Tag: video

In the Wine World, Does Bottle Size Matter?

C1 – Advanced

Wine has been around for as long as we can remember. And most of the time, we’re after the taste and not the bottle. A Napa Valley wine maker is redesigning wine bottles.

Watch the video below of a discussion about wine bottles and the issue of changing them.

Discussion Questions:

  1. According to the video, why are wine bottles being changed?
  2. In your opinion, it a good idea to change the size and shapes of wine bottles?
  3. What did the guest say about retailers and wine bottles?
  4. What are your preferences when it comes to wine and other alcoholic beverages?
  5. Is it better to showcase wine in a new and different way or the standard way? Explain.

Is Cycling Good for Cities?

B1 – Intermediate

In cities like Amsterdam, cycling is a way of life. Is it really good for cities to encourage the use of bicycles around the city/neighborhood?

Watch the video below and be ready to have a discussion.

Discuss:

1. Are there any bicycle lanes in the UK? Why is it important to have bicycle lanes?
2. In your city, are bicycle lanes made to encourage the use of bicycles?
3. How would you describe roads and motorways in your country?
4. Do you think that using bicycles will help lessen the traffic in big cities? Why?

BBC LingoHack Video: Feb 22

B1 – Intermediate

Watch the video below to increase your vocabulary and practice your listening skills. Feel free to watch the video more than once. You may also take down notes of important details.

Learn words from the news: visually impaired, engineered, heading out

Discuss:

1. What does it mean when someone is visually impaired? Use it in a sentence.
2. How is one company in India helping people who are blind? Why are the blind the best in this kind of job?
3. What is the definition of the word “engineered”? Use it in a sentence.
4. In the last story, where is the team going? Where will they live during their expedition?

The Doctor Who Saved 100,000 Eyes

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Our eyesight is very important to us. Yet, just like the other senses, we tend to take it for granted until we realize how much we rely on it.

Watch the video below to know of a doctor who restores hope in people through better eyesight.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Discuss what the doctor and his team does for people in Nepal.
  2. How important is this medical project to small cities and developing countries?
  3. Talk about medical projects or missions in your country that you know of.
  4. Have you ever volunteered to help those in need? How was that experience?

Why are We So Attached to Our Things?

B2 – Upper intermediate

Ever wonder why we get attached to our belongings? Are we innately selfish? There must be a scientific explanation to this. This video details the psychology of ownership.

Watch the video carefully then be ready to answer some discussion questions.

Discuss:

  1. What does the “endowment effect” describe?
  2. What are some of the almost magical ways that we think about the connection between objects and their owners?
  3. Can there ever be a downside to feeling attached to our things? Elaborate your answer.

The Lion Whisperer

B1 – Intermediate

There has always been a fascination with wild animals like lions and tigers. Some people’s job is to learn about their behaviors. Due to the risks associated, only a few dare to go near, more so, to live with these wild beasts.

Watch the video below and take a look at how one man is able to live amongst wild African cats.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How do you feel about humans interacting with wild animals?
  2. Are you fond of animals? Why or why not? Do you/Would you like to have any pets?
  3. What are some animals found in your country that are considered wild and endangered?
  4. How would you feel being around lions?
  5. What are your thoughts on this, “The lions are his equal.“?

Never Too Old for a Tiara

B2 – Upper intermediate

The Philippines just recently hosted the Miss Universe pageant last January 2017. It showcased a range of beauties and talents from across the globe. All young and in their prime. The video below shows a different kind of beauty contest. Watch the video carefully then be ready to answer comprehension and discussion questions.

Discuss:

1. Discuss what the video is all about.
2. What are the contestants saying about joining the pageant/contest? What are their words of wisdom?
3. What is your general opinion of beauty contests/pageants?
4. What message do you think is this video trying to send?
5. In the United States, they have beauty contests for girls as young as 5 or 6. Do you think that’s a good idea? How do you think it will affect the child?

Farmers Spray E.U. Building With Milk Powder

B2 – Upper intermediate

When the government is helping the big corporations win, the smaller guys continue to struggle. Watch the video below about a protest that some farmers made against the European Union’s decision regarding milk production and selling.

Discuss:

1. Explain why the farmers decided to spray an EU building with milk powder.
2. How’s the agriculture business/industry in your country?
3. Do you think the European Union’s action to “stabilize the market” was a good one?
4. What are some agricultural products that you import from other countries?
5. What’s an ideal way to help local farmers survive in today’s world?

Video: Kuwaitis in ‘5-star’ Tents Under the Stars

B2 – Upper intermediate

In Kuwait, locals have a different way of escaping the heat during the summer. Watch the video carefully to find out what dessert camping is and express your thoughts about it.

Kuwaitis seek roots in ‘5-star’ tents under the stars

Discuss:

1. What is dessert camping and why do Kuwaitis like this?
2. How much does it cost to go camping in the dessert?
3. Describe the tents featured in the video.
4. Have you ever gone camping before? What did you like/didn’t like about it?
5. Would you consider yourself adventurous when it comes to travelling?

Africa’s Coffee Renaissance

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Nigeria’s young entrepreneurs are thinking creatively and boldly. Watch the video and read the article about two Nigerian brothers who profited on coffee.

2 brothers have tapped into Africa’s coffee renaissance

Discussion Questions:

1. Describe the coffee business of Ngozi and Chijioke Dozie. What makes their coffee bar different?
2. What do the brothers hope for in the future for their business?
3. How are coffee bars faring in your city/country?
4. Are there many start-up businesses in your city/country? Are they being supported by the local government?