Hamburger History

Warm Up: Discuss the question with your partner for five minutes.

1. What is your favorite food? Why do you like it?
2. What food do you hate? Why?

Reading:

You can buy a hamburger in almost anywhere in the world. But do you know anything about the history of this simple sandwich?

There are several people who claim to have invented the hamburger. However, the honor probably goes to a small diner in Connecticut named Louis' Lunch. According to history, a customer wanted a quick hot meal to take home for dinner. Unfortunately, the diner was out of steaks, so the owner grilled ground beef and placed it between two slices of toast. There wasn't any ketchup, mustard, or cheese, though. This was 1900.

Since the simple beginnings, the hamburger has become the world's most famous sandwich.

Comprehension Questions: Answer the questions before/after your read the article.

1. Everyone agrees that Louis' Lunch invented the hamburger. T / F
2. The customer wanted dinner, so he ordered a hamburger. T / F
3. The first hamburger was plain. T / F

Discuss: Discuss these questions with a partner. Remember to support your answers.

1. Do you like hamburgers? How often do you eat them?
2. What are some popular foods in your country? Please explain.
3. Are there any popular foreign foods in your country? Please explain.

http://www.headsupenglish.com/index.php/beginner-english-students/beginner-mini-lessons/574-hamburger-history

Fast Food is Unhealthy

Warm Up: Discuss the question with your partner for five minutes.

1. Are you healthy? Why/not?
2. Do you want to be healthier? Why/not?

Reading:

Healthy food is very important. Unfortunately, many people are very busy, so they eat fast food. It is an easy and convenient choice, but it can be very unhealthy. Fast food has a lot of fat, sugar, and salt. It has a lot of calories too. For example, just a large order of fries might have more than 500 calories, and more than half of the calories come from fat.

It is possible to make good choices with fast food, though. For example, you shouldn't order the largest drink or dish. Salad dressing and mayonnaise has a lot of unhealthy calories, so you should only use a little. Many restaurants also serve healthier side dishes, such as fruit cups. You should order these instead of fries or chips.

Comprehension Questions: Answer the questions before/after your read the article.

1.  What does the first paragraph talk about?

           a. It talks about how many calories are in the food.

           b. It explains why people eat fast food.

           c. It introduces fast food and why it is not healthy.

           d. The first paragraph talks about people who are unhealthy.

2.  What does the second paragraph talk about?

           a. It recommends drinks and salad dressings.

           b. It talks about healthy food at fast food restaurants.

           c. The second paragraph also talks about unhealthy food.

           d. It talks about restaurants with only healthy food.

Discuss: Discuss these questions with a partner. Remember to support your answers.

1. How often do you eat fast food?
2. What fast food restaurants do you usually eat at?
3. Do you have a favorite fast food meal? Why is it so good?

http://www.headsupenglish.com/index.php/beginner-english-students/beginner-mini-lessons/536-fast-food-health

Facebook

Warm Up: Discuss the question with your partner for five minutes.

1. Do you use Facebook? How about other social media websites?

Reading:

Everyone knows Facebook. You can write updates about your life, post pictures, share information and music, and more. It has a huge impact on everyday life for millions of people.

There are many people who dislike Facebook, though. Facebook collects a lot of information about its users. It knows you and your friends' names, birth dates, likes and dislikes, locations, and so on. Facebook might also give this information to other companies.

Facebook has positive points too. People can keep in contact with old friends, for example. Facebook also helped the world know about the revolutions in Egypt and Libya.

So what do you think about Facebook?

Comprehension Questions: Answer the questions before/after your read the article.

1. How do people use Facebook?
2. Why do some people dislike Facebook?
3. What are the good points about Facebook?

Discuss: Discuss these questions with a partner. Remember to support your answers.

1. Do you like Facebook? Why/not?
2. Do you agree with the positive points in the article? How about the negative points?
3. Can you think of other positives or negatives about Facebook?

http://www.headsupenglish.com/index.php/beginner-english-students/beginner-mini-lessons/522-facebook

Continuing Education

Warm Up: Discuss the question with your partner for five minutes.

1. Do you like to study? Please explain.

Reading:

Learning never ends. After you graduate high school or university, you might study for new job skills with computers or management. Maybe you need a certificate or another degree, such as an MBA. Maybe you need to learn new ways to do something, such as doctors who must learn about new illnesses, drugs, and treatments.

