Tag: People and Human Interest

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Following our passions can be exciting and fulfilling, while duty may seem like the responsible choice for stability and security. But how do we strike the right balance?

Here’s an article that offers a fresh perspective on this topic and challenges traditional notions of safety.

https://theschooloflife.com/should-I-follow-my-dreams

Vocabulary Questions:

1. What is the meaning of the word “high-wire” in the sentence, “Meanwhile, passion is a high-wire act.”? Use it in a sentence.
2. Explain the meaning of “penury” in the sentence, “We constantly fear penury and humiliation.”. Use it in a sentence.
3. What is meant by “onerous” here, “A decade of mixed results on a passion project is inherently less onerous than unspectacular returns for a whole career in a hateful field.”? Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

1. What aspects of the article caught your attention the most?
2. How do you reconcile between practicality and passion?
3. How do you define safety in the context of career choices? Is it solely based on financial stability, or does it involve other factors such as job security, fulfillment, and personal satisfaction?
4. What are your thoughts on the idea that pursuing what we love, even if it may involve risks and failures, can ultimately lead to mastery and success?
5. Have you seen someone choose a safe career path but end up feeling unfulfilled? How did that experience shape your perspective on safety when making career choices?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

If you’re curious to learn more about the surging popularity of podcasts, I highly recommend checking out the full article below. The article explains why podcasts have become a popular source of entertainment and information for people worldwide. Dive into the world of podcasts to uncover why they have become a global phenomenon. Happy reading!

https://www.deseret.com/entertainment/2023/2/9/23592684/decline-of-podcasts

Vocabulary Questions:

1. What is the meaning of the expression “tables have turned” in the sentence, “Since 2004, this form of entertainment has boomed in popularity, but last year, the tables seemed to have turned.”? Use this idiom in a sentence.
2. What is the meaning of the phrase “to gain traction” here, “The origin of podcasts is rooted in the late 1900s, but 2004 was the year where podcasts started to gain traction.”? Use it in a sentence.
3. Explain the meaning of “free-fall” in the sentence, “Coming up on almost two decades after the invention of modern podcasts, it seems that podcasts might be in free-fall.”. Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

1. Do you listen to podcasts? If so, what types of podcasts do you enjoy and why?
2. In what situations do you prefer listening to podcasts over watching videos, or vice versa?
3. What was the last podcast you listened to, and what was it about?
4. Do you think the popularity of podcasts will continue to grow in comparison to videos? Why or why not?
5. Do you think the decline in podcast creation is a temporary trend, or do you believe it’s indicative of a larger shift in consumer preferences for audio entertainment? Why?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The article you are about to read will encourage you to break free from the endless cycle of consumption and take intentional steps toward self-expression, innovation, and personal fulfillment.

Explore how the author benefited from adopting a “stop consuming, start creating” mindset and how it led her to a more fulfilling and purpose-driven life.

https://possibilitychange.com/start-creating/

Vocabulary Questions:

1. What does the word “ball game” mean in the sentence “Until this artistic awakening, I had taken lessons in piano and dance, but doing my own thing was a completely different ball game.”? Use it in a sentence.

2. What does the term “muse” mean in the sentence “Music was my first muse.”? Use it in a sentence.

3. Explain the meaning of the expression “to show somebody the ropes”, “Ask someone to show you the ropes.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

1. According to the author, what happens when you shift from a consumer to a creator?

2. Are you a consumer or a creator?

3. What do you think is the role of creativity in problem-solving and innovation?

4. Can creativity be developed and nurtured, or is it something people are born with? Explain.

5. What would you stop consuming, and what would you create instead?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The habits or rituals that lead to rich and famous people to their success are secrets everyone is dying to know, thinking it could hopefully bring them the same fortune.

Read the article about superstitious learning and how the eccentric habits of high-flying individuals bring them success.

https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20220708-superstitious-learning-can-lucky-rituals-bring-success

Vocabulary Questions:

1. What does the phrase “gospel truth” mean, “Some of their behaviours will have been acquired through superstitious learning – and we may then follow their advice as if it were the gospel truth.”? Use it in your own sentence.
2. What does “rife” mean, “Creative tasks are especially rife with uncertainty – which may explain why thinkers like Gates, Beethoven and Dickens adopted such specific behaviours to get their thoughts flowing.“? Use this word in your own sentence.
3. What does “spurious” mean, “It is notoriously difficult to get a new paper accepted by a prestigious journal, she says, and researchers will often find spurious reasons for their successes and failures.”? Use this word in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

1. What are your thoughts on superstitious learning?
2. Give a benefit and a downside of over-imitation.
3. People sometimes attribute success to something so random rather than their own talent or hard work. Share your thoughts on this.
4. What are some rituals that you think bring you luck and success? Where did you learn this from? 
5. Have you ever taken a famous and successful person’s idiosyncratic rites and rituals in the hope that you can somehow achieve the same success? Share about it.
6. Why do successful people follow eccentric habits?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Believing in the magic of life coaching is now a new trend in the world of hard-working and successful people. The use of life coaching is quite a contentious issue. Some people can’t live without a mentor, while others think that it’s nonsense and a waste of money.

Please read the article to know the reasons why people find life coaching helpful.

Vocabulary Questions:

1. What does the phrase “uncharted waters” mean, “Navigating uncharted waters when making a career change”? Use it in your own sentence.
2. What does the word “adversity” mean, “In her research she found, “Individuals who experienced more positive emotions than others, over time became more resilient to adversity, as indexed by increases in broad-minded coping.”? Use it in your own sentence.
3. What does the word “instigate” mean, “From experiencing better mental health to becoming more productive, they can instigate transformation in your life.”? Use it in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

1. Would you consider seeking the expertise of an actual life coach? Why/why not?
2. Have you ever tried independent strategies to achieve your goals? Which ones?
3. What problems would you like to solve with the help of life coaching?
4. How important is it for you to work only with certified specialists?
5. Who do you consider are your life coaches?