Tag: video

Life Lessons from Centenarians

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Older people typically have distinct viewpoints and a plethora of worthwhile experiences that can help us navigate through life.

They have lived ahead of us, thus mistakes and disadvantages can be avoided by utilizing the priceless knowledge they are kindly imparting to us.

Watch the video below to learn some valuable life lessons from centenarians.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is meant by “touch wood“? “I’ve never been unlucky, touch wood.” Use it in your own words.
  2. Do you the meaning of “misspent”? “Another part of my misspent youth.” Please make your own sentence.
  3. How about “make the most of it“?” Make the most of it. Especially if it’s the first love there is nothing like it.” Try to use this phrase in your sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think as a society we value the experiences and wisdom of the elderly?
  2. Have older people ever taught you anything? If so, kindly impart the knowledge they have given you.
  3. Do you believe that advice from the elderly is helpful in navigating through life?

Vegan Diet Affects Brain

B2 – Upper Intermediate

In recent years, the vegan diet has grown in popularity as more people opt to cut out animal-based food from their dietary choices for ecological, ethical, and health-related reasons. There is no question that a vegan diet can have a number of beneficial health advantages, such as lowering the chances of cardiovascular diseases and cancer, but there are also confirmations to suggest that it may have a variety of negative effects on the brain.

Learn more about the profound impact of vegan diet to the brain by watching the video.

https://www.bbc.com/reel/video/p0dsvhvc/how-a-vegan-diet-can-affect-your-brain

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “brain fog” mean, “If you are following a strict vegan diet, it’s worth being aware of some of the low level symptoms of B12 deficiency, such as headache, fatigues, poor concentration and brain fog, and low mood and depression.”? Use this phrase in a sentence.
  2. What does “hover” mean in the sentence, “However, vegetarians have moderate to low amounts and vegans hover at around 20-30% of the adequate intake.”? Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “intake” mean, “However, vegetarians have moderate to low amounts and vegans hover at around 20-30% of the adequate intake.”? Use this word in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are some of the specific nutrients found in a vegan diet that are important for brain health?
  2. How does a vegan diet impact cognitive function in comparison to non-vegan diets?
  3. Can a vegan diet improve symptoms of depression and anxiety? If so, how?
  4. Are there any specific food or supplements that should be included in a vegan diet to support brain health? Please share.
  5. Can a vegan diet help to prevent or reduce the risk of conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia? In what way?
  6. Are there any specific challenges or considerations that individuals should be aware of when adopting a vegan diet for brain health? Tell me more.

Greenwashing: Companies Not as Sustainable as They Claim

B2 – Upper Intermediate

In recent years, the issue of environmental sustainability has become increasingly important to consumers. As a result, many companies are eager to showcase their eco-friendliness through marketing campaigns and product labeling. However, not all of these claims are genuine as some companies engage in “greenwashing,” which involves exaggerating or misleading consumers about their environmental efforts.

Watch the video to explore the concept of greenwashing.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the word “transparent” mean? “Critics said that carbon offset goals are weak and companies aren’t transparent with consumers about how they’ll achieve them.” Use the word in a sentence.
  2. What is “carbon footprint“? “Investors want to invest in companies that have lower carbon footprint.” Make one sentence using this concept.
  3. What does the phrase “to fall short of” mean? “Companies can fall short of their eco-friendly promises.” Use the expression in one sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think about “greenwashing”? Why do some companies engage in it?
  2. Does your company highlight and promote eco-friendly campaigns and product labeling ? If so, what do you think about it?
  3. As a consumer, how important is sustainability when choosing a product?
  4. What are the potential consequences of “greenwashing” for both consumers and the environment?

Sneaky Ways Fast Food Restaurants Get You To Spend More

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Fast food restaurants are a popular choice for a quick and affordable meal on-the-go. However, these establishments have become experts at getting customers to spend more money than they intended. From upselling and limited-time offers to product placement and loyalty programs, fast food restaurants employ a variety of sneaky tactics to increase the total cost of your order. In this age of convenience, it’s important to be aware of these tactics and make informed decisions when ordering at fast food restaurants.

Watch this video to learn more about how fast food restaurants get you to spend more. Be ready to able to answer the questions that follow.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is the meaning of the word “playbook“? Use it in a sentence. Ex. The fast food menu playbook has been around since the ’80s which has been centered on simplicity, cheap, and bold and bright.
  2. What does the expression “grab one’s attention” mean? Make one sentence. Ex. Fast food restaurants grab your attention with bright reds or oranges along with big appetizing photos of their food.
  3. What does “the pressure is mounting” mean? Ex. When it’s time to order, the pressure is mounting. Use this expression in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are some psychological tricks mentioned in the video that get customers to spend more?
  2. Have you ever fallen for one of these psychological tricks? Share your experience.
  3. Do you enjoy eating fast food? How often do you eat it? What type of fast food menus do you usually buy?

Filter Bubbles Isolate You

B2 – Upper Intermediate

One could assume that when you visit a website, you’re getting the same stuff as everyone else. However, algorithms practically everywhere you go online keep note of the links you frequently engage on. These algorithms will continue to display your stuff based on what they believe you will enjoy until they are only presenting you with the material you are likely to consume. This procedure may result in the formation of a filter bubble.

Watch the video on how filter bubbles isolate you.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “curate” mean? “When you first think about algorithms personalizing and curating your online experience, it can sound like a good thing.” Give 2 synonyms.
  2. What is the meaning of the word “coin” in this sentence: “This is a term coined by Eli Pariser.”? Give 1 synonym and use it in a sentence.
  3. What is the meaning of “definitive”? “There is no definitive solution.”. Give 2 synonyms.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why is awareness of filter bubbles so critical?
  2. What strategies could you use to pop your filter bubble?
  3. What is the significance of filter bubbles?
  4. How does the filter bubble impact your life?
  5. How can we deal with algorithms?

New York’s Water System Is Complex

B2 – Upper Intermediate

While nature provides water, many of us depend on a sophisticated system of pipelines, pumps, and other equipment. An industrialized society depends on the services that a water supply system offers, including the delivery of water from sources to users. The economic health, security, and social cohesion of the communities are all closely related to water supply systems.

Watch the video about and uncover the secrets of New York’s complex water system.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “sizeable” mean in this sentence? “The water shortage is mostly due to lack of sizeable supply of fresh water.” Give 2 synonyms of the word.
  2. What does the term“tidal estuary” mean? “The East River is a tidal estuary.”. Make your own sentence using the term.
  3. In the sentence, “Two of the world’s longest and largest aqueducts were built to accomplish this.”, what does “aqueducts” mean?

Discussion Questions:

  1. Is the water supply abundant in your country?
  2. Where does your city get its water from?
  3. Are there laws regulating the usage of water in your country?
  4. Do you worry about the future availability of water?
  5. What do you think will happen if the water supply in your country or city gets cut off?

Money Traditions from Around the World

B2 – Upper Intermediate

As they say, money is the fuel that keeps the world turning. A country’s cultural beliefs are frequently mirrored in how they view its currency because money is such an integral element of that nation’s identity. But how much do we really know about global beliefs, customs, and superstitions around money?

Watch the video about money customs from all over the world.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “tight-knit” mean? Most of these customs involve generosity within a family or tight-knit community. Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does the idiom “pay it forward” mean? “If someone had a good day, they can pay it forward with an anonymous free coffee to an unknown person.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does the word “sneak” mean in this sentence, “The elf sneaks in to take the tooth and leaves money behind.”? Give 2 synonyms of the word.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What unique money traditions do you have in your country?
  2. Which of the traditions from the video is practiced similarly in your country?
  3. Do you know of any superstitions involving money?
  4. How important is money to you?

