Video: Your Body Language Shapes Who You Are

C1 – Advanced

What is body language and how does it affect our daily lives?

Watch the 20-minute TED Talks video about body language and be prepared to answer some discussion questions. The video provides subtitles and a transcript. Simply click on the icon below the video.

Amy Cuddy: Your body language shapes who you are

Discuss:

1. How would you define body language?
2. When you see a person for the first time, are there any outward signs they give which show their status, interests or personality?
3. How much notice do you take of other people’s body language?
4. How conscious are you of your own body language?
5. How much attention do you pay to how you sit or act if you are in a meeting?

Try Something New for 30 Days

B2 – Upper intermediate

It’s never too late to try something new – no matter your age, gender or disposition in life. Humans are meant to explore and be better. Here’s a short, lighthearted video to motivate us to achieve new goals.

Discuss:

1. What do you think of the talk?
2. What are some of your short-term and long-term goals?
3. Have you ever tried something new? How long did it last?
4. What new things would you like to try for 30 days? Why?
5. What motivates you to be a better person in different areas of your life?

High Cost of Illegal Immigration

C1 – Advanced

Illegal, and sometimes legal, immigration has become a hot topic for quite a while. There seems to be no best solution to this issue.

Watch the video below then express your thoughts about it.

Discuss:

1. Is illegal immigration a problem in your country?
2. In your own understanding, how does illegal immigration affect a country?
3. Define “Illegal Alien”.
4. Illegal immigrants have high hopes to get that “Big American Dream”. By this sentence, do you think America is the best country to live in? Why or why not?

Dentist Visits an Elephant

B2 – Upper intermediate

Dental care is necessary. Good teeth doesn’t only make you look good, but also encourages appetite.

Read the article and watch the video to know about an elephant who needed a dental check-up.

Dentist visits an elephant

Discuss:

1. Do zoo animals in your country get ample treatment and care?
2. When was the last time you went to a zoo or an attraction with animals?
3. How do you feel about dentists? When was the last time you paid a visit to your dentist?
4. What are some dental procedures you’ve had?

Means of Transport

B1 – Intermediate

Transportation is always a part of our lives. There are different kinds of transports all over the world and they have developed and modernized over the years.

Learn the different types of transportation in this video and answer the quiz after watching.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the kinds of transportation that you take on a daily basis?
  2. Does your city have a good public transport system? Talk about it.
  3. What is your city doing to help reduce air pollution from cars in the street?
  4. Do you enjoy taking the plane? When was the last time you traveled using a plane?
  5. In your opinion, which is the best means of transport and why?

Growing Organic Food ‘Sin Fronteras’

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Organic food and organic products have increased its popularity in the last years.

Click the title below and watch the video. Be ready to share your thoughts and talk about health.

Discussion Questions:

1. What has farming taught Eduardo Rivera?
2. Why is he very interested in organic farming? What is his goal?
3. How does he promote his products?
4. How are organic products fairing in your country?

Fighting Like a Girl

C1 – Advanced

Watch the video below and know more about Cris Cyborg and the things she has learned with her sport.

Discuss:

1. Who is Cris Cyborg and why was she banned from fighting for a year? What did she learn from this experience?
2. Based on the video, what are some of your limitations when you’re a professional fighter?
3. Are you fond of watching MMA or UFC?
4. What was Cyborg’s advice to girls who would like to try MMA or fighting as a sport?
5. How do you motivate yourself in life and at work, especially during difficult times?
6. What are some of the very important life values that you will learn in sports?

World of Vodou Healing in Haiti

C1 – Advanced

This video shows an interesting part of the culture of Haiti. Click below to watch the video. Be ready to answer discussion questions.

Feel free to use the 360-degree feature in the video to fully appreciate the story.

Let’s Discuss!

1. What is your understand of Voodou (Voodoo)?
2. In the video, what are they preparing for? Why do they have to paint their faces white?
3. Using different adjectives, how would you describe the ceremony?
4. What did the narrator say at the end of the video about her traditions and customs?
5. What practices do you have in your culture that bring people together?

Giving Employees an Ownership Stake

C1 – Advanced

Employees of Chobani learned that they are getting ownership stake that could make them millionaires. They are getting shares worth up to 10 percent of the company when it goes public or is sold. Hamdi Ulukaya, the CEO, believes it’s just right to give the wealth back to his workers who have helped him build this company that is already several billion dollars worth.

Watch the video below to find out more.

http://www.nbcnews.com/nightly-news/video/chobani-ceo-giving-employees-an-ownership-stake-in-yogurt-empire-674292291768

Discussion Questions:

1. What do you think of Hamdi Ulukaya’s gesture? If you were him, would you do the same thing?
2. What are things that can transform business to a higher level?
3. What do you think are the advantages and disadvantages of being your own boss?
4. Have you ever thought of starting a business?

Fear Over Eating Disorder Care

B2 – Upper Intermediate

There is a commonly held view that eating disorders are a lifestyle choice. Eating disorders are considered serious illnesses that can affect a person’s eating behaviors. Some people, mostly young girls, go too far with their aspiration to become slim.

Watch the video and read the article on how Japan is tackling the issue of eating disorders.

http://www.bbc.com/news/health-36095287

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are causes of eating disorders and how do they affect people who have them?
  2. What should be done to prevent this from happening and to help those suffering from it?
  3. Why is there a stigma around eating disorders and their families and what are the consequences of these to them?
  4. Who should be held responsible for illnesses like eating disorders? Explain your point.
  5. Why is it important to spread awareness about this health issue?