Tag: video

Trends Shaping the Future of Work

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The future of work is being fundamentally transformed by five key trends: globalization, technological innovation, shifting demographics, evolving workplace behaviors, and greater mobility. Each of these factors is driving change in its own way, but what is unprecedented now is how they are converging simultaneously.

Watch this video about the five trends that are challenging everything we know about work.

Vocabulary Questions:

1. What does “tap into” mean? “Organizations can tap into talents anywhere in the world.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘tap into’ in your own sentence.
2. What does the expression “digital native” mean? “Millennials are digital natives that expect and want to work in ways that reflect the year we live in.” Use it in a sentence.
3. What does the term “rethink” mean? “This is forcing organizations to fundamentally rethink and reimagine the way we work technologies.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Is your company keeping up with current employment trends?
  2. How is your company thinking about and planning for the future of work? Elaborate.
  3. How has every aspect of business behavior changed in your country over the years?
  4. Share your insights on this, “In the future of work, technology is the central nervous system of the organization that enables everything else to function.“.
  5. Are there any jobs that you think will not exist in 20 years’ time? What are they?
  6. What impact has migrant labour had on your country in recent years? Would you like to see more or less in future?

Americans Tip Less

B2 – Upper Intermediate

In recent years, Americans have been tipping less, a trend influenced by various factors including economic pressures and changing attitudes toward gratuity. This decline in tipping can significantly impact workers, particularly in service industries where tips often supplement low wages.

As employees rely on these additional earnings for their livelihood, reduced tipping not only affects their financial stability but also raises questions about the future of tipping culture in the U.S. Understanding this shift is crucial for both workers and consumers.

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

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the expression “fed up” mean? “In the U.S, a growing number of folks are fed up with tipping.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘fed up’ in your own sentence.
  2. What does the word “hassle” mean? “61% of the consumers would just rather pay higher prices on the menu as they don’t want the hassle of the tipping.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘hassle’ in your own sentence.
  3. What does the word “stingy” mean? Ex. People are a little worried about inflation so some people are getting cheaper and stingier. Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘stingy’ in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think tipping should still be a common practice, or should businesses increase wages to reduce the reliance on tips? Explain.
  2. Should taxes on tips be eliminated? Share your point of view.
  3. How do you feel about the expectation to tip in situations where service fees are already included?
  4. Do you believe that tipping less is justified given the rising costs of living and inflation? Share your opinion.
  5. How does the cultural perception of tipping in the U.S. compare to that in other countries, and what can Americans learn from those differences?

Put the Phone Away or Pay

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Distracted driving occurs when a driver’s focus shifts away from driving due to other activities. The risk of a collision increases when a driver takes their eyes off the road, even for just a moment.

Distractions can impair performance and lower a driver’s awareness, causing them to react more slowly to important events on the road or even miss them completely.

Read the article and also watch the public service announcement video on distracted driving.

https://www.nhtsa.gov/campaign/distracted-driving

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is the meaning of the idiom “to take something by storm” in this context, “For the past decade, distracted driving has taken U.S. roadways by storm, endangering not only the distracted drivers, but their passengers, pedestrians and others using the road.”? Use this expression in a sentence.
  2. Define “fender bender”. “It’s not long until they become the “fender bender” or the “got-a-ticketer”, the “veering off the road”, the “driver who kills someone”.” Use this phrase in your own sentence.
  3. What does “to veer off” mean? ““It’s not long until they become the “fender bender” or the “got-a-ticketer”, the “veering off the road”, the “driver who kills someone”.” Use this phrase in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Personally, what is your opinion about distracted driving?
  2. What do you do when you see someone behind the wheel seem to not to have their eyes on the road?
  3. What are ways to remain focused while driving?
  4. Are there many traffic accidents due to distracted driving in your country? Why do you think this is the case?
  5. Is imposing fines a sufficient penalty for distracted driving? Share your opinion.
  6. In addition to fines, what other measures can be used to punish distracted drivers?

Is Capitalism Actually Broken?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Capitalism is an economic system where private individuals or companies own and control the production of goods. In modern capitalist economies, the prices of goods and people’s income are mostly determined by the market, based on how businesses and individuals interact, rather than by government control. Capitalism is based on private ownership, the aim of making a profit, and competition in the market.

