Tag: People and Human Interest

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Reading books has been a cherished pastime for centuries, providing a gateway to new worlds, ideas, and perspectives. From the ancient scrolls of Egypt to the modern e-books of today, books have played a crucial role in shaping human knowledge and understanding.

Reading books is not just a leisure activity but a powerful tool for self-improvement and enlightenment. It is a timeless practice that continues to shape individuals and societies alike.

Discover some of the reasons you should take up reading as a new hobby by reading the article.

Vocabulary Questions:

1. What does “cultivate” mean here, “Reading is a habit that everyone should cultivate.“? Use this word with the same context in a sentence.
2. What does the idiom “to keep the fire burning” mean? “At first, it ignites the sleeping will within us to be the best version of us; and once it does, reading books keeps that fire burning for us not to lose our enthusiasm.” Use this in a sentence.
3. What does the noun “treachery” mean? “Without the element of treachery, but with the pure intention of discovering, picture yourself as the explorer Ferdinand Magellan who is in an expedition, but for words instead of spices.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘treachery’ in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

1. What are the six points mentioned in the cited article to encourage you to read regularly?
2. Could you give me one more reason for establishing reading as a habit?
3. What book do you recommend, and why?
4. How different do you think reading will be in the future?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Parental obligations usually end legally when the child reaches the age of 18. By law, parents are required to support their young children by providing them food, shelter, clothing, education, etc. However, parents feel responsible for their children’s actions or inactions even if they are already grown-ups.

Let’s read the article and know more about these young adults in Spain whom parents can’t seem to get rid of.

https://www.theguardian.com/world/shortcuts/2016/jun/06/spain-ninis-no-school-job-bank-mum-dad

Vocabulary Questions:

1. What is the meaning of the word “bankrolling” mean? “Spain’s Nini generation are the equivalent of the UK’s Neets – but they may be about to experience some tough love from their bankrolling parents.” Use it in a sentence.
2. Define the word “upkeep“. “Instead, their parents have been required to pay for their upkeep.” Use it in your own sentence and give two synonyms.
3. What does the expression “to squabble over something” mean? “You know how divorced couples often squabble over who gets custody of the children?” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

1. In your opinion, what factors contribute to these young people becoming “ninis”?
2. How can this be prevented or resolved?
3. What is your stand on the parents’ right to abandon their “nini” children?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Creativity is not a singular moment, but a continuous and iterative journey. It challenges the notion that creativity occurs only in spontaneous events. It involves a deliberate and evolving process.

The summary highlights the importance of consistent effort, exploration, and refinement in fostering creativity, urging individuals to view it as an ongoing journey rather than a one-time occurrence.

Read the article below and be ready to answer the questions that follow.

Vocabulary Questions:

1. What does “train of thought” mean? “The falling apple was merely the beginning of a train of thought that continued for decades.” Use it in your own sentence. 
2. What does the idiomatic expression “eureka moment” mean? “It is a symbol of the inspired genius that fills your brain during those “eureka moments” when creative conditions are just right.” Use the expression in your own sentence.
3. What does the expression “to wrestle with something” mean? “Newton isn’t the only one to wrestle with a great idea for years.” Give 2 synonyms and use ‘to wrestle with something’ in a sentence. 

Discussion Questions:

1. Share a personal experience when you had a “eureka moment” or a flash of creative brilliance. How did that moment influence your perspective on creativity?
2. Discuss the notion that creativity is a process that requires years of commitment and deliberate practice. How do you approach the long-term development of your creative skills or talents?
3. The article suggests that being in the top 1 percent of intelligence doesn’t necessarily correlate with being fantastically creative. How do you perceive the relationship between intelligence and creative thinking? Share examples that support or challenge this idea.
4. Share practical strategies mentioned in the article, such as constraining oneself, writing more, broadening knowledge, and embracing positive thinking. Which strategies resonate with you, and how do you apply them in your creative pursuits?
5. How does maintaining a positive mindset contribute to thinking more broadly and making creative connections between ideas in your experience?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

People’s viewpoints on romantic love typically shift as they age, leading some aged individuals to choose a life free of being in search of such attachments.

For these people, abandoning their quest for affection is not a sign of withdrawal, but rather an intentional choice based on an overwhelming feeling of confidence and contentment with their independence. They find satisfaction in their freedom and autonomy, liberated of the social demands and pressures that surround romantic relationships.

