Discussion Topics

Technology & Learning

Belle L Discussion Topics
Computer

Conversation

After a quick greeting, use the following questions as a guideline to form an interesting conversation with your tutor. Feel free to diverge from these suggestions if anything interesting comes up.

  • Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? With the help of technology, students nowadays can learn more information and learn it more quickly. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer
    • In what ways have students learned more?
    • In what ways have students not learned more?
    • What role does technology play in education?

Vocabulary

Skip this section if you have 15 minute plan. Read the word/expression and definition out loud, and your tutor will go over anything you do not understand. Practice creating a sentence or two to make sure you know how to use the word/expression properly.

Vocabulary/ Expressions

Expression Definition
efficiency (n) state of getting things done in a timely manner
They only wanted to increase efficiency, no matter the effect on the student.
forum (n) meeting where ideas are exchanged
Students were still able to engage in online forums.
wireless (adj) using radio to transmit signals
They could connect to their class with wireless Internet.
automatically (adj) by itself or with little direction
The students discovered that their computer could get results automatically.
retain (v) continue to have something
They wondered how much students could actually retain of what they learned.
instruct (v) teach, instruct or command
The teachers didn’t know how to instruct with the new computer program.
pump out (expression) produce a lot of something
The computer could pump out data automatically.
rattle off (expression) quotes something quickly
He began to rattle off reasons why technology was so beneficial for them.
rush into (expression) do something quickly
She was wary to not rush into replacing her physical textbooks.
miss the boat (expression) it’s too late
He was too busy texting that he missed the boat and couldn’t give his answer.

Something Extra

Read the following quote out loud.

“Simplicity is about subtracting the obvious and adding the meaningful.”
― John Maeda

Wrap-up

Go over any new expressions or vocabulary that you learned today.

Land for Endangered Animals

Belle L Discussion Topics

Conversation

After a quick greeting, use the following questions as a guideline to form an interesting conversation with your tutor. Feel free to diverge from these suggestions if anything interesting comes up.

  • Some people think that human needs for farmland, housing, and industry are more important than saving land for endangered animals. Do you agree or disagree with this point of view? Why or why not? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer
    • What value do endangered animals have?
    • Who gets to determine what land is used for?
    • Is there a compromise that can happen?

Vocabulary

Skip this section if you have 15 minute plan. Read the word/expression and definition out loud, and your tutor will go over anything you do not understand. Practice creating a sentence or two to make sure you know how to use the word/expression properly.

Vocabulary/ Expressions

Expression Definition
species (n) group of similar living organisms
Which species would you want to protect?
extinction (n) something no longer in existence
Without care, the mammoths were in danger of extinction.
endangered (adj) seriously at risk of extinction
They fought to protect the endangered species.
rewarding (adj) providing satisfaction
Helping animals can be a rewarding experience.
preserve (v) maintain in its original state
Each species deserves to have someone preserve them.
displace (v) be removed from their home
They had to displace the rabbits to a new home.
force out (expression) excessively move something
With new buildings going up, the species were forced out of their homes.
knock down (expression) destroy, break down
Many animals were displaced after they knocked down their homes.
close off (expression) not allow in, seclude
The farmer had to close off the land that was dry.
hang in there (expression) don’t give up
The organization told the volunteers to hang in there even after the funding was cut.

Something Extra

Read the following quote out loud.

“Every flower is a soul blossoming in nature.”
― Gerard De Nerval

Wrap-up

Go over any new expressions or vocabulary that you learned today.

Never, Never Give Up

Belle L Discussion Topics

Conversation

After a quick greeting, use the following questions as a guideline to form an interesting conversation with your tutor. Feel free to diverge from these suggestions if anything interesting comes up.

  • The expression “Never, never give up” means to keep trying and never stop working for your goals. Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
    • In what situations is it helpful to follow this expression?
    • In what situations is it not helpful to follow this expression?
    • Are there limits to this expression?

Vocabulary

Skip this section if you have 15 minute plan. Read the word/expression and definition out loud, and your tutor will go over anything you do not understand. Practice creating a sentence or two to make sure you know how to use the word/expression properly.

