Tag: video

Is It still Worth Going to University?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

With the rapid rise of artificial intelligence, many are rethinking the value of a university education. AI tools can now perform tasks once done only by highly educated professionals, raising questions about the role of traditional learning. Some believe university is still important for developing critical thinking and specialized knowledge, while others argue that practical experience and digital skills may now matter more than a degree.

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


Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the phrase “worth doing something”? “With the rapid rise of artificial intelligence, many are rethinking if it’s worth going to university.” Use it in a sentence. Give a synonym or similar expression.
  2. What does “to go far”? “One thing is for sure: a student with a variety of skills, a lifelong desire to learn, and a good attitude will go far.“ Use it in a sentence. Give a synonym or similar expression.
  3. What does the phrase “plug the gap” mean? “Online courses can help plug the gaps in what students don’t learn at university.” Make you own sentence. Give a synonym or similar expression.


Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you believe a university degree is still necessary to succeed in the age of AI? Why or why not?
  2. Should students focus more on developing practical digital skills instead of pursuing a traditional degree?
  3. In what ways do you think artificial intelligence is changing the skills that students need to learn in university?
  4. How can universities adapt their programs to stay relevant in an AI-driven world?

NEO The Home Robot

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

Are you sick of doing household chores? Your dreadful days of doing them might soon be over. NEO Home Robot is here!

Watch the video to find out more about NEO, the first humanoid robot for home use.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “human-level dexterity” mean? “But safe doesn’t mean limited. NEO’s hardware comes packed with features like human-level dexterity and a 55-pound carrying capacity so that it can handle all of your chores reliably.” Use the term in a sentence.
  2. What does “corrective intervention” mean? “If there is something that your NEO has not learned how to do, you can use expert mode where someone from 1X will supervise the session and provide corrective intervention to help NEO complete any task.” Use the term in a sentence. 
  3. What does “gesture” mean? “The gestures and the light rings express NEO’s intentions.” Use the word in a sentence. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. What can NEO do? What are its limitations for the moment?
  2. What do you think about humanoid home robots like NEO that has autonomy, can do chores, and function as a companion?
  3. Are you ready to have your very own NEO at your house? Why or why not?
  4. What are your thoughts on letting NEO take care of tasks around your house so you can focus on what matters to you? Do you think it can really do this for you?
  5. How do you feel about this: If there is something that your NEO has not learned how to do, you can use expert mode where someone from 1X will supervise the session and provide corrective intervention to help NEO complete any task.

Social Media and Screen Time Limits for Minors in China

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

China is considering limiting the amount of time young people spend online and on social media sites.

On the other side are those who believe that the only way to deal with today’s internet addiction of the youths is to lessen their burdens that impact the quality of their lives offline.

Read the article and also watch the video about limits on internet access for young people in China.

https://www.voanews.com/a/chinese-officials-look-to-limit-social-media-and-screen-time-in-china-/8010657.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “circumvent” mean? “However, all of these regulations can be circumvented through using or creating accounts belonging to adults, who are not subject to the restrictions.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “phone check-in” mean? “Schools should assign less homework that requires phone check-ins and online research.” Use the term in a sentence. 
  3. What does “a rare space for something” mean? “Amid the busy academic and personal lives of young Chinese, the internet provides them with a rare space for privacy, which Wang said is fueling high levels of internet use.” Use the idiom in a sentence. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on these regulations? 
  2. Do you think it is necessary to implement these limits in your own country too? How would the youths in your country react to internet access limits? 
  3. Do you think young people in your country use internet excessively? Why do you think this is? If so, what can be done to help them be less dependent on the internet or social media?
  4. Share your thoughts on this: Amid the busy academic and personal lives of young Chinese, the internet provides them with a rare space for privacy, which is fueling high levels of internet use.
  5. What is opinion on this: The real way forward is to lessen burdens impacting the quality of minors’ lives offline such as intense academic pressure.? 

Digital Price Tags Are Changing Food Shopping

B2 – Upper Intermediate

As the world continues developing in this day and age, digital devices and tools become more and more common. Recently, electronic shelf labels have begun spreading more rapidly in North American grocery stores, increasing consumers’ concerns about dynamic pricing.

If companies can change the price of their products easily with digital price tags, will prices of products become higher for certain individuals, or will it be used to lower the prices of products near expiry?

