Tag: video

Pop Mart Turned Collectible Dolls into an Empire

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Pop Mart, a Chinese collectibles company, has surged in popularity by turning mystery into a business model. Its blind box toys—where buyers don’t know what figure they’ll get—drive most of its revenue and have sparked a global craze. Exclusive collaborations with artists like Kasing Lung (creator of Labubu) have helped the brand expand rapidly, with overseas sales tripling in 2024 and plans to nearly double its U.S. store count by 2025.

The model’s surprise-and-collect appeal draws comparisons to gambling, prompting new regulations in Asia. In response, Pop Mart is diversifying into plush toys, accessories, and digital content to sustain growth.

Watch the video to learn how Pop Mart blends art, scarcity, and retail strategy to build a booming global collectibles empire.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “splurge” mean? “When you decide to splurge on a Pop Mart blind box, which could cost around 20 to $30, you don’t go in totally blind.” Give two (2) synonyms and use it in a sentence.
  2. What does the phrasal verb “lean into” mean? “Pop Mart didn’t invent blind box packaging. But it is successfully leaning into what customers like about it.” Give a similar expression and use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “to double one’s footprint” mean? “The company plans to open more than 20 stores in the US by the end of 2025, nearly doubling its footprint in the country.” Give a similar expression and use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Have you ever bought something just for the surprise or emotional thrill, like a blind box or loot crate? What drew you to it?
  2. Why do you think people are so willing to spend money on collectibles they don’t necessarily need?
  3. Do you think the appeal of mystery in products like blind boxes enhances the experience—or encourages impulsive spending?
  4. How do you feel about the comparison between blind box shopping and gambling? Where would you draw the ethical line?
  5. Do you think this kind of trend-driven consumerism can last, or will people eventually lose interest as the novelty fades?
  6. How would you personally balance collecting for fun versus spending wisely in today’s economic climate?

The Battle to Own 7-Eleven in Japan

B2 – Upper Intermediate

7‑Eleven in Japan is different from a typical convenience store. It serves fresh, high-quality meals like bento boxes, fruit smoothies, and onigiris. It also offers services like package delivery and banking, thanks to an advanced supply chain system. Other countries haven’t managed to copy this model, which is why 7‑Eleven remains especially popular in Japan.

To learn more about what makes 7‑Eleven in Japan unique, and why a big takeover bid from Circle K’s parent company matters, watch the full video.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to struggle to replicate” mean? “Unlike in the US … 7‑Eleven perfected its model in Japan, it struggled to replicate it overseas.” Use it in a sentence. Give a similar expression.
  2. What does “to make a bid to do something” mean? “Circle K operator Couche‑Tard making a bid to take over rival and 7‑Eleven owner Seven & I (Holdings).” Use it in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “revamp” mean? “In the US, 7-11 has been revamping their stores, introducing new products, improving the food quality, as well as improving the supply chain.” Use it in a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What makes 7‑Eleven in Japan different from convenience stores in your country?
  2. Why do you think 7‑Eleven’s model worked so well in Japan?
  3. How does a good supply chain help stores offer fresh food every day?
  4. What do you think will happen if Couche-Tard successfully buys 7‑Eleven’s parent company Seven & I?
  5. Would you return to a store if it offered fresh meals and services like package delivery? Why or why not?

The Weirdest Dictator in History

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Turkmenistan is a country in Central Asia with huge natural gas wealth, but its former leader, Saparmurat Niyazov, ruled in ways that shocked the world. Known as Turkmenbashi, he filled the country with golden statues of himself, renamed months after his book, and banned things like ballet, gold teeth, and even dogs in the capital city.

His rule wasn’t just strange, it affected people’s lives. Hospitals and libraries were shut down outside the capital, and people were expected to read his book Ruhnama to pass driving tests. This video explores how someone can use total power not just to lead, but to shape a country around their personality.

To learn more about Turkmenbashi, watch the full video.

Vocabulary Questions

  1. What does “to hold someone back” mean in the sentence, “Yet, this adversity didn’t hold him back.“? Use it in a sentence. Give a synonymous phrase.
  2. What does “to descend into chaos” mean? “The nation descended into chaos.” Use it in a sentence. Give a similar expression.
  3. What does “to come to an abrupt end” mean? “His reign came to an abrupt end.” Use it in a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions

  1. What are your thoughts on some unusual things that Turkmenbashi did while in power?
  2. Do you think having too much power can be dangerous for leaders? Why or why not?
  3. What might life be like for people living in a country with many banned activities?
  4. Can you think of other historical figures who used their power in strange or extreme ways? Talk about them.

America Killed Its Middle Class

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The middle class in America used to mean steady jobs, affordable homes, and a good life for families. But today, many people are struggling. The cost of housing, health care, and college has increased. Some people now work more than one job just to get by.
This video explains how the middle class was built after World War II and what has happened in the last 50 years to make life harder for many working people.

