English Club On "Why do you think people like listening to gossip?"

Fun Fact: "The only royal palace used by a monarch in the U.S. is located in Honolulu, Hawaii. It is the Iolani Palace and belonged to the monarchs King Kalakkaua and Queen Lili'uokalani until the monarchy was overthrown in 1893" (http://geography.about.com).
Topic: Gossip and Rumors

I have hardly known persons who don't like to gossip. People like to listen to gossips. It is a means of escaping routine and having new matters to talk about. Women generally enjoy finding out spicy details about not only famous or rich people, but about some neighbours, some friends and so on. There is not greater pleasure than having a cup of tea or coffee with your best friend and sharing the latest gossip. Life would be boring if something extraordinary didn't happen,something that has to catch the attention of the people around us.

Read more: http://articles.famouswhy.com/why_do_you_think_people_like_listening_to_gossip_/#ixzz1bKlvezhK

Questions for Discussion:
1. What is the difference between "gossip" and "rumors"? Which is more common? Are they related? For example, does one lead to the other?

2. Do you like to listen to gossip? Do you gossip with your friends or family about others (either people you know or those you have never met, such as celebrities)? Why do you think people like to gossip? Are they trying to prove something or avoid talking about themselves by analyzing others?

3. What do you people usually gossip about? Who tends to gossip more (men or women, younger or older people)? In what situations or places do people usually gossip? Is it limited to coversation or are there other forms of "gossip media"?

4. Is gossip ever a good thing? Can it help people in some way? If so, give examples.

5. How can gossip be harmful? Is it harmful to you personally or more toward others?

6. How do rumors form? have you ever heard a rumor about yourself or about a friend that either made you happy or upset you? How can spreading rumors cause problems (with friends, family, at work, in school, etc.)?

7. If you heard a rumor about a friend that you knew was not true, what would you do? Would you try to stop the rumor? Could voicing your opinion lead to more rumors? Is there really a way to prevent rumors from forming or spreading?

SCHEDULE: Saturday 22 October at 10:30; Thursday 27 October at 5:30.