Tag: First Certificate FCE

When Feeling Angry, Venting Doesn’t Help

B2 – Upper Intermediate

It must be cathartic to let your negative emotions out. Somehow, it seems like you are actually feeling better after letting off some steam probably because sharing our emotions reduces our stress level.

Psychologists have recommended people to “let it all out” when we have this overwhelming feeling of anger. However, new studies reveal that venting does not actually help in this case.

Let’s watch the video and know more about this myth and other helpful tips on how to release your anger in a more positive way.

https://www.bbc.com/reel/video/p0hqff54/feeling-angry-venting-doesn-t-actually-help

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to feed” mean in this context, “When you are doing activities that have the same effects, on your body, you are feeding the anger. You’re putting more wood on the fire.“? Use it in a sentence in the same context.
  2. How about “to put more wood on the fire“. “When you are doing activities that have the same effects, on your body, you are feeding the anger. You’re putting more wood on the fire.” Use it in your own sentence.
  3. What is the meaning of “physiological arousal“? “Basically, anything that reduces physiological arousal can be worth trying.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why does venting not help reduce anger?
  2. Aside from venting, what other activities are not effective for anger management? Why is that?
  3. What are some ways to manage one’s anger?
  4. Do you have the tendency to vent when you get angry? If yes, did it make you feel any better? Talk about it.
  5. How do you respond when someone vents to you?

Only 10 Percent of the Population Is Left-Handed

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Determining the cause of left-handedness has long been a scientific mystery. Experts in neuroscience have been working hard to come close to an understanding of this trait.

At present, there are approximately 708 million left-handers. This is a little less than 10% of the world population.

Let’s watch the video and know more details on a recent study conducted by researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics on the correlation between having rare gene variants and being left-handed.

https://www.bbc.com/reel/video/p0hsy12y/why-is-only-10-percent-of-the-population-left-handed-

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the phrase “strong bias towards something/someone” mean? “The human genome encodes a kind of strong bias towards right-handedness, but it doesn’t completely determine it.” Use it in your own sentence.
  2. Define the word “asymmetry“. “The asymmetry is important in the brain for various functions, including language and hand and motor control, and also visual attention.” Use it in a sentence and give two synonyms.
  3. What is the meaning of the word “suppression“? “The strongest environmental effect that we know of on handedness is actually the suppression of left-handedness in children.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. According to the video, what factors cause left-handedness?
  2. Share some thoughts that went through your mind as you watched the video.
  3. What are the negative views of left-handedness?
  4. Are you a lefty? If not, do you know anyone who is? What do you think are the struggles of left-handed people?
  5. Do left-handed people have advantages over right-handed people? If so, what are they?

Rare Condition that Makes Faces Appear Demonic

B2 – Upper Intermediate

We can tell a lot by looking at a person’s face. You can easily identify their emotions simply by looking at them.

However, there are people whose perception of other people’s faces aren’t exactly accurate.

Let’s watch the video and know more about the demon face syndrome.

https://www.bbc.com/reel/video/p0htvclc/the-rare-condition-that-makes-faces-appear-demonic-

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Explain the expression “to see the world through someone’s eyes“. “Thanks to one patient’s pioneering work with researches at Dartmouth College, we now have an interesting insight into what it’s like to see the world through his eyes.” Use it in your own sentence.
  2. What is the meaning of the word “distortion“? “He wouldn’t see distortions to faces on screen.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does the verb “depict” mean? “That visualization also depicts a face.” Use it in a sentence and give two synonyms.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is the visual disorder PMO all about? Explain in your own words.
  2. What were your thoughts upon knowing about this condition?
  3. What do you imagine are the struggles of people with PMO?
  4. What other rare neurological conditions have you heard of? Talk about them.

Revolt Against Bad Tourists

B2 – Upper Intermediate

As summer draws closer and closer, a noticeable shift is occurring in popular tourist destinations like Ibiza and Mallorca. Locals in these parts are expressing firm desire for respectful tourists and raising concerns about the negative impact of mass tourism.

