新视野大学英语第三版视听说4

Unit 1 How we behave is who we are

Listening to the world

Sharing

P = Pasha; W1 = Woman 1, etc.; M1 = Man 1, etc.

Part 1

P: Hello. City life can be quite impersonal, so I try to smile at people and thank them whenever they behave kindly, but some forms of anti-social behavior really do get on my nerves. Today I’m talking to people about good and bad behavior. What kind of behavior in public places gets on your nerves?

Part 2

W1: I think what mostly gets on my nerves is when people listen to their music really loudly on a stereo when you’re on the train, or in a lift. I think that’s a bit antisocial.

M1: Um, probably noise more than anything actually. Um, I suppose it’s one of those sorts of things you see in effect in towns, areas now get louder and louder – probably later into the night as well.

W2: Well, screaming babies, in, like shops and just generally around and the parents, kind of standing there and not really, just kind of ignoring the child and you just want to, just, tell the baby to just “shut up” but, obviously, you can’t.

M2: Loud noise: people with loud voices. Er, people, er, bad manners.

W3: When you’re on public transport, like on a train, and cou ples start kissing in front of you.

M3: Smoking within the vicinity. Um, as someone who personally doesn’t smoke, er, I find it, it can, er ... it can get on my nerves at times.

Part 3

P: Give a recent example of when you experienced good or bad manners.

M3: The other day, just as an example, um, recent lack of m anners I think, was in a … a local park and er, there was a rubbish bin nearby, but that person instead of taking the extra effort to just simply walk over and drop it in, decided carelessly to just drop their rubbish on the ground where they were.

M1: I travel a lot on the trains and things like that, so I find, increasingly, the actual noise on trains from people using mobile phones, things like that really.

W1: Well, recently, it’s …I’ve seen it a few times, you know, when, when you’re shopping or when you’re in a restaurant and you’re trying to … and you’re speaking to the person that’s serving you and maybe somebody’s, they’re on their phone, or they’re not really paying attention. You see that quite a lot, I think, in London particularly.

W3: On the bus this morning, when an old gentleman got on and someone got up to give him a seat.

Part 4

P: Do you think our attitude towards behavior changes as we get older?

W1: Yeah, I think it does. I think as you get older, you become, probably, a bit more intolerant of certain, sort of, anti-social behavior and, as, when you’re younger you’re probably not as aware of it.

M2: I think the older people, er, definitely appreciate manners, good behavior and a good attitude. M1: I suppose so. I suppose we learn how to be more tolerant of it. Um, we can be, probably, more short-tempered of it because we’ve probably had it all of our lives and we want it to,sort of, come to an end, but I think we learn how to, sort of, either walk away from it or ignore it, that sort of things.

W2: Yeah, definitely.

W4: It becomes more important as you get older. You have to impress more people, therefore, be more polite. W2: Yeah, and you gain a conscience as you get older as well. As kids, like, you just say whatever you want to each other, kids, but you kind of realize what you can and can’t say as you get older.

Listening

I = Interviewer; S1 = Speaker 1, etc.

Part 1

I: Now I’ve always thought it has to do with what ti m e of day you’re born. I arrived at 10 o’clock at night and consequently I’m an owl –coming to life late in the evening and capable of dancing till dawn –which is a pity really because this job requires that I am a lark, getting up every morning at 5:30. Well, which are you and why?

Part 2

S1: I am up usually between five and half past most m ornings. I’m bright and breezy. I sing in the morning. I’m wide awake. I love watching the sunrise. Whenever we go on holiday, my husband thinks I’m mad because quite often I get up with a cam era, and I’m out there at half past four, five o’clock in the morning watching the sunrise and taking photographs. And I just love it. It is just so peaceful and so beautiful. It’s a lovely part of the day.

S2: Definitely not a morning person. Evening, without a doubt. I despise getting up with a passion. There is a real, real sense of dread, and, oh no, and there’s sort of lots of denial about … no, it didn’t really go off. And I sort of set it again for five minutes later, then I set it again for another five minutes later, and I stay there until the absolute last second.

S3: If I’m groggily out at nine or 10 in the morning, I do look at other people walking their dogs, or, walking along with a bounce in their step and I just think, “Where does it co me from? How can you do that? Should I just eat more vegetables or more fruit or should I get up earlier to be more awake?” None of it works.

S4: My father and my mother are very m uch sort of early birds, and so when I was a teenager I’d sleep in and I’d have comments all the time like, “You …you’re sleeping your life away”,“Y ou’ve wasted the best part of the day”, and it’s taken me until very, very recently actually to be able to stop the guilt at getting up late ...

S5: Late evening is best for me to be focusing rather than partying. That’s when I’m really thinking straight. Everyone’s going to sleep at hom e here when I’m really mentally becoming most awake. That’s when I really feel at my sharpest.

S6: At the end of the day, nine o’clock, 10 o’clock,I’m exhausted, and so I want to go to bed. Anybody m entions “party” to me and I cringe.

S7: David and I always joked before we had children that it would be great because he would be great in the mornings and I would be great in the evenings, and to a certain extent that’s true, but finding time in the middle just to talk to one another is trickier.

I: What are you, lark or owl? And what are the effects? Do let us know on the message board on the website. Viewing

Desmond Morris:

Back in the late 1960s, I was sitting in this very restaurant on the island of Malta talking to my publisher. I drew his attention to the fact that, over the other side of the road there were two men who were gesticulating in a particular way. The way they were holding their palms to one side was fascinating me, and he said, “You know, you look at people the way that a bird-watcher looks at birds,” and I said, “Yeah, I suppose you could call m e a ‘m an watcher’.”

As soon as I said it, it was as if I’d fired a starting gun on a major new project, one that was to engross me for many years to come and take me to over 60 different countries. I was going to do for actions what dictionary makers had done for words. I began making huge charts naming every facial expression, every gesticulation, every movement, every posture. I kept at it for month after month.

One of the first problems I encountered was that even the simplest human action, such as the handshake, has countless variations.

Sometimes it’s reduced to a mere palm touch, as with these Masai elders in East Africa. But in other countries it becomes more elaborate. In Mali in West Africa the handshaker briefly touches his own forearm as the palms clasp.

In Morocco the handshakers kiss one another’s hands at the same time as clasping them. And in Turkey, these Kurdish farmers have taken this simple action and converted it into what amounts to a minor ritual. It’s the local rule that they can’t start bar gaining until they’re shaking hands, and they have to keep on doing so until the deal is struck.

The essential feature of handshaking is that it’s an egalitarian act. Regardless of their social standing, the two people involved are momentarily performing identical actions.

Despite their variations, all these greetings have one thing in comm on: They’re all fine-tuned to the precise context in which they occur.

Because a single message is given in a different way in different countries. The crazy sign: How do you say to somebody, “Y ou’re crazy”? Well, here in Rome you do this, but, in England I would probably do this – the temple screw, saying he’s got a screw loose – or I might say his brain is going round and round, or I might, tap my head saying, “What does he think he’s got inside his skull?”

In some countries you do it with two hands; it varies from place to place and, if you go to Japan you have to be careful because if you do it this way it means he’s intelligent; you have to do it in an anticlockwise direction in Japan if you want to say that somebody is crazy. So, all over the world the same message is given in a slightly different way.

Speaking for communication

Role-play

J = Jim; L = Liz

J: Here’s your coffee.

L: Ah, thanks, Jim. Oh, I needed that.

J: No problem. Hey, Liz, there’s som ething I’ve been meaning to talk to you about.

L: Oh yeah?

J: It’s just that ... well ... you know you borrowed some money from me last week?

L: Oh, right. It was 10 euros, wasn’t it? I don’t actually have that on me at the moment.

J: It’s not that, it’s ... I hope you don’t take this the wrong way, but, um …

L: Right.

J: …it’s just that this isn’t the first time I’ve lent you money and er, well, you haven’t paid it back. I, I mean, I know it’s not a lot, just small amounts each time but it kind of adds up quite quickly ... I, I dunno. Do you know what I mean?

L: Yeah. Sorry. I didn’t realize. I know I’m terrible with money. I, I just forget. Look, I promise I’ll give it back, but … could you wait a week until I get paid?

J: Well, actually, you’ve said that once before. I, I don’t want you to get the wrong idea, but ... it, you know, never happened. And it makes things slightly awkward. I mean, it makes me feel just a bit annoyed. Do you see where I’m coming from?

