phone english blogB1 – Intermediate
This speaking activity will give you phrases and dialogues you can use when on the telephone, during meetings, while having a presentation and making negotiations.
For every topic, there are recorded audios and scripts. Remember the phrases that are useful for conversations.
B2 – Upper Intermediate
Nowadays, we seem to rely highly on technology to go about our daily lives. Because of this, there are some people who take advantage of this to dupe people. How dependent are you on technology?
Read the article below to learn of the new threat where technology is involved.
http://www.breakingnewsenglish.com/1606/160624-tech-support.html
Discussion Questions:
1. What do you think about what you read?
2. How worried are you about Internet security?
3. What do you do to keep your computer safe? What risks are there of being online?
4. Who do you think are most at risk from scams like this?
B2 – Upper Intermediate
With hopes of reducing the growing number of overweight children, Chile’s government bans marketing of toys in children’s food. McDonald’s Happy Meal and Kinder Surprise Egg are some, among others, affected by this measure.
Read this article about Chile banning Mc Donald’s Happy Meals.
Discussion Questions:
B2 – Upper Intermediate
We often wonder why people choose to settle over something which don’t seem to suit them. We often feel like he or she is too good for whatever they choose to do.
Each person has a different calling in life. Have you found yours?
http://ideas.ted.com/7-lessons-about-finding-the-work-you-were-meant-to-do/
Discussion Questions:
1. How would you explain the term “calling”?
2. How satisfied are you with your life at the moment?
3. Can you say that you’ve found your purpose in life?
4. What are some of the changes that you wish you could do?
B2 – Upper intermediate
One of the main principles of EU membership is “free movement”. Which means you don’t need to get a visa to go and live in another EU country. But, some British citizens don’t agree with this idea.
On the other hand, there are those campaigning for Britain to stay in the EU, as it makes selling things to other EU countries easier. And the flow of immigrants fuel economic growth and help pay for public services.
http://www.breakingnewsenglish.com/1606/160614-brexit.html
Discussion Questions:
1. What do you know about Brexit?
2. Do you think it is better for the UK to leave or stay in the EU?
3. What are the good things about being in the European Union?
4. Is it better for a country to be part of a union or be totally independent?
5. How important is the European Union?
B2 – Upper Intermediate
These days it seems that every country has problems regarding its economy, employment rate and social welfare. Swiss nationals made a life-changing decision regarding it’s social welfare policy.
Read the article below and express your opinions about it.
http://www.breakingnewsenglish.com/1606/160608-basic-income.html
Discussion Questions:
1. Why do you think voters rejected the proposal?
2. Is a guaranteed monthly state income a good idea? How happy would you be at getting a $2,500 monthly salary for free?
3. Is it better to give people a salary or give them welfare payments?
4. What’s the best way to deal with income inequality?
C1 – Advanced
There are daily struggles in life. But there are also small miracles. Read the article below to know some of the greatest things that have happened to different people.
Think of as many reasons to love the the world.
Discuss:
1. What do you think of the reasons mentioned in this feature?
2. What are the things that you’d like to do or experience for yourself?
3. What other places in the world would you like to travel to?
B2 – Upper Intermediate
There are a lot of health benefits to being vegetarian.
Let’s find out about the reasons being vegetarian is good for us. Also be ready to answer the questions that follow.
Discussion Questions:
C1 – Advanced
Yamato Tanooka is 7 years old. He was left in the woods by his parents as punishment for being overly active. His father admitted to doing it and his parents were very apologetic about what happened.
Is this abuse or did his parents just lost control of the situation and didn’t know how else to discipline him?
Discuss:
1. What is your reaction that “many parents in Japan tend to see their children as their personal possessions”?
2. What is your idea of good and bad parenting?
3. How are kids usually punished in your country when they misbehave?
4. When do we say it’s abuse and when do we say it’s discipline?
5. What do you think are effective ways to discipline children?
6. How can we keep children safe from abuse?
C1 – Advanced
The month of June is known for the time to give appreciation to one of the most important persons in our lives, our fathers. Read the article and know more about the history of this special day.
Discuss:
1. How would you describe your father?
2. How is Father’s Day celebrated in your country? family?
3. If you’re a father, what’s the best Father’s Day present you’ve ever received and why?
4. What interesting presents have you given your father?