TED Talks Comprehension Questions

Mid to high level listening worksheets on a variety of interesting topics. The worksheets ask questions on main ideas and supporting details / examples. These TED Talks sheets are a good way to practice and improve listening.
TED Talks listening worksheets

TED Talks Listening Topics

‘new’ = new lessons for 2022

 

The Great Firewall of China – Michael Anti

TED TALK: How the central government controls the internet and how a number of micro-bloggers are finding ways around this control.The lesson includes teacher’s notes, comprehension questions, critical thinking questions and an answer key. Level: ***** [B2/C1]  /  Video [18:51] TEACHER MEMBERSHIP / INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERSHIP

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15x TED Talk PDF Worksheets

1.China Firewall, 2.Warehouses, 3.Office work 4.End of world 5.Global Future 6.Incovenient Truth 7.Insist on English 8.Texting English 9.Social Progress 10.Price of Happiness 11.Philosophy of Success 12. Domestic Violence 13.Viral Videos 14.Doctors’ Prescriptions 15. Team Building

AMAZING VALUE – buy all these listening worksheets in one PDF book. Book Example.

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A.I Save Humanity 

 

How can A.I save humanity? – Kai Fu Lee,

TED TALK: This lecture discusses how China has embraced A.I technology and is accelerating its advancement. It focuses on the main challenges that we all face with an A.I future and how it will positively compliment our lives.The lesson includes teacher’s notes, comprehension questions, critical thinking questions and an answer key. ExampleLevel: ***** [B2/C1]  /  Video [14:42]  TEACHER MEMBERSHIP / INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERSHIP 


Brexit

 

 Why Brexit happened and what to do next – Alexander Betts   

TED TALK: This lecture discusses the reasons why Brexit happened and how the UK can move forward post Brexit. The lesson includes teacher’s notes, comprehension questions, critical thinking questions and an answer key. Example.  Level: ***** [B2/C1]  /  Video [17:15] TEACHER MEMBERSHIP / INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERSHIP

 

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China’s Air Pollution

 

 How China is (and isn’t) fighting air pollutionAngel Hsu  

TED TALK: The lecture discusses the issue of air pollution in China. The speaker talks about fine particulate pollution, actions of the Chinese citizens to raise awareness of the issue and the Chinese government’s measures to help combat the issue. The lesson includes teacher’s notes, comprehension questions, critical thinking questions and an answer key. Example.  Level: ***** [B2/C1]  /  Video [12:09]  TEACHER MEMBERSHIP / INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERSHIP

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China’s Firewall

 

The Great Firewall of China – Michael Anti

TED TALK: How the central government controls the internet and how a number of micro-bloggers are finding ways around this control. The lesson includes teacher’s notes, comprehension questions, critical thinking questions and an answer key. Level: ***** [B2/C1]  /  Video [18:51] TEACHER MEMBERSHIP / INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERSHIP

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Circular Economy

The circular economy: a simple explanation by Cillian Lohan

TED Talk: A short listening lecture on what is the circular economy, how humans are the stewards of the earth and have a responsibility to protect it and examples of how the circular economy works. The lesson includes teacher’s notes, comprehension questions, critical thinking questions and an answer key. Example. Level ***** [B2/C1]  / Video [13.13] / TEACHER MEMBERSHIP / INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERSHIP

Reading Test: The Circular Economy 

The text provides an overview of both the linear and circular economy. It discusses the positive aspects of a circular economy and how economies can change to this new model.The reading test worksheet tests headings / T,F,NG / open answers / gap fill / information tables / reference words / vocabulary. (ExampleLevel ***** [B2/C1] TEACHER MEMBERSHIP

Circular Economy. Reading & Summary Writing Lesson

The text provides an overview of both the linear and circular economy. It discusses the positive aspects of a circular economy and how economies can change to this new model. The lesson includes a critical thinking worksheet too. (ExampleLevel ***** [B2/C1] TEACHER MEMBERSHIP

 

Climate Change

 

 How we could change the planet’s climate future David Wallace  

TED TALK: The lecture discusses the causes of climate change,  effects of climate change especially on cities in South Asia and the Middle East and the solutions to prevent the climate from getting warmer. The lesson includes teacher’s notes, comprehension questions, critical thinking questions and an answer key. Example. Level: ***** [B2/C1]  /  Video [11:12] TEACHER MEMBERSHIP / INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERSHIP

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Critical Thinking Tips

 

5 tips to improve critical thinking Samantha Agoos

TED TALK: This lecture discusses briefly what is critical thinking and five key strategies to apply to improve critical thinking. It is a good listening as an introduction to criticality. The lesson includes teacher’s notes, comprehension questions, critical thinking questions and an answer key. Example.  Level: ***** [B1/B2/C1]  /  Video [4:16]  / TEACHER MEMBERSHIP / INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERSHIP

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Doctor’s Prescriptions

 

Doctors and the drugs they prescribe  – Ben Goldacre

TED TALK: Corruption and bias in medical trials and academic institutions. A range of evidence on research misconduct and fake fixes. The lesson includes teacher’s notes, comprehension questions, critical thinking questions and an answer key. Example of worksheetLevel: ***** [B1/B2/C1]  /  Video [13:29] TEACHER MEMBERSHIP / INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERSHIP

 

Domestic Violence

Domestic violence victims  – Leslie Morgan Steiner

TED TALK: The secrets of domestic violence, and the four key steps to domestic abuse. How to leave a relationship of domestic abuse. The lesson includes teacher’s notes, comprehension questions, critical thinking questions and an answer key. Example of worksheet Level: ***** [/B2/C1]  /  Video [15:59]  / TEACHER MEMBERSHIP / INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERSHIP

Don’t Insist on English

Don’t insist on English – Patricia Ryan

TED TALK: The globalisation of English and its testing systems can have negative affects on students from various backgrounds. The lesson includes teacher’s notes, comprehension questions, critical thinking questions and an answer key. Example of worksheet Level: ***** [B1/B2/]  /  Video [10:35]  / TEACHER MEMBERSHIP / INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERSHIP

Don’t insist on English – Patricia Ryan

AEUK has created a PowerPoint for this talk: Download PPT. 

Authentic idea! Print off PowerPoint slides (3 slides per page) and add notes while you listen, then answer the question sheet. 

End of the World

10 ways the world could end – Stephan Petranek

TED TALK: A discussion of ten probable disasters, with examples and possible solutions. A detailed talk from an established colonisation scientist. The lesson includes teacher’s notes, comprehension questions, critical thinking questions and an answer key. Example of worksheet. Level: ***** [C1]  /  Video [29:42] TEACHER MEMBERSHIP / INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERSHIP

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Critical Thinking: Ethical Dilemmas

Would you sacrifice one person to save five? Eleanor Nelson

TED TALK: This lecture discusses an ethical dilemma called ‘The Trolley Problem’ devised by Philippa Foot (1967). It highlights why this type of ethical analysis is important in contemporary society. The lesson includes teacher’s notes, comprehension questions, critical thinking questions and an answer key. Example.  Level: ***** [B1/B2/C1]  /  Video [4:35] TEACHER MEMBERSHIP / INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERSHIP

Global Future

Navigating our global future – Ian Goldin

TED TALK: Discussing the future fragility of society and the environment. The speaker offers possible solutions for a more focused future. The lesson includes teacher’s notes, comprehension questions, critical thinking questions and an answer key. Example of worksheetLevel: ***** [C1]  /  Video [07:06]  TEACHER MEMBERSHIP / INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERSHIP

Government Deficit

 

 The big myth of government deficits Stephanie Kelton   

TED TALK: The lecture discusses how government debt can be seen viewed positively. The speaker makes the case to stop looking at government spending as a path towards frightening piles of debt, but rather as a financial contribution to the things that matter. The lesson includes teacher’s notes, comprehension questions, critical thinking questions and an answer key. ExampleLevel: ***** [B2/C1]  /  Video [13:51] TEACHER MEMBERSHIP / INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERSHIP

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Higher Education

 

 Three ways to lower the barriers to higher education Adrian K. Haugabrook  

TED TALK: The lecture discusses how less than 7% of people worldwide have a bachelor’s degree. The speaker introduces an innovative approach to expanding access to higher education by driving down costs and rethinking three key things.The lesson includes teacher’s notes, comprehension questions, critical thinking questions and an answer key Example. Level: ***** [B2/C1]  /  Video [13:11] TEACHER MEMBERSHIP / INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERSHIP

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Inconvenient Truth

The other inconvenient truth – Jonathan Foley

TED TALK: World’s food demand has driven climate change, biodiversity problems and environmental destruction. ‘Terraculture’ is a possible solution. The lesson includes teacher’s notes, comprehension questions, critical thinking questions and an answer key. Example of worksheet. Level: ***** [C1]  /  Video [17:46]  / TEACHER MEMBERSHIP / INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERSHIP

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Internet Inequality 

 

 Why a free and fair internet is more vital than ever  Priscilla Chomba-Kinywa   

TED TALK: A short lecture on digital discrimination. The speaker calls for collective access to the opportunities and potential the internet provides, underscoring the necessity of free and fair digital rights for all. The lesson includes teacher’s notes, comprehension questions, critical thinking questions and an answer key.  Example. Webpage link. Level: ***** [B2/C1]  / Video [09:23]  TEACHER MEMBERSHIP / INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERSHIP

