Tag: Reading

Lies a Part of Human Nature

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Almost everyone agrees that a white lie is a good kind of lie. But is it really good knowing you’re hiding the truth from someone?

Read the article to know the science and reason behind lying.

Everyone lies. In fact, lies are an important facet of humanity. For example, research shows that two acquaintances lie several times in the average ten minute conversation. Although we are told to always tell the truth from a very young age, parents lie about Santa Clause or about the pet dog’s death. Parents also smile and say “thank you” when receiving a gift, then possibly belittle it at home. These conflicting messages signal children to regard lies as okay.

We lie to ourselves all the time to make problems, fears, and failures seem less troublesome. A New Year’s resolution can be considered a lie, too, because in most cases we don’t intend to keep the promise — we’ve only deceived ourselves. Or consider the next time a friend or colleague asks, “How are you?” That person doesn’t want to hear that you’re tired, overworked, underpaid, and have problems with your significant other. Social rules demand that you reply, “I’m fine.”

Psychologist Paul Ekman offers some basic reasons for lying. We lie to escape punishment, to get out of uncomfortable situations, to boost our egos, to receive a reward, to protect someone, or to control the flow of information. Everything from a large exaggeration to a small lie falls into one of these categories.

Despite the fact that lying is an indivisible part of our psyche, we can only catch a lie about fifty percent of the time. The success rate is quite low, and suggests that we don’t want to know that another person isn’t being honest. Lies, some experts suggest, are the glue which holds society together.

Source: headsupenglish.com

Discussion Questions:

1. How often do you think you lie? Is it too much?
2. What are some of the reasons you’ve lied recently?
3. Do you think lies hold society together? Why/not?
4. What situations would it be better to lie than to tell the truth? Why do you think so?
5. Do you think one gender lies more than the other? Why/not?

Bribing Children to Behave

B2 – Upper intermediate

When is it bribing and when is it a reward? It’s become a normal practice for most parents to give children something in return for good behaviour.

Read the  article below to know what’s wrong with modern-day parenting.

Some parents promise a child dessert if they finish their Brussels sprouts. Some parents purchase a video game if a child does well on a test. These shouldn’t be called treats or rewards. Promises of desserts, toys, or favors are bribes, especially when they are given for everyday, appropriate behavior.

Parenting experts agree that rewards are important. But some parents have gone too far. They pay their children to brush their teeth, go to sleep early, or even score a few goals at a soccer tournament! This may achieve results in the short term. But in the long term, children can become adults with an unrealistic viewpoint of the world. They think, “What are you going to give me?”

The modern world is partly to blame. There are many more material goods than before. In addition, both parents must now work and be parents full-time. It’s easier to bribe a child than to have a power struggle. However, with each bribe, children demand more and more.

Of course, it’s perfectly all right to reward children from time to time. The action should equal the reward, though.\

Source: headsupenglish.com

Discussion Questions:

1.Is this a problem in your country? If yes, please explain.
2.Do children behave better or worse than 10 years ago? 20 years ago? Why?
3.Will children behave better or worse in 10 years? 20 years? Why?
4.What is the most difficult part about being a parent? Why?

Are They Migrants or Refugees?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

By definition, an immigrant is someone from a foreign country who relocates to live in another country. The European migrant crisis is surging and EU is struggling to respond to this.

Listen to the audio and read the transcript whether they should be considered as migrants or refugees.

http://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/migrants-or-refugees/2948447.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the similarities and differences of migrants and refugees?
  2. What’s your take on the migrant crisis?
  3. If given the chance, what kind of help would you give?
  4. Do you think Syrian refugees will be able to call Europe their new home?

Braille – A Language for Blind People

B2 – Upper Intermediate

They say that necessity is the mother of all inventions and man, in general, will always crave for knowledge. It is probably this combination that brought Louis Braille to the development of the Braille System.

Read the article below to find out more about the Braille system.

http://www.english-online.at/society/braille/braille-language-for-blind-people.htm

Discussion Questions:

  1. Share your thoughts on this: Although Braille is thought to be the main way that blind people can read and write, only few people really use it. In Great Britain, for example only about 20,000 out of 2 million visually impaired actually use Braille.
  2. Does your country have special training facilities for people who are visually impaired? Talk about it.
  3. In your country, do people with visual disabilities have specific benefits? Talk about them.
  4. Are you aware of any new technologies that people with visual disabilities are using to make everyday life easier?
  5. What do you think are ways to make Braille more attractive to users?

