Tag: Text

Robotic Firefighter

C2 – Proficient

Some elements of science fiction are turning into science facts. Case in point,  the use of machines that have humanoid form to do tasks too risky for their Homo sapiens counterparts is slowly but steadily changing operations in various industries.

One such robot is SAFFiR. Read about this firefighting mechanical wonder and watch the video as well.

http://edition.cnn.com/2015/02/12/tech/mci-saffir-robot/index.html?iid=ob_article_organicsidebar_expansion&iref=obnetwork

Discussion Questions:

  1. Describe the robotic firefighter.
  2. What might be its pros and cons?
  3. How do you feel about robots saving human lives in dangerous situations?
  4. Do you think robots would do a better job than human beings in search and rescue operations? Elaborate.
  5. Why do you think some robots are engineered to resemble humans physically?
  6. Should we dread or look forward to the further rise of the machines? Explain.

Are Computers Making Us Less Clever?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

In this digital age, humans are growing more and more reliant on technology. We all know that technology is supposed to make our lives easier and more comfortable. However, what do you think are the things that we are losing when we rely too much on computers and smartphones?

Listen to the podcast and be ready to answer some discussions. Take note of new vocabulary words.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english/150122

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are some skills that you think you may have lost a little due to gadget/technology dependency?
  2. How do you make sure you don’t get de-skilled at something?
  3. In your opinion, how dependent are we on computers? Cite examples of situations that prove your point.
  4. Do you agree that we are dependent on computers and technology? Why or why not?
  5. How dependent are you on your phone? Why do you think this is the case?
  6. Which do you prefer, meeting other people online or speaking with them face-to-face? Why?

Autism & Air Pollution

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B2 – Upper intermediate

We have come a long way since autism was first studied. We now have multiple research about its different causes. Nonetheless, new developments and analysis are continuous in hopes of helping multiple parents and families cope.

Read the article below and be ready to express your thoughts.

US Study Links Air Pollution to Autism

Discuss:

1. What is autism and what are its symptoms?
2. According to the article, what is the link between autism and air pollution?
3. Does your country have advanced facilities and knowledge when it comes to helping children with autism?
4. In your opinion, why do you think there is a rise in diagnosed autism?

 

Love and Work

B2 – Upper Intermediate

In this generation, both men and women have equal rights of pursuing a career for the family. In a household where both are working full time, occupied schedules can get in the way.

http://www.bbc.com/capital/story/20150211-alls-fair-in-love-and-work

Discussion Questions:

  1. Have you ever been in a situation where most of your time is devoted to work?
  2. Do you think there’s an issue with married couples or couples who live together who work for the same company?
  3. How do you balance home and career?
  4. Is interoffice relationship allowed in your company?

Valentine’s Day: A History of the Day of Love

B1 – Intermediate

Read the article below to know the brief history of Valentine’s Day. Understand the story behind the holiday when most countries spend a lot of money and when florists and chocolate stores have very good profit.

http://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/valentine-love-february14-candy-hearts-chocolate/1850316.html

Discussion Questions:

1. Is Valentine’s Day big in your country? How do people usually celebrate it?
2. Do you think Valentine’s Day is too commercial or consumerist? Explain.
3. Talk about your favourite Valentine’s Day memory.

The Perks of Being a Googler

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B2 – Upper intermediate

Employee benefits are optional, non-wage compensation provided to employees in addition to their normal wages or salaries. At Google, the benefits are what employees live for.

Read the article below to know more about the benefits that workers in Google truly enjoy.

Google Employees Reveal Their Favorite Perks About Working For The Company

Discuss:

1. What are your benefits as an employee of your company?
2. What are some perks that you wish you had?
3. Are you able to still follow your passion while working in your company?
4. What are the things you like about your company or office?

 

The Disadvantage of China’s One-Child Policy

china24

B2 – Upper intermediate

It’s no secret that China’s one-child policy was passed as a law to help curb their population growth and make sure that their land could support the people. However, not many are aware of the consequences that it brought to families.

Read the article below to know more about the downside of China’s one-child policy.

Chinese Mom Has Abortion Because Her Only Child Threatened Suicide if She Had Another Baby

Discuss:

1. What is your initial reaction to China’s one-child policy?
2. In your country, what is the current trend when it comes to having a family?
3. What are the advantages and disadvantages of having a small family?

ATM Thefts Becoming a Common Crime

B2 – Upper Intermediate

People will do anything for money. That includes stealing a cash machine.

In Iowa, for instance, this type of incident is on the rise.

Read the article about the rising incidents of ATM thefts.

https://www.kcci.com/article/atm-thefts-becoming-a-common-crime-in-iowa-1/6902236

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think are the reasons cash machine thefts are becoming common?
  2. Share some ways on how this kind of incidents can be prevented.
  3. Talk about any ATM/bank related-crimes in your country or the world that you know of.
  4. In your opinion, are ATMs still relevant these days?

Pet Ownership Positively Affects Your Kids

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Animals play an important role in our lives. We value them as our companion and a part of our family, which can affect our lives. Is this companionship good and beneficial to our lives?

Let’s discover the positive effects of having a pet on a child’s development.

http://www.sheknows.com/pets-and-animals/articles/2212/kids-and-pets

Discussion Questions:

  1. How does having pets help a child’s development?
  2. Did you have pets as a young child? Whether yes or no, how do you think that affected you growing up?
  3. Do you believe that despite the fact that adopting a pet is a huge commitment, it outweighs all the challenges that come with taking care of a pet? Share your thoughts.
  4. Would you be comfortable having pets near infants and toddlers? Why or why not?

A Better Way to Track Passenger Planes

B2 – Upper intermediate

Considering the recent airplane crash incidents and disappearance, airline industry leaders and regulators want to improve airline safety. They want planes to have more dependable devices that can follow planes as they fly.

Watch the video and read the article to find out their proposal to a better way to track passenger planes.

http://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/is-there-a-better-way-to-track-passenger-plane/2607915.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. Share your opinions about some proposals/devices that are being considered by the International Civil Aviation Organization or ICAO’s.
  2. What went through your mind when you heard the news about Malaysia Airlines Flight 370?
  3. Share your thoughts on this, “We need better information-sharing across borders. We need better human intelligence on who’s on the passenger manifest and better sharing about that. We need better intelligence on crew personnel.“
  4. What can you say about this, “None of the new technology would prevent crashes. But they will help find downed planes more quickly. This might bring comfort to the family members of those who died.” Share your insights.
  5. Are you comfortable traveling by plane considering its risks? Why or why not?