Tag: People and Human Interest

B2 – Upper Intermediate

A psychologist named Susan Pinker says that small talks can help us live longer. It enables people to find common ground and interest. That’s why it is not surprising how small chitchats improve our social interactions.

Watch a short clip below and see how Joseph learns a lesson from a second-grader.

Discussion Questions:

1. How was Joseph’s first encounter with Adam? How did Adam try to make a small talk with Joseph?
2. What are your thoughts on this conversation?
3. Do you like making small talks? Why or why not?
4. What questions can we ask when attempting to make a small talk? What questions shouldn’t we ask when we make a small talk? Explain your answer.
5. What are some of the most memorable small talks you’ve ever had with a total stranger?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

We can be a victim of our own complacency. It happens when the task becomes too familiar, and our brain goes on autopilot. Ideally, we should always be mindful of everything, but because we have done a specific activity so many times, we tend to start getting complacent.

Here’s a video clip that will remind us how dangerous it can be to start being complacent about safety when it comes to our most mundane tasks.

Discussion Questions:

1. Retell the scenes that you saw in the video.
2. Do you agree that nothing is routine when it comes to our safety? Express your thoughts.
3. How can we be more mindful even if we have already done a task multiple times?
4. Share one experience you had when you didn’t pay no mind to something you were doing which led to an accident or put you in danger.
5. What safety practices at home and work should we never be complacent about?

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

Every day, lots of people struggle to find their calling in life and not all of them succeed as it takes a lot of effort, patience, and know-how.

Watch the video and you’ll learn how to make the search for one’s calling easier. 

Discussion Questions:

1. What do you think is your mission in life? How did you find out about it?
2. What is a calling? Why do many people struggle to find their calling?
3. How can you understand that you’ve finally found a calling in life?
4. Which of your childhood dreams would you like to live out?
5. Would you change your career to find something more interesting and suitable for you? Why or why not?
6. What would you do if your loved ones were against your passion?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The idea of time travel is fun as it lets you see how people lived before. For some, it is scary because they have no idea what to expect. What if I tell you that today there is a woman who lives her life exactly like she is in the 1950s?

Watch the video and meet Laci Fay, the vintage girl next door.

Discussion Questions:

1. Looking at Laci Fay, describe the vibe that she gives off.
2. When people choose to live differently than others, what do you think are some challenges that they might face?
3. Do you know anything about the 1950s? Discuss your ideas.
4. How do you think the 1950s is different from today?
5. If you could travel back in time, which era would you choose? And why?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Nelson Mandela never supported discrimination on the grounds of race. If truth be told, he fought against it. He was an activist, a politician, and a philanthropist. Learn more about this Nobel prize awardee who was also the first black president of South Africa.

Watch this video to know more about the life of Nelson Mandela.

Discussion Questions:

1. What is your understanding of the term ”white-only authority”?
2. Describe Nelson Mandela as an activist.
3. Do you think he was an ideal politician? Explain your answer.
4. Many considered Mandela a freedom fighter. Do you agree or disagree? And why?
5. In the 90s, Mandela became president and pushed for equal rights. Has it been achieved today? Provide specific points to support your answer.