Tag: video

Homeless Shelter for LGBT Youth

B2 – Upper intermediate

A shelter in Washington, D.C. will be housing homeless lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender young people. For many, this will be their road to rehabilitation and independence.

Watch the video then read the article to know more about Casa Ruby and how it is helping the LGBT youth.

Homeless Shelter for LGBT Youth Opens in Washington

Discuss:

1. Would you know if your country has the same provision for LGBT youth?
2. How widespread is LGBT in your country?
3. What is your viewpoint on this matter? Do you think people from LGBT communities in your country are well taken care of?

Women Jockeys in Horse Racing

B2 – Upper intermediate

In horse racing, it’s very common to see men as the riders and women as spectators. Not in Maryland. Pimlico racetrack now features female riders.

Watch this video and learn how women are coping in a predominantly male sport.

Discussion Questions:

1. How do you feel about gender equality when it comes to sport?
2. Do you think that gender matters when it comes to being good at a sport?
3. Have you ever been to a horse race before?

Public Loo Converted into Cafe

C1 – Advanced

Would you feel comfortable eating at an old toilet? Some business owners in London got really creative with their space.

Watch the video below and see the transformation of this old Victorian toilet.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What can you say about the transformation of the old public toilet?
  2. Talk about a public place that was transformed into something else in your city or country.
  3. Would you consider dining in this cafe? Why or why not?
  4. Describe some of the peculiar cafes or restaurants that you have visited or seen in the past.

The Job of a Food Stylist

B2 – Upper Intermediate

They say, “We eat with our eyes.” Have you ever wondered why food or dishes in magazines look so mouth-watering?

Watch the video below about the job of a food stylist and see what a dish goes through before it is advertised online or on print.

 Discussion Questions:

  1. Describe how Lisa Cherkasky became a food stylist.
  2. Share your thoughts on this kind of profession.
  3. How important is this kind of job?
  4. Do you get hungry when you look at appetizing food photos on books or on TV? Did you get hungry after watching the video?
  5. What are some food you usually crave for?

Video: Abandoned London Stations

B2 – Upper intermediate

Watch the video below and take a look at some of the old spaces that are worth rehabilitating.

Comprehension:

1. When was the said space decommissioned?
2. How do they propose to use the abandoned space?
3. During the 2nd World War how was the space used?

Discuss:

1. What are some of the similar projects that your government has when it comes to restoring old buildings and spaces?
2. Describe some of the interesting reconstructed spaces you’ve seen in the past.

Words to discuss:

Decommission
Bowels (of something)
Shortlist
Payback
Generate

 

 

Italian Prisoners Play Rugby

B2 – Upper intermediate

They say, sports helps the soul. This rugby team is nothing like any other. The team is consist of prisoners in an Italian jail. They compete but not outside of prison walls.

Watch this video and talk about how rugby is helping these prisoners lead a better life.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is the mission of this sports project/initiative?
  2. Who leads the initiative?
  3. Describe how the players are able to have their matches within the facility.
  4. What are the positive effects of this project?
  5. What are some of the sports you enjoy practicing?
  6. What are the advantages of playing a sport?
  7. Are there other activities you would like to try?

 

He Made His Guitar Sing

B2 – Upper intermediate

B.B. King is one the music legends that has touched the lives of so many people.

Watch the video carefully and prepare to talk about music and musicians.

Comprehension:

1. Describe B.B. King’s lifestyle as a musician. Why did people like him?
2. What were some of his nicknames?
3. Why is his guitar named “Lucille”?

Discussion:

1. Are you familiar with the music of B.B. King?
2. Who are some of the musicians you listen to?
3. What are your preferences in music?

Words/phrases to discuss:

Vibrato
On the road
Finesse

Grammar: Double Negatives

B1 – Intermediate

Double negatives in a sentence or clause are often confusing, that is why teachers tell students to avoid using them. They are also considered a taboo in English grammar.

Watch the video then read the article below to know more about the origin of double negatives and how it can be used properly.

Everyday Grammar: The Story of the Double Negative

Discuss:

1. Explain the two kinds of double negatives.
2. Which double negative should be avoided when taking exams or when applying for school or a job?
3. Give your own examples of double negatives.

Trafficked into Prostitution

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Human trafficking, by definition, is the trade of humans, mostly for the purpose of sexual slavery, forced labor or commercial sexual exploitation for the trafficker or others. Millions of people are being trafficked at any given time.  Prostitution is akin to trafficking and is a social problem difficult to abolish.

Watch the video to know about Ope’s story then read the article for extra information.

http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-32235112

Discussion Questions:

  1. It is said that “Prostitution is the world’s oldest profession.” Would you agree or disagree?
  2. What are your thoughts on human trafficking and prostitution?
  3. How big a problem is prostitution for a country?
  4. Should prostitution be legalized? Explain your stance.

Green Energy for Denmark

C1 – Advanced

When it comes to renewable energy, Denmark aims high. By 2020,  the country would like to get half of its energy from the wind. There are hopes that there will be environmental focus to inspire people to go green.

Watch the video below to know more about some of the efforts that Denmark is doing to be a greener country.

Discussion Questions:

1. According to the video, what are organizations doing to be environmentally conscious?
2. Do you think that your country is working on the same issue as well?
3. Is having a green house something that you’re interested in?