Tag: People and Human Interest

B2 – Upper Intermediate

It’s never easy to receive criticism. We find it upsetting when we have to read a negative social media post about ourselves, receive critical comments on a project, or learn that we are the subject of rumors spread by complete strangers.

However, the answer to the issue of how much criticism needs to hurt hinges on a factor that has nothing to do with the particular assault we happen to be subjected to. It validates a deep-seated notion that we are unworthy.

Watch the video about why criticism cuts like a knife.

Discussion Questions:

1. What does it mean to criticize someone?
2. How do you respond to criticism?
3. Is constructive criticism necessary for someone to advance?
4. Are improvements possible without criticism?
5. Personally, how do you deal with criticisms?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The people we refer to as high achievers might initially appear to have no connection to self-hatred. We can’t possibly assume that these people are suffering from the effects of self-loathing, can we?

The fact that we are so quick to applaud outstanding achievers yet so hesitant to see the pain that fuels them speaks much about our collective fantasy.

Watch the video about the silent struggles of the high achievers.

Discussion Questions:

1. Do you agree with what the video says about high achievers?
2. Do you personally know one? How do you feel about them?
3. How do you think it’s like to be a high achiever?
4. What’s your most important achievement in life?
5. How were you as a student/worker?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Comparing the East to the West, the answer to the question of what makes people happy is radically different. Westerners might benefit from adopting the Eastern perspective.

Contrary to what the Western intellectual tradition indicates, the Eastern tradition has long taught us something entirely different. In order to be happy, what we need to do most of all is to go out and rule the world; obtain resources, create enterprises, run governments, earn reputation, and conquer nations. It has been argued that for us to be content, we must learn to master not the world but the lens through which we perceive this world—that is, our thoughts.

Watch the video about the Western and Eastern ideas of happiness.

Discussion Questions:

1. What is your opinion about the Western concept of happiness?
2. What are your thoughts on the Eastern view of happiness?
3. What is happiness for you?
4. What do you think are the ingredients of contentment?
5. Do you agree or disagree that success and great wealth wouldn’t, in the end, “do the trick”? Share your thoughts.

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Many people today look to social media for comfort during their most trying times. Unfortunately, we have a higher propensity to promote more self-hatred when you put our emotions out on social media.

Watch the video about why we should not put our fears out on social media.

Discussion Questions:

1. What social networking sites do you frequently use?
2. What is the role of social media in your life?
3. Have you ever turned to social media for reassurance?
4. How do you believe expressing your feelings in such a public way impact you?
5. Share your thoughts on this statement, “Social media is built on the troubles of the individual soul.”

B2 – Upper Intermediate

We are frequently faced with what appears to be a very difficult decision when determining what to do with our lives: the passionate route vs. the safe one, but which is best for us in the long run?

Watch the video about the choice between passion and duty.

Discussion Questions:

1. What are you passionate about? Would you give up your current job to pursue it? Why or why not?
2. Share your thoughts on this statement, “A decade of mixed results on a passion project is inherently less onerous than unspectacular returns for a whole career in a hateful field”.
3. Do you tend to go the passionate route or the safe one?
4. What is your opinion about pursuing your passion? How about staying on a safe route?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The second tier in Maslow’s hierarchy of needs is safety. It includes having a roof over our heads so that we don’t need to sleep out on the street. Shelters give people a sense of protection during sleeping hours. They also serve as a safe place for our belongings that we cannot take with us when we leave for work or school. But what if these homes have no locks? Does it mean outsiders can just come and go? Are these homes still conducive to people’s well-being?

Watch this fascinating video to discover and explore a unique village in India.

Discussion Questions:

1. What are your thoughts on this? How would you feel about leaving your house unlocked when you go out?
2. In your understanding, how does tradition influence people’s decision not to have doors and locks in their homes?
3. Is safety one of your top priorities? Explain why.
4. Describe the safety measures you take in your own home.
5. Describe your neighborhood and explain the safety practices in the community.

B2 – Upper Intermediate

We have all heard of stories featuring different inspiring people from all kinds of industries. Sam Walton, the founder of Walmart, is one of them. Sam encountered failures and challenges in his personal life, work, and business, but he never gave up.

Learn more about Sam Walton by watching the animated video below.

Discussion Questions:

1. Sam Walton tried many jobs from a young age until he opened his first Walmart store. How do you think his experiences helped him succeed?
2. What are some ways a person can take to escape poverty?
3. Talk about one of your favorite success stories. Tell the person’s name, his profession, and journey to success.