Tag: Text

Is Social Media a Distraction?

B2 – Upper intermediate

There is no doubt that a lot of us have become dependent on social media to get updated with current events and the latest trends from every corner of the world. But is social media doing us more harm than good?

Listen to the podcast then be ready to answer discussion questions.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english/ep-160331

Discussion Questions:

1. How do you feel about the “rule of three” mentioned in the audio file?
2. Do you and your friends or family have a similar rule?
3. Do you think social media is doing us more harm than good?

Brain-Dead Man Dies after Drug Trial

B2 – Upper Intermediate

In France, an experimental drug intended to treat mood, anxiety, and movement disorders went shockingly wrong, resulting in the death of one participant and hospitalization of others. Biotrial says correct procedures were followed at every stage of the trial. So what went wrong?

Read the article below to get more information then express your thoughts.

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-35337671

Discussion Questions:

  1. What’s your take on this issue?
  2. When a clinical trial goes wrong, who do you think is to blame? And why?
  3. Would you be willing to be participate in a drug trial? Why or why not?
  4. Should scientists stick to animal testing? Why or why not?
  5. In your opinion, has drug trial safety improved over the years? Explain.

India Kolkata Flyover Collapse

C1 – Advanced

In March of 2016, a tragic construction accident happened in Calcutta, leaving a chaotic scene and many injured.

Watch the videos and read the article on the collapse of an Indian flyover.

India Kolkata flyover collapse: At least 20 dead

Discuss:

1. What do you think could have caused the collapse of the flyover?
2. Have you witnessed a similar accident before in your city?
3. What is your opinion on the rescue effort conducted in the article?
4. What can the Indian government do to prevent such accidents in the future?

 

The Unstoppable Growth of Themed Cruises

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Over the past decade, traveling on ​large ​ships for ​pleasure has become increasingly appealing to larger number of vacationists and younger generation holidaymakers. Themed cruises are now very popular catering not only to the traditional customers of this kind of holiday but also to people who are interested in varied subjects.

Read on this article about the growth of themed cruises.

http://www.bbc.com/news/business-35924022

Discussion Questions: 

  1. Have you ever been on a cruise? Tell us about this holiday.
  2. Talk about the popularity of cruises among holidaymakers in your country.
  3. If you were to go on a themed cruise, what would it be?
  4. What are other popular holiday ideas common in your country?

Teens, Television, and Depression

B1 – Intermediate

Watching TV can be fun. But too much of it can lead to more harm than good.

Read the article below to know the connection between depression and watching too much TV. Be ready to express your thoughts about it.

http://www.english-online.at/society/teens-depression/television-habits-teens.htm

Discussion Questions:

1. Would you consider yourself a TV addict? If yes, how much time do usually spend watching TV?
2. Do you agree that too much TV may lead to depression?
3. What do you think are other causes of depression?
4. What are some of the social activities that you enjoy doing with friends and family?

Child Labour

B2 – Upper intermediate

Child labour is nothing new. It’s been happening since the 18th century. Over the years, do you think that this social problem has been solved or has it evolved to something worse? Read the article below and express your thoughts about it.

http://www.english-online.at/society/child-labour/working-children-around-the-world.htm

Discussion Questions:

1. Does child labour exist in your country?
2. What are steps the government can take to stop child labour?
3. When is it okay for a child to work?
4. Have you experienced working when you were younger?

Coffee Can Help You Live Longer

B2 – Upper Intermediate

A cup of coffee has always been a part of a lot people’s morning routine. It could definitely awake our senses and boost our energy. Now, coffee drinkers have more reasons to drink that fresh cup.

Read the article on how coffee can help you live longer.

http://www.breakingnewsenglish.com/1511/151119-coffee.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. Are you a coffee drinker? How many cups do you drink each day?
  2. How healthy do you think coffee is?
  3. Why might coffee reduce the incidence of suicides?
  4. How do you feel about certain coffee shops like Starbucks?

Cushy Norwegian Prisons

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C1 – Advanced

Nobody wants to go to prison. There is fear even in just saying the word. People have very specific images of what prison looks like. But, in Norway, things are just a little bit different than the usual.

This article includes a video. Please read the article first before watching the video to fully understand the video clip.

Anders Breivik: Just how cushy are Norwegian prisons?

Let’s Discuss!

1. Based on the article, explain what “normality principle” is.
2. Describe the prisons in Bastoey island and in Halden.
3. Explain the conditions of the prisoners in Norway and the rights they can still exercise.
4. What is the defense given by the Norwegian system when critics question their prison structure?
5. How would you describe prisons in your country?

Commuters’ Tales

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C1 – Advanced

Whether you’re taking public transportation or using your car, we all have stories to tell about our daily commute, especially if it’s something we do on a daily basis.

Click on the title below and read about the commuters in Mumbai and their experiences on the train.

Commuters’ tales: No room to sit – even in the toilet

Discuss:

1. Describe the pictures you’ve seen in the article.
2. Recall the experiences of some of the passengers who take the train.
3. How efficient is public transportation in your country? What would you change if any?
4. Share some of your unusual stories as a commuter.

Cutting Up Food Helped Human Evolution

C1 – Advanced

Human evolution is all about the process or physical changes that humans went through over the years. Would a simple activity, like chewing, really have an impact on human evolution? Read the article below to find out more.

Cutting up food helped human evolution

Discuss:

1. What did you think of the article?
2. What do you know about human evolution?
3. How would you describe your eating habits?
4. Do you think it’s right that humans are often compared to chimpanzees?