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Japan’s Legendary Female Divers

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C1 – Advanced

The Japanese are renowned for keeping most of their traditions alive. “Ama” divers is one of them. Read the article below to know what and who “ama” divers are and be ready to answer some discussion questions.

On the job with Japan’s legendary female ama divers

Discuss:

1. What kind of diving do the “ama” divers do?
2. In your country, what industries were thriving in the past but are now declining?
3. What are some traditions that your country has strongly carried through the years (food,feast, etc.)
4. What are some of the small towns in your country that local and foreign tourists like to visit because of it history and heritage?

World’s Cheapest Michelin-Starred Meal

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C1 – Advanced

Who doesn’t want to have meal rated by the Michelin guide? We all are interested as to why a certain dish was given a star or two, but keeping in mind that it just might break the bank. Interestingly enough, Singapore offers something else.

Read the article below to know more about a cheap yet very tasty serving of noodle.

Singapore offers the world’s cheapest Michelin-starred meal

Discuss:

1. Discuss the restaurant and food of Chan Hon Meng.
2. Have you experienced eating at a Michelin-starred restaurant? How was that experience?
3. What are some of the local food joints that you enjoy going to?
4. What new cuisines would you like to explore or try?

Home Security

B1 – Intermediate

Being safe in your own home is something very important.

Listen to the short audio clip and read the transcript to learn more about some home security measures. Be ready to have a discussion afterwards.

Home Security – Script

Discussion Questions:

1. What are three things you do to protect your apartment or home from burglary?
2. Do you need advanced systems like motion detectors to protect your dwelling, or is a watch dog enough?
3. What are other good ways to protect yourself and your home from burglary?

Supermarkets Are not Cheating Customers

C1 – Advanced

Consumers are always on the look out for promotions and discounts on almost every products. But are all promotional products worth your cash?

Read the article below and express your thoughts about it.

http://www.bbc.com/news/business-38967432

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think multi-buy packages are a good deal or is it a way to entice customers to buy more than what they really want? Share your thoughts.
  2. How could supermarkets handle this issue with multi-buy better without causing annoyance to their customers?
  3. Do you like these kinds of offers? Why or why not?
  4. What are other ways you think supermarkets are tricking their customers?
  5. Share your experience getting tricked by a store or supermarket offer?

The Culture Shock of an International Student

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Culture shock is defined as feeling confused and anxious when you visit another country or city. It happens to everyone, even to young students who are more flexible and adaptable to a new environment.

Read the article below to know about the experience of one international student.

https://www.theguardian.com/education/2016/mar/30/i-wasnt-prepared-for-the-culture-shock-of-being-an-international-student

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on and experiences studying abroad?
  2. What are the advantages and disadvantages of being an international student?
  3. Have you experienced culture shock before? How did you cope with that?
  4. Share an experience you had in staying in another country. What are the things that matched with your expectations before coming to a country and which things didn’t?

Dying to be Thin: Eating Disorders

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Do you feel fat? Interestingly enough, fat is not a feeling. For some people, the thought of feeling full, bloated or bigger than they should be conjures up a wide range of emotions.

For people suffering from eating disorders, feeling fat goes beyond the sensation of feeling full after a meal. They also suffer from depression, from feeling unloved and ignored or unappreciated.

Click the link below to learn more about eating disorders.

http://www.thejournal.ie/readme/column-dying-to-be-thin-what-you-should-know-about-eating-disorders-793076-Feb2013/

Discussion Questions:

1. What are the signs and symptoms of eating disorders?
2. What are your thoughts on the eating disorders mentioned in the article? Is this something that people in your country struggle with?
3. The influence of the media is greater than ever. They promote bodies that are thin and idealistically well proportioned. Do you agree or disagree with this? Why or why not?
4. What should the government do to help reduce the number of people suffering from this
condition?

Racial Profiling

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Racial profiling has been a hot topic for the past few years. The reality of it is getting to be more and more common.

Read about racial profiling and express your thoughts about it.

https://edition.cnn.com/2018/05/11/us/everyday-racial-profiling-consequences-trnd/index.html

Discussion Questions:

1. What images spring to mind when you hear the term ‘racial profiling’?
2. Is racial profiling OK if it leads to a reduction in terrorist attacks?
3. Which races are targeted most under racial profiling? Is this fair?
4. Which is worse – racial profiling or religion profiling?
5. Do you think racial profiling will alienate those profiled and thus lead to greater social problems?
6. How would you feel if you were suspected of wrongdoing because of your colour or race?

Causes & Solutions of Juvenile Delinquency

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C1 – Advanced

Juvenile crime is a crime committed by young people below a specific age – 18 in most countries. Even kids can run afoul of the law. Once a child commits a crime and enters the criminal justice system, he or she may be deemed a “juvenile delinquent.”

Causes and Solutions of Juvenile Delinquency

 Discuss:

1. What are the main reasons children become criminals?
2. What kind of crimes do young people usually commit?
3. Why do you think juvenile crime increased in the past decade?
4. Should young people go to prison if they commit serious crimes?
5. How much are parents to blame if their children become criminals?
6. What part do you think movies, the Internet and video games play in leading young people to crime?
7. Is juvenile crime a problem in your country?
8. What would you do if you discovered your children had committed criminal acts?

The Pros and Cons of Advertising

B1 – Intermediate

Advertising is very important. It is a good way for consumers to know a product very well. Advertising also influences people’s mood and emotions. It makes people buy things they don’t need and makes them feel depressed for not being able to buy items that are in fashion.

Read the article below to know more about the good and bad in advertising.

http://www.english-online.at/media/advertising/pros-and-cons-of-advertising.htm

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why is it necessary to advertise?
  2. Is there truth in advertising?
  3. What kind of advertisements attract your attention?
  4. Do you find advertising persuasive? Why do you buy one product over another?
  5. Should alcohol or tobacco companies be allowed to advertise? Why or why not?
  6. What is the most advertised product in your country?
  7. What are the harmful and the beneficial effects of advertising?

Stereotypes About The Spanish That Are True

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B2 – Upper intermediate

Stereotypes are nothing new. We all have fixed ideas of different cultures. Fortunately, most of them aren’t true. The article below shows an interesting view of Spanish stereotypes that are interestingly true.

Read the different points and be ready to express your points about them.

12 Stereotypes About The Spanish That Are DEFINITELY True

Discuss:

1. What was your initial reaction when you read the title?
2. Which of the stereotypes mentioned in the article do you think are true?
3. What other Spanish stereotypes do you know of that were not mentioned?
4. Share some of the stereotypes that you have of other culture.