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Learn to discuss your attitudes towards the food you eat, and whether we should depend on the government, business or ourselves when it comes to making sure the food we eat is safe as well as delicious.
Who? This class is for Upper-Intermediate members. “You are what you eat” – or so some would have us believe. But what exactly are you? Attitudes towards food have been changing in China since the economy has developed. At first people were eating more meat as their disposable income grew, and now there is a change in attitude amongst some that is leading to a decline in their meat consumption – whether for ethical or safety reasons. There is also a growing organic movement in China’s larger cities, growing in response to fear of chemicals and additives added to food in the production process. If you’re interested in being able to discuss the issues related to our food culture – both positive and negative – then make sure you come to this class!
What? In this class, we’ll start off by looking at whether it is ethically acceptable to eat meat or not – does becoming a vegetarian make you a better person? Next, we’ll look at our own attitudes towards human intervention in the food production processes – would you accept GM foods on your dinner table? Finally, we’ll discuss where the responsibility for food safety lies, how we can prevent food safety issues affecting ourselves, and what should be done to punish those who exploit our need for food and produce unsafe products to fatten their own wallets. Book Now»
Continuing from last week’s class, this week we’ll focus on apologising strategies.
Who? This class is for Upper-Intermediate members. Nobody’s perfect, and we all make mistakes from time to time. However, sometimes we put ourselves in difficult positions because we decide to do what seems to be the right thing, but might be the wrong thing morally or ethically. For example, if you really needed work, would you lie on your C.V. or in an interview to get a job? What happens when you get caught? And when you do get something wrong, being able to deflect attention from your actions is an important skill which we all need to use from time to time! If you get things wrong more than you get right, then make sure you come to this class!
What? In this class we’ll start off by looking at a situation where two friends blame each other for the breakdown in their relationship, and use this to learn how to pass the buck to other people when something goes wrong in our own lives. Next, we’ll look at some strategies for saying sorry when we finally have to hold our hands up and admit we’ve been wrong. Finally, we’ll bring it all together in an extensive role play and look at how laying the blame instead of holding your hands up for doing the wrong thing can have an impact on our own private lives. Book Now»
Learn to debate the right and wrong ways of going about things, how to get out of situations where you’ve done the wrong thing and shift the blame for something on to someone else, and if necessary how to apologise for your actions.
Who? This class is for Upper-Intermediate members. Nobody’s perfect, and we all make mistakes from time to time. However, sometimes we put ourselves in difficult positions because we decide to do what seems to be the right thing, but might be the wrong thing morally or ethically. For example, if you really needed work, would you lie on your C.V. or in an interview to get a job? What happens when you get caught? And when you do get something wrong, being able to deflect attention from your actions is an important skill which we all need to use from time to time! If you get things wrong more than you get right, then make sure you come to this class!
What? In this class we’ll start off by debating whether it is right to pad out our C.V. with untruths, and what we would do if we got caught afterwards. Next, we’ll look at a situation where two friends blame each other for the breakdown in their relationship, and use this to learn how to pass the buck to other people when something goes wrong in our own lives. Finally, we’ll look at some strategies for saying sorry when we finally have to hold our hands up and admit we’ve been wrong. Book Now»
Learn how to obtain consensus and make difficult decisions by showing different degrees of agreement and disagreement.
Who? This class is for Upper-Intermediate members. Making decisions is easy – getting people to buy-in to them is the hard part! How many times have you had a great idea, but had a hard time convincing other people to accept them, or implement them and follow-through on their action points? In this class we’ll look at creating shared objectives, which are vital if unpopular decisions are going to be accepted. If you need help getting people to buy-in to your ideas, then make sure you come to this class!
What? In this class we’ll start off by looking at what we need to do or see to know that people have bought-in to an idea. Next, we’ll watch two videos of a chairman trying to obtain consensus on a decision which has divided the meeting – with varying degrees of success. Finally, we’ll put these ideas into practice by trying to obtain the consensus of the group on a divisive issue. Book Now»
Learn to discuss your opinions cross-cultural issues, a must for anyone who works (or wishes to work) in a multi-national company.
Who? This class is for Upper-Intermediate members. Wherever you’re from, you are a product of your environment. Whether you’re an American in Paris, an Englishman in New York, or someone who works across different cultures, knowing how to deal with cultural issues is an essential skill. If you’re interested in learning about different cultures – and where some of the potential conflicts may arise between them – then make sure you come to this class.
