This week's talking point is culture. Before getting together with the members of your conversation group, go over the questions below so that ideas come to mind more easily the day you get together with your friends and you can work out vocabulary problems beforehand.
If you were visiting a foreign country and wanted to learn more about its culture, which of the following would interest you most? Why?
a performance of traditional music and dances
a theatrical performance
visiting a museum
visiting historical and archaeological sites
eating local dishes
attending a local ceremony, like a wedding
graffiti on the walls of buildings
The ancient Greek dramatist Menander (342BC-292BC) said that 'Culture makes all men gentle'. What do you think he meant?
Imagine that your school is organising an exhibition entitled 'Aspects of our culture'. Talk together about the various aspects of culture represented in the pictures. Then suggest two other aspects of culture that you would like to see represented in the exhibition.
Which two activities in the pictures above do you find the most appealing? Why?
In what ways are cultural activities important for society?
What are some of the customs and traditions in your country which are more representative of its culture?
This week's talking point is travel. Before getting together with the members of your conversation group, go over the questions below so that ideas come to mind more easily the day you get together with your friends and you can work out vocabulary problems beforehand.
Do you like travelling? Why (not)?
What is the difference between a tourist and a traveller?
Look at the list of some benefits of travelling. Rank them in order of importance.
broadens your mind
enables you to get first hand experience of new places.
enables you to learn about new cultures
gives you the opportunity to try out foreign cuisine
helps you get away from your daily routine
Look at the following types of holidays.
Which of them do you have experience of?
Which of them do you find most appealing? Why?
A cycling holiday
A skiing holiday
A working holiday
A relaxing holiday
An adventure holiday
A camping holiday
A cruise
A city break
People now travel more than in the past. Why do you think this is?
‘Getting there is half the fun.’ How far do you agree with this?
To illustrate the topic you can watch Alain de Botton's documentary The art of travel.
This week's talking point is education. Before getting together with the members of your conversation group, go over the questions below so that ideas come to mind more easily the day you get together with your friends and you can work out vocabulary problems beforehand.
Do you think the education system in your country is satisfactory?
Why (not)?
How do you think teaching and learning will change in the years to come?
How important is a good education in order for someone to be successful in life?
Do you think that academic success leads to happiness?
How difficult do you think it is to work and study at the same time?
If you had to choose between attending a course at university and doing a course online, which would you prefer and why?
What are the advantages and disadvantages of taking an online course?
Look at the following objectives of education. Prioritise them in order of importance:
Acquisition of knowledge
Building of character
Career orientation
Creation of a competent workforce
Creation of individuals with a desire for learning
Development of skills
Instilling of values and ideals
This week's talking point is libraries. Before getting together with the members of your conversation group, go over the questions below so that ideas come to mind more easily the day you get together with your friends and you can work out vocabulary problems beforehand.
Are libraries a thing of the past and e-Books and other mobile devices the present and future of reading?
Do libraries put pressure on users to read books quickly?
Where do you find it easier to study, at home or in a library?
What are the advantages and disadvantages of each?
Is the Internet a much more resourceful space than a library?
Do libraries provide enough resources for everybody?
What is the importance of traditional books?
How would you describe the atmosphere of libraries?
Do you find them inspiring and encouraging to research and study?
What is the role of libraries in society?
To illustrate the point you can watch the video on Syracuse University Library.
