Speaking calendar/International Day of Happiness
March 20th · Well-being & Psychology

International Day of Happiness

A day recognised by the United Nations to acknowledge the importance of happiness and well-being as universal goals for all human beings. In a world increasingly focused on economic growth and extreme productivity, the pursuit of genuine joy can often feel like a secondary concern. This lesson explores the science of happiness, whether governments can actually make their citizens happy, and how the definition of a well-lived life varies across different cultures.

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

Speaking Discussion

  1. What do you think is the biggest misconception people have about what actually makes them happy? Is it money, status, or something else?
  2. Can happiness be measured objectively by scientists, or is it too personal and subjective to track on a global scale?
  3. Is it a government's responsibility to ensure the happiness of its citizens, or should they only focus on safety and the economy?
  4. How has social media changed our perception of 'other people's happiness'? Does it make us more or less content with our own lives?
  5. In your opinion, is it possible to be truly happy without being successful in a traditional career or financial sense?
  6. How does your own culture define success and joy? Are there specific traditions or values that prioritise well-being over work?
  7. Do you believe that humans have a natural baseline of happiness that we always return to regardless of positive or negative life events?
02 / PUT IT INTO PRACTICE

Activity 1: The joy Consultant

The Task: You are a Well-being Expert hired by a high-stress company. Propose 3 simple changes to the office environment or schedule that would increase employee happiness without costing any money.

from the sidebar.

Activity 2: Rapid Fire Sentences

Complete the sentence and justify it in 20 seconds.

  • "The most joyful moment of my week is usually..."
  • "I think the secret to happiness is..."
  • "In my opinion, the unhappiest people are those who..."