To learn more, watch the video below.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “dynamic pricing” mean? “Some lawmakers fear that electronic shelf labels (ESLs) will lead to dynamic pricing that could hurt consumers.” Use this term in a sentence. Give a similar expression.
  2. What does “year over year growth” mean? “It’s definitely an industry that is looking at significant double digit year over year growth for the foreseeable future.”  Use this term in a sentence.
  3. What is “a devil’s advocate”? “There’s definitely a strong devil’s advocate argument to be made that having some sort of surge pricing in those kind of contexts would actually be useful because it discourages hoarding.” Use this idiom in a sentence and give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the promises and pitfalls of electronic shelf labels? Do you believe that electronic shelf labels and digital price tags will influence companies to use dynamic pricing?
  2. How is dynamic pricing good and bad? You may cite examples.
  3. Do you think consumers are more likely to benefit or suffer from ESLs? Share your insights.
  4. In your opinion, should more big companies be switching to electronic shelf labels? Why or why not?

College Grads Struggle to Find Jobs

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Earning a college degree has long been viewed as a reliable pathway to a stable career and financial security. However, in recent years, many U.S. college graduates are finding that the job market is anything but guaranteed.

A significant number struggle to land full-time positions, face a high degree of underemployment, or end up in jobs unrelated to their fields of study. This challenging reality raises urgent questions about the value of higher education, the readiness of graduates, and the alignment between academic programs and the evolving demands of employers.

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


Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “stand out” mean? “Jaimee del Piano thought her credentials would stand out.” Use the phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “turbulent” mean in this sentence, “Graduates are entering a turbulent economy with more competition for entry-level positions.” Use the word in your own sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What is “grit“? “Many successful people achieve their goals not just through talent, but through grit and persistence.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think a college degree still guarantees a good job in today’s economy? Explain.
  2. Should universities focus more on teaching practical job skills rather than theory? Elaborate.
  3. How can the education system and employers work together to better prepare students for the job market?
  4. What are the main reasons many U.S. college graduates struggle to find stable employment after graduation?
  5. Do fresh graduates in your country share the same struggles? Talk about the situation.

Emotional Intelligence

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Emotional intelligence, often called EQ, is the ability to understand, manage, and express emotions effectively. It also involves recognizing and responding to the emotions of others. People with strong emotional intelligence can handle stress, communicate well, and build healthy relationships. In today’s world, EQ is just as important as IQ because it helps individuals succeed both personally and professionally.

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


Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the word “discern” mean? “A person with high emotional intelligence can easily discern how others feel, even when they don’t say anything.” Use the word in a sentence. Give 2 synonyms.
  2. What does the phrase “to align the heart with the head” mean? “Using Emotions is the ability to align our hearts with our heads.” Make one sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “correlate” mean? “Stress levels often correlate with how well a person manages their emotions.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think emotional intelligence is more important than academic intelligence in achieving success? Share your thoughts.
  2. Can emotional intelligence be learned, or is it something people are born with? What is your opinion?
  3. How can emotional intelligence help improve relationships at school or in the workplace?
  4. In what ways does emotional intelligence influence a person’s ability to handle stress and conflict?
  5. Peter Salovey concluded that “People in good moods are better at inductive reasoning and creative problem-solving.”. Why do you think this is?
  6. What are ways we can improve our EI? How do you try to improve yours?

The 4 Stages of Adaptation to Culture Shock

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Adapting to a new culture can be both exciting and challenging. When people move to a different country or environment, they often go through what’s known as culture shock—a process of adjusting to unfamiliar customs, values, and lifestyles. This experience typically unfolds in four stages of adaptation: the honeymoon, frustration, adjustment, and adaptation stages.

Understanding these stages helps individuals navigate cultural differences more smoothly and develop a deeper appreciation for their new surroundings.

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


Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Explain what “honeymoon stage” means. “In the honeymoon stage, everything is beautiful. The people are friendly, the culture rich, and the way of local life fascinating.” Use the phrase in your own sentence.
  2. What does “reverse culture shock” mean? “Those who have adapted to a new society may face a surprise when they eventually return home. After another honeymoon, they often enter a reverse culture shock.” Use the term in a sentence.
  3. What does the phrase “set in” mean? “After the excitement of moving to a new country faded, homesickness and loneliness began to set in as part of culture shock.” Make one sentence.


Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think experiencing culture shock is a necessary part of truly understanding another culture? Share your thoughts.
  2. In your opinion, which stage of adaptation (honeymoon, frustration, adjustment, adaptation) best shows a person’s resilience?
  3. Do you believe some people adapt to new cultures faster because of personality, or is it more about preparation and experience?
  4. How might the honeymoon stage affect someone’s first impressions of a country, and how do those impressions change later?
  5. Share your own experience going through the different stages of adaptation to culture shock.