Continuing education can also be fun. Learning a new hobby brings enjoyment, for example. You might learn a foreign language or about another country for travel. You might learn how to paint, play the guitar, or take pictures.

Learning is very important for your welfare.

Vocabulary: Check the new vocabulary in a dictionary. Then match the words.

1. graduate        a.  medical care
2. treatment       b.  healthy and happy
3. enjoyment       c.  finish school
4. welfare         d.  something that is fun

Discuss: Discuss these questions with a partner. Remember to support your answers.

1. What have you learned recently? Please explain.
2. What was the most difficult thing to learn? Why?
3. What do you want to learn in the future? Why?

http://www.headsupenglish.com/index.php/beginner-english-students/beginner-mini-lessons/573-esl-continuing-education

Chicago Pizza

Warm Up: Discuss the question with your partner for five minutes.

1. Do you like pizza? What kind of pizza do you like?

Reading:

Chicago pizza is a unique and famous pizza from Chicago. But how is Chicago pizza different from the pizza served in New York, London, or Italy?

First, the crust is about 2.5 inches deep, or about 6.35 cm. It is cooked like a pie in a deep, round pan. The pan has a lot of olive oil, so the crust becomes crunchy on the bottom.

For toppings, the pizza usually has about 1/4 inch of sausage, 1/4 inch of cheese, and 1/4 inch of chunky tomato sauce. Other popular ingredients include pepperoni, green peppers, mushrooms, and olives.

No one know exactly who made this style of pizza first, because several restaurants claim to be the creators. However, everyone from Chicago has a favorite pizza restaurant, and they feel very strongly that it is the best pizza.

Comprehension Questions: Answer the questions before/after your read the article.

1. How is Chicago pizza different from other pizzas?
2. Who made the first Chicago-style pizza?

Discuss: Discuss these questions with a partner. Remember to support your answers.

1. Do you want to try Chicago pizza? Why/not?
2. Does your hometown or country have an unusual / unique dish? Please explain.

http://www.headsupenglish.com/index.php/beginner-english-students/beginner-mini-lessons/534-chicago-pizza

Back to School

Warm Up: Discuss the question with your partner for five minutes.

1. Do you like school? Why or why not?
2. What is the best part about school? What is the worst part about school? Why?

Reading:

Students go back to school in the fall. They choose new clothes and uniforms. They buy school supplies, such as pencils, erasers, and notebooks. They feel excited about teachers and classmates. However, there is also a serious problem. Many students forget a lot of science, math, and other subjects during the long vacation.

In the US, Europe, and many other countries, summer vacation is two months or more. When children go back to school, the teacher must review information from last year. In fact, students forget about two months of reading skills and more than two months of math skills.

Unfortunately, no one has fixed this serious problem.

Vocabulary: Check the new vocabulary in a dictionary. Then match the words.

1. school supplies        a.  study again
2. serious                b.  very important
3. review                 c.  disagree
4. complain               d.  pencils, erasers, and notebooks

Discuss: Discuss these questions with a partner. Remember to support your answers.

1. Are you excited when school starts? Why/not?
2. What is your favorite subject in school? Do you remember the information easily?
3. Is a long vacation for school a good idea? Why/not?

http://www.headsupenglish.com/index.php/beginner-english-students/beginner-mini-lessons/538-back-to-school

Work-Life Balance

Warm Up: Discuss the question with your partner for five minutes.

1. How many hours do you work each week? Is this a lot? Why do/don't you think so?

Reading:

Work-life balance refers to the balance between a person's career and his personal life. Many people work longer hours and use fewer vacation days, in part because of globalization, outsourcing, and a loss of job security. As a result, employees have less time for personal interests, personal development, and family. Reduced productivity, depression, high levels of stress, and burnout result from such an imbalance.

Although the employee makes the choice to work longer hours, the corporate culture is also responsible. Companies should educate their workers on the importance of a healthy work-life balance. It's also helpful to provide flex time, maternity and paternity leave, telecommuting, or even recreation or exercise facilities. If they don't, people will become money-rich, time-poor.

Comprehension Questions: Answer the questions before/after your read the article.

1. People work longer hours because they are worried about their jobs.  T / F
2. Employees might ignore personal interests if there is a poor work-life balance. T / F
3. Only the company is responsible for overwork. T/F
4. All employees should have flex time and recreation facilities. T/F

Discuss: Discuss these questions with a partner. Remember to support your answers.

