A Secret to Success

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Victory, triumph, accomplishment — these are other terms of success. But what really is success to you? Success depends on each individual and what their targets are.

Some people define success if they get rich, some define it if they get promoted from work, and some define it if they have peace of mind.

But one thing is for sure, in order to achieve success, you should have a goal and you need to set your priorities straight. And then work for and focus on it. And if you achieve it, hold on to it and do not be so confident that you’ll never lose it.

Let’s check this eye-opening video about the secret to success.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is success for you?
  2. Do you think the mentor gave him a good advice?
  3. What would be your advice to the man?
  4. What is your goal?
  5. Do you consider yourself successful at this point in your life?

Plastic Bag Ban

B2 – Upper Intermediate

San Francisco is one of the first cities in the U.S. to ban the use of plastic shopping bags to reduce the environmental impact caused by plastic waste. The ban is not only on the use of plastic bags but also use of paper as their goal is to “bring your own” in promotion of reusable bags.

Watch the video and be able to answer the questions that follow:

http://www.manythings.org/b/e/234/

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think of banning plastic and paper bags in promotion of reusable bags?
  2. What are the advantages and drawbacks of this ban?
  3. In your country, what bags do shops and grocery stores provide to customers when they buy products and goods from their stores?

What Kids Can Teach Adults about Asking for Help

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Most of the time while we are busy telling our children all about life, our children teach us what life is really all about. Being asked for help is a privilege but there is also happiness and joy that can come from leaning on those you love in times of need.

Watch the video to find out why you should start asking for help in times of need.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why is it important to ask help when you need it?
  2. Who usually helps you at your worst? Tell your experience.
  3. Why are some people afraid to ask for help?
  4. Have you helped someone during their most difficult times? How so?

How to Practice Effectively

B2 – Upper Intermediate

You may have heard the old saying that “practice makes perfect”. Mastery, repetition, and habits are concepts often heard in self-development circles. Some have even tried to reduce the attainment of mastery to a matter of focused repetition on a task for a period of 10,000 hours or roughly ten years.

However, as we will see in the following video, effective practice may be more about neural tissue than actual muscle.

Discussion Questions:

  1. According to the video, what role does the brain play in mastery?
  2. What myths about mastery does the video debunk?
  3. What are some tips in making practice time more effective?
  4. What skills are you currently working on? Do you feel that you are on your way to mastering them?

Las Vegas Casinos

B1 – Intermediate

For some, gambling is a way to entertain themselves but for others, it becomes a part of their routine. There are certain things you can remember in order to gamble wisely.

Watch this video on some tips when you go to a casino to gamble.

Discussion Questions:

  1. According to Randall, what are the things you should remember when you gamble? Do you agree or disagree with his tips?
  2. What do you think of gambling?
  3. Is gambling a part of culture in your country? What are the most common forms of gambling in your country? Is there an area in your country famous for gambling?
  4. Do you believe in ‘beginner’s luck’?
  5. What does the expression ‘the house always wins’ mean? Do you think this is true or not?

Can 100% Renewable Energy Power the World?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Have you ever heard of an energy that is generated from sources that naturally replenish themselves and last for a human lifetime? This is what we call renewable energy. The sun, wind, and water are the great examples of sources for this generating energy because we couldn’t possibly use them up over time. 

However, the world is still dependent on fossil fuels which according to experts, are limited sources of energy. The big question still stands on how and when we will be able to fully utilize these alternative energy when these sources are forever ubiquitous for our consumption.

Watch the video to learn more about renewable energy.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is renewable energy and how does it work? How efficient is renewable energy?
  2. What are the advantages and disadvantages of using renewable energy?
  3. Is renewable energy good for our environment?
  4. Will it secure a better future for humanity?
  5. Why do we need to keep finding alternative sources of energy?

The Dunning-Kruger Effect

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Do you have an underperforming colleague but has absolutely no clue about it and instead prides himself on his terrible performance at work? This is the Dunning-Kruger Effect.

Let’s watch the video and know more about it.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is the Dunning-Kruger effect?
  2. Do you know people who are exceptionally competent? Are they aware of it?
  3. On the other hand, do you know people who are incompetent but think they’re amazing? What is it like working with them?
  4. Do you have the ability to recognize your errors? What do you do when you have been made aware of them?
  5. What are the tips to have an accurate assessment of yourself that were mentioned in the video?

Four Steps to Ending Extreme Poverty

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Being poor means more than a lack of income. If you are in extreme poverty, you are being stripped of your purpose. Imagining a better life for you and your family seems unfeasible.

Learn the four steps on how to get out of poverty in this video.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What does it mean to be ultra-poor?
  2. What are the 4 ways to end extreme poverty according to the video?
  3. What does “Optimism triumph over despair” mean?
  4. Give some tips on how to manage personal finances.
  5. What are the plans that you have to earn/save more money 3-5 years from now?

Can Exes Be Friends?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Are you familiar with “Can we still be friends?”, a very iconic song by Todd Rundgren from 1978. Until now, it has been a question on everyone’s mind whether ex lovers can remain friends. Some might say that it is possible if you are both matured enough but for others, it is only a complicated relationship that shouldn’t be considered.

Let’s watch the video below to learn more.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the usual reasons why lovers break up?
  2. Do you think that exes can really be friends? Why or why not?
  3. Is it healthy to be friends with your ex? Explain your side.
  4. What would be the complications if ever?
  5. Cite any benefits of being friends with your ex.
  6. Are you friends with any of your ex/exes? Why or why not?

What Causes Panic Attacks and How Can You Prevent Them?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Learning about panic attacks could be uncomfortable but recognizing what’s causing them is the only way to prevent them. Have you seen someone experienced lightheadedness, numbness, or hyperventilation? Those are only a few things you can feel when having panic attacks.

Find out more about what causes it and how it can be prevented from the video below.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What can trigger panic attacks?
  2. What are the two main treatments for panic disorder?
  3. What does “Fear can’t hurt you, but holding on to it will escalate panic” mean?
  4. Have you ever had / seen someone have panic attacks before? Talk about your experience.
  5. Why do you think it is important to know more about this topic?
  6. What is the best thing to do when things get a little too scary?