Tag: video

The Keys to a Great Conversation

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

Talk is never cheap. It takes a lot of effort to make a good conversation. Some are not very good at carrying conversations while some are just naturally born with it.

Watch the 10 basic rules on how to have a better conversation:

Discussion Questions:

  1. Talk about the tips/rules mentioned in the video that you’d likely start using/doing.
  2. Talk about the tips/rules mentioned in the video that you disagree with.
  3. Why is it important to be interested in what others have to say?
  4. Is it difficult for you to make a conversation with a stranger? Why or why not?
  5. Talk about an important conversation you have ever had in your life.
  6. What do you do to improve your communication skills?

Carnival Scam Science

B2 – Upper Intermediate

A carnival is a fun place where people have fun and play games but have you ever played any carnival games before? Have you ever experienced winning and losing those games?

We all have probably heard of carnival games being scams. The question is, how are they ripping us off?

Do they glue bottles so we can’t knock them down, do they make it impossible to land a shot on a net, or do they do something subtle so they make a lot of money?

To understand this, take a look at this video.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you actually think carnival games are a scam? Explain your stand.
  2. Do you agree with the points made in the video? Yes or no? Explain your opinion.
  3. What are the things that this video taught you about carnivals games and the science behind them?
  4. Do you think you have higher probability of winning a prize at carnival games after watching this video?
  5. Talk about any of your fond/unforgettable memories at carnivals.

Two Heads Are Better Than One

B1 – Intermediate

There is an old saying that goes “two heads are better than one”. It means that two people thinking together can come up with a better solution to a problem than a single person. It could also be more than two people working together. This phrase was first seen in the Bible and then was published in some books later on.

Let us hear more about the expression “two heads are better than one” in the video below.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What does “two heads are better than one” mean?
  2. Do you prefer working alone or with another person or other people?
  3. What are the pros and cons of working with someone?
  4. Can a person get their goals in life on their own? Why or why not?
  5. What are your experiences when you needed help from others?

Tie the Knot

B1 – Intermediate

The phrase “tie the knot” is quite known globally which refers to marriage. There are a lot of theories where the origin of this phrase came from but one surely stands out.

Tying the knot comes from centuries-old wedding tradition called the hand-fasting ceremony. In this ancient Celtic practice, the couple literally ties the knots of cloth around their hands binding them together making them one.

Let us hear more about the expression “tie the knot” on the video below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XoUTRZGfVRg

Discussion Questions:

  1. What does the phrase “tie the knot” mean? What other similar expressions related to marriage do you know of?
  2. How important is marriage in your country?
  3. What are the pros and cons of marriage?
  4. Are there any interesting wedding traditions in your country?
  5. What is the difference between being single and being married?

Why Do We Cringe?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Now more than ever, we feel the urge to cringe, especially about things we see online. It could be a verb, noun, and an adjective which means recoil of embarrassment or shrink. We cringe because we witness something funny or pleasurable or something disgusting or awkward.

Watch the video below about the cringe theory, empathetic embarrassment, why we cringe, etc.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What makes you cringe? Share a moment when you feel embarrassed or awkward or something hilarious that you cried your heart out due to fondness.
  2. Why do we cringe more recently?
  3. Do you tend to cringe more if someone close to you or someone you do not personally know did something embarrassing? Why do you think that is?
  4. Have you ever made someone cringe? Share your story.
  5. Is cringing bad or good or could be an insult? Explain.
  6. How do you deal with a cringey/cringe-worthy person or situation?

No More Pain in Your Life

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Pain and stress are the usual feelings that we encounter whenever we have problems. These are inevitable feelings that humans experience.

Stress is the garbage of the modern life. All of us will suffer from it, but if you don’t cope with it properly, it will pile up and overtake your life.

Stress and confusion come from being busy. Sometime the most productive thing to do is to let go and relax.

Watch this video on how to let go of our stress and pains.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How often do you feel stressed or in (emotional) pain?
  2. What are the things that make you stressed? How do you deal with it?
  3. How does the speaker compare the glass of water to a person’s stress or pain? Do you agree with him?
  4. What are your stress relievers?

Three Laughing Monks Story

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Laughter has a lot of benefits not only to our health but also to people around us. There’s a saying that laughter is and will always be, the best therapy.

According to John Cleese, laughter connects us to people. It’s almost impossible to maintain any kind of distance or any sense of social hierarchy when you’re just always howling with laughter.

In this video, you’ll know the story of the three laughing monks and how they connect and affect other people’s lives.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is the summary of the story?
  2. Are you a serious person or a jolly one?
  3. What was the funniest moment that ever happened in your life? Can you tell the story?
  4. How often do you meet and laugh with your family and friends?
  5. What usually makes you laugh?

Get Rid of Anger Issues

B2 – Upper Intermediate

It is in people’s nature to get angry if there’s something that others did that we don’t really like and didn’t pass our standards. However, each person has different attitudes and way to handle their anger. Some just keep silent and some are try to release their anger by shouting or sometimes even harming others physically.

This video showed a story that somehow will help us know how to handle and get rid our anger issues. Remember that anger doesn’t solve anything. It builds nothing, but it can destroy everything.

Discussion Questions:

  1. According to the video, what is the law of a garbage truck?
  2. How does the taxi driver compare people to garbage trucks?
  3. How can anger issues be managed?
  4. What are the things that make you angry?
  5. What can you say about the taxi driver’s attitude?

Teen Angst

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Many, if not all, do have some issues dealing with teenagers. When we go through puberty, we have some sort of mixed and very complicated emotions or mood swings. It is very hard to figure out where it comes from. Most of the times, you could be so happy and in just a matter of second, you instantly get crabby.

Watch the video below and learn more about teen angst.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is teen angst?
  2. What are the causes of such complicated emotion?
  3. Did it happen to you? Share your experience.
  4. What was your teenage years like?
  5. If you are someone who deals with teens, how do you cope with teen angst?

A Two-Step Plan for Saving More Money

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The importance of saving money cannot be understated. In fact, with so many proven benefits, saving money is one of the best financial habits you should adopt. 

Saving money is like working out or eating right — it’s easier said than done. Managing your money can feel scary and complicated, but it doesn’t have to be.

Let’s watch the video about the steps that can help us achieve a more secure financial future.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on this adage, “Pay yourself first.”?
  2. Do you agree with the 2-step plan for saving more money as mentioned in the video?
  3. Which do you enjoy more: earning money or spending money?
  4. Do you save enough money? What savings goals do you have?
  5. How often do you think about money? Is money a stressful part of life?