Tag: video

Revisiting the Gun Debate in America

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B2 – Upper intermediate

There is a strange correlation between the United States and school shootings. Debates on gun control have emerged since but people are still awaiting conclusions.

Read the article and watch the video, then share your thoughts about the topic.

Revisiting the Gun Debate in America

Discuss:

1. What is your reaction to the whole issue of gun control in the US?
2. Does your country have very good laws when it comes to owning and purchasing firearms?
3. In the US, what do you think is the root cause for their increased gun violence?

97-Year-Old ‘Sees Future’ at Google

B2 – Upper Intermediate

97-year old Olive Horrell had her wish of a lifetime to see the future when she got to visit Google in California.

Read the article and watch the video below to know more about Ms. Horell and her wish.

http://www.voanews.com/a/olive-horrell-gets-wish-and-visits-google-sergey-brin/3023295.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. Who is Olive Horell and what was her wish? What do you think of her wish?
  2. If you were 90+ years old and a wish of yours would be granted by an organization like Make a Wish, what would your wish be and why?
  3. If you were to ‘see the future’, what would you like to see and why?
  4. What socio-civic activities is your company involved in?
  5. What are some of the programs that your city or region has for senior citizens?

Video: Information the Gun Industry Won’t Tell

B2 – Upper intermediate

Gun control varies around the world.  Some countries impose stringent distribution and use of guns while others don’t. How about in your country?  What information do you know about the gun industry?

Watch the video and find out some interesting facts. Click CC on the video to watch with subtitles.

Five Things the Gun Industry Won’t Tell You

Discuss:

1. Explain the information given in the video.
2. What question/s do you have about the gun industry?
3. Is gun control a controversy in your country?
4. Would you like to own a gun? Have you tried firing one before?

Russians Shocked as Banned Western Food Destroyed

C1 – Advanced

In 2015, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a certain presidential decree that has brought forth shock and outrage among the populace.

Find out why Russia’s head of state issued this ban and how the citizens reacted. Watch the videos included in the resource to get extra information.

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-33818186

Discussion Questions:

  1. What does the presidential decree state?
  2. Why do you think Russia came up with this ban?
  3. What do you think of the said sanction?
  4. What are the long term consequences of a sanction like the one mentioned in the article?

Spaniards Resort to Self-employment

B2 – Upper intermediate

Having one’s own business used to be something people did post-retirement. But with the long-drawn out unemployment crisis in Spain, it has become the only option left for many. The real issue however, is how to convert these people ‘s talents and skills into a regular source of income.

Watch the video and find out if  self-employment is the key to the unemployment problem in Spain.

Discuss:

1. What do you think of self-employment as a source of income? Would you consider it yourself?
2. Do you think the Spanish government is doing enough to support self-employed individuals?
3. What qualities should a self-employed individual have in order to succeed?
4. What are the pros and cons of being self-employed?

If We Could See Inside Others’ Hearts

B2 – Upper intermediate

Everyone goes through different things in life everyday. One could be shocked and sad of a bad news, others could be determined and hopeful for better days.

Would you treat them differently if you could see what they are going through?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wl2_knlv_xw

Discuss:

1. How would you explain the words sympathy, empathy and apathy?
2. Would you consider yourself a sympathetic person?
3. How do you handle social and emotional stress?
4. When going through a difficult situation, do you prefer sharing your problems or do you prefer keeping it to yourself?

The 2 Euro T-Shirt – A Social Experiment

B1 – Intermediate

A nice t-shirt for only 2 euros sounds like a really good bargain. But, is it really?

Watch the video and discover why this “good buy” comes at a cost for the lowly third world sewers who make them.

Discussion Questions:

1. When buying clothes, what things do you consider?
2. What do you think can be done to help improve the situation of sweatshop workers in third world countries?
3. Is there an advocacy or cause that you support? If you do, explain why you support it.

Video: Germans Give Warm Welcome to Migrants

B2 – Upper intermediate

September of 2015, Germans gave a warm welcome to migrants and refugees who reached Munich. They are willing to help them have a decent home and education but the growing number of migrants and refugees is also alarming on their part.

Watch the video and express your thoughts.

Germans give warm welcome to migrants

Discuss:

1. Are there any Syrian refugees in Spain?
2. What is your opinion about the issue as a European?
3. To what extent should people do their social humanitarian responsibility?

Disability: Get rid of your Frustration

B2 – Upper intermediate

Disability can be devastating to one’s physical and emotional health. Disabled people find it difficult to do even the simplest task. It can also affect the family.

Read the article below then express your thoughts about the topic.

https://www.disabled-world.com/disability/coping-disability-illness.php

Discussion Questions:

1. What problems do people with disabilities face in your country?
2. What do you think of the Paralympic Games?
3. What kinds of discrimination do people with disabilities face?
4. What message do you think disabled people would like to tell those without a disability?

Sleeping in a Taxi

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B2 – Upper intermediate

If you can make it there, you’ll make it anywhere.

The beauty of New York calls travelers from all over the world and one businessman has just made it possible for budget travelers to enjoy the allure of Manhattan without having to break the bank.

Read the article and watch the video to find out how.

http://www.newsinlevels.com/products/sleeping-in-a-taxi-level-3/

Discussion Questions:

  1. What can you say about Jonathan Powley’s idea for budget travelling? Would you try it?
  2. What are some of the best accommodations you’ve experienced during your past travels? What about not-so-good experiences?
  3. How would you travel if you were on a budget?