Tag: video

Artificial Intelligence to Become Sentient

B2 – Upper Intermediate

In 2022, software engineer Blake Lemoine was fired from Google after blowing the whistle on the firm’s artificially intelligent chatbot “LaMDA”. He thought the AI ‘has come to life’. 

But Google was quick to respond saying Lemoine’s claims that the advanced AI chatbot was sentient were nothing short of baseless.

The question remains, though. Will computers eventually become sentient?

Watch this video and find out about computers gaining consciousness.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Explain what ”reframe” means. “We have to be very careful about how we talk about that and reframe these things as tools.” Use this word in a sentence.
  2. What does the expression “state of affairs” mean? “It’s a sad state of affairs for us.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “means to an end” mean, “We must treat others as ends in and of themselves rather than means to our own end.”? Use this idiom in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on how the AI describes itself and how it has started having a sense of a soul at the beginning of the video?
  2. How about the app that lets you chat with what seems to be a girlfriend?
  3. Share your views about the possibility of AI gaining consciousness.
  4. What does David Chalmer mean when he said “subjective experience” instead of “consciousness”?
  5. What are the pros and cons of sentient AIs?

Conscious Consumerism

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Conscious consumerism is a mindful approach to shopping and spending, emphasizing awareness of the social, environmental, and ethical implications of one’s purchases.

It’s about making intentional choices that align with personal values, supporting products and companies that prioritize sustainability, ethics, and social responsibility.

By being a conscious consumer, individuals play a role in fostering positive change and influencing businesses to adopt more ethical and sustainable practices.

Watch the video and be able to answer the questions below.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the expression “to jump on the trend” mean, “A lot of people are jumping on the trend right now.” Make one sentence.
  2. What does the phrase “a sense of community” mean, “The greatest benefit for the women we help employ is that they get to work in an environment that promotes dignity, pays them a wage that is a livable wage that can provide for their families, and give them a sense of community and access to healthcare and education for their children.” Use the phrase in a sentence.
  3. What is the meaning of “cycle of poverty“, “It’s a holistic approach that really will break a cycle of poverty and be sustainable for those women.” Make one sentence using this phrase.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How do you prioritize conscious consumerism in your daily shopping habits?
  2. What factors influence your decision to support a particular brand or product from a conscious consumer perspective?
  3. In your opinion, how can conscious consumerism contribute to positive societal and environmental change?
  4. Do you believe that businesses have a responsibility to adopt more sustainable and ethical practices, and how does this impact your purchasing choices?
  5. How do you handle situations where there’s a conflict between a product you want and the ethical considerations associated with its production or sourcing?

Why Do We Binge-Watch?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Binge-watching has become a cultural phenomenon in recent years, transforming the way we consume television shows and other media.

The allure of binge-watching can be attributed to a combination of factors. The convenience of streaming platforms allows us to access entire seasons of our favorite shows instantly. The immersive nature of many series creates a sense of attachment to characters and storylines, making it difficult to resist the urge to keep watching. Also, binge-watching also offers a temporary break from reality, providing a relaxing and enjoyable way to unwind. Ultimately, the rise of binge-watching reflects our changing media consumption habits and the evolving nature of entertainment in the digital age.

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

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “in bulk” mean? “Netflix had realized that loads of people are gravitating towards watching shows in bulk.” Use this phrase in a sentence.
  2. What’s the meaning of the word “to be caught up about something“? “I think there is an anxiety about being caught up about this content, which is forcing people to binge more.” Make a sentence using the expression.
  3. What does the phrase “to shovel” mean here, “Bingeing is to shovel yourself.“? Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What factors contribute to the rise of binge-watching as a popular way of consuming television content?
  2. How has the availability of streaming platforms influenced the binge-watching trend?
  3. In your opinion, what psychological or emotional aspects make binge-watching so appealing to audiences?
  4. Do you think binge-watching has changed the way we perceive and engage with TV shows compared to traditional weekly releases?
  5. Are there any potential negative effects of binge-watching on individuals, such as health or social implications?

The Great Pocket Conspiracy

B2 – Upper Intermediate

If you’re a woman, you’ve probably noticed that the pockets on your pants are much shallower than those of men’s and if you’re a man, you’ve probably heard about this complaint a lot. But have you ever wondered why? Why are women’s pockets so shallow? Is it a product of misogyny, politics, or greed? And if so, why would it influence women’s pockets in all things?

