Offer Words of Encouragement

C1 – Advanced

How would you define encouragement? And how different is it from motivation?

Watch the video below then read the article to know more about how encouragement changes a person’s life.

How and Why to Offer Words of Encouragement

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Discuss:

1. Based on the article and video, how would you explain the difference between encouragement and motivation?
2. What makes encouraging so important to people?
3. How do you encourage people at work or in your family?
4. Do you enjoy challenges or do you usually shy away from them?

Conspiracy Theories

C2 – Proficient

There are a lot of unproven conspiracy theories circulating in the world.  Either they’re in conflict with a consensus or isn’t historically proven.

Watch this video about five of the most mysterious conspiracy theories.

Discuss:

1. Do you find conspiracy theories interesting?
2. Name one (or more) conspiracy theory (theories) you know of.
3. In your opinion, how true can conspiracy theories be?
4. Where do you think these theories come from?

Video: What Do You Think of America?

C1 – Advanced

What’s the first thing that enters your mind when you hear the word “USA”? Click on the title below to find out what some people think of North America.

This video is meant to practice your listening skills. Feel free to watch it more than once.

London, Singapore and Delhi tell the BBC what they think of the US

Discuss:

1. After watching the video, recall the things that the people said after being asked about the United States.
2. Do you agree with any of the opinions shared? Do you disagree?
3. What do you think makes America great? Not so great?
4. Have you been to the US? What can you say about their culture?

Fraud Case Batters Image of Monarchy

C1 – Advanced

In 2014, allegations against Spain’s Princess Cristina held serious implications for the reputation and future of the monarchy.

Watch the video then read the article. Be prepared to express your thoughts and share some updates.

Spanish fraud case batters image of monarchy

Discuss:

1. Do you think these cases will have real implications for the future of the royal family in Spain?
2. How should the justice system treat the monarchy in cases as such?
3. Do you think Spain is better off without the monarchy?

Video: Korea’s Next Generation Shunning Marriage

C1 – Advanced

South Korea is traditionally conservative when it comes to marriage. If a woman is still unmarried by the age of 24, she is judged by other people. However, present-day Korean women now marry later or not at all.

Watch the video below and find out the reasons why the younger generation is shunning marriage.

South Korea’s next generation is shunning marriage

Discuss:

1. What are your thoughts on extravagant single woman bridal shoot?
2. What are the social stigma in your country about single women?
3. What are the reasons younger people shun marriage?
4. Is it possible to be single and happy?

15-Year-Old Puts Cancer Industry To Shame

B2 – Upper intermediate

The Big C. The disease has cost many lives and millions of dollars. Studies and research are continuous to help combat the disease.

Read the article below then watch the video of Jack and how he was able to contribute in the fight against cancer.

15-Year-Old Puts Cancer Industry to Shame: Develops 100% Accurate Cancer Test Using Google

Discuss:

1. How do you feel about cancer in general?
2. Why do you think more and more people are suffering from this illness?
3. Aside from cancer, what other diseases should be given a lot of attention and funding?

Japan’s Fake Food

B2 – Upper Intermediate

There is an old saying, ‘we eat with our eyes’. Many instances we’ve proven that this could be true.

Realistic-looking food are used as an advertising tool all over Japan. Various food items on display are not real but they look so tempting, you’d want to eat them!

Watch the video and read the transcript to know more about this Japanese culture that is both an art and a business.

http://www.cbsnews.com/news/tasty-to-the-eyes-japans-fake-food/

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think of realistic-looking food displays?
  2. Do you agree or disagree that when it comes to food, “before you eat, observe it”?
  3. According to the video, why is plastic food important in Japan?
  4. Based on the video, how are some of the food made? What are some of the equipment they use?
  5. Have you been to Japan? Would you like to visit?

Top 10 Fascinating Facts About the Philippines

B2 – Upper intermediate

Here’s an interesting video you can watch to know a little more about the Philippines. Be ready to practice your speaking skills by answering the different discussion questions with your teacher.

Discuss:

1. Talk about some of the facts that you learned in the video. Which one did you find interesting?
2. Have you been to the Philippines? What do you already know about the country?
3. Share some interesting facts about your own country.

Drone Deliveries Coming to a Home Near You

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Drones are a fun way to capture a view from above. In the United States, however, governments have started on laws to regulate the use of drones.

Watch the video below and express your thoughts.

http://www.voanews.com/a/3084535.html

Discussion Questions:

1. Do you like online shopping? What are the advantages and disadvantages of online shopping?
2. What can you say about the new technology that Amazon is planning to use for deliveries?
3. How do you think this technology will affect the demand on human labor in the commercial industry?
4. Does your city have very strict rules when it comes to using drones?

Video: In Hong Kong, Neon’s Fading Glow

B2 – Upper intermediate

Technology has to evolve and we have to adapt. But what about those who are left behind?

Watch the video and talk about “fading” technology and express your thoughts about it.

In Hong Kong, Neon’s Fading Glow

Discuss:

1. What is your general reaction to the video?
2. Name some of the businesses that closed because of evolving technology.
3. Do you think there is a way of “re-using” or mixing old technology with new technology?