Tag: video

Connect Better with Your Coworkers

B2 – Upper Intermediate

After the isolation we had to go through during the pandemic, some employees had difficulties reconnecting. This brings a new problem that plagues the workplace — employees feeling disconnected from their company, their jobs, and their coworkers.

Not surprisingly though, the kind of relationship we have with the people we work with every single day is proportionally linked to our success at work.

Watch this TED video on ways to help you connect better with your colleagues. 

Be ready to answer the questions that follow.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the adjective “disconnected” mean here, “People feel pretty disconnected at work right now – disconnected from their organizations, from their jobs, and especially from their colleagues.”? Give 2 synonyms or similar expressions and use the word ‘disconnected’ in your own sentence.
  2. What does ”social butterfly” mean, ”I have a few tips and you don’t have to be a social butterfly to give them a try.”? Give 2 synonyms or similar expressions and use the idiom ‘social butterfly’ in your own sentence.
  3. What does “to open up” mean? “Build trust by opening up.” Give 2 synonyms or similar expressions and use the phrasal verb ‘to open up’ in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What might be reasons “people feel pretty disconnected at work”?
  2. “Our relationships with our coworkers play a huge role in determining how successful, innovative, and happy we’ll be at work.” What are your thoughts on this statement?
  3. Explain the ‘vulnerability loop’. Share some personal insights on/personal experiences with this concept. 
  4. What are your thoughts on Mark T. Rivera’s “T-shirt experiment” during onboarding? Would this work in your team/company?
  5. Do you agree or disagree? Share your opinion. “People who had many weak ties that connected different groups in a large organization were more likely to have high performance scores, more likely to be promoted, and even more likely to say they were a part of a creative breakthrough.”
  6. How do you make meaningful connections with your coworkers? 

The Ethical Dilemma of Self-Driving Cars

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The arrival of self-driving cars presents numerous opportunities and challenges, leading to a significant dilemma in the fields of transportation and technology.

As we explore the exciting world of cars that can drive themselves, we must address questions about safety, ethics, and how it affects society.

This investigation into the self-driving car dilemma focuses on finding the right balance between creating new and innovative technology and being responsible, while also examining the ethical aspects of this transformative change.

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

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is a “thought experiment“? “This is a thought experiment. Let’s say at some point in the not so distant future, you’re barreling down the highway in your self-driving car, and you find yourself boxed in on all sides by other cars.” Give 2 synonyms or similar expressions and use “thought experiment” in a sentence.
  2. What does “to barrel down” mean? “Let’s say at some point in the not so distant future, you’re barreling down the highway in your self-driving car, and you find yourself boxed in on all sides by other cars.” Use this phrase in a sentence.
  3. Explain what “to remove something from the equation” means. “Now, to be fair, self-driving cars are predicted to dramatically reduce traffic accidents and fatalities by removing human error from the driving equation.” Make your own sentence using this expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you believe that the widespread adoption of self-driving cars will present significant ethical dilemmas? Why or why not?
  2. In your opinion, should self-driving cars prioritize the safety of their occupants over pedestrians and other drivers, or should all lives be treated equally in ethical decision-making algorithms?
  3. What ethical principles should guide the programming of self-driving cars in situations where there is a risk of harm? How can these principles be balanced?
  4. Do you think society is adequately prepared for the ethical challenges posed by self-driving cars, or are there aspects that need more attention and discussion?

Companies Are Debranding

C1 – Advanced

Debranding is when companies purposely decide to change or get rid of their familiar brand identity. It’s a smart move that challenges the idea that a strong brand should never change. In this quick look, we’ll uncover why companies debrand, what it means for them, and why businesses are choosing to rethink how they look and tell their story.

Watch the video to know this interesting world of debranding and the stories it creates in the ever-changing business world. Be able to answer the questions below:

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Define “design inflation“. “2D look was the norm until computers took over and design inflation spiraled out of control.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does the expression “to spiral out of control” mean? “2D look was the norm until computers took over and design inflation spiraled out of control.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does the saying “the pendulum swings” mean? “It seems likely that debranding will be with us for a while, but who knows when the pendulum will swing and the trend reverts to detail complexity and personality.” Make one sentence with this idiom.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on the trend of companies debranding in recent years?
  2. Do you believe that one day the pendulum will swing and the trend will revert to detail complexity and personality when it comes to branding? Explain.
  3. Is debranding a risky move for companies, considering the potential loss of brand recognition and identity? Share your insights.
  4. How does debranding impact consumer trust and loyalty towards a company?
  5. Share some branding moves your company has made the past years to reinvent itself.

AI Law to be Voted On in Europe

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Europe is about to decide on new laws for artificial intelligence (AI), and it’s a big deal. As we use AI more in our lives these days, we need rules to make sure it’s ethical and that it abides by certain standards and regulations.