1. Were you surprised by any of the information in the article? Why/not?
2. What are the working conditions at your office/place of employment?
3. What would make your play of employment a more enjoyable place to work?

http://www.headsupenglish.com/index.php/lower-intermediate-students/lower-intermediate-mini-lessons/204-work-life-balance

Tourism

Warm Up: Discuss the question with your partner for five minutes.

1. Where have you visited? What was the best place? Why?

Reading:

Tourism is big business because a so many people come to a place, spend money, and then leave. The visitors need services and goods, so this produces jobs. There were more than 900 million international arrivals in 2008. There were even more domestic arrivals. In fact, for some countries, cities, or communities, the money from visitors is vital to the economy.

Of all the destinations worldwide, it may not be a surprise that Disney's resorts are the most popular destinations in the world. More than 47 million people visited Walt Disney World and the associated parks like Epcot Center in Florida. There are resorts in California, France, Hong Kong, and Japan too. Plus there are two cruise ships which sail the Caribbean. That comes to more than 60 million people per year.

Preview the lesson material:

Comprehension Questions: Answer the questions before/after your read the article.

1.  Why is tourism big business?

           a. people spend money and then go home

           b. it creates jobs

           c. there were many domestic and international visits

           d. all of the above

2.  How many people visited Disney's resorts in Florida?

           a. more than 60 million

           b. 900 million plus

           c. about 50 million

           d. the article doesn't clearly state the information

Discuss: Discuss these questions with a partner. Remember to support your answers.

1. Were you surprised by any of the information in the article? Please explain.
2. What places do you think are popular travel destinations in the world? Why?
3. What places are popular travel destinations in your country? Why?

http://www.headsupenglish.com/index.php/lower-intermediate-students/lower-intermediate-mini-lessons/203-tourism

Themed Restaurants

Warm Up: Discuss the question with your partner for five minutes.

1. What kind of restaurants do you often go to? How's the atmosphere? How's the food?

Reading:

Successful restaurants not only rely on great food and superior service, but they also rely on the atmosphere. Comfortable chairs, soft lighting, and tuxedoed waiters all serve as one example of fine dining establishments. Of course, some restaurants are more casual, and the decor and menu reflect these differences. But then there's another type of restaurant that bases its entire concept on a specific theme.

Themed restaurants may look like a tropical rainforest, complete with large trees and squawking parrots. Other such restaurants may look like a prison. Customers are locked in cell-like rooms with "guards" serving as waiters. Some themed restaurants even look like an operating room of a hospital. The decoration, music, and food all tie together to create a unique and unusual dining experience.

Comprehension Questions: Answer the questions before/after your read the article.

1. Successful dining at least needs great food and great service.  T / F
2. According to the article, fine dining is a type of themed restaurant.  T / F
3. Only rainforests, prisons, and hospitals are considered for themes.  T / F
4. Everything in the themed restaurant creates a special dining experience.  T / F

Discuss: Discuss these questions with a partner. Remember to support your answers.

1. Have you ever been to a themed restaurant? Please explain.
2. Would you recommend themed restaurants to a friend or family member? Why/not?
3. If you could create a themed restaurant, what would it be like?

http://www.headsupenglish.com/index.php/lower-intermediate-students/lower-intermediate-mini-lessons/202-themed-restaurants

The Reasons for Bullying

Warm Up: Discuss the question with your partner for five minutes.

1. Is bullying a problem? Why do / don't you think so? Please explain.
2. Why are some people bullied by others?

Reading:

Bullying in schools is a serious problem. Children who get bullied have problems later in life. They might have lower graders, drop out of school, or even develop drug problems.

New research gives clues about bullying. Children who are picked on often lack social skills. They don't understand when other children feel annoyed or angry, for example. They don't know social rules and social skills as well as their peers. They may not know how to communicate well.

Of course, all people want to have friends and be liked. Unfortunately, bullying creates a terrible cycle. Popular children have many friends, so they have many chances to practice social skills. Less popular children have fewer chances to perfect social skills, and so become the targets of bullying more frequently.

Vocabulary: Check the new vocabulary in a dictionary. Then match the words.

1. positive           a.  do not have
2. generally          b.  often
3. control            c.  form or create
4. effective          d.  friend

Discuss: Discuss these questions with a partner. Remember to support your answers.

1. What would you do/say if your child were bullying someone?
2. What would you do/say if your child were being bullied?
3. Do you know any adult bullies? Please explain.

http://www.headsupenglish.com/index.php/lower-intermediate-students/lower-intermediate-mini-lessons/569-esl-bullying

The Common Cold

Warm Up: Discuss the question with your partner for five minutes.

