Tag: First Certificate FCE

Easy to be Thin in Japan

B2 – Upper Intermediate

In a world where obesity rates are on the rise, Japan stands out as a remarkable exception. Renowned for its slender population, Japan has consistently held one of the lowest obesity rates among developed nations. The question stands, “What factors contribute to the ease of maintaining a thin physique in the Japanese society?”.

Watch the video on why it is easy for Japanese to stay thin.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the word “establishment” mean here, “As of 2017, there are over 243,000 fast food establishments in America.“? Give another meaning of this word and use ‘establishment’ in your own sentence.
  2. What does the phrase “walking distance” mean, “For most, these places are in walking distance.“? Give a synonym of ‘walking distance’ and use this phrase in your own sentence.
  3. What does the phrase “over and over” mean, “It’s going to be much easier to stick to healthier options if you aren’t getting bored of having to eat the same thing at the same places over and over.“? Give 2 synonyms of ‘over and over’ and use this phrase in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. In your opinion, which factors discussed in the video do you believe are the most influential in maintaining a slim figure in Japan? Are there any other factors that you think should be considered?
  2. What are the key dietary factors that contribute to the ease of maintaining a slim figure in Japan? How does the traditional Japanese diet differ from the diet in your country?
  3. What’s your country’s food environment like?
  4. While Japan’s low obesity rates are notable, is it realistic or desirable for other countries to replicate the same level of slimness? Why or why not?
  5. Explain why people’s diet is a societal concern.

Slow Fashion

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Slow fashion is a movement that advocates for environmental and social justice in the fashion industry. Will you accept the challenge of buying fewer things and follow a more sustainable lifestyle?

Read the article to know how can slow fashion solve the problem of overproduction and overconsumption.

Explainer: What Is Slow Fashion and How Can You Join the Movement?

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the idiom “be hell-bent on something” mean? “It’s not hell-bent on constant growth or accumulating more.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does the word “splurge” mean? “Splurging on new clothes and trends was something that only aristocrats indulged in; so regular folk without a royal budget invested in fabrics that were made to last.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What is the meaning of “innocuous”?  “It was only after disasters like the 2013 Rana Plaza garment factory collapse or the 2011 “killer jeans” silicosis expose that the public started to pay attention to the silent workers suffering from the deadly practices of an industry that makes seemingly innocuous items.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. According to the article, how can you make the shift to slow fashion?
  2.  Do you spend a lot of time choosing what to wear? Talk about our shopping habits.
  3. What can people do to minimize the negative effect of their shopping habits?
  4. How do you think people’s shopping habits will change in  30 years?

A Happier Summer Vacation

B2 – Upper Intermediate

It goes without saying that every vacation should be enjoyed. Even so, we still don’t get to cherish our holidays as much as we should—our phones being one of the reasons. Checking your phone constantly when traveling is a waste of time and takes the moments you should be enjoying.

Read this article to learn how to have a phone-free vacation.

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/cellphone-use-vacation_l_649c7d7ae4b0ffbe3abc577a

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “spill into” mean? “Behaviors like this can help create a vacation habit that maybe even spills into your day-to-day life, too.” Use this phrase in a sentence.
  2. Define “make the most of“. “The move is meant to help people make the most of their vacation.” Make a sentence with this phrase.
  3. What is an “toggle off“? “And, if you do end up needing your phone for directions or a translation app, you can toggle off airplane mode.” Make a sentence with this word.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think of the tips listed in the article? Do you think they are actually helpful?
  2. What is your opinion on the “phone-free island” mentioned in the article?
  3. Are you guilty of using your phone most of the time during a trip? Talk about it.
  4. What are the things you do to limit your screen time?
  5. What is your idea of a fun-filled vacation?

