Learning Objective: This is a discussion class. At the end of the session, the participants are expected to be able to develop critical thinking skills and practise conversation confidently.


Las Vegas on a Losing Streak


Las Vegas stands for the American Dream, a place where fortunes are made and dreams can come true. But reality has set in- the city has been hard hit by the global financial crisis.

Many residents lost their jobs and were forced out of their homes due to foreclosures. These days, lines of people waiting outside the Salvation Army centers and charities to pick up food coupons or secure a bed for the night have become a common sight.


Discussion


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TukTuks Arrive in Europe


The TukTuk: a vehicle with three wheels and a 2-stroke engine. Originally designed in the 1950s, they've only managed to go the distance in developing countries in Africa, Thailand and India. But an electric version is about to hit the streets of Europe.



A Dutch company is assembling these "eTukTuks" with chassis parts from Thailand, engines from the US and batteries from Germany. They could come in most useful as a new form of local public transport.


Discussion


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The Chukudus of Congo

Decades of civil war have left the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) one of the poorest countries in the world. It still lacks any functioning infrastructure - but necessity is the mother of invention.



The local name for the drivers who transport goods around town is "Chukudeur". They do so on scooters made of wood which are called "chukudus". They have no peddles, no gears and certainly no motor.


Discussion


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Global Snack Chile: Sopaipilla

José Roja lives in Valparaiso, a port city in Chile. He makes sopaipilla, a type of savoury pancake made with pumpkin that customers eat with various sauces.



One of the most popular snacks in Chile, sopaipilla was invented by the Mapuche - the indigenous inhabitants of south-central Chile.