L: Oh. Yeah. I suppose so.

J: Look, I’ve got a suggestion. I’d feel better if we could work out how much is owed and then you could pay me back a little each week, you know, however much you can afford. How does that sound?

L: Yeah, yeah. That sounds reasonable.

J: OK, great. So well, why don’t we start …?

Further practice in listening

Short conversations

Conversation 1

W: The only thing I can do at night is to lie in bed and read, preferably while also eating a snack. I never have time for exercising.

M: Don’t think it’s worth exercising only if you can run five miles or if you can bike for an hour. Even going for a 10-minute walk is worthwhile.

Q: What advice does the man give to the woman?

Conversation 2

W: Hi, Mark, I’ve gained quite so me weight recently. So, how can I eat healthily at social events?

M: Well, drink a full glass of water before you go. Focus mainly on fresh fruit and vegetables or bread with whole grains. These will help you stay feeling full.

Q: What can we know about the woman?

Conversation 3

W: I heard that in South Africa smoking is banned in all enclosed public spaces.

M: Yes, that’s right. But pubs and bars with separate, enclosed smoking rooms are excluded from the ban, and most restaurants provide smoking sections, either indoor areas with good air circulation or outdoor open areas.

Q: What can we learn about the smoking rules in South Africa?

Conversation 4

M: So, your research shows that even when children are not direct targets of violence in the home, they can be harmed by witnessing its occurrence?

W: Yes, that’s right. For example, they can suffer immediate and permanent physical harm. They can also experience short- and long-term emotional and behavioral problems.

Q: What are the two speakers talking about?

Conversation 5

W: Skipping breakfast is common among people who are trying to lose weight, but it doesn’t seem to be a successful strategy.

M: No, it isn’t. While any breakfast may be better than no breakfast, a healthy breakfast can be something simple like a hard-boiled egg, a piece of 100 percent wholegrain toast along with a cup of 100 percent fruit juice.

Q: What is recommended for a healthy breakfast?

Long conversation

M: I love working out!

W: Ugh! Y ou’re sweating all over the floor …

M: I just ran five miles! A friend told me about this great park on Jefferson Street. I love exploring new parks! W: I try running at the gym three days a week, but it’s so boring looking at the TV monitor or the wall in front of me for an hour.

M: You should run outside! Being in nature, enjoying the beautiful flowers and the trees, I feel my mind relax and the stress just falls away.

W: It is nice outside. My mom loves t’ai chi and a nearby t’ai chi group meets every morning at 6 a.m. I’ve tried going, but it’s too ea rly for me to get out of bed …

M: T’ai chi is really good. You need some kind of exercise. It’s unhealthy for you to sit in front of your computer all day, every day!

W: Well, I recently spend my weekends away from my computer.

M: Oh really? And what have you done recently that didn’t involve a computer or TV screen?

W: Pandas! I just went to the San Diego Zoo with my sister on Saturday! They have one of the best panda exhibits in the US. The mother panda is from Wolong, China, and had had six baby pandas by 2012 since arriving at the San Diego Zoo in September of 1996.

M: Oh, I bet baby pandas are amazing! Hey! Maybe you should get a zoo membership and go jogging in the zoo!

W: A zoo membership! Now that’s a great idea! I love the San Diego Zoo. It’s near my house, I can get good exercise and I can watch the baby pandas grow up!

Q1: What has made the man sweat all over the floor?

Q2: Why doesn’t the wom an go to practice t’ai chi with her mom?

Q3: What does the woman normally do on weekends?

Q4: Why does the man suggest the woman get a zoo membership?

Passage 1

Have you ever felt you don’t have enough hours in the day? Or that you’d give anything for a whole day to catch up with yourself? Well, here are some ideas that work for me.

First of all, make a to-do list every day and set clear priorities. The trick here isn’t making the list; that’s the easy part. The trick is making the priorities. I look at my list and put a star next to anything that is really urgent. Then I put the number “2”next to anything that will just take a couple of minutes. I actually do these quick tasks before I get on with the urgent ones; it’s a bit like clearing off the top of your desk before sitting down to write that important letter.

Second, know when is the most productive time of day for you and do your work or study then. One of the shocking discoveries I made about myself is that if I get up at 5 a.m., I can do a day’s work and even fit breakfast in before half past nine. Of course, if you are an early bird, it can be difficult to accomplish tasks that involve phonin g “night owls”, but that’s what email’s for!

Finally, do not let your inbox run your life. I just realized recently how frequently I interrupted my real work to check my inbox and respond to the most trivial of emails. So, now I only open it when absolutely necessary and this saves me hours. If your work depends on you being constantly accessible by email, then you can’t do this; but be honest and ask yourself, “A m I an em ail addict?”

With these simple, practical techniques, you will become more efficient, less stressed and be able to win some “me-tim e” for yourself.

Q1: What tasks does the speaker tend to do first every day?

Q2: How to work more efficiently according to the speaker?

Q3: How does the speaker deal with emails now?

Q4: What is the purpose of the talk?

Passage 2

and answers

In a perfect world, we would all avoid too much credit card debt and would never have to deal with the trouble of being unable to meet our credit card payment obligations. But this is not a perfect world, and unfortunately, these 1) distressing situations are the norm for many people.

If you find yourself in this position, or heading there, you should cut your spending now. Don’t wait until your situation is so 2) desperate that you have few options available to you. Facing the factors that give you the 3) urge to spend money carelessly can be uncomfortable, but if you don’t face them, how will you control your debt and 4) acquire the things you truly want?

One negative aspect of using credit cards instead of cash is that you 5) are totally unaware of the fact that you’re spending real money. The pleasant feelings you experience when you purchase the item 6) are isolated from the unpleasant feelings of making the payment when you get the credit card statement. Studies 7) affirm that most people are much less likely to buy when paying with cash as opposed to credit cards. So, try leaving your credit cards at home, and pay with cash or check.

To really control your spending and your credit card debt, you need to examine what money means to you. Make an effort to notice how you 8) interact with money and what beliefs and attitudes you have about money. Studies also show that people with low self-esteem engage themselves in more 9) impulse spending and buying things they don’t need. Remind yourself daily that your worth as a person has nothing to do with how much money you have. Once you 10) are convinced of this, you will break the psychological barriers that were keeping you from handling your money wisely.

Unit 2 Getting older, getting wiser?

Listening to the world

Sharing

P = Pasha; M1 = Man 1, etc.; W1 = Woman 1, etc.

Part 1

P: Hi. I’m really excited about the next few months. I’m DJing on the banks of the River Thames in the heart of London and I’m playing some beach parties. Today I’ve co me to Covent Garden to find out how people feel about their lives. What are you looking forward to in the future?

Part 2

M1: Er, I’m looking forward to having a fam ily: I don’t have a fa m ily right now. Er, I’m looking forward to buying a house –er, I actually live in the United States right now and I haven’t bought a house there, so I’m looking forward to that. And I guess I’m looking forward to um, more travel.

W1: Finding a job that I’m really passionate about.

M2: Er, near future, I’m looking forward to a holiday next year. I’m going to Vegas with a family that I haven’t been away with u m, for about five or six years now.

W2: Getting a good job, and finishing university.

M3: Nothing really. I kind of enjoy my life at the moment. Um, I ... I live in Australia now, and I’ve got things the way we like them at home, and life’s good.M4: Starting a new job next summer.

Part 3

P: Is there anything you aren’t looking forward to?

W1: No, no, there’s nothing I can think about that I’m not looking forward to in the future.

M2: The one thing that I’d have thought most people say is dying. Quite serious, but, other than that, no – I kind of embrace life to the full; look forward to most things.

W3: Um, I have to say, the premise of getting older, and with getting older you have more responsibilities, so that’s one thing I won’t ... I’m not looking forward to.

M1: Well, I’m not looking forward to retiring: Um, I like my job and I like working, and I think I’ll be a little bored when I retire.

W2: It’s quite stressful looking for jobs and going to job interviews, so I do get nervous about that.

M3: Getting older. Your body’s starting to fall to bits. Not looking forward to that, but it’ll happen.

Part 4

P: People say that your schooldays are the best days of your life. Do you think that’s true?

W1: Absolutely. I do, yes, because you’re, the world is your oyster. You have so much hope, so many dreams, and you believe, you believe you can achieve anything. So yeah, definitely, I think so, yeah.