What? In this class, we’ll look at our attitudes to our private and public selves – how much of yourself do you feel comfortable ‘putting out there’ and what do you keep ‘hidden away’? Next, we’ll look at the story of a ‘works do’ with 12 different nationalities, and what happens when two cultures clash. Finally, we’ll discuss our own opinions about how we should deal with culture clashes, and what – if anything – needs to happen to those who cross cultural boundaries. Book Now»
Learn to discuss news content, factual reporting and sensationalist journalism.
Who? This class is for Upper-Intermediate members. Every day around the world news crews and journalists are always on the lookout for the next big story, some breaking news that they feel is important to report. But are there some aspects of the news which should be played down? Or is all news useful important, no matter how morbid? Where is the line between reporting the facts and sensationalism? In many countries, some media are accused of rubbernecking and making stories more gruesome than they have to be to make sure that their viewers, listeners and readers are entertained as well as informed – is this acceptable? If you want to be able to discuss this difficult topic, then make sure you come to this class.
What? In this class, we’ll start off by looking at some different perspectives about the news and whether people have a right to know all the details of a story or if the media has a duty to downplay certain aspects of the news. Next, we’ll role play a news room discussion and look at some potential news stories, debating which should be allowed into our news bulletins, and how we should put the information across. Finally, we’ll use the news to discuss whether censorship can actually be a useful thing, or if people have the right to know all of the details of every news story. Book Now»
Learn to discuss the issues facing internet users and businesses around the world in the light of America’s push to combat internet piracy.
Who? This class is for Upper-Intermediate members. File sharing has become part of the modern-day world. Countless numbers of people use bittorrents, online lockers and cloud storage to upload and download their own files – and often those of others. But in this hyper-connected world, who is able to police the internet and make sure that intellectual property theft is dealt with appropriately? Well, with America recently trying to introduce SOPA and PIPA it looks like the US is trying to reprise its role as world police in the offline world into the digital domain. If you’re interested in being able to discuss the implications of combating internet piracy and how it might start to impinge on our online freedoms, then make sure you come to this class.
What? In this class, we’ll start by discussing our own attitudes to internet piracy and file sharing sites. Next, we’ll look at the case of German Megaupload (an online file storage site) owner Kim Dotcom and his recent arrest in New Zealand, instigated by the US authorities. Finally, we’ll take a quick look at the main points of the SOPA and PIPA legislation which America tried to introduce recently and hold a debate to discuss their relative merits. Book Now»
Learn to discuss Spring Festival and the issues surrounding it including traditions, transport and tips on how to get through it in one piece!
Who? This class is for Upper-Intermediate members. Spring Festival is celebrated around the world by the Chinese Diasporas and in many different Asian cultures, but how does it compare to other festivals around the world? What are your plans for the week? Will you be part of the world’s largest annual movement of people? Or will you try and avoid the crush on the public transport system and stay at home? How will you cope with the stresses and strains of the festival itself? If you’re interested in discussing this most joyous of occasions, then make sure you come to this class!
What? In this class, we’ll start off by looking at some other annual festivals from around the world, and how we can learn from these to describe what happens during Spring Festival in China. Next, we’ll examine the issues related to the world’s greatest human migration as people from all around China try to get home in time to spend Chinese New Year with their nearest and dearest. Finally, we’ll draw up some tips to help each other get through what can be a stressful time and give some coping strategies for dealing with friends, family and relatives. Book Now»
Rules Are Made To Be Broken?
- Start:
- December 18, 2011 10:00 am
- End:
- December 18, 2011 12:00 pm
Rules. Why do some people seem to think rules are irrelevant, and others just talk about how important they are? When are rules good? When are they bad? And what’s more important – the following of a rule, or understanding the uniqueness of the situation?
Who? This class is for Intermediate learners. Have you ever wanted to talk about why it is, or maybe isn’t important to worry about rules. Do you want to know how to sound informed and intelligent on this issue? Perhaps you should take this class.
What? We will look at the role rules can play in our lives, and how to describe them. We will look at some high-profile of controversial rules, and even some comedic examples from the past. Finally we will explore our own ideas of which rules should and shouldn’t exist. Book Now»
In Sickness and In Health
- Start:
- December 4, 2011 10:00 am
- End:
- December 4, 2011 12:00 pm
Learn to talk about different attitudes to marriage, in good times and in bad.