1. How often do you catch a cold? When was the last time you were sick?

Reading:

The common cold affects everyone everywhere. In fact, it's the most common infectious disease, and so has a large impact on the economy. For example, in the US, more than $7 billion are spent on doctor's visits because of colds. More than $3 billion are spent on medicines too. Because sick people miss work, US companies lose $20 billion or more per year.

People become sick for many reasons. Smoking increases the chances for infection. Lack of sleep and poor nutrition also increase the chances. And although many people believe that cold weather causes illness, research has shown this isn't true.

Surprisingly, there is no known cure for the common cold. Medicines and remedies only make a person feel better. However, people remain ill for about ten days with or without medicine.

Comprehension Questions: Answer the questions before/after your read the article.

1. It can be said that colds cost about $30 billion total in the US.  T / F
2. According to the article, cold weather increases the chances of getting sick.  T / F

Discuss: Discuss these questions with a partner. Remember to support your answers.

1. Were you surprised by any of the information in the article? Please explain.
2. When you get sick, what do you tend to do? Please explain.
3. What do you do to prevent catching a cold? Please explain.

http://www.headsupenglish.com/index.php/lower-intermediate-students/lower-intermediate-mini-lessons/201-common-cold

The Christmas Tree

Warm Up: Brainstorm words and ideas associated with "Christmas trees."

Reading:

The Christmas tree has long traditions that go back to the Middle Ages. Although a specific date or area cannot be pinpointed, a lot of written evidence remains from Germany in the sixteenth century. Scholars believe the tree originated somewhere in Germanic lands. The tree likely appealed to the medieval people because it remained green even in the middle of winter.

In Britain, the tradition of a Christmas tree began in the early 1800s with the royal family, as they had German roots. In the US, folklore states that a captured German soldier during the Revolutionary War erected the first Christmas tree.

Whatever the origins, the tree has come to symbolize the holiday. Its iconic image is recognized all over the world, even among people without any Christmas tradition whatsoever.

Comprehension Questions: Answer the questions before/after your read the article.

1.  What cannot be said about Christmas trees?

           a. They definitely come from Germany.

           b. The tree is appealing because it's always green.

           c. The British royal family popularized the tree.

           d. Everyone around the world connects the Christmas tree with Christmas.

2.  What is the best title for the article?

           a. "Early History of the Christmas Tree"

           b. "Where Did the Christmas Tree Come From?"

           c. "Background on a Christmas Icon"

           d. none of the above

Discuss: Discuss these questions with a partner. Remember to support your answers.

1. Are Christmas trees popular in your home country?
2. How are Christmas trees usually decorated in your home country? Please explain.
3. Which do you think is better, a real Christmas tree or a plastic one? Why?

http://www.headsupenglish.com/index.php/lower-intermediate-students/lower-intermediate-mini-lessons/200-christmas-tree

Space Tourism

Warm Up: Discuss the question with your partner for five minutes.

1. Where did you go for your last vacation? How was it? Please explain.

Reading:

Do you want to go into space? If you answered "yes," then you're not alone. According to an Internet survey, more than 70% of people want to visit space for two weeks or less. Many would want to walk in space too, and a few would want to stay in a hotel there.

Unfortunately, space tourism is only available to the super rich. Many companies are working to make space tourism a possibility, yet the costs remain far too high for the average person. For example, tourists can expect to pay $200,000 or more just for a flight lasting a few hours. The costs to stay in space for a day or longer would cost millions of dollars. Experts argue that costs will drop as technology improves. However, the days of a family vacation in space are probably very far away.

Comprehension Questions: Answer the questions before/after your read the article.

1. Most people interview want to visit space for two weeks or more.  T / F
2. It will cost $1,000,000 to stay in space for one day.  T / F

Discuss: Discuss these questions with a partner. Remember to support your answers.

1. Do you want to go into space? Why/not?
2. How long would you want to stay in space, assuming money weren't a concern?
3. Do you think vacations in space will become common in your lifetime? Why/not?

http://www.headsupenglish.com/index.php/lower-intermediate-students/lower-intermediate-mini-lessons/199-space-tourism

Social Media

Warm Up: Discuss the question with your partner for five minutes.

1. How do you use the Internet? Please explain.

Reading:

Social media refers to blogs, forums, networks, wikis, and many other online sites and services. The main idea behind social media is that people around the world can easily and instantly share information and ideas through social interaction.

