We’ve built a world that feels cold, yet our desire to connect is very much alive

This is a list of key vocabulary and expressions from the article in order of how useful they are. The student must choose 6 items from the list to study in the lesson.

Appealing

To spill

To heal

Blunt

To (not) bother to do something

To scroll (through)

Muddy

To flop/ A flop (meaning fail)

To drift apart

On the grounds that

To fizzle out

To linger

15 conversation-provoking questions related to the article.

  1. What would you do if a stranger started speaking to you on the train?

  2. Should this type of behaviour be encouraged?

  3. Do you think that the experience of being spoken to by a stranger is different for men and women?

  4. Have you ever had a good experience speaking to a stranger on a train or a similar place?

  5. Do you think that social media brings us together or drives us apart?

  6. Are young people less sociable than previous generations?

  7. Do you spend too much time on social media? Why?

  8. Do people still go to church or other religious temples in your country?

  9. Does religion contribute to a sense of community?

  10. Is there anything that you prefer doing alone?

  11. Is the idea of living alone appealing to you?

  12. Do you ever go to music festivals?

  13. How is your relationship with your neighbours?

  14. Is it important to have a good relationship with your neighbours?

  15. Would you like to live in a place where everyone knows everyone?

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