Tag: People

Professor Lectures for Two Hours Online On Mute

B1 – Intermediate

The Covid-19 pandemic has affected various aspects of normal life including going to school and the office. As a result, schools were forced to conduct classes online.

A University professor gave a 2-hour lecture online but did not notice that he was on mute the whole time.

Let’s read the article below to know more about it.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2102/210213-online-lecture-1.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is better face-to-face classes or online classes? Why?
  2. What are the advantages and disadvantages of online classes?
  3. If you were the professor, how would you feel if this happened to you? Explain.
  4. If you were one of the students, how would you feel or what would you have done?
  5. Talk about anything funny or embarrassing that happened to you while doing a presentation at work.

Taxi Driver Offers Free Rides for Karaoke

B1 – Intermediate

Karaoke is a popular form of entertainment in the world. But, it is way more popular in Asia. A taxi driver in Taiwan thought of a brilliant way to combine his love for karaoke and his job.

Read more about this taxi ride while doing karaoke.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2101/210108-karaoke-1.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think of his gimmick?
  2. How popular is karaoke in your country? Why do you think this is?
  3. Is singing a big part of culture in your country?
  4. Do you like doing karaoke? Feel free to speak about your karaoke sessions.
  5. What are other popular past-times or form of entertainment do people commonly enjoy in your country?

Early Humans May Have Hibernated in Winter

B1 – Intermediate

When winter blows, we like to wrap ourselves with our warm blankets and keep cozy and warm inside our homes. Winter weight is also a common thing to some people. Winter is the time when some people eat more and move less. We haven’t really give much thought on it but does this behavior date back in time?

Scientists say some pieces of evidence show that early humans may have hibernated to escape the harsh winters thousands of years ago.

Click the link and read the article to learn more.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2012/201227-early-humans-1.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. How do you feel about the discovery?
  2. According to the article, what health risks come with hibernation on humans?
  3. Do you enjoy the winter season?
  4. Do you stay active during the winter?
  5. What are the things you like and hate about winter?

Being Single

B1 – Intermediate

People always wants to find love but others tend to choose to be single for tons of reasons. We could say that being in a relationship gives us happiness and belongingness while being single gives us freedom and thrill.

Let us hear more about the good and bad thing about being single in the audio.

https://listenaminute.com/b/being_single.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the pros and cons of being single?
  2. What are the pros and cons of being in a relationship or being married?
  3. Is it better to settle down when you are young or when you are old?
  4. How does one’s life change when they are single versus when they are in a relationship/married?

First Person Gets Covid-19 Vaccine

B1 – Intermediate

Margaret Keenan is a 90-year-old grandmother who became the first person in the world to receive the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine outside of a trial in Britain. Although she urges people to get the vaccine, there are still some people who are in doubt and worried about its safety.

Listen to the audio and be able to answer the questions below.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/first-person-gets-a-vaccine-level-2/

Discussion Questions:

  1. How do you feel about this news?
  2. What can you say about Margaret Keenan? If you were her, would you like to be the first person in the world to get vaccinated with a new vaccine?
  3. In general, what do you think of vaccines?
  4. Would you get this COVID-19 vaccine when it’s available for everyone? Why or why not?
  5. Why do you think some people are worried about getting this vaccine?

Boy’s Dreams Come True

B1 – Intermediate

Messi is one of the biggest football players in the whole world. He is very popular. No wonder many people, including young children idolize him.

Read the transcript and listen to this audio on Messi’s surprise for his 5-year old fan.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/boys-dreams-come-true-level-2

Discussion Questions:

  1. How did you feel hearing this news?
  2. What is your reaction to what Messi did for his young fan?
  3. If you were Messi, would you do the same for a fan?
  4. Do you have an idol? Who is it? What would you like to receive from him/her?
  5. If you could have a conversation with your idol, what would you tell them?

Fire Safety

B1 – Intermediate

It takes a long time to build a house but only a few minutes to destroy it by the fire. Not only is fire economically damaging it could also be life-threatening. How do we get out of this situation or altogether avoid it?

Let’s watch the video and know some tips on fire safety.

Fire Safety

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are Randall’s fire safety tips?
  2. What other fire safety tips you observe at home?
  3. Are fire alarms and water sprinklers required in residential apartments in your country? If so, why do you think that is?
  4. Do you have a specific fire emergency number? How quickly do they respond?
  5. Have you witnessed fire before? How did you feel at that moment? How serious were the damages?

A Very Young Influencer

B1 – Intermediate

A seven-year-old child influencer from Italy has gained heartfelt support from people all over the world when his videos went viral on social media platforms. He proves that disability does not prevent a person from inspiring others.

Read the article and listen to the audio and be able to answer the discussion questions:

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/a-very-young-influencer-level-1/

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think it is a good idea to make a very young child become an influencer on social media? Why or why not?
  2. If you had/have a child, would you let them become an influencer at a very young age? Why or why not?
  3. What do you think are the perks and pitfalls of being a child influencer?
  4. What do you think of social media influencers who have disabilities? How can they affect the lives of the viewers? What can we learn from them?
  5. How has the society changed their view on people with disabilities over the years?

Apartment Contracts

B1 – Intermediate

Looking for a new apartment can be both exciting and stressful. There are a lot of properties to choose from. Work doesn’t end when you finally settle on a property. It actually has just begun…. There are a lot of things to consider.

Watch this video and learn the things you need to remember when moving to a new place.

Apartment Contracts

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is Randall doing in the video?
  2. What are Randall’s 3 tips on moving into a new apartment?
  3. Add some more tips about moving to a new place.
  4. Are you currently renting an apartment? Are you familiar with the contract terms and conditions? Do you think they are fair?
  5. What apartment floor do you prefer to live on?

Stress Baking During US Election

B1 – Intermediate

Often, talks about politics cause stress on some people. Americans were under a lot of stress due to the last election in their country. They had to find a way to release all those stress.

Read the lesson to find out what they did to cope with their stress.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2011/201105-stress-baking-1.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why is baking and making bread helpful in fighting stress and anxiety? 
  2. What is your opinion on using baking as a stress reliever?
  3. What hobbies/activities did you do because of stress?
  4. What do you normally do during stressful situations at work?
  5. What is the most stressful day for you this year?
  6. What are some causes of your stress nowadays?