Tag: People and Human Interest

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?

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?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Most people are excited when they are about to embark on a long-awaited holiday trip. They tend to have a list of things they need for this journey. This list is not limited to the things you need to bring or the travel itinerary. Sometimes, it includes the things you need to do for the things you have to leave behind.

Let’s read the article and know more tips on how to keep your home safe while you are enjoying your holiday elsewhere.

https://www.english-online.at/news-articles/living/how-to-protect-your-home-when-you-go-on-holidays.htm

Vocabulary Questions:

1. What does the phrase “keep in mind” mean? “Here are some things that you should keep in mind when you go on a holiday.” Use it in a sentence and give two synonyms.
2. Define the word “burglar“. “Have motion sensitive lights outside your house that keep burglars away when you are not at home.” Use it in your own sentence.
3. What is the meaning of the adjective “portable“? “Some standard systems can be controlled via your smartphone or portable computer.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

1. How do you try to protect your home when you are away on holiday?
2. Among the tips mentioned in the article, which ones do you find the most and least helpful? Why?
3. Have you heard of cases where people’s homes were broken into while they were on holiday? What happened?
4. What are some fears you have while you are away on holidays? Why?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

To outsiders, the Amish life is both fascinating and shocking. Their way of living does not seem to fit in the modern world we currently live in. However, much of the knowledge we have about this group is not entirely accurate because of the sense of privacy this group upholds. In the USA, several Amish people are straying from their traditional norms and practices.

Let’s read the article and know more as to why some Amish are forced to change their way of living.

https://www.english-online.at/news-articles/people/amish-forced-to-change-lifestyle.htm

Vocabulary Questions:

1. Define the adjective “scarce“. “However, as their traditional farmland is getting scarcer more and more of them are forced to change the way they live and adopt to a new lifestyle.” Give 2 synonyms and use ‘scarce’ in your own sentence.
2. What is the meaning of “far cry” in this context? “Some have even started internet-based shops, a far cry from the typical Amish traditions.” Use it in a sentence and give two synonyms.
3. What is the meaning of the word “breach“? “Normally this means more income for the family, but it also represents a breach of culture and traditions.” Use it in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

1. What do you know about the Amish? What misconceptions have you heard about them?
2. What are your thoughts on their way of life?
3. What do you think this change in their lifestyle imply?
4. Is there a group in your country that is similar to the Amish? If yes, how are they similar?
5. What factors contribute to the change of lifestyle of the Amish in the USA?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The concept of an independent state has been a subject of great disputes among nations throughout history. The question arises: can a state truly manage itself without external interference? While some argue that independence leads to self-sufficiency and prosperity, others believe that it can result in chaos and instability.

Dreams and goals are the driving forces behind human progress. They provide us with a sense of purpose, motivation, and direction in life. Dreams are the visions we have for our future, while goals are the specific targets we set to achieve those dreams.

Dreams can take various forms – they may be personal, professional, or even societal. They represent our deepest desires and aspirations. Dreams give us hope and inspire us to work towards something greater than ourselves. They fuel our imagination and push us to think beyond the boundaries of what is currently possible.

Discover the rise and fall of Italian engineer Giorgio Rosa’s own sovereign state the Rose Island. In addition, watch the film when you have the chance.

https://www.myitaliandiaries.com/the-story-of-rose-island-4-life-lessons/

Vocabulary Questions:

1. What does “tumultuous” mean? “Let’s not forget that 1968 was a year of tumultuous political protests, with young people rebelling against the establishment, and in such a scenario, Rose Island represented the ultimate act of freedom.” Give 2 synonyms and use ‘tumultuous’ in a sentence.
2. What does “know-how” mean? “Let’s face it, building such a platform in the middle of the open sea was pretty complicated and required a great deal of technical know-how.” Give 2 synonyms and use ‘know-how’ in a sentence.
3. What is the meaning of the idiom “hit the headlines”? “In the 1960s, the Riviera Romagnola was one of Europe’s most popular holiday destinations and when the island officially opened to the public, it quickly hit the headlines as the hottest tourist attraction in town.”. Use the expression in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

1. Talk about the 4 lessons we could all learn from “The Incredible Story of Rose Island.
2. What are your thoughts about Mr. Rosa’s micronation?
3. What is your opinion on one individual creating his own little country? What might the pros and cons be?
4. What do you think about the Italian government declaring war against and destroying Rose Island?
5. Do you agree with the UN’s decision “to move the border of territorial waters from 6 to 11 nautical miles away from the coast of the state in order to prevent similar cases from happening again”? Explain your point.

