Tag: First Certificate FCE

‘Safer GMOs’ made by US scientists

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B2 – Upper intermediate

The use of GMO (Genetically Modified Organisms) has been around for years and yet the issue of whether it is safe or not has not yet been fully concluded. Because of that, there are groups and individuals who are against the use of GMO in consumer products.

‘Safer GMOs’ made by US scientists

Discuss:

1. What is your stand on this issue?
2. What are the advantages and disadvantages of the use of GMO?
3. The article talks about new and “safer” GMO. Do you think it is a better option? Why or why not?

 

Sunday Night Hobbies

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Some people have manic Mondays and some people have the Sunday blues. It’s pretty normal to get the blues knowing that your weekend is about to end. The article below shows interesting suggestions on how to make the most of your weekends.

Here are the things that most successful people do with their Sunday evenings.

http://www.businessinsider.com/what-successful-people-do-on-sunday-night-2014-12?utm_content=buffer5d5f4&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the reasons people do not look forward to Sunday evenings?
  2. Talk about your Sunday evening habits.
  3. Do you get the Sunday blues as well? What do you do to overcome it?
  4. How would you describe your ideal weekend?
  5. Share your thoughts on this statement, “Sunday night routines help us to anticipate the week ahead and to prepare for the unexpected.”.

The World of Artificial Intelligence

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Tech pro Elon Musk warned people about the danger of artificial intelligence. Nowadays, machines are all around us. Opinions will differ when it comes to AI.

https://money.cnn.com/2014/10/26/technology/elon-musk-artificial-intelligence-demon/?iid=EL

Discussion Questions:

1. Has AI made our lives better?
2. Do you see the dangers of using or relying on artificial intelligence?
3. Do you support artificial intelligence?
4. Do you think we can depend on Elon Musk’s statement about AI?

Women with More Children Are More Productive

B2 – Upper Intermediate

One of the greatest worries of women is that having children could slow down their performance in their respective professions. A study reveals otherwise.

In fact, working mothers all over the world are very much capable to balance paperwork and their kids’ bath time.

The article below reveals an encouraging study on the productivity of working mothers.

https://www.today.com/parents/moms-2-or-more-kids-are-more-productive-work-study-1d80256648

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on the results of this study?
  2. Are working mothers common in your country? Why do you think this is the case?
  3. What do you think are the challenges that working parents deal with?
  4. In your opinion, does having a child hinder success? Explain.
  5. What would your advice be to working parents who struggle with balancing work and their family life?

London: Divorce Capital of the World for the Mega-Rich

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Getting divorced is becoming more and more common these days. Many couples are deciding to split for a lot of different reasons. When ultra wealthy couples decide to get a divorce, there’s the lengthy, sometimes ugly, discussion on the financial windfall, of course.

Read the article to know why London is the divorce capital of the world for the super-rich.

https://www.businessinsider.com/why-london-divorce-capital-world-for-mega-rich-2019-7

Discussion Questions:

  1. How did London get the title “divorce capital of the world”?
  2. Why are the British High Courts so lucrative for wives of the super-rich planning to divorce their spouses?
  3. What do you think that the British divorce law is much more generous to, typically, the wife, the person without the money?
  4. Share things you know about divorce proceedings in your country.
  5. Talk about some high-profile divorces you know about.

Western Diet Bad for Human Health, Environment

B2 – Upper intermediate

Western diet is usually high in processed sugar, fat, oil and meat. By eating these foods people begin to gain more weight. More people are adopting this kind of diet. Find out why, according to a study, western diet is bad for human health and the environment.

http://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/western-diet-bad-for-human-health-environment/2579378.html

Discussion Questions:

1. Is this phenomenon also happening in your country?
2. Have you adapted to the western diet?
3. What is the relationship between our diet and the environment?
4. What can we do to keep our children healthy?

Zebras and Their Stripes

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Animals are very different from each other. Every animal has its own distinct characteristics and appearance. Have you ever wondered why zebras have stripes?

The article below shows a very interesting reason behind the animal’s skin pattern and its purpose.

https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20191031-the-truth-behind-why-zebras-have-stripes

Discussion Questions:

  1. In your own words, explain the study and why zebras have stripes.
  2. What other interesting animal features do you know of? How are they helpful to them or to us humans?
  3. What are implications of the number of endangered animals increasing?
  4. Have you got any pets or interest in animals? What are your preferences when it comes to animals?

Censorship and Freedom of Speech

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B2 – Upper-intermediate

The world was shocked  when a Paris publication was attacked and resulted in the death of 12 people. This particular event leads a debate towards freedom of speech.

https://www.voanews.com/europe/hollande-vows-protect-all-faiths-muslims-protest-hebdo-reprinting

Discussion Questions:

1. What is your opinion about freedom of speech?
2. Is it dangerous to be aggressive when you are a member of the press?
3. How do limits play a role in freedom of expression?

Can Global Warming End our Civilization?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Many scientists believe that runaway global warming could occur much more quickly than expected.

This article contains recent information about the rising temperature of our planet.

http://edition.cnn.com/2015/01/14/opinion/co2-crisis-griffin/index.html

Discuss:

1. In your country, do you feel the worsening condition of global warming?
2. What is your local community doing to minimize or prevent global warming?
3. Do you think there is still hope when it comes to “repairing” the environment?

Victims of Cosmetic Surgery

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Being beautiful gives you a lot of advantages. It boosts confidence and people seem to trust you more. In some job applications, they prefer to hire people who are more good looking. But how far you will go to be beautiful?

Read the article below and be prepared to express your thoughts.

http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-30295758?OCID=fbasia

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your reaction to this news?
  2. What is your personal definition of beauty?
  3. How important is beauty to you?
  4. What do you do in order to be beautiful or presentable?
  5. How far are you willing to go to be beautiful or to change your physical appearance?
  6. Is plastic surgery common in your country? Why or why not?