Tag: Speaking

Try Something New for 30 Days

B2 – Upper intermediate

It’s never too late to try something new – no matter your age, gender or disposition in life. Humans are meant to explore and be better. Here’s a short, lighthearted video to motivate us to achieve new goals.

Discuss:

1. What do you think of the talk?
2. What are some of your short-term and long-term goals?
3. Have you ever tried something new? How long did it last?
4. What new things would you like to try for 30 days? Why?
5. What motivates you to be a better person in different areas of your life?

Have You Got Too Much Stuff?

B2 – Upper intermediate

Do you often find yourself in the middle of so many things that are not really necessary in your life? Do you think you could live a simpler and de-cluttered life?

Listen to the podcast about a world that revolves around material possessions.

Have you got too much stuff?

Discuss:

1. Kindly explain the three buckets system.
2. Do you believe we could all live better with less?
3. In your opinion, how much stuff is too much?
4. Do you buy labelled goods?
5. Talk about something that you fondly collect.
6. What thing do you own that has great sentimental value? Why?

Ten Anglicised Words Spanish Use

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B2 – Upper intermediate

The Royal Spanish Academy (RAE) is very displeased by the series of English words being used in Spanish. This drove them to launch a campaign to fight against the so-called “English invasion”.

But what exactly are some anglicised words that you’d typical hear in daily conversations in Spain? Read the article below then express your thoughts.

Ten ‘English’ words adopted and adapted into Spanish

Discuss:

1. Are you familiar with these 10 words? Which words have you used?
2. Do you have a favourite Spanglish word?
3. Can you think of any more examples of anglicized slang?
4. What is your opinion about making English words part of the Spanish language? Should it really be stopped or not?
5. Have you seen the ads published by RAE? What do you make of them?

Weapons Maker Now a Fashion Brand

B1 – Intermediate

Business people should always look for other ways to make money. A Russian company decided to take another path to continue earning rather than giving up and closing shop because of Western sanctions.

Read the article below then express your thoughts about it.

http://www.breakingnewsenglish.com/1605/160509-kalashnikov.html

Discussion Questions:

1. What do you think of Kalashnikov branching out into fashion?
2. What do you think of gun companies?
3. Do you think Kalashnikov will be successful in their fashion business?
4. How would you explain the word “patriotism”? Would you consider yourself patriotic?

Over-The-Counter Medicine May Shrink Brain

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Medicines are supposed to make us feel better and cure any illness a person might have. But sometimes, these medicines may also cause more harm than good.

Read the article below to find out more. Share your opinion after reading the text.

http://www.breakingnewsenglish.com/1604/160421-over-the-counter-drugs.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think over-the-counter medicines work?
  2. Would you prefer medicines prescribed by a doctor?
  3. Would you consider yourself a healthy person?
  4. When was the last time you got sick and had to stay in bed?

Thai Island Closed Indefinitely

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B2 – Upper intermediate

Time and again, we’ve seen or heard some incidents wherein heavy tourism takes a toll on a once unspoiled place. A famous small island in Thailand named Koh Tachai has recently been closed to end what could be irreversible consequences of high number of tourists to its ecosystem.

Find out more about this news by reading the article below.

Idyllic Thai island Koh Tachai closed indefinitely due to damage from tourism

Discuss:

1. What was the main reason for closing this island for tourism?
2. Is it a good idea to close it indefinitely?
3. What do you think are the good and bad things about tourism?
4. Have you been to a place similar to Koh Tachai – breathtaking but somehow being exploited by humans?

High Cost of Illegal Immigration

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?

The London Underground

B1 – Intermediate

Here’s an interesting history about the train network in London. Read the article and study the highlighted words. Be ready to answer discussion questions.

http://www.english-online.at/travel/london-underground/london-tube.htm

Discussion Questions:

  1. In your own words, retell the story behind the London Underground. How was it used during the Second World War?
  2. How reliable is the train network in your country?
  3. Does your train network have its own history? An architectural value? Talk about it.
  4. What monuments in your city or country have been restored over the years? How important are these monuments?
  5. What other historical places do you find interesting and intriguing?

Children and Guns in the US

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:

  1. What is your reaction to this news?
  2. Is owning a gun ever necessary in every household? Share your opinion.
  3. How can gun owners ensure that children are out of harm’s way?
  4. Is there any prohibition in the Spanish law regarding gun ownership? Speak about it.
  5. Why do you think the United States is having an increasing issue with guns?

Means of Transport

B1 – Intermediate

Transportation is always a part of our lives. There are different kinds of transports all over the world and they have developed and modernized over the years.

Learn the different types of transportation in this video and answer the quiz after watching.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the kinds of transportation that you take on a daily basis?
  2. Does your city have a good public transport system? Talk about it.
  3. What is your city doing to help reduce air pollution from cars in the street?
  4. Do you enjoy taking the plane? When was the last time you traveled using a plane?
  5. In your opinion, which is the best means of transport and why?