Tag: First Certificate FCE

Silent People Are Successful

B2 – Upper Intermediate

They say silent people have the loudest minds because they rather think of ideas than talk. They rather plan productive things rather than engage in discussions. Do you agree with this?

Let us learn more about the reasons why it is said that silent people are successful.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is the difference between introvert and extrovert?
  2. Are you an introvert or extrovert?
  3. According to the video, what are the three reasons why silent people are successful? Explain each reason.
  4. Do you agree that silent people are successful? Why or why not?
  5. Talk about a person you know who keeps it to themselves but is extremely successful.

Why You Should Use Food Delivery Apps During The Pandemic

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Due to the coronavirus crisis, a lot has been changing in the food sector. People have replaced dining out with take-out and delivery meals. As a result, more customers and restaurants are relying on apps for transporting food . It has now gained popularity and consumers all over the world are downloading and using food delivery apps to buy groceries and food during the pandemic. 

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

Why You Should Use Food Delivery Apps During The Pandemic

Discussion Questions:

  1. Have you ever used delivery apps to have food delivered in your home? What do you think of it?
  2. Do you agree with the advantages of using food delivery apps mentioned in the article? Why or why not?
  3. In your own opinion, what are the pros and cons of using delivery apps for consumers and business owners?
  4. Is food delivery gaining popularity in your country? Why or why not?

Language Learning in a Superdiverse Community

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Language experts in Canada say teaching languages only by old fixed rules is not realistic in a superdiverse community. English language teachers should encourage students to learn according to their linguistic identities. They can use more than one language to communicate a given message at any one time using multiple platforms and integrating plurilingual language practices in FSL and ESL classrooms.

Let’s read the article of why plurilingual should be used in language learning.

https://theconversation.com/language-learning-in-canada-needs-to-change-to-reflect-superdiverse-communities-144037

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your opinion on traditional grammar-based instruction and plurilingual ?
  2. Why plurilingualism has proved to be such rich teaching and learning tool in language learning?
  3. How are languages taught in Spain? How do students communicate in schools and outside of schools?
  4. What online learning applications have you used to improve your communications skills?

Luxury Hotel in Outer Space

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Everything that’s been happening around us recently is quite an evidence of advanced technology.

Just like the latest COVID-19 vaccine that has recently made record of the fastest vaccine created in human history. It’s all because of the technology we have at the present time.

Although, flying cars are still on the verge of becoming reality, it is real that we are all living in the modern world.

Now, Elon Musk, creator of SpaceX, has another advanced innovation that might be available for everyone that is capable of paying a hefty price for a trip and stay in his luxury hotel located in outer space.

Read the article below about a luxury hotel in outer space.

https://www.msn.com/en-ph/lifestyle/other/a-luxury-hotel-in-outer-space-could-open-by-2024/ar-BB1cIbf8?ocid=msedgdhp

Discussion Questions:

  1. What comes to mind when you think of luxury hotels?
  2. Do you ever imagine what type of experience you’d have especially if the hotel is located in outer space?
  3. Are you willing to pay a hefty price for a once in a lifetime experience in this outer space hotel? Why or why not?
  4. Is this considered absurd or a crazy concept not to be tagged a realistic one? Explain your point.
  5. Talk about the best type of holiday accommodation you’ve ever stayed in.

Ways Companies Can Support Grieving Employees

B2 – Upper Intermediate

We all have different means on how to cope up with pain and grief. Some would use their work to get back up while living with their anguish. It’s called productive destruction as work itself can restore one’s purpose after dealing with loss.

Watch as Tilak Mandadi talks about the importance of culture of empathy in the workplace and how it can support grieving employees.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Discuss the 3 tips on the video. How can they be helpful for grieving employees?
  2. What was the most painful thing you had experienced? Who helped you get through it?
  3. How do you deal with grief and pain?
  4. What can you say about your work environment?
  5. What are the things that your company offers to mourning employees?

