Tag: First Certificate FCE

Treating Covid Like an Endemic Illness

B2 – Upper Intermediate

After having lived for so many years of the pandemic life, I think it’s safe to say that most of us have had enough. As a result, more and more countries are calling for Covid to be treated like the flu which is an endemic illness.

Spain is one of the first countries to suggest that we all should just start living with it.

Read the article below and watch the video be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://www.euronews.com/2022/01/18/spain-to-move-from-treating-covid-19-as-a-pandemic-to-an-endemic

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your opinion on this? Is it really time for us to start treating Covid much like the flu?
  2. What would be advantages and disadvantages of doing this now?
  3. How has your life changed because of the pandemic?
  4. What is the first thing you’d do once the world ‘goes back to normal’ again?

Debunking the Myths of OCD

B2 – Upper Intermediate

OCD is a mental health condition where a person has obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors. An obsession is an unwanted thought that repeatedly enters your mind while compulsion is a repetitive behavior that you feel you need to do to temporarily relieve the unpleasant feelings.

For example, someone with an obsessive fear of being burgled may feel they need to check all the windows and doors are locked several times before they can leave their house.

Watch the video to know more about the symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What treatments are available for OCD?
  2. Do you think the obsessions in OCD can lead to aggressive or violent behavior? Why?
  3. Do you know someone who has an OCD?
  4. Do you keep checking things over and over again?
  5. Do you have frequent unwanted thoughts that seem uncontrollable? Do you try to get rid of these thoughts and, if so, what do you do?

The Nobel Prize

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Every October, the committees in Sweden and Norway give Nobel Prizes in six areas to acknowledge innovative contribution of the chosen winners in their respective field.

Let’s watch the video and learn more about the selection process, areas, some notable laureates and the prize itself.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you know about the prestigious Nobel Prize?
  2. What can you say about the irony of its origin?
  3. What are the different areas of the Nobel Prize?
  4. What other areas or categories do you think should be added?
  5. Do you know any Nobel Prize winners? Do you think they deserve it?

The Forgotten Art of Hitchhiking

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Hitchhiking is a form of transportation that is done by asking people, mostly strangers, for a ride in their car for free. This way of travelling is very appealing, especially to those who are travelling on a budget.

Read this article about the forgotten art of hitchhiking — and why it disappeared

https://www.vox.com/2015/6/8/8737623/hitchhiking

Discussion Questions:

  1. What comes to your mind when you hear the word ‘hitchhike’?
  2. Is hitchhiking common in your country? Why/why not?
  3. Have you ever hitched a ride?
  4. Why do you think some states in the US banned this form of transportation?
  5. If you were the driver, would you be kind enough to pick up a total stranger off the side of the road? Why/why not?

World Health Organization Introduces Gaming Disorder

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Video games have been very popular since they were introduced. Kids and adults alike love playing video games. It is a way to relax and enjoy the time and even bond with family and friends. Video games have even been helpful in some situations and in managing some medical conditions.

With video games getting more and more accessible, more people get access and play more, which can sometimes be too much, leading to a disorder. Because of this, the World Health Organization has added this to their list of diseases, calling it gaming disorder.

Read the article below on what gaming disorder is according to the WHO.

https://www.english-online.at/news-articles/health-medicine/world-health-organisation-introduces-gaming-disorder.htm

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think it is just right for the WHO to include this disorder? Why or why not?
  2. Who do you think are those most likely to have this disorder?
  3. What could be the possible causes of these disorders? What would be the best way to manage this disorder?  
  4. What were some games that you liked playing as a child? How about as a grown-up?
  5. Do you prefer video games or other game types? Why?

The Science of Spiciness

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Studies show that there is no such thing as a spice-loving gene; no one is born loving hot sauce. Instead, the love for spicy food is learned, a result of repeated exposure to spices.

It means those who hate spice can actually train themselves, over time, to love the stuff.

Watch the video to know more information about how our bodies handle spicy food.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you like eating spicy food?
  2. Are spicy foods healthy or dangerous?
  3. What are the benefits of spicy foods?
  4. Do you know someone who can eat extremely spicy food?
  5. Do you think eating spicy food increases metabolism?



Getting What You Want in a Negotiation

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Negotiating our way in the workplace can sound daunting and challenging. It can sometimes take all our energy preparing for it. Whether it’s something big or small, negotiating for something that we need for our job is part of our work life. Some might think that there are only certain people that are gifted with special skills to effectively negotiate their way through situations.  This is not true. These skills can be learned, and anyone can successfully and effectively negotiate once these skills are gained. 

Watch this video to learn the ways to be ready in negotiations:

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your experiences with negotiations in the workplace?
  2. Do you feel worried when you think of negotiating? Why or why not?
  3. Which of these tips seems the easiest to do? Which seems the hardest?
  4. What are some effective ways that you use when negotiating in any situation?
  5. When was the last time you had a failed negotiation? What could you have done better in that situation?
  6. What are some tips that you can add to the list?

Habits that Damage Your Brain

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Your brain is obviously a very important part of your body. It carries a lot of information around and has the main control for every function that happens in your day-to-day life.

Watch the video to know some of the considered brain-damaging habits.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Which habits are you guilty of?
  2. Why do you think lack of socializing can be harmful for you?
  3. How do you take care of your brain?

Teaching Children the Real Value of Money

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Being young does not mean that children cannot grasp deep and difficult topics like the value of money and how to be financially responsible. By starting early and giving them interesting and relatable concepts, they learn essential lessons and attitudes that they need to possess once they’re earning and have their own money to manage. When they know how to make good financial decisions as they grow up, they avoid financial problems in the future.

Read this article to find out how to teach children the real value of money.

https://www.theguardian.com/money/2021/dec/13/how-to-teach-children-the-real-value-of-money

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why do you think teaching children this is important?
  2. What are some tips that you can add to the list?
  3. Do you think schools should include finance classes starting on 1st grade? Why or why not?
  4. Talk about your experience of financial awareness growing up and as you started working. Was it a difficult journey or not?
  5. How different is it at this current age to openly discuss and get children involved with finances as compared to 10 or 20 years ago?
  6. Does regional culture play a role in how financial topics are discussed within the family? Explain your answer.

New Zealand Has New Plan to End Smoking

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Smoking is a hard habit to break. Most people smoke for different reasons such as peer pressure, stress relief, or some might think it’s “cool”. Quitting smoking can be very challenging but it will definitely yield greater health benefits at any age.

Let’s listen to the audio about New Zealand’s plan to end smoking.

https://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/new-zealand-has-new-plan-to-end-smoking/6347731.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. Is smoking a problem in your country? Why or why not?
  2. Why do you think it is so difficult for people to give up smoking?
  3. Do you get angry about passive smoking – breathing in secondhand smoke? Why or why not?
  4. Which is worse for your health, smoking every day or drinking every day?
  5. In some countries and sectors of society, smoking is actually increasing. Which of the following would be the best way to reduce smoking? Explain your answer.
    • Increase the price of cigarettes
    • Make smoking illegal
    • Launch a public health campaign
    • Limit smoking to very specific areas
    • Something else