Watch this video trying to explain whether capitalism is, in fact, broken.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is the meaning of “to take hold”? “In England, the country for which we have the best data before capitalism, the share of income going to the top 5% of income earners, peaked at around 40% in 1801, and then, as capitalism took hold, it fell steadily to a low of about 17% in 1977.” Give 2 synonyms or similar expressions and use this phrase in a sentence.
  2. What does the phrase “on the other end of the spectrum” mean? “On the other end of the spectrum, at 100%, private citizens own all the capital.” Give 2 synonyms or similar expressions and use this idiom in a sentence.
  3. Explain “laissez-faire capitalism”. “At the height of the Industrial Revolution, the dials were set pretty close to what we now call “laissez-faire capitalism“.” Use this term in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Explain the difference between the “three dials”.
  2. Share your thoughts on capitalism.
  3. Who do you think gains from capitalism, and who faces challenges because of it?
  4. What are the advantages and disadvantages of capitalism?
  5. Are there better alternatives to capitalism? Cite some of them and give examples, too.

“Pop-up” Restaurants Are Everywhere

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Everyone knows that the pandemic presented difficulties for most businesses across the globe, and the restaurant industry is among those struggling to survive.

However, a lot of owners of food-related businesses shifted their focus to tools that could be utilized for business during the most difficult times, and that’s when they turned to the internet and opened “pop-up” or transient restaurants.

To learn more about “pop-up” restaurants, watch the video below.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “untenable” mean? “…it was incredible to do it for as long as they’ve done it, but it’s untenable to kind of grow until they decide what the next step is going to be.” Use this term to make your own sentence.
  2. What is the meaning of “limited run“? “In some cases the limited run is the goal.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘limited run’ in your own sentence.
  3. Explain “brick and mortar”. “The future of Border Town is definitely a restaurant, you know, definitely a brick and mortar.”  Create a sentence using this term.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think of “pop-up restaurants’?
  2. Do “pop-ups” have a similar following in your nation? If yes, which is the most well-liked and why did it become successful?
  3. What is your opinion on the sustainability of “pop-ups”? Justify your position.
  4. How do you think humans get motivated to venture into new things amidst crucial times? 
  5. Under difficult economic circumstances, are people in your nation more optimistic or pessimistic when it comes to their business ventures? Explain your stance.

Australia to Ban Children from Using Social Media 

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Australia is thinking about stopping children from using social media to protect them from online risks like cyberbullying, harmful content, and privacy issues. The new rules would require strict checks to confirm age and block access for younger kids. Supporters believe this will help protect children’s mental health, but some people are concerned it might be hard to enforce and could limit personal freedom. This decision reflects a wider global conversation about keeping kids safe online.

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

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the phrasal verb “to clamp down on” mean? “The Prime Minister wants to clamp down on young people’s use of social media.” Give 2 synonyms or similar expressions and make a sentence using the phrase.
  2. What does the expression “worried sick” mean? “Parents are worried sick about the effect of social media to their children.” Give 2 synonyms or similar expressions and make a sentence using the phrase.
  3. Explain the “sledgehammer approach“. “Critics say that imposing the minimum age for children using social media is a sledgehammer approach.” Use the term in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the potential benefits and drawbacks of banning children from using social media in Australia?
  2. How might this ban impact children’s social development and their ability to communicate with peers?
  3. What alternative measures could be implemented to ensure children’s safety online without a complete ban on social media?
  4. Do you believe a ban on social media for children is an effective way to protect them from online dangers? Why or why not?
  5. How do you think parents should balance children’s freedom and safety when it comes to social media usage?

Chaos Theory

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Chaos is a very common term we hear often. It is used to describe apparently random and unpredictable events. The rowdy behavior of children in a theme park might be a good example. However, scientists have a different perspective on chaos. To them, it is a system that is not completely random and yet cannot be predicted easily. This is what they refer to as “chaos theory”.