Explore this topic further by watching the video below.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Do you know the meaning of “political statement“? “The French Revolution caused a wave of changes to clothes of all kinds, as what you wore suddenly was seen as a political statement.” Use this in your own sentence.
  2. What does “sleek style” mean? “Despite men’s fashion settling into a sleeker style during this period..” Try to construct your own sentence.
  3. What is meant by “to leave nothing to the imagination“? “ They could always utilize a chatelaine, a decorative waist chain that leaves nothing to the imagination.“ Kindly write your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Did you ever wonder about the pocket size of your clothes? What do you think about it?
  2. What have you learned about the pocket theory?
  3. What is the significance of pockets in our clothings?
  4. Talk about similar historical practices in your nation.
  5. Will you go for a conventional or functional style? Explain your choice.

Being Bilingual Is Good for the Brain

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Being bilingual is like having a mental superpower. It’s not just about being able to order a croissant in French or salsa dance in Spanish; it actually does wonders for your brain. Research suggests that bilingualism can enhance cognitive abilities, improve problem-solving skills, and even delay the onset of certain age-related diseases. So, it’s not just about knowing two languages; it’s about giving your brain a serious workout.

Watch the video and be able to answer the questions that follow:

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the word “suppress” mean? “Bilingualism has been shown to suppress the decline of cognitive functions as individuals age.” Use the word in a sentence.
  2. What does the phrase “the onset of” mean? “The onset of neurodegenerative diseases may be delayed by the cognitive benefits of being bilingual.” Make one sentence using this idiom.
  3. What does “cognitive reserve” mean? “Developing a strong cognitive reserve through bilingualism can provide a buffer against age-related cognitive decline.” Make one sentence using this phrase.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are some massive real-world implications of bilingualism?
  2. What’s your take on the idea that being bilingual can enhance problem-solving skills and cognitive flexibility?
  3. In your opinion, how valuable is the ability to suppress the onset of cognitive decline through bilingualism?
  4. Do you believe that developing a cognitive reserve through being bilingual is a significant advantage in today’s fast-paced and demanding world? Explain your thoughts.

What is Accounting?

B1 – Intermediate

In simple terms, accounting refers to recording and reporting financial information. It often involves measuring, summarizing, and analyzing a business or corporation’s sales figures and communicating them to tax authorities. 

Watch the video to know more about accounting and how it keeps a systematic and accurate record of company’s activities.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is the meaning of the word “challenging”? “I think you could see that could be quite challenging“. Use it in a sentence.
  2. What is the meaning of the word “proficiency”? “However, if you had some proficiency in the foreign language your trip would likely be enjoyable”. Use it in a sentence.
  3. What is “immersion”? “So, how do students study for language classes? With practice and immersion.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. According to the speaker, how should students study both languages and accounting?
  2. What is accounting for?
  3. Do you agree with the speaker when he said, “Accounting is really a foreign language class?” What do you think he meant by this? Share your points of view.
  4. How is accounting similar to any other subjects?
  5. Why is accounting important in a business?

Electric Roads Charge Cars as You Drive

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Buckle up for a glimpse into the future of electric vehicles, where the roads themselves are the charging stations. Imagine cruising along highways, not just as a driver, but as a participant in a dynamic energy exchange. The concept of electric roads is reshaping the landscape of sustainable transportation, offering a seamless and continuous charging experience as you journey from point A to B. In this electrifying revolution, the asphalt beneath your tires becomes a conduit for power, propelling us towards a greener and more efficient tomorrow.

Watch the video about electric roads and be able to answer questions that follow:

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What’s the meaning of the expression “take a spin”? “How about we take a spin on the newly upgraded highway with electric roads and experience the seamless charging as we drive?” Use it in a sentence
  2. What does the expression “give it a go” mean? “Curious about the future of electric cars? Why not give it a go and test drive on the electric roads to witness the revolutionary charging technology in action?” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What doe the phrase “tamper with” mean? “It’s crucial not to tamper with the delicate infrastructure of electric roads to ensure a smooth and safe charging experience for all drivers.” Make one sentence using the phrase.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How do you think electric roads that charge cars while driving could revolutionize the convenience and practicality of electric vehicles?
  2. In your opinion, what potential impact could electric roads have on addressing the range anxiety often associated with traditional electric vehicles?
  3. From an environmental standpoint, how do you see electric roads contributing to a more sustainable future compared to traditional charging infrastructure?
  4. In your view, what are the key factors that might influence the public’s acceptance and adoption of electric roads as a mainstream technology for electric vehicles?

TV Dinners Changed American Cooking

B2 – Upper Intermediate

In the mid-20th century, a culinary revolution quietly unfolded in American homes, transforming the way families approached mealtime. Enter the TV dinner—a convenient, pre-packaged meal that brought together elements of innovation, efficiency, and, well, a dash of nostalgia.

