phone english blogB1 – Intermediate
Vaccines have been around for many years. But how does it work and what does it do to our body?
Click the title below to know more about vaccines. Be ready to answer some discussion questions.
Discussion Questions:
1. In your own words, please explain what vaccines are?
2. What are some of the common vaccines that you know?
3. What do you think about vaccines? Are they helpful or harmful?
4. Do you agree that some vaccines can cause illnesses?
B2 – Upper intermediate
The crisis in food has been foreseen by experts and through this a scientific innovation was developed. This is called GM or Genetically Modified food which resulted in a serious discussion and deliberation whether it will make us healthy or will harm the health of many.
Discuss:
1. What is your thought on GM food? Does it contribute to a healthier society?
2. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this gene modification?
3. Are you now more particular when it comes to buying your food as compared to before?
C2 – Proficient
Most parents would want to have intelligent kids. The common education system promotes academic excellence. People would do everything to be smart by studying hard; going to private academy for tutorials and starting early on in education to have an edge in life.
However, it has been discovered that there are disadvantages to being an intellectual. Read the article below to know what they are and to find out about intellectual humility.
Discuss:
1. What is your reaction to the article?
2. Have you witnessed intelligent people make the wrong choices for themselves?
3. Do you think that the educational system should change when it comes to measuring intelligence?
4. How can employers take advantage of intellectual humility when interviewing candidates?
B2 – Upper Intermediate
Some internet experts are saying that the worldwide web has become unsafe that the best thing to do is to start all over.
Read the article below and share your thoughts about Internet safety.
http://www.english-online.at/media/new-internet/do-we-need-new-internet.htm
Discussion Questions:
B2 – Upper intermediate
Smoking is linked to preventable deadly diseases like cancer and heart disease. In America the percentage of smokers has dwindled. How about in your country? Anti-smoking measures help a great deal in educating people about this vice and, in the process, reduces the number of smokers.
Discuss:
1. Do you think that graphic warnings on cigarette packages help in educating people?
2. Are there a lot of smokers in your country?
3. What do you think are good ways to quit smoking?
B2 – Upper Intermediate
Office ID cards are a thing of the past. With this futuristic office in Sweden, you wouldn’t have to worry about forgetting your ID at home ever again. You won’t even need some cash to buy coffee in the cafeteria.
Listen and read as Neil and Harry of BBC’s 6 Minute English talk about this ultramodern identification system.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/persian/features/6-minute-english/ep-150319
*Click the title to watch a video of similar topic: Microchip Implants for Employees
Discussion Questions:
B2 – Upper Intermediate
Receiving an email from your boss could either mean good news or bad news. But how would you react if you receive an email similar to the article below?
Read and express your thoughts about it.
Discussion Questions:
1. Do you think the boss did the right thing? Why or why not?
2. What can you say about the alleged behavior of the flight attendant?
3. Where do you think should employers draw the line when it comes to monitoring their employees’ activities outside work?
C1 – Advanced
The prophecy of the Mayan Calendar became such a hype when it predicted the end of the world in 2012. Thus, a Siberian company cashed in on the panic and came up with a survival kit.
Read this article from 2012 and express your thoughts about it.
Discuss:
1. How did you react when you heard about the Mayan Prophecy of the world ending on the 21st of December 2012?
2. Should people preoccupy themselves with predicting when the world will end?
3. If you knew the exact date the world would end, would it change the way you live? If so, in what ways? If not, why?
4. If you had to prepare your own Doomsday kit, what would be in it?
B2 – Upper Intermediate
We always try to do our job well. Who would want to be caught slacking off or doing something you aren’t supposed to during your shift.
Check out the article and video below then share your thoughts on the employee’s actions.
Discussion Questions:
C1 – Advanced
Getting tired and working too hard is now being equated to productiveness. And there is a growing sense of pride in being too busy to do anything else but work. Should this be the case? Is this the better choice?
Read the following article and express your thoughts about it.
Discuss:
1. What is Professor Brown’s attitude toward work?
2. Does she think it’s possible to achieve work-life balance? What do you think?
3. With the range of office technology available to workers, are we truly able to do more with less?
4. Why does Brown think giving five minutes of feedback spells a difference in today’s office culture?
5. If you had full control over your schedule, what changes would you make? What items in your timetable would you prioritize?