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Eating Disorders Affect Men Too

C1 – Advanced

We commonly relate eating disorders to women. However, over the last 15 years, this has changed. The number of men suffering from eating disorders has significantly increased to 27%.

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

http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2015/jan/18/are-more-men-getting-eating-disorders

Discussion Questions:

  1. Share your reaction to the rise of men who are being diagnosed with eating disorders. What do you think causes these disorders?
  2. Why do you think eating disorders have long been perceived as an issue affecting women and girls?
  3. What can we do to help people battling these conditions?

Western Diet Bad for Human Health, Environment

B2 – Upper intermediate

Western diet is usually high in processed sugar, fat, oil and meat. By eating these foods people begin to gain more weight. More people are adopting this kind of diet. Find out why, according to a study, western diet is bad for human health and the environment.

http://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/western-diet-bad-for-human-health-environment/2579378.html

Discussion Questions:

1. Is this phenomenon also happening in your country?
2. Have you adapted to the western diet?
3. What is the relationship between our diet and the environment?
4. What can we do to keep our children healthy?

Zebras and Their Stripes

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Animals are very different from each other. Every animal has its own distinct characteristics and appearance. Have you ever wondered why zebras have stripes?

The article below shows a very interesting reason behind the animal’s skin pattern and its purpose.

https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20191031-the-truth-behind-why-zebras-have-stripes

Discussion Questions:

  1. In your own words, explain the study and why zebras have stripes.
  2. What other interesting animal features do you know of? How are they helpful to them or to us humans?
  3. What are implications of the number of endangered animals increasing?
  4. Have you got any pets or interest in animals? What are your preferences when it comes to animals?

Censorship and Freedom of Speech

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B2 – Upper-intermediate

The world was shocked  when a Paris publication was attacked and resulted in the death of 12 people. This particular event leads a debate towards freedom of speech.

https://www.voanews.com/europe/hollande-vows-protect-all-faiths-muslims-protest-hebdo-reprinting

Discussion Questions:

1. What is your opinion about freedom of speech?
2. Is it dangerous to be aggressive when you are a member of the press?
3. How do limits play a role in freedom of expression?

Can Global Warming End our Civilization?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Many scientists believe that runaway global warming could occur much more quickly than expected.

This article contains recent information about the rising temperature of our planet.

http://edition.cnn.com/2015/01/14/opinion/co2-crisis-griffin/index.html

Discuss:

1. In your country, do you feel the worsening condition of global warming?
2. What is your local community doing to minimize or prevent global warming?
3. Do you think there is still hope when it comes to “repairing” the environment?

Victims of Cosmetic Surgery

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Being beautiful gives you a lot of advantages. It boosts confidence and people seem to trust you more. In some job applications, they prefer to hire people who are more good looking. But how far you will go to be beautiful?

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

http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-30295758?OCID=fbasia

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your reaction to this news?
  2. What is your personal definition of beauty?
  3. How important is beauty to you?
  4. What do you do in order to be beautiful or presentable?
  5. How far are you willing to go to be beautiful or to change your physical appearance?
  6. Is plastic surgery common in your country? Why or why not?

Are We Less Smarter Now?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

A research suggests that humans have become less smarter since the Victorian Era. In  this article, it explains how and why human intelligence has declined over the past years.

Read the article below and watch the two videos included in the article.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/05/22/people-getting-dumber-human-intelligence-victoria-era_n_3293846.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you agree that people have already reached their intellectual peak? Why or why not?
  2. Aside from those stated in the article, what other factors do you think cause or can cause the decline of intelligence?
  3. Do you agree that people today are becoming less intelligent? Why or why not?
  4. What do you think can be done to improve intelligence today?

Teenagers and Sleep

B2 – Upper Intermediate

If you have teenagers at home, then you’re probably familiar with the problem of them not going to bed on time and consequently, not being able to wake up the next morning for school.

Read the article below to discover the importance of getting enough sleep for teenagers and how to help them get enough of it.

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/teenagers-and-sleep-how-much-sleep-is-enough

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why do you think most teenagers are “night owls”?
  2. How were your sleeping habits when you were a teen? What would you have done differently?
  3. As an adult, do you still have difficulties getting enough sleep? Why or why not?
  4. What are some of the health issues that are associated to sleeplessness?

Leisure Time for A Healthier You

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B2 – Upper intermediate

Life can be very difficult if you don’t know how to relax. Having time for leisure is important for us to stay healthy. There are various activities we can do to give ourselves enjoyment and take our minds away from work even just for a short time.

Read the article below to know more about the relationship between leisure time and mental health.

Leisure time physical activity linked to lower depression risk

 Discuss:

1. What activities do you do when you’re not working? How often do you do them?
2. How do you handle everyday stress?
3. What sport or physical activities are you engaged in?

Your Typing Style Can Reveal Your Emotions

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C1 – Advanced

A new computer program can now recognize people’s emotions based on how they type. Read the article below to know more about a concept called “the singularity”.

 

Your Typing Style Can Reveal Your Emotions

 Discuss:

1. Would you want to use this program for yourself? Why or why not?
2. Other than as a teaching tool, how else can this program be useful?
3. In your opinion, can computers completely measure human emotions accurately?
4. Why do you think people would want to create technology that can read human emotions?