Vocabulary/ Expressions

Expression Definition
goal (n) object of someone’s ambition
Whatever your goal, chase after it.
journey (n) long process, travel
They knew that this journey would be a difficult one.
undecided (adj) not authoritatively determined
She was undecided of whether she would continue.
motivated (adj) have a motive for someone
She was motivated to win the competition.
persevere (v) continue in a course of action
Despite the challenges, she persevered and won the race.
concede (v) accept something after resisting it
She would never concede on her conviction.
give up (expression) cease making an effort
Her dad always told her never to give up.
scale back (expression) make something smaller than intended
He realized he needed to scale back his expectations.
shy away (expression) shrink, retreat
She wasn’t one to shy away from danger.
pull yourself together (expression) calm down
After he was afraid, he pulled himself together and got to work. 

Something Extra

Read the following quote out loud.

“Winners never quit and quitters never win.”
― Vince Lombardi

Wrap-up

Go over any new expressions or vocabulary that you learned today.

Personal Lives of Famous People

Belle L Discussion Topics

Conversation

After a quick greeting, use the following questions as a guideline to form an interesting conversation with your tutor. Feel free to diverge from these suggestions if anything interesting comes up.

  • Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Television, newspapers, magazines, and other media pay too much attention to the personal lives of famous people such as public figures and celebrities. Use specific reasons and details to explain your opinion.
    • In what ways does the media pay too much attention to famous people?
    • Would you be comfortable or uncomfortable with the amount of attention you would receive if you were a celebrity?
    • Is such attention a good thing or a bad thing?

Vocabulary

Skip this section if you have 15 minute plan. Read the word/expression and definition out loud, and your tutor will go over anything you do not understand. Practice creating a sentence or two to make sure you know how to use the word/expression properly.

Vocabulary/ Expressions

Expression Definition
paparazzi (n) photographers who pursue celebrities
She was always alert of paparazzi around.
fame (n) condition of being known or talked about
She wasn’t excited about the fame at first but later learned to enjoy it.
prominent (adj) important, famous
He loved being a prominent member of the organization.
annoying (adj) causing irritation
She found it annoying that she couldn’t even go out in public anymore.
conceal (v) hide, put out of sight
Not wanting attention, she tried to conceal her identity.
embrace (v) accept or support willingly
She finally learned to just embrace all the attention.
gear up (expression) get ready for a busy season
He was excited to gear up for another movie premiere.
get away from (expression) go to a different location
There was no way she could get away from the photographers.
pan out (expression) the way a situation develops
With no disguise, she wondered how her presence would pan out.
give the cold shoulder (expression) ignore
She didn’t want to talk so she gave them the cold shoulder.

Something Extra

Read the following quote out loud.

“My happiness doesn’t come from money or fame. My happiness comes from seeing life without struggle.”
― Nicki Minaj

Wrap-up

Go over any new expressions or vocabulary that you learned today.

Earth vs. Human

Belle L Discussion Topics

Conversation

After a quick greeting, use the following questions as a guideline to form an interesting conversation with your tutor. Feel free to diverge from these suggestions if anything interesting comes up.

  • Some people believe that the Earth is being harmed (damaged) by human activity. Others feel that human activity makes the Earth a better place to live. What is your opinion? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
    • In what ways could human activity harm the earth?
    • In what ways could human activity benefit the earth?
    • Could there be a balance between the two?

Vocabulary

Skip this section if you have 15 minute plan. Read the word/expression and definition out loud, and your tutor will go over anything you do not understand. Practice creating a sentence or two to make sure you know how to use the word/expression properly.

Vocabulary/ Expressions

Expression Definition
pollution (n) the introduction of something that is harmful for the environment
With the increase in car travel, there was more pollution in the air.
advantage (n) something that puts someone in a favorable position
His biology background gave him an advantage in helping their community.
harmful (adj) likely to cause harm
Smoking can be very harmful for your lungs.
beneficial (adj) favorable or advantageous
He thought it was beneficial they were being conscious of the environment.
misuse (v) use something for the wrong purpose
People sometimes misuse natural resources.
rescue (v) save from danger
He made it his mission to rescue his neighborhood tree.
be out of (expression) have no more left
Soon, they’ll be out of money to save for the organization.
break down (expression) stop working
The wood started to break down because of the harsh weather.
fight off (expression) resist something
We had to fight off the mosquitos during our camping trip.
every cloud has a silver lining (expression) good things come after bad
Even though the house had burned, he realized that every cloud has a silver lining when they could get new things.

Something Extra

Read the following quote out loud.

“Look deep into nature and you will be able to understand everything better.”
― Albert Einstein

Wrap-up

Go over any new expressions or vocabulary that you learned today.

Jewelry or Concert?

