Tag: People and Human Interest

Micro-Acts of Joy

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?

The History of Poker

B2 – Upper Intermediate

“Poker face” is a term which means an impassive expression in order to hide one’s true feelings. The term dates back to the latter half of the 1800s as a strategy employed by poker players to make their opponents believe that they are holding different cards.

Let’s watch the video and know more about the history of poker.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is the meaning of “battle of nerves“? “From its earliest incarnations, poker has always been a battle of nerves.” Use it in your own sentence.
  2. What does “hand” mean in this context, “They would then wager on whether or not they had the best hand — either adding more money to the pot or folding and forfeiting their chance to win it. “ Use it in a sentence.
  3. Define the word “guile“. “This winning combination of guile, guts, and gambling caught on quickly.” Use it in a sentence and give two synonyms.

Discussion Questions:

  1. In your opinion, what makes poker a battle of nerves?
  2. What are your thoughts on poker?
  3. Do you play poker (or any other card game)? Why or why not?
  4. What tactics in poker can you apply in real-life?
  5. Where else can the ‘game theory’ be applied?
  6. Share your thoughts on this statement: “Poker is here to stay.“.

Muggers Target Luxury Winter Coats

B1 – Intermediate

Among all the types of crimes, the incidence of mugging has recently increased in some countries, among them, the UK. A new crime trend is emerging, though.

More victims have reported being robbed of their branded coats that cost thousands of pounds.

Read the article about the latest muggings wherein people’s luxury coats were stolen from them. Be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2401/240108-winter-coat-muggings-4.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “mugging” mean? “A criminologist in the U.K. warned that the muggings were the start of a new “luxury crime trend”.” Give two synonyms or similar expressions and  use ‘mugging’ in your own sentence.
  2. What does ”knifepoint” mean in this context, ”In recent weeks, people have had their coats stolen at knifepoint.”? Use this expression in a sentence in the same context.
  3. What does it mean when something is “a real concern”? “A London Transport spokesperson said the muggings were “a real concern“.” Give two synonyms or similar expressions and make a sentence using the expression ‘a real concern’.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your reaction to this news about this current luxury crime trend?
  2. Is this crime trend also happening in your country? Talk about it.
  3. What might be the reasons the incidence of this type of crime is increasing? How can it be prevented or stopped?
  4. What comes to your mind when you hear the word ‘mugging’?
  5. Have you any experience getting mugged? What happened, what was stolen from you, and what did you do?

Stop Seeing Laziness as a Bad Thing

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Laziness has always been considered negative. However, from a totally different perspective, being lazy isn’t necessarily a bad thing.

Having lazy bones can, in fact, foster efficiency, creativity, and prioritization. Embracing occasional laziness promotes rest, mindfulness, and quality over quantity, preventing burnout, and encouraging adaptability.

Striking a balance allows for a more thoughtful and effective approach to life’s demands.

Read the article below and have a better understanding as to why being lazy isn’t always bad and be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://www.fastcompany.com/90416439/why-being-lazy-isnt-always-a-bad-thing

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the idiom “to fall off the agenda” mean in the sentence, “Today, mere survival has fallen off the agenda, and it is long-term vision and commitment that lead to the best outcomes?” Use it in your sentence.
  2. What does the idiomatic expression “written into our genes” mean in the sentence, “But it could be that laziness is written into our genes?” Give a sentence using the expression.
  3. What does the expression “rat race” mean in the sentence, “But strategic idleness is a high art and hard to pull off—not least because we are programmed to panic the moment we step out of the rat race?” Use it in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Can laziness be seen as a form of self-preservation, especially in today’s world where burnout is a prevalent concern? Explain.
  2. How does the connection between laziness and poverty impact the understanding of an individual’s work ethic?
  3. How do psychological factors like fear and hopelessness contribute to the manifestation of laziness in individuals?
  4. How does the modern concept of busyness, even when imposed, affect our perception of self-worth and happiness?
  5. Can laziness, in certain cases, be a manifestation of a deeper existential dilemma, as suggested by Albert Camus and others? Share your opinion.

Fans Talk about Their Passions

B2 – Upper Intermediate

If you admire or like something like a sport, a music band, or a hobby, then you can consider yourself a fan. But because of technology, we are able to express our shared passions with other fans online.