However, some people dislike social media. These opponents believe that the blogs and wikis, emails and text messages, etc. create information overload. In other words, there is too much information to read and understand. There is a constant fight for people's attention.

In the world of today, social media has become an important part of society, mostly because of cheap Internet, cell phones that let users surf the Internet and send emails, and a wide range of other services to share information. Even with the negatives, it's not likely to disappear.

Comprehension Questions: Answer the questions before/after your read the article.

1. Blogs, forums, and wikis are only some types of social media.  T / F
2. Social media lets people share information anywhere in the world.  T / F
3. Information overload is a problem only for people who dislike social media.  T / F
4. According to the article, social media is an important part of people's lives.  T / F

Discuss: Discuss these questions with a partner. Remember to support your answers.

1. What are the positives of social media? What are the negatives of social media?
2. Are you a supporter or an opponent of social media? Please explain.
3. Could you live without social media, the Internet, and cell phones? Why/not?

http://www.headsupenglish.com/index.php/lower-intermediate-students/lower-intermediate-mini-lessons/198-social-media

Renewable Energy

Warm Up: Discuss the question with your partner for five minutes.

1. What do you know about global warming? Please explain.

Reading:

The world cannot live without energy. However, coal, oil, and other forms of fossil fuels are limited. They also cause global warming, which could have terrible consequences on the future of life on Earth. 

Everyone knows that temperatures have begun to rise and glaciers have begun to melt because of pollution from fossil fuels.

Renewable energy is another, safer option. Renewable energy refers to energy that isn't limited. For example, some day there won't be any more oil or coal, but there will always be sunlight, wind, and ocean tides to generate energy. These are forms of renewable energy, specifically solar power, wind power, and hydropower.

More countries around the world want to limit fossil fuels and develop renewable energy sources. Unfortunately, countries like China and the US continue to heavily use fossil fuels.

Something must be done.

Comprehension Questions: Answer the questions before/after your read the article.

1. How does the article define fossil fuels?
2. How does the article define renewable energy?

Discuss: Discuss these questions with a partner. Remember to support your answers.

1. How do you protect the environment? Please explain.
2. Do you use too much energy? Why do/don't you think so?
3. What can be done to limit how much energy people use?

http://www.headsupenglish.com/index.php/lower-intermediate-students/lower-intermediate-mini-lessons/197-renewable-energy

Poverty

Warm Up: Discuss the question with your partner for five minutes.

1. What does poverty mean? Brainstorm a definition and some examples.

Reading:

Poverty means that a person or group of people can't afford basic needs like water, healthy food, clothing, shelter, and access to health care. The word is often associated with hungry and homeless people, or people who live in rundown neighborhoods in developing countries, or people without jobs. However, even the richest nations face poverty problems.

Poverty leads to many social problems. Poor health is one example, as one-third of all deaths come from poverty-related causes every year. Increased violence and drug abuse, as well as less education for the young, are other problems. These disadvantages can create a poverty cycle for individuals and areas. For example, children who grow up poor will likely experience the same condition as adults. These adults have children who similarly grow up poor.

Poverty is a serious problem that must be eliminated.

Comprehension Questions: Answer the questions before/after your read the article.

1. According to the article, poverty rarely occurs in the richest countries.  T / F
2. A cycle of poverty can happen to people and countries.  T / F

Discuss: Discuss these questions with a partner. Remember to support your answers.

1. Is poverty a problem in your country? Please explain.
2. What can be done to reduce or eliminate poverty? Please explain.
3. Do you think poverty will always be a problem? If yes, will it get worse? Why/not?

http://www.headsupenglish.com/index.php/lower-intermediate-students/lower-intermediate-mini-lessons/196-poverty

Leisure

Warm Up: Discuss the question with your partner for five minutes.

1. How do you relax? Please explain.

Reading:

The word "leisure" comes from Latin, and it means "to be free." The idea of free time for relaxation, recreation, and hobbies likely became popular in Victorian Britain. In the early 1800s, factory workers often spent eighteen hours at work, six days every week. As a result, life in urban areas was very harsh. However, society slowly changed, and people began to work less. They also began to have Saturdays and Sundays free.

There are many different ideas about leisure, and these ideas vary among societies and people. Some see leisure as much more active, like sports or exercise. Others see leisure as requiring mental effort, like writing stories or drawing pictures. And even some see leisure as much more relaxed, such as seeing a movie, watching TV, or eating out at a restaurant. Of course, there are also workaholics who see work as an enjoyable pastime.

