Tag: video

Cars Lose Their Value So Fast

B2 – Upper Intermediate

One of our largest lifetime investments may be a car. But unlike other investments like a house, a car’s value depreciates quite rapidly.

In what way and why?

Watch the video below to help you find out the answers to these questions.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to be underwater on a loan” mean? “A car owner is underwater on a loan if their loan is larger than what their car is worth.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and make your own sentence using the term ‘underwater on a loan’.
  2. How about the word “abate“? “A lot of those trends have abated since, but those odd times led to lasting changes in the post-pandemic world.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and make your own sentence using the term ‘abate’.
  3. Do you know what “rein in” means? “The Federal Reserve has raised interest rates in order to rein in inflation and that has made borrowing more expensive.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and make your own sentence using the term ‘rein in’.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the 3 main reasons mentioned in the video that causes car depreciation?
  2. Do you agree to these reasons why cars lose their value? Why or why not?
  3. Could you consider cars as investment? Why or why not?
  4. Which do you consider is the better choice between a new car or a used one? State your stance.
  5. What are different factors a buyer should consider before buying a car?

Human-Centered Design

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Human-centered design is a way of solving problems, and it’s getting a lot of attention. This video shows you what human-centered design is all about and why it’s making waves. It explains how focusing on people can make a big difference in different areas or industries.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the idiom “on the fly” mean in the sentence, “The inspiration phase is about learning on the fly, opening yourself up to creative possibilities, and trusting that as long as you remain grounded in the desires of people you’re designing for, your ideas will evolve into the right solution.”? Give two synonyms and use this phrase in a sentence.
  2. What does the phrase “shore up” mean in the sentence, “During the implementation phrase, you’ll build partnerships, shore up your business model, and get your idea out into the world.”?  Give two synonyms and use this phrase in a sentence.
  3. What does the expression “to get one’s idea/s out into the world” mean in the sentence. “During the implementation phrase, you’ll build partnerships, shore up your business model, and get your idea out into the world.”?  Give two synonyms and use this phrase in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What makes human-centered design effective?
  2. How does human-centered design uniquely benefit users?
  3. Share successful examples of human-centered design applications.
  4. Has your company adopted human-centered design in its projects? Cite examples on how.
  5. Do you think this method can work for personal projects? Why or why not?

A Japanese Method to Relax

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Life moves pretty fast. If you need a quick breather, these Japanese relaxation techniques could be your new go-to. The video spills the beans on a five-minute calming session that could be a game-changer.

Check out the full video and get ready to relax in no time.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the phrase “take a toll” mean in the sentence “Excessive stress can take a toll on your life.”? Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does the word “decisive” mean in the sentence “The ring finger is responsible for making you more decisive.”?  Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does the idiom “hustle and bustle” mean in the sentence “Get peace of mind in the middle of hustle and bustle.”?  Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What’s the Japanese relaxation hack all about?
  2. What are the benefits of a quick relaxation routine that make it worth exploring?
  3. Have you ever tried a similar relaxation method? Share your experiences.
  4. What are your struggles in finding time for relaxation?
  5. In what other situations could a quick relaxation trick come in handy?

The Stress Bucket

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Stress hits everyone differently, and this stress bucket thing? It’s the real deal. This video breaks it all down, giving you the inside scoop on managing stress like a pro.

Check out the full video to wrap your head around the stress bucket and maybe find your own stress-busting strategy.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the phrasal verb “to break something down” mean in the sentence, “Make a list to break problems down.”? Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does the word “tackle” mean? “Which smaller task should you tackle first?”  Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does the phrasal verb “fill up” mean in the sentence “Different problems and demands fill up your buckets.”?  Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What’s this stress bucket the video is talking about?
  2. Discuss about the tricks the video suggests for getting rid of stress.
  3. Share your own stress bucket stories.
  4. Spot the signs – when is your stress bucket about to overflow?
  5. Which stress-busting tip from the video would you like to try?

Positive Psychology at Work

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Ever feel like work is a bit of a rollercoaster? Well, positive psychology might just be the game-changer you didn’t know you needed. This video digs into how positive vibes can seriously shake things up in the workplace.

Dive into the full video here to get the lowdown on injecting some positivity into your 9-to-5 grind.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the phrase “core strength” mean, “By consciously engaging in work and activities that utilise your core strengths, you can become more confident and more productive.”? Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does the phrase “tangible goal” mean in the sentence, “Set tangible goals for yourself.”?  Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does the phrase “take pride in something” mean in the sentence “Take pride in your accomplishments.”?  Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the key takeaways from the video about positive psychology at work?
  2. Can you pick out some practical tips from the video for keeping things sunny at work?
  3. How can positive vibes improve your work life (talk about your situation)?
  4. Do you agree or disagree that a happier workplace makes you more productive? Why or why not?
  5. What are some small changes you can think of to sneak some positive psychology into your work routine?

Viral Post Blew Up a Business

B2 – Upper Intermediate

In today’s digital age, social media has become an integral part of our lives. It has revolutionized the way we communicate, connect, and promote ourselves or our businesses. With just one social media post promotion, individuals and companies can reach a vast audience and make a significant impact.

When it comes to promoting a product or service on social media, suppliers can be valuable allies. By collaborating with suppliers and showcasing their contribution in the production process through engaging posts, companies can not only increase brand visibility, but also strengthen their supplier relationships.

