A Social Experiment on Social Learning

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Social experiments can be very interesting. Below is a video on how people sometimes conform to society, even without knowing why.

Watch the video then express your thoughts.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Define “internalized behavior“. “This sort of internalized form of her behavior is part of what we call “social learning”, starting at a very early age when we see members of our group perform a task.” Use this phrase in a sentence.
  2. What does “to follow in one’s footsteps” mean, “Our brains [ literally ] rewards us for following in their footsteps.” Use this idiom in a sentence.
  3. What does the idiom “to join the ranks” mean, “It’s why even this rebel, who wasn’t standing for any of this nonsense, eventually joined the ranks.” Use this idiom in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Kindly explain the experiment. What were your thoughts on the result of this social experiment?
  2. How do you think you would do in this experiment?
  3. Do you agree or disagree that conformity affects the way you act? Explain and cite examples.
  4. Name some behaviors/beliefs you’ve got from social learning.
  5. What are the benefits and risks of social conformity?

Beat a Bully Without Using your Fists

C1 – Advanced

Bullying is becoming alarmingly widespread. Schools and the government have started to get involved. Watch the video below to know how a person is affected by bullying and what people can do to cope and protect themselves.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9SvK5s-bZ3k

Discuss:

1. According to the video, why are people bullied?
2. What facts did you gather from the video about bullying?
3. How are people bullied?
4. What is the effect of bullying to the victim?
5. How can we beat a bully without using a fist?

8 Home Maintenance Skills to Master

C1 – Advanced

Persistent little home problems are the bane of every homeowner’s existence and can be very costly, so here are some skills to master:

8 Home Maintenance Skills Every Homeowner Should Master

Discuss:

1. What do you think of the tasks mentioned in the article?
2. What are some common repairs or home improvements people do in and around their apartments or houses?
3. What home improvements would you like to do at the place where you live now? Would you do them yourself, or have someone else do them?

Keep Your Goals To Yourself

C1 – Advanced

According to Psychology,  announcing our goals makes us less motivated to accomplish them. This video shows  why people who talk about their ambitions may be less likely to achieve them.

Discussion Questions:

1. Give a summary of the talk.
2. According to psychologists, what is “social reality”?
3. Do you agree with the speaker? Discuss your answer.
4. Do you usually talk about your goals or do you keep them to yourself?

Looks aren’t Everything

C1 – Advanced

Looks aren’t everything. Image is powerful.

Let’s pay attention and listen to a talk by Cameron Russell.

Discuss:

1. What does the speaker mean when she says “People are paying for how they look not on what they are.”?
2. Why do you think the speaker says that she’s really insecure?
3. How is media affecting our ideas of beauty?
4. Aside from beauty, what else did the speaker talk about?

Video: Your Body Language Shapes Who You Are

C1 – Advanced

What is body language and how does it affect our daily lives?

Watch the 20-minute TED Talks video about body language and be prepared to answer some discussion questions. The video provides subtitles and a transcript. Simply click on the icon below the video.

Amy Cuddy: Your body language shapes who you are

Discuss:

1. How would you define body language?
2. When you see a person for the first time, are there any outward signs they give which show their status, interests or personality?
3. How much notice do you take of other people’s body language?
4. How conscious are you of your own body language?
5. How much attention do you pay to how you sit or act if you are in a meeting?

Try Something New for 30 Days

B2 – Upper intermediate

It’s never too late to try something new – no matter your age, gender or disposition in life. Humans are meant to explore and be better. Here’s a short, lighthearted video to motivate us to achieve new goals.

Discuss:

1. What do you think of the talk?
2. What are some of your short-term and long-term goals?
3. Have you ever tried something new? How long did it last?
4. What new things would you like to try for 30 days? Why?
5. What motivates you to be a better person in different areas of your life?

High Cost of Illegal Immigration

C1 – Advanced

Illegal, and sometimes legal, immigration has become a hot topic for quite a while. There seems to be no best solution to this issue.

Watch the video below then express your thoughts about it.

Discuss:

1. Is illegal immigration a problem in your country?
2. In your own understanding, how does illegal immigration affect a country?
3. Define “Illegal Alien”.
4. Illegal immigrants have high hopes to get that “Big American Dream”. By this sentence, do you think America is the best country to live in? Why or why not?

Dentist Visits an Elephant

B2 – Upper intermediate

Dental care is necessary. Good teeth doesn’t only make you look good, but also encourages appetite.

Read the article and watch the video to know about an elephant who needed a dental check-up.

Dentist visits an elephant

Discuss:

1. Do zoo animals in your country get ample treatment and care?
2. When was the last time you went to a zoo or an attraction with animals?
3. How do you feel about dentists? When was the last time you paid a visit to your dentist?
4. What are some dental procedures you’ve had?

Means of Transport

B1 – Intermediate

Transportation is always a part of our lives. There are different kinds of transports all over the world and they have developed and modernized over the years.

Learn the different types of transportation in this video and answer the quiz after watching.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the kinds of transportation that you take on a daily basis?
  2. Does your city have a good public transport system? Talk about it.
  3. What is your city doing to help reduce air pollution from cars in the street?
  4. Do you enjoy taking the plane? When was the last time you traveled using a plane?
  5. In your opinion, which is the best means of transport and why?