M3: No. Schooldays were hell on earth for me. It was (They were) the worst days of my life.

W2: Um, they’re quite stressful because you have exa m s, but I do think they’re fun: being able to be with your friends every day. So I do think that schooldays are ... are good days in your life.

M1: Looking back on it, I had a great time at school. I’m sure at the time it seemed a little difficult, um, you know, trying to fit in, but now when I look back on it, they were fun days and, you know, I ... I ... I look at them very fondly.

M4: For me, personally, my, er ... m y schooldays were my favorite because I’ve still got friends from, going back 20-odd years.

W3: That’s when I’ve created most ... the most valuable relationships I have in my life.

M2: For most people, yes, but when I left school at 16, I was a fulltime footballer at Ipswich Town Football Club for two years. So, living away from home with friends and doing, kind of, the best thing I could do in my life, were the best two years of my life.

Listening

Part 1

OK ... so ... I’ve got the date ... “Thursda y, the 20th of May, 2004. Dear the future me, I hope this letter has found its way to you / me. As I write this, I am 16 in Year 11; and as I read it, I am 20. Wow! I will have changed so much. I can only guess what I will be like at 20. I envisage to myself at Oxford Uni, sitting ...” oh, this is em barrassing ... “sitting under a tree by the river in the college grounds. I think I’ll be wearing something floaty and a bit indie, but I bet when I get this, it’ll, it’ll be raining.”

“As I read this, I’ll have already remembered that I fancied Tom Squires ...”there you go, Tom ... I’m looking at him now. “I wonder if I’ll ever have the guts to tell hi m. ... I know, I’m a romantic. I hope that hasn’t changed. My plans for myself in the following years are to find a man, someone good-looking, romantic and intelligent, who, who shares my interests –or just Tom. Either way, um, I hope I’ll have som eone.” I don’t remem ber this, “... and then I think I’ll have three children with long brown hair and green eyes.”

“W ell, I’ll stop now even though I want to write everything I can down, but I’m running out of time. I hope I’m happy in 2008, and I hope this letter makes me feel good about who I was, or am, as I write this. Keep smiling, and while I can’t really say bye, but good luck for the future and keep dreaming. Don’t change too much, and be happy with who you are – I like who I am now more than any other tim e. Love, Laura.”

Part 2

It all seems very shallow looking back and reading what I thought I’d be doing or hoped I’d be doing. I think my 16-year-old self might have been disappointed with where I am, but because I as my 20-year-old self have sort of grown up and m atured, I’m absolutely ecstatic with the way where I am, and it doesn’t have to be this perfect sitting-by-a-lake kind of image.

Viewing

N = Narrator; B = Dr. Bradley Willcox

N: The remote island of Okinawa is home to one of the longest-living communities in the world.In a population of only one million, there are 900 centenarians, a percentage that’s over four times higher than Britain and America. It’s a place where age has a different meaning ... where people like Mr. Miyagi can expect to live way beyond his 92nd year. Unaware of the latest diet or lifestyle fad, Mr. Miyagi has developed his own way of defying the aging process.

B: They’re not thinking about “Gee, if I do this, I’m not gonna live as long, if I ... I have one extra drink or if I eat this food or ...” –they’re not thinking about that at all. Most of the m couldn’t care less what the scientists think. They just go about their business and live. They just happen to live a very long time.

N: The explanation for this extraordinary phenomenon begins in the most ordinary of places. Like every town in Okinawa, the fruit and vegetable shop in Ogimi lies at the heart of village life. It’s here that Bradley and Craig believe the source of the Okinawa miracle can be traced. For the past 20 years, Bradley and Craig have been analyzing the life-enhancing Okinawan ingredients.

B: G ot reds here in the tomatoes, the peppers. Y ou’ve got green peppers here.

N: They’ve identified a nu mber of crucial properties that guard the Okinawans from disease, from the antioxidant rich vegetables that protect against cell damage, to the high quantities of soya proteins. In Ogimi, 100-year-old Matsu is preparing a traditional Okinawan dish using all the vital ingredients. It’s only after the food is served that the most significant Okinawan tradition can be observed.

B: The Okinawans developed also cultural habits over the years that appear to have health protective properties. They have a saying called “harahachibu”–eat until you’re only 80 percent full.

N: In a typical day, Matsu only consumes around 1,200 calories, about 20 percent less than most people in Britain and America.

B: In the West we’re very much focused on getting more for our money, and one of the most popular things is all these all-you-can-eat restaurants. You go and you load up at the, at the er, the all-you-can-eat restaurant, and you, you walk away with this bloated feeling and you ... you may have got your money’s worth, but you probably didn’t get your, your health’s worth, because what you’re doing is just digging yourself into an early grave.

Speaking for communication

Role-play

P = Presenter; V = Vince; J = Julia; D = Dan; Z = Zara

P: And up next, it’s time for Just T ell Me I’m Wrong. Today’s topic: How young is too young or, perhaps more accurately, how old is old enough? W e’ve received hundreds of e mails and text messages about the right age for a child to have a mobile phone, stay home alone, wear make-up, get their ears pierced, babysit for younger kids ... and we’ve got our first caller, Vince. Go ahead, Vince. Y ou’re on.

V: Hi. My situation is that my nine-year-old kept asking me to get her a mobile, so I bought her one a few months ago. Then, last week, I got a bill for over two hundred pounds, so I warned her I’d take the phone away from her if it happened again.

P: So I gather your point is whether she’s too young to have a mobile?

V: Y eah, yeah, that’s right.

P: Er, surely it’s the parents’ responsibility to set some sort of guidelines ahead of time.

V: S o what you’re saying is I should have given her so me rules?

P: Basically, yes, when she first got the phone. OK, thanks Vince. Next caller is Julia. What’s your question, Julia?

J: About the m obile phone thing. I’ve got an eight-year-old, and I worry about him all the time if I can’t reach him. You know ... anything could happen ...

P: So in other words, you want him to have a mobile.

J: And have it on at all times. But he doesn’t want one.

P: Fair enough. Let me ask you a question. When you were eight years old and there were no mobile phones, what did your mother do? I bet you were allowed to go out on your own. Isn’t that an important part of growing up and developing a sense of independence and responsibility?

J: So what you’re getting at is that I’m being overprotective?

P: You could say that.

J: Yeah, but don’t you agree that the world used to be a safer place?

P: Surely that’s what every generation says. Anyway, thanks for your question, Julia. Let’s go to our next caller. Dan, you’re on.

D: Hi, my question’s also about technology.

P: OK. Go ahead.

D: Well, my son, Seth, he’s 12 and, up till recently, he was a normal 12-year-old, you know, he used to go out with his friends, play football with me, you know ... we had a great relationship.

P: So, Dan, from what you’re saying, I’m guessing he doesn’t want to spend so much time with

you now, and you feel ...

D: Oh no, it’s not that. It’s just that he spends all his time on the computer now.

P: Isn’t that just normal nowadays?

D: It’s hard to say. Sometimes at the weekend he spends all day in his bedroom on the computer, on social networking sites or playing games. I don’t think it’s right. I mean for one thing, he never gets any exercise. P: Don’t you think it’s just a stage he’s going through? I used to spend hours in my bedroom listening to music when I was that age.

D: You mean I should just relax and let him get on with it?

P: Y eah, he’ll grow out of it. And you can’t force him to go and play football if he doesn’t want to.

D: I guess not. Thanks.

P: OK, our next caller is Zara. Y ou’re on.

Z: Um, I was wondering how you would deal with a 13-year-old wanting to get pierced ears?

P: Thirteen years old? Doesn’t she simply want to be like her friends? I imagine a lot of them have pierced ears.

Z: Well ... that’s it. I’m not talking about a she.

P: Oh, if I’ve got it right, you’re upset because your 13-year-old son wants to get his ears pierced.

Z: That’s right.

P: Ah ... so it’s because he’s a boy rather than his age?

Z: I suppose so.

P: Well, what’s he like socially? Does he have friends who’ve got their ears ...

Further practice in listening

Short conversations

Conversation 1

W: So this is your last year in college. Have you ever thought about what you’d like to do after graduation?

M: Well, I really don’t know. The job market seems to be improving, so I may look for a job somewhere. But I am also interested in applying for graduate school.

