Session 1

 

Let’s Have a Talk!

 

1. What did you have for lunch today?

2. How has your first month of school been so far?

3. How often does your department get together?

Do you think your department has a strong bond?

4. What’s your priority in life now?

 

Have You Ever 'Played the Fool?'

In the United States, April 1 is a day when you need to be a little careful. Why? It is April Fool’s Day, so someone might play a practical joke on you - a harmless trick for fun.

 

Probably the most common definition of “fool” is someone who is silly and, well, foolish. It is very easy to trick a fool. “To fool” can also mean to pretend. If you say, “I was only fooling” that means you are not serious. You are kidding.

 

We often pair “fool” with the verbs “play” and “act” to form the e-x-p-r-e-s-s-i-o-ns play the fool and act the fool. They both describe someone who is easily tricked or deceived. Or sometimes, we play the fool because we fall deeply in love and cannot think clearly.

 

If you make a fool of yourself, you do something that makes you look foolish or silly. But making a fool of yourself is better than making a fool of someone else. That is just mean.

 

Now, if you are fooling yourself you are unwilling to accept the facts of a situation. In other words, you are in denial.

 

And, when we pair the word “fool” with “around,” we get an e-x-p-r-e-s-s-i-o-n that has several meanings. One is to spend time without any purpose. Another meaning is to behave playfully.

 

Finally, we often use the word “fool” in warnings to others. For example, “Don’t fool around with that! You will break it.” Or, “Stop fooling around.” And the ever popular, “This is no time to fool around.”

 

 

1. Are you gullible or skeptical?

2. Have you ever played a practical joke on your friends on April Fool’s Day?

3. Do you think having a sense of humour is important? Why/why not?

4. If your girlfriend/boyfriend make you something to eat and it’s terrible, would you tell her/him a

white lie?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Session 2

 

Let’s Have a Talk!

 

1. Do you like going to cafes? What drink or food do you usually order?

2. Have you got your wisdom teeth removed? What was it like?

3. Do you ever read the newspaper every day?

4. Do you think politicians often deceive people?

 

97 Countries Got Less Peaceful in 2024, Report Says

More than 100 years ago, British writer H.G. Wells called World War I "the war that will end war." Now, in 2024, there are more conflicts happening around the world than at any time since the end of World War II.

 

That's according to the Global Peace Index (GPI), a report that ranks countries based on how peaceful they are. The GPI lists 56 conflicts going on at the moment, while there are 92 countries involved in conflicts taking place outside their borders.

 

There's more bad news: in this year's report, 97 countries were found to have gotten less peaceful. The GPI ranked 163 countries and territories, looking at things like violent crime, political problems and the amount of money spent on the military. The least peaceful country for 2024 was found to be Yemen, with Sudan, South Sudan, Afghanistan and Ukraine also near the bottom of the list.

 

At the top of the list, Iceland was ranked the most peaceful country for the 16th year in a row. Ireland, Austria and New Zealand were next. Iceland did well because it's known to be a safe place, and also because it gives lots of money to United Nations peacekeeping missions.

 

Of the world's 10 most peaceful countries, seven are in Europe. Two more are in Asia, with Singapore in fifth place and Malaysia in 10th. People living in more peaceful countries are usually happier and have more money, according to Global Finance magazine. Japan fell four places to 17th because of its increased military spending, while the US fell to 132nd because of growing political violence there.

 

 

1. Do you believe patriotism can make people immoral?

2. Do you think scientists are free from the responsibility of using weapons?

3. Do you think there could be a war in Korea while you‘re alive?

4. What would you say are the best ways to prevent international conflicts?