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Wildlife Travel Agent Drops Zoo Trips

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Going on package tours sound really interesting. However, if these trips include activities that endanger animals and violate their rights, is it still worth it?

A travel agent in Brighton is changing things by adapting “responsible tourism”.

To read more about this, click the link below.

http://www.bbc.com/news/business-39479367

Discussion Questions:

  1. What did the company “Responsible Travel” do and how do you think this would impact their business?
  2. What is ‘responsible tourism’? What are your thoughts on this?
  3. Do you agree or disagree that “Keeping animals in zoos is inhumane.“? Explain your point.
  4. Why is it important to protect animals and as well as their rights?
  5. Have you ever gone on a package tour that included animal attractions? Kindly talk about it.
  6. What are the pros and cons of going on package tours?

The Firm that Starts Work at 9.06am

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Most employees consider having flexible work hours a perk. At Pivotal Software, they require their employees to clock in at exactly 9:06 in the morning.

Curious to know why? Click on the link below to read more about this unusual work rule.

http://www.bbc.com/news/business-37998577

Discussion Questions:

1. Why are employees at Pivotal Software required to report to work at exactly 9:06 AM?
2. What do you think of this idea?
3. Would you like such rule to be implemented in your company? Why or why not?
4. Describe your work hours and your typical work day.
5. What are the things that you do to increase your productivity at work?

Toys and Games

B2 – Upper intermediate

A game is structured form of play, usually undertaken for enjoyment and sometimes used as an educational tool.  Key components of games are goals, rules, challenge, and interaction. Games generally involve mental or physical stimulation, and often both. A toy is an object that can be used for play. Unlike games, there are no rules involved in playing with a toy.

Please click the link and watch the video. Be able to answer the discussion questions below:

English Conversations – Toys and Games

Discuss:

  1. Do you agree with the advice given in this video? Why? Why not?
  2. Do you think experiences are better than toys?
  3. What kind of games did you play when you were a child?
  4. What games are popular in your country today?
  5. What kinds of games were popular when you were young?
  6. Do you think adults should play games?
  7. What do children learn from games?

Funeral Discounts for Japan’s Elderly

B2 – Upper Intermediate

In Japan, the authorities have been encouraging the older people to give up their licenses to reduce traffic related accidents that involve seniors.  A  funeral discount is given to them  to do the trick.  What do you think of this initiative? How successful do you think this strategy will be?

Let’s read more:

http://www.breakingnewsenglish.com/1703/170325-elderly-drivers.html

Discussion Questions:

1. How safe are the roads in your country?
2. Who are the most dangerous drivers in your country?
3. What would you do to make roads safer?
4. Should seniors have stickers on their cars to warn other drivers?
5. Should there be an age at which people should stop driving?
6. What kind of driver are you?

Video: Iran Pre-Nups Put Men in Jail

B2 – Upper intermediate

Every country has specific laws when it comes to marriage and separation. In Iran, a specific system is threatening husbands to face jail time if they fail to give spousal support.

Watch the video and be ready to answer discussion questions.

Iran pre-nups land thousands of men in jail

Discuss:

1. What is the “mehrieh” system and how is it affecting husbands?
2. What is the Iranian government doing to combat the problems in the “mehrieh” system?
3. Does your country have very strict rules when it comes to divorce and separation?
4. Are there cultural practices in your country regarding marriage that you think should be changed?

When To Tie the Knot

B2 – Upper Intermediate

A person’s wedding day is considered to be important and special. Some weddings are small and intimate while some are extravagant.

Read the article below to know about the different factors that people consider before getting married.

Around the world, young people have delayed marriage and wait longer to tie the knot. There are many reasons for this trend, such as the pursuit of careers and personal goals and a fear of divorce. There is also the realization that marriage isn’t the first step of adulthood anymore. It is the last step. Some see this shift as positive. Of course, others are upset by the change.

Advocates of late marriage believe that couples should wait until their late 20s and early 30s because the average quality of marital life is improved. Couples are more likely to do things together, and are less likely to worry that their marriage is in jeopardy. They also aren’t as likely to consider divorce. In part, greater personal experience affects their outlook. A better understanding of oneself allows each person to choose the right life partner. Financial stability, a completed education, and the beginnings of a career also greatly add to the success of the marriage. However, many people who wait too long may simply never marry.

