Tag: People

Trash Collectors’ Library

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The number of bookworms has risen from 30 to 42 percent in Turkey as a group of garbage collectors run a unique library in Ankara and rescue discarded books from the trash. These avid book lovers sanitize them and carefully organize them on library shelves for others to read.

As a result, they can now further educate themselves. Additionally, the community feels the impact of this inspiring initiative.

So, if you want to learn more about this remarkable project, we invite you to watch the video and discover how the Trash Collectors Library is making a difference, one book at a time.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is a “refuse worker”? ”The refuse workers in Ankara turn up at 7:00 in the morning.” Give 1-2 synonym/s and use this phrase in a sentence.
  2. What is the meaning of the phrasal verb ”turn up” in the sentence ”The refuse workers in Ankara turn up at 7:00 in the morning.”? Use this phrase in a sentence.
  3. What does ”bookworm” mean in this sentence, ”The number of bookworms has risen from 30 to 42 percent in Turkey.” Use this word in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How can you describe the trash collectors’ character in Turkey?
  2. Are you a bookworm, too? If yes, what genre do you prefer?
  3. Has the number of bookworms increased or decreased in your country over the years? Why do you think this is the case?
  4. What do you like about the Trash Collectors’ Library?
  5. Why do you think people throw books? Is it appropriate to do so? 
  6. Can this initiative be adopted in Spain? Why or why not?

Former Homeless Woman Wins Millions on Scratch-off Ticket

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Rarely does a heartwarming news story capture the public’s interest, but this one has. Not only is it a dream come true for one woman, but it’s also a proof that anything is possible.

What’s more, it’s a reminder that good things can happen to anyone at any time. This incredible story shows that life can change in an instant, and it’s inspiring to see how one stroke of luck can change a person’s life.

So, it’s with great pleasure that I share the news of a once-homeless woman who recently won a life-changing $5 million on a scratch-off ticket in California.

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

https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2023/05/05/california-woman-5-million-lottery-ticket-homeless/70187611007/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the word “scratch” mean in this sentence, “Forseth was changing oil on her car and scratched the winning ticket outside the store.”? Use this word in a sentence in this context. Also, give another meaning of this word and make a sentence using this word in that context.
  2. What is the meaning of “sole mission” in the sentence “The California Lottery’s sole mission is to raise additional funding for public education.” Use this phrase in a sentence.
  3. How is the word “alike” used in the article? “It showcases the positive impact our games have on winners and schools alike.” Use this word in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How does this news story make you feel?
  2. What are your thoughts on the California Lottery’s sole mission to raise additional funding for public education?
  3. In your opinion, is it a good idea to buy a lottery ticket? Explain.
  4. How do you think winning the lottery could change someone’s life?
  5. What would you do if you won $5 million in the lottery?
  6. Have you ever experienced a sudden change in your life? How did you handle it?

Spanish Actress’ Surrogate Baby Is Her Late Son’s

B2 – Upper Intermediate

When celebrities announce that they’ve had a baby via surrogacy, it doesn’t shock the world that much anymore.

But Spanish TV star Ana Obregón’s revelation of having a surrogate baby using his late son’s sperm did. Legally, his makes her the baby’s mother. But biologically, she is the grandmother.

Read the article about Spanish TV actress Ana Obregón’s surrogate baby who was fathered by her deceased son.

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-65186636

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Define “bear”here, “While ¡Hola! magazine’s front page carried a picture of the TV actress and the new baby, another Spanish magazine, Lecturas, featured the surrogate mother who bore Ana Sandra.” Use this word in your own sentence.
  2. What does “rule out” mean, “She refuses to rule out providing her granddaughter with a brother or sister.”? Give a similar word or phrase and use ‘rule out’ in your own sentence.
  3. What does ”to take something upon oneself” mean, “Ana Obregón has taken it upon herself to interpret her dead son’s wishes and that is going too far.”? Give a similar word or phrase and use ‘to take something upon oneself’ in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think of Obregón’s saying she did this to fulfill his dying son’s final wish? Do you think there is an ethical issue here? Explain.
  2. Share your thoughts on this: “She (Obregón) refuses to rule out providing her granddaughter with a brother or sister.” 
  3. Legally the actress is the baby’s mother, even if she is biologically her grandmother. Any thoughts on this?
  4. What are your thoughts on surrogacy being illegal in Spain?
  5. In general, what is your opinion about surrogacy?

First Impressions

B1 – Intermediate

First impression is everything. It can make or break a person, company, service, or product. It is so important to make a good first impression because they are the basis of how relationships start and how you are seen by other people.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about first impressions.

https://listenaminute.com/f/first_impressions.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the phrase “to set eyes on someone” mean in this sentence, “I think I’m good at judging someone’s character from the first time I set eyes on them.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “one’s kind of person” mean in this sentence, “It’s easy to understand if the person is my kind of person.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “count” mean in this sentence, “First impressions count most when you meet someone important.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you agree or disagree that “First impression lasts.”? Explain.
  2. What are the best ways to make a good first impression?
  3. Do you make first impressions based on their clothes? Why/why not?
  4. How important is first impression to you?
  5. Have you ever experienced being completely wrong about your first impression?
  6. In what jobs do people have to make very quick decisions based on first impressions?

Rapping Teacher 

B1 – Intermediate

Passion is one of the foundations of effective teaching. Apart from that, there are several teaching methods that teachers use to educate their students. These methodologies are chosen depending on the approach and the types of learners. Some teachers get more creative to keep their students engaged.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about this unconventional way of teaching by a teacher in Chile.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/rapping-teacher-level-1/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Define the word “rap“. “He raps to his students.”, “In the past, he rapped on city buses.” Give 2 other meanings.
  2. What does the phrasal verb “find out” mean? “His students found out.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does the word “hit” mean?”The rapping teacher is a big hit at the school.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think of rapping as a way of teaching?
  2. Based on your experience, what is the best way to teach young learners? Why?
  3. What kinds of unconventional learning methods have you had before? Were they effective?

