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Body Language

BodyLanguage-titlea

B2 – Upper intermediate

Becoming more aware of body language can help us communicate with other people more effectively. You can understand what other people are saying even when they are not talking. We can convey strong feelings that are too difficult to express in words.

Read the article then answer the quiz on the site to check your comprehension. Feel free to listen to the audio while reading.

Body language is a form of communication without using words.  Body language includes the use of body posture, gestures, eye movements and facial expressions.  A lot of body language is actually subconscious.  This means that the person using body language is not fully aware that they are using it.  Some psychologists say that body language actually communicates more information than using words.

Being able to “read” body language means being able to understand what a person really thinks or feels through their body language.  Human beings seem to instinctively understand other people through their body language even when they speak a different verbal language.  It is likely that in human prehistory, body language was an important survival mechanism that helped us to display and distinguish between threats and safety.

Body language can communicate negative emotions.  For example, when a listener crosses their arms against their chest, it can mean disagreement with the speaker.  This can also be indicated when a listener leans away from the speaker.  A lack of eye contact can show a person is anxious or discomfort.  It can also mean disbelief.  When a listener is bored, they are more likely to tilt their head.

Positive feelings are often shown in body language through the use of facial expressions, eye contact, and posture.  Leaning forward usually shows that a person is interested in what the speaker is saying.  When a person looks in another person’s eyes and then down at their lips, it usually means they have romantic feelings for the speaker.  Standing or sitting straight with good posture shows that a listener is taking the person’s speech seriously.

Scientific studies have revealed that body language can even reveal when a person is being dishonest.  For example, when a person is lying, they tend to touch their face during the conversation.  They may also blink too much or not blink at all.  Body language can reveal a lot about people but it’s important to remember that everyone’s body language is a little different and trying to “read” too much information through body language can lead to miscommunication.

Source: dreamreader.net

Discuss:

1. Do you notice people’s body language when you speak with them?
2. Are you careful with your body language in important settings like a meeting or a job interview?
3. Are you more expressive in your words or in your actions?

The Importance of Proper Sitting Posture

SittingPosture-titlea

B2 – Upper intermediate

With certain jobs that require sitting in front of the computer for long hours, it is important that we know how proper posture plays a role in keeping us healthy and ache-free.

Let’s find out more about the proper sitting posture and the good effects of it to our health and body.

Read the article then answer the quiz on the site to check your comprehension.

Scientists are beginning to understand that sitting down for long hours can be very bad for your health.  One of the reasons for this is that poor posture leads to health problems.  Here is some advice to help improve your posture and your health.

Sitting with poor posture can lead to serious chronic back pain that doesn’t go away.  Many people wrongly believe that they should sit with their backs straight at a 90 degree angle to the floor.  Scientists, however, have recently discovered that this actually causes more stress on the body.  They found that sitting with the back slightly reclined at a 135 degree angle is the healthiest posture.  The back muscles are more relaxed and the spine is at a more natural resting position.

Many people develop constant neck pain while sitting.  They bend their necks forward to look at a screen or read a book.  The lower neck muscles need to work very hard to support the weight of the head.  The bones in the spine can slide forward, causing a great deal of neck pain. To avoid this problem, you should try to look at the top portion of a computer screen when working at a desk.  Your elbows should be at the side and your feet should be flat on the floor.

You should also try to occasionally stop work and do some stretching exercises.  Put your hands behind your back and bring your chest forward slowly.  Take a deep breath and relax.  You could also try to work while standing up.  Finally, you can try to buy a special kind of chair that is built to improve sitting posture.

Original post from: http://dreamreader.net

Discuss:

1. Can you say that you have good posture?
2. Do you try to do some stretches in the middle of the day when you feel like your body is getting tired?
3. What are some of the exercises you do to keep your muscles in shape?

The World’s Ageing Population

old-age-keep-people-active

B2 – Upper intermediate

The dilemma of an increase of elderly people is truer than we think.

The article below shows facts about the current population trend and its disadvantages. Share your thoughts and knowledge related to this issue.

