Tag: First Certificate FCE

Extreme Homes of Maximalists and Minimalists

Some people choose their lifestyle in extremes: minimalism and maximalism. Minimalism comes from the idea that less is more. It is removing the excess and using only the things you really need. By doing so, important elements stand out more. On the other hand, maximalism is the opposite. It is to collect things like souvenirs and fill every space with interest and variety. It is then the counterpart of minimalism in which “more is more”.

Watch the video below and be able to answer the following questions:

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the advantages and disadvantages of having a minimalist lifestyle?
  2. What are the pros and cons of a maximalist lifestyle?
  3. If you were to choose between the two, which would you prefer?
  4. Describe your home design and lifestyle practices.
  5. In your country, are people more maximalist or minimalist?

Bad Dates – Mobile Phone Addict

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Dating is a selection process for most people. At this stage in a relationship, one spends time with the other to check if they could be a compatible match. It could be an exciting as well as tiring phase in one’s life. What’s even worse is when you have to endure bad dates.

Let’s watch the video and find out what happened to Daniel’s date.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/course/experiment/unit-1/session-18

Discussion Questions:

  1. How did Daniel start the conversation? Do you do the same when you are on a date?
  2. Who is Daniel’s date and how would you describe her?
  3. Did she make a good impression on Daniel?
  4. What annoyed Daniel? Would you feel the same if you were him?
  5. Feel free to share your best and worst date ever.

Fixing the Housework Gender Gap

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Despite living in the 21st century, we still hear of women having to take on a huge load of the household chores.

In Sweden, they are giving tax breaks for cleaners. Does this reduce the gap or only make gender-role norms flourish even more? 

Read the article to find out more about this policy.

https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20200303-how-sweden-is-fixing-the-housework-gender-gap

Discussion Questions:

  1. Talk about Sweden’s way to fix the housework gender gap and your opinion about it.
  2. How would you describe the division of household tasks in your own home and generally, in your country?
  3. Is it common in your country for families to have a house cleaner? Talk about it.
  4. Do you agree or disagree to this, “House chores are part of the family life.”?
  5. How do you think the government of your country champion work-life balance?

The Philosophy of Cynicism

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Complexity has been part of human evolution. We are all living in a bubble as life is made easier by the advanced technology which made humans acquire more than what they really need.

This is our present reality. However, cynicism is contrary to how many are living their lives now. It is about spurning the comfort and materialism to adhere to simple living.

Watch the video below to learn more about this philosophy.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is cynicism?
  2. How has this practice evolved through time?
  3. Can we consider cynicism a good trait to possess?
  4. What did you learn about this philosophy?
  5. Share your thoughts on this statement: “by rejecting the opinions of others and societal measures of success, we could be truly free”.

Working From Home Tips

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Some may think that working from home is the “dream” as you can kiss goodbye to traffic jams, uncomfortable uniforms, short lunch breaks, and say hello to comfort and a flexible lifestyle. While these can be true, others may still find it hard because they can feel less productive and unmotivated when working at home.

This video might be helpful now that most of us are working remotely. Please watch the video and learn some new tips on how you can master working from home.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the things that you do to manage your schedule?
  2. Are the tips mentioned in the video helpful? Do you do them?
  3. Do you prefer working from home or working in the office?
  4. What are the advantages and disadvantages of working remotely?

The Bermuda Triangle: Where Facts Disappear

B2 – Upper Intermediate

There are some mysteries that happened in the past. The absence of answers made these enigmas hold people’s attention more. One of these conundrums is about the Devil’s Triangle or popularly known as the Bermuda Triangle.

Let’s catch the drift on some of the information and explanation about this intriguing mystery. Watch the video and read the write up.

https://www.livescience.com/23435-bermuda-triangle.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. Have you heard about the Bermuda Triangle?
  2. What are the rumors that you’ve heard about this place? What was your reaction about it?
  3. Do you think it really exist? What is your opinion about this mystery?
  4. Do you agree that there are some paranormal things that are happening in this world?
  5. Why do you think the Bermuda Triangle is a place where facts disappear?

Budget Cuts

B2 – Upper Intermediate

When business isn’t doing good, some companies opt to cut costs so they can still operate. In the process of doing so, they are dealt with tough decisions such as cutting back on projects and staff. Employees panic when there are issues like this going around the office.

Watch the video and find out more about when rumors travel through the office.

https://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/lets-learn-english-level-2-lesson1/3960391.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. What jobs were mentioned in the video?
  2. What did the workers think the meeting would be about? Why did they think so?
  3. Some office issues start with a rumor, how do we prevent them?
  4. Has your company undergone budget cuts before? What measures did they have to take?
  5. Talk about some rumors that spread within your company that caused some issues among the employees.

How Venus Fly Traps Developed a Liking for Meat

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The Venus flytrap is a carnivorous plant that depends on meals of insects for them to survive in the soil where they are ingrained. They are very unique because of how they attract prey to draw closer and eventually get trapped as meals for these kind of plants. They are known to be plants with medicinal attributes as well. They were found out to be cure for stomach pain and eye troubles.

Read the article below and learn more about Venus Fly Traps.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2005/200517-venus-fly-trap.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you know about Venus fly traps?
  2. What do you think of carnivorous plants?
  3. Do you think carnivorous plants are useful?
  4. What are your favorite plants?
  5. What are other strange plants you know of?

Replying to a Spam Email

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Do you always check the spam folder on your email?

It is evident that most spam emails only relate to fraudulent activities. We all have learned how to avoid and protect ourselves from scams. While most of the people simply delete spam emails, James Veitch, the guy on this video did something else.

Watch the video and find out what happens when you reply to a spam email.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_QdPW8JrYzQ

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why is it called a spam email?
  2. Are spam emails dangerous?
  3. Can you get scammed by email?
  4. Have you tried responding to one of your spam emails?
  5. What should you do if you receive a phishing email?
  6. Can you give an instance when you got a suspicious email and what were the steps you took then?

Being an Introvert is a Good Thing

B2 – Upper Intermediate

As stated in the video, introverts are people who are quiet and keeps their thoughts mostly to themselves. They don’t want to be in the spotlight or to have lots of social interactions. Most people would say that this is a negative trait, but then again, this isn’t always right.

Watch the video below and learn more about how being an introvert is a positive thing.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Are you an introvert or an extrovert?
  2. What are the pros and cons of being an introvert?
  3. How about the pros and cons of an extrovert?
  4. Would you want to change to make yourself better? What things about yourself would you like to change