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The End of Retirement

B2 – Upper Intermediate

It is essential to perceive that retirement is a man-made process, not a step backwards or an indispensable moment in time. But given all the changes in time, retirement might not be how we perceive it anymore.

Have you contemplated on what you’re going to do after you retire from your job? Is it globe trotting? Are you spending time at home or do nothing and simply relax? Gardening? Or simply having a good time with your grandkids? Should you run your own business instead?
Is there so much more to do? What exactly would your retirement years be like?

To find out more, let’s take a moment to read the full article.

https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20220526-is-this-the-end-of-retirement-as-we-know-it

Discussion Questions:

  1. How has retirement changed over the years? Is this happening in your country as well?
  2. What do you think of the tendency for “people to expect and need to work past traditional retirement age”?
  3. How do you picture your retirement in your head?
  4. Do you think people who retire miss working? Why or why not?
  5. What’s the best age for retirement and why?
  6. In what ways do you think retirement might be gleeful?
  7. In what ways do you think retirement might be stressful?

Replace Forks with Chopsticks

B2 – Upper Intermediate

It is said that there is a link between health and the use of chopsticks. Chopsticks are crafted pair of equal length sticks used for eating that are popular in Asian countries such as China, Japan, Korea, Singapore, and Thailand.

Read the article to know why using chopsticks is better for our health and be able to answer the questions below.

https://www.sakara.com/blogs/mag/why-you-should-be-using-chopsticks

Discussion Questions:

  1. How do you feel about what is said in this article? Do you agree that using chopsticks is better for our health? Why or why not?
  2. Have you used chopsticks before? What do you think of chopsticks as utensils?
  3. Would you like to try using chopsticks to help you achieve better health? Why or why not?
  4. How do you compare the way people normally eat in your country with those from other countries?
  5. What do you do in order to prevent yourself from overeating?

Truths about TV Reality Talent Shows

B2 – Upper Intermediate

We are entertained. We watch an ordinary person achieve their dreams of making it. We see a superstar unfold. These and more is why we love TV reality talent shows. 

But are they really only about looking for talents or are there any secrets behind the curtains?

Here is an article that reveals the truth about TV reality talent shows.

5 Truths You Need to Know about TV ‘Reality’ Talent Shows

Discussion Questions:

  1. Were you surprised by any of the facts from the text? Which ones? Why?
  2. Cite other ways talent shows are beneficial for contestants.
  3. What do you think are the downsides of being part of such shows?
  4. Are there any talent shows in your country? What are they? How popular are they among the audiences in your country?
  5. Do you like this kind of shows? Why or why not?

Google Translate Adds New Languages

B1 – Intermediate

Google Translate is used worldwide. It is a tool that allows you to interact quickly and learn more foreign languages. It’s free, easy, and convenient to use.

Let’s read the article below to know more about the new languages added on Google Translate.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2205/220516-google-translate-4.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. How good do you think Google Translate is?
  2. What will Google Translate be like in 25 years?
  3. How important is your language to you? What do you think of the idea of having one global language?
  4. What would life be like if all language were translated immediately?
  5. How many languages do you know? How difficult is it to learn a new language?

Plant-Based Milk

B1 – Intermediate

Plant based milk is a lactose free substitute to cow milk. They are low in fat and rich in vitamins and minerals. Common plant milks are almond milk, coconut milk, rice milk, and soy milk.

This type of milk is gaining popularity in the recent years.

Let’s read the article below to learn more about plant-based milk.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2205/220502-plant-based-milk-4.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think of plan-based milk? Elaborate.
  2. Are there any bad things about dairy milk?
  3. How will the war in Ukraine affect food prices?
  4. Why are more people turning to veganism?
  5. What do you think of the rising prices of food?

Women File for Divorce More Than Men

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The desire to dissolve a marriage is typically tough, and spouses may spend years, if not a lifetime contemplating their alternatives. When it comes to starting a separation, however, there is a distinct pattern as to who takes the ultimate ruling.

