Binge Drinking

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Binge drinking refers to the excessive consumption of alcohol in a single setting. It is very common among people in several countries worldwide, and is somehow similar with social drinking since it is often done in groups.

Binge drinking is considered a serious public health problem, but can be prevented.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What drive people to binge drink?
  2. What health effects do overindulging in alcohol have?
  3. What can be done to prevent knocking drinks back like it’s an Olympic sport?
  4. What kinds of social problems does alcohol cause in your country?
  5. Talk about the drinking culture in your country.

What If You Never Ate Meat?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Steak, burgers, chicken, hot dogs… These are just some types of meat to name a few. The question is, is eating meat good or bad? Meat is a staple in many diet and is a great source of protein and other important nutrients needed by our body. However, It’s a highly controversial food because some people believe that eating meat is unhealthy, unnecessary and it may even kill us.

Watch the video and take a look at the health benefits and potential risks of eating meat.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you agree with the video? Explain your position.
  2. Cite the benefits and consequences of meat on our bodies or health.
  3. Can you live without ever eating meat? Why or why not?
  4. What kinds of meat do you enjoy eating? Do you think it’s healthy? Share.
  5. What do you think of processed meat?

When a Night Owl Lives Like an Early Bird

C1 – Advanced

Do you always get a good night sleep or is it always a struggle to have one? Well, we’ve got our own circadian rhythm to blame. This cycle which is also known as the “body clock” harmonizes other vital organs as it regulates many physiological processes such as when we need to sleep, rise and eat.  Being a night owl however lets us function differently in our society and can take its toll.

Let’s find out how a night owl operates in our society by watching the video below.

Discussion Questions:

1. Talk about your circadian rhythm. Are you a night owl or a lark?

2. What is social jet lag?

3. How difficult is it for a night owl to live like an early bird?

4. Has your sleeping pattern changed over time?

5. Do schools start early in your country?

Narcissism

C1 – Advanced

One of the tested rules to success is to love and trust one’s self but when is loving or admiring one’s self excessive?

Narcissism is the extreme interest and admiration in oneself.

The video below explores narcissism’s history, types of narcissistic disorder, and how the way we live now tends to foster it.

 

 

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the dangers of narcissism?
  2. How has social media multiplied self-promotion?
  3. What are two kinds of narcissistic disorder according to the video?
  4. In what ways is narcissism beneficial?
  5. Talk about your own experience dealing with a person/people who you believe suffers from narcissism.

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?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

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 use, or have you ever used, any special methods that help you get to sleep? Talk about it.
  5. 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.