Tag: People and Human Interest

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?

Presidential Children and the White House Reputation

B2 – Upper Intermediate

It is common for voters to feel a personal connection to the highest leader of their country. This personal connection is comparable to that of a close family member. This is why when voters choose their candidate, they also take into account the parenting skills of their chosen president-to-be. The public image of the candidate’s children could be as significant as theirs in the voters’ eyes.

Let’s read the article and know more about some notable presidential children and how their image affected their presidential parent’s political image.

https://theconversation.com/hunter-biden-is-the-latest-presidential-child-to-stain-a-white-house-reputation-but-others-have-shined-it-up-212233

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “reviled” mean? “As a historian of the American presidency, I see the case of Hunter Biden as a revealing indicator of the ways that presidential children have figured in American public life, whether they were beloved or reviled.” Give 2 synonyms and use “reviled” in a sentence.
  2. Define “rough-and-tumble“. “The assumption that young children should be free from the political rough-and-tumble has recently made them highly effective symbols for presidential image-making.” Use this idiom in your own sentence.
  3. What is the meaning of the phrasal verb “harken back“? “His approach harkened back to the 19th century, when presidents appointed their adult sons to office while young children rarely appeared in public. ” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Who is Hunter Biden and what are his legal troubles?
  2. How do presidential children affect their parent’s likelihood of winning/losing in an election?
  3. In your opinion, is it fair for the immediate family members of politicians to have their private lives on public display? Why or why not?
  4. How can this relationship result to nepotism? Is nepotism at this level common in your country?
  5. Talk about a controversial presidential child that you know of.

Creative Activities that Can Make You Happier

B2 – Upper Intermediate

We can’t always have control over the conditions and events in our lives. However, we have the ability to choose how we think and feel about our circumstances, as well as how we respond to them. The activities we do always have an effect on our physical and mental health.

Read this article to learn about some creative activities that can make you happier.

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/five-creative-activities-happiness_l_64b7f9efe4b0dcb4cab6a23a

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “play a role” mean? “They may also play a role in morbidity and mortality, weight distribution, blood pressure, and other physical qualities.” Use this phrase in a sentence.
  2. Define “safe outlet” in this context. “Activities such as singing and dancing are transformational because they enable us to process a variety of emotions either by providing a safe outlet for their expression or their release.” Make a sentence with this phrase in this context.
  3. What does “partake in” mean? “Generally, any activity that you take the time to partake in outside of your daily routine can improve your mental and physical well-being.” Use this in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think of the activities mentioned in the article?
  2. What are some examples of creative activities that you personally find bring you happiness?
  3. Do you think there is a connection between creativity and personal happiness? Why or why not?
  4. Are there any potential downsides or challenges associated with relying on creative activities for happiness?
  5. How do you incorporate creative activities into your daily or weekly routine to enhance your own happiness?

Dog Drives a Motorbike

B1 – Intermediate

Having a pet dog is a joyful experience. They offer constant companionship, playfulness, and unconditional love, brightening our lives every day. The simple presence of a furry friend can bring immense happiness and warmth to our homes.

Let’s read the article below to learn more about a dog and his owner that gone viral.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/dog-drives-a-motorbike-level-3/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “go viral” mean? “A video has gone viral of a dog named Sydney driving his owner around on a motorbike in Indonesia.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “glare” mean? “The dog wears a pair of thick sunglasses to protect his eyes from any glare on the road.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “lap up something” mean? “The duo is lapping up some limelight at the moment, all because it is something that we are not used to seeing, but the dog’s owner said that this is actually completely normal in Indonesia.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your initial thoughts and feelings upon hearing about this viral video of a dog driving a motorbike? Why do you think it became so popular?
  2. How important is trust in the relationship between humans and their pets?
  3. How do you think the internet and social media platforms impact the spread of viral videos and stories like this one? What are the pros and cons of this phenomenon?
  4. What are some personal stories or experiences related to pets or animals that have had a significant impact on your life or cultural perspectives?

Moonshot Thinking

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Margaret Mead said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” This mindset is what most trailblazers uphold. They go on paths no one ever dared to ever before. This then inspires others and eventually what leads to changing the world one crazy idea at a time.

Watch this video to learn more about moonshot thinking.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does ”to bring the world together” mean? “Moonlight thinking brought the world together.” Use this phrase in your own sentence.
  2. What does ”to set one’s mind to something” mean? “People can set their minds to magical, seemingly impossible ideas and then through science and technology, bring them to reality.” Use this phrase in your own sentence.
  3. What does “to set someone on fire” mean, “That then sets other people on fire that other things that look impossible might be accomplishable.”? Use this phrase in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Share your thoughts on moonshot thinking.
  2. Do you have any experience being an innovator? If yes, talk about it. If not, what do you think of being one?
  3. What’s your take on challenges? How do you normally take them on?
  4. In your own way, how do you think something you have done/created changed things?
  5. What is something you thought was shooting for the moon, but ended up doing anyway?