Tag: video

Spot a Fake Louis Vuitton Bag

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

Louis Vuitton is one of the most important brands in the fashion industry, and perhaps the world. Many can only dream about owning a bag or any item from the very expensive designer label.

So many are trying to imitate, make, and sell fake Louis Vuitton products.

The problem is that it is getting more and more difficult to know if they are authentic or not.

Watch the video how to difficult it is to tell an original Louis Vuitton bag from a fake one.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the word “sought-after” mean? “She sells Louis Vuitton, Chanel, and other sought-after brands.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘sought-after’ in your own sentence. 
  2. What does the phrase “telltale sign” mean? “Do they have items that no one else has, but all of a sudden, this website has them? Those are definite telltale signs.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘telltale sign’ in your own sentence.
  3. What does “run-of-the mill” mean? “This is your run-of-the-mill counterfeited piece with the Gucci.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘run-of-the mill’ in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How can the difficulty of spotting fake products affect the original brands?
  2. How can brands fight against counterfeiting?
  3. How can you tell if an item sold online is fake or not?
  4. Share your experience unintentionally buying a fake product on the internet.

Singapore’s Urban Farming Initiatives

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Urban farming is a growing trend in cities worldwide as people become more aware of the benefits of growing their food. This form of agriculture involves growing fruits, vegetables, and herbs in urban environments, such as rooftops, balconies, and vacant lots. One of the main benefits of urban farming is the ability to produce fresh, organic produce right in the heart of the city.

By growing food locally, urban residents can reap the benefits of fresh, organic produce while reducing the environmental impact of food production. With the growing popularity of urban farming, this trend is clear to continue flourishing and bringing positive change to urban communities.

Watch the video to learn how a country that imports more than 90% of its food is changing its way to embrace urban farming.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is the meaning of the noun zoning? “Singapore developed policy and zoning and incentives around urban agriculture that say this is allowed to be done on top of a parking garage or allowed to be done in a vacant area.” Create a sentence using the word.
  2. What is the meaning of the green movement? “Singapore’s architectural community is also joining the green movement.” Use this term in your sentence.
  3. What is the meaning of “to sow the seeds“? “In a world of finite resources, they are sowing the seeds of possibility.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think about Singapore’s urban farming initiatives?
  2. Do you think this project is applicable in your country? Please justify your answer.
  3. What do you think are the benefits and downsides of urban farming?
  4. Do you think you can do this? Why or why not?
  5. Do you know of any plans your government has regarding agriculture? What are those plans?

Subscriptions Are Ruining Our Lives

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Subscriptions are becoming an inevitable aspect of both online and offline life. There will always be a subscription-based service to suit your demands, whether they are related to entertainment, food, or music. We pay for an increasing number of subscriptions because we desire services in our lives, and the more we pay, the bigger our costs get.

To learn more about how businesses use the subscription model, watch the video below.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Explain “cash grab”. “ Like most people, I thought that subscriptions were just an annoying and frustrating cash grab by greedy corporations.”. Create a sentence using this phrase.
  2. What does “software tethering” mean? “This tactic is called software tethering and it shows up all over the place” Use this term to make your own sentence.
  3. What is the meaning of “to go public“? “Salesforce went public in 2004 and was the top performing IPO of the year.” Use this term in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How do you feel about subscription-based services in general?
  2. How do you feel about subscription services that force you to pay for something you own?
  3. What is the purpose of subscriptions today? Why were they designed this way? Are they built with good intentions in mind? 
  4. Do you have any subscriptions? If so, is the price worth the services they offer you?

America’s Biggest Brands Are Failing to Keep Up in China

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Despite their global reputation, many of America’s biggest brands are struggling to maintain a competitive edge in China. Shifting consumer preferences, the rise of local competitors, and increasing regulatory challenges are making it harder for these brands to thrive. Chinese consumers are favoring domestic products that better align with their tastes, values, and budgets. This evolving market landscape highlights the challenges of adapting to a rapidly changing and highly competitive environment.

