phone english blogB2 – Upper Intermediate
Stress is inevitable. We’ve got small ones and big ones.
Read the article below to know some ways we can deal with stress on a daily basis. Express your thoughts afterwards.
Discussion Questions:
C1 – Advanced
Have you ever wondered why women live longer than men?
Studies show that women’s survival is consistent and truly remarkable as observed in human beings and animals. Lifestyle may be a factor but there are more causes or contributors.
Discuss:
1. What are the contributing factors mentioned in the article? What surprised you the most?
2. What is Spain’s life expectancy?
3. Would you like to live a long life? Why or why not?
4. Should scientist slow down the aging process?
B2 – Upper Intermediate
You would agree that you and I are guilty of forgetting things. We hate to forget and technology nowadays make reminders very handy for us. But how serious is the problem of forgetting things?
The following article talks about dementia and the dangers the new generation is facing when it comes to this mental illness.
http://www.breakingnewsenglish.com/1509/150923-dementia.html
Discussion Questions:
B2 – Upper Intermediate
Based on studies, employees who work for about 10-11 hours per day have a higher tendency to suffer a stroke. This is just one of the negative effects of working for hours on end.
Let’s find out more about the reasons why Sweden decides to shrink its workers’ working hours on this Science Alert news story.
https://www.sciencealert.com/sweden-is-shifting-to-a-6-hour-workday
Discussion Questions:
1. What are the benefits and drawbacks of working shorter hours?
2. Do you agree with the benefits mentioned in this article?
3. What do you think about Sweden’s decision to make work shifts shorter?
4. What is your ideal work hours/schedule?
B2 – Upper Intermediate
As we know, vitamins are essential to our health and vitamin D helps protect the body from diseases like diabetes and cancer. A study says it might also prevent brain diseases called dementia.
Read the article below and be ready to talk about health.
http://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/low-levels-of-vitamin-d-might-hurt-your-brain/2974167.html
Discussion Questions:
1. Do you have a strict diet? Why or why not?
2. The article mentions dementia. What do you know about dementia?
3. How do you think poor memory affects one’s life?
4. Do you think taking supplements is a good idea, or should you get your vitamins from just food? Explain.
B1 – Intermediate
Happiness, as defined by Wikipedia, is a mental or emotional state of well-being defined by positive or pleasant emotions ranging from contentment to intense joy. Many research groups are using the scientific method to research what happiness is, and how we can get it.
Read this lesson about how happiness affects our health.
http://www.english-online.at/news-articles/health-medicine/how-happiness-affects-our-health.htm
Discussion Questions:
B1 – Intermediate
Coffee, sodas or tea? Staying awake or getting enough energy to get through the day is something so necessary these days that energy drink manufacturers have become more creative.
Read the article to know what’s going on in the world of energy drinks.
More than 500 new energy drinks have been released this past year, and it has doctors worried. Nutritionists warn that the large amounts of caffeine and sugar in each drink can hook kids on an unhealthy up-and-down cycle. The drinks contain megadoses of vitamins, too. These can cause their own side effects if taken every day for a period of months. But maybe the most alarming news comes from reports that kids are drinking several in a row for the high it gives. More and more calls are coming in to poison-control centers from young people sick on too much caffeine.
Danger adds to the appeal. Most brands target in on the danger, particularly towards male teens and twenty-somethings. There is “Cocaine Energy Drink,” “Pimpjuice,” and “Bawls.” Hannah Kirby, the creator ofCocaine Energy Drink, said she first wanted to call it “Reboot”–“a pretty ho-hum name.” But the name was already taken, so she chose to be daring. The drink is getting the attention she desires, too. Kids quickly noticed it among a thousand other energy drinks. Their slogan: “The Legal Alternative.”
Some beer manufacturers now produce “energy beers,” or beer that contains caffeine. But mixing energy drinks with alcohol isn’t so new. Bartenders have been mixing the first energy drink in the West, called “Red Bull,” for more than a decade with vodka. Although the energy drink-alcohol combination doesn’t make you feel as drunk, you still are. Coordination and reaction times worsen. The potential for accidents and alcohol poisoning increases.
Just how much caffeine does an energy drink contain? A study at the University of Florida discovered that many of the drinks contain two to four times the amount of caffeine as Coke. The serving size, though, is usually one-third smaller than a standard can. Energy drinks aren’t regulated in the U.S., but the study strongly suggests warning labels.
Source: headsupenglish.com
Discussion Questions:
1. Have you ever (or do you often) drink energy drinks?
2. Do you think energy drinks are dangerous?
3. Why do you think energy drinks are becoming so popular?
4. Caffeine is an addictive drug. Why is it legal when other harmful drugs are illegal?
B2 – Upper intermediate
As in other cultures, wine is part of the Italian culture. Italians take wine pretty seriously. They relax and enjoy a glass paired with their delectable dishes.
However, for the young, the story isn’t quite the same. Read the article below about young Italians and their drinking habits.
Discuss:
1. What do you think is a healthy dose of alcohol?
2. How much beer, wine or vodka can you drink daily without any damage to your health?
3. Italian youths are becoming reckless drinkers. Do you see this happening in your country?
B2 – Upper intermediate
Being emotional or sensitive can sometimes be seen as a weakness. Contradictory to popular belief, it is healthy to be emotionally sensitive. It is, however, important to find the balance with your emotions to avoid over-reaction.
Read the article below to know the details in overcoming sensitivity. The article is divided into three parts. Feel free to read it in parts.
Discuss:
1. Would you consider yourself quite sensitive?
2. How do you react to negative situations?
3. Do you practice any of the suggestions mentioned in the article (journaling, self assessment, meditation)?
B2 – Upper Intermediate
We are all guilty of giving children just what they want to show how much we love them. But, sometimes, we forget that too much of something is not good. Letting them eat more than what is needed and not monitoring their unhealthy eating habits could lead to serious consequences.
Read the article below to know more about the facts when it comes to childhood obesity.
Discussion Questions: