Tag: video

Central Banks Can’t Print Unlimited Money

C1 – Advanced

The advent of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 has caused a great shock to the global economy. Governments’ solution was to release huge amounts in the form of stimulus packages.

Perhaps the biggest question in everyone’s mind is, where was this money from? How come banks do not produce as much money as we need in times of need? Instead, their response is quantitative easing.

Though the monetary policy quantitative easing has become common in the recent years, it is still in its nascency and the governments and economies have yet to uncover the extensive scope of its consequences.

Learn more about quantitative easing and why central banks can’t print unlimited amount of money even during severe economic crisis.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why can’t central banks just print unlimited money even if it is to help an economy in crisis?
  2. Explain quantitative easing, buying bonds, and treasury bonds.
  3. Treasury bonds are considered as a safe form of investment. What is your opinion on this?
  4. In your opinion, when central banks buy government bonds/debts, does it only undermine a system that is designed to protect the economy or do you think these measures are actually necessary and helpful in stabilizing economies?
  5. Talk about the economic relief packages by your government as a response to the pandemic crisis.
  6. Share your thoughts on this statement by John Kenneth Galbraith, “The process by which banks create money is so simple the mind is repelled”.

Trickle-Down Economics

C1 – Advanced

Tax cuts for the wealthy is implemented in order to ideally boost the economy by creating more jobs. Thus, providing income for everyone else. As the wealth tax continues, more and more economists hypothesized that these wealth from 1% of the population has not been able to reduce poverty.

Let’s watch the video and know more about the trickle-down economics.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is trickle-down economics and does it actually work?
  2. Do you have tax cuts for the wealthy and big corporations in your country? What do you think of this?
  3. Does increasing workers’ take-home pay translate to increased household demand? Explain.
  4. What do you think would improve the circumstances of the less wealthy?

Child Prodigies

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Some people are called geniuses for their exceptional intellect or abilities. Who do you consider to be the geniuses of our time? It can be someone known for their accomplishments in science, art, politics, music, cinema, or any other sphere.

Do you ever wonder what becomes of these child geniuses when they become adults?

Please watch the video about what happens to child prodigies when they grow up.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think of child geniuses? What do you think it is like to be a prodigy?
  2. Do you agree that talented children need separate schools? Why or why not?
  3. Is it easy to see that a child is a genius? How can parents spot it?
  4. Is it normal for geniuses to fail at certain things?
  5. Do all people have an innate flair for something? Explain your thoughts on this.
  6. Is it enough to work hard to develop one’s skills? Explain.
  7. If you could have been a prodigy at something, what would you like it to be and why?

The Interview

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Oftentimes, we are faced with the challenge of working with a person or a group with totally opposing views or personalities whether at work or in other circumstances in life. This may cause tension and perhaps also a lot of pressure, but it may also be the push that some need to work or perform better. Working alone sounds like a great idea, but you also have to be flexible to work in pairs or teams should need arises.

Watch the video to see how this new assignment was handled.

https://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/lets-learn-english-level-2-lesson-2/3960471.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. What does it mean to be a team player? What are the qualities of a good team player?
  2. Does your department have team projects? How does each member contribute? How does the leader manage the team?
  3. How does your company support employees’ leveling up on skills and knowledge?
  4. What soft skills do you want to hone?
  5. How do you ace an interview?
  6. What are the skills needed to be a good interviewer?
  7. Share some of your memorable interview experiences.

Problems with School Systems

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Schools are supposed to teach our children about important lessons, and they do. However, there a lot of problems with school systems that completely contradict this goal.

On the internet, many people say that schools are bad for us, even though these claims are partly justified, it feels like an extreme way of interpreting the problems with most school systems.