Watch the video and be able to answer the questions below.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “squeeze out” mean in this sentence, “Tastien” is just one example of a Chinese brand squeezing out U.S. rivals.“? Use the phrase in a sentence.
  2. What does “to make inroads” mean? “Younger Chinese consumers are increasingly gravitating towards brands that incorporate elements of traditional Chinese culture and style and it has allowed brands like Anta to make inroads in a market that long has been dominated by Nike and other Western brands.” Use the phrase in a sentence.
  3. What does the phrase “an untapped gold mine” mean? “The country’s more than 1 billion shoppers were once seen as an untapped gold mine for Western brands.” Use the phrase in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why do you think some American brands struggle to connect with Chinese consumers, despite their global popularity?
  2. Do you believe American companies should prioritize adapting their products to local tastes, even if it means changing their identity?
  3. What strategies can American brands adopt to compete effectively with Chinese companies in their home market?
  4. How does the rise of national pride and preference for local brands influence consumer behavior in China?

Inflation Impacts Americans’ Social Lives

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Inflation doesn’t just impact money—it changes how people spend time together. As prices for things like food, transportation, and entertainment rise, many are cutting back on eating out, going to events, or hosting get-togethers. Budgets now play a bigger role in planning social activities, with more people choosing cheaper or free options. This shows how financial challenges can also affect relationships and how communities connect.

Watch the video to learn more and be able to answer the following questions.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does ” disposable income” mean? “Gen X and Millennials are struggling with having disposable income.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does the idiom, “to keep up with the Joneses‘ mean? “It’s a whole new ‘keeping up with the Joneses‘. I can’t have friends because it doesn’t live up to an Instagram ideal.” Make one sentence using the word.
  3. What does “to live up to” mean in this sentence, “I can’t have friends because it doesn’t live up to Instagram ideal.“? Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think inflation has had a noticeable effect on your social life or the social lives of people you know?
  2. In your opinion, is it possible to maintain a vibrant social life despite financial challenges?
  3. How do rising costs of entertainment and dining out influence the way communities interact and socialize?
  4. What alternative ways of socializing might emerge or grow in popularity during periods of economic hardship?

Chaos Packaging

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Chaos packaging is a new design trend that uses bold, unusual elements to make packaging stand out and surprise people. With bright colors, mixed-up patterns, and unpredictable fonts, chaos packaging aims to break the rules and create eye-catching designs through intentional disorder. This style appeals to people who like unique and expressive looks, helping products stand out on busy store shelves.

Watch the video and be able to answer the questions below.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “press for more” mean in this sentence? “Those creative containers along with their delicious product are keeping consumers pressed for more.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does ‘hit the sweet spot‘ mean? “Creativity with a little side of chaos and some advertising that experts say, could hit the sweet spot in sales.” Make one sentence using this expression.
  3. What does “gold” mean in this sentence? “If you have an interesting packaging that people are willing to take a photo and post and do the advertising for you, that’s gold for marketers.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think chaos packaging helps products stand out in a positive way, or does it create too much visual noise?
  2. In your opinion, does the use of chaotic design elements make a product seem more appealing or less trustworthy?
  3. How might chaos packaging influence the way consumers perceive a brand or product?
  4. What are some potential downsides to using chaos packaging, especially in terms of readability and clarity?
  5. How does chaos packaging compare to more traditional, minimalist packaging in capturing consumer interest?

Scientists Closer to Reverse Aging

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Since time passes by so swiftly, we all age with it. However, there are others who are incredibly wealthy who do not want to age naturally, slow down, or take it easy. After all, wealth is the source of power, and funding eminent scientists to develop age-reversing technology is the finest use of that wealth that is possible. It is something we’ve all secretly wanted for a long time, whether we deny it or not.

Take a look at the video and learn more about how scientists are closer than ever to reverse aging.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Explain “loss of viability and increase in vulnerability”. “Aging is as inevitable and progressive process of loss of viability and increase in vulnerability.”. Create a sentence using this phrase.
  2. What does “accumulation of changes” mean? “Aging is really an accumulation of changes.” Use this term to make your own sentence.
  3. What is the meaning of “long stretch“? “.,but to go from there to ask, you know, can we now start using this in humans?. It’s a long stretch.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘long stretch’ in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How do you feel about cellular reprogramming being the main factor in life longevity?
  2. Do you wish to live longer and invest in programs that will help you achieve it? Explain your stance.
  3. What do you think would happen if we were able to live for thousands of years and our offspring were also able to benefit from the process of cellular reprogramming that keeps them safe from illness and disease?
  4. Why do most ultra-rich individuals invest in longevity? 

