Tag: First Certificate FCE

Drought Hits Europe’s Rivers and Crops

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The scorching heat is an ongoing problem face by all of Europe. This extended drought has caused riverbeds to be exposed which has led to restrictions on water use in a lot of places.

Read the article to know more about the drought that’s been affecting Europe’s rivers and crops.

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-62466990

Discussion Questions:

  1. Share your reaction to this news.
  2. Talk about the good and bad effects of this drought on different European countries.
  3. Choose a photo from the article, describe it, and talk about how/why it caught your attention.
  4. Describe the drought in your country.
  5. “The boom in Spain’s intensive agriculture has fueled concern about its sustainability, given the pressure on water resources in hotter climatic conditions.” What is your opinion on this?

Israel-Gaza Conflict

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The extent of violence and level of tensions we have seen brought about by the Israel-Gaza conflict is at all-time high. A ceasefire mediated by Egypt has come into force. But until the status quo changes, the threats of future sieges still hold.

Read the article to know more about the root of the issue, the tensions between Israel and Palestinians now, and what the future holds for the two nations.

https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-44124396

Discussion Questions:

  1. Share your thoughts on the Israel-Palestine conflict?
  2. The main issues which Israel and the Palestinians cannot agree on have already been identified but so far, the conflict still have not been solved. Share your thoughts on this.
  3. “Any future peace deal will need both sides to agree to resolve complex issues.” What are your thoughts on this?
  4. What do you know about the Gaza Strip?
  5. Any thoughts on America’s involvement in the Middle East peace plan?

Divorce Affects Your Finances

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Divorce is not pleasant. It is, nevertheless, the appropriate decision at times. But regardless of whether it occurs in your lifetime, everyone should be aware of what would happen to a couple’s money in the event of a divorce.

It might be challenging but crucial to have a clear grasp of finances throughout a divorce. You have power over your future when you have control over your finances.

Here are some things to consider if you’re thinking about getting a divorce, are already going through one, or rebuilding your life.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Is the divorce rate high where you are from? Why do you think that is?
  2. How do you view divorce?
  3. In your country, how are marital assets divided after a divorce? What about the repayment of loans obtained prior to the divorce?
  4. How does divorce affect a person’s taxes?

Building Credit from Scratch

B2 – Upper Intermediate

In several nations, credit is a crucial part of everyday financial life, so if you’re just getting started, building your credit history will be your first step.

The issue is that before approving you for a loan or credit card, many businesses want to verify your credit, and they can be wary if you don’t already have a credit history. Fortunately, there are a few methods to get over this possible obstacle.

You may learn how to start developing your credit by watching the video.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What comes to your mind when you hear the word ‘credit’?
  2. How does the credit system work in your country?
  3. In your country, is it necessary for you to have a credit history to be able to borrow money from the bank?
  4. What is the process for obtaining a bank loan for a property in your country?
  5. How have you built your credit score?

Criticism Can Hurt

B2 – Upper Intermediate

It’s never easy to receive criticism. We find it upsetting when we have to read a negative social media post about ourselves, receive critical comments on a project, or learn that we are the subject of rumors spread by complete strangers.

However, the answer to the issue of how much criticism needs to hurt hinges on a factor that has nothing to do with the particular assault we happen to be subjected to. It validates a deep-seated notion that we are unworthy.

Watch the video about why criticism cuts like a knife.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What does it mean to criticize someone?
  2. How do you respond to criticism?
  3. Is constructive criticism necessary for someone to advance?
  4. Are improvements possible without criticism?
  5. Personally, how do you deal with criticisms?

Ingredients of Mental Health

B2 – Upper Intermediate

We often overlook what an astonishing and difficult accomplishment it is to feel mentally well because of how effective and quiet our brains are in their daily activities. Healthy minds are constantly engaged in a series of actions that support our feelings of clarity and purpose.

Mental health needs some attention and effort to maintain.

Here are various approaches for maintaining our composure and equilibrium.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What comes to mind when you hear the term ‘mental health?
  2. What do you do to maintain or improve your mental health?
  3. Do you think modern society increases the likelihood of mental health problems?
  4. What programs does your government offer to help those suffering from mental illnesses and issues?

Feel Sorry for High Achievers

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The people we refer to as high achievers might initially appear to have no connection to self-hatred. We can’t possibly assume that these people are suffering from the effects of self-loathing, can we?

The fact that we are so quick to applaud outstanding achievers yet so hesitant to see the pain that fuels them speaks much about our collective fantasy.

Watch the video about the silent struggles of the high achievers.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you agree with what the video says about high achievers?
  2. Do you personally know one? How do you feel about them?
  3. How do you think it’s like to be a high achiever?
  4. What’s your most important achievement in life?
  5. How were you as a student/worker?

Dating Apps Misunderstand Love

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Relationships were generally straightforward for most of human history for a plain but unavoidable reason: it was incredibly difficult to find someone who was acceptable and everyone knew it.

Although dating apps have increased our options to meet people, they haven’t helped us find or maintain real love. Here are some suggestions about how to address them delicately.

Watch the video about datings apps’ misconstrued concept of love.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your definition of love?
  2. What are some popular dating apps in your country? What do you think of them?
  3. What are the benefits and drawbacks of using dating apps?
  4. Would you ever consider finding love through dating apps? Share your opinion.
  5. Would you pursue a relationship with someone you are not convinced by? Explain your thoughts.
  6. Is the possibility of constantly meeting someone new a good or bad thing? Explain your point.

Eastern vs Western Ideas of Happiness

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Comparing the East to the West, the answer to the question of what makes people happy is radically different. Westerners might benefit from adopting the Eastern perspective.

Contrary to what the Western intellectual tradition indicates, the Eastern tradition has long taught us something entirely different. In order to be happy, what we need to do most of all is to go out and rule the world; obtain resources, create enterprises, run governments, earn reputation, and conquer nations. It has been argued that for us to be content, we must learn to master not the world but the lens through which we perceive this world—that is, our thoughts.

Watch the video about the Western and Eastern ideas of happiness.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your opinion about the Western concept of happiness?
  2. What are your thoughts on the Eastern view of happiness?
  3. What is happiness for you?
  4. What do you think are the ingredients of contentment?
  5. Do you agree or disagree that success and great wealth wouldn’t, in the end, “do the trick”? Share your thoughts.

Stop Taking Your Fears to Social Media

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Many people today look to social media for comfort during their most trying times. Unfortunately, we have a higher propensity to promote more self-hatred when you put our emotions out on social media.

Watch the video about why we should not put our fears out on social media.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What social networking sites do you frequently use?
  2. What is the role of social media in your life?
  3. Have you ever turned to social media for reassurance?
  4. How do you believe expressing your feelings in such a public way impact you?
  5. Share your thoughts on this statement, “Social media is built on the troubles of the individual soul.”