Tag: Reading

Sleeping in a Taxi

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B2 – Upper intermediate

If you can make it there, you’ll make it anywhere.

The beauty of New York calls travelers from all over the world and one businessman has just made it possible for budget travelers to enjoy the allure of Manhattan without having to break the bank.

Read the article and watch the video to find out how.

Sleeping in a taxi

Discuss:

1. What can you say about Jonathan Powley’s idea for budget travelling? Would you try it?
2. What are some of the best accommodations you’ve experienced during your past travels? What about not-so-good experiences?
3. How would you travel if you were on a budget?

Eating Out in Old Dubai

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B2 – Upper intermediate

What makes a city more interesting is its diversity and the history behind it. Take a stroll in the streets of Dubai and discover the medley of cultures it has to offer.

Eating Out in Old Dubai

Discuss:

1. Describe the diversity of the city or town you live in.
2. If I were to visit your country or your city, where would you bring me? (Also talk about places that aren’t touristy.)
3. Describe some of the places that you have visited that are very rich in history and diversity.

The Japanese Women who Married the Enemy

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C1 – Advanced

After WWII, Japan was devastated yet thousands of their women married American soldiers and moved to the US to have a new life.

Read the article and watch the videos to find out how the Japanese women survived the American lifestyle.

The Japanese women who married the enemy

Discuss:

1. What was your reaction after reading the text and watching the videos?
2. What were the challenges and how did the women in the story overcome them?
3. Would you marry someone who is considered an enemy by many?
4. What do you know about WWII and what damage did it bring to your country?

Money Makes You a Bad Person

B1 – Intermediate

Is money really the root of all evil? Read the article to find out what professor Paul Piff says about being wealthy and being poor.

Read the article below about what money does to people and be ready to answer the questions that follow.

http://breakingnewsenglish.com/1503/150320-wealth.html

Discussion Questions:

1. Explain what Professor Piff said about wealthy and poor people.
2. Do you agree with the study of Professor Piff?
3. What things will change for you if you become wealthy?

People Spend Half the Day Daydreaming

B1 – Intermediate

A study shows that many people spend half the day daydreaming or have their minds wander instead of concentrating on what they are doing. Most of those who daydream are the ones not happy at the moment like those who are working.

http://www.english-online.at/news-articles/living/people-spend-half-the-day-daydreaming.htm

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you believe that there is a connection between daydreaming and unhappiness or happiness?
  2. Do you sometimes catch yourself daydreaming?
  3. How do you manage to stay focus on what you are doing?

The Chocolate Capital of the World

B1 – Intermediate

Chocolates! One of the most famous desserts and confectionery known to man. So just how famous is chocolate in Belgium? Read on and be ready to talk about some of your cocoa favourites.

http://www.english-online.at/news-articles/world/europe/brussels-chocolate-capital-of-the-world.htm

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you like chocolates? What are some of your favourites?
  2. Traditionally, how do people in your country take chocolate?
  3. Aside from chocolates, what other types of sweets do you enjoy?
  4. What are some of the products that your country famously export?

World’s First Bionic Eye

B2 – Upper intermediate

Most of us are born with good eye sight and sadly take it for granted. Read about Ray Flynn and the extraordinary second chance he had to see life in a different light.

Feel free to work on the different activities below the article with your next teacher.

Man gets world’s first bionic eye

Discuss:

1. Talk about and describe some of the medical breakthroughs that you know of.
2. Have you had an operation before?
3. What medical operations do you think should be free to help citizens in your country?

Capture Life in Your Soul

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C2 – Proficient

Whenever you have a holiday coming up, step back and contemplate on this: Will I be taking pictures of every single detail of my trip then upload them instantly on my social media? Or Will I take the time to appreciate the beauty that is in front of me?

At some point we are all guilty of just clicking away on our cameras. Read the article below then express your thoughts.

Capture Life in Your Soul — Not Your Smartphone

Discuss:

1. Do you agree that taking photos prevents us from fully enjoying the moment?
2. Do you think social media has a lot to do with this habit of taking a photo of everything?
3. Can you imagine disconnecting from social media for a year?
4. How do you get to fully enjoy your vacations or adventures to the fullest?

A Tattoo Done on Holiday

C1 – Advanced

The BBC recently interviewed a young man who spent a holiday with friends. Rather than post photos on social media to commemorate the event, he decided to get a tattoo done on one of his legs.  What was it a tattoo of? It’s not what you’d expect.

Read about Banjo, then share your opinion regarding the questions below.

‘I got a tattoo done of 17 mates’ names on holiday’

Discuss:

1. What do you think about tattoos?
2. What can you say about Banjo’s choice of tattoo?
3. Should the decision to get a tattoo be taken lightly, or should it be given serious thought?

Best Food Markets in Madrid

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C1 – Advanced

Food markets have been a buzz for some years now and Madrid’s Mercado San Miguel is one of them.

Read the article and watch the video then be ready to talk about the beauty of food markets.

Best Food Markets in Madrid, Spain – Fresh Fish, Meat, Veggies and Cafes

Let’s Discuss!

1. According to the video, what are some of the “services” that the Mercado San Miguel offer as a food market?
2. What are some of the food markets that you’ve been to? Where do you usually shop for food?
3. Share some of your favourite traditional food or dishes.