2BA Extramural Questions – Teacher: Shane Nahumko

Nature/Biology

Article - http://www.economist.com/news/special-report/21585091-biodiversity-once-preoccupation-scientists-and-greens-has-become-mainstream

1. How are the elements interconnected in nature?

2. Are people aware of the need to take care of the environment and has this awareness changed over the years?

3. Discuss some of the ways in which it appears we may be headed for a mass extinction.

4. Why is biodiversity so important?

5. Should animals have rights?

6. Are the punishments for animal abuse sufficient in Poland?

7. Are GMOs a threat to biodiversity?

8. Is global warming a real threat in your opinion? If so what are some of the signs, if not, why do so many people believe it is.

Controversial Issues

Article- http://www.slate.com/articles/health_and_science/science/2013/11/conspiracy_theory_psychology_people_who_claim_to_know_the_truth_about_jfk.single.html

1. Discuss a couple of popular conspiracy theories.

2. Do you find conspiracy theories interesting?

3. Why do people believe in conspiracy theories?

4. Do you find conspiracy theories believable or funny?

5. Are you for or against adoption by homosexual couples?

6. What are the pros and cons of late motherhood?

7. Does the media manipulate us and are people generally aware of this?

Psychology

Article - http://www.psychologytoday.com/articles/201305/confessions-sociopath?src=longreads

1. Can anyone be a sociopath?

2. Why do people suffer from depression?

3. What impact do sociopaths have on society?

4. Would you recognize a sociopath? If yes, how?

5. Do you think that sociopaths have the potential to attain positions of power?

6. What are the positive and negative features of being a sociopath?

7. Do you think that it is possible to 'cure' someone of sociopathy?

8. How do men and women differ in their approach to life?

Global Issues

Articles - http://www.nytimes.com/2013/08/04/opinion/sunday/the-whistle-blowers-quandary.html

http://www.nytimes.com/roomfordebate/2013/06/11/in-nsa-leak-case-a-whistle-blower-or-a-criminal/whistle-blowers-deserve-protection-not-prison

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/06/12/opinion/friedman-blowing-a-whistle.html?ref=whistleblowers

1. What is a whistle-blower and can you give a couple examples.

2. Why do people disagree about whether or not whistle-blowing is a good thing?

3. Are whistle-blowers heroes or traitors?

4. Do you support Edward Snowden and do you think the world needs people like him?

5. Do you think it's possible to be fair and loyal at the same time?

6. Can racism be totally eradicated?

7. Is it possible for immigrants to become fully assimilated?

8. Should we allow the government to invigilate society in order to provide security?

Politics

Article - http://www.esquire.com/blogs/politics/Shutdown_Blues

1. What are the advantages and disadvantages of the private sector financing of elections.

2. Are you interested in politics? Why or why not?

3. Describe a good politician.

4. What do you think of efforts to increase the number of women in politics?

5. Why is the present Congress considered by some to be the worst ever?

6. What do you think about the political system in Poland?

Communication/Media

Article – Issues textbook Communication unit

1. What makes communication effective?

2. How has communication between people changed over the years?

3. What is the easiest way to stay in touch with friends?

4. Should the government have the right to shut down social networks/communicators to prevent or stop public disturbances?

5. How would you feel if you had your laptop or cell phone taken away?

6. Is face to face communication superior to other kinds?

7. How has new communication technology affected the way we think?

Medicine/Health

Article - http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2013/aug/04/demon-drink-war-on-sugar

1. Why is sugar called the white death?

2. What do you think about sugar-free products?

3. What are some of the reasons for the rising obesity rates in developed countries?

4. What's your opinion of medications?

5. How can you stay fit and healthy in today's world?

6. Do you think people take enough care of their dietary habits?

7. What do you think about traditional medicine? Does it have a place in today's medicine cabinet?

8. Why do you think the food industry produces unhealthy products?

Science and technology

Articles - http://www.nytimes.com/2013/10/15/technology/the-rapid-advance-of-artificial-intelligence.html?_r=0

http://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/elements/2013/10/why-we-should-think-about-the-threat-of-artificial-intelligence.html

1. What kind of technological advances would you like to see in the future?

2. Do you think artificial intelligence poses a real danger to humanity?

3. Is AI still only science fiction?

4. Are technological advances still making our lives easier?

5. What are the risks of replacing people with machines?

6. How does technology affect your everyday life and can you imagine your life without any electronic devices?

7. Do you think it's wise to allow robots to take care of kids?

Culture/Art

Articles - http://www.vanityfair.com/culture/2013/11/vermeer-secret-tool-mirrors-lenses

1. Do you think Vermeer was more of an artist or more of an inventor?

2. Should art be taught at schools or should the time be used to focus on more practical subjects?

3. Should art have boundaries?

4. What do you consider to be art?

5. How can art be made more accessible to the general public?

6. What is more important to be a successful artist, talent or training?

7. How do you feel about the debate regarding large format advertising?

Social Issues

Article - http://www.ft.com/cms/s/2/42275248-ef46-11e2-bb27-00144feabdc0.html#ixzz2rozxQ38f

1. Can religious and/or ethnic profiling in the US be justified?

2. Should stereotypes influence our judgment of people?

3. What are some advantages and disadvantages of immigration for society?

4. What are the pros and cons of globalization?

5. How has the social environment changed in the US since 9/11?

6. Does local patriotism still have a place in the globalized world?

7. Do you think immigrants should maintain their identity and traditions or conform to their new home?