Traded-In Apple iPhone Refurbished

B2 – Upper Intermediate

In the world of technology, smartphones have become an essential part of our daily lives, and one of the most popular brands in the market is Apple. With each new release, millions of people eagerly anticipate getting their hands on the latest iPhone model, leading to a growing number of previously owned devices that are traded in or sold. But have you ever wondered what happens to these traded-in iPhones?

In this video, we will explore the fascinating journey of how a traded-in Apple iPhone gets refurbished, giving it a new lease on life before finding its way into the hands of a new owner.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is the meaning of “trade in”? “Many iPhone users choose to trade in their old devices for credit towards a new purchase.” Make one sentence using the word.
  2. What does the word “refurbished” mean? “In 2022, 73.5 million used and refurbished phones were shipped in North America alone.” Use the word in a sentence.
  3. What does “triage” mean? “The first stop for our iPhone 11: data erasure and triage.” Use the word in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. From an environmental perspective, do you believe refurbishing traded-in Apple iPhones is a more sustainable practice compared to manufacturing new devices? Why or why not?
  2. In your opinion, what are the key advantages of purchasing a refurbished iPhone over a brand-new one? Are there any potential drawbacks to consider?
  3. Do you think the refurbished iPhones market poses a significant threat to Apple’s sales of new devices? Why or why not?

Factory Decorates 8 Cakes a Minute

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Baking a single-tiered cake at home takes about 25-30 minutes. However, decorating it is another story. It usually takes about 4 hours or longer to make one cake. However, one factory manages to decorate eight cakes in a minute.

Here’s a full video and watch how the workers do it.

Vocabulary Discussions

Explain the meaning of the highlighted words below and make some sentences.

1. Start by scraping the icing to make sure that the icing goes into the holes of the stencil.

2. My handmade snowflakes are finally getting their starring role.

3. 480 cakes are boxed and conveyed towards the end of the line.

Discussion Questions

1. How does the video make you feel?

2. Discuss how the cake assembly lines in the video make it possible to decorate eight cakes a minute.

3. The workers use stencils to decorate cakes at a fast pace. Can you think of other tools or methods that help to speed up tasks?

4. Do you like decorating things? Talk about the best decoration you have ever made.

5. Have you ever witnessed a high-speed production process like the cake assembly lines in the video? If so, share your experience and impressions.

The Mini Cooper

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The Mini Cooper, a car that is not longer than 10 feet but can fit four people. This quirky piece of machine has its interesting history.

Discover how Mini Cooper came to be in a short video below.

Vocabulary Discussions:

Explain the meaning of the highlighted words below and make some sentences.

1. The Mini Cooper is a quirky machine that’s unapologetically British.

2. However, in 1956, Egypt nationalized the canal.

3. Its distinct British sensibility still sets it apart from other cars.

Discussion Questions:

1. What does the video say about the Mini Cooper’s design?

2. “The Mini Cooper is a quirky machine that’s unapologetically British.” Talk about something from your country and what makes it distinctively from your country.

3. The Mini Cooper was invented in response to the oil crisis. Think of other products that have emerged as solutions to address social issues.

4. How have cars influenced our daily lives and transportation options in modern society?

5. Talk about a product or service your company sells or offers and what sets it apart from others.

The Pythagorean Cup

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Do you know who Pythagoras is? If you answer “yes,” you probably know him as a Greek mathematician. You are also aware that he founded the Pythagorean school of thought. What you probably don’t know is that Pythagoras also invented a cup. The uniqueness of this cup lies in its remarkable ability to prevent intoxication. Hard to believe?

Watch the entire video and be amazed at how this simple-looking cup can prevent you from being drunk.

Vocabulary Discussions

Explain the meaning of the highlighted words below and make some sentences.

1. That is extremely sneaky.

2. It is a morality lesson and a practical joke at the same time.

3. Pythagoras has applied his brilliance to the temptations of the flesh.

Discussion Questions

1.What is the video all about?