Welcome to the Syracuse University Library. We’d like to take a few minutes to introduce you to the resources and services that we have to offer at the SU library. There are five library locations on campus. Bird library is located on University Place next door to the Schine Student Center. Adjacent to Bird you will find the Belfer Audio Laboratory and archives. The Carnegie Building on the Quad is home to Science & technology and Mathematics libraries. The Geology library is in Heroy Hall. And you’ll find the Architecture Reading Room is Slocum Hall. The sixth storey E.S. Bird Library is considered the main library on campus. It’s home to the Learning Commons, an open active environment, where we can not only find traditional library services like the check-out desk, but you also find our Technology Assistant desk for borrowing laptops, headphones and cameras. You can get help with scanning and printing and photocopying. And of course there are plenty of places to study either on your own or with a group. Research assistance is available on the drop-in basis, or you can make an appointment to consult with the librarian subject specialist. The Learning Commons is also where you will also find Pages, the library café, where you can grab a cup of coffee or something to eat. The second floor is the great place to relax, read or study. You can browse the stacks. Use the reference collection or browse current periodicals. On the third floor you can get assistance with the Maps and Government Information collections. The Map Room houses thousands of maps and atlases. On the third floor you’ll also find the microfilm collections. As well as the Geographic and Statistical Information Center. The fourth floor is home to our fine arts collections. You’ll find a media area for viewing our film, video and DVD collections. And a listening area for LPs and CDs collections. Be sure to check out the exhibits and visit the Biblio Gallery. The fifth floor is a quiet floor with plenty of study tables available. Take the elevator to the sixth floor to find the Special Collections Research Center. There you can browse their exhibits. And get assistance with their collections by signing in in the Reading Room. On the sixth floor you will also find the Safire Room, a great place for quiet study. We hope you have enjoyed this brief tour of the Syracuse University Library. To learn more, visit us at library.syr.edu
This week's talking point is playing.
Before getting together with the members of your conversation group, go
over the questions below so that ideas come to mind more easily the day
you get together with your friends and you can work out vocabulary
problems beforehand.
How often do you play these days?
How often did you use to play as a child?
What games do you remember from your childhood?
How do children play?
How do adults play?
What do children and adults gain from playing?
Do today’s children play differently from in the past?
Consider these areas and the photos to help you think of ideas:
physical skills – social skills – experience – knowledge
What is your attitude to online gaming?
How do you think playing online games can be useful?
Do the statements below express your attitude to play? Discuss.
‘Adults have lots of different forms of entertainment but only children really play.’
‘Everyone should play an organised sport. Playing sport is good for us –physically and mentally.’
‘Toys and games should be educational so that children learn while they are playing.’
‘Childhood is a time when you should play as much as possible –there’s plenty of time for work when you’re older.’
This week's talking point is boredom.
Before getting together with the members of your conversation group, go
over the questions below so that ideas come to mind more easily the day
you get together with your friends and you can work out vocabulary
problems beforehand.
What is your idea of boredom?
Which of these situations that make people very bored have you experienced?
Listening to specific people
Watching some films or reading some books
Doing some housework like ironing
Long-haul flights
When you are stuck indoors because of the weather
A dull lecture or class
Not having anything to do
Going window-shopping
What is the most boring aspect of your job or studies?
Which would you imagine are the most boring aspects of these jobs?
police detective – airline pilot – teacher – writer
Does being bored have any benefits?
Does being bored have any dangers?
Do people find it harder to deal with boredom today than in the past?
What physical reactions and body language do we show when we are bored?
Do you think there might be different types of boredom (like people who actively search boredom or people whose boredom amount to depression)?
Do animals get bored?
To illustrate the topic you can watch the video How boredom can be good for you. You can activate the cc captions to read the subtitles.
This week's talking point is the influence of television on our lives. Before getting together with the members of your conversation group, go over the questions below so that ideas come to mind more easily the day you get together with your friends and you can work out vocabulary problems beforehand.
Do you spend a lot of time watching TV?
Why do you think watching television is a popular pastime?
Why would people choose to watch these TV programmes?
talent shows
news bulletins
documentaries
sports programmes
comedy series
Do you think young people who watch a lot of violence on TV tend to be violent themselves?
What do you think about advertising on television?
Which type of TV show would be the most popular and would attract more advertisers to spend money on advertising their product?
Does TV have a bad influence on people’s lives? Answer the question in relation to these topics:
Moulding our minds
Time with family
Talking about programmes with friends
Educational programmes
Other leisure activities
Adverts
This week's talking point is study habits.
Before getting together with the members of your conversation group, go
over the questions below so that ideas come to mind more easily the day
you get together with your friends and you can work out vocabulary
problems beforehand.
Do you plan when you are going to study?
If so, how much time in advance do you plan?
Do you prefer to study late at night or early in the morning?