Q: What are the two speakers talking about?

Conversation 2

M: Do you remember Linda we met a while ago at Susan’s birthday party?

W: Linda? Do you mean the lady who you said was a nurse in the community hospital before her retirement? Yeah, I remember. She looks very young for her age.

Q: What does the woman think of Linda?

Conversation 3

M: I wish I could retire tomorrow. Then I would not need to worry about work.

W: I don’t look forward to retirem ent. I’m afraid of getting old – my body will slow down, and my children will be away. I dread losing independence and living in loneliness.

Q: What makes the woman afraid of getting old?

Conversation 4

W: I consider my early 20s to be the prime time of my life. How about you?

M: I couldn’t agree with you more. That’s no doubt the golden period. You are young and energetic. You are free to pursue your passion. The best thing is that you have a wealth of opportunities to explore. Q: What does the man like best about being in his early 20s?

Conversation 5

W: Hi, John. You are taking Law 201 this semester, right? How do you like it?

M: Yeah, it’s a great class. W e’ve looked at several cases of age discrimination at work. Such cases are

very interesting because they are rarely clear-cut and court decisions can be rather controversial.

Q: What does the man say about age discrimination cases?

Long conversation

M: Nancy, time to make a birthday wish!

W: I wish ... hmm. OK! I want a high-paying job, a husband with a perfect face and body, and a big house ... with a swimming pool!

M: Wow, Nancy! Those are your three wishes?

W: Of course! If I have those three things, I’ll be happy!

M: Now, Nancy. Let me tell you my story, and you may see things differently.

W: “See things di f ferently?” What do you mean, Uncle Charlie?

M: Here is what I once experienced in life. When I married, 32 years ago, we had a happy marriage, a beautiful house, two expensive cars, and $200,000 in the bank!

W: See, just like now!

M: Wait! I would suggest three different wishes!

W: Well ... What would you wish for? Y ou’re older and wiser!

M: What happens if you lose your job, lose your house, and your husband becomes sick? I suggest these three wishes: patience, courage and love!

W: Patience, courage and love?

M: Yes! If you have patience and courage, you and your husband will have good jobs and a nice house. And if you have true love, you and your husband will be beautiful to each other no matter how old you become together.

W: This is good.

M: Within six years of our marriage, we had three beautiful children, but we lost our jobs, our house, all our money, and then I got really sick for nine years. But we didn’t lose anything truly valuable, because we always said: “Wherever the five of us are togethe r, we are at hom e!”And, little by little things did improve, and I finally got well. Patience, courage and love! These are what make life full, strong and happy!

W: Hmm, I will remember. Patience, courage and love! Thanks, Uncle Charlie!

Q1: What are the two speakers talking about?

Q2: According to the man, why is true love important for a happy life? Q3: What difficulties did the man experience in his life?

Q4: What is the man doing in the talk?

Passage 1

If you think that you have to live up a remote mountain in order to live a long and healthy life, a religious community in Loma Linda, California, may prove you wrong. Its members are a group of Christians known as the Seventh-day Adventists. The Adventists enjoy a much higher life expectancy than average Californians. Adventist men can expect to live about seven years longer than other Californian men. Adventist women are likely to live around four years longer than other Californian women. The Adventists also act much younger than they are and see doctors much less than ordinary people.

So what’s the secret of the Adventists’ longevity? It is not all in their genes. Nor is their good health a mere accident. The Adventists live longer partly because they have a vegetable-based diet. Around 35 percent of them are vegetarian, and around one half eat meat only rarely. Tobacco and alcohol consumptions are discouraged. So are rich or spicy foods, meat, and drinks containing caffeine. The Adventist diet is high in fruit and vegetables. It also includes plenty of whole grains, nuts, seeds and beans, and water is the drink of choice.

The longevity of the Adventists is also related to their lifestyle and natural environment. They believe in having regular exercise, helping others, and maintaining strong social and familial ties. They live in a mild climate with warm summers and cool winters. Interestingly, the air quality of Loma Linda, however, is not as good as in other longevity hot spots. This should give us all hope, as it suggests that we don’t have to have every single factor in place in order to achieve excellent health. Despite this, the Adventists’good health certainly provides strong evidence that diet and lifestyle choices have a great impact on health and longevity.

Q1: In what way are the Adventists different from ordinary people?

Q2: How much longer do Adventist women expect to live than other Californian women?

Q3: What is characteristic of the Adventists’ diet?

Q4: What is the main idea of the passage?

Passage 2

and answers

Of all the threats to human society, including war, disease and natural disaster, one outranks all others. It is the aging of the human population. The 1) proportion of people aged 60-plus around the world is 2) estimated to more than double in 2050. By 2047, for the first time in human history, the number of old people is projected to exceed that of children on the planet.

This change will 3) have profound impacts on human society. One problem concerns the ratio of the number of people of working age to the num ber of older people, which is known as the “4) potential support ratio”. This index has fallen from 12 in 1950 to 8 in 2013 and is expected to drop to 4 in 2050. Its decline means that the burden on the young, 5) economically and socially, will rise accordingly. This is because older people rely on the young, not only for care and support but also for the economic productivity that ensures 6) pensions can be paid and health and social costs met.

A variety of issues in other areas such as family composition, the transfer of property, taxation and housing may 7) originate from the population “age-quake”, too. For instance, fa mily ties have been weakened by increased mobility and rising divorce, and hence the demand for 8) residential and nursing homes will increase since more older people will need to live in an institution or elder care center.

No matter what the future reality will be, the aging of the human population certainly 9) poses a challenge to policy makers, economists and health care specialists around the world. This suggests that the human society will need to 10) be transformed into a structure that has the ability and resources to address the diverse needs of older people.

Unit 3 Discovering your niche holiday

Listening to the world

Sharing

P = Pasha; M1 = Man 1, etc.; W1 = Woman 1, etc.

Part 1

P: Hi. I enjoy doing a lot of different things in my free time. Most of them are to do with music: I

DJ both in London and internationally, and I try to go to concerts and festivals whenever I can. How about you? How do you spend your free time?

Part 2

M1: My free time, when I have any, is playing golf. I ... I discovered golf eight years ago and

I’m ... I’m addicted:Whenever I can, I’ll get out on a golf course.

W1: Photography; I like to watch films; um ... really into music.

W2: In m y free time I’m an amateur opera singer and I also run an amateur opera company.

M2: I spend my free time shopping, cooking, uh, going to exhibitions, traveling, going to the theater.

W3: I exercise a lot: I spend a lot of time walking, running and boxing.

M3: I play football, I play table tennis, I go bowling. Um, I also do a radio show at my university. W4: Well, during my free time I read, I, um, watch the news online, um, and watch TV series and

go out with my friends.

W5: Er, I spend most of my free time with my friends and, just getting together and watching

films, listening to music. I like to read a lot and I like to draw and make clothes.

Part 3

P: How would you spend your free time differently if you had more time or money or opportunity?

M1: I’d travel m ore. I’d take my children to see m ore things around the world. They’ve traveled a little bit, I’ve traveled quite a lot, but I’d like to take them to see some of the things that the world has to offer.

W5: If I had more free tim e, I think I’d be able to develop my own creativity.

M3: Finding, maybe, a bit more about my, er, my heritage. I ... I’m quite interested in that, and speaking to my parents about how they grew up and their parents and things like that.

W2: I would spend more time practicing music.

W3: If I had more time, I would travel more.

W4: If I had more free tim e, I’d see more of my friends and people that I don’t get to see enough. And I’d probably relax and go to the park a lot.

Part 4

P: What are the benefits to society of giving people more downtime or more holidays?

W1: I think if you had more time of f you’d be able to do, you’d be able to explore your mind a lot more and you ... people (would) become more educated, more intelligent and more aware of what’s going on in the world.

W5: If we all had more free time, I think we’d all be able to let ourselves be more creative, as opposed to just work, work, work all the time.

W4: I think that today when people don’t work from nine to five so much anymore, I think that more free time would do everyone a lot of good, um, as long as you have something to do with it, and you have, kind of, hobbies or friends to see.

W3: They would be less stressed, I believe, because I, I think that people are very, very stressed nowadays.

M2: I think society benefits from giving people more free time because it enables them to lead less stressed lives, reduces the pressures on them, and also increases interests, and I think that a society that has a broad range of interests, a broad range of things they like doing, is generally beneficial.

