Tag: video

How to Master Small Talk as an Introvert

B2 – Upper Intermediate

By definition, introverts are individuals who get easily worn out by socializing and mostly dislike shallow conversations.

Watch the video to know some tips on how to manage small talk and avoid being socially uncomfortable despite being an introvert.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you like or dislike small talks? Why or why not?
  2. What can be done to be good at making conversations with people you’ve just met?
  3. Who are some prominent figures today who you would consider introverted? How do they normally conduct themselves in a group or in front of the public?
  4. What advice would you give to introverted newly-hired employees?
  5. Would you rather be an extrovert or an introvert? Explain.

The Plant that Grows Meat

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are living organisms that have had their genes altered in some way. Genetic engineering can be done with plants, animals, or even bacterias.

In Iceland, researchers are growing genetically modified barley plants inside a greenhouse to create lab-grown meat. They believe that this cutting-edge approach can lower costs, enhance food production and quality, and eliminate dependence on live animals.

Let’s watch the video to learn more about the process of genetically modifying barley plants to grow meat.

https://www.bbc.com/news/av/technology-58709069

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on this process of genetically modifying plants to create lab-grown meat?
  2. Do you think GM food is safe to eat? Explain your stand.
  3. People in the US have been eating genetically modified food for many years without ill effects. Why do you think some people in the rest of the world still have doubts?
  4. Is GM experimentation “unnatural”? Are all “unnatural” things bad? Elaborate on your stand.
  5. How can GM food solve the global problem on food shortage?

#TeamSeas: Removing 30 Million Pounds of Trash

B2 – Upper Intermediate

If you browsed the internet in 2019, you would have probably heard of Team Trees, a campaign started by Mr. Beast and Mark Rober, two very famous content creators found on YouTube. This campaign showed that the younger generation still care about Earth’s environment and they have done it again.

Every 1 US dollar donated to this campaign, 1 pound of trash will be removed from the ocean. Many content creators are supporting this campaign and as of writing, #TeamSeas has already gathered $14,379,559.00 in donations.

Let us find out what #TeamSeas is about by watching the video below.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think #TeamSeas will reach its goal of 30 Million US dollars?
  2. If you had spare money, would you donate to this amazing cause?
  3. In your opinion, will #TeamSeas help the planet?
  4. Based on this campaign, do you think it’s possible that there will be 90% less trash in the ocean by 2040? Is it possible, in your opinion?

Why Are We Wasting So Much Food?

C1 – Advanced

It’s all too common in this day and age that food waste statistics are jarring. Food can be wasted in the supply chain that begins on the farm, then goes through the harvest, packing, processing, and retail shops.

There are 1 billion malnourished people around the globe and yet one-third of edible food products are wasted every year.

Watch the video to know more about food waste.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How can food-waste minimization be achieved? What can you do in your daily life to limit food waste?
  2. With food prices so low, how can we convey to consumers the value of food and importance of not wasting it? 
  3. What are the top three things governments can do to encourage food loss and waste reduction in their countries? 

How I Use Sonar to Navigate the World

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Echolocation is a skill we usually associate with animals such as bats and whales, but some blind humans also use the echoes of their own sounds to detect obstacles and their outlines.

Find out more about how echolocation is learned and how the brain adapts to vision loss.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Talk about Daniel Kish’s upbringing compared to more conventional parenting styles for blind/disabled children.
  2. If you had to lose one of your senses, which would you choose and why?
  3. Rank your senses in order of importance. Elaborate.
  4. What do you think are the advantages of being blind?

Climate Change Anxiety

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Surprising events like tornadoes, flash floods, earthquakes, and etc. are occurring in different parts of the world. It will make us think that the world we live in is dying and it’s quite distressful just to think what the future would be like for the next generation.

Watch the video and learn more about the rise of climate change anxiety.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Have you ever felt a sense of distress because of climate change? How do you normally cope with it?
  2. Do you think this type of anxiety could be channeled into action? Explain.
  3. Do you think this generation cares about what is going on around us or the climate change? Elaborate.
  4. What could we do to aid and save our planet?
  5. Has climate change moved you to action? What have you done to contribute to easing our problems with climate change?

OPod Tube House

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Is micro-living the future? OPod is a 15sqm/161sqft house; a small but livable space built for many people who want to live debt-free.

Watch the video to know more about small homes and why they could be good for those who are looking to stretch their savings.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What thoughts were running through your mind as you watched the video?
  2. What are the biggest benefits and biggest drawbacks of living in a tiny house such as an OPod?
  3. Can families live in houses such as this? What do you think the kind of life people who live in such spaces be like?
  4. Are tiny homes just a fad or are they here to stay? Elaborate.
  5. Would you like to live in a tiny home? Why or why not?
  6. Will this kind of housing be adaptable in your country? Why or why not?

Make Applying for Jobs Less Painful

C1 – Advanced

Many companies receive a high volume of applications every day and you may be wondering if your applications are being read at all.

Watch the video as it talks about the possibilities of using algorithms that can help companies organize job applications and ensure none fall through the cracks.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do hiring algorithms have benefits for workers?
  2. Is there evidence that these algorithms work? Explain.
  3. Do you think their claim about “fairness” is convincing? Elaborate.
  4. To attract employees, should companies focus on pay and benefits instead of complicated hiring algorithms?
  5. What are your hopes about the future of hiring algorithms?

The Rick Roll

B2 – Upper Intermediate

If you have been on the internet, you probably have watched a video and suddenly, Rick Astley’s Never Gonna Give you Up just shows up randomly.

If you do not know what this is called or just have never experienced it before, it is called the Rick Roll.

The Rick Roll has existed for a while now and still continues to be more prevalent and with such an infamous presence on the internet, you have to wonder how it was created.

Watch this video to find out.

Discussion Questions:

  1. In your opinion, do you think the Rick Roll continue to be prevalent? Why or why not?
  2. Have you ever come across the Rick Roll? What made it a popular meme?
  3. Do you think Rick Rolling is a good or a bad thing?
  4. If you have been Rick Rolled, what is the best Rick Roll you have ever done or experienced?
  5. Is there a phenomenal song in your country? Is there a significant ingredient that made it a hit? Talk about this song.

Embrace the Joy of Missing Out

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Social media has opened our world to a whole new world of endless possibilities. Most of what we see is how incredible people live their awesome lives.Without realizing it, this constant exposure to wonderful aspects of other people’s lives haunts us.

Read more about the dangers and benefits of missing out.

https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20200207-why-you-should-embrace-the-joy-of-missing-out

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the factors that drive people to feel ‘FOMO’?
  2. Do you agree or disagree that social media is the biggest culprit in being anxious about missing out on something?
  3. Do you ever feel ‘FOMO’ at times? Talk about those times and what do you usually do to overcome this syndrome?