Do you usually find excuses to postpone starting to study? If so, which ones?
What places do you like studying in?
Do you like to be away from people or do you prefer to study with one or more friends?
Do you like studying with background music?
What sort of light do you like to study with?
Do you like studying in public places like a library?
Do you find it difficult to concentrate while studying?
If you are studying for a long period do you prefer: no breaks / several short breaks / one or two long breaks?
What do you do while you are taking breaks, have a chat, check your mobile, have a snack?
Do you quickly revise everything you have done during the study sessions when you are finishing studying?
This week's talking point is fashion and trends.
Before getting together with the members of your conversation group, go
over the questions below so that ideas come to mind more easily the day
you get together with your friends and you can work out vocabulary
problems beforehand.
1. Do people in your country have a reputation for dressing well or badly?
2. Do you think women pay more attention to their appearance than men, or vice versa?
3. Are people generally very fashion-conscious?
4. What is in fashion at the moment for men and women?
5. What are the “current tribes” of young people? What do they wear? Do you like the way they dress?
6. Why are some people obsessed with the way they look?
7. Why is sometimes beauty more valued than intelligence?
8. Do people tend to judge others by the way they dress?
9. Do you think you dress like a typical person from your country? Why (not)?
10. It’s better to buy cheap clothes that don’t last because then you can buy new ones more often. Do you agree?
11. People who follow fashion are usually vain and superficial. Do you agree?
12. It’s very risky to buy clothes online. Do you agree?
This week's talking point is online shopping. Before getting together with the members of your conversation group, go over the questions below so that ideas come to mind more easily the day you get together with your friends and you can work out vocabulary problems beforehand.
When did you first shop online?
What did you think of it at the time?
How has your online shopping experience changed over the years?
What products are your perfectly happy to buy online?
What products would you never buy?
Do you think online shopping is absolutely reliable?
What potential problems are there?
Have you (or anyone you know) had a really bad experience with online shopping?
How can you protect yourself from cybercrime when shopping online?
Have you ever used an online auction site like e-Bay?
To what extent is online shopping harmful for conventional retailers?
What do you think online shopping will be like in the future?
Who is the person you know that buys the most online?
Do you know anyone who would never buy anything online?
This week's talking point is mobile phones. Before getting together with the members of your conversation group, go over the questions below so that ideas come to mind more easily the day you get together with your friends and you can work out vocabulary problems beforehand.
What kind of mobile phone do you have?
What kind of mobile phone would you like?
How often do you use it?
What for? (making calls, texting, surfing the internet, downloading/uploading music or photos, as a camera)
When did you last have a telephone conversation on your mobile?
Who with? What about?
Which phone company do you use? How happy are you with them?
What sort of problems have you had with your phone?
Do you find it annoying when other people have conversations on ther mobile phones in public places?
How much do you spend on phone bills every month?
What extra things have you bought for your phone?
Are you text-addicted?
What are the last three text messages you have sent/received?
Is there a ring tone that drives you mad?
Could you live without your mobile phone?
To illustrate the topic, you can watch this Cambridge University Press video.
This week's talking point is the art of communication. Before getting together with the members of your conversation group, go over the questions below so that ideas come to mind more easily the day you get together with your friends and you can work out vocabulary problems beforehand.
Do you know anyone who is a good listener?
Do you remember an occasion when there was an awkward silence in the conversation?
Can you think of situations in which you have misunderstood someone or someone has misunderstood you?
How easy or difficult do you find it to make small talk(polite conversation about unimportant things)?
When did you last hit it off with someone? (like each other from the very beginning)
Do you remember an occasion when you put your foot in it (accidentally do or say something which embarrasses or offends people)?
Do you know anyone who tends to dominate the conversation?
Are you good at putting people at ease (make someone feel relaxed and confident)? If so, how do you do it?
Who in your family is good at telling interesting stories in family reunions?
When did you last have a row?
Do you know anyone who has a pleasant/unpleasant voice?
Do you ever talk to yourself?
Do you dread going to places where you don’t know many people?
Is how you say something as important as what you say?
Is gossip always harmful?
