Tag: video

The End of Globalization

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

Globalization has allowed countries to be more connected, with their economies and societies becoming very much dependent on each other.

While globalization is not dead yet, PWC Global Chairman Robert Moritz believes it will go through a very important shift into regionalization.

Will this be the end of globalization as we know it? 

Watch the video where Bloomberg’s New Economy Forum’s delegates give their two cents about the future of every nation’s interconnectivity.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to rewire” mean?  “Globalization is not dead, it’s going to be rewired.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  2. Explain the meaning of “fragmentation” in trade. “That doesn’t mean you will have fragmentation in the sense of totally competitive blocs because they’re also trying very hard to increase their trade exposure and exports to each other in order to grow their economies.” Use the term in a sentence. 
  3. What does “disaggregation” mean in economics? “The possible outcome is that we’re going to have economic growth not stemming from global integration, but from disaggregation.” Use the word in a sentence. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. Share your insights on nations shifting to doing trade more on the regional, bilateral, or just among smaller number of countries.
  2. What might be the impacts when countries shift to regionalization instead of globalization?
  3. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of globalization, regionalization, and fragmentation.
  4. Do you agree or disagree that what we have now is regionalization and not fragmentation? Discuss.
  5. Do you think that the breakdown of the global economy into distinct economic and trade blocs in North America, Europe, and Asia will not result to fragmentation? Explain.

The Best Way to Give a Presentation

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

Giving a presentation can be taxing to some. However, as soon as you are decided on your speech’s topic, you are now ready to come up with a persuasive and pretty compelling presentation.

Watch the TED-Ed video to learn the best way to give a presentation and be ready to answer the questions that follow.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Explain the meaning of a “throughline”. “Deciding on a clear throughline is an essential part.” Use the term in a sentence.
  2. What does “best shot” mean here,  “If you have time to do that, it will probably give you the best shot at delivering a powerful talk that says everything you want it to say without sounding robotic.”? Use the phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  3. Explain the meaning of “to make eye contact”. “Look up from the page as often as you can, and make eye contact with your audience members.” Use the phrase in a sentence. Give a similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Share your thoughts on this, “Speech is power: speech is to persuade, to convert, to compel.” 
  2. How do you usually prepare for and deliver a talk?
  3. Do you prefer to make a script or be spontaneous when you are to give a presentation? Share some experience giving an unscripted talk.
  4. For you, what makes an effective speech?
  5. Talk about the most powerful speech that you have ever heard. 

BRICS: The Rise of a New Global Order

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

According to Wikipedia, the New World Order is a term often used in conspiracy theories which hypothesize a secretly emerging totalitarian world government.

The BRICS, originally a group of countries including Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, has been growing economically and politically. Since its foundation, the intergovernmental organization has gained more members including Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates.

The question in everyone’s mind is: Is the BRICS going to topple the Western-led institutions like The Group of Seven or G7? Until such time that they figure out their shared values and identity, can they really be considered a powerful global force?

Watch the video about the BRICS and the new world order.

Be ready to answer the questions that follow.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Explain the meaning of “trading block”. “BRICS is not a trading block or group. It wasn’t meant to be one.” Use the phrase in a sentence.
  2. What does “united front” mean?  “A variety of tensions between different BRICS members have kept the group from forming a united front, but they have managed it with the New Development Bank, which finances projects across the Global South and provides loans with fewer economic and political conditions compared to the World Bank.” Use the phrase in a sentence. 
  3. Explain the meaning of “multipolar world”. “They want a multipolar world in which there are multiple centuries of geopolitical influence.” Use the phrase in a sentence. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your insights on the formation of BRICS?
  2. Do you think they are a worthy rival of the Western-led G7? Do you believe they can actually stand up to Trump’s trade war? Share your thoughts.
  3. What are the pros and cons of trading blocs?
  4. Share your opinion on this, “The trade war has increased the solidarity between BRICS nations.”
  5. Share your insights regarding this, “BRICS has talked about a shared currency. BRICS countries support reduced trade in US dollar as a tool, as a method to reduce overall Western economic dominance in the global economy.”
  6. Russia was removed from G8. Thus, it is now known as G7. What are your thoughts on BRICS keeping Russia within the intergovernmental organization?

How the Big Beautiful Bill Will Transfer Trillions From Workers to Wall Street

B2 – Upper Intermediate

How much do American CEOs make compared to their employees in a year? The reasonable answer would be twenty times, fifty times, or maybe even a hundred times.

