Tag: video

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?

Work Permits for Syrian Refugees

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Syrian refugees have now settled in in their host countries and most of them are working on moving on. But being productive and feeling optimistic about the future proves to be harder.

Watch the video below to know more about the challenges that Syrian refugees are facing when it comes to getting work.

http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-38574483#

Discussion Questions:

1. According to the video, what are some of the things that Syrian refugees want?
2. How would you describe the morale of the refugees?
3. How can host countries benefit from refugees?
4. Do you think that giving work permits to refugees can bring more harm than good? What are the anxieties of the locals (in host countries?)

The Euro Turns 15

B1 – Intermediate

The European Union brought on a lot of changes. One of them is the change of currency. 2017 marks the 15th year for the euro currency. Was it a good idea? Will it last for many more years? Click the link below to watch the video and express your thoughts about it.

Discussion Questions:

1. What did the video say about the challenges of the euro currency?
2. What do you remember about the events in your country when your currency changed to euro?
3. Why do you think the United Kingdom decided to keep the British pound when they joined the EU?
4. What is your opinion of having one currency?

India Banning Commercial Surrogacy

B2 – Upper Intermediate

India is known worldwide as an outsourcing country of choice by many multinational companies for almost any kind of services.

In addition to this, India is also popular for surrogacy. In fact, it is dubbed as the “surrogacy hub” of the world, where couples who are having troubles conceiving their own children, go to in order to hire a local woman to get pregnant with their baby.

Recently, the Indian government unveils its plans to regulate this multi-billion industry.

Watch the video on why India is banning commercial surrogacy.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think about India’s decision to ban commercial surrogacy?
  2. In general, how do you feel about surrogacy?
  3. Why is commercial surrogacy attractive to surrogate mothers?
  4. What are your thoughts on this opinion about surrogacy: “It’s immoral to bear another child when there are already a lot of children viable for adoption”?

The Next Generation of Roads That Talk to Cars

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The safety of travellers and drivers on the road have always been a priority. From building better road infrastructure to using technology to ensure a driver’s safety.

Watch the video below to know more of how advanced technology is upping its game when it comes to road safety. Be ready to express your thoughts about it.

Discussion Questions:

1. How do smart-roads work? How can roads communicate with cars?
2. According to the video, what are the benefits of self-driving cars?
3. Which states in the US are already working on smart-roads?
4. What are your thoughts on self-driving cars?
5. Do you think smart-roads will work in your country?

Buckwheat Berry Stripe Cake | Melissa Clark Recipes

C1 – Advanced

This video is meant to practice your listening comprehension. Watch and listen carefully and be ready to answer comprehension questions. You’ll also be able to practice your speaking skills by describing processes.

Discuss:

1. Why does the cook like using buckwheat?
2. Why does the cook prefer using a shallow pan over a deeper one for her cake?
3. According to the video, what does it mean when a cake is a “damp cake”?
4. What did Melissa mean when she used the expressions “…go to town.” and “It’s your canvass.”?
5. Do you enjoy cakes and pastries? What are some of your favourites?
6. Describe a dessert dish that you enjoy making.

What Is Life Really Like In Sweden?

C1 – Advanced

Bike lanes, IKEA and Absolut Vodka. These are what Sweden is famously known for, among others. But what else do we know about Sweden? What do Swedes like about their country? Watch the video below and be ready for a discussion.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rjq9OEvmjvk

Discuss:

1. Describe education in Sweden.
2. What are the benefits of parents in Sweden?
3. How would you describe work-life balance of the Swedes?
4. What are some of the challenges Sweden is currently facing?
5. Are you happy with the educational system of your country? How about the benefits that parents in your country receive?

Pros and Cons of Artificial Intelligence

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) has been preoccupying people from all different walks of life. Whether you’re a scientist, an engineer or a mother of two, questions will always be asked. Is it good? Or does it bring more harm?

Click the link below to read the article about the pros and cons of artificial intelligence.

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/pros-cons-artificial-intelligence-mike-fekety

Discussion Questions:

  1. Talk about all the things you know about AI.
  2. Talk about its pros and cons.
  3. In your opinion, what are some of the most worrisome threats associated with AI at the moment? How can we deal with them?
  4. How prevalent is AI used in your country these days? How about at your job? And in your community?
  5. How can AI help address some of the world’s most pressing problems?