Do you think a person should never raise their voice during a discussion?
To what extent is technology having a negative effect on the quality of conversation?
What advice would you give a visitor to your country about the following:
- personal space?
- common gestures?
- interrupting?
- making eye contact?
- conversation topics to avoid?
To illustrate the topic, you can watch Julian Treasure's talk at TED How to speak so that people want to listen.
This week's talking point is food waste. Before getting together with the members of your conversation group, go over the questions below so that ideas come to mind more easily the day you get together with your friends and you can work out vocabulary problems beforehand.
Do you usually write a shopping list before you go to the supermarket?
Do you ever buy more food than you really need or are you careful?
Do you look for special offers, such as ‘buy one get one free’, or ‘two for the price of one’?
Do you check the shelf life of food as you buy it?
Do you end up throwing food in the bin every week?
If so, how much money do you think you waste?
If not, how do you avoid throwing out food that’s past its sell-by date?
Look at the following suggestions for reducing household food waste. Which of these…
do you already do?
would you like to start doing?
would you never do?
1 Plan your meals for the week and then write a shopping list.
2 Don’t shop when you’re hungry.
3 Make sure your fridge is at the right temperature.
4 Use old fruit and vegetables to make smoothies or soup.
5 Use your leftovers for lunch the next day.
6 When you buy new food, bring the old food to the front of the fridge.
7 Serve small portions and give people more if they actually want it.
8 Only buy what you need- avoid ‘buy one get one free’.
9 Use the freezer- defrost food as you need it.
10 Use a compost bin.
To illustrate the topic, watch the video of Selina Juul, a key part of Denmark’s food waste revolution.
This week's talking point is money. Before getting together with the members of your conversation group, go over the questions below so that ideas come to mind more easily the day you get together with your friends and you can work out vocabulary problems beforehand.
Look at the statements 1-8. Do you agree, partly agree or disagree? Give examples to support your opinions.
1 Money is for spending today. Who know what will happen tomorrow?
2 It’s important to save at least 10% of your salary each week.
3 If I can’t afford to buy something, I’m happy to borrow the money.
4 I’m always looking for new ways to make money.
5 I like to shop around for the best price before I buy something.
6 I only like buying things that are a good investment for the future.
7 Spending large amounts of money makes me feel nervous.
8 Having a regular income is better than having a lot of money one day and a little the next.
How are your attitudes different to your parents’ attitudes to money?
Teaching financial literacy
1 What does it mean to be good with money?
A saving money for the future
B not spending much money
C making your money grow
D spending money wisely
E getting the most for your money
F being rich
2 Are you good or bad with money? In what way?
3 Did your parents teach you lessons about money?
4 Did you learn any financial skills at school?
5 Is it important for schools to teach financial skills to children? Why? At what age?
This week's talking point is the senses. Before getting together with the members of your conversation group, go over the questions below so that ideas come to mind more easily the day you get together with your friends and you can work out vocabulary problems beforehand.
What are the five senses?
What memories/sensations do you associate to specific senses? V.g. The sheets feeling really cold or rough (touch)
Which sense do you think is most important to you in your everyday life?
Which sense would you be able to cope best without?
Which sense triggers the most memories?
Have you ever lost the use of one of your senses temporarily?
Do you know anyone who has one sense especially well-developed?
Do you know people without a sense, either totally (someone who’s deaf) or partially (someone who’s colour-blind)?
What do you think it might be like to live in a world without colour?
Why do we talk about a sixth sense? Can you give some examples?
Do you remember any famous films or books where one of the senses plays an important part?
Interaction
Imagine that you have the option to have some software device installed in your body that allows to extend your senses. Here are some of the capabilities that the device might allow you to have (taken from the TV series Heroes).
If you could choose only one of them, which one would you choose. Give your reasons. Would you life change for the better?
