Tag: video

Pig-to-human Heart Transplant

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Studies show that pig hearts are close to the human heart. However, due to certain factors, the patient surviving after, would most likely not happen.

Thanks to genetically modified pigs, it has been made possible.

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

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/heart-transplant-pig-human-patient/

Discussion Questions:

  1. In your opinion, is this a game changer for people who need organ transplants? Share your views on this medical breakthrough.
  2. Without science, do you think this would have been possible? Explain.
  3. If there were other animals this procedure could be possible with, which ones would it be and why?

Treating Covid Like an Endemic Illness

B2 – Upper Intermediate

After having lived for so many years of the pandemic life, I think it’s safe to say that most of us have had enough. As a result, more and more countries are calling for Covid to be treated like the flu which is an endemic illness.

Spain is one of the first countries to suggest that we all should just start living with it.

Read the article below and watch the video be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://www.euronews.com/2022/01/18/spain-to-move-from-treating-covid-19-as-a-pandemic-to-an-endemic

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your opinion on this? Is it really time for us to start treating Covid much like the flu?
  2. What would be advantages and disadvantages of doing this now?
  3. How has your life changed because of the pandemic?
  4. What is the first thing you’d do once the world ‘goes back to normal’ again?

Debunking the Myths of OCD

B2 – Upper Intermediate

OCD is a mental health condition where a person has obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors. An obsession is an unwanted thought that repeatedly enters your mind while compulsion is a repetitive behavior that you feel you need to do to temporarily relieve the unpleasant feelings.

For example, someone with an obsessive fear of being burgled may feel they need to check all the windows and doors are locked several times before they can leave their house.

Watch the video to know more about the symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What treatments are available for OCD?
  2. Do you think the obsessions in OCD can lead to aggressive or violent behavior? Why?
  3. Do you know someone who has an OCD?
  4. Do you keep checking things over and over again?
  5. Do you have frequent unwanted thoughts that seem uncontrollable? Do you try to get rid of these thoughts and, if so, what do you do?

The Nobel Prize

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Every October, the committees in Sweden and Norway give Nobel Prizes in six areas to acknowledge innovative contribution of the chosen winners in their respective field.

Let’s watch the video and learn more about the selection process, areas, some notable laureates and the prize itself.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you know about the prestigious Nobel Prize?
  2. What can you say about the irony of its origin?
  3. What are the different areas of the Nobel Prize?
  4. What other areas or categories do you think should be added?
  5. Do you know any Nobel Prize winners? Do you think they deserve it?

The Science of Spiciness

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Studies show that there is no such thing as a spice-loving gene; no one is born loving hot sauce. Instead, the love for spicy food is learned, a result of repeated exposure to spices.

It means those who hate spice can actually train themselves, over time, to love the stuff.

Watch the video to know more information about how our bodies handle spicy food.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you like eating spicy food?
  2. Are spicy foods healthy or dangerous?
  3. What are the benefits of spicy foods?
  4. Do you know someone who can eat extremely spicy food?
  5. Do you think eating spicy food increases metabolism?



Getting What You Want in a Negotiation

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Negotiating our way in the workplace can sound daunting and challenging. It can sometimes take all our energy preparing for it. Whether it’s something big or small, negotiating for something that we need for our job is part of our work life. Some might think that there are only certain people that are gifted with special skills to effectively negotiate their way through situations.  This is not true. These skills can be learned, and anyone can successfully and effectively negotiate once these skills are gained. 

Watch this video to learn the ways to be ready in negotiations:

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your experiences with negotiations in the workplace?
  2. Do you feel worried when you think of negotiating? Why or why not?
  3. Which of these tips seems the easiest to do? Which seems the hardest?
  4. What are some effective ways that you use when negotiating in any situation?
  5. When was the last time you had a failed negotiation? What could you have done better in that situation?
  6. What are some tips that you can add to the list?

Habits that Damage Your Brain

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Your brain is obviously a very important part of your body. It carries a lot of information around and has the main control for every function that happens in your day-to-day life.

Watch the video to know some of the considered brain-damaging habits.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Which habits are you guilty of?
  2. Why do you think lack of socializing can be harmful for you?
  3. How do you take care of your brain?

Perfect Grades Don’t Matter

B2 – Upper Intermediate

In their early life, most students believe that grades represent how smart and creative they are and that if they have good grades, they are an amazing learner.

But is this the truth? Or are grades bad for students? Because students want to have good grades, they are not taking risks by being creative because taking risks could compromise their good grades.

Instead of wanting to learn to help them be successful, their only motivation is to study just enough to ace their next test and get good grades, but they probably won’t remember any of that, because they believe good grades is enough to be successful. At least that’s what it feels like for them.

Let’s watch this video to find out why perfect grades don’t matter.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Is hard work more important than having good grades? Explain your stand.
  2. In your country, have you experienced the same issue of grades looking like they are the only key to success? Share your experience.
  3. In your experience, has passion helped you more in getting a job?
  4. Do you think that the school system should be changed to help students with their passion, instead of trying to get good grades in everything? State your opinion on this.
  5. Personally, what are your thoughts on having a grading system at schools?

Things You Will Regret Later in Life

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Feelings of regret in the long-term are more likely for decisions involving inaction; that is, choosing not to do something (Gilovich & Medvec, 1994).

Sometimes, the regret most of us have is that we didn’t try things along the way because we worry too much. We think others’ opinions are crucial to our future success and happiness, only to realize on our deathbeds, none of that matters.

Watch the video to know some life lessons that people learn a bit too late.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the biggest regrets in life based on the video? Anything else you can add to these? Which ones do you think you will never regret?
  2. Talk about a decision that you regret.
  3. For you, what good things came from not taking chances?
  4. What dreams have you turned into reality and you did not wait for that “one day”?
  5. What was one great opportunity you feel you may have missed and why did you miss it?

What Makes a Friendship Last

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Friendships play a vital role in our happiness and mental health. They provide comfort, support, and increase our sense of belongingness. But just like any human relationship, even the closest of friendships can face difficulties.

Let’s watch the video below to find out how to make good friendships last a lifetime.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why do people stop being friends?
  2. Do you have many friendships which have lasted since childhood? What is the secret to your long-lasting friendship?
  3. How do you prefer to keep in touch with friends? Do you call, chat online, exchange text messages, or write letters?
  4. Do you have any friends from a different culture or country? Do your differences make it harder to be friends?
  5. At which stages in life is it easier to make friends? Explain.