Being a part of a fandom is more than being a simple fan, but it is being an avid supporter of a particular celebrities, team, fictions, and others that you belong in something that is considered as a community or subculture.

Listen to the podcast below as they talk about how fans talk about their passions.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to tap into something” mean? “It taps into that ancient human impulse to belong to a group of like-minded people.” Use this idiom in a sentence.
  2. What do “BIRGing” and “CORFing” stand for and what is the difference between the two expressions”? “The antithesis of BIRGing is CORFing which means ‘Cutting Off Reflected Failure’ and that is what people sometimes do when their team loses“. Use”BIRGing” and “CORFing” in your own sentences.
  3. What is the meaning of “a piece/a slice of the action“? “When your team wins everyone wants a bit of the action, you take to the streets; dance around.”  Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and make your own sentence using the term ‘a piece/a slice of the action’.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on “fandom”?
  2. Are there misconceptions about fandom you know of?
  3. Share about a time you realized that you were more than just a casual fan.
  4. When do you think being a fan is no longer healthy?
  5. How do you think someone should behave in a fandom community?
  6. Who or what are you so passionate about? How do you showcase your admiration for it? Would you like to share it with others in a fandom community?

Very Special Wedding Dress 

B1 – Intermediate

A “very special wedding dress” is like adding a personal touch to your big day. It could be a dress with special meaning, a unique design, or even one made from surprising stuff.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about a very special wedding dress.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/very-special-wedding-dress-level-3/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “masterpiece” mean in the sentence, “Designers are only allowed to use toilet paper, glue, tape, needles, and thread to create their masterpieces.“? Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “twist” mean in this sentence, “The competition offers a more creative twist to bridal attire and the competitors are always excited as they make it down to the final 10 out of over a thousand hopefuls.“? Use it in a sentence.
  3. How is the word “hopeful” used in the sentence “The competition offers a more creative twist to bridal attire and the competitors are always excited as they make it down to the final 10 out of over a thousand hopefuls.“? Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. In your opinion, why might some people prefer unique or unconventional elements in their weddings?
  2. What is your opinion on very “unique” wedding dresses?
  3. How might events that encourage artistic expression, such as the wedding dress contest, contribute to the broader appreciation of art and creativity?
  4. If you were given the challenge to create something unique for a wedding, what would you choose, and why?

Make Smart Decisions More Easily

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Every single thing our bodies do — be it physical or mental— requires energy. We might not notice it, but making decisions, even if it is as simple as what to eat, what to wear, etc., takes up a lot of our energy. Imagine how much more exhausted our brains get when are constantly faced with complex matters that need our deciding prowess. 

Based on numerous research, some people tend to have a “daily threshold for making decisions”. Very long periods of time of making decisions can cause us to suffer from cognitive exhaustion or decision fatigue.

Watch the video to know more about decision fatigue and learn some ways on how to avoid it.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does it mean for “to meet the threshold“? “Once that threshold is met, most people make the conscious choice to “take it easy” and save serious thinking about any new decisions for another day.” Use this expression in your own sentence.
  2. What does “to save something for another day” mean? “Once that threshold is met, most people make the conscious choice to “take it easy” and save serious thinking about any new decisions for another day.” Use this idiom in your own sentence.
  3. What does the adjective “taxing” mean here, “For example, choosing what to eat for breakfast isn’t very taxing.”? Give two synonyms or similar expressions and make a sentence using ‘taxing’.

Discussion Questions:

  1. “Individuals have a daily threshold for decision-making.” In your opinion or personal experience, when is it the best time to just choose to “take it easy” and why so? In other words, what is your decision-making threshold?
  2. What is your process when it comes to decision-making?
  3. What factors affect your decisions, whether minor or big ones?
  4. What are ways we can avoid decision fatigue?
  5. Share your thoughts on this: “Many researchers are especially concerned about decision fatigue in medicine.”.

Experts Figure What to Focus On

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Experts often determine what to focus on through a combination of experience, knowledge, and strategic thinking. 

In essence, experts use a blend of knowledge, experience, analysis, and adaptability to determine what to focus on in their respective domains. They often prioritize based on the bigger picture, understanding how their actions contribute to overarching goals or solve critical problems.

