Tag: Speaking

Technology Helps Deaf Students at Gallaudet University

B1 – Intermediate

There have been many studies of how technology can be bad for us. But the video below will show how technology can help some people in society be more confident in facing the world and its daily challenges.

Watch the video and be ready to discuss it.

Discuss:

1. Explain how technology is being used in Galludet university.
2. How is technology helping the deaf and the hard-of-hearing students in Galludet university?
3. Are there organizations or colleges in your country that accommodate students with disabilities?
4. What are other ways technology can do to help people with disabilities?

How to Buy Healthy Food

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B2 – Upper intermediate

Over the past years, society has been bombarded with an ever increasing number of health choices. You can go for organic, vegan, dairy-free or just plain raw. How do you know which one is actually the healthiest?

Read the article below to know what one doctor says about going to the supermarket and buying the stuff that’s actually good for you.

How to Buy Healthy Food Without Reading the Nutrition Label

Discuss:

1. What kind of doctor is Cynthia Sass and what does she say about choosing healthy products at the supermarket?
2. Would you agree to what the doctor said?
3. What are some healthy options that you choose?
4. What are some of your guilty pleasures when it comes to food?

International Day of the Nacho

Young women and man eating nachos with melted cheese

B2 – Upper intermediate

Almost everything we know and use has a history behind it. This includes food. The history surrounding a certain dish is often very interesting. And nachos are no exception.

Read the article to know more how this Mexican dish came about. Take note of new words and expressions.

The International Day of the Nacho Would Not Be Possible Without This Man

Discuss:

1. In your own words, re-tell the history of nachos. How did it get its name?
2. Are you fond of nachos and other Mexican dishes?
3. Would you say that there are local Spanish dishes with an interesting history behind it?
4. What are some non-European cuisines that you enjoy eating?

Greeks May Have Built Terracotta Army

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C1 – Advanced

China’s first emperor was buried with 8,000 stone statues – a stone army guarding his tomb. It is now believed that Ancient Greeks influenced and helped build these statues along with other sculptors. It also suggests there was close contact between the Greeks and China long before the opening of the Silk Road.

Ancient Greeks may have built China’s famous Terracotta Army – 1,500 years before Marco Polo

Discuss:

1. When dealing with history that is thousands of years in the past do you think we can really know what truly happened?
2. History seems to change often with new discoveries of our past, do you think many of the things we now believe are actually false?
3. What are some historical events that you are interested in?

Increase your Vocabulary Through Idioms 2

B2 – Upper intermediate

Idioms are a very fun way to express certain situations. They put more color to your sentences and are a great way to increase your vocabulary.

Read the short articles and answer the questions that follow.

Idiom 1:The Economy is Tough

Idiom 2: Good Working Habits

Podcast: Domestic Chores

B2 – Upper intermediate

Should cleaning the house be really an issue between partners? Listen to the podcast below and express your thoughts about doing domestic chores. Share some of your experiences as well.

Be ready to discuss the different vocabulary terms featured in the podcast.

6 Minute English: Domestic chores

Discuss:

1. What are some of the domestic chores that you do? Which ones do you hate?
2. Would you say that you have a very high threshold or a low threshold when it comes to untidiness?
3. Do you agree that women have a tendency to take care more of their children as compared to men?
4. How do you feel about hiring cleaning ladies and nannies to help you around?

China Bans Immoral Content from Television

B2 – Upper Intermediate

It is a well-known fact that media is very influential. Censorship boards are present to help rate television shows and guide parents and children accordingly. But, in China, the government has decided to totally ban shows that display violence, homosexuality and excessive drinking.

Read the article below then express your thoughts about the topic.

http://www.english-online.at/news-articles/world/asia/china-bans-immoral-content-from-television.htm

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think it’s a good idea for China to ban television shows mentioned in the article? Explain.
  2. The article mentioned that China considers homosexuality as a mental disease. What is your opinion on this?
  3. Is there really a way to protect children and youth from sensitive social issues? What are some ways to do this?
  4. Does your country have a censorship board? If not, should your country have one? If yes, are they very strict? Talk about this government agency in detail.
  5. What contents should be censored on different media (social, TV, radio, etc.)?

Fukushima – 5 Years Later

B2 – Upper intermediate

In 2011, Japan suffered a devastating disaster that left many homeless. After some years, residents of Fukushima are still picking up the pieces, hoping that normality will be restored.

Read the article below and express your thoughts about it.

Fukushima – 5 Years Later

Discuss:

1. What do you know about what happened in Fukushima and to its nuclear power plant?
2. What is your general opinion about nuclear energy?
3. Does your country rely on nuclear energy? How about alternative forms of energy?
4. Do you think it is possible to fully rely on natural forms of energy?

How to Sound Credible

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Being credible can greatly affect our professional career.  Lack of it will make it difficult for us to have a good deal with clients.

What is credibility and how important is it? Click on the link below to listen to the podcast.

Skills 360 – How to Sound Credible (Part 1)

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is the audio saying about credibility? How would you explain credibility?
  2. Why is credibility important to an employee and to a company?
  3. How do try to maintain your credibility at work?
  4. Why are company principles and values important? Name one corporate value that you think is the most important to uphold at all times and why do you think it is important.
  5. Explain the importance of admitting mistakes? What should you do after committing one?

Internet Addiction Sign of Mental Health Problems

B1 – Intermediate

The Internet is like any other tool that can be useful or harmful. Many young people, including adults, find themselves addicted to the Internet.  What is an Internet addiction?  Can it really cause mental health problems?

Read the article below then express your thoughts.

http://www.breakingnewsenglish.com/1609/160921-internet-addiction.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think of internet addiction? Do you think it is possible to be addicted to the internet? Explain.
  2. Can internet addiction lead to more serious mental health problems? Explain.
  3. Do you rely on the internet for work?
  4. Are you able to “switch-off” or stay away from the internet, too? How do you do it?
  5. Is it important to disconnect from the internet, too? Why?
  6. What are the pros and cons of always being online?
  7. Discuss the following issues related to the internet:
    Cyber-bullying
    Identity theft
    Online gambling