Tag: video

The Chinese Exclusion Act

B2 – Upper Intermediate

In the late 1800’s, many Americans held Chinese workers responsible for driving down wages and economic woes. This antagonism towards Chinese workers resulted to violence by the people and acts of injustices perpetrated by the government.

Let’s watch the video and learn more about the Chinese Exclusion Act.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Share your thoughts on what you’ve learned from this video.
  2. What was the Chinese Exclusion Act and why was it created?Who were exempted from this act?
  3. Who was Chae Chan Ping and what happened to him upon his return to San Francisco?
  4. What is the Scott Act? Why did the U.S. Supreme court rule against Ping’s argument?
  5. What are recently passed immigration laws in your country? Do you find them reasonable?

A Unique Village Has No Locks

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The second tier in Maslow’s hierarchy of needs is safety. It includes having a roof over our heads so that we don’t need to sleep out on the street. Shelters give people a sense of protection during sleeping hours. They also serve as a safe place for our belongings that we cannot take with us when we leave for work or school. But what if these homes have no locks? Does it mean outsiders can just come and go? Are these homes still conducive to people’s well-being?

Watch this fascinating video to discover and explore a unique village in India.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on this? How would you feel about leaving your house unlocked when you go out?
  2. In your understanding, how does tradition influence people’s decision not to have doors and locks in their homes?
  3. Is safety one of your top priorities? Explain why.
  4. Describe the safety measures you take in your own home.
  5. Describe your neighborhood and explain the safety practices in the community.

Sam Walton Biography

B2 – Upper Intermediate

We have all heard of stories featuring different inspiring people from all kinds of industries. Sam Walton, the founder of Walmart, is one of them. Sam encountered failures and challenges in his personal life, work, and business, but he never gave up.

Learn more about Sam Walton by watching the animated video below.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Sam Walton tried many jobs from a young age until he opened his first Walmart store. How do you think his experiences helped him succeed?
  2. What are some ways a person can take to escape poverty?
  3. Talk about one of your favorite success stories. Tell the person’s name, his profession, and journey to success.

Obesity: The Little Things

B2 – Upper Intermediate

It is the little things that make up for weight gains. For instance, eating sugary desserts after a meal seems harmless, but when done regularly, it can boost the calorie level in the body. Choosing soda can make you drink less water, plus it has a lot of sugar, too. As a result, you get dehydrated and your body can interpret it as hunger. All of these can lead to weight gain, or worst, obesity.

Watch the video about obesity, and see if you are guilty of those bad habits.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Can you relate to any of the things mentioned in the video?
  2. Does your weight goes up and down quickly depending on your food consumption?
  3. How conscious are you about your weight?
  4. What tips do you have relative to maintaining a healthy weight?

The Challenge of Not Eating Food for 30 Days

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The famous YouTuber Mr. Beast is known for his extreme, over-the-top videos and most recently the vlogger attempted not eating food for 30 days, which would be his most dangerous challenge yet.

Though we all know that not eating food is dangerous, what is the immediate danger?

And there are many other questions that come from this type of challenge that can be quite insightful.

To find out more, let us watch this video.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on this?
  2. In your opinion, would you be able to not eat food (with supervision) for as long or longer than Mr. Beast?
  3. Before watching this video, did you know about refeeding syndrome?
  4. If you were to fast for 3 days, what would be your estimate as to how much carbohydrates you could eat?
  5. What are your thoughts on crash diet?

Crisis in Sri Lanka

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Economic stability is important in the development of a country. This implies that people have the resources necessary to a healthy life. This is otherwise the case in Sri Lanka where economic, political and social turmoil prevail. Just recently, some Sri Lankans forced their way into their president’s official residence when their frustration has reached a boiling point.

Let’s watch the video and read the news to know more about the predicament Sri Lanka is in.

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/7/13/sri-lanka-in-crisis-what-when-and-why-explainer

Discussion Questions:

  1. What factors contributed to Sri Lanka’s economic crisis?
  2. How do you think this economic collapse could have been prevented?
  3. In your opinion, does a mere change of leader would rectify the current situation?
  4. How does your government create economic recovery and growth after the COVID-19 pandemic?

Van Gogh – Challenging the ‘Tortured Genius’ Myth

B2 – Upper Intermediate

People often say that artistic talent and mental disorders go hand in hand. But is it really so?

Have you ever seen any of Van Gogh’s works? Have you ever thought that only a crazy man could create such paintings?

Watch the video to figure out if there is a connection between insanity and genius.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Share your thoughts on what’s discussed in this video.
  2. How did Van Gogh’s relocation to the town of Arles affect his inspiration?
  3. What are your thoughts on the treatments available to mental patients in the 1890s?
  4. Some people believe that Van Gogh’s paintings are brilliant because of his mental illness. What is the authors’ opinion on that? Do you share their view?
  5. What is your reaction to Van Gogh’s statement that “Work distracts me infinitely better than anything else. And if I could once really throw myself into it with all my energy, that might possibly be the best remedy.”

Why Parrots Can Talk Like Humans

B2 – Upper Intermediate

There are many types of birds that exist in our world and one of them are parrots. They are some of the most famous birds to ever exist. There are many reasons as to why this is the case, but the most significant is the fact that parrots can speak the human language.

Monkeys and humans are very similar creatures with very similar physical features. However, monkeys cannot speak the human language, so why and how can a bird, more specifically, parrots speak like us?

To find out more, let us watch this video.

Discussion Questions:

  1. If other birds were to start using their tongue while speaking, do you think they would be able to speak the human language as well?
  2. Do you think that parrots could imitate other animals as well as they speak human language?
  3. In the future, do you think we could fully teach parrots our language? How about other animals?
  4. What are your thoughts on animals having the capability to perform human-like skills?
  5. Would you like to own a talking pet/animal? Why or why not?

Should We Ban Hate Speech

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Each person has their own opinion and often finds it necessary to share it with other people. However, this opinion is not always positive and tolerant, and often it can easily become hate speech. What does it mean? Should we always just be silent about certain matters?

Watch and get acquainted with censoring hate speech.

Discussion Questions:

  1. In your opinion, should hate speech be censored? Support your stand.
  2. How can a person’s inner state be related to their disposition to hate speech?
  3. Why is it important to monitor the mental health of society while studying the phenomenon of hate speech?
  4. Is it possible to create organizations that work with victims affected by hate speech?
  5. How do social networks and the Internet, in general, affect the spread of hate speech?

Learning a New Job

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Choosing a degree or getting into a university can be scary and challenging for young people. This is a big decision that affects one’s future. For some, the family’s financial situation is a huge factor.

However, apprenticeships are a good option for choosing a path that you want to take. It provides hands-on experience and a deeper understanding of the field.

Watch the video about this woman’s experience with apprenticeship and how it has given her a good working opportunity.

Discussion Questions:

1. Is an apprenticeship as effective as a college education? Please explain.
2. Should apprenticeship be more available? Why or why not?
3. What are the pros and cons of apprenticeship?
4. Was an apprenticeship something you considered? Why or why not?
5. What industries offer apprenticeship programs?
6. What are your experiences in learning a new task or skill in your current work?
7. What are your thoughts on career changes?
8. What were your top 3 career choices as a teen?
9. Were/Are you interested in working abroad? Why or why not?