Comprehension Questions: Answer the questions before/after your read the article.

1. The idea of "leisure" comes from Latin. T / F
2. People in the 1800s usually worked eighteen hours each day. T / F
3. Leisure varies from society to society, as well as from person to person. T / F
4. A general definition states that work is one form of leisure. T / F

Discuss: Discuss these questions with a partner. Remember to support your answers.

1. Which fits your idea of leisure? Is it active, requiring mental effort, or relaxed? Why?
2. Do you think that people will work more or less in the future? Why?
3. How do people use their free time in your country? Please explain.

http://www.headsupenglish.com/index.php/lower-intermediate-students/lower-intermediate-mini-lessons/195-leisure

Learning Languages

Warm Up: Discuss the question with your partner for five minutes.

1. Some people learn languages very easily. Why do you think so?

Reading:

Why do children learn languages so quickly and easily? Unlike adults, kids don't usually need so much formal study to learn a language.

A person's native language gets in the way of learning another language. 

Babies usually hear their parents use only one language. Baby brains ignore other sounds that don't fit the patterns of sounds they most often hear. In fact, even at eleven months, the ability to hear new and different sounds of another language becomes more difficult.

Children need to experience a foreign language as early as possible. If the parents speak a second language, they should speak it at home. However, researchers have learned that TV and CDs alone don't work for language learning. Babies need interaction. If the parents only speak one language, then play groups, lessons, and other opportunities are necessary.

Vocabulary: Check the new vocabulary in a dictionary. Then match the words.

1. formal            a.  don't pay attention to
2. ignore            b.  communication
3. interaction       c.  chance
4. opportunity       d.  official

Discuss: Discuss these questions with a partner. Remember to support your answers.

1. What are your experiences for learning a foreign language? Please explain.
2. Do you wish that you had learned English as a baby? Why/not?
3. Why do you currently study English? Please explain.

http://www.headsupenglish.com/index.php/lower-intermediate-students/lower-intermediate-mini-lessons/568-learning-languages

Jack-O'-Lanterns

Warm Up: Discuss the question with your partner for five minutes.

1. What do you know about Halloween? Please explain.

Reading:

The jack-o-lantern is a Halloween tradition in the United States. Children around the country venture out to the pumpkin farm, select a nicely rounded and large specimen, and take it home for carving. The top is removed, the contents scooped out, and a scary face are generally carved. At night, children place a candle inside for its eerie effects.

Although both Britain and Ireland have carved lanterns from vegetables such as turnips long ago, they didn't do so specifically for Halloween. Vegetables were carved in the fall season, but only because this was the harvest season. Pumpkins, turnips, and other similar vegetables became ripe. Faces were sometimes carved, though. The link between jack-o'-lanterns and Halloween began sometime in the US during the mid-1800s.

Comprehension Questions: Answer the questions before/after your read the article.

1.  Why is a candle placed inside the pumpkin?

           a. because it's used as a lantern at night

           b. to scare people

           c. to cook Halloween candy

           d. the article doesn't provide a clear reason

2.  What is the best summary for the second paragraph?

           a. The US started the tradition of the jack-o'-lantern.

           b. The paragraph introduces the history of the jack-o'-lantern.

           c. The pumpkin is linked with the harvest season.

           d. This paragraph talks about how to carve the pumpkin.

Discuss: Discuss these questions with a partner. Remember to support your answers.

1. Have you ever carved a jack-o'-lantern? If yes, please explain. If no, would you want to?
2. What other Halloween traditions are there?
3. Does your country have any holidays and/or traditions for the fall season?

http://www.headsupenglish.com/index.php/lower-intermediate-students/lower-intermediate-mini-lessons/194-jack-o-lanterns

International English

Warm Up: Discuss the question with your partner for five minutes.

1. How long have you studied English? 
2. What do you want to do in the future with English?

Reading:

English has become the lingua franca of the world. In other words, people with different mother tongues use English to communicate with one another. Most people believe that English is necessary, especially in today's modern, globalized world.

But which English is better, American or British? Is Canadian English or Australian English any less correct or important? These are important questions because more and more people learn English in school and use English for work.

English as an International Language (EIL) tries to answer the questions. Some people want to create an officially recognized international language based on English. It would have common rules, pronunciations, and so on. The result would be an accepted form of English that puts everyone in touch around the world.

Comprehension Questions: Answer the questions before/after your read the article.

