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eslworksheetsandlessonplans.comGroup Discussionsfor Advanced ESL StudentsBy Paul J. Hamel

TABLE OF CONTENTSGroup Discussions for Advanced StudentsTITLE ITEM # PAGEIntroduction 2-41. Getting-to-Know-You Questions 0148 5-8This activity contains detailed teacher’s notes, 24 question cards,and a handout listing all the questions. This is a great activityfor the first day of class. The activity was designed to provideadvanced students with the opportunity to share personalinformation with classmates.2. How much do you know about ...? 0149 9-13This activity contains detailed teacher’s notes and 48 topic cards.The activity was designed to provide advanced students with theopportunity to share general information with classmates3. Current and Future Trends 0150 14-17This activity contains detailed teacher’s notes and 48 topic cards,and a handout listing some current and future trends. This activityis designed to provide advanced students with the opportunityto share their opinions with classmates.4. Trivia Game 0151 18-27This activity contains detailed teacher’s notes, 60 trivia questioncards, and a handout containing a list of the trivia questions.The activity is designed to provide a fun group activity andencourage group interaction and discussion.5. Controversial Topics 1 (Law, Education, Government, 0152 28-31Environment, Business)This activity contains detailed teacher’s notes, 24 questioncards, and a handout listing all the questions. ControversialTopics 2 deal with topics concerning law, education, government,environment, and business. This activity is designed to provideadvanced students with the opportunity to discuss currentcontroversial topics and let students share their opinions andviews with their classmates6. Controversial Topics 2 (Culture, Family, Health, Beliefs, Ethics) 0153 32-35This activity contains detailed teacher’s notes, 24 question cards,and a handout listing all the questions. Controversial Topics 2 dealswith culture, family, health, beliefs, and ethics. This activity is designedto provide advanced students with the opportunity to discuss currentcontroversial topics and let students share their opinions andviews with their classmates7. Current Business Related Topics 0154 36-39This activity contains detailed teacher’s notes, 30 questioncards, and a handout listing all the questions. The activity isdesigned to provide advanced students with the opportunity todiscuss current business topics.8. Common Job Interview Questions 0155 40-44This activity contains detailed teacher’s notes, 36 questioncards, and a handout listing all the questions. This activity isdesigned to provide advanced students with the opportunityto discuss a variety of answers to common job interview questionsand let students share personal experiences with classmates.

9. Real News Tidbits 1 0156 45-47This activity contains detailed teacher’s notes and two handouts.The activity is designed to provide advanced students with theopportunity to discuss current general news topics and let thestudents share opinions and views with their classmates.10. Real News Tidbits 2 0157 48-50This activity contains detailed teacher’s notes and two handouts.The activity is designed to provide advanced students with theopportunity to discuss current general news topics and let thestudents share opinions and views with their classmates.11. Real News Tidbits 3 0158 51-53This activity contains detailed teacher’s notes and two handouts.The activity is designed to provide advanced students with theopportunity to discuss current general news topics and let thestudents share opinions and views with their classmates.12. Real News Tidbits 4 0159 54-56This activity contains detailed teacher’s notes and two handouts.The activity is designed to provide advanced students with theopportunity to discuss current general news topics and let thestudents share opinions and views with their classmates.INTRODUCTIONThese activities have been designed for advanced ESL students. No matter how good or complete the contentof your textbook or curriculum may be, there will always be a need to fill in the gaps in knowledge and skillsyour students were assumed to have learned.These activities have been designed to• encourage group interaction and discussion• increase individual student’s speaking time during class• expand students’ use of new vocabulary and expressions• review and understand already-taught materials in a new way• keep their minds active and engaged• learn new words and phrases in context• make inferences, evaluate choices, and draw conclusions• refresh and help retain grammar points and vocabulary they have already been exposed toMaking the Flash Cards• Some of the activities will require you to make double-sided photocopies. This may take a little effort, butonce you have the cards, you will have a popular group activity that will last you many years. Card stock isrecommended, but regular paper is fine.• When photocopying, place the sheets containing the questions followed by the sheets containing theanswers. For example, Sheet 1A should be followed by the Sheet 1B, etc After you have made the two-sidedphotocopies, cut the sheets along the dotted line to form cards. Place them in a small envelope for easyaccess and store them for future use.Paul J. Hamel, January, 2012

eslworksheetsandlessonplans.comGroup Discussion Activities for Advanced ESL Studentsgetting-to-know-you questionsFrom the authorThis activity is meant for advanced ESL students.This activity contains detailed teacher’s notes, 24 questioncards, and a handout listing all the questions. This is a greatactivity for the first day of class.How do youget aroundthe city/town?How do youdeal withdifferentcultures?Have you everbeen married?Explain.The activity is designed toPaul Hamel has beenteaching ESL for over40 years and is currentlyteaching at the AmericanLanguage Center at UCLAExtension in Los Angeles.• provide advanced students with the opportunity to sharepersonal information with classmates• encourage group interaction and discussion• increase individual student’s speaking time during classWhat surprisedyou the mostabout this city?What is yourfavorite hobbyor pass time?Who can youtalk to if youneed personaladvice?1234567891011Teacher’s NotesPrint out and photocopy the two sheets of question cards.Cut the sheets into cards and place them into envelopes. (For large classes, you may want to makeseveral sets.)Divide the class into groups of three or four.Place an envelope in front of each group. (Do not let the students open the envelope to see the topicsahead of time.)Tell the students to take turns selecting one card from the envelope.Tell them to read their question aloud and lead their group in discussing the question on the card. Ifa group does not feel comfortable discussing a topic, encourage them to choose another topic. (Eachstudent should lead at least one discussion.)Walk around the classroom and join each group for a few minutes and correct the studentspronunciation and grammar. (Do not hover over a group, sit down at eye-level.)If groups run out of question cards, have them exchange cards with another group and continue theactivity.During the last twenty minutes of the activity, ask volunteers from each group to share which questionstheir group discussed. (Place important vocabulary and expressions on the board.)At the end of the activity collect the cards and store them in the envelopes for future use.Distribute the handout containing the complete list of questions.eslworksheetsandlessonplans.com© Paul J. Hamel 2012 • Lesson 0148

Sheet 1Cut the cards along the dotted line to make cards.What’s thebest way toget internetconnection athome?What’s thebest way to getmoney fromyour country?Are yousatisfied withyour cell phonecompany? Whyor why not?What’s thecheapestway to callyour familyoverseas?How oftenshould you bein contact withyour familyabroad?What surprisedyou the mostabout this city?How differentis your livingcondition herefrom where youused to live?What do youlike/dislikeabout yourcurrent livingconditions?How have youreating habitschanged sinceyou’ve beenhere?How easy/hard has itbeen makingfriends here?Who can youtalk to if youneed personaladvice?How will yourexperiencehere helpshape yourfuture?

Sheet 2Cut the cards along the dotted line to make cards.How can youimprove yourquality of lifehere?How do youdeal withthe differentcultures?How informedare youabout what’shappening inthe world?What is yourfavorite hobbyor pass time?Where haveyou traveledin the world?What is/wasyour favoritesubject atschool?Have you everbeen married?Explain.How do youget aroundthe city/town?Tell ussomething thatmost peopledon’t knowabout yourself.What is theweirdest thingthat has everhappened toyou?What do youthink you’ll bedoing ten yearsfrom now?What’s thelongest periodof time you’vebeen away fromhome?

getting-to-know-you questions1. Are you satisfied with your cell phone company? Why or why not?2. Have you ever been married? Explain.3. How can you improve your quality of life here?4. How different is your living condition here from where you used to live?5. How do get around the city/town?6. How do you deal with different cultures?7. How easy/hard has it been making friends here?8. How have your eating habits changed since you’ve been here?9. How informed are you about what’s happening in the world?10. How often should you be in contact with your family abroad?11. How will your experience here help shape your future?12. Tell us something that most people don’t know about yourself.13. What do you like/dislike about your current living conditions?14. What do you think you’ll be doing ten years from now?15. What is the weirdest thing that has ever happened to you?16. What is your favorite hobby or pass time?17. What is/was your favorite subject at school?18. What surprised you most about this city?19. What’s the best way to get internet connection at home?20. What’s the best way to get money from your country?21. What’s the cheapest way to call your family overseas?22. What’s the longest period of time you’ve been away from home?23. Where have you traveled in the world?24. Who can you talk to if you need personal advice?eslworksheetsandlessonplans.com© Paul J. Hamel 2012 • Lesson 0148

12eslworksheetsandlessonplans.comGroup Discussion Activities for Advanced ESL StudentsHOW MUCH DO YOU KNOW ABOUT ...?From the authorThis activity is meant for advanced ESL students.This activity contains detailed teacher’s notes and 48 topiccards.The activity is designed to• provide advanced students with the opportunity to sharegeneral information with their classmates• encourage group interaction and discussions• increase individual student’s speaking time during class• expand students’ use of new vocabulary and expressionsPaul Hamel has been teaching ESL for over 40 years and is currently teachingat the American Language Center at UCLA Extension in Los Angeles.Print out and photocopy the four sheets of topic cards.Teacher’s NotesHow much doyou know aboutthis school?How much doyou know aboutfashion andstyle?How much doyou know aboutyour ancestors?How much doyou know aboutgetting a job?Cut the sheets into cards and place them into envelopes. (For large classes, you may want to make several sets.)How muchdo you knowabout cars?How much doyou know aboutthis city/town?3456789101112Divide the class into groups of three or four.Place an envelope in front of each group. Do not let the students open the envelope to see the topics ahead of time.Tell the students to take turns selecting one card from the envelope.Tell them to read their question aloud and lead their group in discussing the topic on the card for about five minutes.(If the students are uncomfortable with a specific topic, encourage them to choose another card.)Each student should lead at least one discussion.Walk around the classroom and join each group for a few minutes and correct the students pronunciation and grammar.(Do not hover over a group, sit down at eye-level.)If groups finish discussing their topics, have them exchange cards with another group and continue the activity.During the last twenty minutes of the activity, ask volunteers from each group to share what their group discussed. Placeimportant vocabulary and expressions on the board.At the end of the activity collect the cards and store them in the envelopes for future use.Continue this activity at a future time using different sets of cards for different groups.Discussion Topics1. AIDS11. clean energy21. greed31. local taboos40. space exploration2. American football12. climate change22. guns32. local transportation41. state/province3. astrology13. computers23. having a petsystem42. the President/Prime4. babies14. contraception24. health33. loveMinister5. baseball15. cooking25. illegal drugs34. marriage43. this city/town6. buying a house16. fashion and style26. international news35. national holidays44. this country7. cameras17. financial planning27. Internet36. raising a family45. this school8. cancer18. food safety28. justice37. religion46. war9. cars19. getting a job29. local customs38. skin care47. your ancestors10. cell phones20. giving30. local restaurants39. soccer48. your careereslworksheetsandlessonplans.com© Paul J. Hamel 2012 • Lesson 0149

Sheet 2: Cut along the dotted line to make cards.How much doyou know aboutsoccer?How muchdo you knowabout Americanfootball?How muchdo you knowabout spaceexploration?How muchdo you knowabouat localtaboos?How much doyou know aboutthe Internet?How muchdo you knowabout the localtransportationsystem?How much doyou know aboutthe President/Prime Minister?How much doyou know aboutthis city/town?How much doyou know aboutthis school?How much doyou know aboutthis country?How muchdo you knowabout this state/province?How muchdo you knowabout war?