To learn more about what changed and what can be done, watch the full video.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “hallmark” mean? “You didn’t need to be rich to live comfortably — a steady job, a home, two kids, a car, and a safe neighborhood. These were the hallmarks of a middle class life that millions of Americans achieved and expected to pass on.” Use it in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “to live paycheck to paycheck” mean? “More than half of Americans now live paycheck to paycheck.” Use it in a sentence. Give a similar expression.
  3. Explain the concept: “economic ladder”. “Racial and gender inequality were widespread, but the economic ladder, for many, was real. If you worked hard, you could climb.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Share your thoughts on the insights talked about in this video.
  2. Why do you think the speaker says, “The game is rigged.”?
  3. What are some things needed to rebuild the middle class?
  4. Do you think working hard is still enough to succeed in today’s economy? Why or why not?
  5. How is it like to be middle class in a country like yours?

Warning About Hitting Unsubscribe on Unwanted Emails

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Many people try to clean up their inboxes by clicking “unsubscribe” on spam emails. But according to experts, doing this can sometimes be dangerous. Some scammers hide harmful links in unsubscribe buttons to trick users into clicking. This can lead to malware or show hackers that you’re likely to click suspicious links. Experts suggest using safer methods like filtering or blocking senders instead.

Let’s watch the video to learn more about how unsubscribing from emails might not always be safe.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “the bane of one’s existence” mean? “It’s the bane of our email existence.” Use it in a sentence. Give 2 synonyms.
  2. What does “to tip off someone” mean? “By trying to unsubscribe, users could be tipping off scammers that they’re likely to click a link…” Give a synonym. Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “to put a target on one’s back” mean? “By trying to unsubscribe, users could be tipping off scammers that they’re likely to click a link, putting a target on their back for installing malware and more.” Use it in a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on the risks of clicking “unsubscribe” in spam emails? Have you ever done this?
  2. Based on the video, why do scammers include fake “unsubscribe” links in their emails, and what should we be careful of when we see these kinds of links?
  3. Have you or someone you know ever clicked on a suspicious link or been targeted by a phishing email? What happened?
  4. What steps do you usually take to protect your email inbox from spam or scams?
  5. Do you think email services are doing enough to filter out dangerous messages? Why or why not?
  6. Share your thoughts on this: “Clicking unsubscribe might seem harmless, but it could be opening the door to more attacks.”
  7. Why is media literacy important in today’s digital world, especially when it comes to online scams? What personal steps do you take to help educate your family, friends, or colleagues in spreading awareness and staying safe online?

The Pygmalion Effect

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Have you noticed that students with higher expectations placed upon them tend to rise higher in the school ranks? You’d think, those we expect to succeed must be smarter, more talented, and more skilled than the rest, right? But what if those people were just as average as everyone else? Would they still rise in the ranks?

The Pygmalion effect is a psychological phenomenon whereby higher expectations lead to higher performance.

To find out more about the power of expectations, watch the video below.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “reinforce”. “The beliefs about themselves cause the other’s actions towards us which again reinforce our beliefs in that person.” Use this term in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “in return” mean? ” “Chris feels you appreciate him and he appreciates you in return.” Use this phrase in a sentence and give a synonym.
  3. What does “made-up” mean? “At the beginning of the school year, a group of elementary school teachers were told that some of their new pupils had extraordinary talent and potential. This information was completely made-up, was given about random average students in each class.” Use this expression to make your own sentence and give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think the Pygmalion effect is a positive or negative phenomenon? Share your thoughts.
  2. How do expectations shape our experiences and how can we manage them more effectively?
  3. How do you communicate your expectations to others in your workplace? How about to the people in your life?
  4. Talk about a time when your expectations were met.
  5. How about a situation when someone did not meet your expectations? How did you deal with it?

Solving the World’s Plastic Problem

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Plastic pollution is one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time, affecting oceans, wildlife, and human health.

With global plastic production continuing to rise, finding effective solutions has become urgent. This topic explores practical strategies—from reducing single-use plastics to advancing recycling technologies—that can help tackle the world’s plastic problem and build a more sustainable future.

Watch the video and be able to answer the questions below.


Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is the meaning of “outweigh“? “In fact, the amount of plastic on our planet outweighs all the land and sea creatures currently alive.” Use the word in a sentence and give a synonym.
  2. What does the idiom “to grow at scale” mean? “Plastic became very popular with the military during the Second World War, but it only grew at scale commercially in the 1960s.” Make one sentence using the phrase. Give a similar expression.
  3. What is “circular approach“? “One way to address these problems is to take a circular approach to plastic, designing it to stay in use for as long as possible..” Use the term in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you believe banning single-use plastics is an effective solution to the plastic problem? Why or why not?
  2. Should governments and individuals be more responsible for reducing plastic waste? Share your insight.
  3. What are the biggest challenges in reducing global plastic consumption, and how can they be overcome?
  4. How can businesses and industries be encouraged to use less plastic in packaging and production?
  5. What role should education and public awareness play in solving the world’s plastic problem?

