ESL Conversation Questions: Tax Evasion

1. What is tax evasion? 

2. How can tax evasion hurt a country's growth? 

3. Do you think higher earners should pay more taxes than lower earners? 

4. Despite tax evasion being exposed by journalists do you think governments around the world will become more vigilant against tax evaders? 

5. Which is more helpful to a country's economy? A rich CEO donating a billion dollars to charity or that same CEO properly paying his taxes. 

6. "The bourgeoisie are today evading taxation by bribery and through their connections; we must close all loopholes." - Vladimir Lenin. Should all loopholes be closed? 

ESL Phrasal Verbs: Hold

1. Hold someone back - prevent from doing/going 

2. Hold something back - hide an emotion 

3. Hold on - to wait a short time 

4. Hold onto - hold firmly using your hands or arms 

5. Hold up - to rob 

6. Holdout - refusing to accept what is offered 

Phrasal Verb Conversation Questions 

1.Do you hear a lot of news stories about banks being held up in your city? 

2. What business principles do you hold onto? 

3. Is it better to hold back your emotions during a business meeting or to just let it all out? 

4. Have you ever felt like someone was holding you back? 

5. Do you believe strikes and holdouts are an effective way for employees to get what they want from owners? 

6. How do you feel when people tell you to hold on? 

Giamo's Thoughts: Identity

 

What is identity? 

Identity is the characteristics that determine who or what a person or thing is. It is a word that encompasses many different aspects of people's lives. 

Also there are several different types of identities such as cultural identity, professional identity, disability  identity and many others. 

What are some common ways people define their identity? 

I usually associate my identity to others as being a relatively young African American man who works as an online English teacher and who loves creating digital content. 

However there are other people who define their identity in terms of religion such as being a Christian, Muslim, Hindu, etc. Also there are people who do not define their identity in terms of ethnicity, but rather nationality. 

What does the "expression midlife" crisis mean? 

A midlife crisis is a transition of identity and self confidence that can occur in middle aged individuals, typically 45 to 65 years old. 

Physically as people age they are not able to do the things such as sports, exercise and other activities that they were once able to do which can cause a change in identity. 

Also mentally and emotionally people usually begin to change their perspectives and desires when  they are in the last half of their life. 

It is important to be able to  define your identity to others? 

In general it is not important to be able to define your identity to others. It is not necessary for strangers to know who you are or what you stand for. 

However, there are some situations such as an interview or a first date where being able to define yourself and explain who you are could be advantageous. 

What can destroy a person's identity? 

Failure can definitely destroy a person's identity. For example someone who thought she was a very good mathematician may not consider herself a mathematician if she fails many math tests. 

Also trauma can destroy a person's identity on a physical and emotional level. For example if a man gets into a motorcycle crash he may become physically disabled and he may not decided to identify himself as someone who loves motorcycles. 

 

 

ESL Conversation Questions: Trees

1. What do trees symbolize to you? 

2. Why are trees important for people? 

3. "When the roots are deep, there is no reason to fear the wind." What does this quote mean to you? 

4. Is it a good idea to go out on a limb if you strongly believe in something? 

5. How can we prevent deforestation? 

6. What do you think is the root cause of most crimes? 

ESL Expressions: Movies

1. Run The Show - dominate or be in charge of an area of activity 

2. To Be In The Limelight - at the center of public attention or notoriety 

3. Break A Leg - to have good luck 

4. Kick Off - to start an event or activity 

5. Get The Show On The Road - to begin an activity or journey 

6. Sell Out - to completely abandon your principles in favor of something such as money

ESL Vocabulary: Retirement

ESL Vocabulary ( Retirement ) 

1. Cognitive - adjective - relating to the process of thinking and understanding 

2. Decline - noun - a continuous decrease in amount, quality, etc. 

3. Model - noun - a mathematical description of a system, process, etc. that is used to help make calculations 

4. Regardless - adverb - despite or without consideration of 

5. Protective - adjective - intended to keep someone or something safe; having or showing a desire to keep someone or something safe 

6. Stimulation - noun - the action of causing someone to feel interested, enthusiastic or excited 

ESL Conversation Questions: Retirement

1. What is retirement? 

2. If given the choice, would you rather retire now or work your dream job until retirement age? 

3.What do you imagine you'll miss about working when you retire? 

4. Don't simple retire from something; have something to retire to. -- Harry Emerson Fosdick. What are your thoughts on this quote 

5. Do you think postponing retirement could slow down cognitive decline? 

6. Where would you like to retire?