Listening

K = Katie Derham; A = Alison Rice; C = Charlie Connolly

K: The buzzword de jour is “niche travel”.Rather than the usual beach flopout, we’re turning instead to a growing band of small tour operators offering Thai cooking weeks, trips to Sri Lanka for tea lovers, the ultimate trekking or trekkie experience or poignant visits to obscure battlefields. W ell, I’m joined here in the studio by Alison Rice, who’s been a travel writer for many years and Charlie Connolly, author and broadcaster, who among other things has traveled the globe in search of the legacy of Elvis Presley. Welcome to you both. Alison, let’s start by turning to you first. This definition of niche travel these days, what does it mean to you?

A: I think som e people would say we’re just talking about activity holidays where, instead of just lying on a beach you follow a particular interest or hobby with like-minded people. Walking holidays, gardening, cookery, painting, yoga, bird-watching –you remember when bird-watching was just for geeks? There’s (There’re)masses of bir, bird-watching holidays. Battlefields, music, theater festivals – these are all pegs around which we can build a holiday.

C: I do believe in going to a place for a reason and rather than just cos there’s a nice view or something. I’m a big believer in people. I think people make a place and the atmosphere of a place.

K: What would your favorite niche holidays (be) if you’ve co me across recently?

A: Oh, for me, it’s definitely singing. If you google “singing holidays”,you’ll find 416,000 entries. Whole choirs go on holiday now, or if you want to just join a choir, you can join a holiday where you learn a piece, rehearse it through the holiday, sailing down the Nile, there is one in Malta next year where you’ll be singing the Messiah ... and then the holiday ends where you put on a concert for the locals.

C: There is a, a tour you can do of Chernobyl. Um, it’s, it’s a one day tour from Kiev and you get to view reactor number four from a hundred meters away, and you get to visit the dead town of Pripyat, which is, there are schoolbooks still in the school and posters up on the wall, and calendars. And they do say it’s a hundred percent safe if you’re tested for radiation levels when you, when you go and when you come back. K: Well, The Traveler’s Tree message board has been littered with postings on this subject. W e’ve heard about fair-trade holidays in Cuba and southern India, Inca treks. One from a contributor called Portly, who thoroughly enjoyed the historical cruise on the Black Sea. But thank you also to Dilly Gaffe who said,

“Never mind niche. Give me a five-star luxury hotel any tim e!”

Viewing

P = Presenter; HC = Helen Child; AT = Andy Thomas; W = Woman; RO = Rebecca Over; KE = Kyle Emert; DF = Dave Farris; NB = Nick Bryant; NBr = Nick Brans;

LR = Lucia Rushton; AW = Alan Woods; KS = Katie Siddals

P: At number 38 it’s husky sledding. I’ve come to Saariselk?in Finland for a test drive. Absolutely beautiful here, the snow is just like ... it’s got little bits of crystal all over it and you can really take it in because the dogs are doing all the hard work.

HC: Just the sound of the snow and the dogs panting with all the silence around, I think that would be fantastic.

AT: T otally silent apart from the sound of the sleds and the dogs’ paws. Incredible.

W: Are you ready?

P: As I’ll ever be. This is much, much more exhilarating than just sitting in the sled. Actually, having the dogs work for you and feeling like you’re in or out of control is definitely where it’s at Meet Rebecca Over, an estate buyer from Surrey, who like hundreds of you crazy people, wanted nothing more than to be strapped to the outside of a plane and take part in your very own wing-walking display. The craze started when World War One pilots would strap their poor girlfriends to the outside of their planes to entertain the crowds at air shows. We sent Rebecca off to Rendcomb in Gloucestershire.

RO: I’m feeling excited, a little bit nervous, can’t wait, raring to go.

P: So buckled and braced, our daredevil is ready to go.

RO: The wind is really, really strong, and it’s really hard to do the waving. It’s been wonderful, an amazing day.

P: Still in America now and time to go west on the legendary Route 66: 2,400 miles, eight states, three time zones, one incredible journey.

KE: Once upon a time it was the kind of the thing to do.

P: The famous route from Chicago to Los Angeles was used by thousands of Americans attempting to flee the hard times of the Great Depression, and for many it’s remembered as the road to opportunity.

DF: I’d love to experience what they did –traveling over two and a half thousand miles, and experience that wonderful feeling of getting somewhere which is better.

P: Next up som ething you’ve let get as high as 17 on this list. Y ou’re crazy; it’s bungee jumping.

NB: The feeling you get when you jump off, fall off, dive off, or whatever, is just awesome.

NBr: Just to fly like that and just sort of end up being stretched and bounced back up, great fun.

P: Throughout history they’ve intrigued mankind with tales of their mystical powers and super intelligence; their legendary curiosity and playfulness have enchanted us for generations. Thousands and thousands of you have bombarded us with emails and calls to say the number one thing to do before you die is to go swimming with dolphins.

LR: They’re absolutely a mazing animals. They’re so gentle; they’re so, um, sensitiv e.

AW: Once you swim with them, you don’t want to ... you don’t want to leave them.

KS: A one-off, magical experience.

P: And it was incredible. It’s ... it’s amazing because, um, they’re so responsive and they have um, they feel fantastic, don’t you? You feel wonderful; you feel so lovely. And they, they’re so huge and so powerful and yet so playful and, I’m really, really lucky to be here with them.

Speaking for communication

Role-play

W = Woman; M = Man

W: Oh, you must have seen it.

M: No, I, I’ve never even heard of it. How’s (How does) it work?

W: W ell, it sounds really stupid, but I’ll try to describe it. The way it works is that there are two teams, with two celebs on each team.

M: Two what?

W: Celebs. Celebrities.

M: Oh, right.

W: So anyway, there’s a studio with a swimming pool and, at the end, about 20 meters from the pool, there’s a

wall, actually a giant wall covered by another “wall”, or maybe a sort of curtain. M: Er, I don’t get it. A wall covered by a wall?

W: Yeah, but it’s really like a single wall.

M: OK.

W: And the two people from the first team stand at the edge of the pool facing the wall. Then what happens is that the host says, “Bring on the wall!”

M: He does what?

W: He says, “Bring on the wall!” Like that, very dramatically. Then the wall starts moving quite fast towards the two people.

M: ... who are in front of the pool.

W: Yeah and after a few seconds, the curtain lifts off the wall, and there’s a funny-shaped hole, and they have to get through it.

M: They have to get through where?

W: Get through the hole.

M: Oh.

W: They have about five seconds to get themselves into the same position as the shape in the hole so that it goes past them and they don’t get knocked into the pool.

M: Uh-huh.

W: Yeah, and that’s the best part because nobody knows what shape the hole will be until the last moment. It could be anything person-shaped, and ....

M: What do you mean, person-shaped?

W: Well, maybe bent over or maybe with one foot in front of the other and one arm up at an angle, like this. M: So, what’s the point?

W: Well, basically the point is not to get knocked into the pool. If they don’t stand exactly in the shape of the hole, the wall will knock them into the pool. The teams take it in turns to have a go and the winning team is the one who gets through the most shapes.

M: Um, it sounds pretty stupid to me.

W: You sort of have to see it to get it. It’s incredibly popular.

Further practice in listening

Short conversations

Conversation 1

W: I really need a holiday, so I’m going camping with some friends. What are you doing over the semester break?

M: I haven’t got any plans yet. I don’t really have enough money to fly home. I suppose I could get a part-time job and earn some money, or maybe I could start studying for next semester.

Q: What is the woman going to do over the semester break?

Conversation 2

M: I heard that you quit your swimming lessons. But you have paid $120 for them.

W: Ah, it’s all these yoga sessions. I just couldn’t fit them all in. What’s more, I got the majority of my fees back because I quit immediately after the first day.

Q: Why did the woman quit her swimming lessons?

Conversation 3

M: Shall we spend our weekend in Singapore? We can leave Friday afternoon so as to have dinner next to the river and enjoy fireworks at the shore!

W: I’d rather go on Saturda y. My aunt will drop in on Friday evening. We haven’t seen each other for a couple of years.

Q: Why doesn’t the woman want to leave on Friday?

Conversation 4

M: What do I need to bring for our camping trip to the national park?

W: W ell, we’ve bought the food and rented a van. It’s a camping vehicle with a fridge and cooking equipment.

