1. Who do you think is responsible for the clean up of the remaining bombs? 2. Should the USA pay for the medical bills of those people who are affected by the bombs or should it be charities? 3. Do you think that bombs today are more sophisticated because of advanced technology?
Almost everything we know and use has a history behind it. This includes food. The history surrounding a certain dish is often very interesting. And nachos are no exception.
Read the article to know more how this Mexican dish came about. Take note of new words and expressions.
1. In your own words, re-tell the history of nachos. How did it get its name? 2. Are you fond of nachos and other Mexican dishes? 3. Would you say that there are local Spanish dishes with an interesting history behind it? 4. What are some non-European cuisines that you enjoy eating?
China’s first emperor was buried with 8,000 stone statues – a stone army guarding his tomb. It is now believed that Ancient Greeks influenced and helped build these statues along with other sculptors. It also suggests there was close contact between the Greeks and China long before the opening of the Silk Road.
1. When dealing with history that is thousands of years in the past do you think we can really know what truly happened? 2. History seems to change often with new discoveries of our past, do you think many of the things we now believe are actually false? 3. What are some historical events that you are interested in?
The month of June is known for the time to give appreciation to one of the most important persons in our lives, our fathers. Read the article and know more about the history of this special day.
1. How would you describe your father? 2. How is Father’s Day celebrated in your country? family? 3. If you’re a father, what’s the best Father’s Day present you’ve ever received and why? 4. What interesting presents have you given your father?
Click on the title below to read about how mangoes were viewed in China. Read the article part by part and take note of new vocabulary words and expressions.
1. Explain the past that China had with the mango fruit. How Significant was it? 2. In the article, what were some of the ancient insights that showed a part of the Chinese culture? 3. Share some of the unique traditions that your country has that has been long part of history.
Columbus Day is known as the most disputed holiday in the US. For the Native Americans, Columbus was very devastating to them, as he enslaved the natives and caused depression in the place. Columbus’ critics say that he did not land in America on that day and he did not discover America because it has long been inhabited by the natives.
Read the article below and be ready to have a discussion.
1. Is Christopher Columbus celebrated as an important person in Spanish history? 2. What is your opinion about the Americans dispute about “Columbus Day”? 3. Is there any controversial or disputed holiday in Spain?
What makes a city more interesting is its diversity and the history behind it. Take a stroll in the streets of Dubai and discover the medley of cultures it has to offer.
Eating Out in Old Dubai
Approximately one-third of Dubai’s population is of South Asian origin—the ties between the United Arab Emirates and India and Pakistan date back to the 19th century, when the Emirates (then known as the Trucial States) were administered by the British Raj. Indian immigrants started coming to Dubai in larger numbers in the 1960s. From its historic role as a city connecting the Middle East and India, to the skyscrapers of today, South Asian immigrants have been central to Dubai’s history. One of their most popular contributions to Dubai’s culture has been the spicy curries and the variety of breads that are characteristic of South Asian cuisine. The streets of the neighborhoods Deira and Satwa, in Old Dubai, are lined with Indian and Pakistani restaurants like Ravi where diners can enjoy a delicious meal al fresco on one of Dubai’s warm evenings.
Discuss:
1. Describe the diversity of the city or town you live in. 2. If I were to visit your country or your city, where would you bring me? (Also talk about places that aren’t touristy.) 3. Describe some of the places that you have visited that are very rich in history and diversity.
1. What was your reaction after reading the text and watching the videos? 2. What were the challenges and how did the women in the story overcome them? 3. Would you marry someone who is considered an enemy by many? 4. What do you know about WWII and what damage did it bring to your country?
The world commemorates the history of Auschwitz concentration camp. Anita Lasker-Wallfisch said that it was like a global cemetery without a tomb. It was an unspeakable hell.
Click below to watch the videos. This is a set of eight short video clips. Feel free to watch as many as you wish but do watch at least three.
1. Re-tell the stories of the survivors featured. 2. What can we learn from this terrible part of the history? 3. How did you feel after watching the videos?
