Tag: Speaking

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?

Is Coral Bleaching Getting Worse?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

One of the most beautiful organisms ever found are corals. These are even one of the most productive resources in the world.  They are food producers and they support life on the planet. However, they are now in danger.

Watch the short video below then answer some questions.

https://www.bbc.com/news/av/science-environment-35917760

Discussion Questions:

1. What is coral bleaching and what causes it?
2. How important are corals to marine life?
3. Are there any organizations in your country dedicated to help preserve aquatic life?
4. Have you experienced seeing coral in their natural habitat?

Coffee Can Help You Live Longer

B2 – Upper Intermediate

A cup of coffee has always been a part of a lot people’s morning routine. It could definitely awake our senses and boost our energy. Now, coffee drinkers have more reasons to drink that fresh cup.

Read the article on how coffee can help you live longer.

http://www.breakingnewsenglish.com/1511/151119-coffee.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. Are you a coffee drinker? How many cups do you drink each day?
  2. How healthy do you think coffee is?
  3. Why might coffee reduce the incidence of suicides?
  4. How do you feel about certain coffee shops like Starbucks?

Backpacking across Europe as a Backpack

C1 – Advanced

29-year old Kevan Chandler’s condition is degenerative and incurable. However, he remains inspired by Django Reinhardt’s defiance at his disability.

Just like many guys in their 20s, Chandler attempts to tour France, England, and Ireland with the help of his good friends.

http://edition.cnn.com/2016/03/20/travel/europe-backpacker-muscular-dystrophy/index.html

Words to study:

  1. muscular dystrophy
  2. backpacking
  3. ingenuity
  4. budding
  5. degenerative

Discussion Questions:

  1. How would you describe Kevan Chandler?
  2. What do think about his friends?
  3. Have you ever gone backpacking somewhere? Tell us about your experience.
  4. What do you think are the advantages and disadvantages of backpacking?

Commuters’ Tales

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C1 – Advanced

Whether you’re taking public transportation or using your car, we all have stories to tell about our daily commute, especially if it’s something we do on a daily basis.

Click on the title below and read about the commuters in Mumbai and their experiences on the train.

Commuters’ tales: No room to sit – even in the toilet

Discuss:

1. Describe the pictures you’ve seen in the article.
2. Recall the experiences of some of the passengers who take the train.
3. How efficient is public transportation in your country? What would you change if any?
4. Share some of your unusual stories as a commuter.

Cutting Up Food Helped Human Evolution

C1 – Advanced

Human evolution is all about the process or physical changes that humans went through over the years. Would a simple activity, like chewing, really have an impact on human evolution? Read the article below to find out more.

Cutting up food helped human evolution

Discuss:

1. What did you think of the article?
2. What do you know about human evolution?
3. How would you describe your eating habits?
4. Do you think it’s right that humans are often compared to chimpanzees?

Top 10 National Parks In Spain

C1 – Advanced

Spain is a country of geographic and cultural diversity. With friendly locals, a relaxed lifestyle and a lively nightlife, it is considered by many to be exotic. Spain offers a wide array of activities and holiday destinations.

Read the article below to explore some of the top national parks worth visiting.

Top 10 national parks in Spain

Discuss:

1. How locally well- travelled are you?
2. Which of the National Parks mentioned in the article do you like most?
3. What was the most amazing local trip you had?

Fascinating Facts About Eye Contact

B2 – Upper intermediate

Making eye contact can evoke different emotions. Whether it was too long or the lack of it. Depending on the situation, there happens to be a proper way of making eye contact.

Read the article below to get some interesting facts about eye contact.

Fascinating Facts About Eye Contact

Discuss:

1. Would you agree on what the article is saying about making eye contact?
2. Are you the type of person who is comfortable looking people in the eye? Or are you more reserved?
3. Which of the situations in the article have you experienced?

Facts About Dreaming

B2 – Upper intermediate

Dreams or dreaming is something we all know about. But why it happens remains a mystery to most.

Read the article below to get more facts on dreaming.

Facts About Dreaming

Discuss:

1. Explain the important details mentioned in the article about dreams.
2. Which points do you agree with? Disagree with?
3. What is your own explanation to why people dream?
4. Do you remember most of your dreams or do you forget them as soon as you wake up?

Are You a Saver or a Spender?

B2 – Upper intermediate

Are you the type of person who has a money app on his phone and keeps track of every expense? Or is it more common for you to go shopping impulsively?

Read the article below to find out what kind of person you are when it comes to money.

Are You a Saver or a Spender?

Discuss:

1. What did the article say about being a saver and being a spender?
2. After reading the article, where would you put yourself?
3. What are some of the things you mostly spend on?
4. What are some of the things that you are willing to save for? Or invest in?