I think you will need a warm sweater or jacket for the evenings.

Q: What does the woman suggest the man bring for the camping trip to the park?

Conversation 5

M: Have you confirmed your booking at the hotel in Sydney? With only three days left before our trip, I hope everyone is as ready as I am!

W: Not yet. But I’d better call them before we start our vacation. During this time of year they always get quite busy.

Q: What will the woman probably do before the vacation?

Long conversation

M: Rebecca, I just learned of an amazing park right here near our city!

W: Really? Is it a nature park or an entertainment park?

M: It’s a beautiful nature park, located 15 miles from our home.

W: What’s it called?

M: It is called Big Sky Park and has nice walking trails and camping sites!

W: Bill, this is perfect! We can have a vacation and still keep saving money to visit my family sometime. But, can we get to Big Sky Park without a car?

M: Yes, easily. We just take the No. 32 bus that goes right to the park. The only problem will be getting all of our camping stuff with us on the bus.

W: Well, I did just buy that new cart to help carry groceries home on the bus, plus we have your big backpack. Together, I think we will be fine. All of our camping equipment should easily fit on the bus.

M: Good. Good! I know we can make it a really special weekend. I have longed for a time when we could walk alone together in the quiet beauty of nature. I’m so, so happy to have this chance to be with you at the park.

W: I know me too! I know what I’ll do! I’ll pack all of our favorite food, and I’ll bake a small chocolate cake. Your favorite! Then we can drink tea and eat the chocolate cake around a campfire. I’m so happy you found Big Sky Park. I can’t wait, just two more days for the weekend to come!

M: I’m so happy as well. Big Sky Park will be wonderful. The fire, the dinner and spending ti me with you make me such a happy, happy man, Rebecca!

Q1: What makes Big Sky Park a nice vacation place for the couple?

Q2: How can the couple get all their camping stuff on the bus?

Q3: What will the woman probably do before their trip?

Q4: What does the couple long to do at the park?

Passage 1

A new museum entirely dedicated to laziness has opened in the capital city of Colombia. But you have to hurry if you want to see the exhibits and find out about being lazy because the exhibition lasts only for one week. The unusual show displays a whole range of things such as sofas, beds and anything that makes you feel like taking a rest. There are also plenty of televisions for those visiting couch potatoes to watch as they move around relaxingly in the museum.

It is no coincidence but rather an intentional decision for the museum to have opened right after the holiday season. The idea is for people to think about laziness, and perhaps change their behavior and lifestyle throughout the rest of the year. It offers a practical experience to make us think about laziness in our high-speed, fast-paced societies.

The museum’s founder Marcela Arrieta said she wanted people to rethink about laziness and decide whether it really is a bad thing. She told the media that people today always think about laziness as an enemy of work. For example, they may feel guilty if they sleep late, or they may feel they are wasting time after taking a nap or having a holiday.

Ms. Arrieta may not be proposing that we should have a shorter working week, but she could have a point in that we do need more leisure time than our jobs allow us, and change our lifestyle to a type that is more relaxing. Besides, according to scientists, avoiding the pressure and stress of work can make us healthier and live longer. So, why not try out Ms. Arrieta’s advice for yourself, slow down, and think about being lazy?

Q1: Why should visitors be hurried if they want to see the exhibits in the new museum in Colombia’s capital?

Q2: What are exhibited in the new museum?

Q3: What is the purpose of the exhibition?

Q4: What did the museum’s founder advise us to do?

Passage 2

and answers

A solution may be at hand for holidaymakers who are struggling to find quiet, out-of-the- way places to go. For those who really want to get away from the crowded and much-traveled 1) resorts, they now find it possible because a new holiday destination has 2) sprung up –Antarctica. However, this new hotspot, or freezing zone, might only be for those who are fabulously rich if a new policy gets under way. Tourism on Antarctica has been increasing 3) dramatically, from a few thousand people in 1985 to more than 40,000 in 2007. The growing numbers are 4) having an adverse effect on the untouched environment of the South Pole. To 5) combat this, researchers from Holland’s Maastricht University have come up with a sensible solution: Limit the number of tourists allowed to visit and hawk the vacations to those who are determined to go and are willing to offer higher amounts of money than others for the trip.

Many environmental protection agencies agree that there is a need to protect the frozen 6) wilderness from the damage created by modern tourism. Antarctica is the last 7) unspoiled place on earth. It has a very delicate ecosystem that could be easily upset by 8) streams of tourists landing in airplanes and using skimobiles. A difficulty exists because Antarctica is not a country and therefore has no government to pass laws or 9) guidelines to control the number of visitors. The Maastricht University team’s proposal to 10) auction off a fixed number of tourist places seems a workable solution. It would limit the number of visitors and therefore contain the amount of environmental damage, and the money would be used to protect Antarctica’s future.

Unit 4 Solving problems & seeking happiness

Listening to the world

Sharing

V = Val; M1 = Man 1, etc.; W1 = Woman 1, etc.

Part 1

V: Hi. I’m Val and I work as a producer for the BBC here in London. I like living in London, but it can be quite expensive. Today I’m talking to people about money and happiness. Do you think money makes you happy?

Part 2

M1: No. Money can enhance happiness, but happiness is about family, friends, enjoyment, and money can only help that – it doesn’t make you happy.

W1: I don’t think that money makes you happy, but it can enable you to do more things which could make you a happier person.

M2: I think that lack of money makes people unhappy, and I think that people need money in order to get the things that make them happy, but money itself I don’t think makes people happy.

W2: I think money wouldn’t make you happy, er, won’t give you happiness directly, but I think it could give you a little help, sometimes, to do things that you like. Yes.

W3: I think money can’t make you happy at the end of the day if you don’t have family and friends to share your money with and to have a good time with.

W4: Um, money would probably contribute to my happiness, but certainly not make me fully happy.

M3: Er, money makes a huge difference as to how happy you can be, er, but fundamentally happiness doesn’t come from just having money: Happiness comes from being able to do the things that content you.

Part 3

V: What things are more important than money?

M1: Family. I believe family is more important than money. Family can enhance your life: your parents, your siblings, your children. Hearing your child laugh on a bad day will brighten your mood: It does for me. My, my sons’ laughing together makes me feel wonderful.

W1: Love is more important than money. I think family is really important and, and having, like, a nurturing environment to grow up in.

M2: Security, er, having a stable family, feeling at ease with yourself, feeling at ease with other people.

W4: I believe that health is much more important than money.

M3: Being able to er, enjoy your particular set of circumstances: Feel contentment. Er, if you’re a family man, being able to spend time with the family: Er, money is there, but it’s the family itself that makes the difference.

W3: Your family, your friends, having good health and feeling satisfied with what you’re doing in your life and I think money can’t give you that.

Part 4

V: Should wealthy people be taxed more to support the poor?

M1: Um, depending on how rich they are: I think the richer they are, the more they should pay.

M2: Yes, undoubtedly. Ah, I’m a strong believer in a progressive system of taxation.

W3: I think that some people just come from a much more disadvantaged background and they need an extra push and some extra money to be able to get ahead.

M3: Whether the poor could do anything for themselves is, is the crucial question. And if the poor can’t do er, anything for themselves, then finding a way in which er, the other end of the spectrum can help them is important, yes. I would stop short at saying, “Yes, you should tax the rich,” though “to pay for the poo r.”

W2: I think, yes, there is a big difference in between the rich and the poor, and I think, if, if it’s possible, the rich are supposed to give a little bit more for the poor and then perhaps we can have a more equal world.

Listening

S1 = Speaker 1, etc.

S1: I really can’t see the problem. The first thing I did when it all began was I tried to find my house on the website but they hadn’t brought the camera van down our road yet, so I was quite disappointed. For me, it’s great because it means I can go and look at things like hotels or even cities before I go on holiday ... and anyway if someone wanted to look at my house, they could just drive past it or walk past it, so I can’t see the problem.

S2: It’s obvious, isn’t it? I m ean, they’re (they’ve) nothing to do with safet y. They’re just used by the government to make money. I mean, look at the statistics. In the last year, in my area four cameras have been placed along one stretch of road, and you know what, the number of accidents has doubled. So they obviously don’t work as a deterrent. And now your car number plate can be logged so that they can keep track of you wherever you go. I hate it –I hate being watchedlike that. It’s just another example of our surveillance society.

