Tag: First Certificate FCE

I Love My Language

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Language is a vital part of human connection. It is a huge part of a person’s history, culture, and identity. Unfortunately, some indigenous languages are becoming extinct. This can happen due to disasters, wars, or shifts to other languages.

So what can be done to preserve indigenous languages?

Listen to this audio and read the transcript on a woman’s fight to preserve her language.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english/ep-210923

Discussion Questions:

  1. It seems that languages are disappearing from the world every day and some people want to preserve them. What are your feelings about this?
  2. How many languages can you speak well? Why does one have to learn several languages?
  3. Is there any language which you don’t presently speak but which you would like to learn? Why does this language interest you?
  4. It is sometimes suggested that certain ideas can only be expressed in particular languages. Do you think this is true or not? Explain your opinion.
  5. Do you think the world would be a better or a worse place if everybody spoke the same language? How would the world be better or worse in such a case?

The Case for International Civil Servants

B2 – Upper Intermediate

More than ever, the works of high-quality international civil servants are needed when it comes to worldwide efforts in tackling issues such as climate change and digital technologies.

Read the article below about the case for international civil servants.

The case for international civil servants

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on the functions of international civil servants?
  2. What are some challenges international civil servants face?
  3. Talk about the presence and importance of international civil service within your own country.
  4. Share your insights on this statement, “These officials’ special status extends global governance beyond cooperation among nation-states, but it does not reflect a utopian attempt establish a world government.“.
  5. How exactly can international organizations and civil servants champion “common good”?

Homestay

B2 – Upper Intermediate

There are people who do not feel safe staying in normal accommodations such as hotels. They prefer to stay in a homey environment where they can interact with the same people in a familiar setting. For these people, homestay is a good option.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript on homestays.

Homestay

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your opinion on homestays as a tourist accommodation?
  2. Are homestays a popular type of accomodation in your city/country? Why or why not?
  3. What are the advantages and disadvantages of homestays?
  4. Have you tried living in a homestay before? If yes, talk about your experience. If not, would you like to?
  5. What’s your most and least favorite type of accommodation and why?
  6. What are the good and bad things about living with other people?

McDonald’s Is a Real Estate Company

B2 – Upper Intermediate

We have all heard of McDonald’s, one of the most, if not the most famous and most successful fast-food chain in the entire world.

However, even with McDonald’s being the biggest food company, is there a possibility that it could be much more successful in a different part of the business world?

Watch this video to find out about McDonald’s more successful business.

Discussion Questions:

  1. If ever you got into real estate, would you consider starting a McDonald’s franchise even if McDonald’s gets more money than you?
  2. Did you know about McDonald’s benefit from real estate before this video? If not, what is your reaction when you found out?
  3. Do you think McDonald’s is better off only being a real estate company? Explain your points.

Attitude Defines Your Life

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Our situation right now is because of the choices we’ve made along the way. There are a lot of factors that are affecting our choices. Attitude is one of the major ones. It has a great impact on making choices from the time we wake up until the time we call it a day.

In this video, you’ll watch a story about a person who remains having a great positive attitude even after a major accident happened in his life.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How will you describe Jerry’s attitude?
  2. What does “If I were any better, I would be twins!” mean?
  3. Do you consider yourself as natural motivator to the people around you? Share a moment when you motivate someone.
  4. What is the best choice you’ve made in your life so far? How did you come up with the decision ultimately?
  5. Do you consider yourself a pessimist or an optimist? State your reasons.

Ancient Story about Friendship

B2 – Upper Intermediate

One of the most important relationships that we have is friendship. Our friends are one of the reasons for our happiness. They are the ones whom we can connect and share our feelings and thoughts with.

In this video, you will watch an ancient Indian story about friendship and its worth.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is the summary of the story?
  2. Define friendship.
  3. Do you have best friends? Can you describe each of them?
  4. Do you agree that it’s possible to be friends with your enemies? Explain.
  5. What might be the factors to making friendships last?

Video Stores’ Digital Streaming Resistance

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Since the late 1870s, films have been in existence as one of the most popular forms of entertainment. Since its introduction to the society, films and the industry that revolves around it have evolved so much. 

