Tag: video

Video: Cosmetic Surgery Boom in China

B2 – Upper intermediate

In Europe, young people try to improve their chances of finding employment by learning English or by going to a foreign country.  It’s an altogether different story in China where young job seekers go to extreme lengths to make sure they land those much coveted jobs.

Watch the video below and be ready to share  your thoughts on the disturbing trend among young Chinese people aiming to be part of the workforce.

Cosmetic surgery boom in China

Discuss:

1. According to the video, what are some of the most common procedures that patients have?
2. How much do the procedures cost and who pays for them?
3. What is your general opinion of plastic surgery?
4. Is plastic surgery something that is common in your country?

Robotic Firefighter

C2 – Proficient

Some elements of science fiction are turning into science facts. Case in point,  the use of machines that have humanoid form to do tasks too risky for their Homo sapiens counterparts is slowly but steadily changing operations in various industries.

One such robot is SAFFiR. Read about this firefighting mechanical wonder and watch the video as well.

http://edition.cnn.com/2015/02/12/tech/mci-saffir-robot/index.html?iid=ob_article_organicsidebar_expansion&iref=obnetwork

Discussion Questions:

  1. Describe the robotic firefighter.
  2. What might be its pros and cons?
  3. How do you feel about robots saving human lives in dangerous situations?
  4. Do you think robots would do a better job than human beings in search and rescue operations? Elaborate.
  5. Why do you think some robots are engineered to resemble humans physically?
  6. Should we dread or look forward to the further rise of the machines? Explain.

Video: Is talking on your cell bad for you?

C1 – Advanced

Cellphones are now an essential part of living. Without our cellphones, it’s pretty difficult to function normally. Nevertheless, Dr. Sanjay Gupta explains that we have limited knowledge of it.

Click the link below to  know more about the dangers of using mobile phones.

Is talking on your cell bad for you?

Discuss:

1. According to the video, how should we use our mobile phones?
2. What kind of radiation does a cellphone emit?
3. What did the World Health Organization say about cellphones? Who may be more at risk?

A Better Way to Track Passenger Planes

B2 – Upper intermediate

Considering the recent airplane crash incidents and disappearance, airline industry leaders and regulators want to improve airline safety. They want planes to have more dependable devices that can follow planes as they fly.

Watch the video and read the article to find out their proposal to a better way to track passenger planes.

http://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/is-there-a-better-way-to-track-passenger-plane/2607915.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. Share your opinions about some proposals/devices that are being considered by the International Civil Aviation Organization or ICAO’s.
  2. What went through your mind when you heard the news about Malaysia Airlines Flight 370?
  3. Share your thoughts on this, “We need better information-sharing across borders. We need better human intelligence on who’s on the passenger manifest and better sharing about that. We need better intelligence on crew personnel.“
  4. What can you say about this, “None of the new technology would prevent crashes. But they will help find downed planes more quickly. This might bring comfort to the family members of those who died.” Share your insights.
  5. Are you comfortable traveling by plane considering its risks? Why or why not?

Video: School Kills Creativity

C1 – Advanced

Lets hear a public talk of Ken Robinson, a creative specialist, about the system of education.
According to him, the current school system worldwide kills creativity. As children, we are born as artists but due to the influence of school, we outgrow it.

Additionally, he said that school doesn’t nurture our dynamic and diverse brain.

Ken Robinson: Do schools kill creativity?

Click the title for the transcript: Ken Robinson Transcript

Discuss:

1. Do you think that schools do kill a child’s creativity?
2. If you agree, what changes do we need in the school system?
3. Did you enjoy your study when you were a student?

What the World Can Learn from Auschwitz

C1 – Advanced

The world commemorates the history of Auschwitz concentration camp.  Anita Lasker-Wallfisch said that it was like a global cemetery without a tomb. It was an unspeakable hell.

Click below to watch the videos. This is a set of eight short video clips. Feel free to watch as many as you wish but do watch at least three.

http://edition.cnn.com/videos/tv/2015/01/22/voa-orig-natpkg-anita-lasker-wallfisch.cnn/video/playlists/intl-70-years-since-the-liberation-of-auschwitz/

Discussion Questions:

1. Re-tell the stories of the survivors featured.
2. What can we learn from this terrible part of the history?
3. How did you feel after watching the videos?

An Incredible Little Apartment

C1 – Advanced

Christian Schallert’s 258 square foot apartment doesn’t look big enough to be a comfortable home, but he did an awesome job of designing it to make it feel bigger than the actual measurement would suggest.

Read the the article then watch the video to view the whole apartment.

Man Shows Off Incredible Transformation Of 258-Square-Foot Apartment

Discuss:

1. How would you describe your house/flat?
2. What do you think about his apartment’s design concept?
3. Talk about your dream house.

The World of Artificial Intelligence

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Tech pro Elon Musk warned people about the danger of artificial intelligence. Nowadays, machines are all around us. Opinions will differ when it comes to AI.

https://money.cnn.com/2014/10/26/technology/elon-musk-artificial-intelligence-demon/?iid=EL

Discussion Questions:

1. Has AI made our lives better?
2. Do you see the dangers of using or relying on artificial intelligence?
3. Do you support artificial intelligence?
4. Do you think we can depend on Elon Musk’s statement about AI?

Boosting your Happiness

C1 – Advanced

Every human  in the planet wants to be happy. This is considered the ultimate goal anywhere in the world.  Watch the video and read the article below to know more about the effect of happiness and unhappiness  in life.

7 ways to boost your happiness

Discuss:

1. What is your opinion about the study and advice in achieving happiness?
2. Have you done any of the practical suggestions mentioned in the article? Which ones are you currently practicing?
3. In your opinion, what other activities can help a person’s well-being?

What’s your Dawn Wall?

C1 – Advanced

Imagine a 3,000-foot (900-meter) high rock formation. Now picture free climbing, or climbing up this gargantuan natural structure with just your hands and feet. Impossible? Not anymore. The Dawn Wall, an imposing rock structure in Yosemite Park, is possibly the world’s toughest free climb, and in 2015, Kevin Jorgeson and Tommy Caldwell were the first free climbers to make it all the way up.

Sometimes challenges in life feel uncannily similar to a steep climb. Have you scaled your own Dawn Wall lately?

Discuss:

1. What “projects” are you currently taking on? Which one seems like a climb up the Dawn Wall?
2. In the video, Kevin Jorgeson is described as someone following his bliss. What does it mean to “follow one’s bliss”? Are you following your own bliss?
3. What qualities should a person possess to succeed in life?
4. How do you approach life’s difficulties?
5. What recent personal success are you most proud of? How did you celebrate this achievement?