Tag: First Certificate FCE

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?

Reasons Brands Matter to Consumers

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Brands go way beyond just a logo or graphic element. They are a way for companies to communicate with their customers in a simple way – to reach customers looking for what they are aiming to provide.  However, do brands really matter? How does a customer perceive them?

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

https://www.articlecube.com/5-reasons-why-brands-matter-consumers

Discussion Questions:

  1. Which among the reasons in the article do you agree/disagree with?
  2. Are you brand-conscious?
  3. In your own opinion, are brands important? Why or why not?
  4. Are all branded products really better?

 

 

Going Through Your Spouse’s Phone

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Honesty in a marriage is so important. You can’t build a strong relationship on half-truths and half-lies. However, is it necessary to have your phone checked or you checking on your spouse’s phone?

Watch this video and weigh in on whether or not it is okay to go through your spouse’s phone.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Is it okay to go through your partner/spouse’s phone? Why or why not?
  2. What reasons does the speaker put out why women check their husband’s phone? Do you think they are justifiable reasons? Explain your thoughts.
  3. How do you get your better half to open up to you?
  4. How can privacy exist in a marriage?

Effects of Growing a Beard

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Beards are in.  Beards have fascinating history that evolved into something more socially acceptable.

Find out about the scientific effects when men grow a beard.

Discussion Questions:
1. What are the 7 scientific effects that happen when a man grows a beard?
2. Is growing a beard good or bad?
3. How is growing a beard viewed in your country? In workplaces?
4. Do you agree that men with beards are generally regarded as more masculine, dominant, and socially mature?

Packageless Beauty Products

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Humanity has created 6.3 billion metric tons of plastic waste and only 9% of that has been recycled. Cosmetic company LUSH recognized how much of that waste comes from packaging within the cosmetic industry and vowed to make a change. The company now features a wide variety of products that come without packaging—also known by their terms as “naked. Some of these products include shampoo bars and shower gels.

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

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think of packageless beauty products?
  2. With the arrival of zero waste products, what will happen to label information and brand communication of the products?
  3. What do you think are the advantages and disadvantages of using “naked” products?

To Pull the Wool Over Someone’s Eyes

B2 – Upper Intermediate

In the 17th century, people used to put on these detailed wigs that looked woolly. Put them on the wrong way and that would obscure the person’s vision hence the inability to see if a trick is being played on them.

Listen to the audio below and find out how pulling one’s woolly hat over someone’s eyes explains deception and trickery.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak/ep-190318

Discussion Questions:

1. What does ‘to pull the wool over someone’s eyes’ mean?

2. Has anyone pulled the wool over your eyes?

3. How do feel when you find out you have been tricked into doing something?

4. Do you blame yourself for falling victim to deception/trickery?

 

 

Best Street Food

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Let’s try to imagine someone wanted to visit your country one day and asks if you could recommend the best street foods you have. Foods that perhaps best represent your country’s people and culture.

Watch the video below to find out the best street food from different countries.

 

Discussion Questions:

1. Where would you recommend them to eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner?
2. What Spanish street foods would suggest them to eat?
3. What do you wish they learn and appreciate about your country?
4. Have you traveled before and tried popular but for you, somehow unfamiliar food? If, so please share your experience.