The World’s Ageing Population

Discuss:

1. Are there more younger people than older individuals in your country?
2. How does your government take care of the senior citizens?
3. What are the effects of an ageing population to a country?

Robin Hood – A Great Legend or a Mythology

B1 – Intermediate

A legend is a story that has been passed from generation to generation but cannot be proved as true. Each country has its own legend to tell its people. Some legends are popular worldwide.

Listen to the audio clip and study the vocabulary words. Be ready to use the words in sentences and to answer some discussion questions.

Robin Hood – A Great Legend Or Mythology?

Discussion Questions:

  1. Are you familiar with the story of Robin Hood? What do you think about him and what he is doing?
  2. Talk about a person you think is like Robin Hood.
  3. What are legends that you know?
  4. Do you enjoy stories about history or the olden times? Why or why not?

Study: ‘Bad luck’ can Cause Cancer

C2 – Proficient

You’ve got people who smoke and live to be 90. Then you’ve got fit ones who are diagnosed in their 40s.

Read the article and watch the video to know the different causes of cancer

Scientists: Random gene mutations primary cause of most cancer

Discuss:

1. Is health a priority for you?
2. How do you think a disease can be avoided?
3. Did your opinion on healthy living change after reading the article?
4. Do you immediately see a doctor when you are ill?
5. In your opinion, is it expensive to follow a healthy lifestyle?

Is Your Voice Holding You Back?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

We’re guilty of judging people based on how they sound. We’ve also made fun of some along the way. Let’s find out how people perceive voice in general and how we can make some improvements.

Click the link below to read the article. Watch the video as well to get extra information on how your voice can hold you back.

http://www.bbc.com/capital/story/20150302-when-your-voice-is-a-turnoff

 Discussion Questions:

1. Why do some people want to change their voice?
2. What is vocal fry and what do you think about it?
3. Have you ever been annoyed by anyone because of the sound of their voice?

Cities with the Worst Traffic

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Traffic by definition is the movement of vehicles, ships, aircraft, or persons in an area or over a route. Do you know some terminologies involved when talking about traffic? This article will provide some terms as you also learn the current top 10 cities in the world with the worst traffic.

http://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/top-ten-cities-for-worst-traffic-jakarta-istabul-gridlock-stress-public-transportation/2665040.html

 Discussion Questions:

  1. How bad is the traffic condition in your city?
  2. What can you say about rush hour traffic in your city?
  3. How do you commute to work?

Kinds of People You Don’t Want in a Meeting

B2 – Upper Intermediate

As professionals we’ve had our share of endless meetings. Some were productive but some were pointless. The agenda is important but so are the people attending the meeting. It turns out that meeting participants can affect the mood or environment in a meeting.

Here is an article to help you identify what kind of meeting  attendee you should and shouldn’t be.

http://money.usnews.com/money/blogs/outside-voices-careers/2015/02/25/13-types-of-meeting-attendees-you-dont-want-to-be

Discussion Questions:

1. Have you recognized any of the types among your colleagues?
2. Are you any of these types?
3. What do you think is the worst kind of attendee?
4. Can you think of other type/s that you can add to the list?

Three-Person Babies

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Britain is the first country to have a type of procedure called ” mitochondrial replacement therapy.” It is to avoid women from passing diseases or disorders to their children.

However, there are different public reactions to this procedure that really frightens and offends others.

http://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/three-person-babies-debate-science-religion/2663320.html

Discussion Questions:

1. What is your stand on this treatment?
2. Would you dare try MRT even if it may threaten your and your child’s health?
3. What is your opinion on gene mutation?
4. Has science gone beyond it distinctive procedures?

Qualities Shared by Superstar Employees

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Are you a superstar employee?  Is your boss happy about your performance?

Let’s check some valuable characteristics an indispensable worker must possess.

Read the article below to know the traits you can embody to become a superstar employee. Be sure to also watch the video.

http://www.inc.com/kevin-daum/11-traits-of-extremely-valuable-employees.html

Discussion Questions:

1. What do you think about the qualities mentioned?
2. Do you have some, if not all, of these characteristics?
3. Which one do you think is the easiest to do? Which one do you think is the hardest?
4. How can you become indispensable in your company?