But a significant number of people favor the opposite view. They believe that marriage at a younger age is better. An early marriage means that the couple matures together because they discover the joys and pains of adulthood as a team. They rely on one another when faced with difficulties. New research also suggests that couples who get married by their early 20s were slightly happier than couples who waited until their late 20s. In addition, those who waited until their 30s or older to marry were significantly less satisfied with their relationships.

Unfortunately, there doesn’t seem to be an ideal age for marriage. No one can guarantee a happy and fulfilling life for those who get married at 28 instead of 23. Worldwide trends point to later marriages, but it remains undecided if this is a good thing.

Source: headsupenglish.com

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think is the ideal age for people to get married? Why do you think so?
  2. At what age do people usually get married in your country? Is this too young or too old?
  3. What does a successful marriage need? Please explain.
  4. Many couples live together before tying the knot. Do you think helps or harms a marriage? Why?
  5. Should couples stay married no matter what? Why/not?

Habits That Will Improve Your Life

B2 – Upper intermediate

One popular proverb you’ve probably heard is the one that goes, “Change is the only constant thing in this world”.

Read on for some ways to start bringing in that change you’ve been meaning to see in your life.

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/10-habits-that-will-dramatically-improve-your-life_b_58cae67ae4b0e0d348b3416b

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are some changes you’d like to make in your life? And why are these changes crucial to you?
  2. Which habit/s from the list would you likely adapt?
  3. What are your thoughts on “going out of one’s comfort zone?”

Guyana Tribe Goes Hi-Tech

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Perhaps never in our wildest imagination would we associate the jungle with cutting-edge technology. The Wai-wais, members of the smallest tribe in South America, are defying technology barriers in order to continue being the stewards of the rainforests in this nation.

Read the article on how members of the Guyana tribe are being trained to use technology while being stewards of their environment.

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-39282922

Discussion Questions:

1. Why is it necessary for the Wai-wais to learn the use of technology?
2. What do you think of this drastic change? How would this impact their old way of life?
3. Are there any tribes/indigenous groups in your country? Share what you know about them.

The Shorter Lives of Men Explained

B1 – Intermediate

People have done marvelous things in order to be able to live longer. But it is still a fact that women have a longer life expectancy that men.

Read the article below and be ready to answer the questions that follow.

Women live longer than men. It’s true in most countries, and has been a known fact since the 18th century. Studies to discover the possible reasons have been done, and there are many possible explanations. Some reasons include work habits, stress, diet, and bad genes. But a new idea suggests something different. Men have shorter life spans because attracting a partner takes a lot of energy, which reduces the number of years a man lives.

Daniel Kruger at the University of Michigan suggests that many animals advertise their suitability to females. For example, some animals butt heads. Other animals have beautiful feathers. Human males compete for money, property, and social status. If a man has money and social status, they show their ability to provide food, clothes, education, and so on for a future family.

But what about men with less money or power?

Another study explained that young, single men often take risks. They are also more aggressive and hold back their emotions. These actions have the same effect as money and social status.

Both studies conclude that women carefully select a partner, because of the survival and success of their children. All of the energy which is used to impress women means shorter life spans for men.

Source: headsupenglish.com

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “suitability” mean? “Daniel Kruger at the University of Michigan suggests that many animals advertise their suitability to females.” Use this word in a sentence.
  2. What does “hold back” mean? “They are also more aggressive and hold back their emotions.” Use this phrase in a sentence.
  3. What does “take a lot of something” mean? “Men have shorter life spans because attracting a partner takes a lot of energy, which reduces the number of years a man lives.” Use this expression in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you agree with the article’s findings? Why/not?
  2. Were you surprised by the article’s findings? Why/not?
  3. The lifespan of women has been decreasing recently. Why do you think so?
  4. Is it possible to limit the risks young men take? Why do / don’t you think so?
  5. Why do you think young men take so many risks?

Rugby Sport Helps Heal Wounds

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B2 – Upper intermediate

After a devastating event, children of all ages in Rwanda are healing through the game of Rugby. Read the extraordinary stories of people involved in bringing hope back in a wounded community.

Rwanda Rugby: Sport helps heal wounds in ‘Land of a Thousand Hills’

Discuss:

1. Tell the story of Kamanda Tharcisse. How has Rugby helped him?
2. How did rugby reach Rwanda? Who are the other people involved in the foundation Friends of Rwandan Rugby?
3. How is rugny fairing in your country?
4. Aside from sports, what other activities can help heal or recuperate people who have gone through traumatic events.