Tag: Reading

Why Do Women Live Longer than Men?

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C1 – Advanced

Have you ever wondered why women live longer than men?
Studies show that women’s survival is consistent and truly remarkable as observed in human beings and animals. Lifestyle may be a factor but there are more causes or contributors.

Why Do Women Live Longer than Men?

Discuss:

1. What are the contributing factors mentioned in the article? What surprised you the most?
2. What is Spain’s life expectancy?
3. Would you like to live a long life? Why or why not?
4. Should scientist slow down the aging process?

Dementia Will Rise in the Future

B2 – Upper Intermediate

You would agree that you and I are guilty of forgetting things.  We hate to forget and technology nowadays make reminders very handy for us.  But how serious is the problem of forgetting things?

The following article talks about dementia and the dangers the new generation is facing when it comes to this mental illness.

http://www.breakingnewsenglish.com/1509/150923-dementia.html

Discussion Questions:

1. According to the article, what is dementia?
2. What kinds of tasks do people with dementia lose their ability to do?
3. Do you think that it would be a good idea to spend more money on the research of dementia and other mental illnesses?
4. In your country, are there facilities to help people suffering from Alzheimer’s disease?

Sweden Shifting to 6-Hour Work Day

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Based on studies, employees who work for about 10-11 hours per day have a higher tendency to suffer a stroke. This is just one of the negative effects of working for hours on end.

Let’s find out more about the reasons why Sweden decides to shrink its workers’ working hours on this Science Alert news story.

https://www.sciencealert.com/sweden-is-shifting-to-a-6-hour-workday

Discussion Questions:

1. What are the benefits and drawbacks of working shorter hours?
2. Do you agree with the benefits mentioned in this article?
3. What do you think about Sweden’s decision to make work shifts shorter?
4. What is your ideal work hours/schedule?

More Selfie Deaths than Shark Attacks

B2 -Upper Intermediate

Isn’t it heart-breaking to hear news about someone dying because they took pictures of themselves while on thin ice or in a dangerous spot? How ironic is it that some people risk their lives just to make others like or envy them on social media?

Read the lesson on how life-threatening selfies could be and be ready to answer the questions that follow.

http://breakingnewsenglish.com/1509/150926-selfies.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your reaction to this story?
  2. How fond are you of taking selfies? What’s the most incredible selfie you have ever taken?
  3. Why do you think a lot of people are obsessed with taking selfies?
  4. What are your thoughts on risking one’s life in the name of cool selfies?
  5. What’s the most outrageous accident/death by selfie have you ever heard of?

The Volkswagen Scandal

B2 – Upper Intermediate

It has been more than a decade since car makers started focusing on producing diesel vehicles thinking that these cars are excellent for the environment. According to some recent scientific evidences, this is not exactly the case, and there are even pleads to decrease the number of diesel cars in several cities.

Diesel sales were already waning. Needless to say, this controversy came at a bad time. Find out more about this scandal from this BBC article.

http://www.bbc.com/news/business-34324772

Discussion Questions:

1. What are thoughts on this scandal involving Volkswagen?
2. How has this accusation affected the company and other car manufacturers?
3. In your country, do a lot of people drive a VW car? Or do they prefer other brands?
4. What are your preferences when it comes to cars?

Social Media are Changing Relationships

B2 – Upper intermediate

Social media networks have helped people share pieces of their lives to the community.  But what is the effect of social media networks to our relationship to other people?

Read the article below and be ready to express your thoughts.

Social media networks are changing our way of having relationships

Discuss:

1. What springs to mind when you hear the term ‘social networking’?
2. What are the pros and cons of social networking?
3. Are social networking sites for people who aren’t good at meeting people face to face?
4. Have you ever tried to find friends on a social networking site?

Low Levels of Vitamin D Might Hurt Your Brain

B2 – Upper Intermediate

As we know, vitamins are essential to our health and vitamin D helps protect the body from diseases like diabetes and cancer. A study says it might also prevent brain diseases called dementia.

Read the article below and be ready to talk about health.

http://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/low-levels-of-vitamin-d-might-hurt-your-brain/2974167.html

Discussion Questions:

1. Do you have a strict diet? Why or why not?
2. The article mentions dementia. What do you know about dementia?
3. How do you think poor memory affects one’s life?
4. Do you think taking supplements is a good idea, or should you get your vitamins from just food? Explain.

Bizarre Lessons in Indian Textbooks

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Education is an enlightening experience we all deserve to have. Countries worldwide aim to have high literacy rate thus proper education should be catered to the citizens. However, in India, some textbooks were found with worrying information.

Read the article below to check some of the bizarre information in their textbooks.

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-34336826

Discussion Questions:

1. What do you think about the article? Discuss the mentioned erroneous lessons.
2. What is the best way to rectify this issue?
3. Have you read history books that were erroneous?

Amazon – Largest Internet Company

B2 – Upper intermediate

Online shopping has gained popularity over the years. It is efficient, hassle-free and you don’t have to leave the comforts of your own home. Amazon is one of the most popular internet shopping sites in the world. It operates its own websites in Europe, Asia and South America.

Read the article below to know a little more about Amazon.

Amazon.Com – The World’s Largest Internet Company

Discuss:

1. Do you shop online?
2. Which online shopping sites do you often visit?
3. What is the most popular online shopping site in Spain?
4. What do you think of Amazon.com?

Denver Allows Pot in Bars and Restaurants

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Smoking pot. It’s been a controversial and long-running issue in the United States. But the city of Denver is trying to move forward albeit with some challenges.

Read the article about Denver becoming the first city to allow marijuana in bars and restaurants.

https://www.cbsnews.com/sacramento/news/denver-becomes-first-city-in-us-to-allow-pot-in-bars-restaurants/

Discussion Questions:

  1. Explain the situation of Denver when it comes to smoking marijuana? How different is it from Amsterdam?
  2. What is the intention of legalizing marijuana in bars and restaurants?
  3. What is your take on legalizing marijuana?
  4. How do you feel about legalizing other practices such as prostitution and illegal drug use?