Tag: People and Human Interest

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Many people have big dreams and clear goals, yet they struggle to take action. They imagine the life they want and believe they are capable of more, but when it is time to start, they delay and fall back into old habits.

This video explores the psychology behind that pattern. It explains why the brain prefers comfort over effort, how perfectionism can prevent progress, and why discipline is built through small, consistent actions rather than waiting for motivation.

Watch the video to learn more about this cycle and how it can be changed.

Vocabulary Questions

1. What does “survival mode” mean in the sentence, “This is not laziness. This is survival mode”? Use it in a sentence.
2. What does “every excuse in the book” mean in the sentence,
   “Your brain will fight you. It will give you every excuse in the book”? Use it in a sentence.
3. What does “to get back on track” mean in the sentence, “They acknowledge the setback, and they get back on track”? Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions

1. Why do you think people often choose comfort over action?
2. Do you agree that motivation is unreliable? Why or why not?
3. How can perfectionism stop someone from taking action?
4. What small habit could you start today that moves you toward a goal?
5. How important is self-compassion when trying to build discipline?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The Mongol Empire was the largest contiguous land empire in history. It stretched across much of Eurasia and began on the open plains of Central Asia. In the 12th century, the region was home to nomadic groups led by khans, but everything changed under the leadership of Temujin, later known as Chinggis Khan.

Through strategic alliances, military innovation, and strict discipline, Chinggis Khan united the Mongol tribes and began a series of conquests that expanded the empire across China, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe. Although the Mongols were known for their military strength, they also supported trade, religious tolerance, and cultural exchange across the Silk Road.

Watch the video to learn how the Mongol Empire rose to power, how it was governed, and what legacy it left behind.

Vocabulary Questions

1. What does “forged” mean in the sentence, “It was the largest contiguous land empire in history—stretching from Korea to Ukraine and from Siberia to southern China, and was forged on the open plains.”? Use it in a sentence.
2. What does “spoil” mean in the sentence, “Temujin promoted soldiers based on merit and distributed spoils evenly among them.” Use it in a sentence.
3. What does “to vie for” mean in the sentence, “Succession to the Great Khan didn’t automatically go to the eldest son, but rather allowed brothers, uncles, and cousins to vie for leadership”? Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions

1. What leadership qualities helped Temujin unite the Mongol tribes?
2. Why do you think the Mongols allowed religious freedom in conquered territories?
3. How did the Mongol Empire contribute to trade and cultural exchange?
4. Why did the empire eventually fragment into separate regions?
5. Do you think the Mongol Empire’s legacy was more destructive or more transformative? Why?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

John D. Rockefeller showed strong ambition from a young age and later became the richest man of his time through the oil industry. After starting in accounting, he built partnerships that led to the creation of Standard Oil, a company that eventually controlled most of the oil business in the United States.

However, his success came with controversy. He was accused of using aggressive and unfair practices to eliminate competition, which led to a legal battle with the U.S. government. Although his company was eventually divided, Rockefeller remained extremely wealthy. Later in life, he turned to philanthropy and founded The Rockefeller Foundation to support education and medical research.

Watch the video to learn more about Rockefeller’s rise to power, the criticism he faced, and the legacy he left behind.

Vocabulary Questions

1. What does “monopoly” mean in the sentence, “The company was eliminating competition from the way, with the clear intention of becoming a monopoly”? Use it in a sentence.
2. What does “exclusive discount” mean in the sentence,
   “He promised illegal exclusive discounts to the railroads”? Use it in a sentence.
3. What does “legal battle” mean in the sentence, “Years later, the United States Government entered into a legal battle with the businessman”? Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions

1. Do you think Rockefeller’s ambition justified his business practices? Why or why not?
2. Should monopolies be allowed if they create economic growth?
3. Can philanthropy change the way society views a controversial business leader? Why do you think this is?
4. Why do you think Rockefeller’s reputation remains debated today?
5. Do you believe great success often requires aggressive competition? Share your thoughts.

B2 – Upper Intermediate

It seems impossible to ever win the lottery, but what if you are extremely lucky and do? If the moment comes, everything could be difficult to understand, and you might not know what to do. For the majority, it’s possible that the overwhelming excitement might lead them to lose it rapidly, which could be disastrous.

Watch the video to find out more about the biggest mistake lottery winners make.

