Tag: People and Human Interest

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?

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.