Visit the link for additional information.

https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2022/may/16/a-new-start-after-60-alone-for-the-first-time-in-my-life-i-learned-how-to-be-happy

Vocabulary Questions:

1. What does “a feel good story” mean in the sentence, “And it’s a feel good story that shatters all of our stereotypes.”? Use this in your own sentence.
2. What does “in the greater world” mean in the sentence, “Rather than feeling lonely, she has realized that “there is so much connection available in the greater world,” said Ms. McCollough, who lives in Ludlow, Mass.”? Use this in your own sentence.
3. What does “a pang of loneliness” mean in the sentence, “Occasionally, she feels a pang of loneliness, coming home to her silent house after a family get-together.”? Use this in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

1. How has your perspective on romantic relationships shifted as you’ve gotten older? Tell me more.
2. What are some of the benefits you’ve experienced from being single and focusing on yourself? Please share.
3. How do you maintain a sense of fulfillment and happiness while being unattached romantically?
4. Have you faced any societal pressures or judgments regarding your decision to prioritize your own happiness over finding a partner? Please share.
5. What advice would you give to others who may be considering giving up the search for romantic love in favor of self-assurance and satisfaction?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

A doppelgänger, derived from the German words “doppel” (meaning double) and “gänger” (meaning goer), refers to a mysterious and often unsettling phenomenon of encountering one’s exact look-alike or identical double. This concept has deep roots in folklore and mythology, with various cultures interpreting it differently.

In literature and popular culture, encountering a doppelgänger is often associated with foreboding omens or supernatural occurrences. The doppelgänger motif has been explored in numerous stories and films, highlighting the psychological and sometimes eerie implications of coming face-to-face with one’s identical counterpart. The phenomenon adds a layer of mystery and intrigue, provoking questions about identity, fate, and the blurred boundaries between reality and the supernatural.

Read the article below, listen to the short audio, and be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/do-you-have-a-doppelg%C3%A4nger-/7467075.html

Vocabulary Questions:

1. What does “dead ringer” mean in the sentence, “My best friend in college is a dead ringer for George Clooney? When we’re out in public, he gets asked for his autograph all the time.” Use it in your sentence. 
2. What does the word “mirror image” mean in the sentence, “Well, if you weren’t there, then I ran into your doppelgänger. She was a mirror image of you!? Give two synonyms or similar expressions and use “mirror image” in your own words. 
3. What does the expression “to trade places with someone” mean in the sentence, “I wish I could trade places with my doppelgänger!“? Use it in a sentence. 

Discussion Questions:

1. How do cultural beliefs and folklore influence the perception of doppelgängers, and do such beliefs exist in your culture?
2. English often borrows words from other languages. Can you think of other words in English that have been borrowed and adapted from different languages? What impact does this linguistic borrowing have on language evolution?
3. Have you ever personally encountered someone who looks remarkably similar to you or someone you know? Share your experience and reactions.
4. How would you react if someone told you they met your doppelgänger? Do you find the idea intriguing or unsettling?
5. Doppelgängers often carry symbolic meanings. What do you think the concept of a doppelgänger represents in a broader sense, beyond physical resemblance?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Art has long been recognized as a therapeutic outlet for emotional pain and heartbreak. When faced with the devastation of a broken heart, many individuals turn to art as a means of healing and self-expression. Engaging in artistic endeavors can provide solace, allowing one to process their emotions and find catharsis.

Doing art after a heartbreak is not only therapeutic but also transformative. It enables individuals to process their emotions, communicate their experiences, and embark on a journey of self-discovery. Through artistic expression, one can find solace amidst the pain and emerge stronger than before.

Appreciate what a broken heart can accomplish. Read this article and listening to the song “Somebody That I Used To Know”.

Vocabulary Questions:

1. What does “a sight to behold” mean? “And Gotye’s literal mouth is a sight to behold, up there in the pantheon of legendary singers’ mouths like Mick Jagger and Steven Tyler.” Give two synonyms/similar expressions and use ‘a sight to behold’ in a sentence.
2. What does the phrase  “foil for someone/something” mean? “Indeed, the addition of female singer Kimbra offers the song depth, a different perspective, and a foil to [sic]] the track.” Give two synonyms/similar expressions and use ‘foil for someone/something’ in a sentence.
3. What does “interplay” mean? “Who is the good person, and who is the bad person? The interplay is marvelous.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

1. What do you think of the song and the story behind it?
2. What might be some things people commonly do when they go through a breakup, especially a bad one?
3. When you’re feeling quite low, what do you usually do?
4. What are your thoughts on productivity getting affected by emotions?
5. Share an experience of yours where you were able to accomplish something due to a rather low point in your life.

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Human beings are social creatures, constantly seeking connection and validation from others. As a result, we often find ourselves thinking about what other people say. This phenomenon can be attributed to several factors.

The reason why we think about what other people say stems from our desire for acceptance and belonging, the influence of societal norms and expectations, as well as our innate need for information and learning.

While it is important to consider the opinions of others in order to grow personally and socially, it is equally crucial to maintain a sense of individuality and critical thinking in order to make informed decisions that align with our own values and beliefs.

