Tag: People and Human Interest

Ways to Support Dog Shelters

B2 – Upper Intermediate

“Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.” – Anatole France

This heartwarming quote beautifully expresses the deep connection between humans and animals. In a world where countless dogs are in need, showing our love and support for dog shelters is essential.

This article explores simple yet powerful ways to make a difference in the lives of homeless pets, proving that even small actions can have a big impact.

https://www.top5.com/support-dog-shelters-and-make-a-difference/

Vocabulary Questions

  1. What does the phrase “gear up” mean in the sentence “Gear up your home to welcome your new four-legged family member.”? Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does the phrase “kick off” mean in the sentence “Kick off online crowdfunding initiatives“?  Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does the phrase “take notice of” mean in the sentence “Take notice of the plight of animals worldwide.”?  Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions

  1. How important do you think dog shelters are in your community? Share your thoughts on why they are important.
  2. Among the ways presented in the article to support dog shelters, which one(s) do you like the most and why?
  3. Do you think it’s more important to help local shelters or international rescue efforts? Share your thoughts.
  4. How can social media help raise awareness and support for shelter animals?
  5. The article inspires readers to take action to support dog shelters and their residents. How does it make you feel about helping?

Being Bilingual Is Good for the Brain

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Being bilingual is like having a mental superpower. It’s not just about being able to order a croissant in French or salsa dance in Spanish; it actually does wonders for your brain. Research suggests that bilingualism can enhance cognitive abilities, improve problem-solving skills, and even delay the onset of certain age-related diseases. So, it’s not just about knowing two languages; it’s about giving your brain a serious workout.

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

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the word “suppress” mean? “Bilingualism has been shown to suppress the decline of cognitive functions as individuals age.” Use the word in a sentence.
  2. What does the phrase “the onset of” mean? “The onset of neurodegenerative diseases may be delayed by the cognitive benefits of being bilingual.” Make one sentence using this idiom.
  3. What does “cognitive reserve” mean? “Developing a strong cognitive reserve through bilingualism can provide a buffer against age-related cognitive decline.” Make one sentence using this phrase.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are some massive real-world implications of bilingualism?
  2. What’s your take on the idea that being bilingual can enhance problem-solving skills and cognitive flexibility?
  3. In your opinion, how valuable is the ability to suppress the onset of cognitive decline through bilingualism?
  4. Do you believe that developing a cognitive reserve through being bilingual is a significant advantage in today’s fast-paced and demanding world? Explain your thoughts.

Supporting vs. Enabling

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Distinguishing “supporting” and “enabling” is crucial in relationships and personal growth. Both of these ideas involve lending a hand to others but they have different outcomes.

Read this article to learn the difference between supporting and enabling.

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/supporting-enabling-difference_l_64c004ffe4b00356919b39ae

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “cross the line”mean? “People often do not realize that they are crossing the fine line between support and enabling.” Give a synonym and write a sentence using “cross the line”.
  2. What does “teeter into” mean? “But sometimes people’s attempts at support teeter into more harmful territory: enablement.” Give a synonym and write a sentence using “teeter into”.
  3. What does “swoop into” mean? “It sends the signal that life is perfect, that everyone else will swoop into clean up the mess and reinforces entitled behavior.” Give a synonym and write a sentence using “swoop into”.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is the key difference between supporting and enabling when it comes to helping someone in need?
  2. Are there situations where enabling might be necessary or justified, and if so, what distinguishes them from situations where support is more appropriate?
  3. How does setting healthy boundaries play a role in differentiating between support and enabling?
  4. What are some instances of enabling actions that might be misinterpreted as support?
  5. How do you find a balance between giving support and letting a friend or family member to face the repercussions of their actions when faced with constant mistakes or poor choices?

The Difference between Nice and Kind

B2 – Upper Intermediate

We often describe someone as “nice or kind” rather than “nice and kind”, primarily due to the common perception of these two words being synonymous. According to researchers, one represents a significantly superior quality compared to the other, though.

Read this article to learn the difference between nice and kind.