Sheet 3: Cut along the dotted line to make cards.How much doyou know aboutAIDS?How muchdo you knowabout nationalholidays?How much doyou know aboutyour ancestors?How much doyou know aboutastrology?How muchdo you knowabout babies?How muchdo you knowabout baseball?How muchdo you knowabout buyinga house?How muchdo you knowabout cameras?How muchdo you knowabout cancer?How muchdo you knowabout cars?How muchdo you knowabout cellphones?How muchdo you knowabout cleanenergy?

Sheet 4: Cut along the dotted line to make cards.How much doyou know aboutclimate change?How much doyou know aboutcomputers?How much doyou know aboutcontraception?How much doyou know aboutcooking?How much doyou know abouthaving a pet?How much doyou know aboutillegal drugs?How muchdo you knowabout financialplanning?How much doyou know aboutfashion andstyle?How much doyou know aboutfood safety?How much doyou know aboutgetting a job?How much doyou know aboutgiving?How much doyou know aboutgreed?

12345Print out and photocopy the two sheets of cards.Teacher’s NotesCut the sheets into cards and place them into envelopes. (For large classes, you may want to make several sets.)Divide the class into groups of three or four.eslworksheetsandlessonplans.comGroup Discussion Activities for Advanced ESL StudentsCURRENT AND FUTURE TRENDSFrom the authorThis activity is meant for advanced ESL students. This activitycontains detailed teacher’s notes and 48 topic cards, and astudent handout listing some current and future trends.This activity is designed to• advanced students with the opportunity to share their opinionswith their classmates.• encourage group interaction and discussions• increase individual student’s speaking time during class• expand students’ use of new vocabulary and expressionsPaul Hamel has been teaching ESL for over 40 years and is currently teachingat the American Language Center at UCLA Extension in Los Angeles.Place an envelope in front of each group. Do not let the students open the envelope to see the topics ahead of time.Tell the students to take turns selecting one card from the envelope.Will goldcontinue toincrease invalue?Do you noticeany politicaltrends in yourcountry?How haveclothing andfashion trendschanged howpeople dress?Can you nameany cultural orsocial trendsthat worry you?Will thedeclining trendin cigarettesmokingcontinue?Can you nameany positivecurrent culturalor socialtrends?6789101112Tell them to read their question aloud and lead their group in discussing the topic on the card for about five minutes. (If thestudents are uncomfortable with a specific topic, encourage them to choose another card.)Each student should lead at least one discussion.Walk around the classroom and join each group for a few minutes and correct the students’ pronunciation and grammar.(Do not hover over a group, sit down at eye-level.)If groups finish discussing their topics, have them exchange cards with another group and continue the activity.During the last twenty minutes of the activity, ask volunteers from each group to share what their group discussed. Placenew vocabulary and expressions on the board.At the end of the activity collect the cards and store them in the envelopes for future use.Continue this activity by discussing additional topics on the accompanying handout.Discussion Topics1. Is there a trend to accept gays more openly in society?2. Will it be easier or more difficult to get health care in thefuture?3. Will the declining trend in cigarette smoking continue?4. How have clothing and fashion trends changed how peopledress?5. Will the trend for women to have fewer children continue?6. Will the trend to increase food production continue?7. Is there a serious trend in the development of sustainableenergy?8. What future trend do you see in the cost of gas/oil?9. How have trends in hair styles changed over the years?10. What trends in real estate do you expect to see in the nearfuture?11. What are some of the latest trends in technology?eslworksheetsandlessonplans.com12. Will gold continue to increase in value?13. How have musical trends changed in the past few years?14. What are some current trends in new car design?15. Are there any new trends in what kind of food people eat?16. Are there any new kinds of diet trends?17. Are there any new exercise trends?18. Will the trend for people to live longer continue?19. Will the trend to replace people with robots at work bepositive or negative?20. Will the trend for women to work outside the homecontinue?21. Do you notice any political trends in your country?22. Can you name any cultural or social trends that worry you?23. Can you name any positive current cultural or socialtrends?24. Do you notice any trends in how people do their shopping?© Paul J. Hamel 2012 • Lesson 0150

Sheet 1: Cut along the dotted line to make cards.Will it be easieror more difficultto get healthcare in thefuture?Is there a trendto accept gaysmore openly insociety?Will thedeclining trendin cigarettesmokingcontinue?How haveclothing andfashion trendschanged howpeople dress?Will the trend forwomen to havefewer childrencontinue?Will the trendto increasefood productioncontinue?Is there aserious trend inthe developmentof sustainableenergy?What futuretrend do yousee in the costof gas/oil?How havetrends in hairstyles changedover the years?What trends inreal estate doyou expect tosee in the nearfuture?What aresome of thelatest trends intechnology?Will goldcontinue toincrease invalue?

Sheet 2: Cut along the dotted line to make cards.How havemusical trendschanged in thepast few years?What aresome currenttrends in newcar design?Are there anynew trendsin what kindof food peopleeat?Are there anynew kinds ofdiet trends?Are there anynew exercisetrends?Will the trendfor people tolive longercontinue?Will the trend toreplace peoplewith robots atwork be positiveor negative?Will the trendfor women towork outside thehome continue?Do you noticeany politicaltrends in yourcountry?Can you namecultural or socialtrends thatworry you?Can you nameany positivecurrent culturalor socialtrends?Do you noticeany trends inhow people dotheir shopping?

Current and Future Trendstrend: definition - a general direction in which something tends to moveDiscuss some of the following trends and their implications for the future.1. hair styles2. cigarette smoking3. renewable energy4. university costs5. use of technology6. cost /standard of living7. personal liberty/freedom8. employment opportunities9. entertainment choices10. climate change11. life expectancy12. clothes and fashion13. food production14. social networking15. family size16. gas and energy prices17. genetic engineering18. global economy19. personal security20. robots21. housing costs22. human rights23. amount of personal privacy24. income disparity25. interest rates26. interior design27. internet use28. life expectancy29. curing diseases30. availability of health care31. shopping32. news coverage33. pace of life34. parties and celebrations35. kinds of personal relationships36. political views37. population growth38. racial and ethnic harmony39. real estate prices40. recreational activities41. religious beliefs42. stock market growth43. acceptance of homosexuality44. surveillance45. tattoos46. terrorism47. tourism48. modes of transportation49. use of marijuana50. wareslworksheetsandlessonplans.com© Paul J. Hamel 2012 • Lesson 0150

eslworksheetsandlessonplans.comGroup Discussion Activities for Advanced ESL StudentsTRIVIA gameFrom the authorThis activity is meant for advanced ESL students. This activitycontains detailed teacher’s notes, 60 trivia question cards, and astudent handout containing a list of the trivia questions.The activity is designed to• provide advanced ESL students with a fun group activity• encourage group interaction and discussion• increase individual student’s speaking time during class• expand students’ use of new vocabulary and expressions• test the students’ general knowledgeWhat moneydo they usein Japan?What’s thecapital ofBrazil?What is thebiggest countryin the world?Who inventedthe telephone?What year didChristopherColumbus goto America?Who paintedthe Mona Lisa?Paul Hamel has been teaching ESL for over 40 years and is currently teachingat the American Language Center at UCLA Extension in Los Angeles.Making the Flash Cards• This activity will require you to make double-sided photocopies. This may take a little effort, but onceyou have the cards, you will have a popular group activity that will last you many years. Card stock isrecommended, but regular paper is fine.• When photocopying, place the sheets containing the trivia questions followed by the sheets containing theanswers. For example, Sheet 1A should be followed by the Sheet 1B, etc. There are four different sets ofsheets of cards for a total of 60 cards.• Divide the 60 trivia cards into three or four piles. (For large classes you may want to make additional setsof cards.)• After you have made the two-sided photocopies, cut the sheets along the dotted line to form cards. Placethem in a small envelope for easy access and future storage.Lesson Plan123456789101112Teacher’s NotesDivide the class into groups of three or four.Place an envelope in front of each group. Do not let the students open the envelope to see thequestions ahead of time.Have each group select a score keeper.Tell the students to take turns selecting one trivia question at a time from the envelope.Direct them to read their question aloud and discuss possible answers to the trivia question.The first person to answer the question correctly gets one point.If groups run out of cards, have groups exchange cards and continue the activity.At the end of the activity have the score keepers report their group’s winner.Give the winners a round of applause.At the end of the activity collect the cards and store them in the envelopes for future use.Continue this activity at a future time by having different groups use different sets of cards.Distribute a copy of the handout containing a list of all the trivia questions. (If you continue the activity ata future time, you may not want to distribute the handout right away.)eslworksheetsandlessonplans.com© Paul J. Hamel 2012 • Lesson 0151

Sheet 1aTrivia Game QuestionsPhotocopy sheets “1a” and “1b” back to back and cut along the dotted lines to make cards.How longis a roundin boxing?How manycolors are therein a rainbow?How many lanesdoes an olympicswimming poolhave?How many legsdoes a spiderhave?How manyplayers arethere on avolleyball team?In whatlanguage does“obrigado” mean“thank you”?In which cityis Hollywood?What are thefirst three wordsof the bible?What are thefive colors of theOlympic rings?What colorsmake purple?What do youuse to take acork out of abottle?Whathoroscopesign hasa crab?What is thecapital ofAustralia?What is thefirst letter ona keyboard?What countryhas the largestpopulation?

Sheet 1bTrivia Game QuestionsPhotocopy sheets “1a” and “1b” back to back and cut along the dotted lines to make cards.8 7 3 minutesPortuguese 6 8red, yellow,green, blue,and blackIn thebeginning ...LosAngelesCancera corkscrewred andblueChina(1,300,000,000) Q Canberra

Sheet 2aTrivia Game QuestionsPhotocopy sheets “2a” and “2b” back to back and cut along the dotted lines to make cards.What moneydo they usein Japan?What’s thebiggest countryin the world?What year didChristopherColumbus goto America?What’s thecapitalof Brazil?What’s thecapital ofEcuador?What’s theworld’s longestriver?What’s thecapital ofFinland?On whatcontinent isCameroon?What’s thecapital ofKenya?What’s thehardest rock?What’s thehighestmountainin Africa?What’s thehighestmountainin the world?What’s thelargest cityin India?What’s the mostimportant bookin the Muslimreligion?What’s the nameof the famousbig clock inLondon?