Vocabulary Questions:

1. What does “income stream” mean? “The annuity can provide financial stability from the start, while ensuring a steady income stream for the future.” Use this term in a sentence and give a synonym.
2. What does “to put someone ahead” mean?  “Creating an emergency fund would put you ahead of most Americans.” Use this idiom in a sentence and give a synonym.
3. What is the meaning of “to spend with intention”? “Understanding your values also makes it easier to spend with intention and avoid impulsive buys.” Use this idiom to make your own sentence and give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

1. In general, what are your thoughts on lottery?
2. Why do you think many lottery winners end up losing all their winnings?
3. Talk about the pros and cons of annuity and lump sum payment method.
4. If you won the lottery, which payment option would you choose and why?
5. Share your thoughts on this, “While lottery winners are rare, building up your own million-dollar jackpot doesn’t have to be.”
6. Have you heard of anyone winning the lottery in your country? How did it go for the winner?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

“Success is not only about talent or intelligence — it’s also about grit.”

Grit is the ability to stay committed, work hard, and keep going even when things become difficult. In school, at work, and in everyday life, people with grit learn from failures, stay motivated, and continue striving toward their goals.

Watch the video to learn more about grit and be able to answer the questions below.

Vocabulary Questions:

1. Define ‘willpower‘. “Strong willpower helps students and professionals stay focused on their goals, making it an important part of developing grit in school, work, and life.” Use it in a sentence.
2. What does the word ‘internalize’ mean here: “Once we internalize that we can improve our skills, we might realize that we can also practice willpower.”? Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym.
3. What is the meaning of ‘for something to present itself”?“In school and work, challenges will often present themselves, and grit helps us face them with determination instead of giving up.” Use the phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym.
   

Discussion Questions:

1. Do you think grit (self-control, passion, and perseverance) is more important than high IQ scores or fine genes when it comes to achieving success? Why or why not?
2. How has grit helped you navigate through life?
3. In your opinion, can grit be learned, or is it something people are born with?
4. How can schools and workplaces encourage the development of grit in students and employees?
5. Can focusing too much on grit ever be harmful? How might balance play a role in achieving goals?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Although screen addiction is usually associated with younger people, many grandparents are now spending more time on their devices. They use smartphones and social media to stay connected and entertained. However, this growing screen use raises concerns about health, balance, and its impact on family life.

Watch the video about the elderlies’ growing obsession with screens and be able to answer the questions that follow.

Vocabulary Questions:

1. What does the phrase ‘clock up’ mean? “Older people clock up longer hours in front of the TV than younger people.” Use it in a sentence. Give a synonym.
2. What does the word ‘caveat’ mean? “There were studies in Japan showing that screen time was associated with less physical activity among the elderly and they came with caveats.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym.
3. What does the idiom ‘ lose one’s marble” mean? Some people think that grandparents are losing their marbles because they spend so much time glued to their phones and tablets.’ Make a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

1. Is it that more elderlies are able to do less physical activities because of the screens or they’re spending more time on their screens because they’re less able to do physical activities? Which do you think is the case?
2. In your country, do you think grandparents spend too much time on their phones compared to younger people? Why or why not?
3. Is screen use helpful or harmful for elderly people? Share your opinion.
4. How can older adults balance screen time with other activities?
5. What are some activities that the elderlies usually partake in in your city/country?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Many people assume that success comes from following proven methods and sticking to what already works. At work, this often means copying industry standards, routines, and ways of thinking that everyone else accepts without question. The problem is that doing what most people do usually leads to average results, not real progress or innovation.

Watch the video to explore why challenging accepted norms can lead to very different outcomes.

Vocabulary Questions

1. What does “automatic pilot” mean in the sentence, “Over 95% of our life, we run on automatic pilot”? Use it in a sentence.
2. What does “industry standard” mean in the sentence, “The boundaries of this box, they are called industry standards, or industry norms”? Use it in a sentence.
3. What does “hit a wall” mean in the sentence, “When people, teams, and organizations, whenever they hit a wall, they tend to do one of two things”? Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions

1. Do you think people are generally comfortable following norms, even if those norms limit creativity? Why or why not?
2. Can you think of an example where following the usual way of doing things led to poor results?
3. Why might people be afraid to try “different things” instead of doing more or less of the same?
4. Have you ever questioned a rule or standard at work or school? What happened?
5. Do you believe extraordinary results require taking risks? Why or why not?