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Retirement

B1 – Intermediate

In most countries the official retirement age is 60. For footballers they retire much earlier than other athletes. For some people retirement is a financial decision but for others it may not be reason enough.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/general/sixminute/2013/09/130926_6min_retirement.shtml

Discussion Questions:

1. Do you consider retirement as a financial decision?
2. What are the benefits that retirees in Spain get?
3. How would you spend your time as a retiree?

Cash for Better Grades

B1 – Intermediate

A new report says ensuring children money to pass exams does not give them better grades. Parents might be wasting their money by using cash as an incentive.

Read the lesson below and be ready to discuss.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/1410/141008-exams.html

Discussion Questions:

1. How do you think you can encourage a child to study harder?
2. How did your parents motivate you when you were studying?
3. What motivates you to work harder?
4. Would you like to go back to school or study a new course?
5. How would you define success?

Cartoon Gets Racism Warning

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Amazon, has put a warning on some of the ‘Tom and Jerry’ cartoons.  They have said that that the scenes were wrong when the cartoons were made 70 years ago, and are still wrong today.

http://www.breakingnewsenglish.com/1410/141004-tom-and-jerry.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. How would you define the term “racism”?
  2. Do you think that racism can be seen in some cartoons? Give some examples.
  3. Do you witness racism in your workplace or in your community? How about in other TV shows?
  4. Why do you think racism is present in our society?

Where the Spanish Go for a Better Job

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Due to the economic crisis that the country has been experiencing, some Spanish have opted to find opportunities outside of their country.  Which countries do the Spanish usually go to find a better job?

https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20141003-why-are-spaniards-fleeing-home

Discussion Questions:

1. Would you say that the situation is still the same now?
2. Have you ever considered immigrating?
3. If you would move to a different country for work, where would it be and why?
4. Do you have colleagues or friends from different parts of the world?

Grandma Fulfills Dream of Flying

B1 – Intermediate

Walt Disney once said, ” All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.” Mary Moe is a true testament to these words. At age 91, she fulfilled her dream of flying a plane. Truly, Moe and her story inspires people to dream, regardless of age.

http://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/ninety-one-year-old-achieves-dream-learns-to-fly/2471697.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. How do you perceive aging?
  2. What are some things you think you will be doing when you are old?
  3. What is your greatest dream? How were you able to reach it?
  4. If you haven’t fulfilled it, what are the challenges that you are facing that keep you from achieving this dream? How do you plan to fulfill it?
  5. Should people realize their dream as soon as they can or wait until the perfect moment to do it? Explain.

Global Yoga Day

B1 – Intermediate

India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi has asked world leaders to start a U.N. International Yoga Day. He spoke about the benefits of yoga, saying it was good for the mind and body, and could also help climate change.

*on 11 December 2014, the United Nations proclaimed 21 June as International Yoga Day by resolution 69/131.

http://www.breakingnewsenglish.com/1409/140930-international-yoga-day.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. Have you tried yoga before? What do you think about yoga?
  2. What are the benefits of doing yoga?
  3. Why is exercising and meditating important?
  4. What activities do you do to help improve your mood, mental, and physical health?
  5. What do you think of meditation?

Curry Spice Repairs Brain Cells

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Scientists believe the spice turmeric could help the brain to heal itself. Researchers from the Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine in Germany examined the effects of properties found in turmeric on rats. Dr Laura Phipps, from the charity Alzheimer’s Research UK said that it was too early to decide whether or not the research will be groundbreaking.

http://www.breakingnewsenglish.com/1409/140928-curry-spice.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. Are you familiar with the spice turmeric? What do you know about it?
  2. Do you think that turmeric can heal degenerative brain diseases such as Alzheimer? Explain.
  3. Have you tried Indian food or curry? Why or why not?
  4. What do you think are the other health benefits of herbs and spices we usually use for cooking?
  5. Do you take multivitamins or supplements to keep you stay healthy? Why or why not?

Fined for Wasting Food

B1 – Intermediate

The city of Seattle is introducing a system to fine people who waste food. They will get a $1 fine if more than 10 per cent of their garbage is food. The Seattle Public Utilities department said the new garbage disposal system should make people more aware that recycling is important.

http://www.breakingnewsenglish.com/1409/140926-food-waste.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. Talk about the problem of food wastage and give some solutions to it.
  2. Do you think that fining people will lessen the amount of food that is being wasted? Explain your opinion.
  3. Is recycling done in your neighborhood or city? Talk about it.
  4. What laws does your country have when it comes to food wastage?
  5. What are other things the government can do to discourage food wastage?

 *Update: This law has been in effect since January 2015

Dealing with Procrastination

C1 – Advanced

Procrastination is nothing new to us. It is when you wait until the last minute before doing something you are supposed to do.

This article explores how procrastination plays a role in our lives. Be ready to explain some idiomatic expressions included in this article. You’ll be using them in sentences as part of your exercise.

http://www.stevepavlina.com/blog/2005/02/overcoming-procrastination/

Discussion Questions:

1. How do you view procrastination? When do you think it is good and bad?
2. Do you agree with the article? Are there some points you disagree on? Please discuss them.
3. How do you fight procrastination?

Top Five Personality Traits Employers Hire Most

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C2 – Proficient – Job Interview

Apart from having a great resume and more than enough knowledge and experience for the dream job, personality is certainly very important to secure that position that you have been vying for. So, what are the kinds of personality traits that employers are seeking?

https://www.forbes.com/sites/meghancasserly/2012/10/04/top-five-personality-traits-employers-hire-most/#4c2fcf52eec3

Discussion Questions:

1. How can you show professionalism during the interview?
2. Why is having high energy important for employers?
3. How can you exhibit that you are intellectually curious?