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Building Blocks to a New Social Economy

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Perhaps the goal now is to create an economy that is not only sustainable and resilient but also human-centric. One that will enable us to achieve economic objectives of growth, inclusion, and equity. 

Is it possible for the industry to provide economic boom from only flourishing jobs and economic upturn while having the societal well-being as the one that will point to the information on producing goods and providing services?

Read the article about the building blocks of a new social economy.

https://ssir.org/articles/entry/social_tech_entrepreneurs_building_blocks_of_a_new_social_economy

Discussion Questions:

  1. How is technology pivotal in supporting a new purpose-driven economy?
  2. What do you know about social entrepreneurship?
  3. What are other ways to create integrated and inclusive social and industrial policies?

Spain’s New Electricity Billing System

B2 – Upper Intermediate

A new billing system has been introduced in Spain in June 2021. It is supposed to allow consumers track when they save on their bills. However, there have been many issues seen on this new system.

Read the article to have a better understanding of this new electricity billing system in Spain.

https://english.elpais.com/economy_and_business/2021-06-01/consumer-associations-slam-spains-new-electricity-billing-system.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why was this new billing system implemented?
  2. What are the problems with this new system?
  3. As a consumer, what are your thoughts on this new billing system?
  4. Do you try and conserve electricity? Why or why not? If you do, what are the practices you observe?
  5. In general, what other issues do you have with your electricity service and/or provider?

Cancel Culture

B2 – Upper Intermediate

They say that the only constant thing in life is change. Being adaptable to change is a big part of what makes us grow as individuals and collectively, as a society. For years on end, we’ve been witness to a lot of things that had to be changed. Some to our advantage, while others, to our demise. Now, these changes could often be about our views on different social issues or matters. As our opinions change, they too, become polarized.

In the recent years, we’ve seen a pattern of having the thought that someone can be “canceled” or culturally prevented from staying relevant or famous, has been a topic of debate.

Our growing inclination toward “cancel culture” and “canceling someone” seems to have become a formula.

It starts when someone does or says something offensive. It is then followed by a public outrage on social media. The last stage involves the unfortunate backlash on that person’s career, sometimes ending up in destroyed careers or dismissal from jobs.

Read the article and join in on the cancel culture debate.

https://www.vox.com/culture/2019/12/30/20879720/what-is-cancel-culture-explained-history-debate

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your opinion on cancel culture? Do you view it as an important tool of social justice or a new form of merciless mob intimidation? Should it be stopped or continued?
  2. What are the good and bad things about it?
  3. What might the effects of being canceled be on a person/group/organization? 
  4. Which people, celebrities, or public figures you know suffered from the backlash of this emerging social culture? What offensive thing did they do and how did being ‘canceled’ affect them?
  5. Do you agree or disagree that “The view that a traditional approach — apology, atonement, and forgiveness — is no longer enough might be startling.”?

Why We May Have To Re-Learn To Socialize

B2 – Upper Intermediate

We’ve been living in a pandemic world for over a year now. We’re already accustomed to our new social routines such as Zoom meetings, FaceTime dates, or ever virtual happy hours.

But with the vaccinations ramping up and restrictions beginning to be loosened in some countries, the new question is: Are we ready? After so much time apart, do we even know how to socialize in person?

Let’s read the article below on how we can re-train ourselves to be with others again.

https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20210218-why-we-may-have-to-re-learn-to-socialise

Discussion Questions:

  1. What has been the impact of COVID-19 on your social life?
  2. Were you able to meet with other people during the COVID-19 pandemic?
  3. Would you feel anxious about returning to ‘normal’ again?
  4. Are you good at socializing? How do you socialize?
  5. How much do you socialize with people from work? What do you usually do to connect with your colleagues?
  6. How do we re-learn how to talk to people and manage the social awkwardness that may result from a year of isolation?

Working Long Hours Kills

B1 – Intermediate

In Japan, there is a specific term for death by overwork, which is “karoshi”. However, this phenomenon is not only exclusive in Japan. It happens all over the world. In fact, a WHO study revealed that 750,000 people die prematurely due to overwork.