Belle L Discussion Topics

Conversation

After a quick greeting, use the following questions as a guideline to form an interesting conversation with your tutor. Feel free to diverge from these suggestions if anything interesting comes up.

  • You have received a gift of money. The money is enough to buy either a piece of jewelry you like or tickets to a concert you want to attend. Which would you buy? Use specific reasons and details to support your answer.
    • What would make you want to choose the jewelry?
    • What would make you want to choose the tickets to a concert?
    • What would your family or friends want you to do?

Vocabulary

Skip this section if you have 15 minute plan. Read the word/expression and definition out loud, and your tutor will go over anything you do not understand. Practice creating a sentence or two to make sure you know how to use the word/expression properly.

Vocabulary/ Expressions

Expression Definition
wealth (n) a large amount of money
What would you do with that amount of wealth?
budget (n) an estimate of income
He looked at his budget and realized it wouldn’t be possible.
affluent (adj) having a great deal of money
Her family was affluent, but she wanted to work for her money.
intuitive (adj) done based on intuition, one’s feeling
They had to make an intuitive decision on what to do with all the wealth they came away with.
experience (v) encounter an event
She wanted to experience life rather than accumulate things.
spend (v) pay out in buying goods or services
She couldn’t decide what to spend her money on.
blow off (expression) ignore
He blew her off when they were supposed to go shopping.
embark on (expression) start a project or journey
They were ready to embark on a great concert experience.
go back on (expression) break a promise
She couldn’t go back on what she told him she would get.
have sticky fingers (expression) be a shoplifter, thief
Since he didn’t have much money, he learned to get what he wanted by having sticky fingers.

Something Extra

Read the following quote out loud.

“A little thought and a little kindness are often worth more than a great deal of money.”
― John Ruskin

Wrap-up

Go over any new expressions or vocabulary that you learned today.

New High School in Your Town

Belle L Discussion Topics

Conversation

After a quick greeting, use the following questions as a guideline to form an interesting conversation with your tutor. Feel free to diverge from these suggestions if anything interesting comes up.

  • It has recently been announced that a new high school may be built in your community. Do you support or oppose this plan? Why? Use specific reasons and details in your answer
    • What would be some benefits to having a new high school in your community?
    • What would be some negatives to having a new high school in your community?
    • What could be a compromise between the two viewpoints?

Vocabulary

Skip this section if you have 15 minute plan. Read the word/expression and definition out loud, and your tutor will go over anything you do not understand. Practice creating a sentence or two to make sure you know how to use the word/expression properly.

Vocabulary/ Expressions

Expression Definition
clique (n) small group of people with similar interests
Even teachers seemed to form their own cliques among their coworkers.
dispute (n) disagreement or argument
The teachers got into a heated dispute.
argumentative (adj) expressing diverging ideas
He came off as very argumentative in the discussion.
academic (adj) relating to learning
They just wanted a new academic building for their students.
renovate (v) return to a good state
The school would be renovated rather than totally rebuilt.
unveil (v) reveal or announce publically
They couldn’t wait to unveil the new park to the rest of the community.
approve of (expression) to agree with a decision
Does she approve of your actions?
belong to (expression) be a member of
They wanted to belong to the new school but they weren’t allowed to.
break away (expression) leave an organization
The other teachers decided to break away from the school and start their own.
get a run for one’s money (expression) receiving a challenge
The school dispute gave the principal a run for his money in having to make difficult decisions.

Something Extra

Read the following quote out loud.

“Nothing in the universe can stop you from letting go and starting over.”
― Guy Finley

Wrap-up

Go over any new expressions or vocabulary that you learned today.

Moving in Search of Another Place

Belle L Discussion Topics

Conversation

After a quick greeting, use the following questions as a guideline to form an interesting conversation with your tutor. Feel free to diverge from these suggestions if anything interesting comes up.

  • Some people spend their entire lives in one place. Others move a number of times throughout their lives, looking for a better job, house, community, or even climate. Which do you prefer: staying in one place or moving in search of another place? Use reasons and specific examples to support your opinion.
    • What are the benefits of living your entire life in one place?
    • What are the benefits of moving through their lives?
    • Is there a balance between always moving and staying in one place?

Vocabulary

Skip this section if you have 15 minute plan. Read the word/expression and definition out loud, and your tutor will go over anything you do not understand. Practice creating a sentence or two to make sure you know how to use the word/expression properly.

