Tag: People and Human Interest

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Have you ever heard of memes? It has been considered as the language of the internet. Merriam-Webster defines meme as an amusing or interesting item (such as a captioned picture or video) or genre of items that is spread widely online especially through social media thought to bring light to this trying time. However, internet memes do not only exist to entertain us with the use of the images, but it also could be used to mock or far worst, be the source of disinformation.

Watch the video below and learn more about memes.

Discussion Questions:

1. Do memes amuse you or the contrary? Explain your stand.

2.  How often do you see memes on the internet or your social media accounts? Do they help you feel better and make our world less scary or do they too often cross the line?

3. How do we know if a meme crossed the line?

4. Do you appreciate meme culture? Why or why not?

5.  Does meme culture connect you to a larger internet community?

6.  What are the advantages and possible dangers of this format?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

In the early months of 1692, Reverend Samuel Parris’ daughter and niece became ill. Despite the help of the village doctor, their conditions did not improve. He then diagnosed the two children of bewitchment. What happened next was a result of paranoia about the supernatural, misdirected religious fervor, and a broken justice system that valued repentance over the truth.

Watch the video to find out more about the witch trials in Salem, Massachusetts.

Discussion Questions:

1. How did the justice system work in the Salem witch trial?
2. What is a false confession?
3. Have you heard of cases wherein innocent people where convicted of a crime they did not commit?
4. In our present society where the children are generally considered to be credible witnesses, do you think the same mistake might be committed again?
5. What are your thoughts when the justice system values repentance over the truth?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Tipping is important social custom in some countries but can be super confusing too. When and how much to tip depends on a number of factors, including the situation, service, or even the location. Tipping is not about generosity. Tipping used to be about gratitude for good service but as the minimum wage never increased, workers have to resort to depending on it to have a bit more on top of their basic pay.

Watch this video to learn more about tipping.

Discussion Questions:

1. Is tipping a part of your culture?
2. What is tipping for you? What part of tipping confuses you?
3. Is it necessary to tip?
4. When and how much do you usually tip?
5. Why do you think tipping became a part of some countries’ norm?

B2 – Upper-Intermediate

There are tons of successful people and they have different stories to tell. My personal favorite is the ones who didn’t get their success overnight. Those who fought hard to achieve everything they want.

Successful people struggled too. They have struggled but they continued. They have doubted themselves countless times but every night, they still envision themselves winning. They don’t just give up easily and that’s what makes them different.

Here’s a motivational speech from Les Brown:

Discussion Questions:

1. What can you say about Les Brown’s story?
2. Why do people quit on their dreams?
3. Have you ever doubted yourself? Cite your experience.
4. What does Les Brown mean when he said, “You have to stay hungry”?
5. Talk about the lowest point in your life and how you overcame it?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

A lot of people wants to be successful but only a few are willing to take actions. It takes a lot of courage to go after what you want despite uncertainties. The thought of going out of your comfort zone could be really challenging but sometimes, you just have to take a leap and decide that you no longer want to be mediocre.

It can be tiring and scary chasing after your goals but then you won’t mind any of that anymore because you are chasing the right thing: your passion.

Watch the video on how Steve Harvey pursued his dreams.

Discussion Questions:

1. Why going out of your comfort zone could be beneficial?
2. What does success mean to you? What are you passionate about?
3. Why do you think some people would settle for something familiar than something new?
4. What are the things that drive you to pursue your dreams?
5. Talk about the things that you’ve done for your dreams.
6. What are the things that could one do to find his/her passion?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Our reaction to all the things that are happening in our lives has a really great impact on what will happen to our future. We make decisions and act according to what and how we feel presently. Our perspective in different situations might make or break us. After all, they say that a negative mind will never give you a positive life.

Let us find out what happened to the old lady on how changing her perspective helped her a lot in having a happy life.

Discussion Questions:

1. Can you tell the summary of the story of the old lady?
2. What is perspective?
3. Are you an optimist or a pessimist?
4. What did the monk advise her?
5. Do you agree with the monk?
6. If you are to give an advise to the old lady, what will you tell her?
7. How do you deal with the negative things that are happening in your life?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Many people are struggling from depression and the worst part is they are dealing with it just by themselves. Causes of it are usually bad experiences and misfortunes.

However, this woman was able to cope up with this in spite of all the challenges she had to go through. And now, she’s known as one of the most famous writers not only in her country but all around the globe.

Discussion Questions:

1. Why do you think the title of the video is “I Can’t Do It”?
2. How do you cope up with sad moments in life?
3. What can you say about the story of JK Rowling?
4. What have you learned from JK Rowling’s life story?
5. Are you a fan of Harry Potter? What is your favorite part of the novel? Why?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Educating yourself is one of the best things you can do to help yourself grow and become knowledgeable. There is a saying that goes, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world “.

The story in this video will somehow prove us that education can really change the world.

Discussion Questions:

1. What can you say about the story of Frederick Douglass?
2. How was education instrumental to his life?
3. How has education helped you in your life?
4. How will you explain Frederick Douglass’ famous saying “If there is no struggle, there is no progress”.
5. Do you believe that education is powerful? Explain your answer or cite example situations.