What? This class is for Upper-Intermediate members. Marriage is one of the major milestones in many people’s lives. In China, children are under enormous pressure to get married as soon as they have finished their studies, with many parents resorting to matchmaking in a bid to set up their offspring with someone suitable – not always for love, but with their own ulterior motives. But what happens when a marriage is on the verge of breakdown? What are our options? If you’re interested in being able to discuss this emotional topic and offer advice to those who need it then make sure you come to this class.
What? In this class we’ll start off by looking at what you would (and wouldn’t) do in the name of love. Then we’ll look at some different attitudes towards love and marriage, and which group we fall in – hopeless romantic, pragmatic lover, or outright cynic. Finally, we’ll look into what happens after a relationship has broken down, and what the effect is on the couples involved and the people around them. Book Now»
Learn to discuss the human body in terms of our sense of self, and what would happen if we wanted to change it (whether for cosmetic or health reasons).
Who? This class is for Upper-Intermediate members. Buddha claimed, “to keep the body in good health is a duty…otherwise we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and clear.” But what happens when our bodies let us down, and we’re unhappy with the way we look – can changing our appearance also have a beneficial effect on our spiritual health? It’s fairly well known that South Korea has the highest rate of cosmetic surgery, but did you know that China isn’t far off, with the 7th highest rate in the world. If you’re interested at looking at how our bodies influence the way we feel about ourselves, then make sure you come to this class.
What? First, we’ll start off by looking at some different gestures from around the world and what they mean. Next, we’ll move on to looking at our bodies and deciding what exactly is essential to our sense of self, and what improvements we could make to what we were born with that would make our lives easier. Finally, we’ll discuss our attitudes to cosmetic surgery and look at the case of a young girl who feels so unhappy with her body she’s willing to go under the knife to change things. Book Now»
Learn the language of the courts, identify guilty parties in a conflict and become judge, jury and…executioner?
Who? This class is for Upper-Intermediate members. Aristotle, the ancient Greek philosopher, claimed “At his best, man is the noblest of all animals; separated from law and justice he is the worst.” This idea has stayed with humanity throughout modern history, helping to guide and control populations around the world – but is justice the only thing that separates us from our basest instincts? If you’re interested in learning the language of the justice, then make sure you come to this class!
What? In this class, we’ll start off by discussing the history of how juries were created in British courts, and the role they have to play in deciding the fate of their peers. Next, we’ll take the role of members of the jury to determine guilt and responsibility in a variety of cases. Finally, we’ll look at the ultimate form of justice – the death penalty – and debate whether or not it can play a part in delivering justice to the injured parties. Book Now»
Learn to discuss the differences between men and women, gender identity and sexism.
Who? This class is for Upper-Intermediate members. Australians applying for a new passport have recently been given a third option for gender – now they have not only male and female, but also ‘X’ for people with an indeterminate or ambiguous gender. This could include people who are transgender (who have chosen to change their gender during their lifetime) or intersex (who are biologically not entirely male or female). But apart from our biological makeup, what else contributes to our gender? When we describe a man as effeminate, is this an insult? How about calling a female colleague butch or macho? If you’re interested in the ways we talk about men, women and those who can apply for an X in their Australian passport, then this is the class for you.
What? We’ll start off this class by taking a survey to determine whether we have a predominantly male or female personality. Next, we’ll examine some of the stereotypical descriptions we have of men and women, and those which can be shared across both sexes. We’ll continue by looking at the etymology of certain words and discuss whether they show that English is gender-biased, and we’ll finish by debating some issues where gender identity can have a real effect on a person’s life. Book Now»
Learn how to discuss the ethics related to marketing, using the expansion of a cigarette company in Korea as a case-study.
Who? This class is for Intermediate members. Cigarettes kill, but does that make the people who sell them killers? Where does personal responsibility come into the equation? How about trying to convince people to buy cigarettes – would you be up to the job? If you’re interested in where to draw the line between what is ethically condonable, and what goes beyond the bounds of acceptability then this is the class for you.
What? In this class, we’ll look at the case study of a cigarette manufacturer who is looking to exploit new opportunities in what appears to be a saturated market. We follow a marketing trainee who discovers a ’smoking gun’ – a secret document which outlines some of the more dubious practices her firm is willing to follow in order to make more money. As a group, we’ll discuss what she should do at each stage of this problem, and learn some useful language about morals and decision-making on the way! Book Now»
Learn the language and skills of effective negotiators.
