phone english blogC1 – Advanced
Looks aren’t everything. Image is powerful.
Let’s pay attention and listen to a talk by Cameron Russell.
Discuss:
1. What does the speaker mean when she says “People are paying for how they look not on what they are.”?
2. Why do you think the speaker says that she’s really insecure?
3. How is media affecting our ideas of beauty?
4. Aside from beauty, what else did the speaker talk about?
B2 – Upper Intermediate
Do looks really matter? Apparently, they do. A recent study conducted by the University of Chicago and University of California reveals that attractive employees tend to get paid more.
Read the article below and be ready to answer the questions that follow.
http://www.breakingnewsenglish.com/1605/160523-cosmetics.html
Discussion Questions:
B2 – Upper intermediate
TV advertisements have very big impact on people. The are able to persuade their audience to buy certain products. The catchier the ad, the more it will be remembered.
One specific Chinese advert made an impact on a lot of people. Specifically because it hit a nerve and was branded a racist.
Discuss:
1. What did you think of the advertisement? Do you think it was funny at all?
2. Do you think that the advertsing agnecy failed to be sensitive or were they just being funny?
3. Do you agree that there is a bit of a racist in each one of us?
C1 – Advanced
Illegal, and sometimes legal, immigration has become a hot topic for quite a while. There seems to be no best solution to this issue.
Watch the video below then express your thoughts about it.
Discuss:
1. Is illegal immigration a problem in your country?
2. In your own understanding, how does illegal immigration affect a country?
3. Define “Illegal Alien”.
4. Illegal immigrants have high hopes to get that “Big American Dream”. By this sentence, do you think America is the best country to live in? Why or why not?
B2 – Upper Intermediate
Gun ownership has always been vital in the American Society. Almost each household owns a gun and this is perfectly legal. Americans use it for protection. However, there are accidents resulting to gun ownership and it is quite alarming, especially if children are involved.
Read the article about the rise of shooting incidents that involve young children in the US and be ready to answer the questions that follow.
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-36270215
Discussion Questions:
B2 – Upper Intermediate
An Italian court has ruled that stealing a small amount of food due to starvation is not a crime. A man’s sentence was overturned because his lawyer argued that he only committed the crime out of desperation.
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-36190557
Discussion Questions:
B2 – Upper intermediate
Bruce Springsteen, a famous rock musician cancelled a concert in North Carolina, because of the state’s laws on transgender issues. He’s one of the many artists who are fighting against discrimination and partiality.
Read the article below and express your thoughts about the issue.
Discussion Questions:
1. Are transgender people socially accepted in your country?
2. Have you heard of any act of discrimination against them?
3. Should transgenders be given equal rights in the society?
B2 – Upper intermediate
Child labour is nothing new. It’s been happening since the 18th century. Over the years, do you think that this social problem has been solved or has it evolved to something worse? Read the article below and express your thoughts about it.
http://www.english-online.at/society/child-labour/working-children-around-the-world.htm
Discussion Questions:
1. Does child labour exist in your country?
2. What are steps the government can take to stop child labour?
3. When is it okay for a child to work?
4. Have you experienced working when you were younger?
C1 – Advanced
Nobody wants to go to prison. There is fear even in just saying the word. People have very specific images of what prison looks like. But, in Norway, things are just a little bit different than the usual.
This article includes a video. Please read the article first before watching the video to fully understand the video clip.
Let’s Discuss!
1. Based on the article, explain what “normality principle” is.
2. Describe the prisons in Bastoey island and in Halden.
3. Explain the conditions of the prisoners in Norway and the rights they can still exercise.
4. What is the defense given by the Norwegian system when critics question their prison structure?
5. How would you describe prisons in your country?
B2 – Upper intermediate
Portugal had one of the highest drug use rates in Europe. Now, they have the problem under control. Read the article below to learn how Portugal treat their drug abusers. Be ready to express your thoughts.
Discuss:
1. Is there a drug abuse situation in your country?
2. What do you think is the best way to combat drug abuse?
3. What are some of the social issues that you think your country (or government) should tackle?