On average, women end their marriages significantly earlier than males. But why are women more likely to divorce their husbands first?

Let us figure out by reading the entire text.

https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20220511-why-women-file-for-divorce-more-than-men

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why do you think women are the ones who usually divorce their husbands first?
  2. Do people get divorced too easily and quickly today? What do you think are the reasons for this?
  3. What are the most common factors responsible for couples to divorce?
  4. Does divorce mean part of you is a failure? Explain.
  5. Why do you think divorce rate is higher in some countries than in others?
  6. Is being divorced a social stigma in your country? Talk about it.

Taliban Orders Women to Cover Their Faces

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Most of the time, we can tell how people feel simply by looking at their faces. Our faces show a lot of expressions. With the COVID-19 pandemic, this non-verbal communication has been hindered by the mandatory use of face masks.

In Afghanistan, however, it is not the use of face mask that conceals their women’s faces but the mandatory use of hijab that is part of Taliban’s new order for women to conceal their faces in public.

Let’s read the article and know more about this new decree.

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/5/8/taliban-make-burqa-mandatory-for-afghan-women

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your opinion on this decree?
  2. What is the punishment for the violation of this decree?
  3. What other decrees issued by the Taliban inhibit women’s rights?
  4. How did the international community fail Afghan women according to some women’s rights activists?

The Wind-Farm Controversy

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Wind turbines are one of the sources of clean, renewable energy. Because of their large sizes, they take up a lot of land area. One location in England refuses to upgrade to new larger ones for aesthetic reasons. Residents also worry about the risks it might pose to their wildlife. Arguments have been raised with regards to the benefits and drawbacks of wind-farms.

Take a look at the full lesson below to learn more about this controversy.

https://linguapress.com/intermediate/wind-farm-controversy.htm

Discussion Questions:

  1. How does your government preserve the natural landscape and wildlife of your country?
  2. Does your government consider wind farms a good source of renewable energy? Why or why not?
  3. What are some sources of renewable energy that your country currently utilizes?
  4. What are some climate change effects that you have felt or noticed in recent years?
  5. What does your government do to tackle climate change? How do you, as an individual, contribute to your part in solving problems related to climate change?
  6. What are some pros and cons of wind farms?
  7. How do we use less energy?
  8. What are your thoughts on nuclear energy?

What is Slow Living?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The modern life constantly presses us to do, perform, or buy more. However, our jobs, quality of work, health, financial security, and communities may suffer. If a hectic life is causing stress, is there anything you can do to manage it?

Slow living may help combat this near-constant state of overload. Please read the article to know more about it.

What is slow living?

Discussion Questions:

  1. How is slow living defined in the article?
  2. What are your thoughts on this lifestyle?
  3. What are some preconceived notions about slow living?
  4. What are the benefits of following a slow life according to the article?
  5. Name some disadvantages to this way of life.
  6. Share your experience completing tasks at a leisurely pace. Was it easy or hard for you to do so? Why do you think that is?

Traditional English Breakfast

B2 – Upper Intermediate

In Britain, the traditional English breakfast is a national institution. It has been enjoyed for so many years by people from all walks of life. It is served in luxury hotels, guest houses, country inns, B&B’s, guest houses, restaurants, and cafes. Even when traveling abroad, it can be found on the menu. It certainly is a meal that can be enjoyed at any time of the day.

Read the article to learn more about the traditional English breakfast and be able to answer the questions that follow.

https://www.historic-uk.com/CultureUK/Traditional-English-Breakfast/

Discussion Questions:

  1. Have you ever had traditional English breakfast before?What do you think about it?
  2. How would you compare the traditional English breakfast to that of your country? What is a typical breakfast in your country and what does it consist of?
  3. What do you usually have for breakfast and how important is it for you?
  4. Do you think it is important to keep a traditional meal such as this as is? Why or why not?
  5. What was the most bizarre breakfast food you’ve ever had and why did you think it was unusual?