Who? This class is for Upper-Intermediate members. Everyone negotiates informally to some extent; whether with a partner, in a discussion with your boss and colleagues, or in a dispute of some description. But what language and skills do you need to do this effectively? Would you resort to emotional blackmail in a bid to win at all costs? Or would you try and reach some kind of compromise to make sure avoid a head-on conflict? If you want to improve your negotiating skills and apply the lessons you learn in other aspects of your life, then make sure you book this class!
What? In this class we’ll start off by looking at some of the collocations related to negotiation, and some of the techniques that skilled negotiators use to try and extract the best from any situation. Next, we’ll look at the language of negotiating (using diplomacy and persuasion) which can have a huge effect on how effective you are at getting what you want. Finally, we’ll try and negotiate a record deal to put our skills to the test! Book Now»
Water Under the Bridge
- Start:
- September 11, 2011 10:00 am
- End:
- September 11, 2011 12:00 pm
Learn the language of forgiveness, grudges and turning the other cheek.
What? This class is for Upper-Intermediate members. Do you easily forgive people? Or do you hold grudges? It’s a difficult Oscar Wilde, the famous Irish poet, claimed “Always forgive your enemies – nothing annoys them so much.” Would you agree? If you’re interested in discussing this difficult topic, the make sure you book this class.
What? In this class, we’ll start off by looking at our experiences of being wronged and what we did in these circumstances. Next, we’ll try and step into the mind of someone who was left permanently scared by two men in a vicious attack, and why he decided to forgive his attackers – even when others around him were not so quick to forgive. Finally, we’ll discuss what we’d do in a variety of situations which call for forgiveness. Book Now»
Learn to talk about monitoring people, surveillance in public and your privacy.
Who? This class is for Upper-Intermediate members.Last year, China installed over 10 million surveillance cameras in supermarkets, cinemas and classrooms in order to keep us safe. Public buses have CCTV installed to monitor the driver and passengers. Shanghai has a team of 4,000 full time staff to monitor us round-the-clock. But what about your personal privacy? It’s a fine line to judge where this kind of monitoring stops – would you be happy with cameras fitted in a bathroom? How about computer software to stop you accessing certain sites? Maybe we should go even further – would you rifle through your partner’s belongings if you suspected them of cheating? If you want to be able to discuss the sensitive issue of personal privacy, then make sure you come to this class.
What? In this class we’ll start off by discussing what kind of things we would be willing to share with an employer – where do we draw the line between disclosing the truth about ourselves? Next, we’ll look at the debate surrounding privacy in the United States, and how monitoring can be used for good as well as more suspect reasons. Finally, we’ll debate where we should draw the line of personal privacy – how far is too far? Book Now»
The Million Dollar Question
- Start:
- August 14, 2011 1:00 pm
- End:
- August 14, 2011 3:00 pm
People have been disagreeing on the meaning of life for thousands of years. Get some perspectives, and learn how to argue your, and others’, perspectives.
Who? This lesson is for Upper-intermediate members. Knowing what ‘life’ is all about for the people we share the planet with is a valuable insight into their actions and motives. If you want to learn about some of these perspectives and how to describe and discuss them, then we suggest you enroll in this lesson.
What? … is the word for a person who thinks life is completely without meaning? How do we describe the perspectives of those who think life is a meaningful journey? What are those perspectives? You will find the language, and more questions, here.
Book Now»
Learn to talk about monitoring people, surveillance in public and your privacy.
Who? This class is for Upper-Intermediate members. Last year, China installed over 10 million surveillance cameras in supermarkets, cinemas and classrooms in order to keep us safe. Public buses have CCTV installed to monitor the driver and passengers. Shanghai has a team of 4,000 full time staff to monitor us round-the-clock. But what about your personal privacy? It’s a fine line to judge where this kind of monitoring stops – would you be happy with cameras fitted in a bathroom? How about computer software to stop you accessing certain sites? Maybe we should go even further – would you rifle through your partner’s belongings if you suspected them of cheating? If you want to be able to discuss the sensitive issue of personal privacy, then make sure you come to this class.
What? In this class we’ll start off by discussing what kind of things we would be willing to share with an employer – where do we draw the line between disclosing the truth about ourselves? Next, we’ll look at the debate surrounding privacy in the United States, and how monitoring can be used for good as well as more suspect reasons. Finally, we’ll debate where we should draw the line of personal privacy – how far is too far? Book Now»
Learn the language of online dating, cheating and flirting!
