Tag: People and Human Interest

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Have you ever seen a squirrel before? And if so, have you ever thought that small creatures like them could have an advanced brain?

Probably not right? Well, think again. As of recent, squirrels have been proven to be incredibly smart. Want to know how that is?

Let’s watch this video to find out if squirrels are really smart.

Discussion Questions:

1. After watching the video, do you partially understand the intelligence of squirrels? After watching this video, do you now think that some humans are possibly not as intelligent as squirrels? Explain your thoughts.
2. Do you believe that squirrels can fall from any height and survive? Explain your stand.
3. What animal do you know of that possesses such wits? What are they capable of doing?

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

Everybody is just going forward so afraid to get stuck. While this pandemic opened our eyes to endless possible ideas, it has also made us realize how strong, resilient, and brave we can be in times of hardships. It has made us rethink our life decisions and ponder whether we have truly lived to our fullest potential. It has made us answer one big question: Are you genuinely happy with the kind of life that you’ve lived so far?

Watch the video on the four things this pandemic has taught all of us.

Discussion Questions:

1. What has this pandemic taught you?
2. How has your work/life changed since the pandemic?
3. What struggles have you experienced working from home?
4. How can you be a better employee this year?
5. What difference can you make?

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

Grit can make or break your future. Studies show that grittier kids have a higher chance of succeeding simply because they persevere even when they fail.

Watch this video and know about the strongest predictor of success.

Discussion Questions:

1. Explain “Grit”? Do you agree or disagree with her that looks, physical health, IQ, etc. aren’t the greatest predictor of success?
2. Who do you consider is successful and why?
3. What’s the greatest failure you’ve ever had and what did you learn from it?
4. Do you still persevere in difficult times? How do you do it? What’s the most difficult circumstance you’ve ever had to persevere with?
5. How do you motivate yourself? Do you have a growth mindset?

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

Talk is never cheap. It takes a lot of effort to make a good conversation. Some are not very good at carrying conversations while some are just naturally born with it.

Watch the 10 basic rules on how to have a better conversation:

Discussion Questions:

1. Talk about the tips/rules mentioned in the video that you’d likely start using/doing.
2. Talk about the tips/rules mentioned in the video that you disagree with.
3. Why is it important to be interested in what others have to say?
4. Is it difficult for you to make a conversation with a stranger? Why or why not?
5. Talk about an important conversation you have ever had in your life.
6. What do you do to improve your communication skills?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

A carnival is a fun place where people have fun and play games but have you ever played any carnival games before? Have you ever experienced winning and losing those games?

We all have probably heard of carnival games being scams. The question is, how are they ripping us off?

Do they glue bottles so we can’t knock them down, do they make it impossible to land a shot on a net, or do they do something subtle so they make a lot of money?

To understand this, take a look at this video.

Discussion Questions:

1. Do you actually think carnival games are a scam? Explain your stand.
2. Do you agree with the points made in the video? Yes or no? Explain your opinion.
3. What are the things that this video taught you about carnivals games and the science behind them?
4. Do you think you have higher probability of winning a prize at carnival games after watching this video?
5. Talk about any of your fond/unforgettable memories at carnivals.

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Pain and stress are the usual feelings that we encounter whenever we have problems. These are inevitable feelings that humans experience.

Stress is the garbage of the modern life. All of us will suffer from it, but if you don’t cope with it properly, it will pile up and overtake your life.

Stress and confusion come from being busy. Sometime the most productive thing to do is to let go and relax.

Watch this video on how to let go of our stress and pains.

Discussion Questions:

1. How often do you feel stressed or in (emotional) pain?
2. What are the things that make you stressed? How do you deal with it?
3. How does the speaker compare the glass of water to a person’s stress or pain? Do you agree with him?
4. What are your stress relievers?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Laughter has a lot of benefits not only to our health but also to people around us. There’s a saying that laughter is and will always be, the best therapy.

According to John Cleese, laughter connects us to people. It’s almost impossible to maintain any kind of distance or any sense of social hierarchy when you’re just always howling with laughter.

In this video, you’ll know the story of the three laughing monks and how they connect and affect other people’s lives.

Discussion Questions:

1. What is the summary of the story?
2. Are you a serious person or a jolly one?
3. What was the funniest moment that ever happened in your life? Can you tell the story?
4. How often do you meet and laugh with your family and friends?
5. What usually makes you laugh?