Click the link to learn more about the dangers of overworking.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2105/210522-working-hours-4.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the dangers of overworking?
  2. How many hours do you spend time working? Do you work overtime or not? Do you sometimes get overworked?
  3. What is your opinion on this statement: “No job is worth the risk of stroke or heart disease.”?
  4. In your country, what are some government policies to prevent workers from overworking?
  5. How has your working hours and workload changed during the pandemic?

Dog Body Armor Against Bald Eagle Attacks

B1 – Intermediate

To protect their pet dogs from bald eagle attacks, owners are buying a special dog armor. This vest also protects small dogs from coyotes.

Let’s read the article about this special dog vest and be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2105/210520-bald-eagles-1.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think of this dog armors/coyote vests?
  2. Should dogs wear protective vests from other harmful animals?
  3. Are you a pet owner? How do you protect your pet/s from danger?
  4. What other things can people use to scare birds or coyotes away from their dogs?

Live Well with Covid and Chronic Illness

B2 – Upper Intermediate

We all know what it feels like to be sick. It feels unpleasant and distressing. For people suffering from chronic illnesses such as cancer, heart disease, or Covid, there are some things you can do to feel better. While you’ll still have to let the illness run its course, you can at least make things a little more bearable.

Here are ten helpful tips on living well through a chronic illness. Let’s read the article below.

https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2021/apr/22/10-ways-live-well-with-long-covid-chronic-illness

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you consider yourself healthy? How can you tell?
  2. How often do you get sick? Talk about the last time you had a serious illness.
  3. What do you think the worst illness to have would be? Why do you say so?
  4. How does chronic illness affect one’s daily life?
  5. How can one stay positive if they have a chronic illness?

Brain Implant Lets Man Write Using Thoughts

B1 – Intermediate

Despite the advancement of technology, our society still does not have disability inclusion. Policies to include disabled people are still not enough. A lot of them still have a hard time finding permanent jobs.

However, recent technological advancements could help change this. Scientists from Stanford University have implanted sensors inside a paralyzed man’s brain. Such sensors let his mind to write. The success of this research could be a game-changer for a lot of paralyzed people out there.

Click the link and read the article to know more about this brain implant.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2105/210516-brain-implants-1.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. What did the scientists do to the patient that allowed him to write his thoughts?
  2. How important is the ability to communicate by text?
  3. What do you think of this medical advancement?
  4. What could be the possible implications if this project becomes successful?
  5. Do you agree that our society needs to be more disability inclusive? Why or why not?

Clutter Can Be So Bad For People With Anxiety

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Take a quick glance around your home: Do you see disorganized drawers, scattered toys on the floor, or stacks of mails? An overflowing trashcan? Having a cluttered home makes us feel out of control and exhausted. Is clutter just a housekeeping issue or has it already become a mental health issue?

Let’s read the article below to find out how clutter affects people with anxiety.

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/why-clutter-bad-people-anxiety_l_60636df8c5b6d5b7a6936282

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you like cleaning? How often do you clean your house?
  2. Does clutter or mess bother you? Does it cause you anxiety?
  3. Are you a neat freak?  Do you know any neat freaks?  How crazy are they about cleanliness?
  4. How do you deal with the clutter in your home?
  5. Is it really possible to find beauty in chaos? Explain your point.

Pre-Loved Fashion from Niche to Mainstream

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Fashion-conscious consumers are turning towards pre-loved or secondhand clothes. As a result of this craze, big brands like Asos and Marks & Spencer are joining in. They believe that this trend could go into the mainstream.

Buying pre-loved clothes allows shoppers to keep up with trends without drying up their budgets. Aside from that, it is also good for the environment. Using and reusing clothes help reduce overall carbon emissions. Hence, it’s is hitting two birds with one stone.

Click the link and read the article to know more about how pre-loved fashion is turning from niche to mainstream.

https://www.theguardian.com/fashion/2021/may/01/pre-loved-fashion-moves-from-niche-to-mainstream-as-retailers-join-the-fray

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are pre-loved items? Have you ever owned any? Why or why not?
  2. What are your thoughts on this emerging trend in business and in the fashion industry?
  3. Do you agree or disagree that well-know retail brands should join in on this? Explain your point.
  4. What are the benefits and disadvantages of buying pre-loved items?
  5. How do you normally dispose of your old stuff?