phone english blogB2 – Upper Intermediate
Stress is inevitable. We’ve got small ones and big ones.
Read the article below to know some ways we can deal with stress on a daily basis. Express your thoughts afterwards.
Discussion Questions:
B2 – Upper intermediate
In a room filled with people whom you have to speak to, it can be such a challenge to remember everyone’s name. The article below will give you an interesting tip on recalling someone’s name. Perhaps something you can use at the next party.
Discuss:
1. According to the article, what’s a good way to remember names?
2. How good are you at remembering?
3. What are some of the things you do to help remember events and birthdays?
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:
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.
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?
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?
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?
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:
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.
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?
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?
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.
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?