This article will teach you the 6 ways to care less about what other people think.

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/6-ways-care-less-what-other-people-think-you-mert-damlapinar-/

Vocabulary Questions:

1. What does “bereft” mean?  “In other words, our worrying about what others think of us stems from the fear that we may be bereft of friends or intimacy.” Use it in your own sentence.
2. What does “naysayer” mean?  “It’s always easier to be yourself and feels good about life when you’re surrounded by people who uplift and inspire you, rather than spending your days surrounded by naysayers and negative people who suck the energy out of your dreams.” Use it in your own sentence.
3. What does  the phrase “to stand in one’s way” mean? “We all have different needs and different paths to pursue, so don’t let your fear of what others think to stand in your way.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘to stand in one’s way’ in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

1. What do you think is the hardest thing to accomplish, out of the six ways the article mentioned to care less about what other people say?
2. How can one care less about what others think?
3. “All the world is not a stage; you just think it is.” What are your thoughts?
4. How come what other people think matters? or does it not? What are your thoughts?
5. Can you think of a time when you proved the naysayers wrong or had to overcome your fears about what others might think of you? Share your experience.

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Finding one’s purpose in life provides a sense of direction, fulfillment, and meaning. It allows us to navigate through the complexities and challenges that we encounter on our journey. Without a clear purpose, life may seem aimless and devoid of significance.

In life, struggles are inevitable. They shape our character, test our resilience, and ultimately determine our success. However, not all struggles are created equal. Some are worth enduring for the sake of personal growth and fulfillment, while others may be futile or even detrimental to our well-being. Therefore, it is crucial to identify what we are truly willing to struggle for.

Throughout our existence, we are constantly bombarded with questions. Some are simple and trivial, while others are profound and thought-provoking. These questions shape our understanding of the world and help us navigate through life’s complexities.

Discover which question is most important for us to ask ourselves by reading this article.

https://markmanson.net/question

Vocabulary Questions:

1. What does the phrase  “delayed gratification” mean, “People want to be rich without the risk, without the sacrifice, without the delayed gratification necessary to accumulate wealth.”?  Use this in your own sentence.
2. What does “to morph” mean in the sentence, “They settle and wonder “What if?” for years and years until the question morphs from “What if?” into “Was that it?”? Use this in your own sentence.
3. What does the phrase  “emotional turbulence” mean, “But you don’t end up attracting someone amazing without appreciating the emotional turbulence that comes with weathering rejections, building the sexual tension that never gets released, and staring blankly at a phone that never rings.“? Use this in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

1. In contemplating your life, what are the usual questions you ask to yourself?
2. What pain do you want in your life? What are you willing to struggle for?
3. What is your opinion about this, “What we get out of life is not determined by the good feelings we desire, but by what bad feelings we’re willing and able to sustain to get us to those good feelings.”?
4. “To get good at dealing with negative experiences is to get good at dealing with life.” Do you agree? Share your perspective.
5. Share your thoughts on this, “People want to be rich without the risk, without the sacrifice, without the delayed gratification necessary to accumulate wealth.“.

B2 – Upper Intermediate

In the pressures of everyday life, it’s easy to lose sight of the seemingly insignificant pleasures that surround us. But the key to joyfulness may be less difficult than you think.

It’s often the small things that make the biggest impact. From savoring a warm cup of coffee to taking a moment of solitude to reflect, or even just simply making a mindful choice to treat others with kindness and respect. These little things have the potential to unleash immense joy.

Click the link to learn how paying attention to these fleeting moments can transform our lives, making each day more wonderful and fulfilling.

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/expert-backed-micro-acts-joy-happier_l_65b183bfe4b04d89950fbc46

Vocabulary Questions:

1. What does “zest for life” mean in the sentence, “During the cold days of winter and through the tough realities that many of us face on a daily basis, it’s hard to feel a zest for life.”? Use this in your own sentence.
2. What does “bang for your buck” mean in the sentence, ““That is going to give you the biggest bang for your buck in terms of the investment of time and effort that you’re putting into it,” Bono said.””? Use this in your own sentence.
3. What does “to get/be trapped in a cycle” mean in the sentence, “Otherwise, it’s easy to get trapped in the cycle of bad news.”? Use this in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

1. Can you recall a recent experience of awe or wonder, such as being in nature or witnessing something creatively inspiring? Please share.
2. In what ways do you practice gratitude, and how does it influence your perspective on life? Tell me more.
3. Can you think of a recent situation where choosing kindness made a positive difference, either for you or someone else? Please share.
4. How do you balance your attention between negative news and positive aspects of life to avoid getting trapped in a cycle of negativity bias?
5. Reflecting on the article, what micro-acts of joy resonate with you, and how might you incorporate them into your daily life?