Sheet 2bTrivia Game QuestionsPhotocopy sheets “2a” and “2b” back to back and cut along the dotted lines to make cards.1492 Russia yenNile River4,160 miles/6,695 kilometersQuitoBrasiliaNairobi Africa HelsinkiEverest Kilimanjaro diamondBig Ben Koran Bombay

Sheet 3aTrivia Game QuestionsPhotocopy sheets “3a” and “3b” back to back and cut along the dotted lines to make cards.What’s thereal nameof SiddarthaGautama?What’s thesmallest countryin the world?When did thefirst man gointo space?When did theFirst WorldWar start?When did theSecond WorldWar end?Where doesthe Americanpresident live?Where is thesmallest bonein the body?Where wasChristopherColumbus born?Which fast foodrestaurants wereestablishedby Ray Kroc?Which is thelargest ocean?Which is themost spokenlanguage?Which is theonly mammalthat can’t jump?Which isthe smallestocean?Which planetis nearestthe sun?Which rivergoes throughLondon?

Sheet 3bTrivia Game QuestionsPhotocopy sheets “3a” and “3b” back to back and cut along the dotted lines to make cards.1961 VaticanCityBuddhaThe WhiteHouse1945 1914McDonaldsGenoa,Italyearelephant Chinese PacificThames Mercury Artic

Sheet 4aTrivia Game QuestionsPhotocopy sheets “4a” and “4b” back to back and cut along the dotted lines to make cards.What state isknown as the“Golden State?”What does“D.C.” mean inWashington D.C.?Who is MickeyMouse’sgirlfriend?Who gave hisname to themonth of July?Who inventedthe electriclight bulb?Who inventedthe telephone?Who paintedthe Mona Lisa?Who saidE=mc2?Who said“I think,thereforeI am?”Who said, “Vini,vidi, vici”?Who startsfirst in chess?Who was thefirst manin space?Who was thefirst man onthe moon?Who was thefirst presidentof the UnitedStates?What’s thebiggest cityin the USA?

Sheet 4bTrivia Game QuestionsPhotocopy sheets “4a” and “4b” back to back and cut along the dotted lines to make cards.MinnieMouseDistrict ofColumbiaCaliforniaAlexanderGrahamBellThomasEdisonJuliusCaesarDescartesAlbertEinsteinDa VinciGagarin white JuliusCaesarNew YorkGeorgeWashingtonNeilArmstrong

Trivia Game Questions and Answers1. How long is a round in boxing? (3 minutes)2. How many colors are there in a rainbow? (7)3. How many lanes does an olympic swimming poolhave? (8)4. How many legs does a spider have? (8)5. How many players are there on a volleyball team? (6)6. In what language does “obrigado” mean “thankyou”? (Portuguese)7. In which city is Hollywood? (Los Angeles)8. What are the first three words of the bible? (In thebeginning...)9. What are the five colors of the Olympic rings?(red, yellow, green, blue, and black)10. What colors make purple? (red and blue)11. What do you use to take a cork out of a bottle?(a corkscrew)12. What horoscope sign has a crab? (cancer)13. What is the capital of Australia? (Canberra)14. What is the first letter on a keyboard? (Q)15. What country has the largest population?(China)16. What money do they use in Japan? (yen)17. What’s the biggest country in the world?(Russia)18. What year did Christopher Columbus go toAmerica? (1492)19. What’s the capital of Brazil? (Brasilia)20. What’s the capital of Finland? (Helsinki)21. What’s the capital of Ecuador? (Quito)22. What’s the world’s longest river? (Nile)23. On what continent is Cameroon? (Africa)24. What’s the capital of Kenya? (Nairobi?25. What’s the hardest rock? (diamond)26. What’s the highest mountain in Africa?(Kilimanjaro)27. What’s the highest mountain in the world?(Everest)28. What’s the largest city in India? (Bombay)29. What’s the most important book in the Muslimreligion? (Koran)30. What’s the name of the famous big clock inLondon? (Big Ben)31. What’s the real name of Siddartha Gautama?(Buddha)eslworksheetsandlessonplans.com32. What’s the smallest country in the world?(Vatican City)33. When did the first man go into space? (1961)34. When did the First World War start? (1914)35. When did the Second World War end? (1945)36. Where does the American president live? (TheWhite House)37. Where is the smallest bone in the body? (ear)38. Where was Christopher Columbus born?(Genoa, Italy)39. Which fast food restaurants were established byRay Kroc? (McDonalds)40. Which is the largest ocean? (Pacific)41. Which is the most spoken language? (Chinese)42. Which is the only mammal that can’t jump?(elephant)43. Which is the smallest ocean? (Artic)44. Which planet is nearest the sun? (Mercury)45. Which river goes through London? (Thames)46. What state is known as the “Golden State?”(California)47. What does “D.C.” mean in Washington, D.C.?(District of Columbia)48. Who gave his name to the month of July? (JuliusCaesar)49. Who invented the electric light bulb? (ThomasEdison)50. Who invented the telephone? (Bell)51. Who painted the Mona Lisa? (Da Vinci)52. Who said E=mc2 (Einstein)53. Who said, “I think, therefore I am”? (Descartes)54. Who said, “Vini, vidi, vici”? (Caesar)55. Who starts first in chess? (white)56. Who was the first man in space? (Gagarin)57. Who was the first man on the moon? (NeilArmstrong)58. Who was the first president of the United States?(Washington)59. Who is Mickey Mouse’s girlfriend? (MinnieMouse)60. What is the biggest city in the United States?(New York)© Paul J. Hamel 2012 • Lesson 0151

eslworksheetsandlessonplans.comGroup Discussion Activities for Advanced ESL StudentsDiscussing Controversial topics 1LAW • EDUCATION • GOVERNMENT • ENVIRONMENT • BUSINESSFrom the authorThis activity is meant for advanced ESL students.This activity contains detailed teacher’s notes, 24 questioncards, and a student handout listing all the questions.Controversial Topics 1 deal with topics concerning law,education, government, environment, and businessShouldmarijuana belegalized?Should auniversityeducation befree to all?Should militaryservice bevoluntary?The activity was designed toPaul Hamel has beenteaching ESL for over40 years and is currentlyteaching at the AmericanLanguage Center at UCLAExtension in Los Angeles.• provide advanced students with the opportunity to discusscurrent controversial topics• let students share opinions and views with their classmates• encourage group interaction and discussion• increase individual student’s speaking time during classAre there toomany peopleon this planet?Is climatechange real?Areinternationalcorporationstoo big?Teacher’s Notes123456789101112Print out and photocopy the two sheets of controversial question cards.Cut the sheets into cards and place them into envelopes. (For large classes, you may want to makeseveral sets.)Divide the class into groups of three or four.Place an envelope in front of each group. (Do not let the students open the envelope to see the topicsahead of time.)Tell the students to take turns selecting one card from the envelope.Tell them to read their question aloud and lead their group in discussing the question on the card. Ifa group does not feel comfortable discussing a topic, encourage them to choose another topic. (Eachstudent should lead at least one discussion.)Walk around the classroom and join each group for a few minutes and correct the studentspronunciation and grammar. (Do not hover over a group, sit down at eye-level.)If groups run out of question cards, have them exchange cards with another group and continue theactivity.During the last twenty minutes of the activity, ask volunteers from each group to share which questionstheir group discussed. (Place important vocabulary and expressions on the board.)At the end of the activity collect the cards and store them in the envelopes for future use.Continue this activity at a future time using different sets of cards for different groups.Distribute the handout containing the complete list of questions.eslworksheetsandlessonplans.com© Paul J. Hamel 2012 • Lesson 0152

Sheet 1Cut along the dotted line to make cards.Should peoplehave the rightto keep gunsat home?Shouldmarijuanabe legalized?Shouldpornographybe banned?Should thealcoholdrinking age beincreased orlowered?Should pitbull dogs bebanned?Shouldabortion belegal?Shouldadultery bea criminaloffense?Should therebe capitalpunishment?Should auniversityeducation befree to all?Should Englishbe the onlyofficial languagein the U.S.?Should therebe a worldlanguage?Should parentsbe requiredto send theirchildren toschool?

Sheet 2Cut along the dotted line to make cards.Shouldreligion betaught inschool?Shouldgovernmentsspend moneyexploring outerspace?Shouldeveryone betaxed at thesame rate?Should illegalimmigrantsbe detainedin jails?Will there everbe a worldgovernment?Should militaryservice bevoluntary?Shouldgovernments limitthe number ofchildren couplescan have?Are there toomany peopleon this planet?Should thedead be buriedor cremated?Is climatechange real?Will there everbe a worldcurrency?Are internationalcorporationstoo big?

Discussing Controversial topics 1LAW • EDUCATION • GOVERNMENT • ENVIRONMENT • BUSINESSLaw1. Should people have the right to keep guns at home?2. Should marijuana be legalized?3. Should pornography be banned?4. Should the alcohol drinking age be increased or lowered?5. Should pit bull dogs be banned?6. Should abortion be legal?7. Should adultery be a criminal offense?8. Should there be capital punishment?Education9. Should a university education be free to all?10. Should English be the only official language in the U.S.?11. Should there be a world language?12. Should parents be required to send their children to school?13. Should religion be taught in school?Government14. Should governments spend money exploring outer space?15. Should everyone be taxed at the same rate?16. Should illegal immigrants be detained in jails?17. Will there ever be a world government?18. Should military service be voluntary?19. Should governments limit the number of children couples can have?Environment20. Are there too many people on this planet?21. Should the dead be buried or cremated?22. Is climate change real?Business23. Will there ever be a world currency?24. Are international corporations too big?eslworksheetsandlessonplans.com© Paul J. Hamel 2012 • Lesson 0152