Year 2020, the availability of technology and the Coronavirus pandemic led to a new phase in the history of films and the way we consume them. Streaming digitally through platforms like Netflix, HBO, and Amazon Prime became widely embraced by the world. Keeping the passion for physical movies became more challenging than ever.

Read the article about the video stores in Spain fighting to attract customers amidst the rising popularity of digital streaming.

https://english.elpais.com/science-tech/2021-09-16/netflix-resistance-the-video-stores-fighting-the-rise-of-streaming-in-spain.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do physical movie stores still exist in your city? Talk about these places and your experience/s going there.
  2. Do you think video stores would continue to thrive further on? Talk about the challenges and opportunities of such business in the recent times. 
  3. Do you agree or disagree that with streaming platforms “You are forced to see what the company wants you to see, you don’t have any autonomy.”? Explain.
  4. What do you think about digital streaming platforms?
  5. Compare and contrast physical and digital film formats.
  6. Should we make sure that our children know about physical movies? Why or why not? 

Canva Hits Massive US$40 Billion Valuation after Latest Funding Round

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Canva is free graphic design app for everyone. For premium features, paid subscriptions for pros and enterprises are also available. The start-up was founded in 2013 by Melanie Perkins, Cliff Obrecht, and Cameron Adams. At the time of writing, Canva is valued at $40bn (£29bn), making it one of the world’s biggest tech companies in the world. 

Read this article about Canva’s valuation soaring.

https://cfotech.co.nz/story/canva-hits-massive-us-40-billion-valuation-after-latest-funding-round

Discussion Questions:

  1. What can you say about Canva’s success?
  2. What is your impression of this company and their business model? 
  3. What are your thoughts on the company’s “simple” two-step plan?
  4. What do you think about Canva CEO’s plans to give their wealth away?
  5. Have you ever used Canva? What do you think of it?

Making Sense of the Census

B2 – Upper Intermediate

In the UK, the census takes place every ten years since 1801. It is the official number of every resident living within the country. Originally, census workers visit people door-to-door to get the basic information such as age, sex, race, and birth origin, etc. Nowadays, questionnaires are mailed out to every household with additional questions like ethnic backgrounds, immigration status, and personal relationships, etc.

Census is very important for many reasons. According to Gordon De Jong, professor of sociology and demography, “The census is most definitely important. Our whole representative democracy is based on it.” In addition, he has stated that “Equitably distributing the billions of dollars of public money requires up-to-date population data.”

Listen to the audio and read the transcript to learn more about Census.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english/ep-210826

Discussion Questions:

  1. What exactly is a census and why is it important?
  2. What is the main purpose of the census before and now?
  3. How does the government acquire the information for census?
  4. Why do some people question the importance of Census?
  5. In your opinion, is the census a breach of privacy? Explain your stand.

Elizabeth Holmes, Theranos Scandal, and Silicon Valley

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Elizabeth Holmes was once a trailblazing woman in business and medical technology in the Silicon Valley. She founded the start-up health technology company called Theranos. With promises of revolutionary blood tests that are performed using small automated devices and only very small amounts of blood are needed to be extracted from the patient, investments came pouring in. Now, Holmes is under trial for fraud.

The technology sounded amazing. Except, it was just make-believe. One might ask, so if it seemed nonsensical, why did so many people still fall for her hook, line, and sinker.

The Theranos scandal highlights the systemic problems with start-up culture on secrecy and the aggressive use ofNon-disclosure agreements (NDAs). 

Read the article about Elizabeth Holmes, Theranos, the problems with the start-up culture and what the Silicon Valley has learned from this scandal.

https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-58469882

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on Holmes and Theranos’ fraud and how they were able to get away with it for years?
  2. What do you think about the product they were developing?
  3. Talk about the thin line between fraud and fake it til you make it culture.
  4. Is it really “fake it until you make it” in business? Explain your point.
  5. What are your thoughts on this: “Secrecy is important for these companies to succeed – but that culture of secrecy can also be used as a smoke screen”?
  6. How important are NDAs in your job/industry or for your company?
  7. What are things you would consider if you were to invest in a start-up?