Watch the video to know why these AI laws in Europe matter, how they might affect cool new tech stuff, our privacy, and how we find the right balance between advancing technology and keeping our important human values. Be able to answer the questions that follow.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is the meaning of the phrase “to make rounds“? “But then, there are also those AI-generated photos and videos and music making rounds.” Make a sentence using this idiom.
  2. What does the phrase “to keep score on someone/something” mean? “Acceptable risk is when AI is used for things deemed so unethical such as biometric surveillance or even using it to keep social scores on people.” Make a sentence using this expression.
  3. What is the meaning of the expression “first of its kind?” “Members of the European parliament want to make sure AI is safe, transparent, traceable, non-discriminatory, and environmentally-friendly and if approved, it will be the first of of its kind in the world.” Give 2 synonyms and use “first of its kind” in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on the need for specific laws and regulations addressing artificial intelligence?
  2. How do you believe AI laws can balance the promotion of innovation with ensuring ethical and responsible AI use?
  3. Do you agree the proposals mentioned in the video? In your opinion, what ethical considerations should be prioritized when crafting AI laws?
  4. What role do you think public input and awareness should play in shaping AI laws and regulations?

Fans Talk about Their Passions

B2 – Upper Intermediate

If you admire or like something like a sport, a music band, or a hobby, then you can consider yourself a fan. But because of technology, we are able to express our shared passions with other fans online.

Being a part of a fandom is more than being a simple fan, but it is being an avid supporter of a particular celebrities, team, fictions, and others that you belong in something that is considered as a community or subculture.

Listen to the podcast below as they talk about how fans talk about their passions.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to tap into something” mean? “It taps into that ancient human impulse to belong to a group of like-minded people.” Use this idiom in a sentence.
  2. What do “BIRGing” and “CORFing” stand for and what is the difference between the two expressions”? “The antithesis of BIRGing is CORFing which means ‘Cutting Off Reflected Failure’ and that is what people sometimes do when their team loses“. Use”BIRGing” and “CORFing” in your own sentences.
  3. What is the meaning of “a piece/a slice of the action“? “When your team wins everyone wants a bit of the action, you take to the streets; dance around.”  Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and make your own sentence using the term ‘a piece/a slice of the action’.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on “fandom”?
  2. Are there misconceptions about fandom you know of?
  3. Share about a time you realized that you were more than just a casual fan.
  4. When do you think being a fan is no longer healthy?
  5. How do you think someone should behave in a fandom community?
  6. Who or what are you so passionate about? How do you showcase your admiration for it? Would you like to share it with others in a fandom community?

Marketers Target Your Nose

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Have you ever walked into a store and instantly felt a unique aroma that just screams, ‘This is the place.’? That’s the magic of scent branding.

Scent branding is not just about smelling nice. It’s a powerful tool in the industry that taps into the psychology of our olfactory senses. Companies use carefully crafted scents to create memorable experiences, trigger emotions, and build strong brand connections.

Watch this video and explore how scent branding works, its impact on consumer behavior, and how businesses leverage the power of fragrances to enhance their brand identity. Be able to answer the questions that follow.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “touch point” mean? “Scent marketing is the idea of using scent and incorporating to all the touch points of the customer experience.” Use this term in a sentence.
  2. Explain “scentscaping“. “For example, museums have used “scentscaping” to intensify their exhibits.” Use the word in sentence.
  3. What does the term “billboard scenting” mean? “Abercrombie and Fitch or Hollister stores are most extreme form of scent marketing called “billboard scenting.” Make a sentence using the expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your personal experience with encountering scent branding in various places, and how did it impact your perception of those spaces?
  2. Do you believe that scent branding is a genuine and effective method for businesses to establish a unique brand identity? Why or why not?
  3. In your opinion, should businesses invest more in scent branding or focus on traditional branding methods? What factors contribute to your viewpoint?
  4. How ethical do you find the use of scent in marketing, especially when it comes to influencing consumer behavior? Are there any boundaries that businesses should adhere to?
  5. Considering the potential impact of scent on emotions and memories, how might scent branding be used in non-commercial spaces, such as healthcare environments or educational institutions?

Instagram Traps Are Changing Art Museums

B2 – Upper Intermediate

New art installations in cities worldwide are shifting away from traditional exhibits and historical artifacts. Instead, these installations focus on providing picturesque backdrops for photos, particularly on Instagram. This trend reflects a changing landscape in the museum world. Both new temporary museums and traditional ones are adapting to the prevalence of smartphones, creating spaces designed for easy selfie-taking. As online experiences become more prevalent, these selfie-friendly spaces are becoming increasingly common.

