Tag: People and Human Interest

Japan’s Micro Apartment Boom

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Japan is famous for its minimalist and downsized architecture even though the country has not always been so densely populated. With not enough space in the cities and low budgets for renting or owning a house, many Japanese have chosen to live in these tiny and cramped apartments. Even so, Japanese have created some clever design elements that allow the micro apartment to be a very functional and cozy home.

Watch the video and see what is so special about these micro apartments in Japan:

Discussion Questions:

  1. What brought about the rise in tiny living spaces?
  2. What do you think about micro apartments?
  3. How would you feel living in this tiny apartment?
  4. What do you think are the good things about micro apartments? What are the disadvantages of living in these small apartments?
  5. What are apartments like in your country?

Why Billionaires Wake Up at 4:00 AM

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Before the advent of technology, “early to bed, early to rise” was a way of life. The daily grind followed the dictates of the sun with humans faithfully listening to the body’s natural rhythms of wakefulness and sleep.

Times have changed though. Unusual working hours, smartphone addiction, social media, and the fear of missing out have all contributed to the devaluation of sleep and its being relegated to the wee hours.

But is this wise? Watch the video below before planning your next all-nighter.

Discussion Questions:

  1. According to the video, why do many successful people choose to wake up at four in the morning?
  2. What steps can you take to effectively cultivate the habit of early wakefulness?
  3. If getting up early is so beneficial, why do most people find it difficult to do?
  4. What is generally your mood when you first wake up? Does this set the tone for the rest of your day?
  5. What are the benefits of keeping a sleep schedule more in tune with natural sleep cycles?
  6. What keeps you from getting quality sleep?
  7. Why would knowing your life’s purpose provide you with the impetus for rising early?

Nerds vs Popular Kids: Who Wins in Adulthood?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

We’ve seen movies about high school life where students are divided into popular ones, who are at the top of the hierarchy, the nerds, who are at the bottom and somewhere in between are the less cool kids. The popular ones tend to bully the nerds and the ones in the middle are playing along with it. This is a reality. In all social groups, there are leaders, followers, and the oppressed.

Let’s watch the video and learn more about the likely future of these youngsters.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How would you classify your status when you were still in high school? Were you one of the popular or nerdy ones?
  2. What are your experiences with popular and nerdy kids?
  3. Explain instrumental targeting. Have you been a subject of it? Have you ever used this approach?
  4. Describe the high school reunion effect.
  5. Do you agree with the study that nerds/geeks are more likely to be successful in adulthood?

FBI Interrogation Techniques You Can Actually Use

C1 – Advanced

Have you ever been in a situation where you are certain of what took place but you still feel the need to hear it straight from the horse’s mouth? You are looking for a confession, perhaps to make you think slightly better of the person or to just simply validate what you have already known for so long.

Let’s watch the video and find out some techniques professional interrogators use to get someone to spill the beans.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is the Reid technique? Have you applied it in a personal situation?
  2. In your own opinion, how effective is this technique?
  3. What is the difference between ‘interrogation’ and ‘interview’?
  4. What is the difference between ‘objection’ and ‘denial’?
  5. Talk about a situation where you had to get the truth out of another person.

Ikigai: The Secret to a Long and Happy Life

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Research shows that not knowing why you get up in the morning can greatly affect your wellbeing.

Could finding one’s reason for being have something to do with longevity?

Read more about the secret to a long and happy life from the article below.

https://medium.com/thrive-global/ikigai-the-japanese-secret-to-a-long-and-happy-life-might-just-help-you-live-a-more-fulfilling-9871d01992b7

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on the Japanese concept of ‘Ikigai’?
  2. For you, what are the most important values you try to uphold?
  3. What are some things you like to do? What are the things that you are really good at?
  4. What are other secrets to living a long life do you know of?
  5. What might be the good and bad thing about living a short and long life?
  6. Would you prefer a short but full life or a long but almost mundane one?

Are You an Introvert?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

There are social situations where introverts are being frowned upon. The world seems to prefer people who are always the life and soul of the party who can talk and conduct themselves within groups with ease. It seems that introverts are at a disadvantage here. But how well do we really understand introversion to form a valid opinion about it?

Watch the video below and you might see introverted people in a new light.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What can you say about the quote attributed to Susan Cain, which states “Don’t think of introversion as something that needs to be cured”?
  2. According to the presenter, difference is what makes us powerful, effective, and needed. Why do you think this is?
  3. Do you consider yourself to be introverted? If not, do you know someone who is? What qualities make you or this person an introvert?
  4. How does Susan Cain differentiate introversion from shyness?
  5. What is the biggest mistake an introvert can make?

Are Women More Attractive in Heels?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

It is a common fact that many women do not like to wear high heels as they are uncomfortable and can cause negative health effects on the body. Arguably though, wearing high heels can make you look stylish and more confident.

Nevertheless, does the type of shoes impact on the way women are perceived?

In this social experiment video, we get to answer the question whether women in heels look more attractive to men than those in flats.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you agree or disagree with the conclusion of the experiment? What factors do you think act on and lead to the results of the experiment?
  2. Do you think women are more attractive in heels?
  3. What do you find attractive in a person?
  4. How important is clothing in a person’s attractiveness?
  5. Talk about the type of shoes you are most comfortable wearing.

An Inside Look At Doomsday Bunker Homes

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Many of the world’s elite have reserved and designed their own secret shelters to house their families and staff. These shelters are equipped with protection against everything from bombs to bio-hazards. Many companies around the world are meeting the growing demand for these structures to protect them from any risks while also giving them luxurious amenities.

Watch the video and be able to answer the questions that follow:

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think of these luxurious doomsday bunker homes?
  2. Do you believe in the Apocalypse? How do you feel about it? How would you prepare for it?
  3. If you were one of the elites, would you purchase your own doomsday bunker? How would you want it to be?

Man Claims Apple Turned Him Gay

B2 – Upper Intermediate

A Russian man has filed a lawsuit against Apple for ‘moral harm’ claiming that an iPhone app had turned him gay. According to news, he blamed Apple for pushing him towards homosexuality through manipulation and that the change has caused him moral and mental harm.

It may sound frivolous, but how can an app possibly turn a ‘straight’ man gay? Read below.

https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-49933003

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think of the man’s claim?
  2. How is homosexuality viewed in your country?
  3. In your opinion, what are the factors in the formation of homosexuality?
  4. If you were Apple, how would you respond to this issue?

The Life of a Child Star

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Fame can either make or break individuals. So what if fame comes way too early in life? This could be a struggle of a child celebrity on how to cope with the limelight and tackle the adolescent dilemmas at the same time. The constant harassment of the media, parties, wanting a photograph or an autograph, the pressure to stand out are just some of the dark side to it. Would they go down the pit or successfully be able to make a way back to normal life?

Click the link below to know some reasons why child stars go off the deep end.

https://www.medicalbag.com/home/specialties/pediatrics/the-life-of-a-child-star-why-some-go-crazy-and-others-dont/

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think of a young kid becoming a child star?
  2. If your son/daughter wanted to be a celebrity, would you allow them?
  3. Why do most former child stars hit rock bottom eventually?
  4. What should be done to protect child celebrities from being abused/exploited?
  5. Talk about some famous child stars that you know of.