Discussing Controversial topics 2Paul Hamel has beenteaching ESL for over40 years and is currentlyteaching at the AmericanLanguage Center at UCLAExtension in Los Angeles.eslworksheetsandlessonplans.comGroup Discussion Activities for Advanced ESL StudentsCULTURE • FAMILY • HEALTH • BELIEFS • ETHICSFrom the authorThis activity is meant for advanced ESL students. This activitycontains detailed teacher’s notes, 24 question cards, and ahandout listing all the questions. Controversial Topics 2 dealswith culture, family, health, beliefs, and ethics.The activity is designed to• provide advanced ESL students with the opportunity todiscuss current controversial topics• let students share opinions and views with their classmates• encourage group interaction and discussion• increase individual student’s speaking time during classAre we toodependent oncomputers?Is it everokay to lie?Will therealways beracism?Is there lifeafter death?What age isappropriatefor dating?Is nuclearenergy safe?123456789101112Teacher’s NotesPrint out and photocopy the two sheets of controversial question cards.Cut the sheets into cards and place them into envelopes. (For large classes, you may want to makeseveral sets.)Divide the class into groups of three or four.Place an envelope in front of each group. (Do not let the students open the envelope to see the topicsahead of time.)Tell the students to take turns selecting one card from the envelope.Tell them to read their question aloud and lead their group in discussing the question on the card. Ifa group does not feel comfortable discussing a topic, encourage them to choose another topic. (Eachstudent should lead at least one discussion.)Walk around the classroom and join each group for a few minutes and correct the studentspronunciation and grammar. (Do not hover over a group, sit down at eye-level.)If groups run out of question cards, have them exchange cards with another group and continue theactivity.During the last twenty minutes of the activity, ask volunteers from each group to share which questionstheir group discussed. (Place important vocabulary and expressions on the board.)At the end of the activity collect the cards and store them in the envelopes for future use.Continue this activity at a future time using different sets of cards for different groups.Distribute the handout containing the complete list of questions.eslworksheetsandlessonplans.com© Paul J. Hamel 2012 • Lesson 0153

Sheet 1Cut along the dotted line to make cards.Are actors andprofessionalathletes paidtoo much?Are we toodependent oncomputers?Are socialnetworkingsites goodfor society?Who decideswhat isbeautiful?Would you everconsider havingcosmeticsurgery?Is it okay forcouples to havesex beforemarriage?Will therealways beracism?When shouldparents lettheir teensmake their owndecisions?What age isappropriatefor dating?Is gettingdivorced tooeasy today?Will yourchildren livebetter thanyou?Do you believein arrangedmarriages?

Sheet 2Cut along the dotted line to make cards.Are cellphonesdangerous?Shouldcigarettesmoking bebanned?Shouldmedical carebe free?Is nuclearenergy safe?Is geneticengineeringdangerous?Doesorganizedreligion causewars?Is there lifeafter death?Is there otherintelligent life inthe universe?Should animalsbe used forresearch?Shouldmarketingcompaniestarget children?Shouldassistedsuicide belegal?Is it everokay to lie?

Discussing Controversial topics 2CULTURE • FAMILY • HEALTH • BELIEFS • ETHICSCulture1. Are actors and professional athletes paid too much?2. Are we too dependent on computers?3. Are social networking sites good for society?4. Who decides what is beautiful?5. Would you ever consider having cosmetic surgery?6. Is it okay for couples to have sex before marriage?7. Will there always be racism?Family8. When should parents let their teens make their own decisions?9. What age is appropriate for dating?10. Is getting divorced too easy today?11. Will your children live better than you?12. Do you believe in arranged marriages?Health13. Are cell phones dangerous?14. Should cigarette smoking be banned?15. Should medical care be free?16. Is nuclear energy safe?17. Is genetic engineering dangerous?Beliefs18. Does organized religion cause wars?19. Is there life after death?20. Is there other intelligent life in the universe?Ethics21. Should animals be used for research?22. Should marketing companies target children?23. Should assisted suicide be legal?24. Is it ever okay to lie?eslworksheetsandlessonplans.com© Paul J. Hamel 2012 • Lesson 0153

Paul Hamel has beenteaching ESL for over40 years and is currentlyteaching at the AmericanLanguage Center at UCLAExtension in Los Angeles.eslworksheetsandlessonplans.comGroup Discussion Activities for Advanced ESL StudentsDiscussing Currentbusiness related topicsFrom the authorThis activity is meant for advanced ESL students.This activity contains detailed teacher’s notes, 30 questioncards, and a handout listing all the questions.The activity is designed to• provide advanced students with the opportunity to discusscurrent controversial topics• let students share opinions and views with their classmates• encourage group interaction and discussion• increase individual student’s speaking time during classAreinternationalcorporationstoo big?Should thegovernmentregulatebanks?Do flexiblework schedulesworkShouldemployeesbelong tounions?Are CEOspaid tomuch?Should allemployees bedrug tested?1234567891011Teacher’s NotesPrint out and photocopy the two sheets of business related question cards.Cut the sheets into cards and place them into envelopes. (For large classes, you may want to makeseveral sets.)Divide the class into groups of three or four.Place an envelope in front of each group. (Do not let the students open the envelope to see the topicsahead of time.)Tell the students to take turns selecting one card from the envelope.Tell them to read their question aloud and lead their group in discussing the question on the card. Ifa group does not feel comfortable discussing a topic, encourage them to choose another topic. (Eachstudent should lead at least one discussion.)Walk around the classroom and join each group for a few minutes and correct the studentspronunciation and grammar. (Do not hover over a group, sit down at eye-level.)If groups run out of question cards, have them exchange cards with another group and continue theactivity.During the last twenty minutes of the activity, ask volunteers from each group to share which questionstheir group discussed. (Place important vocabulary and expressions on the board.)At the end of the activity collect the cards and store them in the envelopes for future use.Distribute the handout containing the complete list of questions.eslworksheetsandlessonplans.com© Paul J. Hamel 2012 • Lesson 0154

Sheet 1Cut along the dotted line to make cards.Areinternationalcorporationstoo big?Is businessspying a majorproblem?Shouldbusinessesmonitor theiremployees’e-mails?Is identitytheft a seriousproblem?Should animals beused in productresearch?Are CEOspaid too much?Are we toodependent oncomputers?Do flexible workschedules work?Should there bea minimum wagelaw?Is climatechange manmade?Should businessescontribute to theiremployee’s pensionplan?Is a 40-hourwork week toolong?Should businessprofits beshared withemployees?Are you optimisticor pessimisticabout the futureworld economy?Should someoffice workers beallowed to workat home?

Sheet 2Cut along the dotted line to make cards.Can solar andwind powersolve our energyproblems?Should Internetsales be taxed likeother businesses?Do ethics playan importantpart inbusiness?Are businessestaxed toomuch?Do environmentallaws work?Are cell phonesdangerous?Should theretirement agebe extended?Do import andexport taxes hurtor help business?Shouldgovernmentsregulatebanks?Should allemployees bedrug tested?Should marketingcompanies targetchildren?Shouldemployeesbelong tounions?Shouldundocumentedimmigrants beallowed to work?Shouldbusinessespay for theiremployee’s healthcare?Should healthcare be privateor public?

usiness related questions1. Are international corporations too big?2. Is business spying a major problem?3. Is identity theft a serious problem?4. Should animals be used in product research?5. Are we too dependent on computers?6. Do flexible work schedules work?7. Should businesses monitor their employee’s e-mails?8. Are CEOs paid too much?9. Should there be a minimum wage law?10. Is climate change man-made?11. Is a 40-hour work week too long?12. Should business profits be shared with employees?13. Are you optimistic or pessimistic about the future world economy?14. Should some office workers be allowed to work at home?15. Can solar and wind power solve our energy problems?16. Should internet sales be taxed like other businesses?17. Do ethics play an important part in business?18. Are businesses taxed too much?19. Do environmental laws work?20. Are cell phones dangerous?21. Should the retirement age be extended?22. Do import and export taxes hurt or help businesses?23. Should governments regulate banks?24. Should all employees be drug tested?25. Should marketing companies target children?26. Should employees belong to unions?27. Should undocumented immigrants be allowed to work?28. Should businesses pay for their employees’ health care?29. Should health care be public or private?30. Should business contribute to their employee’s pension plan?eslworksheetsandlessonplans.com© Paul J. Hamel 2012 • Lesson 0154

eslworksheetsandlessonplans.comGroup Discussion Activities for Advanced ESL StudentsDiscussing Common JobInterview QuestionsFrom the authorThis activity is meant for advanced ESL students. This activitycontains detailed teacher’s notes, 36 question cards, and ahandout listing all the questions.The activity was designed toAre you legallyauthorized towork?Are youwilling totravel?Have youever beenconvicted ofa crime?Paul Hamel has beenteaching ESL for over40 years and is currentlyteaching at the AmericanLanguage Center at UCLAExtension in Los Angeles.• provide advanced students with the opportunity to discussa variety of answers to common job interview questions• let students share personal experiences with classmates• encourage group interaction and discussion• increase individual student’s speaking time during classHow do youhandle stressand pressure?What areyour greateststrengths?Why shouldwe hire you?Teacher’s Notes123456789101112Print out and photocopy the three sheets of job interview question cards.Cut the sheets into cards and place them into envelopes. (For large classes, you may want to makeseveral sets.)Divide the class into groups of three or four.Place an envelope in front of each group. (Do not let the students open the envelope to see the topicsahead of time.)Tell the students to take turns selecting one card from the envelope.Tell them to read their question aloud and lead their group in discussing the question on the card.(Each student should lead at least one discussion.)Walk around the classroom and join each group for a few minutes and correct the studentspronunciation and grammar. (Do not hover over a group, sit down at eye-level.)If groups run out of question cards, have them exchange cards with another group and continue theactivity.During the last twenty minutes of the activity, ask volunteers from each group to share which questionstheir group discussed. (Place important vocabulary and expressions on the board.)At the end of the activity collect the cards and store them in the envelopes for future use.Continue this activity at a future time using different sets of cards for different groups.Distribute the handout containing the common job interview questions.eslworksheetsandlessonplans.com© Paul J. Hamel 2012 • Lesson 0155

Sheet 1Cut along the dotted line to make cards.Are you legallyauthorized towork?Are youwilling torelocate?Are you willingto travel?Are you willingto work nights,weekends, andholidays?Do you haveany languageabilities thatmight assist youin performingthis job?Can youdescribe a timewhen your workwas criticizedand how did youhandle it?Do you needadditionaltraining?Describe asituation whereyou had tomake a quickdecision.Do you prefer afixed or flexiblework schedule?Do you preferto workindependentlyor on a team?Have you everbeen convictedof a crime?Have you everhad difficulty witha supervisor orteacher? Howdid you resolvethe conflict?

Sheet 2Cut along the dotted line to make cards.How do you feelabout takingwork homewith you?How muchexperiencedo you have?If you knew yourboss was 100%wrong aboutsomething, whatwould you do?How do youhandle stressand pressure?How would youdescribe yourwork style?Tell me about amajor problemyou recentlyhandled. Wereyou successful inresolving it?How has yourschool/workexperienceprepared you forworking at ourcompany?What areyour greateststrengths?What areyour salaryexpectations?How long doyou expect towork for us ifhired?What is yourgreatestachievement?What is yourgreatest failureand what did youlearn from it?