Watch this video to find out how a single Facebook post transformed a business.

https://www.bbc.com/news/av/business-67692431

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does idiom “blow up” mean in the sentence? “A viral Facebook post nearly blew up our business.” Use this in your own sentence.
  2. What is the meaning of the phrase “supply chain“? “We quickly sold out of everything we had in the warehouse and we had to dial up our relationships with the whole of our supply chain.” Use this phrase in a sentence.
  3. What is the meaning when “to change the game“? “We started the brand, launched it nationwide in 2014, but everything changed in 2017 when a viral Facebook post completely changed the game for us.” Use this in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How important is advertising for a company or a product?
  2. Do you advertise your business (the company you are working for) or its products? If so, in what ways?
  3. How significant is it to research a product’s supply and demand chain?
  4. Why should a company value its relationships with its suppliers?

Payless’ Fake Luxury Shoe Store

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Payless, the affordable shoe retailer, played a clever prank by opening a fake luxury shoe store. They set up a high-end atmosphere, complete with sleek designs and fancy displays, tricking customers into thinking they were shopping for expensive designer shoes. Little did they know, the shoes were actually affordable Payless ones. It was a humorous way to challenge perceptions of value and brand prestige.

Watch the video to know more about this effective PR stunt and be ready to answer the questions that follow.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “markup” mean? “$35 shoe going for $645, an 1800% markup.” Use this word in a sentence.
  2. What does the idiom “sit on one’s heels” mean? “Store owners sat on their heels as fashion influencers emptied their wallets.” Use this expression in a sentence.
  3. What does the phrase “let on” mean? “Then, they’re letting on the prank.” Make a sentence using the expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on Payless’s prank of opening a fake luxury shoe store? Do you find it humorous or do you think it might have crossed any boundaries?
  2. In your opinion, does this prank challenge your perception of brand value and the psychology behind luxury purchases? Why or why not?
  3. Do you think experiments like Payless’s fake luxury store are effective in highlighting the influence of branding on consumer choices? Why or why not?
  4. How do you believe the participants in the prank felt when they discovered the true nature of the shoes they were admiring? Would you have a similar reaction?

Largest Iceberg Breaks Free

B2 – Upper Intermediate

A23a is biggest and oldest iceberg on the planet. It is twice the size of Great London. The last time it broke off the ice shelf was in 1986. Then, in 2020, scientists started seeing the iceberg moving a little bit.

Recently, it’s been observed to be drifting away from Antarctica and making its way toward Southern Ocean. 

Read the article and also watch the short video of British Antarctic Survey glaciologist Oliver Marsh as he talks about A23a and its current state and course.

https://www.reuters.com/business/environment/worlds-largest-iceberg-breaks-free-heads-toward-southern-ocean-2023-11-24/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the phrase ”calf off” mean? “Since calving off West Antarctica’s Filchner-Ronne Ice Shelf in 1986, the iceberg — which once hosted a Soviet research station — has largely been stranded after its base became stuck on the floor of the Weddell Sea.” Use this expression in a sentence.
  2. What does the idiom “to gain steam” mean? “As it gains steam, the colossal berg will likely be launched into the Antarctic Circumpolar Current. This will funnel it toward the Southern Ocean on a path known as “iceberg alley” where others of its kind can be found bobbing in dark waters.” Make a sentence using this phrase.
  3. What does “to make a run for it” mean, “Why the berg is making a run for it now remains to be seen.”? Use this phrase in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What comes to your mind when you hear the word ‘iceberg’?
  2. What are your thoughts on the biggest iceberg being on the move?
  3. What caused this move?
  4. What impact can this have on the surrounding environment?
  5. How do icebergs affect the Earth?
  6. What will happen if icebergs melt?

Lockdown Drills for School Shootings

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Drills are conducted for us to be prepared for unforeseen events such as natural disasters or school shootings, which we have unfortunately seen happening in the US.

Now, schools are conducting lockdown drills for children to know exactly what they need to do when such unprecedented event happens.

However, some of these drills are so realistic that they trigger unpleasant reactions from trauma.

To learn more about the lockdown exercise, watch the video below.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the phrase “out of sight” mean? “Lock down. Locks. Lights. Out of sight. This is a drill.” Use this expression in your own sentence.
  2. What is the meaning of “one wrong move“? “If we do just one wrong move then we can be like goners.” Kindly create you own sentence.
  3. What does “siege” mean? “Although there is evidence hiding behind a locked door saves lives, it is very unlikely a child would be involved in a Columbine style siege.” Please make your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think lockdown drills at schools are a good idea? Explain.
  2. What are the pros and cons of these lockdown drills?
  3. How do drills prepare you and your family/community for an unprecedented event?
  4. Talk about the different drills conducted in your school or community.
  5. What are some necessary drills that should be run in your country? What significance will it bring to your community?

What Multitasking Does to Your Brain

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Ever wondered what happens to your brain when you’re multitasking? It turns out, our brains are more like jugglers than seamless multitasking machines.

In this brief exploration, we’ll uncover the effects of multitasking on our cognitive functions and delve into why it might not be the brain’s favorite act.

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

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the idiom “under one’s nose” mean, “Being able to filter out irrelevant detail is an amazingly useful tool, but it means we can miss things that are right under our noses.” Write a sentence using this expression.
  2. What does “to miss something” mean? “When attention is overloaded, we miss things, and the result is nearly always that we perform tasks less well than we would doing them one at a time.” Use the phrase in a sentence.
  3. What does the expression “to make it through to something” mean, “Not everything will make it through to conscious awareness.” Use the phrase in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you believe that multitasking enhances or hinders your overall productivity and efficiency? Explain.
  2. Do you think our brains are naturally wired to handle multiple tasks simultaneously, or is it a skill that can be developed over time? Share your insights.
  3. How would you weigh the importance of focus and concentration against the allure of multitasking in a fast-paced work environment?
  4. In your experience, do you find that multitasking helps or hampers your ability to retain information and learn effectively?
  5. What consequences do the pressure to multitask in today’s society has long-term?