In truth, these big CEOs can make a thousand times what their employees earn in a year. And worse, this gap will only widen with the advent of Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill.”

To find out more, watch the video below.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “on the floor” mean in this context, “All these companies are super profitable. Wouldn’t it make sense for them to just have enough staff scheduled on the floor?” Use this phrase in a sentence and give a synonym.
  2. What is a “corporate raider”? “Danny Lovito plays a corporate raider who is trying to convince the shareholders of a small New England cable company to sell him their shares so that they can cash out when he liquidates the company.” Use this term in a sentence and give a synonym.
  3. What does “to turn the bull loose” mean? “We’re going to turn the bull loose.” Use this idiom in a sentence and give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. In your opinion, why does the Big Beautiful Bill reduce the taxes of powerful companies?
  2. Do you think that the Big Beautiful Bill will worsen or improve the gap between the rich and the working classes? Share your thoughts.
  3. Do you think that the current systems that allow companies to earn big profits should be reformed? Share your insights.
  4. How can the pay gap between the workers and the CEOs be fixed?

What is Success?

B1 – Intermediate 

Perhaps, each person has his or her own definition of success. For some, it is about being always on top, while for others, it just means to have family and friends and a job.

What is Success? – Interview

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to live paycheck to paycheck” mean, “Success is also the ability that you’re not living paycheck to paycheck.” Use this idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “rainy day” mean here, “You know, you can also save up money for a rainy day.” Use this term in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “well taken care of” mean? “ One of the big things for me, though, is having enough money to support my family. Uh, so I have a child. So making sure that he is well taken care of. ” Use this phase in a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. For you, what is success?
  2. What is your biggest success so far?
  3. Talk about a moment when you were on the brink of success, but failed.
  4. What must a person do when they fail?
  5. We can have successes every day, especially at work or in our hobbies. What are your successes for today at work and in your hobbies? How do you feel about it?

Chesterton’s Fence Theory

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Chesterton’s Fence is a principle of not destroying things without fully understanding the purpose of their existence. It is a principle that reminds us to think before we destroy or reform a tradition, law, or rule. If we were to remove such things without pondering their purpose, we might face some unintended consequences.

But where does this principle apply in other aspects of the world we live in.

To find out more about Chesterton’s defense of conservation, watch the video below.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “axe” mean here, “As a result, the firm makes pennies on the nuts, but spends thousands hiring new engineers, all because the reformer didn’t understand the purpose of the policy he axed.” Use this word to make your own sentence and give a synonym.
  2. Define “rule of thumb”. “Chesterton’s Fence is a simple rule of thumb that suggests that you should never destroy a fence, change a rule, or do away with a tradition until you understand why it’s there in the first place.” Use this term in a sentence and give a synonym.
  3. What does “to drop dead” mean? ” “And so millions of people hit noisy pots and pans to prevent sparrows from resting, with the goal of causing them to drop dead from exhaustion.” Use this idiom in a sentence and give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Share your thoughts on this statement, “If a fence exists, there is likely a reason for it.“
  2. Do you believe that the Chesterton’s Fence theory is a good principle to live by? Why or why not?
  3. What lessons can we learn from those who do not follow the principle?
  4. How can Chesterton’s Fence can be applied to everyday life, government, and business?
  5. Talk about a situation where someone ignored the idea of the Chesterton’s Fence and its unintended consequences.

Pop Mart Turned Collectible Dolls into an Empire

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Pop Mart, a Chinese collectibles company, has surged in popularity by turning mystery into a business model. Its blind box toys—where buyers don’t know what figure they’ll get—drive most of its revenue and have sparked a global craze. Exclusive collaborations with artists like Kasing Lung (creator of Labubu) have helped the brand expand rapidly, with overseas sales tripling in 2024 and plans to nearly double its U.S. store count by 2025.

The model’s surprise-and-collect appeal draws comparisons to gambling, prompting new regulations in Asia. In response, Pop Mart is diversifying into plush toys, accessories, and digital content to sustain growth.

