Tag: Reading

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.

Why I Gave Up a $95,000 Job

B2 – Upper Intermediate

There comes a point when a vacation is just what we need. We need to relax and have a breather to be able to come back recharged and sharper. But, as the author adds, “If you’re constantly thinking you need a vacation, maybe what you really need is a new life.”

The article below is a story of a journalist who gave up her job to move to an island to simplify her life. Express your thoughts after reading.

http://www.marieclaire.com/career-advice/a14268/why-i-gave-up-a-95k-job-to-move-to-an-island/

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is you reaction to the article?
  2. What are your thoughts on living in a competitive city where you have to spend most of your time working to afford to live?
  3. What are your thoughts on this statement: “ambitious people are often overscheduled”?
  4. Share your opinion on this statement: “If you’re constantly thinking you need a vacation, maybe what you really need is a new life.”
  5. Where and how would you most likely spend it in case you want a change in your life and why that place?

The Time for Urban Farmers

C1 – Advanced

Have you heard of Urban farming? In the US, it’s been a popular idea for quite some time.

Read the article below and discuss some of the issues that urban farmers are facing.

http://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2015/05/18/407732692/urban-farmers-say-its-time-they-got-their-own-research-farms

Discussion Questions:

  1. How do you understand urban farming and what are its advantages? How about disadvantages, what might they be?
  2. Is urban farming something that is happening in your country? Why or why not?
  3. Have you started growing your own vegetables? Have you tried it?

Best Minimum Wage in the World

B2 – Upper Intermediate

People around the world work with minimum wage. A minimum wage is the lowest daily or monthly remuneration that employers may legally pay to workers. Which country has the best minimum wage in the world? Let’s take a look!

http://money.cnn.com/2015/05/14/pf/minimum-wage-countries-australia/index.html

Discussion Questions:

1. What is the minimum wage in your country?
2. What do you think should be the ideal minimum wage in your country?
3. How does salary affect the performance of an individual at work?

China Blocks YouTube

B1 – Intermediate

These days, it is easy to get and share information from different parts of the world. The Internet made this possible. However, in China, the Internet is highly controlled by the government.

Read the article below and be ready to express your thoughts about China and how they control the Internet.

http://www.english-online.at/technology/china-blocks-youtube/china-blocks-youtube.htm

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think what China is doing is a good idea banning Youtube? Explain your thoughts.
  2. What do you think would happen if your government decides to do the same?
  3. How is censorship good and bad?
  4. How often and what do you use the Internet for?
  5. What social media sites do you like visiting and why?
  6. What do you think about YouTube?

How Misbehaving Made One Man a Multimillionaire

C1 – Advanced

Jack Cator was your normal teenage school boy; defying and challenging the rules. But what he got out of that persistent attitude was quite extraordinary.

Read the article below to know more about Jack and his business and its humble beginnings.

http://www.bbc.com/news/business-32702501

Discussion Questions:

1. In your own words, explain how Jack was able to come up with his business.
2. What do you know about VPNs? Is this something you use?
3. Have you experienced doing business remotely with people you’ve never met before? Describe that experience.

Nepal Earthquakes

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C1 – Advanced

On April 25, 2015, Nepal was hit by a 7.8 magnitude earthquake that cost thousands of lives and left so many injured.

Below is an article to look back on the devastation that hit a country and affected so many. Take a look at the before-and-after photos included in the article.

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-32479909

Discussion Questions:

1. What do you know of the earthquake that hit Nepal in 2015?
2. Have you experienced natural disasters such as earthquakes?
3. What are some catastrophes you’ve witnessed?
4. Is your country prepared in case a natural disaster hits?