Tag: First Certificate

When You Drink Coke Instead of Water

B2 – Upper Intermediate

In a small town in Mexico, water is not so readily available. Its residents therefore, have resorted to drinking the much more plentiful Coca Cola instead.

Check out the article to find out more about the dire consequences this situation has brought about.

http://www.thetimesinplainenglish.com/when-you-drink-coke-instead-of-water/

Discussion Questions:

1. What does the article say about this Mexican town?

2. Who do you think is to blame in these circumstances, and why?

3. Do you like soft drinks or soda? Talk about the effects of drinking too much of these.

Living in the Netherlands’ Futuristic Homes

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Have you ever imagined living inside a house that resembles a golf ball? For many, this would seem like a very strange idea. But in Bolwoningen, a small village outside Amsterdam, this is a reality.

Watch the video to learn more.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Explain the video in your own words. What do you think about Bolwoningen?
  2. Have you ever seen an unusual or unconventional home? Would you like to try to live in one? Why or why not?
  3. Talk about the most bizarre-looking house you’ve ever seen.

Man Escaped Communism by Zip Line

B2 – Upper Intermediate

More than 30 years ago, Daniel Pohl attempted to leave his country and its Communist views. The means by which he tried to escape was highly unconventional and required a lot of daring.

Watch the video to find out more about Pohl’s amazing feat.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Who is Daniel Pohl? Explain what he tried to do.
  2. What is your take on his escape strategy?
  3. Talk about the bravest or most daring thing you have ever done.

Laptop vs Handwriting

B2 – Upper Intermediate

handwriting-day-fun

Due to many students’ illegible handwriting, Cambridge University is allowing students to use their laptops in exams and no longer pen and paper. The wonders and usefulness of the laptop are great but are we losing the art of handwriting?

Let’s read the article and answer the questions that follow.

https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2017/sep/11/laptops-handwriting-students-university-exams-skill

Discussion Questions:

1. Is handwriting a lost art now?

2. Do you think writing notes in a paper makes it easier to remember and synthesize information than typing in a laptop?

3. Is using a laptop for typing a more effective way of learning and retaining information?

4. Do you think computers might one day replace handwriting?

 

Rent a Foreigner in China

B2 – Upper Intermediate

In China, being Caucasian can open doors to a Hollywood style career. With thousands of high-rise apartment units to sell, housing developers have turned to talent agencies that specialize in renting out foreigners to clients. A white face is supposed to make a place “truly international”  which should then translate into sales.

Read more and see how the Chinese use image to solve the real estate glut and in the process transform the average Joe into a celebrity of sorts.

https://www.businessinsider.com/inside-chinas-rent-a-foreigner-industry-2017-6

Discussion Questions:

1. Do you think foreigners being made to pretend to be people they are not is acceptable?
2. Can you think of an experience you’ve had whereby you were treated in a special way because of the color of your skin?
3. Why do you think the Chinese associate white people with prestige?
4. Would you agree to be a foreigner for rent in China? Why or why not?