Sheet 3Cut along the dotted line to make cards.What is yourgreatestweakness?What is yourphilosophytowards work?What isyour style ofleadership?What kind ofsituationdo you findstressful?Whatmotivatesyou?What skillscan you bringto thiscompany?Whattechnologyare youfamiliar with?What typeof workenvironmentdo you prefer?What’s the mostimportant thingyou learned inschool?Where didyou workbefore?Why are youthe bestperson forthe job?Why shouldwe hire you?

Common Job Interview Questions1. Are you legally authorized to work?2. Are you willing to relocate?3. Are you willing to travel?4. Are you willing to work nights, weekends, and holidays?5. Can you describe a time when your work was criticized and how did you handle it?6. Describe a situation where you had to make a quick decision.7. Do you have any language abilities that might assist you in performing this job?8. Do you need additional training?9. Do you prefer a fixed or flexible work schedule?10. Do you prefer to work independently or on a team?11. Have you ever been convicted of a crime?12. Have you ever had difficulty with a supervisor or teacher? How did you resolve the conflict?13. How do you feel about taking work home with you?14. How do you handle stress and pressure?15. How has your school/work experience prepared you for working at our company?16. How long do you expect to work for us if hired?17. How much experience do you have?18. How would you describe your work style?19. If you knew your boss was 100% wrong about something, what would you do?20. Tell me about a major problem you recently handled. Were you successful in resolving it?21. What are your greatest strengths?22. What are your salary expectations?23. What is your greatest achievement?24. What is your greatest failure and what did you learn from it?25. What is your greatest weakness?26. What is your philosophy towards work?27. What is your style of leadership?28. What kind of situation do you find stressful?29. What motivates you?30. What skills can you bring to this company?31. What technology are you familiar with?32. What type of work environment do you prefer?33. What’s the most important thing you learned in school?34. Where did you work before?35. Why are you the best person for the job?36. Why should we hire you?eslworksheetsandlessonplans.com© Paul J. Hamel 2012 • Lesson 0155

eslworksheetsandlessonplans.comGroup Discussion Activities for Advanced ESL Studentsreal news tidbits 1From the authorThis activity is meant for advanced ESL students. This activity contains detailed teacher’snotes and two handouts.The activity is designed to• provide advanced students with the opportunity to discuss current general news topics• let students share opinions and views with their classmates• encourage group interaction and discussion• increase individual student’s speaking time during classPaul Hamel has been teaching ESL for over 40 years and is currently teaching at the American LanguageCenter at UCLA Extension in Los Angeles.Teacher’s Notes12345678Print out and photocopy the two sheets of controversial question cards.Divide the class into groups of three or four.Distribute copies of the handout. To save paper, photocopy back to back.Direct each student to choose two tidbit items on the handout.Tell the students to take a few minutes to read their articles/tidbits.Tell the students to take turns leading a discussion about their topics.Walk around the classroom and join each group for a few minutes and correct the studentspronunciation and grammar. (Do not hover over a group, sit down at eye-level.)During the last twenty minutes of the activity, ask volunteers from each group to share some of thetopics their group discussed. (Place important vocabulary and expressions on the board.)eslworksheetsandlessonplans.com© Paul J. Hamel 2012 • Lesson 0156

GROUP DISCUSSIONREAL NEWS TIDBITS 1Directions• Break up into groupsof three or four.• Each student choosestwo articles.• Take a few minutes toread your articles andbe prepared to lead adiscussion about them.• Share some of thehighlights of yourgroup’s discussionwith the whole class.Off-Color JokesHaving a sense of humor isa good trait to show, but becareful about comments thatcould be considered offensive.Offending someone is an easyway to be lose friends. Jokesthat involve race, gender,national origin, religion, age ordisabilities are out of bounds.If you’re tempted to tell a storywith any of these elements,stop yourself. Not only doessuch misuse of stereotypesreflect on your sensitivity andcharacter, you may step onunseen toes without knowingit.Discussion: Describe asituation in which you heardan off-color joke. What wasyour reaction?I arrivedat two totwo.I got here attwo to two, too.Discussion: What other wordsdo you know that sound thesame but also has a differentmeaning?eslworksheetsandlessonplans.comtidbit (tid’bit) noun. a tasty morsel to be enjoyed before the mealHEALTHCRISIS: Youth substanceabuse is called the leading U.S.public health problem.Addictionoften rootedbefore 21Addictions are largely problemsfor people who begin smoking,drinking or using other drugsbefore age 21, according to areport published Wednesdayby the National Center onAddiction and SubstanceAbuse at Columbia University.Adolescent substance abuse isAmerica’s leading public healthproblem, with 20% of all highschool students meeting themedical criteria for addiction.The report says that’s troublingbecause substances actdifferently on the developingbrain than they do on the adultbrain. The report notes that 1 in4 Americans who began usingany addictive substance beforeage 18 are addicted, comparedwith 1 in 25 Americans whostarted using at 21 or older.SHARI ROAN--Los AngelesTimes, July 4, 2011Discussion: What is the bestway to deal with addictions?Save moneyby payingyourselfPut an open jar in a conspicuousplace in your home. When youdo something you might havepaid for – ironing, cooking, fixinga good latte – feed the jar withthe amount you’d have spent.Do the same if you resist theimpulse to buy something. Themoney will add up fast. AARPbulletin, July-August 2011Discussion: Can you nameadditional ways to save money?Amazon launchesdigital rentals ofcollege textbooksBy NATHAN OLIVAREZ-GILES, Los Angeles Times, July 19, 2011College textbooks are getting a bit more affordable.Amazon.com Inc. on Monday said it launched a program in whichcollege students can rent digital copies of “tens of thousands oftextbooks” at a fraction of the costof buying them.The online retailer said the rentalfees could be as much as 80percent lower than the purchaseprice. Students can rent a textbookfor as few as 30 days or up to 360days, with fees based on how longthe book is rented, Amazon said.Rentals can be read on Amazon’sKindle e-reader, as well as Macsand PCs that have the Kindle app.They can also be read on smartphones and tablet computersrunning the Apple iOS, Microsoft Windows Phone 7 and GoogleAndroid operating systems.Discussion: How will on-line student textbooks changeeducation?Income Divide GrowsGap between the rich and poor has widened inmost developed nations, report says.The United States continues to outpace other developedeconomies globally with one of the biggest divides betweenrich and poor; according to a new report. The Organization forEconomic Cooperation and Development reported that the averageincome of the richest 10% in developed nations is nine times thatof the poorest 10%, up from five times as large in the 1980s. Thedifference between the highest and lowest paid is greater in theUnited States than in most other wealthy countries; while inequalityhas risen, faster in others such as Sweden and Finland, the reportsays. “This phenomenon is not confined to the U.S. — it’s muchmore general to advanced countries in the world,” said EdwardWolff, a professor studying income inequality at New York University.A report released last month by the nonpartisan CongressionalBudget Office said that the income of the richest 1% of Americanhouseholds rose 275% between 1979 and 2007, while the incomeof the poorest 20% grew 18% over the same period. These trendshave helped fuel the Occupy Wall Street movement and its protestof the growing gap between the rich and poor. Nathaniel Popper,L.A. Times, 12/9/2011Discussion: Will this trend continue? Can it be changed?© Paul J. Hamel 2012 • Lesson 0156

GROUP DISCUSSIONPage 2REAL NEWS TIDBITS 1CongressionalStaffers Firedover TweetsCongressman Rick Larsen(Democrat, Washington State)fired three staff members whoapparently chronicled theiron-the-job drinking exploits,including taking shots of JackDaniel’s at their desks, via Twitter.Larsen dismissed the threeThursday, about an hour afterlearning from their spokesmanBryan Thomas. The stafferswho were fired — legislativeassistants worked in Larsen’sWashington, D.C. offfce.Associated Press, 12/9/2011,Seattle, WashingtonDiscussion: Should employeee-mails, tweets, etc. bemonitored?Should the employees befired? Why or why not?LANGUAGEInteresting,I Could ReadEvery Word!!!I cdnuolt blveiee taht I cluodaulaclty uesdnatnrd waht I wasrdgniegThe Paomnnehal Pweorof the Hmuan MnidAoccdrnig to rscheearch atCmabrigde Uinervtisy, it deosn’tmttaer in waht oredr the ltteersin a wrod are, the olny iprmoatnttihng is taht the frist and lsatltteer be in the rghit pclae. Therset can be a taotl mses and youcan sitll raed it wouthit porbelm.Tihs is bcuseae the huamn mniddeos not raed ervey lteter byistlef, but the wrod as a wlohe.Amzanig huh?Challenge: Correct all thespelling errors.eslworksheetsandlessonplans.comtidbit (tid’bit) noun. a tasty morsel to be enjoyed before the mealTeens Put Off Driver’s LicensesIn an era of expensive gasoline and a struggling economy,young people are postponing getting their driver’s licenses. Thedata reflect big behavioral, technological and economic shifts,said Michael Sivak, research professor at the University ofMichigan’s Transportation Research Institute. “The availabilityof virtual contact - through electronic means has reduced theneed for actual contact among young people,” said Sivak, whoholds a doctorate in psychology. Parents worry that textingimperils driving skills, but Sivak’s research appears to indicatethat teenagers think traffic congestion and high fuel costs are thereal nightmares, taking up time and money that could otherwisebe spent on electronic communication. Between 1983 and 2008,the percentage of 16-year-olds obtaining driver’s licenses aroundthe USA fell from 46.2% to 31.1% The percentage of 17-yearoldswith licenses fell from 68.9% to 50%. For 17-year-olds, thedrop was from 80.4% to 65.4%. The declines were progressivelysmaller as the age range climbed. The numbers showed bigincreases in the number of older Americans holding on to theirdriver’s licenses. by Ronald D. White, L.A. Times, 10/6/2011Discussion: Do you belief this trend will continue?HEALTHTwenty-five percent of an average American’s total daily calorieconsumption comes from snacks, beverages and not from foodeaten during meals. Source: Institute of Food TechnologyDiscussion: Should people count calories? Why or why not?What do you see in the photo?Turn your head sideways to the left and look at the photo again.Tongue TwisterWhether the weather be fineor whether the weather be not.Whether the weather be coldor whether the weather be hot.We’ll weather the weatherwhether we like it or not.Discussion: Say a tonguetwister in your own language.HUMORby Paul HamelWill you giveme a ringif we getengaged?RECIPEElephant StewFrom Smokey (The EtheridgeFamily Reunion Cook Book)Ingredients1 medium sized elephant500 bushels potatoes1 ton salt1 ton pepper200 bushels carrots4,000 sprigs parsley1,000 gallons brown gravy2 small rabbits (optional)Directions:Cut elephant into man-sizepieces. This will take abouttwo months. Cut vegetablesinto cubes, another 2 months.Place meat in pan, coverwith gravy and simmer for 4weeks. Shovel in salt andpepper to taste. When meatis tender, add the vegetables.(A steam shovel is useful forthis.) Simmer slowly for 4more weeks. This will serveabout 3,800 people. If moreare expected, add the rabbits,but this is not recommendedas few people like hare in theirstew.Discussion: Share some ofyour favorite recipes withthose in your group.JOKESQ: What do tigers have that noother animals have? A: Babytigers.Q: Why is the number six afraid?A: Because seven eight nine(seven ate nine).Discussion: Tell a joke.Okay,what’s yourtelephonenumber?Discussion: What makes this comic strip funny?© Paul J. Hamel 2012 • Lesson 0156