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Investing in People

 

 What makes a job good and the case for investing in people – Warren Valdmanis   

TED TALK: The lecture discusses how businesses need to stop cutting labor costs and start investing in people. The speaker breaks down the essential ingredients of a “good” job and shares why they’re key to building great companies.The lesson includes teacher’s notes, comprehension questions, critical thinking questions and an answer key. Example. Level: ***** [B2/C1]  /  Video [11:11] TEACHER MEMBERSHIP / INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERSHIP

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Making Methane from Rubbish

Taking trash talk to a whole new level – Peter Harris

TED TALK: The lecturer discusses how road transport related emissions could be significantly reduced by using waste-derived methane as a fuel. The lesson includes teacher’s notes, comprehension questions, critical thinking questions and an answer key. Example Level: ***** [B1/B2/C1]  /  Video [09:55] TEACHER MEMBERSHIP / INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERSHIP

Obesity

 

 Obesity: the modern famine  Kathy Campbell

TED TALK: A short lecture on obesity. The lecturer talks about who is obese, why they are obese and why culture is the foundation of a healthy life. The lesson includes teacher’s notes, comprehension questions, critical thinking questions and an answer key. The lesson includes teacher’s notes, comprehension questions, critical thinking questions and an answer key. Example. Level: ***** [B2/C1]  /  Video [13:39] TEACHER MEMBERSHIP / INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERSHIP

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Office Work Problems

Why work doesn’t happen at work – Jason Fried

TED TALK: the problems with working in an office environment & highlights two main reasons and three possible improvement solutions. The lesson includes teacher’s notes, comprehension questions, PPT, critical thinking questions and an answer key.Example of worksheet. Level: ***** [B1/B2/C1]  /  Video [15:21] TEACHER MEMBERSHIP / INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERSHIP

Why work doesn’t happen at work – Jason Fried

AEUK has created a PowerPoint for this talk: Download PPT. and also created a video that connects to the PPT: Video.

Authentic idea! Print off PPT slides (3 slides per page) and add notes while you listen, then answer the question sheet. 

 

Philosophy of Success

A  gentler philosophy of success – Alain de Botton

TED TALK: Society is too focused on careers, materialism & what others’ think. True success is to change our focus & examine our own philosophy of life. The lesson includes teacher’s notes, comprehension questions, critical thinking questions and an answer key. Example of worksheet. Level: ***** [C1]  /  Video [16:51] TEACHER MEMBERSHIP / INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERSHIP

Plant-based Diets

 

The power of plant-based eating  Dr. Joanne Kong 

TED TALK: A short lecture on the power of plant-based eating. The speaker talks about the benefits of eating plant-based, the issue of consuming meat to the economy and the unethical side of meat production. The lesson includes teacher’s notes, comprehension questions, critical thinking questions and an answer key. ExampleLevel: ***** [B2/C1]  / Video [14:54] TEACHER MEMBERSHIP / INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERSHIP

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Price of Happiness

The price of happiness – Benjamin Wallace

TED TALK: Analysis of 12 top luxury products from a hotel suite to nano-particle soap.  Concludes with a study from Stanford University. The lesson includes teacher’s notes, comprehension questions, critical thinking questions and an answer key. Example of worksheetLevel: ***** [B1/B2/C1]  /  Video [14:41]  TEACHER MEMBERSHIP / INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERSHIP

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Procrastination

Procrastination: Inside the mind of a master procrastinator – Tim Urban

TED TALK: A really funny talk on three characters that play an important part in the mind of a procrastinator. The lesson includes teacher’s notes, comprehension questions, PPT, critical thinking questions and an answer key. (see example).  Level ***** [B2/C1]  Video [14.00] TEACHER MEMBERSHIP / INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERSHIP

 

Procrastination: Inside the mind of a master procrastinator – Tim Urban

AEUK has created a PowerPoint for this talk: Download PPT. 

Authentic idea! Print off PPT slides (3 slides per page) and add notes while you listen, then answer the question sheet. 

 

More lessons on Procrastination. Go here.