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/nice-kind-difference_l_650b53ffe4b0d75184692b0e

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to go to great lengths” mean? “While a nice person might go to great lengths to gain approval from others (potentially even causing harm in the process), a kind person engages in generous acts built on a foundation of self-love.” Use this idiom in a sentence.
  2. Define “fall short”. “By contrast, he believes niceness falls short of deep impact, perhaps in part due to its roots in notions of ignorance.” Use this in a sentence.
  3. What does “to let someone down” mean? “Sometimes being kind may mean letting someone down in the short term…” Make a sentence with this phrase.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How do “nice” and kind” differ from each other according to the article?
  2. How do you personally set the difference between being “nice” and being “kind” and which quality do you value more in your interactions with others?
  3. In your opinion, which is more valuable in building meaningful relationships – niceness or kindness?
  4. Can you recall a time when someone’s kindness had a significant impact on your life and how did it make you feel?
  5. According to Plante, “Our world is so fractured. We are very quick to be mean to each other and even cruel.” Do you agree or disagree with this statement?

The Hidden Meaning Behind Dress Codes

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Dress codes are implemented in many places, may it be at school, in the office, or in a swimming pool. These guidelines serve to mold the social atmosphere and uphold standards of attire. However, it prompts the question, “Why do we concern ourselves with what anyone chooses to wear?”.

Read this article to learn about the hidden meaning behind dress codes.

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/why-do-we-care-what-anyone-wears-experts-reveal-the-hidden-meaning-behind-dress-codes_l_6515c2c8e4b0e237dcdfa77b

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to size someone/something up” mean? “In reality, within seconds, all of us size someone up based on their appearance and determine what level of respect they should receive based on that finding.” Use this phrase in a sentence.
  2. Define “boom” in this context. “Participants who opted for formal business attire reported feeling more powerful and experienced a boom of “enhanced abstract thinking.” Use this in a sentence.
  3. What does “to ruffle someone’s feather” mean? “His recent look, deemed too casual by senators from both parties and “inappropriate” by fashion critics on Reddit, ruffled some feathers.” Make a sentence with this idiom.

Discussion Questions:

  1. In your opinion, do dress codes contribute to a more organized and structured society or do they stifle personal expression and creativity?
  2. Why do dress codes matter so much and why should we care? Share your insights.
  3. Share your views on this, “In reality, within seconds, all of us size someone up based on their appearance and determine what level of respect they should receive based on that finding.“.
  4. Do you agree or disagree to this, “Dress codes in the business world essentially function as signals of power.”? Explain your thoughts.
  5. What is your personal fashion style and how does it reflect your individuality and self-expression?
  6. Have you ever felt restricted or uncomfortable due to a dress code or clothing expectation in a specific environment? Share about that experience.

The 5 A.M. Productivity Trend

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Because of a growing trend on social media sites like TikTok, the early morning hours have taken center stage in the world of modern productivity. Many people display their “5-to-9s” with pride before starting their typical 9 to 5 workday. However, as enticing as this early morning routine may seem, it’s important to recognize that it isn’t a one-size-fits-all routine. In fact, there are specific groups for whom this regimen might not be the best fit.

Click on the link provided to know more about the sunrise productivity crowd.

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/5-am-productivity-trend_l_652575d8e4b09f4b8d4203e9

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to carve out something” mean in the sentence, “Beginning the day with personal interests sounds healthy, but carving out extra time is not easy, especially for those who have young kids or work long hours.”? Use this in your own sentence.
  2. What does “bad rap” mean in the sentence, “The pathway to world-class is hard. I think suffering’s got a bad rap.”? Use this in your own sentence.
  3. What does “to tack on something” mean, “Bill Clinton and John F. Kennedy liked to tack on extra sleep during their presidencies with naps.”? Use this in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Tell me about the 5 A.M. productivity trend and why has it gained popularity, particularly on platforms like TikTok.
  2. How do individuals typically structure their mornings during the 5 A.M. productivity trend, and what are the perceived benefits?
  3. Can you explain some potential drawbacks or concerns associated with following the 5 A.M. productivity trend?
  4. Have you entertained the thought of becoming a part of this trend? Tell me more.
  5. What time do you wake up and what is your pre-work/shift routine?
  6. Discuss some tips or guidelines for individuals who want to experiment with early rising, while still prioritizing their overall health and well-being.

Women Are Better at Dealing with Money than Men

B1 – Intermediate

With the rising cost of almost everything, money management has become extremely important. It isn’t only about what you spend on, but also how much you save and what you invest in. Not everyone has the same approach when it comes to handling finances. However, some studies conclude that women tend to be more cautious when it comes to money matters.