eslworksheetsandlessonplans.comGroup Discussion Activities for Advanced ESL Studentsreal news tidbits 2From the authorThis activity is meant for advanced ESL students. This activity contains detailed teacher’snotes and two handouts.The activity is designed to• provide advanced students with the opportunity to discuss current general news topics• let students share opinions and views with their classmates• encourage group interaction and discussion• increase individual student’s speaking time during classPaul Hamel has been teaching ESL for over 40 years and is currently teaching at the American LanguageCenter at UCLA Extension in Los Angeles.Teacher’s Notes12345678Print out and photocopy the two sheets of controversial question cards.Divide the class into groups of three or four.Distribute copies of the handout. To save paper, photocopy back to back.Direct each student to choose two tidbit items on the handout.Tell the students to take a few minutes to read their articles/tidbits.Tell the students to take turns leading a discussion about their topics.Walk around the classroom and join each group for a few minutes and correct the studentspronunciation and grammar. (Do not hover over a group, sit down at eye-level.)During the last twenty minutes of the activity, ask volunteers from each group to share some of thetopics their group discussed. (Place important vocabulary and expressions on the board.)eslworksheetsandlessonplans.com© Paul J. Hamel 2012 • Lesson 0157

GROUP DISCUSSIONREAL NEWS TIDBITS 2Directions• Break up into groupsof three or four.• Each student choosestwo articles.• Take a few minutes toread your articles andbe prepared to lead adiscussion about them.• Share some of thehighlights of yourgroup’s discussionwith the whole class.BRITAINWomen to Serveon SubmarinesWomen will be allowed to serveon submarines for the first time,Britain’s defense secretaryannounced after researchshowed that there were nohealth reasons to supportthe ban. A small number offemale officers who havevolunteered will begin trainingnext year and start serving onRoyal Navy nuclear-poweredsubmarines in late 2019.Women have been allowed onboard Royal Navy ships since1990 but weren’t eligible toserve on submarines becauseof concern that higher levelsof carbon dioxide in the boatsposed risks to their health. L.A.Times, 12/9/2011Discussion: Should womenbe allowed to serve in themilitary? Why or why not?What’s the differencebetween “partly cloudy”and “partly sunny?”eslworksheetsandlessonplans.comtidbit (tid’bit) noun. a tasty morsel to be enjoyed before the mealCOURTSTobacco firm’sappeal rejectedFlorida’s Supreme Courtdeclined to hear R. J. ReynoldsTobacco Co.’s appeal of a$28.3-million verdict in acase that the cigarette makerargued may affect thousandsof so-called Engle tobaccoclaims in the state. The courtdeclined to hear an appeal ofthe 2009 verdict in favor ofMathilde Martin, who said herhusband died from smoking.The decision leaves in placea lower state appeals courtruling that affirmed the verdict.The Engle decision threw outa $145-billion punitive damageverdict against the U.S.tobacco industry and ended astatewide class action filed onbehalf of Florida smokers.Discussion: Should smokersbe able to sue tobaccocompanies? Why or whynot?BUSINESSPost Officesare on Hit ListThe U.S. Postal Serviceannounced the closing of3,700 post offices because ofa $6,000,000 deficit.The Postal Service, fundedentirely by revenue from itsretail sales, has seen revenuedecline because of the public’suse of the Internet.As a result, it is shifting awayfrom traditional offices tosmaller shops in supermarkets,drugstores and office supplychains, as well as selling itsproducts online, The PostalService has 32,000 retailoffices-and more than 7,000third party retailers.Discussion: Should mailservice be privatized or runby the government? Whatare the advantages anddisadvantages?TECHNOLOGYThe business and culture of our digital livesOur Addiction to Technology TrumpsCaffeine, Chocolate and AlcoholThis probably sounds familiar: You’re out to dinner with friends,and everything’s fun, until you get that itch. It’s been 20 minutes,and you really want to check Facebook, or Twitter, or Foursquareor email. Forget about wanting; this is needing. You finally give into the urge and sneakily check your phone under the table -- orfake an urgent visit to the bathroom, where you’ll take a hit of theInternet while huddling in a stall.Anecdotally, our Internet use seems to have spawned realaddictions. And according to several recently released surveys,we’ve got it bad. More than half of Americans would rather giveup chocolate, alcohol and caffeine for a week before partingtemporarily with their phones, according to a recent survey bytechnology firm TeleNav. “Media is my drug; without it I was lost,”said a British student. “I am an addict. How could I survive 24hours without it?” One wrote: “Emptiness overwhelmed me.”Another said he “felt incomplete.” LA Times, August 11, 2011Discussion: Are you addicted to technology? If so, describehow it has changed your life.ANIMALSThe Battle of Cats vs. DogsWhich Are Smarter?Which of America’s favorite petsis top dog (or the cat’s meow)when it comes to smarts andskills? We turned to scienceto put the age-old rivalry tothe test. May the best pet win!There are many ways of sizingup what’s going on inside ourpets’ furry heads; scientistshave tried to assess such areas as communication, trainability,and complexity of thought. Sorry, cat lovers, but in just aboutevery measure, dogs come out on top. “The average dog canlearn 165 words; that’s equivalent to the vocabulary of a 2-yearoldchild,” says Coren, whose surveys have found that bordercollies, poodles, German shepherds, and golden retrievers arethe brainiest breeds. “Cats can learn something in the vicinityof 35 words.” (The smartest feline may be the Maine coon.)Dogs are also far easier to train and have a greater capacity forcomplex thought. A recent study found that pet dogs observeand learn from human behavior to such an extent that they won’tbother to beg for food while their owner is reading a book.Discussion: If you had a pet, what kind would it be?© Paul J. Hamel 2012 • Lesson 0157

ETHICSEthics Student isHacking SuspectA Harvard University fellowwho was studying ethicswas charged with hackinginto the MassachusettsInstitute of Technology’scomputer network to stealnearly 15 million academicarticles. Aaron Swartz, 24, ofCambridge was accused ofstealing the documents fromJSTOR, a popular researchsubscription service that offersdigitized copies of more than1,000 academic journals anddocuments, some dating fromthe 17th century. LA Times,July 20, 2011Disicussion: How shouldAaron Swartz be punished?PHILOSOPHYWhat does the following sayingmean to you? “The only constantin the universe is change.”DID YOU KNOW?More collect calls are made onFather’s Day than any other dayof the year. tidbitsweekly.comDiscussion: When was thelast time you spoke to yourfather? What did you speakabout?HUMORAn Odd TaleThere is the story of fourpeople named “EVERYBODY,”“SOMEBODY,” “ANYBODY,”and “NOBODY.” There wasan important job to do andEVERYBODY was askedto do it. ANYBODY couldhave done it, but NOBODYdid it. SOMEBODY gotangry about that becauseit was EVERYBODY’s job.EVERYBODY thought thatANYBODY could do it, butNOBODY realized thatEVERYBODY wouldn’t doit. Consequently, NOBODYtold ANYBODY about it,so EVERYBODY blamedSOMEBODY that nothing wasdone!! Oh no...eslworksheetsandlessonplans.comGROUP DISCUSSION Page 2REAL NEWS TIDBITS 2A Call for GlobalGay RightsSecretary of State HillaryRodham Clinton called onworld leaders for the first timeTuesday to stop discriminationagainst gays and lesbians,announcing that the UnitedStates would use diplomacyand $3 million in aid to helpexpand the rights of gaypeople around the world. Ina speech to mark HumanRights Day, Clinton declaredthat protecting the rights ofgay, lesbian, bisexual andtransgender people is “nowone of the remaining humanrights challenges of our time”and compared it to the battlesfor women’s rights, racialequality and religious freedom.Speaking at the United Nations’human rights body in Geneva,she noted that obstacles togender equality in much ofthe world “rest on deeply heldpersonal, political, culturaland religious beliefs.” Clintonsaid that in reality, gay peopleare born into and belong toevery society in the world.KimGeiger, L.A. Times, 12/9/2011Discussion: How are gaystreated in your country?Should they be treatedany differently than othergroups? Why or why not?Wisdom For LifeBy Guenther A. Keuneckefrom “Senior Moments”Do not necessarily think aboutyesterday,For it is gone.Do not necessarily think abouttomorrow,For it is not here yet.But do experience themoment of your life,For you are in its presence.Discussion: Retell this poemin your own words.BRAZILRain ForestDestructionSlows DownAnnual destruction of theAmazon rain forest fell to itslowest recorded level thisyear, Brazilian authoritiessaid, hailing a crackdown inenforcement for the decrease.The destruction from August2010 through July 2011 wasabout 2,410 square miles,according to the NationalInstitute for Space Research.The institute has trackedAmazon destruction since 1988by analyzing satellite images.The destruction peaked in1995, when 11,220 squaremiles were destroyed. Brazil’sgovernment has stepped upenforcement of environmentallaws in recent years, mostly bysending armed environmentalagents into the jungle to carryout large raids on deforestationhot spots. 12/6/2011Discussion: Do you thinkthat this trend will continue?How does the destructionof the rain forest affect theplanet?TRAVELGreat Ways to SaveWhile TravelingBring your ATM cardPass up the foreign currencyexchange kiosh—you’ll likelyget a bad rate. Use an ATMinstead. Avoid some feesby using machines affiliatedwith your home bank’s globalnetwork. Check with yourbank for details.Discussion: What experienceshave you had exchangingmoney while traveling?Space Burial?Want to be buried in space?The State of Virginia wouldhelp pay for space burial underproposed legislation that aimsto boost the Mid-AtlanticRegional Spaceport. Theproposal, which the GeneralAssembly will debate nextyear, would provide a Virginiaincome tax deduction up to$2,500 a year for such burials.The total deduction could notexceed $8,000, Proponentshope the measure will providerevenue for the spaceport,which is expanding becauseNASA decided to cancel thespace shuttle program. Thefacility, which describes itselfas a “full-service spaceport,”is located at Wallops Island onVirginia’s coast. Space burials,in which small samples of thecremated remains of peopleare sent into orbit, beganin 1997. Cory Nealon, L.A.Timee, 12/2011Discussion: Would youconsider being buried inspace? Why or why not?INTERNETFree Music OnlineInternet radio stations suchas nuTsle, SteroMood, PocketTunes, and Jango offer musicto fit your taste and mood.Radio Tuna searches for onlinestations currently streamingthe artist or genre you’rerequesting.Discussion: Have you everlistened to internet radio?If so, what are your favoritestations?© Paul J. Hamel 2012 • Lesson 0157

eslworksheetsandlessonplans.comGroup Discussion Activities for Advanced ESL Studentsreal news tidbits 3From the authorThis activity is meant for advanced ESL students. This activity contains detailed teacher’snotes and two handouts.The activity is designed to• provide advanced students with the opportunity to discuss current general news topics• let students share opinions and views with their classmates• encourage group interaction and discussion• increase individual student’s speaking time during classPaul Hamel has been teaching ESL for over 40 years and is currently teaching at the American LanguageCenter at UCLA Extension in Los Angeles.Teacher’s Notes12345678Print out and photocopy the two sheets of controversial question cards.Divide the class into groups of three or four.Distribute copies of the handout. To save paper, photocopy back to back.Direct each student to choose two tidbit items on the handout.Tell the students to take a few minutes to read their articles/tidbits.Tell the students to take turns leading a discussion about their topics.Walk around the classroom and join each group for a few minutes and correct the studentspronunciation and grammar. (Do not hover over a group, sit down at eye-level.)During the last twenty minutes of the activity, ask volunteers from each group to share some of thetopics their group discussed. (Place important vocabulary and expressions on the board.)eslworksheetsandlessonplans.com© Paul J. Hamel 2012 • Lesson 0158

