Tag: People

B1 – Intermediate

Almost exactly nine months after World War II ended, “the cry of the baby was heard across the land,” as historian Landon Jones later described the trend. More babies were born in 1946 than ever before: 3.4 million, 20 percent more than in 1945. This was the beginning of the so-called “baby boom.” In 1947, another 3.8 million babies were born; 3.9 million were born in 1952; and more than 4 million were born every year from 1954 until 1964, when the boom finally tapered off. By then, there were 76.4 million “baby boomers” in the United States. They made up almost 40 percent of the nation’s population.

Read the full article about baby boomers here:

http://www.english-online.at/geography/baby-boomers/baby-boomers-golden-generation.htm

Let’s talk:

1. Who are baby boomers?

2. Are boomers prepared for the challenges of aging?

3. What is your opinion on some baby boomers who can’t retire because they haven’t saved enough money to take it easy? Is the situation in your country the same?

B1 – Intermediate

Online dating (or Internet dating) is a system that enables strangers to find and introduce themselves to new personal connections over the Internet, usually with the goal of developing relationships.

Read the lesson about online dating scams.

http://www.breakingnewsenglish.com/1704/170412-online-dating.html

Discussion Questions:

1. What is your opinion about meeting potential romantic partners virtually?
2. Would you ever use an online dating service? Why or why not?
3. Is online dating common in your country? Why or why not?
4. What are the good things and bad things about online dating?
5. Talk about some online dating experiences you’ve had/stories you’ve heard about.

B1 – Intermediate

People have done marvelous things in order to be able to live longer. But it is still a fact that women have a longer life expectancy that men.

Read the article below and be ready to answer the questions that follow.

Women live longer than men. It’s true in most countries, and has been a known fact since the 18th century. Studies to discover the possible reasons have been done, and there are many possible explanations. Some reasons include work habits, stress, diet, and bad genes. But a new idea suggests something different. Men have shorter life spans because attracting a partner takes a lot of energy, which reduces the number of years a man lives.

Daniel Kruger at the University of Michigan suggests that many animals advertise their suitability to females. For example, some animals butt heads. Other animals have beautiful feathers. Human males compete for money, property, and social status. If a man has money and social status, they show their ability to provide food, clothes, education, and so on for a future family.

But what about men with less money or power?

Another study explained that young, single men often take risks. They are also more aggressive and hold back their emotions. These actions have the same effect as money and social status.

Both studies conclude that women carefully select a partner, because of the survival and success of their children. All of the energy which is used to impress women means shorter life spans for men.

Source: headsupenglish.com

Vocabulary Questions:

1. What does “suitability” mean? “Daniel Kruger at the University of Michigan suggests that many animals advertise their suitability to females.” Use this word in a sentence.
2. What does “hold back” mean? “They are also more aggressive and hold back their emotions.” Use this phrase in a sentence.
3. What does “take a lot of something” mean? “Men have shorter life spans because attracting a partner takes a lot of energy, which reduces the number of years a man lives.” Use this expression in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

1. Do you agree with the article’s findings? Why/not?
2. Were you surprised by the article’s findings? Why/not?
3. The lifespan of women has been decreasing recently. Why do you think so?
4. Is it possible to limit the risks young men take? Why do / don’t you think so?
5. Why do you think young men take so many risks?

B1 – Intermediate

We’ve all had horrible or not-so-good experiences with our neighbors.  The website “Which?” conducted a survey and found out that a number of people are stressed with their neighbors.

Read the article to know more about the different nuisances that neighbors can have with each other.

http://www.breakingnewsenglish.com/1409/140918-neighbours.html

Discussion Questions:

1. Have you ever had an annoying neighbor? Have you ever had any problems with a neighbor?
2. What are the common problems that you experience with your neighbors?
3. How would you describe your neighborhood or the place you live?
4. Which would you prefer: living in the city or in the country?