Speaking calendar/Global Handwashing Day
October 15th · Cultural Insight

Global Handwashing Day

Observed annually on the 15th of October, Global Handwashing Day is an international advocacy campaign dedicated to increasing awareness about the importance of washing hands with soap as an effective and affordable way to prevent diseases and save lives.

SPEAKING LESSONB1 / B2Discussion · Vocabulary · Activities
01 / LET’S TALK

Speaking Discussion

  1. Is soap the most important invention in human history?
  2. Should we ban shaking hands forever to prevent the next pandemic?
  3. Why are we more afraid of invisible germs than we are of visible pollution?
  4. If you could see every bacteria on your phone screen, would you throw it away?
  5. Is cleanliness a moral duty or a personal preference?
02 / PUT IT INTO PRACTICE

Activity 1: The Bio-Security Officer

The Task: You are designing a New airport. You want to force every passenger to step through a sanitising mist. You have 3 minutes to defend the cost to the airline owners. Explain why fear of germs is the best way to control a crowd.

Activity 2: Rapid Fire Debate

Justify in 30 seconds: 1. 'A little dirt is good for the soul and the immune system.' 2. 'Hygiene is the foundation of civilisation.' 3. 'We are becoming a species of 'Sterile Ghosts' who are afraid of life.'