Tag: video

A Conversation about Life

B2 – Upper Intermediate

As one saying goes, “Being young is beautiful, but being old is comfortable”… Or, is it?

Watch the video below of a very young boy and an old man, who are 57 years apart as they talk about life and their experiences.

Discussion Questions:

1. What’s the worst thing about being young? What do you fear about being old?

2. Do you wish you were young/er, or old/er? Why?

3. How do you view falling in love at your age now?

4. What advice would you give your younger self? What would you ask your older self?

5. What is the most important thing in your life now?

What Causes Insomnia?

C1 – Advanced

Do you struggle to go to sleep even though you are tired? Or do you wake up in the middle of the night and lie awake for hours, tossing and turning, anxiously checking the clock?

Insomnia is a very common problem and most of us experience this some time in our lives.

So what is insomnia? Is there any way to break the cycle?

Watch the video as Dan Kwartler details the science of insomnia.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What usually keeps you up at night?
  2. Have you ever had any difficulty sleeping? Talk about it.
  3. What are some ways to help you fall asleep easily?
  4. Do you know anyone who suffers from insomnia? How do they cope with it?

What If Humans Disappeared?

C1 – Advanced

Humans have been around for about six million years, and our effects on the planet cannot be understated. We have contributed significantly to the changes in the Earth’s landscapes, global warming, sea level rise, ocean acidification, biodiversity, and many more. So, what would the world be like if humans vanished?

Watch the video below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wy7Q6wazD_E

Discussion Questions:

1. About the video:
a. What would happen the moment everyone vanished?
b. What would happen days to weeks after humans vanished?
c. What would happen after years and thousand of years after the vanishing?

2. If everyone vanished except you, what do you think would be the first things that would affect you? How would you survive?

3. What are your realizations after watching the video?

Is Cannibalism Unhealthy?

C1 – Advanced

Human cannibalism is the act or practice of humans eating the flesh or internal organs of another person. Many think of it as a gruesome procedure and is considered taboo in most countries. Although it is very rare nowadays, there are still some groups or cultures who continue doing this for religious or ritualistic purposes. In modern societies, some forms of cannibalism exist as well.

How nutritious though is the human body as a food source? Watch the video and tell us what you think.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Talk about the reasons stated in the video.
  2. How adventurous are you when it comes to food?
  3. Tell us about bizarre or exotic food in your country.

 

The Legend of the Loch Ness Monster

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The Loch Ness Monster, also known as Nessie, is a supposed creature, said to live in Loch Ness, the second biggest lake in Scotland. Most scientists believe that the Loch Ness Monster is not real, and they say that many of the sightings are either fake or pictures of other mistaken existing animals. Watch the video and tell us what you think.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WR-mNHIsBf4

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think the Loch Ness Monster exists?
  2. Would you like to see or witness a creature like this yourself?
  3. Tell us about legendary or mythical creatures in your culture.

Abortion Ban Repealed, Ireland Rejoices

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Both men and women were overjoyed as results confirmed overwhelming win for ‘yes’ vote for abortion in Ireland. The event was historic as it ended the ban after almost 35 years.

Rightists believe that an unwanted pregnancy or killing an unwanted child should be against the law. However, the new act is only allowed when a woman’s life is at risk, or if there is a complication in pregnancy, but not in cases of rape, incest or fatal fetal abnormality. Do we have the right to judge the perception of individuals and their doings? Watch the video and you decide.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What can you say about the people’s reaction in the video?
  2. What are your views on abortion? Talk about abortion in Spain.
  3. How do you think this act could make a difference in the future of Ireland and the rest of the world?
  4. Which of these statements do you agree with most? Please explain why you hold this view.
    • It’s the mother’s body and it’s her choice.
    • Abortion should only be allowed under some circumstances, or abortion is murder and should not be carried out under any circumstances.
    • A strict religious upbringing can forbid people from doing abortion.

The Best Dog Breeds for Apartment Living

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Have you ever thought of owning a dog but unsure of the best breed to get especially because you live in an apartment with limited space? Does the size of your home determine the right canine companion to have?

Watch the video and read the transcript to find out more about the dog breeds that are most suitable for apartment living.

https://www.businessinsider.com/best-dog-breeds-apartment-living-2018-5

Discussion Questions:

  1. According to the video, what are the best breeds for apartment living? Do you agree?
  2. Do you like dogs? Why or why not?
  3. What kind of animal do you prefer as pet?
  4. Do you think owning a dog in an apartment is a good idea? Why or why not?
  5. In what ways are dogs helpful to humans?
  6. What are your thoughts on spending too much money on dogs or pets in general?

Zero-Waste Lifestyle

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Think about how much waste you’ve produced in two years. How much do you think it is?

Lauren Singer has striven to live a zero waste life after she realized how much she is contributing to the environment’s degradation. With her new lifestyle, she was able to fit all her trash the past two years in a mason jar. Is it possible?

Let her give you a sneak peak into this lifestyle through this video.

Discussion Questions:
1. What are some benefits of a garbage-free lifestyle?
2. What are the challenges we might encounter in trying to live waste-free?
3. What do you think about her lifestyle?
4. How do you contribute to reducing waste and protecting the environment?

Getting a Driver’s License

B1 – Intermediate

Driving is a privilege and along with it is its responsibilities. In order to get a driver’s license you must have the necessary driving skills and knowledge and obedience to the traffic rules. All these should be enforced especially after you get your license and start to hit the road.

 

Discussion Questions:

  1. How easy or hard is it to get a driver’s license in your country? Speak about the process.
  2. Do you have a driver’s license? If yes, how long have you been driving? Talk about your experience getting your driving license.
  3. Explain why getting a driver’s license is an important thing.
  4. What age is the perfect time to get a driver’s license? Explain why.
  5. Are you familiar with all the traffic rules? Why is it important to know all the traffic rules?
  6. Have you ever gotten a traffic ticket? Share about it.

Chinese Buy Fresh Air

B1 – Intermediate

China is one of the many countries that suffer air pollution. To have a breath of fresh air, local citizens are buying bottled fresh air from Canada.

To know more about this, let us watch the video below.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think about buying bottled fresh air?
  2. If you lived in China, would you consider buying one?
  3. How is the environmental condition in your country?
  4. How can we reduce air pollution?
  5. What can large cities do to improve their air quality?