S3: The way I see it, it’s an invasion of privacy. It means whenever I go to the supermarket, it’s recorded on a chip som ewhere and they can find out exactly what I’ve bought. Why should people have the right to know what kind of food I eat? Or get my details and then send me junk mail? I certainly don’t want to be sent adverts from companies I don’t know. And this is just the start ... I expect next thing you know, the technology will be used to tell us what we can and can’t eat.

S4: Me, I’m glad they’re there. A few months ago I was robbed by two men at a bus stop not far from where I live, but thanks to CCTV, the people who did it were all arrested. Um, it was a bad experience, but at least they didn’t get away with it. And you see it in the news all the time – that more crimes are being solved because of CCTV cameras. I think we should have more of them. Most people are law-abiding anyway so they’ve got no need to worr y.

S5: I actually think it’s an important development. There was a case recently, where there was this big demonstration and lots of people took photos and these were sent to the media. So it means that demonstrators and the police –everyone has to be more careful because their photos might be sent to the newspapers or posted online. So in general, yeah, I feel it’s a good thing.

Viewing

M = Mark Easton; K = Professor Kahneman; I = Interviewee; T = Professor Tim Jackson

M: We work, we buy, consume, and die. We don’t know why. The science of happiness says the answer is to

rethink everything. The rat race: Give it up. The rich: Tax them. Holidays: Take more. In short, transform the way we live. New York City, capital of the consumerist world where status has a designer label sewn inside, but does happiness come in a gift-wrapped box? And if it doesn’t, what on earth are we all doing?

K: It’s a fundamental fact in the happiness research: The standard of living has increased dramatically and, ah, happiness has increased not at all, and in some cases has diminished slightly. I mean there is a lot of evidence that, ah, being richer hasn’t made us, that isn’t making us happier at least in the Western world, so we clearly need something else.

M: It’s a huge claim. Put simply, the science shows that once average incomes are more than 10,000 pounds a year, extra riches don’t make a country any happier. We are stuck on a treadmill. In our search for happiness we work longer, commute further, to get richer, to buy more. And yet the science of happiness suggests we should do exactly the opposite.

I: If only we could learn as a society to slow down we might all be able to become happier if we could all take more leisure together.

T: The, the assumption that economic growth delivers happiness is suspect. The assumption that consumer goods can fulfill all these tasks for us –social, psychological tasks, a sense of the meaning of my life through material possessions, is deeply suspect, and if we want to make progress in human terms, if we want to approach happiness in any degree, then it is these assumptions that we have to re-examine.

M: It is starting to happen. Politicians are realizing that making people happy is as important as making people rich. The next task, though, is working out how to convince us all to change the way we live.

Speaking for communication

Role-play

Conversation 1

W: Do you think you would ever have cosmetic surgery?

M: Me? No, I don’t think so. I’m really against it. Actually, I think it’s stu (stupid).

W: Really, why?

M: What? It can be quite dangerous – some of the implants you can have, from.

W: Yeah, I know what you mean.

M: Well, take the case of Mike’s girlfriend. She actually had some Botox injections in her forehead.

W: Did she?

M: Yeah, and she couldn’t, you know she couldn’t.

W: Couldn’t move her face?

M: Yeah, she couldn’t smile or frown – her face was just frozen solid.

W: Hmm, although if someone’s really, really overweight and it becomes a health problem, do you think maybe then they should have some kind of surgery, you know, such as liposuction to get rid of fat?

M: Oh I see, for health reasons maybe, yes, I suppose so. I, I m ean you’ve got a point there, but I still don’t like the sound of it. I wouldn’t do it myself.

W: Hmm, I might, if it was to do with my health.

Conversation 2

W: Do you ever download music for free?

M: What? You mean illegally? No, I think I’m probably one of the few people that don’t do it. I’ve always paid whether it’s the track price or the album price.

W: Why? I mean nobody I know pays.

M: Yeah, well, the way I see it, it’s just theft, isn’t it? I mean.

W: Oh, I totally disagree.

M: I mean, artists have copyright on their songs, so you’re stealing from the m. It’s as simple as that.

W: But it’s a well-known fact that musicians get very little money from CD sales anyway. So they don’t lose out. I mean, they want people to hear their music.

M: Hmm. I’m not so sure about that. If people share the music without paying, how can musicians make any money?

W: Well, the famous ones, they don’t need more money and for newer groups, file sharing is the way they get known, so they don’t have to spend a fortune, you know, on things like record companies and managers and ... M: What? Yeah, but ...

W: ... anyway, nowadays singers and groups make most of their money from concerts.

M: Hmm. I’m still not convinced. Are, aren’t you worried about being found out? For instance, what about

that woman in America? Because of the hundreds of tracks she downloaded illegally, she got fined something like two million dollars.

W: Two million dollars? Ouch!

M: Yeah, so m aybe you’d better think again.W: Hmm.

Conversation 3

M: Have you seen this plan in the local paper for changes to the city center?

W: Um, oh, you mean the idea to ban cars from the center?

M: Yes, and only allowing buses. What do you think of the idea?

W: Oh, I’m in favor of it. I think it’d be really good for the environment, you know for cutting down pollution.

M: Hmm. Well, I don’t know, apparently it’s been shown that buses are more polluting than cars.

W: How can they be? But, well, even if they are at the moment, it seems to m e that they’re bound to get better, you know, they’ll get replaced with electric buses or something like that.

M: Hmm, maybe.

W: Does that m ean you’re against it?

M: Yes, on balance, I think I am. I mean, according to the article, when they did a trial in another town, there was a reduction in shop sales – apparently almost 10 percent.

W: That doesn’t sound right, if more people came in on buses. I suppose the main thing is to put money into making sure you have a good public transport system.

M: OK, I mean I agree to some extent, but actually, I think the town center works perfectly fine as it is.

W: But it’s clogged up. You know, you can’t move; it’s polluted.

M: It’s a bit clogged up, but if you’re patient you eventually find so mewhere to park. W: Ah, I just hope they decide soon.

M: Yeah.

Group discussion

W = Woman; M = Man

W: Excuse me. Hello, sorry to bother you. Have you got a minute?

M: Ah, yeah sure.

W: Um, do you mind if I ask you som e questions? I’m just doing a survey on happiness.

M: Right.

W: I’ll read out the questions to you, and you can just tell me what you think if that’s OK.

M: Yeah, fine.

W: Great. Um, could you look at this list of five things, so you’ve got, ah, nu mber one car, then two is friendship, three good food, four money, and five free time. So which two of these would you find it (find) the most difficult to live without?

M: Um, which two, the most difficult to live without?

W: Yes.

M: Ah, well I couldn’t live without friendship. I’m, I’m a very social ani mal. I need, um, family and friends around me, so it can’t be that one. Um –oh no sorry that is, to live without ... yes ...

W: That’s one.

M: That is one, so ...

W: Then we just need one more.

M: ... friendship is definitely one of them. Ah ...

W: Yes, number two, OK.

M: Oh, that’s difficult. Free time, I don’t have any anyway. Ah, I could lose the car. I think that wouldn’t be a problem. Um, do you know what ...

W: How about money?

M: ... sad as it is, it’s probably money, because money actually ...

W: Money, yeah, most people ...

M: ... you know leads to happiness in, in indirect ways I think.

W: OK, so I’m gonna put number two and number four for that one. And also how happy would you say you are, on a scale of one to five, five being very happy?

M: Today or just generally?

W: I think generally.

M: Oh generally OK, um, oh, ah, three or four, um – three and a half.

W: Ah.

M: Can I have half?

W: No.

M: Oh, OK. Um, well you’ve made m e laugh. I’ll have fou r.

W: Oh, lovely. I’ll put you down for fou r. And what would you say is missing from your life, so what would make you happier?

M: Ah, probably, ah, working nearer to home?

W: OK.

M: That’s, I think you know ... just generally the time that would give me ...

W: Right.

M: ... with family.

W: So maybe it’s free time then ...

M: Yeah, yeah.

W: ... more of that. OK that’s lovely. Thank you ever so much for taking part. Really do appreciate it.

M: Y ou’re welcome.

W: OK, bye-bye.

Further practice in listening

Short conversations

Conversation 1

M: I think the government could provide some money for homeless people to build their own homes. Homeless people would find it easier to get jobs if they had an address.

