Tag: People and Human Interest

Silent People Are Successful

B2 – Upper Intermediate

They say silent people have the loudest minds because they rather think of ideas than talk. They rather plan productive things rather than engage in discussions. Do you agree with this?

Let us learn more about the reasons why it is said that silent people are successful.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is the difference between introvert and extrovert?
  2. Are you an introvert or extrovert?
  3. According to the video, what are the three reasons why silent people are successful? Explain each reason.
  4. Do you agree that silent people are successful? Why or why not?
  5. Talk about a person you know who keeps it to themselves but is extremely successful.

Why You Should Use Food Delivery Apps During The Pandemic

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Due to the coronavirus crisis, a lot has been changing in the food sector. People have replaced dining out with take-out and delivery meals. As a result, more customers and restaurants are relying on apps for transporting food . It has now gained popularity and consumers all over the world are downloading and using food delivery apps to buy groceries and food during the pandemic. 

Read the article and be able to discuss the questions that follow.

Why You Should Use Food Delivery Apps During The Pandemic

Discussion Questions:

  1. Have you ever used delivery apps to have food delivered in your home? What do you think of it?
  2. Do you agree with the advantages of using food delivery apps mentioned in the article? Why or why not?
  3. In your own opinion, what are the pros and cons of using delivery apps for consumers and business owners?
  4. Is food delivery gaining popularity in your country? Why or why not?

Shakira Sells the Rights to Her Music

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Shakira is undeniably one of the most popular Latin artists of all time. Hips Don’t Lie, Whenever, Wherever and She Wolf are just some her most famous songs. 

We have seen many artists fight for rights to their songs but in other instances, they actually are the ones who sell them to big music companies and Shakira has recently decided to sell the rights to her songs to Hipgnosis.

Curious to know why she did it? Read the full article below.

https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-55645178

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think about Shakira’s decision to sell the rights to her music?
  2. Is this a good deal for both parties (Shakira and Hipgnosis)?
  3. For artists, what are the benefits of selling music? Why are artists selling their music?
  4. If you were an artist like Shakira, do you think you would do the same?
  5. Who is your favorite musician? Talk about their music and artistry.

How Craving Attention Makes You Less Creative

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Joseph Gordon-Levitt explains why our creativity is becoming more of a means to an end and that end is to get attention. When social media exploded, suddenly everybody wanted to show-off and get attention.

If we let our creativity be driven by a desire to get attention then we’ll never be creatively fulfilled.

Watch this video to find out why paying attention could make us happier than getting attention.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you know people who love to show-off?
  2. Why do you think people like seeking attention?
    How can it be bad for them?
  3. How much attention do you give to your social media accounts?
    Why does social media somehow trains our mind to crave for attention?
  4. Why do you think it’s necessary to see other creative people not as your competitors but as collaborators?

Why Do We Choose to Text Instead of Talk?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Don’t call until you’ve texted to confirm it’s okay to call. This is one of the cardinal rules of communicating. In general, people prefer to text rather than to call but if we take a closer look at it, calling is much more convenient than texting. You take your phone out, dial the number, then talk to the person on the other end of the line. Also, miscommunication tends to happen more often with texting than calling. So why do we still prefer to text?

Let’s listen to the audio to know some of the reasons why people are more inclined to text rather than talk.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Which form of communication do you prefer: texting or talking? Why?
  2. Have you experienced being misunderstood because of some text that you sent? Describe the experience.
  3. Do you agree or disagree that texting is changing how we interact with each other?
  4. What are the situations in which talking would be a better option than texting?
  5. What are the pros and cons of texting and talking?
  6. What are the possible consequences if we rely too much on texting to convey our messages to others?

Righteousness

B2 – Upper Intermediate

There’s a saying that “Righteousness and Wisdom will keep us safe on earth”. People tend to forget this because most of us are busy and so concentrated in living our lives and thinking and achieving the things that are only best for and will benefit us.

Some often forget to be more considerate and kind to others just because they only consider themselves.

In this inspiring story, we will somehow realize why being righteous will help us in instances that we can never imagine.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is righteousness?
  2. How do you show being righteous to other people?
  3. How did “righteousness” save the duke’s life?
  4. Explain the meaning of “Doing the right thing, the right way for the right reasons”.
  5. Do you know a self-righteous person? How do you deal with him/her?

A Tale About Honesty

B2 – Upper Intermediate

“Honesty is the best policy” this is one of the most popular sayings that we often hear. Though, it’s a popular one, most of us fail to be honest not because we want to but because we don’t want to hurt other people. But some do this plainly to deceive others to make money and skyrocket to fame.

This story teaches us a lesson that honesty is not more than lying. It is truth-telling, truth-speaking, truth-living and truth-loving.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How do you define honesty?
  2. What are white lies?
  3. Is there a time that you lie to someone?
  4. Do you know a person who lied so much?
  5. How do you deal with a liar person?

Apartment Contracts

B1 – Intermediate

Looking for a new apartment can be both exciting and stressful. There are a lot of properties to choose from. Work doesn’t end when you finally settle on a property. It actually has just begun…. There are a lot of things to consider.

Watch this video and learn the things you need to remember when moving to a new place.

Apartment Contracts

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is Randall doing in the video?
  2. What are Randall’s 3 tips on moving into a new apartment?
  3. Add some more tips about moving to a new place.
  4. Are you currently renting an apartment? Are you familiar with the contract terms and conditions? Do you think they are fair?
  5. What apartment floor do you prefer to live on?

How to Figure Out What You Really Want

B2 – Upper Intermediate

When life throws us curveballs, we suddenly learn to stop taking risks and start being afraid. We become afraid of failures and scared of criticism.

We are scared to put ourselves out there and do what we really want. Oftentimes, we get frustrated that we can’t leave our toxic jobs because we don’t know what we truly want yet.

Watch Ashley Stahl as she shares her 3 key steps to help you connect to your ideal career path.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on this statement: “People who call themselves realists are often just dreamers, who got their hearts broken somewhere along the way”?
  2. Do you follow your gut feeling?
  3. What is a joy journal?
  4. What skill set are you using when you’re inspired?
  5. What do you know that you wish you didn’t know?

Stress Baking During US Election

B1 – Intermediate

Often, talks about politics cause stress on some people. Americans were under a lot of stress due to the last election in their country. They had to find a way to release all those stress.

Read the lesson to find out what they did to cope with their stress.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2011/201105-stress-baking-1.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why is baking and making bread helpful in fighting stress and anxiety? 
  2. What is your opinion on using baking as a stress reliever?
  3. What hobbies/activities did you do because of stress?
  4. What do you normally do during stressful situations at work?
  5. What is the most stressful day for you this year?
  6. What are some causes of your stress nowadays?