Tag: Reading

Bullying Killed a Teen

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Some people feel good when they bully others. They think they can gain friends by doing it or that their images will be elevated without realizing the dangers bullying can cause.

Read the article and watch the video to have a wider insight about bullying.

http://www.nbcnews.com/news/investigations/its-bullying-killed-me-dead-teens-mom-fights-protect-law-n298666

Discussion Questions:

  1. In your opinion, has bullying gotten worse over the years? Explain.
  2. How can we eliminate bullying?
  3. How are schools in your country dealing with bullying?
  4. Do you think there are enough laws in your country against bullying? Why or why not?
  5. What is the best punishment if someone committed it?

A Guide to Breakups

C1 – Advanced

Almost all of us has experienced loss. Especially during the teenage years, when young men and women start crushing on someone and have their first take on a relationship.

Read the article below to know about Julia’s dating experience and her suggestion of ending affairs.

https://www.psychologytoday.com/articles/201101/the-thoroughly-modern-guide-breakups

Discussion Questions:

  1. What did you think of Julia’s heartbreaking story?
  2. What can you say about her suggestions when it comes to ending a relationship?
  3. Share any bad experiences when it comes to dating.

Make a Good Impression at a Job Interview

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Job Interview – B2 – Upper intermediate

The way you act and behave during your first interview will be very important in getting your desired job.

Below are some helpful tips on how to bag a job and impress an interviewer.

13 Ways to Make a Good First Impression at Your Next Job Interview

Discuss:

1. Why is it important to have a firm handshake?
2. Describe an appropriate dress code.
3. Aside from the 13 suggestions, what else should we do when in a job interview?
4. Are there specific job practices or customs that you do in your country when having a job interview? (Having phone interviews first, not wearing specific colors to an interview, calling people by their first names, etc.)

Gender Discrimination in the Workplace

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Gender discrimination remains a big issue for many women in the workplace.

Read the article to know the effects of sexism in the workplace on women.

http://smallbusiness.chron.com/effects-gender-discrimination-workplace-2860.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why do you think gender discrimination exists?
  2. Is gender discrimination something that you witness in your workplace? Talk about it in detail.
  3. Have you ever been discriminated against? Share your experience.
  4. What about immigrants or minorities in the workplace? Do they also face some kind of discrimination in your country?
  5. What are the things that can be done to improve gender equality in the workplace?

Female Leaders in the US

B2 – Upper Intermediate

A study done by Pew Research Center suggests that most Americans think that women are very much capable to take leadership positions too. However, females getting into top positions in business and politics is something that doesn’t occur so much yet.

Find out the reasons for this.

http://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/women-capable-top-jobs/2621182.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you agree with the results of this study? Share some insights.
  2. What do you think are the reasons for this slow ascend of women in the political and business world?
  3. What are some ways to change this situation?
  4. Have you ever worked with a female boss? Talk about it.

How Reading Can Change You

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C1 – Advanced

Reading has always been a part of people’s lives. You can learn a lot through reading. You read from the time you begin school until the time that you start working. It is one hobby that some people love and adore.

Read the article below to discover how what we read can mould our personalities.

How Reading Can Change You in a Major Way

Discuss:

1. Do you think reading is important?
2. How often do you read?
3. Do you like reading? What are your preferences in books?
4. What are some of the interesting books or stories you’ve read?

Workaholic Fathers ‘Symbolically Absent’

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C1 – Advanced

Recently, the leader of the Catholic Church spoke about fathers whose primary focus has been their work rather than their children.  He explained the important role fathers play in their children’s lives and why a patriarch’s being “symbolically absent” can be a problem not just for his family but society as well.

Read the article below and express your opinions regarding Pope Francis’ views.

Pope criticizes workaholic dads, says they’re ‘symbolically absent’

Discuss:

1. What are a father’s roles in a family?
2. What happens to children when their father is “symbolically absent”?
3. According to the article, some fathers used to practice authoritarianism. What does this mean?
5. Is an authoritarian father better than a father who’s always absent? Why or why not?

Cheating Epidemic in Sports

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B2 – Upper intermediate

We all know the controversies of winning a game due to cheating. There are some recorded evidences of how cheating is widely practiced in the world of sports. It has even caused disputes and debates over the years.

The Epidemic of Cheating in Sports

Discuss:

1. What is your stand on cheating in sport?
2. What do you think is a just punishement for an athlete who was found cheating?
3. Do you think there are other underlying reasons why athletes cheat?

Young, Unemployed, and Stressed

B1 – Intermediate

Unemployment has become a problem for many countries, especially after the economic crisis started. It has affected many, especially young people. As a result, more people are also experiencing stress and anxiety, possibly even depression.

Read the short article below to  know more about the topic.

http://www.breakingnewsenglish.com/1501/150116-unemployed-l.html

Discussion Questions:

1. What can you say about the issue of unemployment?
2. Are there many unemployed in your country?
3. What would you do if you were unemployed?
4. Do you ever feel anxious about everyday situations?

‘Safer GMOs’ made by US scientists

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B2 – Upper intermediate

The use of GMO (Genetically Modified Organisms) has been around for years and yet the issue of whether it is safe or not has not yet been fully concluded. Because of that, there are groups and individuals who are against the use of GMO in consumer products.

‘Safer GMOs’ made by US scientists

Discuss:

1. What is your stand on this issue?
2. What are the advantages and disadvantages of the use of GMO?
3. The article talks about new and “safer” GMO. Do you think it is a better option? Why or why not?