GROUP DISCUSSIONREAL NEWS TIDBITS 3tidbit (tid’bit) noun. a tasty morsel to be enjoyed before the mealDirections• Break up into groupsof three or four.• Each student choosestwo articles.• Take a few minutes toread your articles andbe prepared to lead adiscussion about them.• Share some of thehighlights of yourgroup’s discussionwith the whole class.Questionof the DayIs knowing a littleabout a lot betterthan knowing a lotabout a little?SCIENCEPolar IceWarming air from climatechange isn’t the only thing thatwill speed melting near the poles-- so will the warming waterbeneath the ice, a new studysays. In a report in the journalNature Geoscience, ProfessorYin of the University of Arlzonasays warming oceans couldmean polar ice is melting fasterthan had been expected. “If youput an ice cube in a warm room,it will melt in several hours. Butif you put an ice cube in a cupof warm water, it will disappearin just minutes,” Yin said.Coauthor Jonathan Overpeckof the University of Arizona’sInstitute of the Environmentsaid in a statement: “This paperadds to the evidence that wecould have a sea level riseby the end of this century ofaround one meter.” ASSOCIATEDPRESSDiscussion: Is climate changereal? If so, how will it affectyou during your lifetime?SCIENCELonger Life Looks Like, a Gene ThingThe secret to a very long life may have nothing to do with what youeat, how, much exercise you get, or whether you smoke or drink.It may be that you hit the genetic jackpot, a study suggests.Researchers identified 477 people who were at least 95 yearsold and found surveys they had completed about their lifestylehabits. That information was compared with surveys from 3,164people from the general population who were born around thesame time but were no longer alive. Overall, there were nosignificant differences. They had similar average body massindex, had about the same daily alcohol consumption and gotabout the same amount of regular exercise. Also, about thesame percentage of people followed a low-calorie diet. Amongthe few differences: Those in the over-95 group were Iess likelyto be obese. The researchers concluded that the key may lie ingenetics. Those not blessed with good genes probably need tokeep to the straight and narrow if they want to live longer. Thiswas reported last week in the Journal of the American GeriatricsSociety. -- Jeannie Stein, Los Angeles Times, August, 2011Do you know of anyone who is over 100 years old? If so,how do you think they got there?EDUCATIONShould Korean CollegesTeach in English?With Korea part of an ever more globalized world...Balancing globalization and reality in the lecture hallLectures conducted in English have become commonplace atKorean universities in the last few years. It has been reported thatuniversities in Seoul conduct between 20 and 40 percent of theirlectures in English. A desire to keep in step with globalization andbump up Korean universities’ place in world rankings have beencited as the rationale behind the push for more English lectures.But the move toward English has met with some resistance.Critics say the practice putsundue pressure on studentswith limited English abilitiesand that some professors arenot sufficiently competent inthe language themselves.Others point to what they sayis the absurdity of teachinga foreign language such asJapanese in English. Earlythis year, the issue wasbrought into sharp focus atKorea Advanced Institute ofA student walks past a posterprotesting reforms at KAISTearlier this year. An English-onlylecture policy was among thosesparking controversy.Science and Technology. A string of student suicides there wasblamed on reforms introduced by its president, Suh Nam-pyo.Among the reforms was a mandate for English-only lectures.Suh later backtracked and said that alternatives to English wouldbe provided for some subjects. For the time being, though, themove toward English lectures looks set to continue. YonhapNews, July, 2011Discussion: How much is English used in your country’seducational system? What other languages besides Englishare taught in your country? What is the future of English ineducation, business, science, tourism, etc?DID YOU KNOW?A very interesting golf courseis located in North Dakota.Well, part of it is in NorthDakota. The other part is inCanada. Tee off on the ninthhole in Canada, and find thecup in the United States. Thisparticular ninth cup collectedits first hole-in-one in 1934when George Wegener hit theball in one country and scoredin another. tidbitsweekly.comDiscussion: Do you know ofany interesting stories aboutcountry borders?Pay with CashStudies showthat peoplemay spend 50percent moreon fast foodand otherpurchaseswhen theypay with adebit or credit card because partingwith cash hurts more. Someretailers, including gas stations,offer discounts to cash customersto avoid paying the card “swipefee” to a bank. Discussion: Whatare some other ways to save onbank fees?eslworksheetsandlessonplans.com © Paul J. Hamel 2012 • Lesson 0158

GROUP DISCUSSION Page 2REAL NEWS TIDBITS 3tidbit (tid’bit) noun. a tasty morsel to be enjoyed before the mealPETSPit Bull KillsWomanAuthorities say a pit bull haskilled a 32-year-old womanin her Pacifica, Californiahome. Officers were calledafter Daria Napora’s hubandarrived home a little after noonThursday and found her lyinginjured on the living room floor.Pacifica Police Captain DaveBertini said officers foundNapora suffering from majortrauma. Emergency personnelpronounced her dead at thescene. Greg Napora told policethat the couple’s adult dog hadattacked his wife while he wasat work. A police spokesmansaid officers shot and killedthe dog as it approachedemergency workers trying toassist the woman.This mauling comes after fatalattacks in Northern Californialast year and six years ago.Jacob Bisbee, 2, was killed by apit bull in his step grandfather’sgarage in Concord in July2010. Nicholas Faibish, 12,was killed by family pit bullsin June 2005 after his motherleft him alone in their SanFrancisco home. AssociatedPress, August, 12, 2011Discussion: Should pit bullsbe banded in your city? Whyor why not?eslworksheetsandlessonplans.comHEALTHPreventive care guidelines for adultsRecommendedLifestyle PracticesDental health: Floss daily and use fluoridetoothpaste.Diet, nutrition andexercise: Limit fats, especiallysaturated fat and cholesterol.Eat fruits, vegetables, andwhole grains. Make sure youare getting enough vitamin Dand calcium. Try to be physicallyactive on most days. Walk anddo weight-bearing and musclebuildingexercises.Emotional health: Talkto your personal physician orother health care professionalto get help if you’re depressed,anxious, thinking of suicide, orare being threatened, abused,or hurt by someone. Lonelinessand isolation increase yourrisk of illness. Spend time withyour friends and family, andparticipate in activities thatinterest you.Safety: Use seat belts andhelmets. If you drink, alwayshave a designated driver. Installand check smoke detectors.Set water heater temperature tobetween 120 and 130 degreesFahrenheit.Sexual practices: Use birthcontrol to prevent unintendedpregnancies. To preventsexually transmitted diseases(STDs), use condoms andavoid having sex with high-riskpartners such as known drugusers.Skin protection: Alwaysprotect your skin from the sunwhen outdoors. Wear a hat andsunscreen to reduce your riskof skin cancer.Smoking & Substanceabuse: If you smoke or chewtobacco, talk with your physicianabout how to quit. Avoid usingdrugs and abusing alcohol.Taken from Kaiser PermanenteHealth Resources BookletDiscussion: Discuss otherways to lead a healthy life.SOCIAL NETWORKINGFamily Facebook photosForce Parent to FreakAsk Amy, July 14, 2011Dear Amy: I would like some advice about how to let friendsand family know that I would not like any pictures of my familyposted on Facebook or any other social networking site. Whatthe heck is the best way to do this without sounding like a freak?ConcernedDear Concerned: I remember back at the dawn of Facebook(say, two or three years ago) when I advocated in this spacefor the concept of “permission” regarding the posting of photos.Oh, how young and naive I was. Now I’m on Facebook myself,and I know better. By all means, ask people in your circle notto post photos of your family on social networking sites. Yourfriends won’t think you’re a freak; they’ll just think you’re beingunrealistic. The people in your personal circle of actual “friends”may go to great lengths to respect your wishes — but then thereare your kids’ friends; their teammates; their teammates’ momsand their teammate’s mom’s sister-in-law, Brenda, who tooksome awesome pictures of the kids during their last game andhas posted and “tagged” all the children in the photos. Join thesesocial networking sites yourself. This is the best way to patrolwhat photos are floating around. Then you can attempt to controlthem, by removing “tags” or asking people to pull photos down.Discussion: List ways to protect your identity when usingthe internet.ARCHEOLOGY NATURAL PEST CONTROLCockroaches hate catnipsimmeredwater sprayedAncient Mosaic FoundExcavations in the bowels of an near baseboards. To repelancient Roman hill have turned mosquitoes, dab lavenderup a well-preserved, late 1st- oil on your skin or drink twocentury wall mosaic with a figure teaspoons of cider vinegar inof Apollo, nude except for a a glass of water for a poreemittedrepellent. If this repelscolorful mantle over a shoulder.Archaeologists and city officials you, check out the manyunveiled the recent find to commercial products on thereporters Friday on the Appian market. AARP bulletin, July-Hill. The mosaic-covered wall August 2011is 53 feet wide and at least 6 Discussion: What are otherfeet high. Officials think the wall ways to control pests?continues down about 26 feetmore. Archaeologists say the Why is the Because allwall appears to be in a tunnel little boy ant of his unclesbuilt to help support Trajan’s confused? are aunts!Baths, named for the emperorwho ruled from 98 till 117. Themosaic, which also depicts aMuse, apparently embellisheda room where wealthy Romansgathered to hear music anddiscuss art. - ASSOCIATEDPRESS, July 30, 2011Discussion: What can belearned from archeology?Why do archeologists dowhat they do?Discussion: Do you knowother words that soundalike, but have differentmeanings?© Paul J. Hamel 2012 • Lesson 0158

eslworksheetsandlessonplans.comGroup Discussion Activities for Advanced ESL Studentsreal news tidbits 4From the authorThis activity is meant for advanced ESL students. This activity contains detailed teacher’snotes and two handouts.The activity is designed to• provide advanced students with the opportunity to discuss current general news topics• let students share opinions and views with their classmates• encourage group interaction and discussion• increase individual student’s speaking time during classPaul Hamel has been teaching ESL for over 40 years and is currently teaching at the American LanguageCenter at UCLA Extension in Los Angeles.Teacher’s Notes12345678Print out and photocopy the two sheets of controversial question cards.Divide the class into groups of three or four.Distribute copies of the handout. To save paper, photocopy back to back.Direct each student to choose two tidbit items on the handout.Tell the students to take a few minutes to read their articles/tidbits.Tell the students to take turns leading a discussion about their topics.Walk around the classroom and join each group for a few minutes and correct the studentspronunciation and grammar. (Do not hover over a group, sit down at eye-level.)During the last twenty minutes of the activity, ask volunteers from each group to share some of thetopics their group discussed. (Place important vocabulary and expressions on the board.)eslworksheetsandlessonplans.com© Paul J. Hamel 2012 • Lesson 0159