Watch the video to find out more about some problems with our school system.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the phrase “churn out” mean, “In fact, thought leaders from around the world agree that the current system of education was designed in the Industrial Age, mainly to churn out factory workers.” Use the phrase in your own sentence.
  2. What does the expression “run deep” mean, “And this Industrial Age mentality of mass production and mass control still runs deep in school.”? Use the phrase in your own sentence.
  3. What does “rote” mean? “Most of the learning that happens in school today is not authentic, because it relies on memorization and rote learning.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you agree or disagree with the problems mentioned and discussed in the video? Talk about your thoughts.
  2. Besides the problems mentioned in this video, what are other issues with school systems?
  3. What are some issues with the educational system in your country?
  4. In your own opinion, do these problems outweigh the positives of school? Explain your stance.
  5. If you had the power to do so, how would you try and fix these problems?
  6. What problems did you have at school as a student?

Monkeypox Virus

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Just as we thought the COVID-19 pandemic is about to end, there is a new virus that has spread through Europe and North America. It is the monkeypox that started in Africa.

Let’s watch the video and find out more about this emerging viral disease.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is monkeypox? Where did it originate? How does monkeypox spread? What are its known symptoms?
  2. What is your reaction to this new virus?
  3. What is your government doing to protect its people from this virus?

Comfortable: 50 People 1 Question

B2 – Upper Intermediate

As you might know, social media is the main engine helping the body positivity movement spread wider and get people to feel comfortable in their own skin.

Watch the video to find out the differences between how adults and children perceive themselves.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Have you ever felt negative about the way you look? How did you deal with it?
  2. Do you think a lot of people nowadays are overly critical of their appearance and want to change it for the better?
  3. Who is unsatisfied with their appearance the most: the adults or the children?
  4. What do the adults want to change? What do the children want to change?
  5. What conclusion can you draw with this information now?
  6. If you were asked to name one thing you would like to change about yourself, what would it be?

Left Brain Right Brain is a Myth

B2 – Upper Intermediate

We assume that people think differently. Someone is very good at science and another is good at arts. Do you think this depends on a person’s being left- or right-brained?

We have all heard that the cerebral hemispheres are responsible for different activities. However, is it really true?

Watch the video and find out if the theory of left- and right-brained thinking is true or not.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Was any information mentioned in the video shocking for you? Explain.
  2. What is your attitude to the “brain dominance” tests after having discovered this new theory? Will you rely on them?
  3. Do you believe that people will one day learn all the secrets of how the brain functions?
  4. What is one proof that the left- and right-brained thinking theory is false based on the video? What are your thoughts on this?
  5. Are you left- or right-brained? What are your qualities that make you as such?

Eye Drops Could Replace Reading Glasses

B2 – Upper Intermediate

It is not a secret that as we grow older, our vision gets worse, and because of this, we typically wear glasses or contacts.

However, most people describe wearing these as uncomfortable, but continue to be necessary.

But recently, an eye drop called Vuity has been created to help improve short-range vision and make the person using it comfortable.

To find out more about Vuity, let’s watch this video below.

Discussion Questions:

  1. In your opinion, will Vuity be helpful to many people? Explain.
  2. Compare and contrast this eye drop to glasses or contacts.
  3. Can this eventually replace glasses? Why or why not?
  4. Do you believe that Vuity’s side effects make it unusable or dangerous? Explain.
  5. If you had the opportunity, would you try Vuity? Why or why not?
  6. How do you take care of your eyes?

Smart Chopsticks

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Most people prefer flavorful dishes. In order for dishes to be savoury, we tend to add more seasonings or condiments. Most condiments are high in sodium such as soy sauce, teriyaki sauce, and ketchup. High sodium consumption poses health risks.

Let’s watch this video and know more about this instrument that can make food taste more flavorful with no health worries.

https://news.yahoo.com/smart-chopsticks-enhance-taste-food-061753583.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. What’s your take on this Japanese invention?
  2. How do the smart chopsticks work?
  3. Do you like using chopsticks? Would you care to buy this?
  4. Do you know the health risks associated with high sodium consumption? What are they?
  5. Do you like salty food? If yes, how do you minimize your sodium intake?