Warm-up

Answer quickly. No right or wrong answers.

Do you enjoy playing video games?

Do you think games can improve mental health?

Can hobbies help people feel less lonely?

Vocabulary

Essential (A1–B1)

loneliness – the feeling of being unhappy because you are alone
Example: Many people experience loneliness at some point in life.

game – an activity played for fun or entertainment
Example: I usually play a game after work.

resource – something useful that helps you achieve something
Example: Players must collect resources to survive.

explore – to travel around and discover new places
Example: The character can explore a huge world.

challenge – something difficult that tests your ability
Example: Every level presents a new challenge.

Developed (B2–C2)

emotional resilience – the ability to recover quickly from stress or emotional difficulties
Example: Video games may help strengthen emotional resilience during challenging periods.

self-sufficiency – the ability to rely on yourself without depending on others
Example: Survival games often encourage self-sufficiency through problem-solving.

mindfulness – focusing your attention on the present moment without distraction
Example: Relaxing games can promote mindfulness by encouraging players to slow down.

psychological well-being – a person's overall mental and emotional health
Example: Healthy hobbies can contribute to improved psychological well-being.

stoicism – the ability to remain calm and controlled during difficult situations
Example: The researchers linked gaming with higher levels of stoicism.

intrinsic motivation – doing something because it is personally rewarding rather than for external rewards
Example: Open-world games often encourage intrinsic motivation through exploration.

Reading

Introduction

"Many people see video games as simple entertainment. However, recent research suggests they may also improve emotional well-being and reduce feelings of loneliness. Read and focus on the main ideas."

(Read at your level. Do not translate every word.)

Article (All Levels)

A new study suggests that playing certain video games may help people feel less lonely.

Researchers found that people who played Nintendo games reported lower levels of loneliness than people who did not play.

Some games encourage players to solve problems, collect resources, and explore new places. These activities may improve confidence and emotional health.

Developed Article (B1–C2)

Researchers surveyed more than 2,000 adults to examine whether video games influence feelings of loneliness. The findings suggested that participants who played selected Nintendo titles reported lower levels of loneliness and greater emotional resilience than non-players.

According to the researchers, open-world games encourage self-sufficiency by requiring players to gather resources, overcome obstacles, and solve problems independently. Gentler games, meanwhile, may promote mindfulness by encouraging players to focus on the present moment.

Although gaming is not a replacement for professional mental healthcare, the researchers argue that carefully chosen games may support psychological well-being, strengthen stoicism, and encourage intrinsic motivation, all of which may help people cope more effectively with social isolation.

Comprehension Check

(Answer based on your level.)

A1–A2

1. What did the study investigate?

2. Did gamers report higher or lower loneliness?

3. Can video games replace professional mental healthcare?

B1–B2

1. How might video games help reduce loneliness?

2. Why do researchers think open-world games encourage self-sufficiency?

3. How can relaxing games improve emotional well-being?

C1–C2

1. How do the researchers explain the relationship between gaming and emotional resilience?

2. Why might mindfulness contribute to reduced feelings of loneliness?

3. To what extent should video games be considered a tool for supporting psychological well-being?

Speaking

(Choose a question level.)

A1–A2 — Foundation

Tip: Use sentence starters for all personal questions. It encourages structured, fluent speech.

(Answer + 1 reason)

"I think ___ because ___."

"I enjoy ___ because ___."

"One benefit is ___."

"This helps people ___."

Personal Questions

1. Do you enjoy playing video games?

2. What games do you usually play?

3. How often do you play video games?

4. Do games help you relax? Why?

5. Have you ever made friends through gaming?

6. Do you prefer single-player or multiplayer games?

7. What game are you playing at the moment?

8. Do you think games teach useful skills?

9. Have you ever completed a difficult game?

10. Do you think gaming is a good hobby?

11. Do you spend more time gaming or watching TV?

12. Would you recommend gaming to your friends?

13. Can games help people feel happier?

14. What is your favourite game of all time?

15. Would you like to try a new game this year?

B1–B2 — Expansion

Tip: Use sentence starters for all personal questions. It encourages structured, fluent speech.

(Answer + reason + 2 details)

"I feel ___ because ___; for example, ___ and ___."

"One challenge is ___, which affects ___ and ___."

"I believe ___ because ___; in particular, ___ and ___."

"This situation makes people feel ___, especially when ___ and ___."

Personal Questions

1. Why might video games reduce feelings of loneliness?

2. How can gaming improve emotional resilience?

3. What skills can people develop through gaming?

4. Do you think gaming improves problem-solving abilities?

5. How do multiplayer games build social connections?

6. Should parents encourage children to play certain games?

7. How does gaming compare with other hobbies for reducing stress?

8. Why do some people still have negative opinions about gaming?

9. How important is balance between gaming and other activities?

10. Can games improve confidence? How?

11. How does storytelling make games more meaningful?

12. Should schools use educational video games more often?

13. What makes a video game memorable?

14. How has gaming changed over the last ten years?

15. Do the benefits of gaming outweigh the disadvantages?

C1–C2 — Depth & Reflection

Tip: Use sentence starters for all personal questions. It encourages structured, fluent speech.

(Reason + multiple details + consequence or reflection)

"I feel ___ because ___; for instance, ___, ___, and ___; as a result, ___."

"One significant issue is ___, which influences ___ and ___; however, ___."

"I am concerned about ___ because ___, including ___ and ___; this leads me to ___."

"I think the future is ___ because ___, especially considering ___ and ___; ultimately, ___."

Personal Questions

1. To what extent can video games genuinely improve psychological well-being?

2. How does emotional resilience influence a person's ability to cope with loneliness?

3. Should gaming be recognized as a legitimate tool for supporting mental health? Why or why not?

4. How do open-world games encourage self-sufficiency and independent thinking?

5. Can mindfulness developed through gaming transfer to everyday life?

6. What ethical responsibilities do game developers have regarding players' mental health?

7. How can games balance entertainment with meaningful personal development?

8. Why do some people dismiss gaming despite growing scientific evidence of its benefits?

9. How might virtual communities help combat social isolation?

10. Could excessive gaming undermine the psychological benefits identified in the study?

11. How should society distinguish between healthy gaming and gaming addiction?

12. What role could video games play in future healthcare or education?

13. How might advances in AI and virtual reality transform the emotional impact of gaming?

14. Should governments invest in research on the mental health benefits of gaming?

15. In your view, what makes a hobby genuinely beneficial for long-term psychological well-being?