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

How Experts Figure What to Focus On

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is the meaning of the idiom “cast a wide net”? “If you want to master and deeply understand the core fundamentals of a task you may, paradoxically, need to start by casting a very wide net.” Use in your own sentence.
  2. What does the phrasal verb “whittle something down” mean? “Then you need to edit those words and whittle them down to the most powerful version possible.” Use in your own sentence.
  3. What does “make a call” mean in this context, “Even when you do measure things, however, there comes a point where you have to make a call and decide what to focus on.”? Use this expression in your own words.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Share your thoughts on this, “Focus is a core factor of success.“
  2. What methods or strategies do you think experts use to prioritize their tasks or goals effectively?
  3. Can you share an instance where you had to decide what to focus on? How did you approach this decision-making process?
  4. From your perspective, what could be some common challenges experts face when figuring out what to focus on in their respective fields?
  5. The text mentions the author’s Year of Many Errors. What role do you think failure plays in helping experts refine their focus or direction?
  6. What role does consistent practice or repetition play in an expert’s ability to determine their focus and master their field?

What Do You Love Most about Your Home?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

“What do you love most about your home?” explores the intimate and personal connections individuals have with their living spaces. It delves into the multifaceted reasons why people cherish their homes, highlighting key themes such as comfort, functionality, location, and the nostalgic value of memories.

Through anecdotes and reflections from various individuals, it celebrates the emotional significance of different aspects of home life, whether it’s the coziness of a favorite corner, the adaptability of spaces for work or leisure, the importance of location and community ties, or the treasure trove of memories embedded within the walls. Overall, it emphasizes the diverse and profound reasons why our homes hold such a special place in our hearts.

Read the article about on what we all love most about our homes and be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://hathways.co.uk/blog/what-do-you-love-most-about-your-home/10594

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is the meaning of the adjective “tight-knit”? “I’ve recently moved back to Caerleon and I finally feel ‘home’, being close to my friends and family in a tight-knit community is what I love most about my new house“. Use it in your sentence.
  2. What is the meaning of the idiomatic expression “There’s no place like home”? “As Dorothy once said, “There’s no place like home” and for many of us the area in which we live is what makes our house feel like home“. Use it in a sentence.
  3. What is the meaning of the adjective “roaring”? “I love my new roll-top bath and sitting in front of my roaring log burner”. Use it in your own words.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How important is it for you to have a space at home that provides comfort and relaxation?
  2. How do functional spaces at home impact your daily life, especially considering changes in work or lifestyle habits?
  3. Do you feel a strong connection to your community, and how does that influence your perception of your home?
  4. Has your perception of “home” evolved over time? If so, in what ways?
  5. What factors influence how you define and appreciate your home now compared to the past?

New Year’s Resolutions Therapists Make

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Ever aspired to experience the delight that comes with accomplishing something?

As the start of the year opens up like a new chapter in a book of infinite possibilities, New Year’s resolutions are a subject that often triggers lively conversations.

The majority of individuals hold the view that resolutions are basically targets that are of little significance to fulfill, but have you taken note of the people who sincerely persist them? They seemed more upbeat and enthusiastic about life, especially to themselves. However, in a world that is frequently marked by complexity, the beneficial transformation along with individual growth that resolutions promise are nearly impossible to achieve.

This article breaks down the process of creating simple, yet extremely effective New Year’s resolutions. Click on the link to learn more about the four New Year’s resolutions therapists make every year.

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/therapists-new-years-resolutions_l_6580d97de4b0e142c0bee637

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “add all of those pieces together” mean in the sentences, “When you add all of those pieces together, a lot of times the resolution ends up being such a contentious point in that individual’s life.”? Use this in your own sentence.
  2. What does “carve out” mean in the sentence, “I think the best way that I would look at a resolution is what do I want to carve out for myself that I would love to see happen or even commence within the new year.”? Use this in your own sentence.
  3. What does “fill your cup” mean in the sentence, “It’s really looking at filling your cup first and making sure you’re full so that you can then be able to help and be of service to others.”? Use this in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Tell me about your views on the concept of New Year’s resolutions.
  2. What specific goals or resolutions do you plan to set for the upcoming year? Please share.
  3. How do you approach the process of creating feasible New Year’s resolutions? Tell me more.
  4. Have you reflected on your past resolutions and their outcomes? What did you learn?
  5. How do you plan to integrate self-care into your routine as part of your New Year’s resolutions?