Tag: First Certificate FCE

No More Bosses

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Holacracy is a method of removing job titles and hierarchy. In this system, decision-making is distributed among self-managing teams. In this method, certain positions in the business hierarchy such as managers are dissolved.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the benefits of having a boss/manager? Can you think of any disadvantages in the absence of one?
  2. Do you agree with holacracy? Are there companies in your country that practice holacracy?
  3. Describe your relationship with your former and current bosses. How helpful were they to you?

What Kids Can Teach Adults about Asking for Help

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Most of the time while we are busy telling our children all about life, our children teach us what life is really all about. Being asked for help is a privilege but there is also happiness and joy that can come from leaning on those you love in times of need.

Watch the video to find out why you should start asking for help in times of need.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why is it important to ask help when you need it?
  2. Who usually helps you at your worst? Tell your experience.
  3. Why are some people afraid to ask for help?
  4. Have you helped someone during their most difficult times? How so?

Coronavirus: Dealing with Mass Unemployment

B2 – Upper Intermediate

A lot of people have been stressing about being permanently or temporarily laid off from their jobs because of the coronavirus pandemic. It has caused financial problems to a lot of people. Some started finding jobs that are not in their fields of expertise and some have been trying to survive by the money that the government has given them. They say that we are not yet in a place where we can talk about recovery and the ripple effect will come in the future.

Let’s listen to the audio below to learn more.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english/ep-200924

Discussion Questions:

  1. Has the pandemic caused mass unemployment in your country?
  2. What would be the ripple effect of mass unemployment?
  3. Would upskilling or reskilling be the answer to our problem?
  4. What are your thoughts about not having a job for life?
  5. What do you think are other ways to deal with mass unemployment?

How to Practice Effectively

B2 – Upper Intermediate

You may have heard the old saying that “practice makes perfect”. Mastery, repetition, and habits are concepts often heard in self-development circles. Some have even tried to reduce the attainment of mastery to a matter of focused repetition on a task for a period of 10,000 hours or roughly ten years.

However, as we will see in the following video, effective practice may be more about neural tissue than actual muscle.

Discussion Questions:

  1. According to the video, what role does the brain play in mastery?
  2. What myths about mastery does the video debunk?
  3. What are some tips in making practice time more effective?
  4. What skills are you currently working on? Do you feel that you are on your way to mastering them?

Problem of Abolishing Coins

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The concept of currency has changed in all countries in the world over time. It has changed from barter system to coins, paper, and now, digital payment system. Since coins are often lost or discarded by customers, do you think it is time to eliminate them?

Let’s read the article on the problem with taking coins out of circulation.

https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20201012-the-problem-with-abolishing-coins

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think about coins? What problems associated with coins and eliminating them were mentioned in the article?
  2. Do you still use coins in paying? Is it convenient or the opposite for you?
  3. What are the advantages and disadvantages of using coins?
  4. Do you think coins practically have no value anymore? What would happen if these were abolished?
  5. What forms of monetary payment do you use these days?
  6. Talk about the history of money in your country (from barter to bank notes to credit cards to online or mobile payments etc.)

Can 100% Renewable Energy Power the World?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Have you ever heard of an energy that is generated from sources that naturally replenish themselves and last for a human lifetime? This is what we call renewable energy. The sun, wind, and water are the great examples of sources for this generating energy because we couldn’t possibly use them up over time. 

However, the world is still dependent on fossil fuels which according to experts, are limited sources of energy. The big question still stands on how and when we will be able to fully utilize these alternative energy when these sources are forever ubiquitous for our consumption.

Watch the video to learn more about renewable energy.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is renewable energy and how does it work? How efficient is renewable energy?
  2. What are the advantages and disadvantages of using renewable energy?
  3. Is renewable energy good for our environment?
  4. Will it secure a better future for humanity?
  5. Why do we need to keep finding alternative sources of energy?

The Dunning-Kruger Effect

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Do you have an underperforming colleague but has absolutely no clue about it and instead prides himself on his terrible performance at work? This is the Dunning-Kruger Effect.

Let’s watch the video and know more about it.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is the Dunning-Kruger effect?
  2. Do you know people who are exceptionally competent? Are they aware of it?
  3. On the other hand, do you know people who are incompetent but think they’re amazing? What is it like working with them?
  4. Do you have the ability to recognize your errors? What do you do when you have been made aware of them?
  5. What are the tips to have an accurate assessment of yourself that were mentioned in the video?

“Speaking Up About HIV Stigma” Campaign

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Aside from the serious medical issues HIV positives are facing, they are also experiencing stigma and discrimination because of this disease. As a result, they tend to be discriminated in most social groups they belong to. Illinois HIV Care Connect launched a campaign to raise awareness on this issue.

Read this article for more information on this campaign.

https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20201021005133/en/Illinois-HIV-Care-Connect-Launches-%E2%80%9CSpeaking-Up-About-HIV-Stigma%E2%80%9D-Campaign-in-Spanish-to-Encourage-Social-Media-Engagement

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is the campaign about? How will it be helpful to those affected people?
  2. What is your reaction to this news?
  3. Are sexually transmitted diseases openly talked about in your country?
  4. Are there any laws in your country that protect the confidentiality and basic rights of people with HIV?
  5. What do you think are some ways to end the HIV stigma?

Four Steps to Ending Extreme Poverty

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Being poor means more than a lack of income. If you are in extreme poverty, you are being stripped of your purpose. Imagining a better life for you and your family seems unfeasible.

Learn the four steps on how to get out of poverty in this video.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What does it mean to be ultra-poor?
  2. What are the 4 ways to end extreme poverty according to the video?
  3. What does “Optimism triumph over despair” mean?
  4. Give some tips on how to manage personal finances.
  5. What are the plans that you have to earn/save more money 3-5 years from now?

Can Exes Be Friends?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Are you familiar with “Can we still be friends?”, a very iconic song by Todd Rundgren from 1978. Until now, it has been a question on everyone’s mind whether ex lovers can remain friends. Some might say that it is possible if you are both matured enough but for others, it is only a complicated relationship that shouldn’t be considered.

Let’s watch the video below to learn more.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the usual reasons why lovers break up?
  2. Do you think that exes can really be friends? Why or why not?
  3. Is it healthy to be friends with your ex? Explain your side.
  4. What would be the complications if ever?
  5. Cite any benefits of being friends with your ex.
  6. Are you friends with any of your ex/exes? Why or why not?