W: It’s not a bad idea. But I wonder where the money will come from.

Q: What does the man think the government could do?

Conversation 2

W: You see, some colleagues are not as active and efficient as usual and few have made any progress in their business recently.

M: Why don’t we organize some social activities, such as a baseball match? Our colleagues can learn to help and cooperate with one another.

Q: What does the man suggest to change the situation?

Conversation 3

W: I need to go across town, but the traffic is so heavy at this time of day.

M: When you take the subway, you don’t have to deal with traffic. I never drive home. Driving at this time may be slower than walking.

Q: What does the man suggest the woman do?

Conversation 4

W: Have you heard? Kate quit her job and went to Africa to work as a volunteer!

M: Really? I really admire her courage. I think we should all extend an arm of help, love and compassion to help poor people become self-reliant financially and psychologically.

Q: What does the man think we all should do?

Conversation 5

W: You know there are many creative ways to reuse items. For example, old shoe boxes can be used for storage and plastic containers can be used for growing plants.

M: I never realized that we could be so green. I just learned to recycle glass bottles.

Q: What are the two speakers talking about?

Long conversation

W: Hey, John! Everything OK? You look upset.

M: Oh, hi Kate. I was in the cafeteria eating alone. James from accounting walked by, sat down to eat at the table right next to me – didn’t say a single word to me. I wondered why.

W: Is that the main thing stressing you out, John?

M: No, I was silly to feel bad about that. What I am stressed about is my workload. My manager, Steven, is a great guy. He always counts on me to get the work done. But I have five meetings this week and two big projects to complete by next Monday. I don’t see how I can finish. I’m really worried I’ll let my team down. W: I have some free time on Friday and over the weekend. I can help you with your extra work if you’d like.

I know that feeling of being overwhelmed with work. It’s awful. I’d like to help.

M: Really? Y ou’d do that for me?

W: Of course I will! John, a lot of us really admire your work. Some of us have asked to work on your team. Y ou’re a great exa mple to us, John. You shouldn’t doubt yourself. I’m glad to help out.

M: Wow, Kate. Thanks!

W: We could ... discuss it over dinner on Thursday. My treat!

M: Wow. No ... I mean I get to buy dinner, Kate! How about the new restaurant on 6th Street, 365?

It’s called 365 because it offers local, seasonal foods –fall, winter, spring, and summer –healthy choices with wonderful fresh fruits and vegetables. Let’s meet at 7 p.m.

W: Sounds wonderful! Thursday, 7 p.m. at the new restaurant 365 on 6th Street. Perfect!

Q1: Why does the man look upset?

Q2: How does the woman say she can help the man?

Q3: What advice does the woman give to the man?

Q4: Why is the restaurant called 365?

Passage 1

More than half of working Americans are dissatisfied with their jobs, according to a survey. That’s bad news for employers because workers’discontent can hurt productivity and hinder innovation.

Lynn Franco, co-author of the report, says Americans’ job satisfaction is at its lowest level in more than two decades: Only 45.3 percent of workers say they are satisfied with their jobs compared with 61 percent in 1987.

The report was produced by the Conference Board, a non-profit organization that helps businesses strengthen their performance. It is based on a survey of 5,000 US households. It shows a drop in satisfaction in many aspects of an employee’s work life, including interest in the job, dealing with co-workers and bosses, commuting and job security. As a group, neither young people who are just entering the workforce nor employees who are about to retire, Franco says, are happy with what they do.

Only about 36 percent of workers under the age of 25 say they are currently satisfied with their jobs. And it’s not much better among baby boomers. Twenty years ago, more than 50 percent of baby boomers were satisfied. Today, that’s down to 46 percent.

The most satisfied group of workers in the survey was those aged 25 to 34. Franco suggests that they may see some opportunities for upward mobility as baby boomers retire.

The Conference Board survey also asked about the reasons behind job dissatisfaction. There are economic reasons such as wages, promotion policy and bonus policy that are sort of adding to this level of dissatisfaction. In addition, workers are also dissatisfied with the benefits: vacation policy, family-related leave time, work schedule flexibility, and a variety of other factors as well.

Q1: What negative effect can be caused by workers’ discontent?

Q2: What percentage of American workers are satisfied with their jobs as found by the survey?

Q3: Why is it that people aged 25 to 34 are most satisfied with their jobs?

Q4: What can we conclude about the reasons behind job dissatisfaction?

Passage 2

and answers

In recent years, doctors have focused on the growing rate of diabetes among children and young people. But the most common kind of diabetes, type II, is more 1) prevalent as people grow older and gain more weight. Before you know it, there is more fat around the waist and hips than you remembered. The statistics are 2) scary enough to make you want to stop eating immediately.

The World Health Organization says by 2015, more than two billion adults will be overweight and 700 million will 3) be classified as obese. Being overweight or obese is an expanding problem in many countries. Less physical activity and foods high in fat and sugar are considered as causes for this global 4) epidemic.

Some researchers studied how body composition, the 5) ratio of lean tissue to fat, and increased weight affected the risk of diabetes in more than 4,000 adults, aged 65 and older.

At the beginning of the study, none of the participants had been 6) diagnosed with diabetes. Researchers

assess the relationship between being overweight and the disease through 7) keeping track of their body mass index.

According to researchers, even among adults over the age of 75, having a higher body mass index 8) was still associated with a considerably higher risk of diabetes. Men who were obese had a five and a half times higher risk of diabetes than those who were just overweight. For women, the risk was about three and a half times higher.

As hard as it might be, making sure your weight stays at a healthy level is the only way to keep the risk of diabetes down. The results 9) affirm the importance of weight control during the middle and later stages of life 10) in terms of reducing diabetes risks. The study has sent a warning signal to those who don’t think that there is much connection between their waists and their health.

Unit 5 Art expands horizons

Listening to the world

Sharing

V = Val; M1 = Man 1, etc.; W1 = Woman 1, etc.

Part 1

V: Hi. I enjoy lots of areas of the arts, particularly photography and dance. I go to a lot of art and photography exhibitions, and I like the small, intimate ones the most. Today, I’m at Tate Modern in central London asking people about the arts. What areas of the arts do you enjoy?

Part 2

M1: Um, I particularly like painting, sculpture and dance.

W1: Well, I very much enjoy theater and reading and when I get the opportunity, to go and see some pictures.

W2: I really enjoy photography. Er, I studied that at college.

W3: I enjoy all sorts of art, but at, at the moment I am doing a Master of Arts in contemporary art. M2: Particularly I like literature; I like books. But I enjoy most areas of the music, too.

M3: I like drawing, actually: er, sketches of people’s faces, I love that. And, and sculpture: anything in wood and stone, I enjoy that.

W4: I’m, I’m an illustration student, so I enjoy e r, contemporary graphic art and, um, illustration and drawing. M4: All, all kinds, I m ean, I’m a graphic designer by profession: er, but visual arts, all kinds of visual arts. Um, also, illustration, websites, I mean it’s, it’s art everywhere now; it’s kind of ubiquitous.

Part 3

V: Tell us about a recent exhibition or performance you went to.

M1: Er, yeah, I went to see Michael Clark at the Sadler’s Wells which was um, a sort of, yeah, a mixture of modern dance and ballet with, kind of, contemporary music and lots of, kind of, mad costumes.

W1: It was a performance of Oh! What a Wonderful War (Oh! What a Lovely War)um, by a company whose name I can’t remember and er, which I didn’t enjoy very much.

W3: I’ve just been to the Saatchi Gallery and I saw so me Indian art, some contemporary Indian art which was extremely interesting.

M4: I saw the Dieter Rams exhibition recently–that was at the Design Museum.

W4: A print show at Somerset House, which is a collection of um, illustration collectives and printmakers.

M3: Well, the last thing I went to see was Spy monkey, who are a physical theater kind, kind of improvisation comedy group, and they were doing their version of Moby Dick at one of the London theaters, and it was fantastic ’cause I was only second row – right bang in the middle, second row. So, great performance, great night.

Part 4

V: Do you think the arts are important?

W1: Very m uch so, yes, they’re part of our culture. We all need art, need arts to enrich ourselves spiritually, really. And to expand our horizons: to learn about other people, other cultures ... Terribly important.

M3: I think it was, was Einstein who said that imagination is more important than intellect. So, in a world without arts, where’s the imagination?

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