"Instant Discussions is a photocopiable resource book for teachers. It contains 40 discussion lessons, which gives students the opportunity to talk about interesting, important, and current issues. Each lesson consists of two pages of texts, language work, discussion questions and activities.The topics covered in Instant Discussions are those which ordinary people talk about in everyday life. Some are serious; some are trivial; all are interesting. They are topics which all students will have an opinion on." (Book Cover)

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Teenage rebellion: Talking about young people and how they rebel against their parents and school rules.

2. Incredible stories: Some stories in the newspapers seem too amazing to be true.

3. Naming and shaming: What is the best punishment for a crime? One modern solution is naming and shaming.

4. Neighbours from hell: Everyone has had them! But what do you do about them?

5. What's in a name?: Where do our names come from and why do we choose the names we do?

6. You've got mail! Emails had come to rule our lives. How do we use the internet?

7. Price and value: Everything has a price, but does it have a value? How much do we spend?

8. Are we all criminals? : At some time in all our lives we have been tempted to commit a crime.

9. Things that go bump in the night! : Haunted buildings, ghosts - many people believe they exist

10. Living longer: As life expectancy increases, many problems arise.

11. Giving to charity: Which charities are worth supporting and which are not?

12. Jewellery for men: More and more men are wearing jewellery. Is this a trend we should encourage?

13. Who cares about the environment? Some issues are worth fighting for, but some are fairly minor. What are our priorities?

14. The power of prayer: How many people pray and what benefits does prayer bring?

15. Revenge is sweet! : How strong is our desire to get our own back? Probably stronger than we think!

16. A matter of birth and death: Couples who cannot have children try other means. What are the ethics?

17. Folk wisdom: Where do our folk sayings and traditions come from?

18. I'm on the train! The growth in use of the mobile phone has been phenomenal. How do you use yours?

19. Children and discipline: How should parents and teachers discipline children? What is acceptable?

20. Ever eaten dog? Some cultures eat animals which others don't. What is acceptable in your culture?

21. A healthy lifestyle: Deciding what constitutes a healthy lifestyle - does it depend on exercise, diet or what?

22. Public figures, private lives: Should people in public life be allowed to keep their private lives private?

23. Holidays from hell! Sharing stories about different aspects of the worst holiday you have ever had.

24. The dating game: Meeting a partner through lonely hearts ads and the potential problems

25. Newspapers: Discussing the content of newspapers, newspaper language and different newspapers

26. To tip or not to tip? Different cultural traditions of tipping and personal experiences

27. Royalty: Should countries with monarchies keep them? is it better to have an elected President?

28. Fashion: Talking about fashion and the famous and personal fashion preferences and statements.

29. Is it right to eat meat? The arguments for and against becoming a vegetarian.

30. The exploitation of animals: The ethics of using animals for entertainment and sport - particularly bullfighting.

31. Who get married? More people are divorcing or remaining single longer - the pros and cons of marriage.

32. I hate my boss! The problems employees have with bad bosses. What makes a good boss?

33. Scams - how can people be so stupid? Some people are very easily fooled. Why do some people spend money on scams?

34. Bad habits: Some people's bad habits are anti-social. Which ones are we prepared to admit to?

35. Killed by a flying duck! Many everyday activities can result in injury or even death.

36. Survivors! Different extreme situations and how we would react if we were involved.

37. Do you spoil your kids? What do we mean by 'spoiling' children? Discussions of parenting style.

38. Do you drive? Driving, cars, speed cameras, driving tests.

39. Special days and dates: Different countries have different public holidays and some days have special significance.

40. Where do you live? Talking about houses and planning the ideal home.

Intended for intermediate and advanced learners.