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Everyone has an idol, someone they admire and look up to . So, when you get the opportunity to see or meet your idol, it’s a big deal, especially if they’re famous. It feels like a once in a lifetime opportunity for your dreams to come true.

Read the article to know if it’s actually good to meet your idol and face the reality? Or is it better to keep them in your head and admire from afar?

Vocabulary Questions:

1. What does “share the same brain“ mean? “You share the same brain.” Use it in a sentence.
2. What does “to exude an aura of“ mean? “He doesn’t exude an aura of greatness — in fact, he seems like a guy who watches a lot of sports on TV, leaving you to wonder: is this the pinnacle of mankind?” Use it in a sentence.
3. What does “disenchantment” mean? “You’ll view his newest work with a sense of disenchantment — after all, he’s just some guy who was flip to you that one time.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

1. Why is meeting your hero a bad idea?
2. What is the most important thing to remember when you are meeting someone you really look up to? Why?
3. Who is your hero? If you met them, how would you feel? What would you do the first time you meet them? Or talk about the time you met your hero.
4. Talk about who your mentor is (at work and in life). What lessons have they imparted to you?
5. If you were someone’s hero, what might be things they can learn from you?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The purpose of reunions is to give former classmates the chance to reconnect and reminisce about the good or not-so-good old days.

Read the article below to know why it’s good to attend class reunions.

https://lifehacker.com/why-you-really-should-go-to-your-high-school-reunion-1848779696

Vocabulary Questions:

1. What is the meaning of the phrase “to say the least”? “Receiving an invitation to your high school class reunion can be emotionally complex, to say the least.” Use it in a sentence.
2. What does “brown-noser” mean? “That tracked with my personality at the time, as I was obsessed with being successful in extracurriculars and generally being a pretentious brown-noser.” Use it in a sentence.
3. What does “cutthroat” mean? “Once you have a beer and get some hugs from old friends, your mind won’t be on cutthroat competition.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

1. Do you agree that school reunion is boring and stressful? Why or why not?
2. What are the good and bad things about school reunions?
3. Do you enjoy going to class reunions? Why or why not?
4. How often do you meet up with your ex-classmates? Why is this the case?
5. Were you a lazy or hard-working student? Talk about it.

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Beauty pageants have long been associated with elegance, grace, and traditional standards of beauty. However, in recent years, there has been a growing trend of contestants with visible tattoos participating in these competitions. This shift has sparked debates about the impact of tattoos on the perception of beauty and whether they should be allowed in such events.

Some may view tattoos as incompatible with traditional beauty pageants, others see them as an expression of personal identity. The inclusion or exclusion of tattooed individuals in these competitions will continue to be debated as society’s perception evolves further towards acceptance and appreciation for diverse forms of beauty.

Read the article to learn how the pageant world is changing along with our beauty standards.

https://celebrityink.com/tattoos-enter-the-beauty-pagent-world/

Vocabulary Questions:

1. What does the word “enrich” mean? “Their aim is to create role models who enrich the perception of beauty while positively impacting communities.”  Use it in a sentence.
2. What does “recurring theme” mean, “However, the idea of natural, unaltered beauty is still a frequently recurring theme throughout many modern beauty pageants, with tattoos being considered unladylike.”?  Use it in a sentence.
3. What does the word “allure” mean? “Beauty pageants, like Miss World and Miss Universe, have moved with the evolving beauty standards and recognised the allure of tattoos on women.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

1. What are your thoughts on beauty pageants?
2. Share your opinion on having a visible tattoo as grounds for disqualification from a beauty pageant.
3. Are there any tattoos anywhere on your body? If so, could you kindly describe what one means; if not, could you please explain why not?
4. Do you believe that getting tattoos diminishes your beauty? Explain your answer.
5. Have you ever had an experience of someone judging your beauty? In what way did it occur?