Dubai Chocolate Won Over American Businesses

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The Dubai Chocolate craze began as a local treat from Fix Dessert Chocolatier in 2022 and quickly gained international fame, thanks to its rich pistachio-filled flavor and viral exposure on TikTok and Instagram.

Its limited availability only fueled demand, turning it into a status symbol. Major brands like Trader Joe’s, Costco, and Crumbl soon launched their own versions, showing how a regional dessert can influence global food trends and retail strategies.

Watch the video and be able to answer the questions below.


Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “homegrown” mean? “We’re a small homegrown brand. We had just enough chocolate just to serve the community.” Use the word in a sentence and give a synonym.
  2. What does “to shoot at the gut“? “We’re kind of shooting at the gut here and hoping that this works.” Use the idiom in a sentence. Give a similar expression.
  3. What is “price point“? “The price point of the Kataifi and shipping that from another country to the US and with it being so nationally recognized and utilized right now, it was hard to source because we have so many stores across the nation.” Make a sentence using the term.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Share your thoughts on the global popularity of this product.
  2. Do you think social media has too much influence over what becomes popular in the food industry? Share your thoughts.
  3. Should major retailers create their own versions of viral products like Dubai Chocolate, or is that unfair to the original creators? What is your opinion?
  4. Would you buy a product just because it went viral online, even if it’s expensive or hard to find? Why or why not?
  5. What factors do you think contributed most to the global success of Dubai Chocolate—its flavor, its origin, or its social media presence?
  6. Talk about a global food trend that has become famous in your country and a local dish from your nation that won over the world.

Tech CEO’s Warning: AI to Wipe Out Millions of Jobs

B2 – Upper Intermediate

A tech CEO warns that AI could replace millions of jobs, especially entry-level office work in law, marketing, tech, and finance. Some companies are already cutting jobs as they prepare for the AI era.

Experts say young workers with less experience are most at risk. To protect their careers, people should focus on human skills like teamwork and learn how to work with AI tools.

Let’s watch the video to learn more about how AI is about to wipe out millions of jobs.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “early career knowledge job” mean? “These new generative AI technologies pose a real risk to early career knowledge jobs.” Use this term in a sentence.
  2. What does “to get up to speed with someone/something” mean? “Anthropic CEO is pushing lawmakers to get up to speed on AI and to urgently look at ways to regulate this technology.” Give a similar expression and use this phrase in a sentence.
  3. What does it mean “to double down on something”? “Experts say to double down on what AI struggles with — making human connections and doing things in person.” Give a similar expression and use this phrasal verb in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your reaction to the warning that AI could wipe out millions of jobs in the next five years? How do you feel about this possibility?
  2. Do you agree with the advice to “double down on what AI struggles with,” like human connections and in-person work? Can you give examples?
  3. Share your thoughts on this statement: “If you can do your job locked in a closet with a computer, those are the things that are more worrying for AI. Things that have to be in person and really with people tend to be safer.” What jobs do you think fit this description?
  4. What skills do you think workers should develop to protect their careers from AI disruption?
  5. How do you feel about companies restructuring and downsizing due to AI advancements? Is it inevitable or avoidable? Explain.
  6. Do you believe that working alongside AI, rather than competing with it, is a realistic and effective career strategy? Why or why not?

The Pros and Cons of Digital Parenting

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Digital parenting involves using technology to monitor, guide, and support children’s online activities. While it offers benefits like increased safety and better communication, it also raises concerns about privacy, trust, and overdependence on digital tools. Understanding the pros and cons can help parents find the right balance in today’s connected world.

Watch the video and be able to answer the questions that follow.


Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to keep an eye on someone” mean? “Research suggests at least 40% of parents in the UK use a GPS tracking app to keep an eye on their kids.” Use it in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “to have a way around” mean? “If he ever puts a guideline and he says, “Oh, don’t go on this website, or if it’s like Instagram and I want to go on Instagram, there will always be a way around.” Use the phrase in a sentence. Give a similar expression.
  3. What does “circumvent” mean? “Tech-savvy teens sometimes try to circumvent parental control settings to access restricted apps or websites.” Make a sentence using the word. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the main benefits of digital parenting for both children and parents?
  2. How can digital parenting affect the trust between parents and children?
  3. In what ways can digital parenting prepare children for responsible technology use?
  4. What are the potential downsides or risks of relying too heavily on digital tools to parent?
  5. How can parents balance supervision and independence when it comes to screen time and online activity?
  6. Should schools play a role in teaching digital responsibility, or is that solely the parents’ job?