Let’s read the article and know more why and how women are better when it comes to financial management.

https://www.english-online.at/economy/women-money/women-are-better-with-money.htm

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Define what it means to be “financially independent“. “They work harder to become financially independent and they are not as likely to get into debt as men.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does the phrasal verb “to lead to something” mean? “Although 40% of women said they used credit cards most of them thought that having more than one credit card could lead to financial problems.” Use it in your own sentence.
  3. What does the phrase “to be responsible for doing something” mean? “However almost half thought that a man should be responsible for paying the mortgage or house payments.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. According to the article, why are women better at dealing with money than men?
  2. Are you good at handling your finances? What personal rules do you follow when making financial decisions?
  3. How can a person become financially independent?
  4. Share you opinion on this, “Women who share their money with their husband often suffer more when a relationship ends.“.
  5. What is your opinion on this, “A man should be responsible for paying the mortgage or house payments.“?

Emotional Support Alligator Barred from Entering a Stadium

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Anxiety, depression, and many more mental health issues have become all too common problems for most people who live a fast paced life. While medication and therapy sessions could be enough for some, others need more support and for this, they turn to emotional support animals.

Let’s read the article and know more about emotional support animals and the challenges their owners face.

https://edition.cnn.com/2023/09/29/sport/wally-alligator-emotional-support-barred-philadelphia-phillies-spt-intl/index.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the verb “blossom” mean in this context? “Wally is Henney’s emotional support animal and has blossomed into an internet sensation, amassing a large social media following, due to his relaxed nature and willingness to engage with all.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. Define the word “harness“. “Wally can be seen sharing hugs at schools, police stations and hospitals with Henney leading him around by his harness.” Use it in your own sentence and give two synonyms.
  3. What is the meaning of the word “overabundance“? “There was an overabundance of gators in that area.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is the difference between emotional support animals and service animals?
  2. What is your stand on undomesticated emotional support animals? Should they be allowed in public places?
  3. What is the process of certifying or registering emotional support animals in your country?
  4. If you were to get an emotional support animal, what would it be and why?

The Benefits of Doing Nothing

B2 – Upper Intermediate

In our bustling society, the notion of “doing nothing” may appear unconventional, or to some extent, unacceptable. However, these moments of idleness, free from work and responsibilities, can indeed be beneficial. Embracing the art of doing nothing offers an effective means to relieve the pressures and stresses of the modern world.

Listen to the audio to learn the benefits of doing nothing.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2023/ep-230615

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “necessity is the mother of invention” mean? “Boredom is the mother of invention, an idea based on the famous proverb, necessity is the mother of invention.” Make a sentence with this proverb.
  2. Define “lounge about”. “Of course, some animals have a reputation for lounging about – lions, for example, can sleep up to twenty hours a day!” Use this phrase in a sentence.
  3. What does “as busy as a bee” mean? It may not look it, Neil, but I’m actually as busy as a bee!” Use this expression in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why is it important to find moments of idleness in our busy lives?
  2. What are some potential health benefits associated with taking breaks and doing nothing?
  3. What are the societal pressures that make it challenging for people to prioritize downtime?
  4. Have you personally experienced the positive effects of taking moments to do nothing in your life? If so, how has it benefited you?
  5. What are some of your favorite activities or practices that you consider as “doing nothing” and find relaxing or rejuvenating?

The Benefit of Single-Tasking

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Do you find yourself frequently multitasking? It might be worth reevaluating this habit. ‘The One Thing’ by Gary Keller discusses the advantages of concentrating on a single task at a time.

To learn more about the benefits of single-tasking, please read the article below.

https://www.cnbc.com/2017/04/07/the-benefit-of-single-tasking-and-how-to-get-yourself-to-do-it.html

Vocabulary Questions:

1. What does “to turn the tide” mean? “What helped me turn the tide and just start single-tasking?” Use this phrase in a sentence.

2. What does “to make all the difference” mean? “Basically, I chose to look at my time like money, and though I’ve only been doing it for a little while, it has made all the difference.” Use this expression in a sentence.

3. What does “to get one’s arms around something” mean? “As anyone familiar with budgets will tell you, before you can effectively budget, you need to get your arms around your spending habits.” Use this idiom in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

1. Do you find multitasking useful? Why or why not?

2. How does the article view multitasking and do you agree with this perspective?

3. According to the article, practicing single-tasking can help rebuild your focus and attention span. What are your thoughts on this statement?

4. Among the benefits of single-tasking, which ones would you like to attain?

5. How valuable is it for you to achieve a state of flow?