Watch the video to learn more about pop-out museums and be able to answer the questions that follow.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is the meaning of “installation art“. “You can see installation art‘s influence on today’s pop-up museums pretty clearly.” Make one sentence using the word.
  2. What is a “pop-up museum“? “Pop-up museums figured out that there was a business to be made out of that photographability.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “to put away” mean? “At Refinery29’s pop-up experience, that means having some rooms where phones are supposed to be put away.” Give 2 synonyms and use ‘to put away’ in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do Instagram traps enhance or detract from the traditional art museum experience? Share your opinion.
  2. How do you feel about art museums adapting to the trend of Instagram traps to attract a younger audience?
  3. Do you believe that the rise of Instagram traps in art museums is a positive evolution or a departure from the core purpose of these cultural institutions? Explain.
  4. How do you think the presence of Instagram traps affects the way people engage with and appreciate art within the museum setting?
  5. Do you think the popularity of Instagram traps might overshadow the significance of the artworks themselves in traditional art museums? Elaborate.

Make Smart Decisions More Easily

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Every single thing our bodies do — be it physical or mental— requires energy. We might not notice it, but making decisions, even if it is as simple as what to eat, what to wear, etc., takes up a lot of our energy. Imagine how much more exhausted our brains get when are constantly faced with complex matters that need our deciding prowess. 

Based on numerous research, some people tend to have a “daily threshold for making decisions”. Very long periods of time of making decisions can cause us to suffer from cognitive exhaustion or decision fatigue.

Watch the video to know more about decision fatigue and learn some ways on how to avoid it.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does it mean for “to meet the threshold“? “Once that threshold is met, most people make the conscious choice to “take it easy” and save serious thinking about any new decisions for another day.” Use this expression in your own sentence.
  2. What does “to save something for another day” mean? “Once that threshold is met, most people make the conscious choice to “take it easy” and save serious thinking about any new decisions for another day.” Use this idiom in your own sentence.
  3. What does the adjective “taxing” mean here, “For example, choosing what to eat for breakfast isn’t very taxing.”? Give two synonyms or similar expressions and make a sentence using ‘taxing’.

Discussion Questions:

  1. “Individuals have a daily threshold for decision-making.” In your opinion or personal experience, when is it the best time to just choose to “take it easy” and why so? In other words, what is your decision-making threshold?
  2. What is your process when it comes to decision-making?
  3. What factors affect your decisions, whether minor or big ones?
  4. What are ways we can avoid decision fatigue?
  5. Share your thoughts on this: “Many researchers are especially concerned about decision fatigue in medicine.”.

Food Expiration Dates

B2 – Upper Intermediate

We could all be guilty about one thing — tossing food on or before their sell-by dates. Part of the reason is because we do not fully understand what expiration date labels on them actually mean. As a result, massive amounts of food are wasted globally.

Watch the video about the truth about food expiration dates and how to solve food waste.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does ”go bad” mean,“So if the dates on our food don’t tell us that something’s gone bad, what do they tell us?”? Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and make a sentence using ‘go bad’.
  2. Explain “open dating”. “Many supermarkets adopted a system still in place today called ‘open dating’.” Use this term in a sentence.
  3. What does “gauge” mean? “But when supermarkets began stocking processed foods, product ages became harder to gauge.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and make a sentence using ‘gauge’.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on this, “Many foods are safe to eat far beyond their labeled dates.”?
  2. Do you use date labels to decide if food is still edible? Why or why not? Would the info in this video change your ways? Explain.
  3. What are some food preservation hacks you employ on your food items at home?
  4. How do you minimize your food waste?
  5. Should grocers remove date labels on produces and just let consumers use their own judgement? Explain your perspective on this.
  6. Should restaurants and grocers donate unsold food? Share your opinion.

Rules to Control Spending in Video Games 

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Based on recent data, the gaming market worldwide is hundreds of billions worth, besting the music and movie industries combined.

In attempts to battle rampant video games addiction in the country, the Chinese government has outlined new set of regulations to crackdown on spending and rewards in video games so as not to encourage people from playing them too much.

These new rules affect one of the world’s biggest gaming industries which has just started seeing growth again this year.

Watch the video about the new rules to control spending in video games in China.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does ”deal a blow to someone/something” mean,”The decision spooked investors and dealt a blow to the world’s biggest games market which returned to growth this year.”? Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and make a sentence using ‘deal a blow’.
  2. What does “take a hard/tough line on someone/something” mean? “Beijing has taken a tough line on video games over the years.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and make a sentence using ‘take a hard/tough line on someone/something’.
  3. What does “suspend” mean? “It also suspended the approval of new video games for about eight months citing gaming addiction concerns.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and make a sentence using ‘suspend’.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on these new regulations? Are they necessarily crucial at this point given that the gaming industry in China is just starting to gain momentum again?
  2. What impact do these new rules have on the gaming industry in China?
  3. Is video game addiction also a serious problem in your country? Elaborate on the situation.
  4. How else can video game addiction be controlled?
  5. Should video gaming be encouraged or otherwise? State your stance.