No longer bound to the traditional confines of home-cooked dinners, Americans found themselves embracing the futuristic appeal of neatly compartmentalized trays filled with a medley of flavors. These frozen delights not only saved time, but also mirrored the changing dynamics of American life, where convenience became a key ingredient in the recipe for success. The TV dinner era not only changed the way America cooked, but also left an indelible mark on the cultural menu of the nation.

Watch the video to know how TV dinner changed the American cooking and be able to answer the questions below.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is flash frozen meat? “Imagine opening a box of TV dinner and marveling at the flash frozen meat, perfectly preserved to retain its flavor and texture as if it was just prepared in a chef’s kitchen.” Make a sentence using this term.
  2. What does “pitch” mean in this sentence? “Borrowing from the concept of the ‘Strato-Plate’, Swanson salesman Gerry Tomas pitched an idea – preserve the turkey through flash freezing and sell it to consumers as a meal in a box.” Make a sentence using this word.
  3. What does expression “lauded” mean? “The innovation of TV dinners deserves to be lauded with praise for revolutionizing the way we approach mealtime, providing a quick and easy solution for busy households. Make a sentence using this word.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How do you think the advent of TV dinners impacted family dynamics around mealtime?
  2. In your opinion, do TV dinners represent a positive or negative shift in our approach to cooking and dining as a society? Explain your answer.
  3. What are your thoughts on the cultural significance of TV dinners and their influence on American culinary habits?
  4. How have TV dinners influenced the way we perceive and value traditional cooking skills in contemporary culture?
  5. In your opinion, do TV dinners promote a healthy or unhealthy relationship with food and eating habits?

Sugar Doesn’t Make Kids Hyper

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Trick-or-treating gets more popular as the spooky season draws near and kids roam the neighborhood gathering sweets. Sadly, many kids become very hyper after eating the collected sweets. One might conclude that sugar is causing this effect. However, a number of researches challenge the notion of sugar rush.

Watch the video to learn more about hyperactivity, which apparently, has nothing to do with consuming sugary treats.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What’s the meaning of “to put something to bed”? “And today, we’re putting this long-standing food myth to bed.” Make a sentence using this idiom.
  2. What does “to keep something in check” mean? “Glucagon’s job is to tell our bodies to release some of our stored-up sugar supplies to balance out our blood sugar levels. Our bodies are extremely good at keeping these things in check when they’re healthy.” Use this idiom in a sentence.
  3. What does “to bounce off the walls” mean? “But as you get older, the season’s less about TPing* the house of that one neighbor that gives away healthy apples and toothbrushes during trick-or-treating and more about dreading your five-year-old bouncing off the walls after consuming half of their body weight in Kit Kats.” Create your own sentence using this expression.

*TP stands for ‘toilet paper’ which means to cover (trees, buildings, etc.) with toilet paper as a prank.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you agree to the theory presented in this video? Explain.
  2. Have you experienced the sugar rush effect mentioned in this video? Talk about that instance.
  3. What were your thoughts about children becoming hyperactive after taking/eating sugary foods before seeing this video?
  4. What might be reasons many people turn to sugary food when they feel tired?
  5. Are you aware of how your body reacts to food and how it relates to the prevailing knowledge in society? Cite concrete examples.

More Education Is Not Always Better

B2 – Upper Intermediate

It has been demonstrated that education has the greatest impact on one’s economic success. Does this imply that increased education has more positive economic effects, taking into account the numerous factors brought about by technological development that influences the skill set needed by the economy.

Watch the video below to learn more why more education is not always necessarily better.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Define “skilled migration“. “Finding the right balance is going to be hard, especially as new technologies are constantly changing the skill sets that are demanded by the economy and that’s before considering variables like skilled migration, which can add or subtract skills to the labor market very quickly.” Please create your own sentence using the phrase.
  2. What does “too much of a good thing” mean? “Are our modern economies becoming overeducated and if they are, what are the consequences of having too much of a good thing?” Use this expression in a sentence.
  3. What is the meaning of “egalitarian“? “In some highly egalitarian countries, education is paid for by the government.”

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you agree that more education isn’t always better? Why or why not?
  2. What are the consequences of an overeducated population?
  3. Should we slow down the trend of people becoming more and more overeducated? Share your thoughts on this.
  4. Do you believe that the “Labor Theory of Value” is a perfect way of measuring value? Explain.
  5. What is the importance of subjective value?
  6. Talk about the balance of research and labor in your country.