Tag: First Certificate FCE

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Have you ever heard of memes? It has been considered as the language of the internet. Merriam-Webster defines meme as an amusing or interesting item (such as a captioned picture or video) or genre of items that is spread widely online especially through social media thought to bring light to this trying time. However, internet memes do not only exist to entertain us with the use of the images, but it also could be used to mock or far worst, be the source of disinformation.

Watch the video below and learn more about memes.

Discussion Questions:

1. Do memes amuse you or the contrary? Explain your stand.

2.  How often do you see memes on the internet or your social media accounts? Do they help you feel better and make our world less scary or do they too often cross the line?

3. How do we know if a meme crossed the line?

4. Do you appreciate meme culture? Why or why not?

5.  Does meme culture connect you to a larger internet community?

6.  What are the advantages and possible dangers of this format?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

In the early months of 1692, Reverend Samuel Parris’ daughter and niece became ill. Despite the help of the village doctor, their conditions did not improve. He then diagnosed the two children of bewitchment. What happened next was a result of paranoia about the supernatural, misdirected religious fervor, and a broken justice system that valued repentance over the truth.

Watch the video to find out more about the witch trials in Salem, Massachusetts.

Discussion Questions:

1. How did the justice system work in the Salem witch trial?
2. What is a false confession?
3. Have you heard of cases wherein innocent people where convicted of a crime they did not commit?
4. In our present society where the children are generally considered to be credible witnesses, do you think the same mistake might be committed again?
5. What are your thoughts when the justice system values repentance over the truth?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Tipping is important social custom in some countries but can be super confusing too. When and how much to tip depends on a number of factors, including the situation, service, or even the location. Tipping is not about generosity. Tipping used to be about gratitude for good service but as the minimum wage never increased, workers have to resort to depending on it to have a bit more on top of their basic pay.

Watch this video to learn more about tipping.

Discussion Questions:

1. Is tipping a part of your culture?
2. What is tipping for you? What part of tipping confuses you?
3. Is it necessary to tip?
4. When and how much do you usually tip?
5. Why do you think tipping became a part of some countries’ norm?

B2 – Upper-Intermediate

There are tons of successful people and they have different stories to tell. My personal favorite is the ones who didn’t get their success overnight. Those who fought hard to achieve everything they want.

Successful people struggled too. They have struggled but they continued. They have doubted themselves countless times but every night, they still envision themselves winning. They don’t just give up easily and that’s what makes them different.

Here’s a motivational speech from Les Brown:

Discussion Questions:

1. What can you say about Les Brown’s story?
2. Why do people quit on their dreams?
3. Have you ever doubted yourself? Cite your experience.
4. What does Les Brown mean when he said, “You have to stay hungry”?
5. Talk about the lowest point in your life and how you overcame it?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

A lot of people wants to be successful but only a few are willing to take actions. It takes a lot of courage to go after what you want despite uncertainties. The thought of going out of your comfort zone could be really challenging but sometimes, you just have to take a leap and decide that you no longer want to be mediocre.

It can be tiring and scary chasing after your goals but then you won’t mind any of that anymore because you are chasing the right thing: your passion.

Watch the video on how Steve Harvey pursued his dreams.

Discussion Questions:

1. Why going out of your comfort zone could be beneficial?
2. What does success mean to you? What are you passionate about?
3. Why do you think some people would settle for something familiar than something new?
4. What are the things that drive you to pursue your dreams?
5. Talk about the things that you’ve done for your dreams.
6. What are the things that could one do to find his/her passion?