EU Plans To Recycle All Plastic Waste

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Plastics are inexpensive, lightweight, and durable materials, which can readily be molded into a variety of products that find use in a wide range of applications. As a consequence, the production of plastics has increased markedly over the last 60 years. However, current levels of their usage and disposal generate several environmental problems. 

Let’s read the article about the plan of the EU to resolve this issue.

https://www.english-online.at/news-articles/environment/eu-plans-to-recycle-all-plastic-waste-by-2030.htm

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you recycle plastic? What other things do you recycle?
  2. Should there be a reward system for people who recycle things?
  3. Do people commonly recycle in your country? What do they do? Can they do more?
  4. What is your opinion on plastic shopping bags?
  5. What is the best way to deal with the problem of plastic?

Teraanga: The Word That Defines Senegal

B2 – Upper Intermediate

There are so many bad things happening everywhere around us. Sometimes, all we need is a little random act of kindness from a stranger. Can you just imagine how different the world would be like if we all treat each other with kindness.

It is reassuring to know that such a place still exists. 

Find out more about the country ruled by kindness. Read the full article below.

http://www.bbc.com/travel/story/20201115-teraanga-the-word-that-defines-senegal

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on teraanga and how it is embodied in Senegal?
  2. What do you think is the word that defines your country? Explain the meaning of the word in your language and how is it mirrored in people’s daily lives?
  3. Describe the people and way of life in your country. Feel free to talk about the positives and negatives.
  4. What’s the boldest request you’ve ever gotten from a stranger and the other way around, what’s the biggest favor you’ve ever had to ask a complete stranger?
  5. What is the nicest / most generous thing you have ever done in your life?

Shakira Sells the Rights to Her Music

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Shakira is undeniably one of the most popular Latin artists of all time. Hips Don’t Lie, Whenever, Wherever and She Wolf are just some her most famous songs. 

We have seen many artists fight for rights to their songs but in other instances, they actually are the ones who sell them to big music companies and Shakira has recently decided to sell the rights to her songs to Hipgnosis.

Curious to know why she did it? Read the full article below.

https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-55645178

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think about Shakira’s decision to sell the rights to her music?
  2. Is this a good deal for both parties (Shakira and Hipgnosis)?
  3. For artists, what are the benefits of selling music? Why are artists selling their music?
  4. If you were an artist like Shakira, do you think you would do the same?
  5. Who is your favorite musician? Talk about their music and artistry.

Paternity Leave Extended in Spain

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Effective 1 January 2021, fully-paid paternity and maternity leave will be the same duration of 16 weeks. This can be considered as one of the most generous for men.

Read on this good news for families in Spain.

https://english.elpais.com/spanish_news/2021-01-06/something-to-celebrate-for-new-fathers-in-spain-as-paternity-leave-extended-to-16-weeks.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your opinion on this new entitlement for fathers in Spain?
  2. What do you think are the pros and cons of this new rule?
  3. Discuss your opinion on this statement: “The fact that women are able to leave their jobs for longer is detrimental to them professionally as it makes them seem less committed to their jobs”.
  4. How can we change the norm where women are the ones who most often reduce their working hours for care purposes of children and elderly dependents?
  5. If you are a mom or a dad, talk about your experience during your maternity or paternity leave/s.

Better Brain Health

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Have you ever heard of the phrase ” You are what you eat”? When we celebrate many special festivities like Christmas, New Year, and even Three kings or Los Reyes Magos in Spain, food has been, of course, one of the highlights of these events. However, not many of us care about the effects of food on our brain.

Let’s watch the video below to further understand better brain health.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xyQY8a-ng6g

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the effects of food on our brain?
  2. Do you agree with the statement “You are what you eat”?
  3. Do you pay attention to what you eat? How important is it to pay attention on the food we eat?
  4. Are you following a strict diet? How easy/difficult it is to follow a strict diet?
  5. Can you describe your country’s food culture?