Stereotypes: The Truth Behind Cultural Clichés

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Cultural clichés, or stereotypes, are simplified ideas people hold about certain groups or nationalities. They often come from bits of truth but are exaggerated or generalized over time. While some clichés may seem harmless or even flattering, many can lead to misunderstanding and unfair judgment. Exploring the truth behind cultural clichés helps us see people as individuals, appreciate real cultural diversity, and move beyond shallow assumptions.

Watch the short video and be able to answer the questions below:


Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is the difference between “explicit stereotype” and “implicit stereotype“? Cite an example situation for each type.
  2. What does the phrase “to cloud one’s judgement” mean? “Believing in stereotypes can cloud one’s judgment, causing people to misjudge others before getting to know them personally.” Make your own sentence.
  3. What does the phrase “unbiased standpoint” mean? “Armed with this self-awareness, you try to interact with each French individual from a seemingly unbiased standpoint.” Make a sentence using the term.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think stereotypes are sometimes based on a small truth, or are they mostly unfair generalizations?
  2. In your opinion, is it possible to completely get rid of cultural clichés in today’s society?
  3. Do you believe media plays the biggest role in spreading stereotypes, or do they come more from personal experiences?
  4. What are some common stereotypes about your culture, and how accurate or inaccurate do you think they are?
  5. How can education and cross-cultural experiences help break down harmful stereotypes?
  6. What stereotypes are associated with people from your country? Do you find these stereotypes to be all true?

When Capitalism Doesn’t Need Workers Anymore

B2 – Upper Intermediate

As AI continues to rapidly evolve, the global fear of it replacing human workers rapidly increases as well. Though many countries have experienced similar technological booms in the past and have been able to recover, AI still proves a major threat to non-specialized workers globally.

Low-income countries like the Philippines and Bangladesh may take the brunt of the economic damage, while countries with vast resources and AI investment like the US and China may gain large sums of profit.

To find out more, watch the video below.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “the first domino to fall” mean? “Tools like LLMs can now handle those tasks in seconds at a fraction of the cost and these jobs which make up a big share of GDP in many developing countries are looking like they might be the first dominoes to fall.” Use this phrase in a sentence. Give a similar expression.
  2. What does “brain drain” mean in this context, “The result is an accelerating brain drain that leaves poorer nations with fewer start-ups, fewer teachers and researchers and dramatically fewer chances to catch up in the global AI race and it’s clear which countries are leading that race.” Use this phrase in a sentence. Give a similar expression.
  3. What is a “clanker”? “These factory jobs may have been replacing US workers with Chinese workers, but there is no critical reason why human workers couldn’t be replaced with clankers.” Use this term in a sentence and give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. While AI supercharges growth in rich nations what happens to the rest of the countries?
  2. If one person armed with AI can replace four people, what can those four deal with the situation?
  3. In your opinion, can workers and economies adapt fast enough to survive the shift to AI?
  4. Discuss the impact of AI growth on your country’s workforce and economy.
  5. If you were in a position of power, how would you mitigate the potential damages AI could cause?

Amazon Zoox Jumps Into US Robotaxi Race

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Amazon’s Zoox is stepping into the future of transportation, joining a growing movement toward autonomous ride services. This marks a new chapter in how technology is reshaping everyday travel and urban mobility.

Watch the video about how Zoox’s robotaxi is unfolding.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “BOM” stand for and what does the phrase “BOM cost” mean? “This is confidential information that we don’t really disclose. BOM cost is something that we watch and manage very carefully.” Use it in a sentence. Give a synonym or similar expression.
  2. What does the verb “shoehorn” mean in business context? “
    You can shoehorn a robotaxic into something that used to be a car. It’s just not an ideal solution.    ” Use it in your own sentence. Give a synonym or similar expression.
  3. What does “retrofit” mean when describing modified vehicles? “Zoox will soon begin testing robotaxis in those markets, and said it’s already driving retrofitted test vehicles in Los Angeles, Atlanta and Seattle.” Use it in a sentence and make two synonyms.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What’s your take on Zoox introducing autonomous vehicles to a major tourist hub like Las Vegas?
  2. What’s your experience with autonomous vehicles—have you ever taken a ride in one?
  3. How soon do you think driverless taxis will be a regular part of daily life where you live?
  4. How might self-driving cars change the way we think about road safety?
  5. Describe your daily habits when it comes to using ride-hailing services. How often do you rely on them, and for what kinds of trips?