Read this article to learn about the changing attitudes towards tourism in popular destinations.

https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20240522-the-worlds-revolt-against-bad-tourists

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to stem the flow of something” mean? “In hotly visited Venice, tourist fees have begun for daytrippers to try to stem the flow of unending visitors.” Make a sentence with this expression.
  2. Define “tourism levy“. “And Bali recently announced a new tourism levy after a series of incidents involving visitors desecrating holy sites and behaving disrespectfully.” Use this phrase in a sentence.
  3. What does “a force for good” mean? “I see travel as a force for good. We don’t want to make it only possible for rich people to have these mind-opening experiences, but they need to be able to do it in a responsible way so we don’t ruin the planet at the same time.” Use this idiom in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on the growing anti-tourist sentiment in places like Ibiza and Mallorca?
  2. How do you believe tourists can better respect local culture and nature when visiting a destination?
  3. Do you believe that mass tourism has a positive or negative impact on local communities? Why?
  4. In your ideal travel scenario, what would a responsible and sustainable tourist experience look like for you?
  5. How do you think tourism patterns will change in the future, considering the ongoing discussions about sustainability and responsible travel?

Unhappiness Leave

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Read this article to learn more about the so-called “unhappiness leave”.

Imagine this scenario: rather than being obligated to remain at work when start having work blues, you’re given the freedom to take a day off whenever you’re not feeling your best. This is the idea behind “unhappy leaves”, a new concept gaining attention. It’s a departure from the old belief that work equals fulfilment or satisfaction.

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/article/2024/may/12/workers-unhappiness-leave-beats-awaydays-work-life-balance-seminars-yoga

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “mealy-mouthed” mean? “That may be a translation quirk – perhaps it sounds as mealy-mouthed as “mental health day” in the original – but the translation still gets to a basic truth: work doesn’t make us happy.” Use this expression in a sentence.
  2. Define “rip-roaring“. “It can be fulfilling, interesting, even important for a few, but it’s rarely a rip-roaring good time.” Make a sentence with this.
  3. What is the meaning of “studded with something“? “There’s the obvious prompt of the 1st – workers’ day, celebrated by not working in all right-thinking places – and the month is studded with days off in mainland Europe, like chocolate chips in your breakfast pastry.” Use this in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. State your stand on this, “If you’re not happy, do not come to work.“.
  2. What do you think about the idea of having “unhappy leave” as a benefit in your workplace?
  3. How do you typically handle days when you’re feeling unhappy or demotivated to work?
  4. In your opinion, what could be benefits and drawbacks of having “unhappy days” in other workplaces?
  5. How do you think cultural attitudes towards work and happiness differ around the world?
  6. If you could implement a new policy or benefit in your workplace to improve well-being and happiness, what would it be?

People Want Dumbphones

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

Mobile phone companies go head to head to keep innovating their products. “The smarter the better.” seems to be the motto here.

On the contrary, not everyone is so pleased. For those who can barely keep up with the latest in smartphones or those who are outright anti-technology, they want phones with less advanced specs and features. For them, “The simpler the better.”

Read this article and find out why people prefer dumbphones and will the industry respond to this increasing demand.

https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20240515-the-dumbphones-people-want-are-hard-to-find

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is a “neo-Luddite”? “Self-labelled neo-Luddites and the tech-stressed are searching for phones with fewer features.” Make a sentence using this word.
  2. Define “profit margin”. “Industry experts cite precarious profit margins and a wobbly market around this niche need.” Make a sentence using this term.
  3. What does “catch-all” mean? “They’re transitioning to “dumbphones”, a catch-all term for phones with basic functions such as calling, texting and setting alarms.”  Make a sentence using this word.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why are some people choosing basic dumbphones with stripped down capabilities?
  2. What do you think about using dumbphones again? Can you name some pros and cons?
  3. Do you think it is worth it for tech companies to keep manufacturing dumbphones? State your opinion.
  4. What are your thoughts on this, “The big tech giants don’t want anything that has to do with reducing your smartphone usage.”?
  5. How do you find the idea of a “light or minimal phone”?

Why Can’t Prices Just Stay the Same?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Seeing the prices of goods rise in our preferred supermarket is probably no longer shocking, as it is just the way things are these days. Even if we are aware that it is inflation, we nevertheless find ourselves wondering why because the majority of us are looking for solutions, particularly, relief from the strain that inflation has placed on our finances.

