Tag: First Certificate FCE

Men Create All the Problems

B2 – Upper Intermediate

While great strides have been made in the fight for women’s rights, there are still a few places on the planet where even their most basic needs continue to be denied by their patriarchal society.

Read the article below and be ready to weigh in on this issue.

https://www.thetimesinplainenglish.com/men-create-all-the-problems/

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think of the article’s headline “Men Create All the Problems!”? Is it justified in the context of the information presented?
  2. What is your reaction to this story on the plight of Afghan women?
  3. Describe how you feel when you contrast the state of women’s rights in Spain to that of the women in Afghanistan.
  4. What improvements have you observed in Spanish society with regards to the treatment of women? What further actions can be done to ensure gender equality?

Things Making a Comeback During the Pandemic

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The coronavirus pandemic has caused a lot of problems and drastic changes in many areas of the economy. However, amidst the crisis, some products and industries are reaping benefits from the massive changes in how we live, work, and shop.

Read the article and know the things making a huge comeback during the pandemic.

https://www.countryliving.com/life/inspirational-stories/g32631751/things-making-comeback-during-pandemic/

Discussion Questions:

  1. Which ones on the list do you think are must-have items during the pandemic? Which ones do you think are not that important?
  2. What items have become in demand again during the pandemic in your country?
  3. What are the things you have bought during the pandemic and what made you buy them?
  4. What are some things you have stopped buying during the pandemic?

What Causes Panic Attacks and How Can You Prevent Them?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Learning about panic attacks could be uncomfortable but recognizing what’s causing them is the only way to prevent them. Have you seen someone experienced lightheadedness, numbness, or hyperventilation? Those are only a few things you can feel when having panic attacks.

Find out more about what causes it and how it can be prevented from the video below.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What can trigger panic attacks?
  2. What are the two main treatments for panic disorder?
  3. What does “Fear can’t hurt you, but holding on to it will escalate panic” mean?
  4. Have you ever had / seen someone have panic attacks before? Talk about your experience.
  5. Why do you think it is important to know more about this topic?
  6. What is the best thing to do when things get a little too scary?

Why Do Memes Matter?

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?

The Salem Witch Trials

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?

When Should I Tip?

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?

Is Renting a Good Idea?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Although owning a home is a basic life goal of most people, renting has become a choice for a lot of people nowadays. Renting a home can be an ideal option for those wanting extra flexibility and less responsibility. For some people, renting might make more sense for their financial circumstances. But is it really better to rent?

Watch the video below to see the two sides to renting.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Are you renting? / Have you ever rented a house/flat?
  2. What are your thoughts about renting versus owning/buying?
  3. What are the advantages and disadvantages of renting?
  4. Is it more common for people in your country to rent or buy a house? Why do you think that is?
  5. Talk about your experience renting.

Cars Make You Poor

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Cars have become a necessity. For most people, buying a car is one of the most expensive purchases they will ever make in their lives. While buying a new car makes you feel like you are granting yourself new freedom, a new car is more likely to take it away along with security.

Watch this video to find out why cars are not exactly an investment.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you have a car? What do you think about buying a car?
  2. What are the advantages and disadvantages of owning a car?
  3. Do you agree with what it says in the video that cars are bad investment? Why or why not?
  4. Do you prefer driving your own car or riding public transportation?
  5. What are some examples of things that are good and bad investments?

Why It Pays To Be Hungry?

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?

How Will Coronavirus Change the Way We Live?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

This year of upheaval has been very challenging to all of us not only because of the ongoing pandemic, but as well as the racial justice protests, the downturn of the economy without modern precedent and the unprecedented number of natural calamities experienced everywhere.

It seemed life is being flipped with this extreme turn of events. Many of us, if not complaining, have wondered why we have to face or suffer too much this year. For some, this is very perplexing to comprehend.

https://www.bbc.com/news/explainers-52356136

Discussion Questions:

  1. How’s your experience been so far this year? Is it challenging or somehow manageable?
  2. What aspect of this year’s local, national, or global news was the most profound for you? Is it the pandemic? The new normal? Or the racial discrimination protest? Something else? Why?
  3. How will you answer the big question: “How has 2020 challenged or changed you?
  4. Have you been dealing with all this well or have you somehow struggled to get through it? Share your experiences and motivations to live life in this challenging times.