Watch the video to learn how Pop Mart blends art, scarcity, and retail strategy to build a booming global collectibles empire.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “splurge” mean? “When you decide to splurge on a Pop Mart blind box, which could cost around 20 to $30, you don’t go in totally blind.” Give two (2) synonyms and use it in a sentence.
  2. What does the phrasal verb “lean into” mean? “Pop Mart didn’t invent blind box packaging. But it is successfully leaning into what customers like about it.” Give a similar expression and use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “to double one’s footprint” mean? “The company plans to open more than 20 stores in the US by the end of 2025, nearly doubling its footprint in the country.” Give a similar expression and use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Have you ever bought something just for the surprise or emotional thrill, like a blind box or loot crate? What drew you to it?
  2. Why do you think people are so willing to spend money on collectibles they don’t necessarily need?
  3. Do you think the appeal of mystery in products like blind boxes enhances the experience—or encourages impulsive spending?
  4. How do you feel about the comparison between blind box shopping and gambling? Where would you draw the ethical line?
  5. Do you think this kind of trend-driven consumerism can last, or will people eventually lose interest as the novelty fades?
  6. How would you personally balance collecting for fun versus spending wisely in today’s economic climate?

The Battle to Own 7-Eleven in Japan

B2 – Upper Intermediate

7‑Eleven in Japan is different from a typical convenience store. It serves fresh, high-quality meals like bento boxes, fruit smoothies, and onigiris. It also offers services like package delivery and banking, thanks to an advanced supply chain system. Other countries haven’t managed to copy this model, which is why 7‑Eleven remains especially popular in Japan.

To learn more about what makes 7‑Eleven in Japan unique, and why a big takeover bid from Circle K’s parent company matters, watch the full video.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to struggle to replicate” mean? “Unlike in the US … 7‑Eleven perfected its model in Japan, it struggled to replicate it overseas.” Use it in a sentence. Give a similar expression.
  2. What does “to make a bid to do something” mean? “Circle K operator Couche‑Tard making a bid to take over rival and 7‑Eleven owner Seven & I (Holdings).” Use it in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “revamp” mean? “In the US, 7-11 has been revamping their stores, introducing new products, improving the food quality, as well as improving the supply chain.” Use it in a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What makes 7‑Eleven in Japan different from convenience stores in your country?
  2. Why do you think 7‑Eleven’s model worked so well in Japan?
  3. How does a good supply chain help stores offer fresh food every day?
  4. What do you think will happen if Couche-Tard successfully buys 7‑Eleven’s parent company Seven & I?
  5. Would you return to a store if it offered fresh meals and services like package delivery? Why or why not?

The Weirdest Dictator in History

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Turkmenistan is a country in Central Asia with huge natural gas wealth, but its former leader, Saparmurat Niyazov, ruled in ways that shocked the world. Known as Turkmenbashi, he filled the country with golden statues of himself, renamed months after his book, and banned things like ballet, gold teeth, and even dogs in the capital city.

His rule wasn’t just strange, it affected people’s lives. Hospitals and libraries were shut down outside the capital, and people were expected to read his book Ruhnama to pass driving tests. This video explores how someone can use total power not just to lead, but to shape a country around their personality.

To learn more about Turkmenbashi, watch the full video.

Vocabulary Questions

  1. What does “to hold someone back” mean in the sentence, “Yet, this adversity didn’t hold him back.“? Use it in a sentence. Give a synonymous phrase.
  2. What does “to descend into chaos” mean? “The nation descended into chaos.” Use it in a sentence. Give a similar expression.
  3. What does “to come to an abrupt end” mean? “His reign came to an abrupt end.” Use it in a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions

  1. What are your thoughts on some unusual things that Turkmenbashi did while in power?
  2. Do you think having too much power can be dangerous for leaders? Why or why not?
  3. What might life be like for people living in a country with many banned activities?
  4. Can you think of other historical figures who used their power in strange or extreme ways? Talk about them.

America Killed Its Middle Class

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The middle class in America used to mean steady jobs, affordable homes, and a good life for families. But today, many people are struggling. The cost of housing, health care, and college has increased. Some people now work more than one job just to get by.
This video explains how the middle class was built after World War II and what has happened in the last 50 years to make life harder for many working people.

To learn more about what changed and what can be done, watch the full video.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “hallmark” mean? “You didn’t need to be rich to live comfortably — a steady job, a home, two kids, a car, and a safe neighborhood. These were the hallmarks of a middle class life that millions of Americans achieved and expected to pass on.” Use it in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “to live paycheck to paycheck” mean? “More than half of Americans now live paycheck to paycheck.” Use it in a sentence. Give a similar expression.
  3. Explain the concept: “economic ladder”. “Racial and gender inequality were widespread, but the economic ladder, for many, was real. If you worked hard, you could climb.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Share your thoughts on the insights talked about in this video.
  2. Why do you think the speaker says, “The game is rigged.”?
  3. What are some things needed to rebuild the middle class?
  4. Do you think working hard is still enough to succeed in today’s economy? Why or why not?
  5. How is it like to be middle class in a country like yours?