Tag: First Certificate FCE

The Rising Popularity of Comfy Shoes

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Everyone seems to be wearing or owning a pair of comfortable shoes these days. Comfort shoes such as trainers are now on trend as trendsetters are popularizing them. Many believe that comfort is more important than style. But, if you could mix them, it would much better. There is a mass casualization known as streetwear trend happening over the years as what one of a fashion editor has said.

Listen to the podcast and learn more about this topic.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english/ep-190425

Discussion Questions:

1. What has caused people to wear comfy shoes recently?
2. Are you wearing or owning a pair of comfy shoes?
3. Do you prefer comfort over style? If so, why?
4. According to the podcast, what is the streetwear trend?

How Powerful Is Spain?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Spain is not only a country of diverse geography and cultures but one with a relatively strong economy, powerful military, and long history.

But just how powerful is this country?

Watch the video to know more about Spain’s advantage over other countries and some of the issues that the country needs to address head-on in order to regain its former glory as a superpower nation.

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

 

Discussion Questions:

1. What are the strong points of Spain?
2. What are some of the problems it is currently facing?
3. How can Spain’s global power be restored?
4. Which do you think is the best moment (economically speaking) in your country? Describe that time.
5. In your opinion, how powerful is your country? Do you want your country to be more powerful than it is now?
6. Which points in this video do you agree and/or disagree with?

How to Get a Raise

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Our boss should notice our accomplishments and give us a raise. But in the real world, that is rarely the case. If you want a raise or promotion you have to ask for one. Question is, how do you ask for a raise and get it?

Watch the video for some tips.

Discussion Questions:

1. When and how to ask for a raise?

2. Why do you think women are reluctant to ask for a raise?

3. Do you think you need a raise?

4. Talk about your experience asking your boss for a higher salary.

5. If you were an employer, what would you consider before giving your employees a raise?

Greatest Thieves in History

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Have you ever taken something that is not yours? Why did you do it? Was it out of necessity or was it just for kicks?

Watch the video and learn more about the greatest thieves in history and their reasons for stealing.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think stealing is an addiction?
  2. In your opinion, who is the worst thief among the ones featured in the video?
  3. What is the punishment for stealing in your country?
  4. Do you know any famous thieves from your country?

Bystander Effect

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Have you witnessed an emergency? Were you alone or were there a lot of people who witnessed it with you? Was it your first instinct to help or did you just watch by and waited for others to help first?

Let’s watch this video on an experiment on bystander apathy and find out about this phenomenon called ‘the bystander effect’.

 

 

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is the bystander effect?
  2. Why don’t people get involved in these situations?
  3. What was your reaction to this video?
  4. What does ‘pass the buck’ mean?
  5. Do you agree or disagree with, “There is safety in numbers.”?

Multiple Hotels Do Not Change Bedsheets

B2 – Upper Intermediate

When we stay at a hotel, we expect fresh, clean sheets — but how can we be sure the linens have been changed after the previous guests left?

The Inside Edition’s investigative team came up with a simple test. They checked into different hotels and sprayed messages on the sheets using washable paint only visible under UV light. They checked out and booked the same rooms the next evening. Shockingly, they found out that the sheets hadn’t been changed!

So was it just a simple mistake or is this a dirty little secret in the hotel industry? Let’s find out by watching the video below.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What was your reaction to this?
  2. Where do you usually stay when you are on vacation?
  3. Have you ever experienced staying at a hotel that fell below your expectations? What did you do about it?
  4. Why do you think the sheets weren’t changed in those hotels?

Injecting Vitamins

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Vitamin drip is a  modern-day way of administering vitamins and minerals intravenously. Many claim that it can boost energy, strengthen the immune system, improve skin, cure hangovers, burn fat, fight jet lag, and cure minor ailments.  As a number of celebrities swear on its effectiveness, it became more and more popular. Although there are numerous advantages to using vitamin IV drip, there are also a few disadvantages.

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

https://www.bbc.com/news/health-47803286

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think of Vitamin IV drip?
  2. Would you consider doing it?
  3. What are the pros and cons of using it?
  4. What do you think of taking vitamins and mineral supplements?

 

The Truth Behind Calorie Labels

B2 – Upper Intermediate

New York City’s Health Department amended the city Health Code to require the posting of calorie counts by chain restaurants on menus, menu boards, and item tags. This was one element of the city’s response to rising obesity rates.  So if you’re stopping by a fast-food spot or chain restaurant, chances are you’ll be reminded of just how many calories you’re about to consume, thanks to the listings on the menu. But the question is, how spot-on are these listings?

Watch the video to know the findings:

Discussion Questions:

  1. Are you conscious of your calorie intake?
  2. What do you think of the video?
  3. Is calorie-labeling effective to curb the rising obesity rates?
  4. What do you do to stay fit and healthy?

Soda Ban

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Under Mayor Bloomberg’s ban, “sugary beverages” larger than 16 ounces could not be sold at food-service establishments in New York City. At restaurants with self-service soda fountains, cups larger than 16 ounces would not be provided. Only outlets that get health-department grades were included, so supermarkets, vending machine operators and convenience stores (including 7-Eleven and its Big Gulps) didn’t have to worry about the ban. There was no ban on refills as well.

Watch the video and be able to discuss the questions that follow:

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think about the issue discussed in the video?
  2. Do you think Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg’s proposal to restrict sales of big sugary drinks in New York will be effective?
  3. In your own opinion, should soda be banned?
  4. What are some other ways to help the government decrease citizens’ soda consumption?

Japan’s Robot Hotel

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Japan is a world leader in robotics technology, and the government is trumpeting robotics as a pillar of its growth strategy.  The Henn na – or Weird Hotel – has opened in Japan where guests check in with robots which also deliver their luggage to their rooms. Another feature is facial recognition technology, so instead of the standard electronic keys, a digital image of the guest’s face is registered during check-in.

Watch the video and discuss the questions that follow:

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think of a hotel staffed by robots?
  2. Would you like to check-in in this type of accommodation?
  3. What do you think are the advantages and disadvantages of having robots as staffs in a hotel?
  4. What is the most surprising and exciting things that you have ever experienced in a unique or strange hotel?