Tag: video

Japanese Troops Set to Fight

B2 – Upper Intermediate

A new security bill has been passed in Japan. It will allow military troops to fight abroad for the first time after the WWII. Some believe this is unconstitutional.

Opponents of this new legislation are taking their frustrations to the streets. But what exactly are they fighting for?

Watch the video and be ready to discuss the issue that Japan is facing.

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-33546379

Discussion Questions:

  1. In your own words, explain what the Japanese people in the video are against.
  2. What are your thoughts on this news?
  3. What do you think are the fears that the Japanese protesters are facing?
  4. Would you say that the troops in your country are ready to fight in case the need arises?
  5. In your country, how do citizens express their thoughts and negative reactions?

Video: America’s Shrinking Homes

C1 – Advanced

America is the place where everything is big – from food portions to super skyscrapers and warehouse stores. “Small” is the last word one associates with the US. Surprisingly, however, it was in this very land of everything mega that the tiny house movement was born.

Watch the video and learn more about the minimalist lifestyle that has made some people move from big houses to whimsical dollhouse-type homes.

America’s shrinking homes

Discuss:

1. According to the video, why are there more and more people joining the tiny house movement?
2. In your country, what did people do to adjust when the economic crisis hit? Did people start selling their homes?
3. Is it usual for people to live in big houses in your country?
4. Describe your ideal house.

Starbucks Is Hiking Prices Again

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Part of most people’s morning routine is getting their daily coffee fix. How would a 5 to 20-cent increase on your favorite coffee’s price sound? 

Like any business, Starbucks has the power to raise its prices. Loyal customers are probably just going to brush this aside.

Read the article and watch the video to learn about Starbucks’ plans to hike their prices again and also know how they are doing in the market.

https://edition.cnn.com/2022/02/02/business/starbucks-prices/index.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the primary reasons for price hikes at Starbucks?
  2. How does this price increase affect the company?
  3. Is Starbucks popular in your country? What are the other big coffee chains or coffee bars that are doing well in your country?
  4. Why do people keep on coming back to Starbucks despite the high prices of their coffee and their constant price increase?

Festival of the Sun

B1 – Intermediate

Every culture has a different way of celebrating certain events. Christmas in Spain might be celebrated differently from Christmas in South Korea.

Read the article and watch the video to learn how Peru celebrates the Festival of the Sun.

http://www.newsinlevels.com/products/festival-of-the-sun-level-3/

Discussion Questiosn:

1. Describe how Peruvians commemorate or celebrate the Festival of the Sun.
2. Describe how traditional or religious festivals are observed in your country. Which ones do you participate in?
3. What other traditional festivities from other countries do you know of?

Shrine is Destroyed

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B2 – Upper intermediate

How would you feel if important monuments and sites in your country were destroyed? Just before the mass exit of Syrians happened, trouble had been brewing in different parts of Syria and it involved some historical buildings being at risk.

Read the article and watch the short video clip to learn what is happening to some of the heritage sites in Syria.

Shrine is destroyed

Discuss:

1. Why do you think the militant groups are destroying important structures in Syria?
2. In your opinion, what do you think will happen to the country Syria in the next 5 to 10 years?
2. Describe and talk about some of the heritage sites in your country that you have seen. How are they being maintained?

Should You Have the Right to Die?

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B2 – Upper intermediate

The topics of euthanasia and assisted suicide get a lot of media attention. Only a few countries around the world permit assisted suicide and many other governments with laws against the practice prefer not to take the issue to court.

Read the article below to find out the stories of some people who are fighting for their right to die. Watch the short video of Brittany Maynard as well.

Should You Have the Right to Die?

Discuss:

1. What is your initial reaction to assisted suicide?
2. Should doctors help patients kill themselves?
3. Does your government have any laws related to this issue?

Homeless Shelter for LGBT Youth

B2 – Upper intermediate

A shelter in Washington, D.C. will be housing homeless lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender young people. For many, this will be their road to rehabilitation and independence.

Watch the video then read the article to know more about Casa Ruby and how it is helping the LGBT youth.

Homeless Shelter for LGBT Youth Opens in Washington

Discuss:

1. Would you know if your country has the same provision for LGBT youth?
2. How widespread is LGBT in your country?
3. What is your viewpoint on this matter? Do you think people from LGBT communities in your country are well taken care of?

Women Jockeys in Horse Racing

B2 – Upper intermediate

In horse racing, it’s very common to see men as the riders and women as spectators. Not in Maryland. Pimlico racetrack now features female riders.

Watch this video and learn how women are coping in a predominantly male sport.

Discussion Questions:

1. How do you feel about gender equality when it comes to sport?
2. Do you think that gender matters when it comes to being good at a sport?
3. Have you ever been to a horse race before?

Public Loo Converted into Cafe

C1 – Advanced

Would you feel comfortable eating at an old toilet? Some business owners in London got really creative with their space.

Watch the video below and see the transformation of this old Victorian toilet.

Discussion Questions:

1. What can you say about the transformation of the old public toilet?
2. Would you consider dining in this cafe?
3. Describe some of the peculiar cafes or restaurants that you have visited or seen in the past.

The Job of a Food Stylist

B2 – Upper Intermediate

They say, “We eat with our eyes.” Have you ever wondered why food or dishes in magazines look so mouth-watering?

Watch the video below about the job of a food stylist and see what a dish goes through before it is advertised online or on print.

 Discussion Questions:

  1. Describe how Lisa Cherkasky became a food stylist.
  2. Share your thoughts on this kind of profession.
  3. How important is this kind of job?
  4. Do you get hungry when you look at appetizing food photos on books or on TV? Did you get hungry after watching the video?
  5. What are some food you usually crave for?