Tag: Reading

Men Taking their Wives’ Names

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C1 – Advanced

What’s in a name?  Some traditions and culture call for women taking their husband’s name immediately after getting married. But there’s a trend happening when it comes to changing names. Is it really new or is it just popularized by celebrities?

Read on to find out why.

A new wedding trend? The men taking their wives’ names

Discuss:

1. How do you feel about this trend of men taking their wife’s surname?
2. Do you know anyone who has adapted this practice?
3. What is the custom in your country when it comes to taking names?

Overcome Emotional Sensitivity

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B2 – Upper intermediate

Being emotional or sensitive can sometimes be seen as a weakness. Contradictory to popular belief, it is healthy to be emotionally sensitive.  It is, however, important to find the balance with your emotions to avoid over-reaction.

Read the article below to know the details in overcoming sensitivity. The article is divided into three parts. Feel free to read it in parts.

How to Overcome Emotional Sensitivity

Discuss:

1. Would you consider yourself quite sensitive?
2. How do you react to negative situations?
3. Do you practice any of the suggestions mentioned in the article (journaling, self assessment, meditation)?

 

Music Affect Your Mood

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Did you know that music and emotions are linked?

We either listen to music to feel happy or when we are in a very good mood or we also give some songs a listen because we are sad.

Read the article below to know more about the link between music and emotions.

https://www.healthline.com/health-news/mental-listening-to-music-lifts-or-reinforces-mood-051713

Discussion Questions:

  1. What kinds of music do you enjoy listening to depending on your mood at that moment?
  2. Is music possibly some sort of coping mechanism for some people? Why or why not?
  3. Was there a stage in your life wherein you listened to a specific music genre? Talk about it in detail.
  4. Name a song that helped lift your mood in a particularly rough times in your life.
  5. Cite a song that is your favorite to play to help boost your mood.

Should You Have the Right to Die?

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B2 – Upper intermediate

The topics of euthanasia and assisted suicide get a lot of media attention. Only a few countries around the world permit assisted suicide and many other governments with laws against the practice prefer not to take the issue to court.

Read the article below to find out the stories of some people who are fighting for their right to die. Watch the short video of Brittany Maynard as well.

Should You Have the Right to Die?

Discuss:

1. What is your initial reaction to assisted suicide?
2. Should doctors help patients kill themselves?
3. Does your government have any laws related to this issue?

Homeless Shelter for LGBT Youth

B2 – Upper intermediate

A shelter in Washington, D.C. will be housing homeless lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender young people. For many, this will be their road to rehabilitation and independence.

Watch the video then read the article to know more about Casa Ruby and how it is helping the LGBT youth.

Homeless Shelter for LGBT Youth Opens in Washington

Discuss:

1. Would you know if your country has the same provision for LGBT youth?
2. How widespread is LGBT in your country?
3. What is your viewpoint on this matter? Do you think people from LGBT communities in your country are well taken care of?

Do Brits Really have Bad Teeth?

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C1 – Advanced

How would you define bad teeth? Some people say Britons have bad teeth because their teeth are not white enough nor straight enough. But are those the only measurements?

Read the article below to know more about dental health in Britain and in other parts of the world.

Do Brits Really have Bad Teeth?

Discuss:

1. After reading the article, how would you define bad teeth?
2. How important is dental hygiene?
3. How do you take care of your teeth?
4. Agree or Disagree: Healthy teeth means a healthy body.

Childhood Obesity

B2 – Upper Intermediate

We are all guilty of giving children just what they want to show how much we love them.  But, sometimes, we forget that too much of something is not good. Letting them eat more than what is needed and not monitoring their unhealthy eating habits could lead to serious consequences.

Read the article below to know more about the facts when it comes to childhood obesity.

http://www.english-online.at/health_medicine/childhood-obesity/causes-and-risks-of-childhood-obesity.htm

Discussion Questions:

  1. Have you noticed if childhood obesity is happening in your country? Explain why it is or not happening there?
  2. What are good ways to combat childhood obesity?
  3. Describe the kind of eating habits you had as a child and how has it changed as you grew older.
  4. If you had/have children, what would be/are your rules when it comes to food and eating?
  5. Should we pressure children to be so worried about their diet? Elaborate on your stand.

Swiss Banks – a Safe Haven for Money

 B2 – Upper intermediate

Switzerland has very strict privacy laws. This is the main reason  why affluent families and even certain dictators deposit their money in Swiss banks.  There has been pressure for the Swiss government to ease up their banking laws to allow revelation of account holders who are suspected to be doing illegal activities.

Read the article below then share your thoughts about the topic.

http://www.english-online.at/economy/banking-in-switzerland/swiss-banks.htm

Discussion Questions:

1. Do you think that it’s time for Swiss banks to change their laws when it comes to privacy?
2. How would you describe the privacy laws of banks in your country?
3. What do you like about the current bank you’re with?

The Future Of Cardiology

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Cardiovascular diseases remain as one of the leading causes of death in the whole world. It is always good news to hear progress in cardiology that can help millions of patients across the globe.

Read the article below to find out how technology has made another advancement in the field of cardiology.

http://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2015/05/22/408810461/the-future-of-cardiology-will-be-shown-in-3-d

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do they call this new project mentioned in the article? Describe the kind of technology featured in the article.
  2. What are your thoughts on this innovation in cardiology?
  3. Name and describe other medical advancements that you know of.
  4. Do you see any disadvantages to using high-tech machines or gadgets in the field of medicine?
  5. What other advancements in the medical field do you want to see? Why?

Link Between Earthquakes and Oil Drilling

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Oil drilling is one of the most important power source industry of our time. However, oil drilling does cause earthquakes.

Click the title below to know more about fracturing and what it does to the environment.

http://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/experts-see-close-link-between-earthquakes-and-oil-drilling/2741941.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. Share your thoughts on oil and gas drilling’s effects on the environment.
  2. What can you say about the environmental effects of industrialization?
  3. Have you ever experienced an earthquake? Talk about that time.