1. According to the article, what does lingua franca mean?
2. What is English as an International Language? Please explain.

Discuss: Discuss these questions with a partner. Remember to support your answers.

1. Which do you prefer, American English, British English, or some other form of English?
2. Do you think there should be another form of English for international use? Why/not?
3. Do you think another language will become the lingua franca someday? Why/not?

http://www.headsupenglish.com/index.php/lower-intermediate-students/lower-intermediate-mini-lessons/193-international-english

Exercise for Everyone

Warm Up: Discuss the question with your partner for five minutes.

1. What do you think about exercise? Please explain.

Reading:

Everyone now knows the benefits of exercise. It slows aging, keeps the body healthy and fit, and prevents heart disease and diabetes. It also boosts the immune system, which means you get fewer colds. Exercise improves mental health too.

But did you know that exercise isn't only for the young? Exercise can help even the oldest of the old. If people in their 80s exercise at least four hours each week, they stay healthier and more active. They live longer too. Survival rates of elderly who exercised doubled when compared to others who didn't exercise at all. Similar results have been seen in people in their 60s and 70s. And the gains are greater when someone starts in their 30s and 40s.

In short, it's never too late to start exercising!

Comprehension Questions: Answer the questions before/after your read the article.

1. People who exercise get sick less often.  T / F
2. Exercise improves the mind and body.  T / F
3. Elderly people who exercised doubled their lives.  T / F
4. The article recommends that everyone should exercise.  T / F

Discuss: Discuss these questions with a partner. Remember to support your answers.

1. Were you surprised by any of the information in the article? Why/not?
2. How often do you exercise? Is this enough? Why/not?
3. What should you do to be healthier? Please explain.

http://www.headsupenglish.com/index.php/lower-intermediate-students/lower-intermediate-mini-lessons/192-exercise-for-everyone

Dishonest People

Warm Up: Discuss the question with your partner for five minutes.

1. Do you know any very honest people? Please explain.
2. Do you know any very dishonest people? Please explain.

Reading:

How honest are you? Although you may think that you are an honest person, you're likely less trustworthy than you think!

Recent research discovered that light levels can affect a person's honesty. If the light is dim, then people tend to be less honest. If the light is bright, people tend to be more honest. The researchers believe that people may become less honest when they believe others can't see dishonest behavior. The test had similar results when people wore sunglasses.

The results of the test could have meaning on how people work and live. For example, people in an office may act less honestly if they think no one can see their behavior. The same is true in other situations, such as at school, at the store, and elsewhere.

Vocabulary: Check the new vocabulary in a dictionary. Then match the words.

1. trustworthy        a.   find
2. discover           b.   act
3. dim                c.   honest
4. behavior           d.   dark

Discuss: Discuss these questions with a partner. Remember to support your answers.

1. How honest are you? Why do you think so?
2. The article suggests that all people are dishonest. Do you agree? Why/not?
3. Should businesses and schools change their rules because of the research?

http://www.headsupenglish.com/index.php/lower-intermediate-students/lower-intermediate-mini-lessons/571-esl-dishonest-people

Chocolate Lovers Rejoice!

Warm Up: Discuss the question with your partner for five minutes.

1. Do you think chocolate is healthy? Why/not?
2. What foods are generally healthy? How about unhealthy?

Reading: 

According to a new study, chocolate is good for the brain. The reasons aren't yet clear, but chocolate contains substances that led to better mental performance in the laboratory.

In four separate tests, a group of volunteers ate eighty-five grams of milk chocolate, eighty-five grams of dark chocolate, and eighty-five grams of carob. After fifteen minutes, the volunteers then took a computer-based test to measure memory, attention span, reaction time, and problem solving.

For people who had eaten milk chocolate, the average scores for verbal and visual memory were much higher. Milk and dark chocolate gave the volunteers better reaction times.

So if you love chocolate, rejoice!

Vocabulary: Check the new vocabulary in a dictionary. Then match the words.

1. substance       a.   celebrate
2. attention       b.   thing
3. average         c.   in the middle
4. rejoice         d.   concentration

Discuss: Discuss these questions with a partner. Remember to support your answers.

1. Do you think that chocolate can make you smarter? Why/not?
2. If you wanted to be smarter, what should you do to improve your mind?
3. If you ate some chocolate before a test, would you do better? Why/not?

http://www.headsupenglish.com/index.php/lower-intermediate-students/lower-intermediate-mini-lessons/572-chocolate-research

Chocolate

Warm Up: Discuss the question with your partner for five minutes.

