Tag: First Certificate FCE

Showtime in Singapore

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The world’s most powerful man meets one of the most notorious and controversial dictators in history. Donald Trump and Kim Jong-un hold a conference in Singapore to discuss matters that concern not just their countries, but perhaps the entire global community as well.

Read the article and share your thoughts about this monumental event.

http://www.thetimesinplainenglish.com/showtime-in-singapore/

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is this meeting all about?
  2. What is your opinion about nuclear weapons? Does you own country have any?
  3. Is it right for a country to have a stockpile of nuclear weapons? Explain.

Risk Taking

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Risk taking is a highly critical element of leadership. It is defined as the “undertaking of a task without certainty and with possibility of a failure.” The problem in risk taking is the fear of an unfavorable outcome. Yet, despite all that, there are still risk takers out there willing to fail over again because there is a slight of chance of success.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english/ep-180531

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why should we never put eggs in one basket?
  2. Which from the three groups of people mentioned do you belong to? Why do you think so?
  3. If you invested money, would you be cautious and spread your risks, or be adventurous and invest in high-risk investments? Explain.
  4. What’s the biggest risk you’ve ever taken in life and how did it go?
  5. Share your thoughts on this, “Only a person who risks is free.“.

    Dutch Fret about English on Campus

    B2 – Upper Intermediate

    Popularity of English as a medium of instruction at Dutch universities is alarming among local lecturers and students.  As English usage is particularly dominant at Master’s degree level,  Dutch are concerned that Dutch language is gradually disappearing from campuses.  To what extent should English language be used in non- native countries?

    Read the article:

    http://www.thejakartapost.com/youth/2018/06/03/shakespeare-in-trouble-dutch-fret-about-english-on-campus.html

    Discussion questions:
    1. Is what’s happening in Netherlands alarming?
    2. Should non-English speaking countries teach English?
    3. Why is English important to learn?
    4. Can the use of English influence a native language?

     

     

     

    Abortion Ban Repealed, Ireland Rejoices

    B2 – Upper Intermediate

    Both men and women were overjoyed as results confirmed overwhelming win for ‘yes’ vote for abortion in Ireland. The event was historic as it ended the ban after almost 35 years.

    Rightists believe that an unwanted pregnancy or killing an unwanted child should be against the law. However, the new act is only allowed when a woman’s life is at risk, or if there is a complication in pregnancy, but not in cases of rape, incest or fatal fetal abnormality. Do we have the right to judge the perception of individuals and their doings? Watch the video and you decide.

    Discussion Questions:

    1. What can you say about the people’s reaction in the video?
    2. What are your views on abortion? Talk about abortion in Spain.
    3. How do you think this act could make a difference in the future of Ireland and the rest of the world?
    4. Which of these statements do you agree with most? Please explain why you hold this view.
      • It’s the mother’s body and it’s her choice.
      • Abortion should only be allowed under some circumstances, or abortion is murder and should not be carried out under any circumstances.
      • A strict religious upbringing can forbid people from doing abortion.

    The Best Dog Breeds for Apartment Living

    B2 – Upper Intermediate

    Have you ever thought of owning a dog but unsure of the best breed to get especially because you live in an apartment with limited space? Does the size of your home determine the right canine companion to have?

    Watch the video and read the transcript to find out more about the dog breeds that are most suitable for apartment living.

    https://www.businessinsider.com/best-dog-breeds-apartment-living-2018-5

    Discussion Questions:

    1. According to the video, what are the best breeds for apartment living? Do you agree?
    2. Do you like dogs? Why or why not?
    3. What kind of animal do you prefer as pet?
    4. Do you think owning a dog in an apartment is a good idea? Why or why not?
    5. In what ways are dogs helpful to humans?
    6. What are your thoughts on spending too much money on dogs or pets in general?

    Zero-Waste Lifestyle

    B2 – Upper Intermediate

    Think about how much waste you’ve produced in two years. How much do you think it is?

    Lauren Singer has striven to live a zero waste life after she realized how much she is contributing to the environment’s degradation. With her new lifestyle, she was able to fit all her trash the past two years in a mason jar. Is it possible?

    Let her give you a sneak peak into this lifestyle through this video.

    Discussion Questions:
    1. What are some benefits of a garbage-free lifestyle?
    2. What are the challenges we might encounter in trying to live waste-free?
    3. What do you think about her lifestyle?
    4. How do you contribute to reducing waste and protecting the environment?

    Workplace Trends Have Shifted Over The Last Years

    B2 – Upper Intermediate

    Employment conditions vary from generation to generation. Loads of changes have occurred in the way we work through the years. Notice that the way we work has been quite very different from our parents’ time.

    Read the article about work trends over the years.

    https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/how-workplace-trends-have-shifted-over-last-8-years-dan-schawbel

    Discussion Questions:

    1. What work trends are there in your country?
    2. How do you see the future of working?
    3. How may present working conditions be different from your parents/grandparents time?
    4. What’s your ideal work setup?

    The Future of Marriage

    B2 – Upper Intermediate

    Women used to have one very good reason to lock it down with a man: Men should offer something that women needed. Men were the providers and protectors while women stay at home and take care of the children. But things have changed…

    http://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english/ep-180405

    Discussion Questions:

    1. Do you believe in marriage?

    2. At what age do most people in your country get married? Has it changed over the years?

    3. Why do fewer people get married nowadays?

    Viral Marketing

    B2 – Upper Intermediate

    In recent years, virtual marketing has shaped the e-commerce world. Let’s get a grasp on how viral marketing works.

    Watch the video to learn more about viral marketing.

    Discussion Questions:

    1. What comes to your mind when you hear the word  “virus”?
    2. What’s the difference between viral marketing and spamming
    3. What kinds of viral marketing strategies are you aware of?
    4. What are the advantages and disadvantages of viral marketing?
    5. What kind of online marketing does your company have or do?

    Stop Rushing

    B2 – Upper Intermediate

    Are you always in a hurry? We all know that  time  is very precious  to us and so we want to be efficient with it. But what if it’s more efficient to do things slowly? What if being in a fast lane would actually slow us down?

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

    https://www.inc.com/will-yakowicz/stop-rushing-through-work-stress-is-contagious.html

    Discussion Questions:

    1. Are you always in a hurry? In what situation are you usually in a hurry?
    2. What are the disadvantages of being in a rush?
    3. Are there benefits of it? What are they?