some good qualities of rhetoric?
  3. Where can rhetoric be effective or useful?
  4. Who are some famous people who are good at rhetoric?
  5. What skills should you possess to deliver good rhetoric?
  6. Are there other ways to persuade people? What are they?
  7. Is social media affecting the way leaders and other people connect with the public or general audience?
  8. How has rhetoric shaped our history in both good and bad ways?

Selfie Addiction

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Selfie is a fun way to capture one’s precious moments. However, for others they take way too numerous selfies which leads to an obsession. A new study shows that addiction to selfies could be an indication of a mental disorder. This new behavioral addiction is called “selfitis”.

Watch the video to learn more about selfitis and be able to answer the questions that follow.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think about selfies?
  2. What is the impact of selfie in your life/the society/our relationships/our wellbeing?
  3. Why do some people become obsessed with taking photos of themselves?
  4. What are the dangers of “selfitis”?
  5. Do think selfitis is an indicator of a mental disorder? Explain your point.

Why You Should Try to Be More Selfish

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The risk for most individuals isn’t that they disregard others in the name of their own wants; rather, it is that they continuously put true inner growth on hold in favor of the notion of so-called respectable judgment.

Watch the video and discover why sometimes, we need to be more selfish.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your concept of selfishness?
  2. Do you consider yourself selfish? Why or why not? What would you say is the most selfish thing you’ve ever done?
  3. When is okay to be self-absorbed? Explain.
  4. What are the good and bad things about putting yourself first?
  5. What is your take on this statement: “The world won’t fall apart if we neglect some of our commitments.“?

Unusual Things That Are Common in Other Countries

B2 – Upper Intermediate

One of the characteristics that distinguish humans from other members of the animal world is our tendency to develop conventions. Thousands of diverse cultures have sprung up around the world since the beginning of civilization.

Sometimes, there normal things that are customary in other countries but are very different from what we are used to.

Here are 10 incredible customs from all over the world.

https://brightside.me/wonder-places/10-unusual-things-that-are-common-in-other-countries-796969/

Discussion Questions:

  1. Name some points from the article that you found really unusual and explain why you think they are rather bizarre.
  2. Have you ever experienced culture shock? Share your experience and how you dealt with it.
  3. Have you ever felt confused by the actions of someone from another culture? What was that practice and how did you and that person bridge the gap between your customs?
  4. Do you think “when in Rome, do as the Romans do” is always good advice? Why or why not?
  5. If foreigners visit your country, what are things that might surprise them?

Ways to Fight Mental Health Stigma

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Generally speaking, our culture isn’t very acceptant of people with mental disabilities. So, if someone ends up being diagnosed with a mental health disorder like depression, a majority of them will clam up in a social situation. It’s because of the social stigma that they’re afraid to open up to people, fearful that they’re just going to be told to be happy, smile, get over it and move on — a gross oversimplification of a very real mental disability.

Read the article to know why it is crucial to care for mental health and how to help others manage their feelings and emotions to get back on track.

https://www.nami.org/blogs/nami-blog/october-2017/9-ways-to-fight-mental-health-stigma

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do all people value the body the same as the mind? Explain.
  2. What prevents people from opening up to others and learning how to overcome problems?
  3. What are the ways to get over a mental health problem?

Ways Company’s Data Can Jump-Start Climate Action

B2 – Upper Intermediate

There is no denying that the effects of climate change are starting to be felt. Countries are coming together to think of solutions for our future, but private entities can also do something about our planet’s dire situation. One way is the harnessing of digital technology through data sharing.

Data sharing can be tricky; companies and individuals are hesitant to share data. But if innovations could be put in place to make this doable and sustainable, it would yield results that are beneficial for the future of our planet.

Check out this video on how companies can use data-sharing to help with climate change.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are some brilliant applications of digital technology?
  2. Where else can digital technology and data sharing be applied?
  3. What are the other benefits and some risks of data sharing?
  4. What are your country’s government and private entities doing to combat climate change?
  5. How does your company maximize the use of digital technology?
  6. Does your company have sustainability programs in place to help with climate change? If yes, what are they?
  7. How has digital technology and data sharing helped you as an individual? Have you utilized it to support a cause or advocacy?

Why Is It so Hard to Escape Poverty?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Poverty is one of the worst parts of society and is a major contributor to economic inequality. When people are in poverty, most governments give relief funds to help.

However, when they start being able to work, they find out that they are losing money, which encourages those in poverty to stop working, and so the next generations, and the cycle continues. This is known as the welfare trap.

To find out more, let’s watch this video about the paradox of poverty.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What strategies can the government use to prevent the welfare trap from happening?
  2. In your opinion, is the welfare trap important to try and fix?
  3. Have you heard or seen anyone stuck in this trap? Talk about them.
  4. What do you think about the universal basic income or free money with no strings attached?
  5. What are some government programs that address the issue of poverty in your country?

India’s Caste System

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Imagine being born in a group that predetermines the entire aspect of your future. From the school you are going, the job you are going to have and even the selected group where you can choose who you’re going to marry. This is India’s caste system.

Watch the video and find out the basic concept of this system.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is India’s caste system and how does it work?
  2. Who are the untouchables and why are they treated poorly?
  3. How does the caste system affect India’s social order?
  4. Do you find this social stratification fair? Share your opinion on this.
  5. Do you think the caste system can be completely eradicated? Explain your point.

Society and Life in the 1960s

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The sixties was a revolutionary time. It was a memorable point in history, filled with celebrations and controversies. This was not only evident in one country, but all across the globe.

Activism, inventions, conflict, and music painted a rich picture of this decade. These marked as a springboard for other developments and changes that came in the decades that followed.

Read the article below on what life was like in the 60s.

https://www.english-online.at/history/1960s/society-and-change-in-the-sixties.htm

Discussion Questions:

1. What were some historical events in the 60s that you know about?
2. Who among these historical figures are you familiar with?
3. What would be some interesting things that you would want to try in this decade?
4. How was your country during this time?
5. What were some good and bad things that came out of the 60s?
6. What are some other memorable decades?
7. If you could travel in time, what decade would you go to and why?