2. How does the Pythagorean cup make sure people don’t drink too much wine?

3. How is the cup related to a morality lesson?

4. Would you consider buying a Pythagorean cup? Why or why not?

5. Can you think of any practical uses for the Pythagorean cup in modern times?

Crackdown on Same-Sex Parenting

B2 – Upper Intermediate

In Italy, same-sex couples believe the government is limiting their opportunities to start families, while the government argues against surrogacy, likening it to modern slavery. This anti-surrogacy law has increased challenges for rainbow families and hindered same-sex couples in their pursuit of legal parenthood.

Discover more insights about this issue by reading the full article.

https://www.aajenglish.tv/news/30317258/italys-crackdown-on-same-sex-parenting-leaves-children-bemused

Vocabulary Discussions

Explain the meaning of the highlighted words below and make some sentences.

1. Ginevra was indignant when, two weeks ago, an interviewer on a TV show asked her parents whether the twins missed having a mum.

2. Critics warn of the potential poverty bias against women who become surrogate mothers due to financial need.

3. Going abroad to have a baby is an emotional rollercoaster, and you might face hostility when you return to your home country.

Discussion Questions

1. What is the primary issue highlighted in the article regarding same-sex parenting in Italy? Compare it to the situation in your country.

2. Would you characterize Italy as a conservative society? Explain.

3. What are your personal views on surrogacy? Do you believe it should be accessible to same-sex couples?

4. How can Italian Government handle the situation better?

5. Are there rainbow families in Spain? If so, what are your thoughts and observations about these families?

Hobbies to Help You Relax and Have Fun

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Outside of a work performance realm, having a quality leisure time has shown to help people gain physical health and cognitive well-being.

Read the article to be inspired to take up a new activity that could help you relax and have fun at the same time, for example, baking or making jewellery.

https://brainmd.com/blog/main-types-of-hobbies/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is the meaning of “virtuous cycle“? “Looking at hobbies through the prism of brain health, reveals a virtuous cycle.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “to look at something through a prism” mean? “Looking at hobbies through the [sic] prism of brain health, reveals a virtuous cycle.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “engrossed” mean? “If you’re engrossed in a creative hobby, the flow state can deliver feel-good benefits.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you enjoy doing in your free time? Are you into any interesting or unusual hobbies? Talk about them.
  2. Talk about a hobby that boosts your performance when you are trying to refocus on your job.
  3. Do you think this is true, “When you start a new hobby, you may not feel motivated to spend time on it. It might be difficult.“? Talk about a time when you were demotivated when you were starting with a new hobby and how it went eventually.
  4. What might be the benefits and drawbacks that can come from engaging in a hobby?
  5. What are your thoughts on this, “More than 100 years ago, having leisure time to pursue hobbies was a symbol of status. Perhaps it’s time to bring back a little of that mentality.“?

Summer Anxiety

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Relaxation, vacation, carefree days—these come to mind when we hear the word “summer”. As much as many people anticipate the summer season, some also dread it. The rise in temperatures and changes in routines may cause a phenomenon known as summer anxiety.

Read the article to learn about the causes of summer anxiety.

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/more-summer-anxiety-stress_l_62f13f61e4b0ecfe3f72c18a

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to feed into something” mean? “For people with social anxiety, more social obligations may feed into anxiety, too.” Use this phrase in a sentence.
  2. What does “false alarm” mean? “Anxiety can be triggered through thoughts, environment, or, in the case of summer heat, through a physiological false alarm.”. Make a sentence with this phrase.
  3. Define the word “throw off” mean here, ““What happens is it throws off our circadian rhythm,” which are 24-hour cycles that help control when we fall asleep and when we wake up.” Use this phrase in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Have you personally experienced summer anxiety? If so, could you describe what it feels like for you?
  2. How does the change in routines and schedules during the summer months affect individuals experiencing anxiety?
  3. How does the pressure to have a “perfect” summer or meet certain social expectations contribute to summer anxiety?
  4. What do you think is the best way to handle summer anxiety?