Tag: Reading

Spain’s Newfound Love of English

C1 – Advanced

Over the past few years, the growing number of English learners has increased. From South East Asia to across Europe.

Below is an interesting article of how Spain has now welcomed the study of the English language.

7 reasons for Spain’s newfound love of English

Discuss:

1. Why is English important?
2. What are the 7 reasons why Spanish people would like to develop their English skills?
3.What age do you think a child should start learning English?
4. What if you spoke English fluently? Do you think you have a different job?/Do you think you have the same job that you have now? Why?

First Human Head Transplant

B2 – Upper intermediate

Organ transplants have saved many lives. But, an Italian neurosurgeon wants to take a few steps further with his first human head transplant.

Read the article below to learn more about Dr. Canavero and his potential patient.

First Human Head Transplant Planned for 2017

Discuss:

1. Is Dr. Sergio Canavero’s idea worth a try?
2. Do you believe that the current technology we have is well- equipped for this attempt?
3. Would you volunteer for a medical experiment for greater and good intentions?

Doctors Say No to Tackling in Rugby

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B2 – Upper intermediate

Rugby has got to be one of the toughest and testosterone-filled sport out there. There’s beauty and strength in the game, but also danger.

Click on the title below and be ready to express your thoughts about the sport.

Doctors say no to tackling in rugby

Discuss:

1. What are the two sides discussed in this article?
2. How do you feel about contact sports like rugby or American football?
3. Do you agree with what the article is saying?
4. Aside from rugby, what do you think are other sports that can be physically dangerous?

Voter Records ‘were accessible online’

C1 – Advanced

The beauty of technology is much appreciated. Millions of people rely on technology to get things done – on a daily basis. But once it exposes personal information, expect a barrage of complaints.

Read the article below to find out more about the data breach that happened in Mexico.

Millions of Mexican voter records ‘were accessible online’

Discuss:

1. How was this unsecured database discovered?
2. What were the steps taken to solve this problem?
3. Think of possible scenarios if these information fall into the hands of the wrong people.
4. How would you react if your personal data became publicly accessible on the internet?

Fear Over Eating Disorder Care

B2 – Upper Intermediate

There is a commonly held view that eating disorders are a lifestyle choice. Eating disorders are considered serious illnesses that can affect a person’s eating behaviors. Some people, mostly young girls, go too far with their aspiration to become slim.

Watch the video and read the article on how Japan is tackling the issue of eating disorders.

http://www.bbc.com/news/health-36095287

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are causes of eating disorders and how do they affect people who have them?
  2. What should be done to prevent this from happening and to help those suffering from it?
  3. Why is there a stigma around eating disorders and their families and what are the consequences of these to them?
  4. Who should be held responsible for illnesses like eating disorders? Explain your point.
  5. Why is it important to spread awareness about this health issue?

Are There Hidden Truths in Dreams?

B1 – Intermediate

Would you still continue you trip or your planned activity, even if you had a bad dream about it the previous night?

Read the article below to get some information about dreaming and how it affects people.

http://www.english-online.at/science/dreams/hidden-truths-unconscious.htm

Discussion Questions:

1. Do you remember any of your dreams?
2. Do you believe in the interpretations of dreams?
3. Share some of the nightmares you’ve had in the past. Share some of the good ones as well.
4. Has a dream ever influenced your thoughts?

Bullfighting – A Big Attraction in Spain

B1 – Intermediate

It is no secret that Spain is famous for its bullfighting. Thousands of tourists get excited to watch a real bullfight in the arena.

Read the article below and express your thoughts about bullfighting and how activists are trying to stop the sport.

http://www.english-online.at/culture/bullfighting/bullfighting-in-spain.htm

Discussion Questions:

1. What do you think of bullfighting as a kind of entertainment?
2. Do you think bulls should be eaten after being killed in the arena?
3. Is it possible to completely wipe out the industry of bullfighting?
4. Are there other historical activities in your country that should be stopped?

Ancient Mummy Wearing Adidas Boots

B1 – Intermediate

We have heard many stories and have watched a number of films about time travel. But is time travel really possible?

Read the article below about a mummy wearing a specific footwear that has made many people think about time travelling.

http://www.breakingnewsenglish.com/1604/160415-time-travel.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think this story is believable? Why or why not?
  2. If given a chance, would you time travel? Why or why not?
  3. Which period of time would you like to go back to? Why?

Jealousy, Prejudice, and Short People

B1 – Intermediate

We have all heard of the expression “walk tall” to signify confidence and pride. Or how you can “feel ten feet tall”  when you feel extremely good, like right after getting a promotion.

This light-hearted article shows a very interesting study of how our actual height can play a role in our success.

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

A recent study discovered that short people are more likely to feel jealous. The research questioned more than 500 men and women from Denmark to Spain. They then used the data to discover which characteristics made people feel uncomfortable. Men and women were intimidated by money, strength, looks, and charm. However, shorter people felt more nervous than taller people.

In regards to evolution, this conclusion makes sense. Women who are average height or taller have the best health, popularity, and fertility with men. In addition, the study said taller men often have more success with women.

Other similar studies about height and modern culture agree. For example, tall men are more successful in business. In another study, a look at Fortune 500 companies showed that 58% of the CEOs were taller than six feet (169 centimeters), but only 14.5% of the US population was six feet. Moreover, taller people received better salaries than shorter people. One inch adds more than $750 to a person’s salary each year.

The study finished by stating that prejudice towards shorter people isn’t conscious.

Source: headsupenglish.com

Discussion Questions:

1. Would you consider yourself a jealous person? Why/not?
2. Do you agree or disagree? Taller people enjoy more success in life.
3. If people from other countries were interviewed, would the results be the same?
4. Do you have any prejudices? Please explain.

Money Can Buy Happiness

B1 – Intermediate

A new study from Cambridge University suggests that money can buy you happiness. If money can indeed buy happiness, what will you buy to make you happy?

Read the article below then share your thoughts.

http://www.breakingnewsenglish.com/1604/160411-money-happiness.html

Discussion Questions:

1. What is the relationship between money and happiness?
2. What does ‘retail therapy’ mean?
3. How would you describe your shopping habits?
4. Do you prefer online shopping or do you still like going to the store?