Tag: video

Is Coral Bleaching Getting Worse?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

One of the most beautiful organisms ever found are corals. These are even one of the most productive resources in the world.  They are food producers and they support life on the planet. However, they are now in danger.

Watch the short video below then answer some questions.

https://www.bbc.com/news/av/science-environment-35917760

Discussion Questions:

1. What is coral bleaching and what causes it?
2. How important are corals to marine life?
3. Are there any organizations in your country dedicated to help preserve aquatic life?
4. Have you experienced seeing coral in their natural habitat?

Cushy Norwegian Prisons

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C1 – Advanced

Nobody wants to go to prison. There is fear even in just saying the word. People have very specific images of what prison looks like. But, in Norway, things are just a little bit different than the usual.

This article includes a video. Please read the article first before watching the video to fully understand the video clip.

Anders Breivik: Just how cushy are Norwegian prisons?

Let’s Discuss!

1. Based on the article, explain what “normality principle” is.
2. Describe the prisons in Bastoey island and in Halden.
3. Explain the conditions of the prisoners in Norway and the rights they can still exercise.
4. What is the defense given by the Norwegian system when critics question their prison structure?
5. How would you describe prisons in your country?

Video: Women and Self-defence

B2 – Upper intermediate

Click on the title below and listen to the story of Rana Abdelhamid and how her movement is empowering Muslim women in her country.

Teaching self-defence to Muslim women

Discuss:

1. Describe how Rana Abdelhamid feels about martial arts?
2. What is WISE and how did it start? What is the story behind this initiative?
3. Have you noticed an increase in discrimination and violence in your country?
4. According to the video, what makes Muslim women more susceptible to facing violence?
5. How would you protect yourself if you are threatened?

Video: Kenya’s Woman Cartoonist

B2 – Upper intermediate

Cartoons have a very different way of showing crucial and weighty issues to the public. Click on the title below to watch about Celeste Wamiru and her cartoons.

Kenya’s first woman editorial cartoonist

Discuss:

1. What kind of cartoon does Celeste Wamiru create?
2. In the video, what does “pushing the envelope” mean?
3. What did Celeste Wamiru suggest when she said that “as cartoonists…it gives us the license to offend”?
4. What is your general opinion of freedom of the press? Is this a right that members of the press take advantage of in your country?
5. What are some of the values your country has that are still considered conservative?

Two-thirds of World Faces Water Shortage

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The issue of water shortage is closer to home than you think. No country, whether powerful nor developing, is exempt from this imminent problem.

Watch the video below to get more facts on water shortage.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Is there a threat of water shortage in your country?
  2. How badly could water shortage affect the public?
  3. What alternative solutions can you think of to address this issue?
  4. In your own ways, how do you conserve water?

Offer Words of Encouragement

C1 – Advanced

How would you define encouragement? And how different is it from motivation?

Watch the video below then read the article to know more about how encouragement changes a person’s life.

How and Why to Offer Words of Encouragement

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Discuss:

1. Based on the article and video, how would you explain the difference between encouragement and motivation?
2. What makes encouraging so important to people?
3. How do you encourage people at work or in your family?
4. Do you enjoy challenges or do you usually shy away from them?

Conspiracy Theories

C2 – Proficient

There are a lot of unproven conspiracy theories circulating in the world.  Either they’re in conflict with a consensus or isn’t historically proven.

Watch this video about five of the most mysterious conspiracy theories.

Discuss:

1. Do you find conspiracy theories interesting?
2. Name one (or more) conspiracy theory (theories) you know of.
3. In your opinion, how true can conspiracy theories be?
4. Where do you think these theories come from?

Video: What Do You Think of America?

C1 – Advanced

What’s the first thing that enters your mind when you hear the word “USA”? Click on the title below to find out what some people think of North America.

This video is meant to practice your listening skills. Feel free to watch it more than once.

London, Singapore and Delhi tell the BBC what they think of the US

Discuss:

1. After watching the video, recall the things that the people said after being asked about the United States.
2. Do you agree with any of the opinions shared? Do you disagree?
3. What do you think makes America great? Not so great?
4. Have you been to the US? What can you say about their culture?

Fraud Case Batters Image of Monarchy

C1 – Advanced

In 2014, allegations against Spain’s Princess Cristina held serious implications for the reputation and future of the monarchy.

Watch the video then read the article. Be prepared to express your thoughts and share some updates.

Spanish fraud case batters image of monarchy

Discuss:

1. Do you think these cases will have real implications for the future of the royal family in Spain?
2. How should the justice system treat the monarchy in cases as such?
3. Do you think Spain is better off without the monarchy?

Video: Korea’s Next Generation Shunning Marriage

C1 – Advanced

South Korea is traditionally conservative when it comes to marriage. If a woman is still unmarried by the age of 24, she is judged by other people. However, present-day Korean women now marry later or not at all.

Watch the video below and find out the reasons why the younger generation is shunning marriage.

South Korea’s next generation is shunning marriage

Discuss:

1. What are your thoughts on extravagant single woman bridal shoot?
2. What are the social stigma in your country about single women?
3. What are the reasons younger people shun marriage?
4. Is it possible to be single and happy?