Asia’s Only Latin Town

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Traveling to a country where one shares a common language can significantly enhance the overall experience. While English serves as a lingua franca in many regions, immersing oneself in a culture that speaks the same language offers unique advantages. This shared linguistic foundation can facilitate smoother interactions and foster relationships that might be challenging to establish in an unfamiliar language.

Visiting a country where one’s native language is spoken allows for enriched travel experiences through effective communication and cultural immersion. Such interactions are invaluable in cultivating empathy and global awareness.

Watch the video and explore a little culture of a city.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “creole language” mean? “It’s widely considered as the world’s oldest creole language and as a Spanish speaker myself, I’m completely fascinated by this stuff.” Create a sentence with this term.
  2. What does “to be drawn into” mean? “It’s been years since I wanted to visit Zamboanga. Not only because it has the coolest name or unique location in the southwestern point of the Philippines, but I’ve always been drawn into its culture.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘to be drawn into’ in your own sentence.
  3. What does “to make one’s way” mean? “In 1521, the Spanish made their way to this archipelago of 7,641 islands and stayed for 377 years.” Create a sentence with this idiom.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your reaction to the only ‘Latin town’ in Asia?
  2. Share your thoughts on creole languages?
  3. What would you do if you had to travel to a country where its people don’t know how to speak neither your language nor English?
  4. Have you ever visited a society where most people speak only one language? How was it?
  5. Talk about one unique place you have ever been to or culture you have ever experienced.

SpaceX Catches Starship Rocket Booster Intact

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The SpaceX booster landing represents a significant advancement in aerospace engineering and space travel efficiency. On October 14, 2024, SpaceX successfully executed the unprecedented capture of its Super Heavy-Starship rocket’s first stage using mechanical arms, known as “mechazilla”.

This innovative approach not only demonstrates the potential for fully reusable rockets but also aligns with Elon Musk’s vision of making life multiplanetary. The successful landing and capture mark a pivotal moment in reducing costs associated with space exploration and increasing launch frequency.

Watch the video and get a glimpse of the advancement of space traveling.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is the “all eyes on someone/something”? “All eyes were on Boca Chica Texas as the Starship rocket blasted off at sunrise.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘all eyes on sb/sth’ in your own sentence.
  2. What does the noun “booster” mean here, “Getting its booster to land not in the ocean but instead guiding it back to the same Launchpad into a pair of giant mechanical arms.”? Use this term in a sentence.
  3. What does the phrasal verb “blow someone away” mean? “I mean, to see this even live was… It blew me away to watch it.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘blow someone away’ in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. In your own words, explain the “chopsticks maneuver”. What can you say about this space launch technology?
  2. Share your insights about this, “SpaceX has grown to dominate the space launch business. But for some, that dominance poses another risk — the politicization of space exploration.”
  3. Share your opinion on this, “Elon Musk routinely promotes his far-right views on his social media platform and financially-backs Trump.“
  4. How important is space exploration?
  5. What do you think would be the highlights of space travel in the future?

Touchscreens Out, Bring Back Buttons

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The popularity of touch screens in modern devices is beginning to change, as both manufacturers and users start to appreciate physical buttons again. Touch screens offer sleek designs and flexible features, but they can also be frustrating with accidental taps, no physical feedback, and difficulty using them without looking.

Because of this, there’s a rising interest in bringing back physical buttons, particularly in cars, smartphones, and other devices where accuracy and ease of use are important. This shift aims to combine the convenience of new technology with the comfort and reliability of buttons.

Watch the video to learn more about this hot “button” issue and be able to answer the questions below.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the word “toggle” mean? “You have an array of toggles at the bottom as well as customizable buttons on the steering wheel.” Use this word in a sentence.
  2. What does “tactile feedback” mean? “With the push to bring back buttons, manufacturers aim to offer the best of both worlds—combining the tactile feedback of physical controls with the modern functionality of touchscreens.” Use this term in a sentence.
  3. What does “into high gear” mean? “With the demand for tactile feedback growing, the push to bring back buttons has shifted into high gear.” Give one (1) synonym or similar expression and use ‘into high gear’ in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think physical buttons offer a better user experience than touch screens? Why or why not?
  2. How important is tactile feedback to you when using devices like smartphones or car controls?
  3. Do you believe that the return of physical buttons is just a temporary trend, or is it here to stay? Explain.
  4. In what types of devices do you think physical buttons would be most beneficial, and why?
  5. How might a shift back to physical buttons impact the design and functionality of future technology?