Who? This class is for Intermediate members. Online dating has become a hugely popular activity amongst lots of different groups of people – including those who probably shouldn’t be doing it in the first place! Married men (and sometimes women) frequently have fantasies about cheating on their spouses, and the internet has become their playground – but does it really count as cheating? If you’re interested in this most modern of issues, then this is the class for you!
What? In this class we’ll try and establish the exact boundaries when fantasy steps over the line into full-blown cheating. Next, we’ll investigate the case of a woman who started to suspect that her husband was being economical with the truth when he said he was just catching up on his paperwork while sitting at his computer until late at night. Finally, we’ll find out what happens when a spurned partner confronts their partner about their online indiscretions! Book Now»
Learn to talk about the voluntary donation of – and controversial trade in – human organs.
Who? This class is for Upper-Intermediate members. Did you know that by the end of this year, all new applicants for driving licenses in China will be required to fill in an organ donation form? While completing the form is compulsory, agreeing to donate your organs won’t be. The United States outnumbers organ donations in Japan by 20 to 1, and while 80% of Australians register for organ donation, only 45% of people in Britain feel the same way. What will the reaction be like in China? If you want to be able to discuss this emotional topic, then make sure you come to this class.
What? In this class, we’ll start off by evaluating our own attitude towards organ donation – when and what is appropriate for us? Next, we’ll take a look at some examples of people who are forced into organ donation against their will. Finally, we’ll hold a discussion to establish exactly where we draw the line between what we feel is acceptable, and whether it’s always acceptable to encourage others to try and see things your way. Book Now»
Learn how to describe your opinions on the ways we use and treat animals, and how to persuade others to agree with you.
Who? This class is for Upper-Intermediate members. People say that dogs are man’s best friend – but do we always treat them as such? Humans have taken advantage of their position at the top of the food chain for countless generations to domesticate animals for our own purposes, and also hunt and kill wild animals for food and fun. While different people have different attitudes to how far we can push the boundaries, this emotional subject makes for an interesting discussion! If you want to be able to hold your own and defend the actions of people who you may not agree with, then this is the class for you!
What? In this class we’ll first take a look at the huge variety of ways we use animals – from clothing, to transport, to entertainment. Next, we’ll discuss the merits of the way these animals are treated and whether or not we need we hold the same opinions as others – before trying to sway opinion your way. Finally, we’ll take a look at the different ways animals are used in entertainment, and debate what we should do when people push the boundaries of acceptability too far. Book Now»
You’re Fired!
Learn to talk about why you might fire someone, their rights and why you have to let them go.
Who? This class is for Pre-Intermediate members. Lots of people know about the television show The Apprentice, but how much fun must it be to be Donald Trump and say his popular catchphrase “you’re fired!” With great power comes great responsibility, and you must always make sure that the person you’re firing really deserves the sack. So, what would you do?
What? In this class we’ll start off by looking at an article which describes a woman who was fired after winning a holiday on the radio – did she deserve it? What would you have done if you were her boss? Finally, we’ll take a look at a group of people who are all fighting for one job – who would you fire and who would you hire? Book Now»
Men at Work
Learn to discuss issues related to acceptable relationships between men and women in the workplace.
Who? This class is for Intermediate members. Ice Cube, a famous rapper from L.A., once said, “Women, they’re good for nothing – except for one thing.” Would his attitude be acceptable in the modern Chinese workplace? Or would he find himself in hot water? In different cultures around the world, attitudes towards what are acceptable relations between men and women differ in terms of acceptable physical contact and verbal communication – where would you draw the line?
What? In this class, we’ll start off by discussing a little about our own attitudes towards what is acceptable physical contact in the workplace. Next, we’ll look at a case of flirting in the workplace and decide who is to blame for the problems, and what we could do about it. Finally, we’ll advise a company which is having problems with sexual harassment and offer advice on what they should (or shouldn’t) do to clear up any misunderstandings. Book Now»
Arguing The Toss
In this class we practice arguing the positive and negative aspects of certain issues. We will practice intelligently discussing issues from opposite perspectives.
Who? This class is for Upper-Intermediate members. In both social situations and in business, intelligent conversation often means exploring opposite perspectives. If we can look an issue from different angles, we can show our ability to analyse and come to certain conclusions. If you want to learn some useful language for doing this, and get some practice analyzing commonly discussed issues, this class is for you.
What? In this class we will explore different opinions on the impact of corporations on our lives, and on society. We will extend this into a discussion of consumer habits, and social responsibility. All this serves as a vehicle for practicing discussing two different sides of an issue, and showing off our ability for intelligent conversation. Book Now»