Tag: Reading

Traditional and Western Medicine

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The World Health Organization estimates that between 65 to 80 percent of the world’s population (over 4 billion people) rely on alternative medicine as their primary form of health care compared to only 10 to 30 percent of people who use conventional medicine.

http://medcitynews.com/2012/11/the-great-debate-between-western-and-alternative-medicine/

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think traditional medicines are tried, tested, and safe?
  2. What traditional medicine do you know of? Have you ever tried any?
  3. Would you like to try acupuncture, cupping, massage etc.?
  4. Do you think traditional medicine works? Why or why not?
  5. Do you think traditional medicine is just a fad? Elaborate.
  6. What do you think of things like art therapy, music therapy, healing with animals, etc?

App Targets Fake ‘Made in Italy’ Labels

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Have you ever seen or bought products that looked genuine but they really aren’t? There’s an a mobile app that helps you spot fraudulent Italian products.

Read more about this app and how it works and what it can do.

http://www.bbc.com/news/blogs-news-from-elsewhere-38743912

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think about this app? What other features would you add to it?
  2. Why might be reasons people purchase knockoffs?
  3. How prevalent is counterfeiting in your country? Talk about this problem in respect to the situation in your country.
  4. How does fraudulent labels affect the businesses/companies that manufacture the original ones?
  5. What are ways to possibly lessen the spread and sale of counterfeit products?

Swiss Army to Accept Overweight Recruits

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B2 – Upper Intermediate

The Swiss Members of Parliament is hoping to increase the number of military service recruits in their country.

Find out more how they are going to do it through this BBC article:

Calls for Swiss army to accept overweight recruits

Discuss:

1. What are your thoughts on this proposal?
2. How would you feel about mandatory military service in your country?
3. What do you think are the advantages and disadvantages of doing military service?

Reasons to Shower Less

B2 – Upper Intermediate

We all take a bath or a shower to feel fresh before going to work, after a rigorous work-out or simply to feel clean before going to bed. Do you enjoy your bath time? How often do you take a shower? They say that taking a shower might not be so good for you, so let’s find out.

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

http://www.rd.com/health/wellness/shower-less-often/

Discussion Questions:
1. Name the reasons mentioned in the article about showering less. Do you agree or disagree with them?
2. Do you prefer taking a shower or having a bath?
3. Do you prefer a quick shower in the morning or a warm bath in the evening?

Express your thoughts:
• A few germs are good for you. People wash and clean too much.
• Expensive shampoos and shower gels are a waste of money. A bar of soap is just as effective.
• The advertising industry is to blame for all the money we waste on cleaning products that we don’t need.

How to Drink Baijiu

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Have you heard of baijiu? If you’re into spirits and drinking then this is one liqueur that you might want to try.

Read the article about a Chinese drink heartily consumed by the locals.

Take a look at the pictures as well and be ready to answer comprehension questions.

http://edition.cnn.com/2017/01/29/foodanddrink/how-to-drink-baijiu-china/index.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is baijiu and how is it made? What is it made of?
  2. On which occasions is baijiu the choice of drink?
  3. What is baijiu tourism? What do you think of it?
  4. Is there a similar tour like this in your city/country? Talk about it.
  5. What are some of the local alcohol or spirits that are commonly and popularly consumed in your country?
  6. What are your preferences when it comes to alcohol?

Africa’s Coffee Renaissance

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Nigeria’s young entrepreneurs are thinking creatively and boldly. Watch the video and read the article about two Nigerian brothers who profited on coffee.

2 brothers have tapped into Africa’s coffee renaissance

Discussion Questions:

1. Describe the coffee business of Ngozi and Chijioke Dozie. What makes their coffee bar different?
2. What do the brothers hope for in the future for their business?
3. How are coffee bars faring in your city/country?
4. Are there many start-up businesses in your city/country? Are they being supported by the local government?

Saudi Arabia’s Cinema Ban

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C1 – Advanced

It is common knowledge to most that the Middle Eastern culture is one that comes with very rigid rules. From what women can wear to gender segregation. In Saudi Arabia, cinemas are struggling as well.

Read the article below to know more about the film industry in Saudi.

In the age of YouTube, what’s the point in Saudi Arabia’s cinema ban?

Discuss:

1. What information did the article say about the cinema ban in Saudi Arabia?
2. What did the article say about women and driving?
3. Tell me something about the author of the article.
4. What do you know about the Middle Eastern culture?
5. Would you consider travelling to the Middle East?

Festivals: Chinese New Year

B1 – Intermediate

In most Asian countries, New Year’s is celebrated twice – in January and in February.

Read the article below to know more about the Chinese New Year and some cultural traditions that the Chinese practice. Be ready to also talk about this holiday and the important festivals from your country.

http://www.english-online.at/culture/chinese-new-year/chinese-new-year-celebrations.htm

Discussion Questions:

  1. Describe how the Chinese celebrate their New Year.
  2. How do you celebrate NY in your country?
  3. Have you ever seen or witnessed a dragon dance or a Lantern Festival? What do you think of it?
  4. What are some Spanish festivals that are very specific to a region?
  5. In your country, what are the dishes or food that are especially served during New Year? Why are they typical NY food?

Are We Ready for E-Books?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

There is an increasing popularity of e-books, especially among youngsters. Some people think that printed books will be replaced by e-books, which are more convenient and affordable. However, some argued that nothing could ever replace the feeling of owning and the physical enjoyment that printed books can provide to its readers.

Let’s find out more about e-books.

http://www.english-online.at/media/ebooks/are-we-ready-for-ebooks.htm

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the advantages and disadvantages of e-books?
  2. What do you like about printed book?
  3. Based on the article, why do major publishers think that reading books on screen is what most of the consumers need?
  4. What are some of the books that you have enjoyed reading?
  5. Do you also like to read articles from magazines or the newspaper?

The First Starbucks in Italy

B1 – Intermediate

Starbucks is one of the most popular American coffee shop chains known around the world. Presently, it has more than 20,000 stores in 67 countries. Starbucks has achieved worldwide recognition and success. Can it also be successful in Italy, a country that is known to have long cultural ties with coffee?

Let’s find out more about it.

http://www.english-online.at/news-articles/business-economy/starbucks-to-open-first-store-in-italy.htm#

Discussion Questions:

1. According to the article, when will Starbucks open its first store in Italy?
2. Have you tried Italian espresso? How about Starbucks coffee?
3. Why do Italians have mixed reactions/feelings about the opening of Starbucks in their country?
4. What was the article pertaining to when it mentioned  the “watery undrinkable” coffee?
5. Can Starbucks succeed in Italy?
6. Are there Starbucks stores in your country? What’s the most popular coffee shop chain in your country/Europe?