Let’s watch the video and know more about the significance and complexities of this theory.

https://www.bbc.com/reel/video/p0gn8kps/the-butterfly-effect-what-is-chaos-theory-

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the idiom “like clockwork” mean? “Chaos theory questions this deterministic vision. Not everything is predictable anymore, nor does it work like clockwork.” Use it in your own sentence.
  2. What does the verb “resemble” mean? “For example, in the calculations Lawrence used for his model, the trajectory created a pattern that resembled the wings of a butterfly.” Use it in a sentence and give two synonyms.
  3. What is the meaning of the word “trolling“? “For example, how trolling on social networks can be triggered by a single negative comment“. Use it in a sentence and give example scenarios.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is chaos theory and how is it connected to the butterfly effect?
  2. How has chaos theory influenced the development of new technologies and economics?
  3. “Chaos is not the same as disorder.” Explain this in your own words. Give example circumstances as well.
  4. “Ultimately, chaos theory introduces an element of uncertainty into our reading of the universe. It reveals the limit of our knowledge.” How does this make you feel?
  5. Give an example scenario for chaos theory.

Being Vain Is a Good Thing

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Vanity is a part of what makes us human. From dressing up elegantly to behaving well above standards, we strive to live up to expectations in order to be perceived in a certain way. It has always been viewed negatively. However, some philosophers think that there can be no morality and no society without vanity.

Let’s watch the video and know the different perspectives on the presence of vanity in our society.

https://www.bbc.com/reel/video/p0jn44z8/you-re-so-vain-but-here-s-why-that-s-a-good-thing

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to sneer at someone” mean? “We sneer at people who think of themselves too highly.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “praise-worthiness” mean? “We want not only praise but praise-worthiness.“ Use it in your own sentence and give two synonyms.
  3. What does the idiom “to be in a Hall of Mirrors” mean? “Rousseau thought that vanity leads us to care about status more than morality. It makes us worry about the mask and not the face beneath. His vanity leaves us all living in a Hall of Mirrors.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How do you define vanity?
  2. How does vanity allow the society to function?
  3. Discuss two types of self-love mentioned in the video.
  4. When is it beneficial to be living only in the opinion of others? When is it harmful?
  5. How is vanity considered one of the modern vices? Do you agree with it?
  6. Share your thoughts on Jean Jacques Rousseau’s belief that, “We only really became modern humans when we became vain.“?
  7. What are your insights on this, “Vanity is the source of our sociability and morality.“?

Get Out of a Mental Rut

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

There are many reasons to feel as if you are operating on autopilot. Being mentally stuck can cause one to lack motivation and happiness. However, stress no more. One thing to know about mental rut is that it is momentary and there are ways to deal with it.

Watch this video about mental rut and how to get out of it if you find yourself in this state.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “mental rut” mean? “What happened is you’ve entered a mental rut.” Give one (1) synonym or similar expression and use ‘mental rut’ in your own sentence.
  2. What does “something feels like a chore” mean? “Just going through your daily routine is a struggle and it feels like a chore.”Give one (1) synonym or similar expression and use ‘something feels like a chore’ in your own sentence.
  3. What does “ebb and flow” mean? “Our moods are in constant ebb and flow.” Give one (1) synonym or similar expression and use ‘ebb and flow’ in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Which advice from the video resonates to you and why?
  2. What other ways can you think of on how an individual can get out of a mental rut?
  3. Talk about a moment of being stuck and talk about the ways you were able to overcome it.
  4. “Often, mental rut happens to the most ambitious people.” Talk about your thoughts on this statement.

The Sunk Cost Fallacy

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Have you ever made a bad decision and felt the need to correct or fix your mistake? Everyone in this world has experienced lapses in judgment from time to time but the way they cope with their errors varies from person to person. Unfortunately, not all of these methods are heathy or even beneficial, such as the sunk cost fallacy.

Watch the video to learn more about the sunk cost fallacy.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does ”sunk cost” mean? “I know that there are plenty of other reasons why people stay together, but sunk cost is definitely up there.” Use this term to make your own sentence.
  2. Explain the meaning of the idiom “to call it quits“. “It’s better to call it quits now and save yourself from future misery.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and create a sentence using this phrase.
  3. What does “to dig a bigger hole” mean? “If you continue to pour more resources into a failing project, you’re just digging a bigger hole for yourself.” Use ‘to dig a bigger hole” in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts about sunk cost fallacy?
  2. Give other examples of the sunk cost fallacy.
  3. Talk about your personal experience with the sunk cost fallacy.
  4. Does the sunk cost influence your decisions? Explain.