Gambling

B1 – Intermediate

Gambling is defined as placing money or betting in a game to win even more money depending on luck without working really hard. Gambling is a kind of a shortcut to getting a lot of money. Everyone would like to follow an easy way to make money. Even rich people gamble to become even richer. However, it is a game of chance. Many people also end up losing a lot of money to it.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about gambling.

https://listenaminute.com/g/gambling.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “nothing good comes out of something” mean, “I don’t think much good comes [out] of gambling.”? Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “odds to be against someone” mean, “The odds are always against you.”? Use this idiom in a sentence.
  3. What does “to get fed up with someone/something” mean, “They must get fed up with throwing their money away.”? Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Have you ever won or lost money from gambling? Share that situation.
  2. Do you think buying lottery tickets is a form of gambling? Why or why not?
  3. Why do you think so many people like gambling?
  4. How can someone stop from gambling too much?
  5. What damage does gambling do to an individual and the society?
  6. How different do you think the world would be if gambling didn’t exist? Explain.

South Koreans Got Taller

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Many would agree that height is power. Studies show that height is a key factor in one’s overall health. Have you ever considered how our height varies, particularly from one nation to another? Or do you ever make a comparison to a single member of your family?

Take a look at the video below to see how our height evolves.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “vertical axis” mean? “We need to adjust the vertical axis so we can see this chart better.” Kindly use it to construct your own sentence.
  2. Do you know the meaning of “outlier“, “The countries that grew the least were in Africa. And Asian countries were mostly in the middle. But all the way on the right is an outlier.” Give your example using this word.
  3. What is the meaning of “skyrocketed“, “Eventually, the country shifted from producing things like textiles to consumer electronics and cars. And South Koreans wealth skyrocketed.” Use this word in your

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the good and bad sides of being tall? How about being short?
  2. How important is a person’s height?
  3. Share your thoughts on this statement: “Height is something history gives to us.”
  4. Are people generally tall in your country? What factors do you think are to attribute to it?
  5. What are the factors that affect our growth?
  6. Do you believe that one inherits a genetic component that determines height? Explain.

Self-Parenting

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Self-parenting is the practice of treating yourself with the same kindness and care that a supportive, nurturing parent would. This can help improve your relationship with yourself and cultivate self-love.

To achieve this, you can start by cultivating self-compassion and nurturing your inner child.

The article offers six practical tips on how to practice self-parenting, including setting boundaries and practicing self-reflection. Following the tips can help you become more self-compassionate and caring.

To learn more, follow the link provided to read the full article.

https://www.lifehack.org/924532/self-parenting

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “hinder” mean, “Self-parenting can help you meet those needs today while enhancing rather than hindering your success.” Give 2 synonyms and use them in your own sentences.
  2. What does “jump in” mean, “You weren’t taught how to make decisions or deal with conflict. As a result, the inner child jumps in and does their best to solve your problems.” Use this phrase in a sentence.
  3. What does “internalize” mean here, “It’s the echo of your parents, caregivers, and other authority figures that you’ve internalized and made your own.” Use it in another sentence.

Discussion Questions

  1. In what ways do you interpret self-parenting and how might it positively impact your life?
  2. What are some of the common obstacles that people face when trying to practice self-compassion and self-care, and how can they overcome them?
  3. What steps can one take to identify and overcome emotional wounds and limiting beliefs that hinder self-parenting?
  4. How might individuals benefit from nurturing their inner child and connecting with their authentic self in order to cultivate a stronger relationship with themselves?
  5. How does self-parenting contribute to resilience building and coping with challenges and setbacks in life?

Run Away and Join the Circus

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Have you ever considered drastically changing your career? Do you know anyone who has done it? Modern life requires constant change and flexibility. That is true for one’s career and any other aspect of life. 

Watch the video and hear an incredible story from a woman who has dared to make significant changes in her life.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is the meaning of “adrenalin buzz“? Use it in a sentence.
  2. What is “stage fright“? Use it in a sentence.
  3. What is the meaning of the phrase “to be on the road“, “I never looked back and I’ve been on the road ever since.”? Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you know any stories of people who have given up their careers or profession and started something new? What do you think made them do that?
  2. Would you do the same? What career would you change your present one for?
  3. What do you think of this statement: “Whatever you want to do in your wildest dreams, do it!”?
  4. Were you inspired by this story?

Woman Runs Record 150 Marathons

B1 – Intermediate

A marathon is a 42-kilometer run. Running a marathon is quite very physically challenging. So not everyone can do it. You have to train intensively for many months in order to do so.

However, for Australian runner Erchana Murray-Bartlett, running a marathon is like a walk in the park. 

Read the article about a woman who ran a marathon daily for 150 days.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2301/230119-record-marathon-runner-2.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the phrase “in shape” mean, “They would need to train for months to be in shape for the 42-km run.”? Use this expression in your own sentence.
  2. What does “smash” mean here, “She smashed the previous record of 106.”? Give a synonym and use this word in your own sentence. 
  3. What does the expression “to string together” mean, “If you keep stringing together little tiny goals, you can make it.”? Use this expression in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think of  Erchana Murray-Bartlett’s achievement?
  2. What do you think about marathons/long-distance running?
  3. What are the benefits from running marathons? What are the hard things about it?
  4. What is your opinion on Ms. Murray-Barlett’s mantra, “If you keep stringing together little tiny goals, you can make it.”
  5. What do you do to help yourself continue when you are doing something that is very difficult?