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Reality of Truth

 

How to see past your own perspective and find truth – Michael Patrick Lynch

TED TALK: This lecture discusses how we have become all polarised in our shared values and need to apply three concepts to create a common reality of truth. The lesson includes teacher’s notes, comprehension questions, critical thinking questions and an answer key. Example of worksheet. Level: ***** [C1]  /  Video [14:19] TEACHER MEMBERSHIP / INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERSHIP

The Social Progress Index

The Social Progress Index – Michael Green

TED TALK: GDP is out-dated and was invented in the 1930s. There is a need for a more effective measurement tool – The social Progress Index. The lesson includes teacher’s notes, comprehension questions, critical thinking questions and an answer key. Example of worksheetLevel: ***** [B1/B2/C1]  /  Video [14:56] TEACHER MEMBERSHIP / INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERSHIP

Tax Evasion

Tax avoidance: a necessary evil by Alexandre Stylianoudis 

TED Talk: In this short (12 minute) lecture, the speaker explains how MNCs use the ‘double Irish Dutch sandwich’ to significantly reduce their tax liabilities. He also explains why many corporations have left their home countries and have set up in London instead. The listening test consists of ten comprehension questions, six critical thinking questions and an answer key. Example. Level ***** [B2/C1]  / Video [12.27] / TEACHER MEMBERSHIP / INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERSHIP

Reading Test: Tax evasion & tax avoidance

This reading text is about tax evasion and tax avoidance. The writer discusses the methods some multinational corporations (MNCs) and rich individuals use to reduce or avoid paying tax and puts forward some suggestions to mitigate this issue. The reading test worksheet includes: headings / T,F,NG / open answers / gap fill / information tables / reference words / vocabulary. (ExampleLevel ***** [B2/C1] TEACHER MEMBERSHIP / INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERSHIP

Tax Evasion: Reading & Summary Writing Lesson

This reading text is about tax evasion and tax avoidance. The writer discusses the methods some MNCs and rich individuals use to reduce or avoid paying tax and puts forward some suggestions to mitigate this issue The summary writing task consists of a note-taking worksheet, a summary writing task, critical thinking questions, sample notes, a sample summary and sample critical thinking answers.. (ExampleLevel ***** [B2/C1] TEACHER MEMBERSHIP / INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERSHIP

 

Team Building

Build a tower, build a team – Tom Wujec 

TED TALK: This talks discusses how a team-building activity called the ‘Marshmallow Challenge’ helps develop team cohesion. The lesson includes teacher’s notes, comprehension questions, critical thinking questions and an answer key. Example of worksheet. Level: ***** [B1/B2/C1]  / Video [06:44] TEACHER MEMBERSHIP / INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERSHIP

Build a tower, build a team – Tom Wujec 

AEUK has created a PowerPoint for this talk: Download PPT. 

Authentic idea! Print off PowerPoint slides (3 slides per page) and add notes while you listen, then answer the question sheet. 

 

Activity lesson: Team-building and the Marshmallow Challenge. Go here.

Texting Language

Texting is killing language – John McWhorter

TED TALK: How texting on smart phones is changing the way we view language and how it is a process of linguistic evolution. The lesson includes teacher’s notes, comprehension questions, critical thinking questions and an answer key. Example of worksheet Level: ***** [B1/B2/C1]  /  Video [13:48] TEACHER MEMBERSHIP / INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERSHIP

Viral Videos

Why videos go Viral – Kevin Alloca

TED TALK: You Tube trends manager discusses viral videos are connected to three important factors and how audience participation is important. The lesson includes teacher’s notes, comprehension questions, critical thinking questions and an answer key. Example of worksheetLevel: ***** [B1/B2/C1]  /  Video [07:21] TEACHER MEMBERSHIP / INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERSHIP

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Warehouses

What happens inside massive warehouses – Mick Mountz

TED Talk: The automation of warehouse picking and packing systems and how robots have increased productivity and efficiency. The lesson includes teacher’s notes, comprehension questions, critical thinking questions and an answer key. Example of worksheet Level: ***** [B2/C1]  /  Video [12:06] TEACHER MEMBERSHIP / INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERSHIP

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Wind Energy

 

 How wind energy could power the Earth… 18 times over   Dan Jørgensen 

TED TALK: A short lecture on how the wind power industry has grown exponentially. The speaker, Denmark’s climate minister Dan Jørgensen, lays out his plan to end the country’s oil industry by 2050 and transition to a fossil-free future powered by wind energyThe lesson includes teacher’s notes, comprehension questions, critical thinking questions and an answer key. Example. Level: ***** [B2/C1]  / Video [09:23] TEACHER MEMBERSHIP / INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERSHIP

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TED Talks PDF Book

15x TED Talk PDF Worksheets

1.China Firewall, 2.Warehouses, 3.Office work 4.End of world 5.Global Future 6.Incovenient Truth 7.Insist on English 8.Texting English 9.Social Progress 10.Price of Happiness 11.Philosophy of Success 12. Domestic Violence 13.Viral Videos 14.Doctors’ Prescriptions 15. Team Building

AMAZING VALUE – buy all these listening worksheets in one PDF book. Book Example.

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