Tag: Speaking

Elements of Language

B1 – Intermediate

It is amazing how languages are developed in our minds. It is a wonder how we learn words and languages.  Speaking and writing our thoughts are also a marvel.

The article below talks about how languages have developed and discusses the elements of language.

http://www.english-online.at/society/languages/history-of-languages.htm

Discussion Questions:

  1. According to the article, how many languages are spoken in the world nowadays?
  2. Is it practical to have just one language all over the world?
  3. How many languages can you speak fluently? What languages would you like to learn?

Why Do Women Live Longer than Men?

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C1 – Advanced

Have you ever wondered why women live longer than men?
Studies show that women’s survival is consistent and truly remarkable as observed in human beings and animals. Lifestyle may be a factor but there are more causes or contributors.

Why Do Women Live Longer than Men?

Discuss:

1. What are the contributing factors mentioned in the article? What surprised you the most?
2. What is Spain’s life expectancy?
3. Would you like to live a long life? Why or why not?
4. Should scientist slow down the aging process?

Dementia Will Rise in the Future

B2 – Upper Intermediate

You would agree that you and I are guilty of forgetting things.  We hate to forget and technology nowadays make reminders very handy for us.  But how serious is the problem of forgetting things?

The following article talks about dementia and the dangers the new generation is facing when it comes to this mental illness.

http://www.breakingnewsenglish.com/1509/150923-dementia.html

Discussion Questions:

1. According to the article, what is dementia?
2. What kinds of tasks do people with dementia lose their ability to do?
3. Do you think that it would be a good idea to spend more money on the research of dementia and other mental illnesses?
4. In your country, are there facilities to help people suffering from Alzheimer’s disease?

Sweden Shifting to 6-Hour Work Day

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Based on studies, employees who work for about 10-11 hours per day have a higher tendency to suffer a stroke. This is just one of the negative effects of working for hours on end.

Let’s find out more about the reasons why Sweden decides to shrink its workers’ working hours on this Science Alert news story.

https://www.sciencealert.com/sweden-is-shifting-to-a-6-hour-workday

Discussion Questions:

1. What are the benefits and drawbacks of working shorter hours?
2. Do you agree with the benefits mentioned in this article?
3. What do you think about Sweden’s decision to make work shifts shorter?
4. What is your ideal work hours/schedule?

More Selfie Deaths than Shark Attacks

B2 -Upper Intermediate

Isn’t it heart-breaking to hear news about someone dying because they took pictures of themselves while on thin ice or in a dangerous spot? How ironic is it that some people risk their lives just to make others like or envy them on social media?

Read the lesson on how life-threatening selfies could be and be ready to answer the questions that follow.

http://breakingnewsenglish.com/1509/150926-selfies.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your reaction to this story?
  2. How fond are you of taking selfies? What’s the most incredible selfie you have ever taken?
  3. Why do you think a lot of people are obsessed with taking selfies?
  4. What are your thoughts on risking one’s life in the name of cool selfies?
  5. What’s the most outrageous accident/death by selfie have you ever heard of?

Social Media are Changing Relationships

B2 – Upper intermediate

Social media networks have helped people share pieces of their lives to the community.  But what is the effect of social media networks to our relationship to other people?

Read the article below and be ready to express your thoughts.

Social media networks are changing our way of having relationships

Discuss:

1. What springs to mind when you hear the term ‘social networking’?
2. What are the pros and cons of social networking?
3. Are social networking sites for people who aren’t good at meeting people face to face?
4. Have you ever tried to find friends on a social networking site?

Bizarre Lessons in Indian Textbooks

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Education is an enlightening experience we all deserve to have. Countries worldwide aim to have high literacy rate thus proper education should be catered to the citizens. However, in India, some textbooks were found with worrying information.

Read the article below to check some of the bizarre information in their textbooks.

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-34336826

Discussion Questions:

1. What do you think about the article? Discuss the mentioned erroneous lessons.
2. What is the best way to rectify this issue?
3. Have you read history books that were erroneous?

Amazon – Largest Internet Company

B2 – Upper intermediate

Online shopping has gained popularity over the years. It is efficient, hassle-free and you don’t have to leave the comforts of your own home. Amazon is one of the most popular internet shopping sites in the world. It operates its own websites in Europe, Asia and South America.

Read the article below to know a little more about Amazon.

Amazon.Com – The World’s Largest Internet Company

Discuss:

1. Do you shop online?
2. Which online shopping sites do you often visit?
3. What is the most popular online shopping site in Spain?
4. What do you think of Amazon.com?

If We Could See Inside Others’ Hearts

B2 – Upper intermediate

Everyone goes through different things in life everyday. One could be shocked and sad of a bad news, others could be determined and hopeful for better days.

Would you treat them differently if you could see what they are going through?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wl2_knlv_xw

Discuss:

1. How would you explain the words sympathy, empathy and apathy?
2. Would you consider yourself a sympathetic person?
3. How do you handle social and emotional stress?
4. When going through a difficult situation, do you prefer sharing your problems or do you prefer keeping it to yourself?

What Schools Should Do About Bullying

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C1 – Advanced

Used to be that bullying ended when one was off school premises. However, with the ubiquitous nature of social media and mobile technology, more and more students are subject to bullying even within the confines of their homes.

Read about one country’s educational system’s efforts to address the problem that is bullying.

What you should expect your school to do about bullying

Discuss:

1. In your opinion, which is worst: bullying in person, or bullying online? Why do you think so?
2. Do schools and universities in your country have a clear policy in regard to dealing with bullying among students?
3. Do schools or universities in your country educate or inform children about bullying?