The Harmful Legacy of Poor Nutrition

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The quality of our diet is crucial to our overall health and happiness. Poor nutrition can have long-lasting negative effects on our physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Unfortunately, a large number of people lack access to wholesome, nourishing food, which can have a negative impact on their physical condition in the long run.

Malnutrition is one of the most glaring consequences of poor nourishment. Poor nutrition has a lasting adverse impact that extends beyond individuals. Additionally, it might harm society as a whole more broadly. The economic system in general and healthcare industries may be hampered by the rising prevalence of diseases linked to dietary deficiencies. As a result, this warrants careful consideration.

But is addressing the issue using a multi-faceted approach sufficient?

Learn more about the negative effects of poor nutrition by watching the video.


https://www.bbc.com/reel/video/p0f5qzdq/the-harmful-legacy-of-poor-nutrition

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “thrifty genes” mean, “They possess what would have been dubbed as ‘thrifty genes‘, adapted to help them survive in famine conditions.”? Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “famine” mean in the sentence, “Between November 1943 and February 1947, 2414 children were born in a hospital in a famine-hit area to mothers who have been pregnant during the famine or some time shortly before or after.”? Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “predispose” mean, “In explaining the results, the researchers hypothesized that nutritional deficiencies experienced during the critical period of brain development impaired brain formation and cognition and predispose the children to greater violence.”? Use this word in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How do you view this matter?
  2. What are your thoughts on this: “What someone eats today can affect their children, but their grandchildren.”?
  3. What are the underlying causes of poor nutrition and how can they be addressed?
  4. What are the persistent health effects of malnutrition across one’s lifespan?
  5. What is the significance of education in reducing the damaging legacy of poor nutrition?
  6. How can society work towards addressing the harmful consequences of inadequate nutrition?

The Truth about Eating Eggs

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Eggs are a widely consumed food and has been a staple for ages. They are flexible and nutrient-dense. They can be cooked, scrambled, or fried in a variety of ways. Yet, there still exists a discussion concerning the health benefits of eating eggs.

Watch the video to explore the truth about eating eggs.

https://www.bbc.com/reel/video/p08ngz2r/the-truth-about-eating-eggs

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “be cracked up to be” mean, “Are they really all they’re cracked up to be?”? Use this expression in your own sentence.
  2. What does “out of hot water” mean, “Is one of the world’s favorite breakfast foods finally out of hot water?”? Use this expression in your own sentence.
  3. What does “tease out” mean, “It’s impossible to tease out cause and effect.”? Use this phrase in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What’s your perspective on this issue?
  2. What are the merits of consuming more eggs?
  3. Are organic or free-range eggs healthier than conventional eggs? Please explain.
  4. What’s the best way to prepare eggs to maximize their nutritional benefits?
  5. Can you tell me about the dietary habits of people in your country?

Get Rid of Standardized Testing

B2 – Upper Intermediate

When it was first administered, standardized testing was done to evaluate government jobs applicants and help them get into the institutions they wished to get employment in.

Required examinations are given in order to predict academic progress. Standardized testing determines both teachers and students’ potential future success or failure.

Have you ever studied excessively in order to ace this kind of test? In what manner are you retaining it? Please watch the video below to understand more about this topic.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “aptitude” mean? “Chinese officials used them to determine aptitude for various government posts.” Construct your own sentence using this word.
  2. How about “predetermined criteria“? ” Others measure performances on how well test takers meet predetermined criteria.” Use this in your own sentence.
  3. What is the meaning of “percentile“? “If a diplomat is in the 70th percentile, 70% of test takers scored below her.” Kindly use the word in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think of standardized tests?
  2. Do you think it accurately measures performance at school or at work? Explain your stance.
  3. What do you think of this statement? “Reliability and validity are two critical ideas for understanding standardized tests.” Share your thoughts.
  4. Share about a test you’ve taken in order to land a job. Do you think it was a reliable and valid test? Why/why not?
  5. What are some controversies you know of when it comes to standardized testing?