Teleport yourself to a different place and time
Envisage the future
Hear people’s thoughts
Fly
Copy the abilities of anyone you’re in contact with
Have superhuman strength
Regenerate your body after an injury
Affect the operation of machines (technopathy)
To illustrate the topic, you can watch Neil Harbisson's talk for TED I listen to colour, where he tells us about the fact that he was born completely color blind, but these days a device attached to his head turns color into audible frequencies. Instead of seeing a world in grayscale, Harbisson can hear a symphony of color — and yes, even listen to faces and paintings.
This week's talking point is generation divide. Before getting together with the members of your conversation group, go over the questions below so that ideas come to mind more easily the day you get together with your friends and you can work out vocabulary problems beforehand.
What do you understand by the term ‘generation gap’?
How different are your attitudes and opinions from those of other generations in your family? Think about the following:
Bringing up children
Importance of social status
New technology
Saving and spending money
Other cultures and nationalities
Fashion
Manners
Music
Working hard
Look at the names of different generations, as used by demographers and the media. Which are you?
Could you outline a stereotypical profile for each generation based on the people you know? Give examples. Veteran, Traditionalist, Silent Generation: Born before 1945 Baby Boomer, Boomer: Born between 1946 and 1964 Generation X: Born between 1964 and 1980 Millennial, Generation Y, Gen Why? Echo Boomer: Born since 1980 Generation Z: Born after 2000
What are some of the challenges which face those who work in a multi-generational workplace?
In what ways are people who were brought up in the age of social media different from older generations?
What are the factors that affect the beliefs and attitudes of a generation?
How do you think people who are born after 2020 will be different?
To illustrate the topic you can watch Patrice Thompson's Talk at TED London Closing the gap: A millennial proposal for a happy multigenerational workplace.
This week's talking point is the Internet of Things (IoT). Before getting together with the members of your conversation group, go over the questions below so that ideas come to mind more easily the day you get together with your friends and you can work out vocabulary problems beforehand.
How would your life be different without the internet?
What, in your view, is the best thing about the internet?
What is the worst thing?
Have you heard of the Internet of Things (IoT)?
If so, how would you explain it?
If not, what do you think it means?
Which different items of technology, in today’s world, which are connected to the Internet can you think of (v.g., smart-heating systems, ticketing systems for rail transport)?
Do you think the benefits are greater than the risks?
What problems have you experienced with technology? Give examples.
How many handheld smart devices (e.g. smartphone, table) do you own?
Which do you use the most? Why?
How fast and reliable is the internet connection in your home / at work?
Have you read any news stories about internet-based security attacks?
What precautions do you take in this respect?
Do you think technology isolates or connects people? How?
To illustrate the topic, watch the Watch Mojo video Top 5 Facts about the Internet of Things.
Because of the Internet of Things, more electronic devices are being connected to the Internet, and they’re talking to each other behind your back. Welcome to WatchMojo’s Top 5 Facts. In this instalment, we’re taking a look at the Internet of Things and how it’s becoming a major part of our lives, in ways you probably didn’t know.
Number 5 The Internet of Things Is Already in Effect The Internet of Things is an emerging technology, where machines are embedded with sensors that allow them to relay data to each other with little to no human involvement. Basically, it means all sorts of everyday items are connected to the Internet, which could potentially transform the way we live. One of the earliest examples of this concept actually goes back to the early 1970s, when the first ATMs went online. Some items you may already own which incorporate the Internet of Things include the Apple Watch, fit bits, and smart home appliances like refrigerators. Many other items are in the midst of getting the Internet of Things treatment, like cars in the street which could work together to facilitate the flow of rush hour traffic.
Number 4 Big Businesses Are Already Investing Billions into the Concept In 2008, there were officially more devices connected to the Internet than there were human beings, and by 2020, that number is expected to go up to 50 billion, according to Cisco. Tech companies see a promising future in the Internet of Things, claiming that it will make businesses more efficient. In a recent report, GE predicted that the IoT will add as much as $15 trillion to the global GDP in the next 20 years, and according to projections by Business Insider, these products will outperform the tablet, PC, and phone market combined. For the time being, the largest market will be smart home technology such as thermostats made by Nest, a company Google bought for $3.2 billion. According to BI Intelligence, the IoT market is estimated to be worth $490 billion by 2019, but this remains speculative. It is possible that consumers will by and large fail to see any value in having all their possessions networked, and those projections will prove grossly overblown. It’s got a computer chip in it. Everything does.
