Tag: Text

When Adoption Is a Good Option For You

B2 – Upper Intermediate

There are couples who dream and desire to raise a child. When you adopt a child, you become a parent. One of the rewards that comes with it is the feeling of fulfillment in providing a home to a child and the joy of becoming a parent.

However, before venturing into this, there are some things you should consider if adoption is really a good option for you.

Read the article and be able to answer the questions that follow:

https://www.beingtheparent.com/when-adoption-is-a-good-option-for-you/

Discussion Questions:

  1. Is adoption common in your country?
  2. Do you agree with the article? What do you think of adoption?
  3. Do you think parents who adopt, have the same kind of love for their adopted child as biological parents have with their child?

Young Adults Live With Parents

B1 – Intermediate

The advantage of living with your parents is that you don’t have to pay rent and you don’t have to worry about buying all those groceries every month. It can be very expensive if you eat out all the time. Most importantly, you don’t have to go through some problems alone because your parents will always be there for you no matter what.

Let’s read the article below to know more about it living with parents as a young adult.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2009/200908-young-adults-4.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the good and bad things about living with your parents?
  2. Should all young adults have to leave home? Why / Why not?
  3. Would you prefer to live at home or on your own?
  4. What advice do you have for young adults?
  5. How has Coronavirus affected young adults in your country financially?

Stop Hate for Profit Campaign Suspends Social Media Ads

B1 – Intermediate

A lot of businesses has either been suspended or paused for all of their social media advertisements because of hashtag “Stop Hate For Profit” from a campaign group. They demanded a stricter moderation for hate speech and misinformation. When the campaign skyrocketed, major brands paused their social media platform advertisements making Facebook lose a lot of money.

Read the article below to know more about it.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2007/200702-stop-hate-for-profit-4.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is the “Stop Hate For Profit” campaign all about?
  2. What do you think about it?
  3. How prevalent are hate speech/contents and misinformation on social media in your country?
  4. How do you feel about the social media advertisements these days?

US-China Tech Firms Tension

B2 – Upper Intermediate

China claims that its tech companies have been victims of “naked bullying” by the US. The American government has taken restrictions measures on Chinese applications such as TikTok and WeChat. The hindering of the said apps was a result of issues with data security. Who are affected by these two largest economies’ trade war?

Let’s read more about China’s claim of naked bullying and USA’s The Clean Network through this article:

https://www.bbc.com/news/business-54052765

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is naked bullying?
  2. What do you think of USA’s data privacy efforts? Do you have such policies in your country?
  3. Do you use any Chinese applications? Describe their use in your daily life.
  4. How is the trade war between US and China affecting the world?
  5. Do you think Chinese applications are danger to any country?
  6. How important is data security and privacy?

Pringles Packaging

B1 – Intermediate

The snack brand ‘Pringles’ has changed its packaging into a more eco-friendly one. It was considered as the greatest “villain” of the recycling world due to the combination of materials present in its packaging.

Read the article to know more and be able to answer the following questions:

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2009/200914-pringles-packaging-1.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why has Pringles been described as a “nightmare” to recycle?
  2. What do you think about the company’s change in their packaging?
  3. Do you know any companies that make their packaging recyclable in order to reduce the negative impact of wastes and pollution on our planet?

Gossiping is Worse Than Covid

B1 – Intermediate

Everyone gossips. Gossiping is usually done by talking about people behind their backs, which is painful for that person who is being talked about whether the information is true or not. It may only lead to some emotional and social problems.

Read the article below to know more about it.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2009/200910-gossip-1.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. What images come to your mind when you hear the word ‘gossip’?
  2. Why might the Pope think gossip is worse than COVID-19?
  3. What do you think of people who gossip on social media?
  4. How do you feel if you are the subject of gossip?
  5. Should gossiping be made illegal? Why / Why not?

Ride-On Suitcase

B2 – Upper Intermediate

As we travel, we want to take as many things as we need with us considering the hassles of carrying a heavy luggage on our way to the airport. For some, it may also be troublesome to find a ride to the airport if you are traveling during peak hours. Worry no more because a man from China made an invention that will make traveling even with a weighty suitcase a breeze.

Read more about this battery-powered scooter cum luggage through this article.

https://www.hindustantimes.com/world/take-a-ride-on-your-suitcase-and-honk-your-way-through/story-wtQoR5SXGzNyF58gxTHPYL.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. How did He Liangcai come up with this invention?
  2. What do you think of the suitcase scooter? Would you purchase it?
  3. How often do you travel by plane? Have you ever forgotten something on your way to the airport?
  4. What are your usual preparations prior to going to the airport?
  5. What are your must-haves when traveling?

Digital Marketing Trends for 2020

B2 – Upper Intermediate

We have fully immersed ourselves in all things digital these days. Internet is the best place to reach out to millions of people using different strategies. Let us familiarize ourselves with the current online marketing trends in 2020.

Read the article below.

5 Digital Marketing Trends for 2020?

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the different marketing trends mentioned in the article? Explain.

2. Do you have other marketing tactics that you use?

3. Have you embraced a more digital-minded business or digital strategies? What digital tools do you use?

4. How would you rate your skills and resources in digital marketing?

5. What other digital marketing trends or strategies do you foresee or would like to see in the coming days?

Wind Turbines Cause Bird Deaths

B1 – Intermediate

With our growing problem with the environment, we continue to find alternative sources of energy. One example of alternative energy source is wind. 

One good thing about wind turbines is that they produce green energy. However, one problem with them is the danger they bring to wildlife, especially birds.

Find out more about this environment concern and what the solution is to this problem.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2008/200829-wind-turbine-1.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the good and bad things about wind turbines or wind farms?
  2. What are other common causes of death of birds that you know of?
  3. How is the scientists solution helpful?
  4. Are there a lot of wind turbines in your city/country? What do you think of them?
  5. What is your opinion on this statement: “wind farms should not be a risk to wildlife”?

India, Russia, and One Chess Gold Medal

B1 – Intermediate

In competitions, there is only one winner. But at the Olympiad 2020, that one gold medal went to two competing countries India and Russia. The chess match was done online due to Covid-19 but India had internet problems.

Read this lesson to find out more about two countries winning one gold medal in chess.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2009/200902-chess-1.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your opinion on giving the gold medal to both India and Russia?
  2. Was it acceptable to share the medal due to internet problems from India’s end? Why or why not?
  3. Have you ever heard of a similar story? Tell us about it.
  4. Do you know how to play chess? How and when did you learn to play it? What can you say about this game/sport?
  5. Is there a Spanish game similar to chess? Talk about it.