Tag: Government

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.

Japan Lowers Age of Adulthood

B1 – Intermediate

More and more young Japanese do not want to get married and start a family. This would affect the economy and the whole society in the future.

To avoid serious consequences of this trend, the Japanese government has decided to change adulthood age from 20 to 18.

Read on about this change through the article below:

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/1806/180617-adulthood-4.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. What can you say about this change?
  2. What effects are the Japanese government hoping for with this change?
  3. Do you think those would be achieved?
  4. How do you think the traditional “Coming of Age” Day in this country will change now?
  5. What are some things 18 and 20 year-olds do in your country?

Cash for Not Speeding

B2 – Upper Intermediate

From 2018 to 2019, Brabant, the Netherlands will be installing a dynamic speedometer. This would track whether drivers are following the 30 km/hr speed limit.

The project aims to make motorists attentive to their speed and at the same time, earn some cash for the benefit of their community.

Find out more about this new road safety scheme through the article below:

https://www.theguardian.com/cities/2018/may/25/dutch-speed-camera-stop-drivers-limit-helmond

Discussion Questions:
1. What are your thoughts on this news? Do you think positive reinforcement would work in this case?
2. Do you agree that keeping the proper speed when driving reduces the occurence of road accidents?
3. What are other ways to achieve zero or reduced road fatalities?

The Green Card Lottery

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The government’s protection on one’s pursuit of happiness is the main concept of the American dream. People from different parts of the world would like to have a piece of this dream. In order to do so, the first step would be to secure a green card.

There are millions of immigrants who are applying for this to gain residency in America. Every year, a lottery is held by the US government to give out green cards.

Read on to find out more details about the American Green Card Lottery.

https://www.english-online.at/government/green-card-lottery/green-card-immigration-to-the-us.htm

Discussion Questions:

1. What is a green card?

2. What are the benefits of having a green card in the United States?

3. Why do people from many countries wish to live in the USA?

4. Would you ever want to live in the United States of America? Why or why not?

America’s Position on Breastfeeding

B2 – Upper Intermediate

For decades, doctors and health experts have praised the wonders and benefits of breastfeeding. Breast milk contains antibodies that help strengthen a baby’s immune system. It also lowers the risk of asthma and allergies. In general, breastfed babies have a healthier outlook compared to those who have never been breastfed.

Shockingly, however, at a recent World Health Organization (WHO) meeting, America changed its stance on breastfeeding.

Read the article below to find out more about this stunning news.

http://www.thetimesinplainenglish.com/americas-position-do-not-encourage-breast-feeding/

Discussion Questions:

  1. What were America’s reasons for changing their position about breastfeeding?
  2. What is your opinion about the article?
  3. Should this practice be encouraged or discouraged? Kindly explain.
  4. How is breastfeeding in public viewed in your country?

Help for People in Debts

B1 – Intermediate

We need money for spending on various thing like house rent or a mortgage, cars, bills, travels, and a lot more. Some people owe huge amounts of money. Many of them can’t get out of the red.

Read more on how the South Korean government would try to assist those under a pile of debts.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/1712/171202-debt.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “scheme” mean? ” “The scheme was a big promise of a former South Korean president.”  Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “debt” mean? “The Korea Times newspaper said the government is, “preventing numerous working families from going bankrupt under a mountain of debt.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does the phrase “write off” mean here, “South Korea is going to write off the debts of as many as 1.6 million people.” Make your own sentence using this phrase.

Discussion Questions:

1. What are your thoughts on what the South Korean government is doing?
2. What do you think of how people are spending money in your country?
3. What is your government doing to help people with a lot of debts?
4. What comes to your mind when you hear the word ‘debt’?
5. What advice can you give someone who is in debt?

Strange Laws Around the World

B1 – Intermediate

When you’re travelling around the world, it’s not always a bad idea to do your research on local laws and traditions. Not only could this keep you out of trouble, but it can also help you get the most out of your trip. However, there are some strange laws in some countries that will surely make you scratch your head.

Here are 14 strange laws to keep in mind next time you book a trip.

https://www.businessinsider.com/14-strange-laws-from-around-the-world-2016-7

Discussion Questions:

  1. Which among the laws mentioned do you find most absurd?
  2. Does your country have any strange laws as well?
  3. If you could add or remove a law in your country, what would it be?

Dual Citizenship

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Holding dual citizenship has a downside for Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce who was disqualified from his government position  because of being a “subject or citizen of a foreign power”.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/1710/171029-dual-citizenship.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. What did you think when you read the headline
  2. Are you happy being a citizen of your country?
  3. What are the advantages and disadvantages of having dual citizenship?
  4. If you can change your citizenship, what would it be and why?

Does Owning a Gun Make You Safer?

 B2 – Upper Intermediate

There are so many civilians who possess guns in the United States. The question is, why do Americans own guns? According to some surveys, people like to have them for protection.

Read this article and find out whether owning a gun really increase one’s chances of protecting himself.

http://www.latimes.com/opinion/op-ed/la-oe-0804-hemenway-defensive-gun-home-20150730-story.html

 

Discussion Questions: 

1. Do you think people need guns?

2. Would fewer guns result in less gun violence?

3. Switzerland has a higher rate of gun ownership than the USA but hardly any gun crime. Why do you think this is?

4. What checks should be made before someone can buy a gun?

5. In Japan there are strict gun control laws and so there is very little gun-related crimes. Should all countries follow suit?

5. Do you think people should be allowed to have guns to defend themselves in their homes?

UK Ban on Petrol and Diesel Cars

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Undeniably, air pollution has been a problem in every country around the world. No wonder a lot of car companies are heading for electric and hybrid cars in the future. Just recently, the UK has announced its plans to fight air pollution by banning petrol and diesel cars starting 2040.

Is it a good idea or will it be a little too late by then?  Let’s read the article below and let us know your opinion about the subject.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-07-26/uk-to-ban-sales-of-petrol-diesel-fuelled-cars-from-2040-reports/8744076

Let’s talk:

1. What do you think about Britain’s plan to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel cars from 2040?
2. Would you support such a ban in your country? Why? Why not?
3. How long do you think it will be before all cars on the road are electric? Why?
4. Do you believe that electric cars will be cheaper to maintain than ICE cars by 2025-2029? Why? Why not?
5. What do you think governments should do to encourage people to buy electric cars?
6. Why do you think some people are still skeptical about electric cars?