1. Do you like chocolate? What do you know about its history?

Reading:

The chocolate business grows larger each year. But did you know that chocolate is a New World crop? It comes from a bean that has been grown for more than 3000 years. In fact, it was a part of daily life to the Mayan, Aztec, and other Native American civilizations of the Central and South America. It was originally drunk rather than eaten. The word actually means "bitter drink," for the people drank it unsweetened. They regularly flavored it with vanilla and chili pepper.

Since then, chocolate has become one of the most popular foods in the world, generating billions of dollars in revenue. In addition, health experts have discovered that chocolate contains many healthful benefits. It helps fight cancer, stimulates the brain, and lowers blood pressure. It all comes from a cocoa bean and several thousand years of history.

Comprehension Questions: Answer the questions before/after your read the article.

1.  What best describes the first paragraph?

           a. chocolate comes from the New World

           b. it discusses the early history of chocolate

           c. the Aztecs and Mayans had some strange chocolate habits

           d. it describes the relation between Aztecs and chocolate

2.  What cannot be said of the second paragraph?

           a. it generates billions of dollars because of the health benefits

           b. it fights cancer

           c. people all over the world eat chocolate

           d. health experts have discovered that chocolate is healthy

Discuss: Discuss these questions with a partner. Remember to support your answers.

1. How often do you drink or eat chocolate? Is this too much?
2. Why do you think chocolate has become such a popular food all over the world?
3. Do you know the background of any other desserts or snacks? Please explain.

http://www.headsupenglish.com/index.php/lower-intermediate-students/lower-intermediate-mini-lessons/191-chocolate

Are You Happy?

Warm Up: Discuss the question with your partner for five minutes.

1. What makes you feel happy? Please explain.

Reading: 

Although you may not be able to measure your happiness levels, you can still take some advice to increase the positive emotions in your life.

It's difficult for experts to understand happiness. However, according to experts, married people are generally happier. Richer people also tend to be happier, although they then compare their wealth to their peers (and maybe don't feel so rich). And if you live in a richer country, you're likely happier too.

But it's not easy to earn more money, move to a rich country, or find the perfect partner. Some things you can control include exercise, because healthy bodies and minds lead to happiness. You should also solve problems sooner rather than later. Spending time in nature also lowers stress, which might then improve happiness. Meditation is also very effective.

Vocabulary: Check the new vocabulary in a dictionary. Then match the words.

1. positive      a.   successful
2. generally     b.   manage
3. control       c.   something that's good
4. effective     d.   almost always

Discuss: Discuss these questions with a partner. Remember to support your answers.

1. Are you generally a positive or a negative person? Why do you think so?
2. Why do you think some people are so happy? Why are other people so unhappy?
3. What advice would you give to someone for a happier life? Please explain.

http://www.headsupenglish.com/index.php/lower-intermediate-students/lower-intermediate-mini-lessons/567-esl-happiness

American Idol

Warm Up: Discuss the question with your partner for five minutes.

1. Have you heard of the program "American Idol?" What do you know about it?

Reading:

American Idol is a reality TV program broadcast in the US and over one hundred countries around the world. It debuted in the summer of 2002, and has become one of the most popular programs on air. It has ranked as the number one show for five seasons in a row. On the program, contestants sing before three judges to be the best singer in the country. The winner usually goes on to win large record contracts.

Although very successful, there has been some controversy too. For example, Sir Elton John called the show "racist" after African American contestants scored poorly. The show also has total control of the careers of each year's winners, a fact which may or may not be favorable to the contestants.

Comprehension Questions: Answer the questions before/after your read the article.

1.  What can be said about American Idol?

           a. it has been the most popular program on the air since 2002

              b. contestants perform in front of three judges

             c. the show is racist

           d. the show sometimes controls the careers of its winners

2.  What would be the best title for this article? Why do you think so?

           a. "All About American Idol"

           b. "American Idol, Not Without Controversy"

           c. "American Idol, the Best Show Ever!"

           d. "Reality TV"

Discuss: Discuss these questions with a partner. Remember to support your answers.

1. Do you watch American Idol and other reality TV programs? Why/not?
2. Why do you think American Idol has been the favorite program in the US?
3. Would you be a contestant on American Idol? How about another reality TV show?

http://www.headsupenglish.com/index.php/lower-intermediate-students/lower-intermediate-mini-lessons/190-american-idol