Tag: video

Too Many Cooks Spoil the Broth

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Some say “two heads are better than one”. This is true in some cases wherein better judgment is reached when an issue is decided from different perspectives. However, there are some instances where having too many people involved bring about disastrous outcomes.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/course/experiment/unit-1/session-3

Discussion Questions:

  1. What does “too many cooks spoil the broth” mean?
  2. Do you agree or disagree with this?
  3. Can you retell the other expressions with similar meaning that were mentioned in the video?
  4. Give a situation you were in where too many cooks spoil the broth.
  5. What are instances where you need more collaborators and those when you don’t?

What is Deja Vu?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Almost everyone has experienced déjà vu at some point in their life. It’s a mysterious feeling that something that is happening right now has happened before because it seems too familiar to you.

The term déjà vu is French which means “already seen”. Scientists had tried studying it but everyone failed since it’s too complicated.

Let’s watch the video below to learn more about déjà vu.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How would you define deja vu? What are the theories about it?
  2. Have you experienced deja vu before? Talk about it.
  3. Do you think deja vu is related to our past or future? How so?
  4. Is deja vu good or bad? How can it affect us in some way?
  5. Do you believe it is a sign of reincarnation? Support your stand.

How to Build Your Confidence and Spark It in Others

B2 – Upper Intermediate

It is necessary to have confidence in whatever you do in order to get things done. Being confident does not necessarily mean bragging about your achievements but having a mindset that you can make your dreams into reality despite the hardships.

Being confident means getting back up after every failure. Being confident means not being stuck in the past. Confidence is a revolutionary choice.

Here in this video, you will learn why having confidence can help you change your life for the better.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Are you a confident person? Why is confidence so important?
  2. What are the ways that you can do to boost your confidence?
  3. Is it necessary to live in a supportive community? Why?
  4. Do you feel intimidated when you make mistakes? Cite a situation when this happened to you.
  5. How do you handle failures? Share your experiences.

Extreme Homes of Maximalists and Minimalists

Some people choose their lifestyle in extremes: minimalism and maximalism. Minimalism comes from the idea that less is more. It is removing the excess and using only the things you really need. By doing so, important elements stand out more. On the other hand, maximalism is the opposite. It is to collect things like souvenirs and fill every space with interest and variety. It is then the counterpart of minimalism in which “more is more”.

Watch the video below and be able to answer the following questions:

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the advantages and disadvantages of having a minimalist lifestyle?
  2. What are the pros and cons of a maximalist lifestyle?
  3. If you were to choose between the two, which would you prefer?
  4. Describe your home design and lifestyle practices.
  5. In your country, are people more maximalist or minimalist?

Bad Dates – Mobile Phone Addict

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Dating is a selection process for most people. At this stage in a relationship, one spends time with the other to check if they could be a compatible match. It could be an exciting as well as tiring phase in one’s life. What’s even worse is when you have to endure bad dates.

Let’s watch the video and find out what happened to Daniel’s date.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/course/experiment/unit-1/session-18

Discussion Questions:

  1. How did Daniel start the conversation? Do you do the same when you are on a date?
  2. Who is Daniel’s date and how would you describe her?
  3. Did she make a good impression on Daniel?
  4. What annoyed Daniel? Would you feel the same if you were him?
  5. Feel free to share your best and worst date ever.

The Philosophy of Cynicism

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Complexity has been part of human evolution. We are all living in a bubble as life is made easier by the advanced technology which made humans acquire more than what they really need.

This is our present reality. However, cynicism is contrary to how many are living their lives now. It is about spurning the comfort and materialism to adhere to simple living.

Watch the video below to learn more about this philosophy.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is cynicism?
  2. How has this practice evolved through time?
  3. Can we consider cynicism a good trait to possess?
  4. What did you learn about this philosophy?
  5. Share your thoughts on this statement: “by rejecting the opinions of others and societal measures of success, we could be truly free”.

Working From Home Tips

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Some may think that working from home is the “dream” as you can kiss goodbye to traffic jams, uncomfortable uniforms, short lunch breaks, and say hello to comfort and a flexible lifestyle. While these can be true, others may still find it hard because they can feel less productive and unmotivated when working at home.

This video might be helpful now that most of us are working remotely. Please watch the video and learn some new tips on how you can master working from home.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the things that you do to manage your schedule?
  2. Are the tips mentioned in the video helpful? Do you do them?
  3. Do you prefer working from home or working in the office?
  4. What are the advantages and disadvantages of working remotely?

The Bermuda Triangle: Where Facts Disappear

B2 – Upper Intermediate

There are some mysteries that happened in the past. The absence of answers made these enigmas hold people’s attention more. One of these conundrums is about the Devil’s Triangle or popularly known as the Bermuda Triangle.

Let’s catch the drift on some of the information and explanation about this intriguing mystery. Watch the video and read the write up.

https://www.livescience.com/23435-bermuda-triangle.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. Have you heard about the Bermuda Triangle?
  2. What are the rumors that you’ve heard about this place? What was your reaction about it?
  3. Do you think it really exist? What is your opinion about this mystery?
  4. Do you agree that there are some paranormal things that are happening in this world?
  5. Why do you think the Bermuda Triangle is a place where facts disappear?

Budget Cuts

B2 – Upper Intermediate

When business isn’t doing good, some companies opt to cut costs so they can still operate. In the process of doing so, they are dealt with tough decisions such as cutting back on projects and staff. Employees panic when there are issues like this going around the office.

Watch the video and find out more about when rumors travel through the office.

https://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/lets-learn-english-level-2-lesson1/3960391.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. What jobs were mentioned in the video?
  2. What did the workers think the meeting would be about? Why did they think so?
  3. Some office issues start with a rumor, how do we prevent them?
  4. Has your company undergone budget cuts before? What measures did they have to take?
  5. Talk about some rumors that spread within your company that caused some issues among the employees.

Replying to a Spam Email

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Do you always check the spam folder on your email?

It is evident that most spam emails only relate to fraudulent activities. We all have learned how to avoid and protect ourselves from scams. While most of the people simply delete spam emails, James Veitch, the guy on this video did something else.

Watch the video and find out what happens when you reply to a spam email.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_QdPW8JrYzQ

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why is it called a spam email?
  2. Are spam emails dangerous?
  3. Can you get scammed by email?
  4. Have you tried responding to one of your spam emails?
  5. What should you do if you receive a phishing email?
  6. Can you give an instance when you got a suspicious email and what were the steps you took then?