Vocabulary/ Expressions

Expression Definition
prosperity (n) state of thriving, being prosperous
They sought out a life of prosperity for their family.
change (n) act of becoming different
He had a difficult time adapting to change.
established (adj) been in existence for a while
They had built and lived in their established home for decades.
alternative (adj) available as another option
Living in another state could be an alternative to quitting.
transfer (v) move from one place to another
The company transferred him to another state.
remain (v) stay in the place one has been occupying
The girl wanted to remain where she was.
stay put (expression) not move
She preferred to stay put in her hometown.
get across (expression) communicate effectively
They tried to get across the opportunities they would have if they moved.
have against (expression) disagree
He wondered what they had against moving another time.
rags to riches (expression) move from poverty to prosperity
She told the story of how they went from rags to riches with their hard work.

Something Extra

Read the following quote out loud.

“Yesterday is not ours to recover, but tomorrow is ours to win or lose.”
― Lyndon B. Johnson

Wrap-up

Go over any new expressions or vocabulary that you learned today.

Saving Money

Belle L Discussion Topics
Many bundles of US dollars bank notes

Conversation

After a quick greeting, use the following questions as a guideline to form an interesting conversation with your tutor. Feel free to diverge from these suggestions if anything interesting comes up.

  • Is it better to enjoy your money when you earn it or is it better to save your money for some time in the future? Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.
    • What are the benefits of saving money?
    • What are the benefits of enjoying your money when you earn it?
    • Is there a balance of enjoying and saving money?

Vocabulary

Skip this section if you have 15 minute plan. Read the word/expression and definition out loud, and your tutor will go over anything you do not understand. Practice creating a sentence or two to make sure you know how to use the word/expression properly.

Vocabulary/ Expressions

Expression Definition
stockpile (n) large accumulation
Rather than investing he kept a stockpile of resources.
percentage (n) a proportion of a larger sum
She wondered what percentage she could save and still pay the bills.
frugal (adj) sparing or economical with money
By using coupons and finding sales, she was frugal with her money.
lavish (adj) very generous or extravagant
Their lavish grandmother always brought them presents.
conserve (v) prevent the harmful waste or overuse of a resource
She kept a portion of her paycheck to conserve and save for the future.
splurge (v) spend money freely
He decided to splurge on a new bike.
split up (expression) separate into sections
What’s the best way to split up a paycheck?
divvy out (expression) divide, share
The manager had to divvy out the holiday bonuses to the employees.
file away (expression) put away for storage
She filed away her checks before she could spend them.
break the bank (expression) use up all your money
The new house renovations were close to breaking the bank for the couple.

Something Extra

Read the following quote out loud.

“If you must have motivation, think of your paycheck on Friday.”
― Noel Coward

Wrap-up

Go over any new expressions or vocabulary that you learned today.

Lifelong Employment

Belle L Discussion Topics

Conversation

After a quick greeting, use the following questions as a guideline to form an interesting conversation with your tutor. Feel free to diverge from these suggestions if anything interesting comes up.

  • Businesses should hire employees for their entire lives. Do you agree or disagree? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
    • What are the benefits of hiring employees for their entire lives?
    • What are some negative aspects of hiring employees for their entire lives?
    • What kind of company would you want to work at for your entire life?

Vocabulary

Skip this section if you have 15 minute plan. Read the word/expression and definition out loud, and your tutor will go over anything you do not understand. Practice creating a sentence or two to make sure you know how to use the word/expression properly.

Vocabulary/ Expressions

Expression Definition
career (n) occupation undertaken for a significant period of time
She had so many careers at one time.
salary (n) fixed payment, wages
He was pleased with the salary that came with the position.
lifelong (adj) lasting or remaining in a particular state throughout a person’s life
She wanted this job to be part of her lifelong career.
stable (adj) not likely to give way
She wanted to work in a stable job where she knew what was expected of her.
affect (v) make a difference
Wherever you work, you can affect positive change.
master (v) acquire complete skill of something
With practice, they could eventually master the process.
bump up (expression) increase
He asked his manager to bump up his wages.
check off (expression) mark something in a list as done
After that experience, she could check off swimming with dolphins on her list.
decide on (expression) choose, select
She couldn’t decide on which career path to take.
work for peanuts (expression) labor for very little money
He felt underappreciated as he worked for peanuts every day.

Something Extra

Read the following quote out loud.

“Without hard work, nothing grows but weeds.”
― Gordon Hinckley

Wrap-up

Go over any new expressions or vocabulary that you learned today.