GROUP DISCUSSIONREAL NEWS TIDBITS 4tidbit (tid’bit) noun. a tasty morsel to be enjoyed before the mealDirections• Break up into groupsof three or four.• Each student choosestwo articles.• Take a few minutes toread your articles andbe prepared to lead adiscussion about them.• Share some of thehighlights of yourgroup’s discussionwith the whole class.TECHNOLOGYIdentity thiefgets 10 yearsA Georgia man who hacked orbought more than 675,000 creditcard numbers used in about $36million of fraudulent transactionswas sentenced to 10 years inprison. Rogelio Hackett Jr., 25, ofLithonia, Ga., was sentenced inAlexandria, Va., by U.S. DistrictJudge Anthony J. Trenga, whoalso imposed a fine of $100,000,the Justice Department said.Hackett was a “full-time identitythief who expanded his businessworldwide, affecting hundreds ofthousands of people, banks andmerchants,” U.S. Atty. Neil H.Maebride said. In 2009, federalagents searching Hackett’shome found the stolen creditcard numbers in computers ande-mail accounts. Prosecutorssaid. He obtained the numbersby hacking into businesscomputer networks or buying theinformation online, the statementsaid. -TIMES WIRE REPORTS,July 23, 2011Discussion: What can wedo to protect ourselves fromidentify theft?eslworksheetsandlessonplans.comSAVING ON CAREXPENSES• Master the stickCars and trucks with stick shiftstypically get two to five moremiles per gallon than vehicleswith automatic transmissions,according to Consumer Report.They can cost $800 to $1,200less in the first place, and theyneed fewer and less expensivebrake and transmission repairs.• Cruise controlUse it. You’ll often get bettermileage on the highway thanwith your right foot in charge.• Best time to buyBuy a car at the end of the monthwhen there’s a scramble to meetsales quotas. Salespeople oftenearn bonuses then and mayshare the wealth with you toclose a deal.• Gas appA website that drivers canuse to check local gas prices,GasBuddy.com, has gone mobilewith free apps for Apple, Android,Windows, and BlackBerry. AARPbulletin, July-August 2011Discussion: Can you nameadditional ways to save on carexpenses?CRIMESerial Killer GetsDeath PenaltyA Cleveland, Ohio, serial killerhas been sentenced to diefor murdering 11 women anddumping their bodies around hisproperty. Judge Dick Ambroseimposed the sentence that hadbeen recommended by the jurythat convicted Anthony Sowell,51. Prosecutors say Sowelllured the women to his homewith the promise of alcohol ordrugs. -- Los Angeles Times,August 13, 2011Discussion: What’s youropinion about the deathpenalty?CRIMEeBay post foilsairport theftsA Transportation SecurityAdministration officer chargedwith stealing watches fromluggage at Los AngelesInternational Airport wasallegedly tripped up whenone of the timepieces was putup for sale on eBay, officialssaid. According to the federalindictment handed down lastweek, the worker stole an IWCGST chrono perpetual calendarMoonphase valued at roughly$15,000, three other watchesworth about $8,000, as well asa $1,000 prepaid debit card. Afederal grand jury indicted PaulYashou, 38, of Torrance on twofelony and three misdemeanortheft counts. Yashou is allegedto have stolen the items fromluggage going through securityat LAX Terminal 1, the U.S.district attorney’s office said.-- BATE MATHER, LA Times,July 26, 2011Discussion:1. Have you ever hadanything stolen from youwhile traveling? If so, explainwhat happened.2. How can you prevent theftwhile travelling?TraditionalWedding VowsI, ____, take you, ____, to bemy (husband/wife). I promise tobe true to you in good times andin bad, in sickness and in health.I will love you and honor youall the days of my life. I, ____,take you, ____, for my lawful(husband/wife), to have and tohold, from this day forward, forbetter, for worse, for richer, forpoorer, in sickness and in health,until death do us part.Discussion: Compare weddingvows and traditions among thedifferent cultures representedin your class.AUSTRALIAPepper spray endskangaroo attackTwo police officers used pepperspray to fight off a kangaroo thatattacked an elderly woman inher backyard.Kangaroosrarely attackhumans. SeniorSgt. StephenPerkins, headof police in theQueenslandstate town ofCharleville, said. He said that hehad never heard of police usingpepper spray against one, butthat the tactic worked. PhyllisJohnson, 94, received cuts andbruises. The kangaroo attackedher while she was hanginglaundry. The kangaroo is sucha very popular native animal ofAustralia that it has become itsnational symbol. Its emblem isused on the Australian coat ofarms, on some of its currency,as well as by some of Australia’sbest known organizations, suchas Qantas.ASSOCIATED PRESS, July26, 2011, Photo from wikipediaDiscussion: Have you everhad a dangerous encounterwith a wild animal? If so,explain what happened.You can’t alter your marriagevows at the altar.Discussion: What otherwords have the same sound,but different meanings?© Paul J. Hamel 2012 • Lesson 0159

GROUP DISCUSSIONPage 2REAL NEWS TIDBITS 4TwitterGroup urges gov’t tostrictly limit chimpresearchChimpanzees and otherapes should hardly ever beused for medical research, aprestigious scientific grouptold the government Thursday— advice that means daysin the laboratory may benumbered for humans’ closestrelatives. The Institute ofMedicine stopped short ofrecommending the outrightban that animal rights activistshad pushed for. Instead, iturged strict limits that wouldmake invasive experimentswith chimps essentially alast resort, saying today’smore advanced researchtools mean the primates’ useonly rarely will be necessaryenough to outweigh the moralcosts. Our close relationshiphas had animal rights groupsarguing that using chimpsfor biomedical research isunethical, even cruel. “Weunderstand and feel compelledby the moral cost of usingchimpanzees in research,”said bioethicist Jeffrey Kahnof Johns Hopkins University.“We have established criteriathat will set the bar quite highfor justification of the use ofchimpanzees.” The U.S. is oneof only two countries known tostill conduct medical researchwith chimpanzees; the other isGabon, in Africa. The EuropeanUnion essentially banned suchresearch last year. by LauranNeergaard, Associated PressMedical Writer, Dec. 15, 2011Discussion: What should therules be for using animals inmedical research?eslworksheetsandlessonplans.comtidbit (tid’bit) noun. a tasty morsel to be enjoyed before the mealQ & A SPORTSQ: Do men and women earnequal prize money for majortennis events?A: Yes. For the Grand Slamtournaments (Australian Open,French Open, Wimbledon, andUS Open), male and femaleplayers walk away with thesame amounts. But it tookuntil 2007-- after a campaignby some of the sport’s biggeststars -- for all four to level thewinnings. “It’s not about howmuch we can get paid,” VenusWilliams, 31, said at the time.“It’s about being on equal termsas human beings.” WalterScott, Parade Magazine, July24, 2011Discussion: Are there anydifferences in how muchmen and women earn inyour profession for identicalwork?ASK AMYJob ax is poisedover friend’s headDear Amy: I recently accepteda new job. On my last dayin my old position, a seniormanager confided in me thatbecause of budget cuts a fewpositions may be eliminated.One of those is the position ofsomeone I became close to atwork. I feel compelled to tellher so she can try to find a newjob. -- Job InsecureDear Insecure: Once youstart your new job, you shouldtell your former colleague,including that this informationis speculative.Discussion: Do you agreewith the advice? Why orwhy not? Are there anyother ways to deal with thissituation?TECHNOLOGYWhat NOT to do whenchoosing a password• Do not choose a password based upon personal data likeyour name, your username, or other information that one couldeasily discover about you from such sources as searching theinternet.• Do not choose a password that is a word (English or otherwise),proper name, name of a TV shows, or anything else that one wouldexpect a clever person to put in a “dictionary” of passwords.• Do not choose a password that is a simple transformation ofa word, such as putting a punctuation mark at the beginning orend of a word, converting the letter “l” to the digit “1”, writinga word backwards, etc. For example, “password,123” is nota good password, since adding“,123” is a common, simpletransformation of a word.• Do not choose passwords less than 8 characters long andthat they are made up solely of numbers or letters. Use lettersof different cases, mixtures of digits and letters, and/or nonalphanumericcharacters. For more information go to “http://www.cs.cmu.edu/~help/security/choosing_passwords.html”Discussion: Are there other ways to choose passwords.GOLD PRICESSOARSeventy-five percent of thegold produced is used injewelry, the rest is used forindustrial application (circuitboard, etc.) The recent pricehikes have been fuelled bydemand for jewelry in the farEast mainly India and China,People there now have moneyto spend and in some culturesit is a traditional wedding gift.Any way the demand for goldin this part of the world hasgreatly increased hence the”supply and demand” scenario.Since the year 2000 gold hasincreased in value from $300in 2000 and is approaching$2,000 today.Discussion:1. Is gold a good investment?2. What are the advantagesand disadvantages of buyingand owning gold?Great Waysto Save WhileTravelingBring your ATM cardPass up the foreign currencyexchange kiosh—you’ll likelyget a bad rate. Use an ATMinstead. Avoid some feesby using machines affiliatedwith your home bank’s globalnetwork. Check with yourbank for details.Take photosAvoid rental car damagecharges by documenting yourvehicle’s condition before andafter you drive it, just in casethe rental company blamesyou for somebody else’s dent.AARP bulletin, July-August2011Discussion: Can you nameother ways to save on yourutility bill?© Paul J. Hamel 2012 • Lesson 0159