Number 3 The Internet of Things Could Save Lives While the IoT will no doubt make tech giants much richer, it might also benefit the rest of us. IoT technology could completely revolutionize patient care as well as improve communication between doctors and their patients. For example, at the University of Tokyo, researchers have created an electricity-conducting ink that can be printed onto clothing, and used to measure heart rate or muscle contractions, so people can easily monitor their own vital signs. IoT technology can also help in emergency situations. If someone has a heart attack or stroke, relevant data from the patient’s medical history can be sent to the doctor before the ambulance takes the patient to the hospital, giving physicians a few more crucial minutes to figure out the best treatment possible.
Number 2 Wi-Fi Developments Will Make the Internet of Things Work Better Scientists and engineers from the University of Washington have invented a new Wi-Fi system that transmits Wi-Fi using 10,000 times less power than current generators. This could allow for very low power sensors to be placed in just about anything. Another system, Power over Wifi, or PoWifi for short, allows enabled devices to convert Wifi signal itself into a DC current. Yes, soon new devices could be powered by Wi-Fi. If engineers could bring these or other technologies together, devices and appliances can be interconnected and continue to run on an energy loop powered by that same Wi-Fi, and this will only make the Internet of Things more efficient, accessible and convenient for us.
Number 1 The Internet of Things Could Come with Security Problems We're sweeping every wirelessly accessible camera on the planet, cell phones, laptops. If it's connected to a satellite, it’s eyes and ears for us. Though the IoT looks like it offers countless benefits, there are also some potential security issues. For one, it gives companies more opportunities to invade our privacy. For example, the Indian firm Silver Push has technology that can track you across multiple platforms and devices by embedding tiny sounds into websites or television programmes that while inaudible to us can be detected by our devices, and that data can be fed back to Silver Push. That can’t be true, honey. If it were, I’d be terrified. According to a study by Hewlett-Packard, 70% of IoT enabled devices can potentially be hacked. Kind of makes you wary of products like Logitech smart remotes or the Amazon Dash button, doesn’t it? The fear, as unlikely as it may seem to some, is that we inadvertently end up in a surveillance estate where companies watch over us like Big Brother.
So, what do you think? Will the Internet of Things improve our lives or lead to a bleak, dystopian future? For more interconnected top 10s and invasive top 5s published every day, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.
This week's talking point isa sense of humour. Before getting together with the members of your conversation group, go over the questions below so that ideas come to mind more easily the day you get together with your friends and you can work out vocabulary problems beforehand.
What British/American comedies have you heard of?
Can you describe their type of humour?
Which are the best known Spanish comedians and comedy series?
What makes them funny?
Who’s the funniest person on TV?
Do you agree with the idea that a person’s sense of humour changes with their nationality or region?
Do you find different things funny from your friends or your family?
Do you forward funny emails that you receive? If not, why not? Can you talk about one that you did?
Do you like practical jokes? Can you describe one that you played or a friend played?
Can you tell jokes? Tell one in English.
Are the important people in your life funny?
Is humour an indicator of happiness?
If you see someone fall or bump into something, do you laugh? Do you like slapstick comedy?
Do you think politically incorrect jokes are funny? Why? Why not?
If someone makes you the subject (butt) of a joke or laughs at you, what do you do?
Talk about a person (in your everyday life, not a comedian) who makes you laugh.
To illustrate the topic, watch the scene A room with a view from British Comedy series Fawlty Towers, featuring John Cleese.
