Tag: Speaking

The End of the Spanish Siesta

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Siesta. It can’t get more Spanish than that. If sushi is to Japan, then siesta is to Spain. Although part of the Spanish culture, a radical proposal to end the practice has been raised.

Read the article to know more about schedule change.

http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-35995972

Discussion Questions:

  1. Is taking a siesta necessary in the workplace?
  2. How do you feel about the proposal in the article?
  3. What is your opinion on lessening the working hours for Spanish workers?
  4. How would you describe an ideal working schedule?

Your New Favourite Bookshop

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Events such as literary talks, philosophical gatherings and open mic storytelling… How do these sound to you?

When you visit Libreria, you would surely be brought back to a time when you used to love reading paper books. But for some gadget-dependent individuals, there might be a problem when you come to this library. You are not allowed to use your mobile phone or tablet. And if you were caught doing so, you will be requested to stop.

Read more about Liberia, a bookshop where customers are banned from using mobile phones and tablets inside the shop.

http://www.bbc.com/culture/story/20160324-could-this-be-your-new-favourite-bookshop

Discussion Questions:

1. What can you say about Libreria?
2. Do you enjoy going to libraries? Why or why not?
3. Are there places in your city/country where you can go for digital detox?
4. Where do you like to go when you want to unplug from the hustle and bustle of your modern life?

Is Social Media a Distraction?

B2 – Upper intermediate

There is no doubt that a lot of us have become dependent on social media to get updated with current events and the latest trends from every corner of the world. But is social media doing us more harm than good?

Listen to the podcast then be ready to answer discussion questions.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english/ep-160331

Discussion Questions:

1. How do you feel about the “rule of three” mentioned in the audio file?
2. Do you and your friends or family have a similar rule?
3. Do you think social media is doing us more harm than good?

Brain-Dead Man Dies after Drug Trial

B2 – Upper Intermediate

In France, an experimental drug intended to treat mood, anxiety, and movement disorders went shockingly wrong, resulting in the death of one participant and hospitalization of others. Biotrial says correct procedures were followed at every stage of the trial. So what went wrong?

Read the article below to get more information then express your thoughts.

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-35337671

Discussion Questions:

  1. What’s your take on this issue?
  2. When a clinical trial goes wrong, who do you think is to blame? And why?
  3. Would you be willing to be participate in a drug trial? Why or why not?
  4. Should scientists stick to animal testing? Why or why not?
  5. In your opinion, has drug trial safety improved over the years? Explain.

India Kolkata Flyover Collapse

C1 – Advanced

In March of 2016, a tragic construction accident happened in Calcutta, leaving a chaotic scene and many injured.

Watch the videos and read the article on the collapse of an Indian flyover.

India Kolkata flyover collapse: At least 20 dead

Discuss:

1. What do you think could have caused the collapse of the flyover?
2. Have you witnessed a similar accident before in your city?
3. What is your opinion on the rescue effort conducted in the article?
4. What can the Indian government do to prevent such accidents in the future?

 

The Unstoppable Growth of Themed Cruises

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Over the past decade, traveling on ​large ​ships for ​pleasure has become increasingly appealing to larger number of vacationists and younger generation holidaymakers. Themed cruises are now very popular catering not only to the traditional customers of this kind of holiday but also to people who are interested in varied subjects.

Read on this article about the growth of themed cruises.

http://www.bbc.com/news/business-35924022

Discussion Questions: 

  1. Have you ever been on a cruise? Tell us about this holiday.
  2. Talk about the popularity of cruises among holidaymakers in your country.
  3. If you were to go on a themed cruise, what would it be?
  4. What are other popular holiday ideas common in your country?

Teens, Television, and Depression

B1 – Intermediate

Watching TV can be fun. But too much of it can lead to more harm than good.

Read the article below to know the connection between depression and watching too much TV. Be ready to express your thoughts about it.

http://www.english-online.at/society/teens-depression/television-habits-teens.htm

Discussion Questions:

1. Would you consider yourself a TV addict? If yes, how much time do usually spend watching TV?
2. Do you agree that too much TV may lead to depression?
3. What do you think are other causes of depression?
4. What are some of the social activities that you enjoy doing with friends and family?

Child Labour

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?

Desktop Dining Etiquette

B1 – Intermediate

A working lunch. So many of us are guilty of being a “desktop diner”. Is it wrong? 

Click on the title below and be ready to talk about the etiquette of dining at your desk.

http://www.bbc.com/news/business-35717493

Discussion Questions:

  1. Discuss the 5 rules when having lunch or eating at your desk.
  2. Have you experienced working during your break? Is this bad for us?
  3. Why should we follow certain rules when eating in our office or at our desk?

Future Work Space

B2 – Upper intermediate

The future is now. It seems that the gadgets we use today were just dreams of the past. How far would you go to have a futuristic work environment?

Click on the link below and be ready to discuss the video.

https://news.microsoft.com/life/the-workspace-of-the-future/

Discussion Questions:

1. Describe this future work space.
2. What are your opinions on the emerging technologies that some companies are using or would like to use? Do you agree with all of them?
3. How would you describe your office?
4. What other new technologies would you think are very useful for everyday work?