E.L.L. Practice + Prompt | The Art and Science of Happiness

By Larry Ferlazzo

Measuring Happiness

Government policies and programs will be judged by the happiness they produce in the tiny mountain kingdom of Bhutan.

By Mariko Takayasu|Christopher Flavelle on May 6, 2009.

Note: We invite any English-language-learner student 13 years or older to post comments in response to the writing prompts in this post.

First, watch the video “Measuring Happiness” (above), which tells about how the South Asian country of Bhutan promotes happiness.

Second, read this passage from “Denmark Ranks as Happiest Country; Burundi, Not So Much” that is missing some prepositions, or short words that describes a relationship between other words in a sentence. Then answer the questions:

Note: Before reading, you might learn more or review what you already know about prepositions and common examples of them.

Denmark has reclaimed its place as the world’s happiest country, while Burundi ranks _________ the least happy nation, according to the fourth World Happiness Report, released on Wednesday.

The report found that inequality was strongly associated _________ unhappiness — a stark finding for rich countries _________ the United States, where rising disparities in income, wealth, health and well-being have fueled political discontent.

Denmark topped the list in the first report, in 2012, and again in 2013, but it was displaced by Switzerland last year. In this year’s ranking, Denmark was back at No. 1, followed by Switzerland, Iceland, Norway, Finland, Canada, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Australia and Sweden. Most are fairly homogeneous nations _________ strong social safety nets.

Third, answer the following writing prompt and question and, if you are 13 or older, post your answers to our blog.

1. What clues in the text helped you choose the correct definitions of the words? You can use this sentence frame to answer:

I was able to figure out what the word “disparities” means because ________. I was able to figure out what the word “homogeneous” means because _________.

2. What makes you happy? When in your life have you been the happiest? You can use this paragraph frame to answer the question:

I am happy when _________. The happiest time in my life (was, is) _________ because _________.

For extra practice with prepositions, take this quiz or one that is about place. You can also complete sentences with a preposition.

Find many more Ideas for English Language Learners.