To understand why prices can’t stay the same, watch the video below.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Explain “virtuous cycle” in economics. “When supply chain interruptions created product shortages and some companies artificially drove up prices to increase their profits, which along with some other causes, effectively turn this virtuous cycle into a vicious one.” Construct your own sentence.
  2. What does “deflationary spiral” mean? “Falling prices sound pretty good, but they can also introduce another kind of cycle: a deflationary spiral.” Make your own sentence using this term.
  3. What is the meaning of “in no small part“? “Japan is finally emerging from decades of chronic deflation, but that’s thanks, in no small part, to the high inflation that most of the world battled over the last few years.. Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘in no small part’ in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the factors mentioned in the video as to why prices can’t stay the same? 
  2. Share your thoughts on this, “A little inflation is a good thing.“.
  3. How is inflation affecting the people in your country? Across the globe?
  4. Do you agree with this assertion, “It’s okay if prices rise so long as wages rise too. You’ll still be able to afford the same goods if your wages keep pace with inflation.“? Explain your stance.
  5. What strategies can you recommend to counteract the strain that inflation has placed on our finances?

Jeff Bezos Got Rich When He Understood This

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Career and passion go hand in hand when it comes to finding fulfillment and satisfaction in your professional life. While some people are fortunate enough to have a career that aligns perfectly with their passion, many others struggle to find the right balance between what they love to do and what they need to do to make a living.

Finding the perfect balance between career and passion can be a daunting task. It requires self-reflection, goal-setting, and a willingness to take risks. It may involve changing career paths, pursuing further education, or starting your own business. It may also require making sacrifices, such as working long hours, moving to a new city, or taking a pay cut.

Are you living your life on the correct path? Do you ever wonder where you’re headed? Watch this video and learn something.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “hot passion of the day” mean? “Do something you’re very passionate about and don’t try to chase what is kind of the hot passion of the day.” Make a sentence with this idiom.
  2. What does “bluff something out” mean? “Will you bluff it out when you’re wrong or will you apologize?” Make a sentence using this phrase.
  3. What does “dogma” mean? “Will you follow dogma or will you be original?” Make a sentence using this word.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What did you learn after watching the video?
  2. What choices have you made that makes you proud?
  3. What do you think is your calling?
  4. Share your thoughts on this, “If you don’t love your work, you’re never going to be good at it.“
  5. Why do you think Bezos said, “All the curious from the ages would have wanted to be alive most of all right now?“

How Singapore Got So Crazy Rich

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Singapore, a small island city-state in Southeast Asia, has grown to become one of the world’s most powerful economies. Despite its lack of natural resources, the country has managed to transform itself from a sleepy fishing village to a global financial hub in just a few decades.

Through its strategic location, business-friendly policies, and strong emphasis on education and innovation, the country has managed to become a global economic powerhouse. While challenges remain, Singapore is well-positioned to continue its economic success in the years to come.

Watch the video and learn how a small country grew into a prosperous one.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “knowledge-based economy” mean, “Singapore shifted emphasis to a knowledge-based economy that relies more on creativity and growing Singapore’s entrepreneurs.”? Make a sentence using this phrase.
  2. What does “land reclamation” mean, “It had embarked on an ambitious land reclamation project in the 1970’s.”? Make a sentence using this phrase.
  3. What does “politicking” mean, “There will be that politicking that will happen in much more intensely in the years to come than there was ever before.”? Make a sentence using this word.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What was Singapore’s formula for success?
  2. What are the respective economic policies of Singapore’s prime ministers? What are your thoughts on them?
  3. Tell the story on how your country’s economy grew to what it is now.
  4. What are your government’s current economic policies?
  5. What do you think your government should do and focus on economy-wise?

Spaving and How to Avoid this Financial Trap

B2 – Upper Intermediate

In the world of handling money, there’s this thing called “spaving.” It’s a mix of “spending” and “saving.” It’s when people think they’re saving money by spending more upfront on things that seem better quality. Even though it might seem smart, it can actually cause money problems in the long run.

Watch this video about to know more about it and get some tips on making better choices with your money and reach your savings goals more easily.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the phrase “to rip off” mean? “Some big shot over at the weiner company and some big shot at the bun company got together and decided to rip off the American public.” Use this phrase in a sentence.
  2. What does the word “entice” mean? “Buy one, get one” has enticed you to spend more.” Make a sentence using the word.
  3. What does the word “outsmart” mean? “The algorithms are coming after you, so you have to outsmart them.” Use the word in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think ‘spaving’ is a common financial strategy among people today? Why or why not?
  2. What are some potential advantages and disadvantages of the ‘spaving’ mindset?
  3. Share any personal experiences where you’ve encountered ‘spaving’ in your own life or observed it in others.
  4. What are some examples of products or services where ‘spaving’ might be particularly tempting, and how can individuals differentiate between genuine savings and falling into the ‘spaving’ trap?
  5. What alternative strategies can individuals employ to achieve their savings goals without resorting to ‘spaving’?