Turkey Allows Schools to Teach Kurdish

B2 – Upper intermediate

Minority groups all over the world are given their rights and privileges. But how far is a government willing to go to make them feel part of the society?

Read the article below and be ready to express your thoughts by answering the discussion questions.  

http://www.english-online.at/news-articles/education/turkey-allows-schools-to-teach-kurdish-language.htm

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is the importance of allowing Kurdish to be taught in schools in Turkey? How significant is it?
  2. What is your opinion on this, “The European Union has repeatedly put pressure on Turkey to pass better laws for Kurdish citizens. It says that if Turkey wants to become a full member of the EU minority rights must be granted.“?
  3. What are the different minority groups in your country?
  4. Is your country fair in giving rights to citizens belonging to minority groups?
  5. What elective subjects can students take up in your country
  6. What elective subjects do you think will be good for students to study nowadays and why?
  7. Did you take up any language as an elective subject at school? Talk about it.

Should India’s Jains Be Given the Choice to Die?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Jainism is an ancient religion which still exists and practised by a large number of people in India. Jains have a controversial practice in which they stop eating and drinking with the intention of preparing for death.

Read the article below to see how the government of India is responding to Jainism’s method of moving on to the after life.

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-33998688

Discussion Questions:

1. What is your own perspective about this controversy?
2. When do you think it’s right for the state (government) to intervene against any religious practice?
3. In your country, what are the different religions or faiths that are practiced?

Sleeping in a Taxi

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B2 – Upper intermediate

If you can make it there, you’ll make it anywhere.

The beauty of New York calls travelers from all over the world and one businessman has just made it possible for budget travelers to enjoy the allure of Manhattan without having to break the bank.

Read the article and watch the video to find out how.

http://www.newsinlevels.com/products/sleeping-in-a-taxi-level-3/

Discussion Questions:

  1. What can you say about Jonathan Powley’s idea for budget travelling? Would you try it?
  2. What are some of the best accommodations you’ve experienced during your past travels? What about not-so-good experiences?
  3. How would you travel if you were on a budget?

Eating Out in Old Dubai

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B2 – Upper intermediate

What makes a city more interesting is its diversity and the history behind it. Take a stroll in the streets of Dubai and discover the medley of cultures it has to offer.

Eating Out in Old Dubai

Approximately one-third of Dubai’s population is of South Asian origin—the ties between the United Arab Emirates and India and Pakistan date back to the 19th century, when the Emirates (then known as the Trucial States) were administered by the British Raj. Indian immigrants started coming to Dubai in larger numbers in the 1960s. From its historic role as a city connecting the Middle East and India, to the skyscrapers of today, South Asian immigrants have been central to Dubai’s history. One of their most popular contributions to Dubai’s culture has been the spicy curries and the variety of breads that are characteristic of South Asian cuisine. The streets of the neighborhoods Deira and Satwa, in Old Dubai, are lined with Indian and Pakistani restaurants like Ravi where diners can enjoy a delicious meal al fresco on one of Dubai’s warm evenings.

Discuss:

1. Describe the diversity of the city or town you live in.
2. If I were to visit your country or your city, where would you bring me? (Also talk about places that aren’t touristy.)
3. Describe some of the places that you have visited that are very rich in history and diversity.

The Japanese Women who Married the Enemy

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C1 – Advanced

After WWII, Japan was devastated yet thousands of their women married American soldiers and moved to the US to have a new life.

Read the article and watch the videos to find out how the Japanese women survived the American lifestyle.

The Japanese women who married the enemy

Discuss:

1. What was your reaction after reading the text and watching the videos?
2. What were the challenges and how did the women in the story overcome them?
3. Would you marry someone who is considered an enemy by many?
4. What do you know about WWII and what damage did it bring to your country?

Money Makes You a Bad Person

B1 – Intermediate

Is money really the root of all evil? Read the article to find out what professor Paul Piff says about being wealthy and being poor.

Read the article below about what money does to people and be ready to answer the questions that follow.

http://breakingnewsenglish.com/1503/150320-wealth.html

Discussion Questions:

1. Explain what Professor Piff said about wealthy and poor people.
2. Do you agree with the study of Professor Piff?
3. What things will change for you if you become wealthy?