Tag: First Certificate FCE

Cure for Baldness

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Hair is considered as a person’s crowning glory. Some even spend loads of money in the salon for it. However, millions of people around the world are balding or losing their hair. There are different ways to hide bald spots, but the closest one you could get to natural hair would cost you a hefty amount of money.

Scientists are now developing a way to cure baldness that could replicate natural hair growth.

Click the link and read the article to learn more about this up-and-coming baldness cure.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/1907/190702-baldness-cure.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think about this recent breakthrough baldness cure?
  2. Why do you think hair is considered as a person’s “crowning glory”?
  3. How important is hair to you? Would you consider spending $50,000 for a hair implant?
  4. How often do you go to the salon/barbershop to pamper your hair?

A Two-Step Plan for Saving More Money

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The importance of saving money cannot be understated. In fact, with so many proven benefits, saving money is one of the best financial habits you should adopt. 

Saving money is like working out or eating right — it’s easier said than done. Managing your money can feel scary and complicated, but it doesn’t have to be.

Let’s watch the video about the steps that can help us achieve a more secure financial future.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on this adage, “Pay yourself first.”?
  2. Do you agree with the 2-step plan for saving more money as mentioned in the video?
  3. Which do you enjoy more: earning money or spending money?
  4. Do you save enough money? What savings goals do you have?
  5. How often do you think about money? Is money a stressful part of life?

Get Comfortable with Being Uncomfortable

B2 – Upper Intermediate

It’s hard to start doing what we really want because fear has the power to keep us from our purpose. Only a few people are willing to conquer their mountains and fall first.

Watch this amazing woman explain why it’s necessary to do things especially when they are difficult.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your purpose? What’s holding you from pursuing your purpose?
  2. What’s the scariest decision you’ve ever made?
  3. Who’s the person you admire the most? Why?
  4. How can you live your life differently?

How to Turn Moments into Momentum

B2 – Upper Intermediate

It only takes a single moment to make a change. When are you committed to making an impact, your actions will show your true intentions.

Watch the video to know more about why our voice need to be felt to create a change.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How do you feel about racism? What can we do to end it?
  2. What’s your biggest leap of faith in life?
  3. What’s something you’re doing that you think is contributing to global change?

Your Favorite Face Mask Might Not Be as Protective as You Think

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), recommends that all people wear masks in public as more contagious variants of COVID-19 are rising. Coronavirus can be spread from coughing, sneezing, or even talking in close distance. Masks can keep respiratory droplets from reaching another person. Among the popular masks, which one is the most effective in protecting you from COVID-19?

Read the article and be able to answer the questions that follow.

https://www.newsweek.com/your-favorite-face-mask-might-not-protective-you-think-1525247

Discussion Questions:

  1. How did you feel the first time you wore a mask? What do think about them? How has your behavior towards wearing them changed?
  2. According to doctors and medical experts, what is the importance of wearing masks?
  3. What myths and critical advice have you heard about wearing masks and how did you react to them?
  4. What should we keep in mind when buying masks?

Pandemic Shows Importance of School Meals for Millions

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The COVID-19 pandemic has clearly highlighted the importance of school meal programs in Canada. There are more than two million students who go to school without eating anything before leaving their homes.

There have been many programs that aim to assist students both when they’re at school and even when they are not.

Watch the video and be able to answer the questions that follow.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What can you say about the school lunches/meals in your country? How was it different before from now? How has it changed during the pandemic?
  2. How important are school meals for students?
  3. What has the pandemic taught us with regards to our health and well-being?
  4. Do you agree that adequate food and good nutrition lead to academic success? Explain your answer.

Facebook Wrist Device Aims to Permit Control of Virtual Objects

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Technology is evolving fast. It is changing how people live their lives. We now have The Internet of Things wherein all devices we use can be connected to the internet. From washing machines to air conditioners, we can now control them through voice commands.

Facebook is developing a technology that would allow us to control objects that exist in the virtual world. This technology aims to give people the augmented reality (AR) experience that could one day be used in our day-to-day lives.

Listen to the audio and read the transcript to know more about this wristband device that is supposed to be used with AR glasses.

https://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/facebook-wrist-device-aims-to-permit-control-of-virtual-objects/5828544.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is Augmented Reality (AR)? How interesting is this for you?
  2. Is this kind of device something interesting to you? Why or why not?
  3. Do you think that AR technology could replace smartphones one day? Why or why not?
  4. What could be the possible uses of AR in our day-to-day lives?
  5. How important is technology in your life? Can you live without it?

Students Tackle Global Issues with Innovation

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Innovation in education encourages students to explore, research, and use all the tools to uncover something new. It involves a different way of looking at problems and solving them.

The right combination of an innovative approach and creative thinking can help students address humanity’s major challenges such as climate change, energy poverty and security, health security and disease, food and nutrition security, and ensuring safe access to water and sanitation.

Read this article on how students tackle global issues with innovation.

https://www.euronews.com/2020/12/21/students-tackle-global-issues-with-innovation

Discussion Questions:

  1. How have technological advances/innovations affected our lives?
  2. What do you think is the most interesting innovation mentioned in the article?
  3. Do you appreciate innovation or do you prefer the good old ways?
  4. Which is more important to you – innovation or hard work?
  5. What are some good innovation ideas?

Payday Loans

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Life is tough and it is even tougher for people who are short of cash.

Payday loans are a form of cash advance to help people cover their expenses until their next paycheck comes in. For some, it is an easy way to have a temporary solution to their money problems.

Listen to the audio and read the transcript about payday loans.

Payday loans

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the idiom “Give it to me straight.” mean? “What do you mean complicated? Give it to me straight. Where did you get a loan?” Use it in your own sentence and give a synonym or similar expression.
  2. What does “to run someone dry” mean? “Exactly, because they can run you dry.” Use it in your own sentence and give a synonym or similar expression.
  3. What does “quicksand” mean here? “And then people like you get locked into a vicious loan cycle that is almost impossible to escape. Like quicksand.” Use it in your own sentence and give a synonym or similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How do you react/feel when someone tries to borrow money from you?
  2. Are payday loans a help to people or not? Explain your thoughts about it.
  3. Are payday loans common in your country? What is your opinion about their high interest rates?

Should Kids Financially Support Their Parents?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Watching your parents age can be a scary prospect, especially as they approach the point when they need more help from you more than ever.

If your parents have money troubles, they may come to you for financial help. It can be difficult to help your parents financially while you are also struggling with student loans, credit card debts, or providing for your own family. 

Read this article about turning of tables when children are the ones supporting their parents.

https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20201203-should-kids-financially-support-their-parents

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do/Would you help your parents financially? Why or why not?
  2. In your opinion, should children be financially responsible for their parents when they’re old?
  3. How can you help your parents manage their finances?
  4. At what age should you stop asking your parents for money?
  5. Should parents support their child financially until they’re grown?