Good morning, Madam. Can I help you? Are you the manager? I am the owner, Madam. What? I am the owner. I want to speak to the manager. I am the manager, too. What? I am the manager as well. Manaher. He manaher. Oh, you're Watt. I'm the manager! What? I'm the manager! Yes, I know. You've just told me. What's the matter with you? Now, listen to me. I booked a room with a bath. When I book a room with a bath, I expect to get a bath. You've got a bath. I'm not paying £7.20p per night plus V.A.T., for a room without a bath! There is your bath. You call that a bath? It's not big enough to drown a mouse. It's disgraceful! I wish you were a mouse. I'd show you. And another thing. I asked for a room with a view. Deaf, mad, and blind. This is the view as far as I can remember, madam. Yes, yes, this is it. When I pay for a view, I expect something more interesting than that. That is Torquay, Madam. That is not good enough. Well, may I ask what you were expecting to see out of a Torquay hotel bedroom window? Sydney Opera House, perhaps? The Hanging Gardens of Babylon? Herds of wildebeest sweeping majestically... Don't be silly. I expect to be able to see the sea. You can see the sea. It's over there between the land and the sky. I need a telescope to see that. Well, may I suggest that you consider moving to a hotel closer to the sea? Or preferably in it? Right. Now, listen to me. I'm not satisfied, but I've decided to stay here. However, I shall expect a reduction. Why, because Krakatoa's not erupting at the moment? Because the room is cold, the bath is too small, the view is invisible, and the radio doesn't work. No, the radio works. You don't. What? I'll see if I can fix it, you scabby old bat. I think we got something then. What? I think we got something then! What are you doing? Qué? Madam, don't think me rude, but may I ask, do you by any chance have a hearing aid? A what? A hearing aid! Yes, I do have a hearing aid. Would you like me to get it mended?! Mended? It's working perfectly all right. No, it isn't! I haven't got it turned on at the moment. Why not? The battery runs down. Now, what sort of a reduction are you going to give me on this room? 60% if you turn it on. What? My wife handles all such matters. I'm sure she will be delighted to discuss it with you. I shall speak to her after lunch. You heard that all right, didn't you? What? Thank you so much. Lunch will be served at half past 12:00.
This week's talking point is voluntourism. Before getting together with the members of your conversation group, go over the questions below so that ideas come to mind more easily the day you get together with your friends and you can work out vocabulary problems beforehand.
Have you ever heard of any famous people who do a lot of charity? Who? What do they do?
Is it easier to be generous if you are rich?
Can you recall any people who were not rich, but still became famous for their generosity to others?
What else can people do to help others apart from giving money?
Have you ever given unpaid help to any groups or organisations?
When was the last time you volunteered to do something?
What kind of volunteering projects do people usually get involved in?
Do you have experience or know anyone who has in this kind of activity?
If not, would you be prepared to use your holiday time to help? Why / Why not?
What are the advantages and disadvantages of this kind of activity?
What other ways can you think of to get close to local people on a holiday?
Interaction
A
You and your partner are planning to spend your summer holidays together and have decided to do some volunteer work. Choose a volunteer project that suits you, or think of another. Give reasons why you find the projects appealing or not.
1 saving cheetahs from extinction in South Africa
2 conserving the Amazon rainforest in Peru
3 helping build schools in Ghana
4 coaching sport to schoolchildren in Nepal
B
When preparing for the specific project that you chose, what could you bear in mind about ... ?
·practical preparation to learn the local customs
·psychological preparation
·positive impact of volunteers
·negative impact of volunteers
·likely personal development and life skills
To illustrate the topic, watch this video where Holbrook Travel's Stephanie Kowacz discusses voluntourism, the rewarding experience of travelling while also lending a hand in a community abroad.
Stephanie has participated in sea turtle conservation projects, reforestation projects, school renovations and more.
This week's talking point is creative environments. Before getting together with the members of your conversation group, go over the questions below so that ideas come to mind more easily the day you get together with your friends and you can work out vocabulary problems beforehand.
Do you work or study at a desk every day?
Is it always the same desk?
If not, where do you work or study?
What does the place where you work/study look like?
What do you think it says about you?
What factors are important to you in your work/study area?
easy access to photocopier/printer
number of people in the same room
size of the room
comfortable chair
lighting
view from the window
colour scheme
coffee making facilities
temperature
privacy
plants
air-conditioning
Which of the above factors does your work/study area have?
What do you miss?
Does the place where you work or study look like the photos below?
What are the main similarities and differences?
Do you think that working/studying somewhere like this would make you more creative and efficient?
