V. Listening: The rich

(Register on www.economist.com (registration is free); go to http://audiovideo.economist.com/ ; find a special report “The rich” (April 4^th, 2010).

A. Listen to the report and say whether the following statements are true or false:

1. The rich are coping with economic crises easily.

2. One can see the reduction in inequality during the crises.

3. The financial sector is shrinking.

4. There is not any relationship between inequality and economic growth.

5. The poor are suffering a lot: they loose their jobs, houses, etc.

6. People start spending more on luxury goods during the economic crises.

7. Private banking promises to look after the rich and to keep them wealthy.

8. Poor people can raise to the top during recession.

9. The rich donate more money to charity during the crises.

10. Society should not care about the rich at the time of recession.

B. Do you personally agree with the last statement? Who should the society care about at the time of economic crises and recession?

(Useful language: First, then, after that, on the one hand, on the other hand, finally…)

VI. Speaking

A. Read the questionnaire and mark your answers (1-3 in the box). Compare and discuss them with a partner. Give more information if you can. Then look at what your scores mean. Do you agree with the results?

(3 = this is usually true about me. 2 = this is sometimes true about me. 1 = this is hardly true about me.)

1. You enjoy communicating to people you haven’t met before. □

2. You don’t bother or feel anxious about life. □

3. You enjoy tasting new food and drinks. □

4. You listen to your instincts. □

5. When you need to calm down you just go to a quiet place. □

6. You try to learn from your mistakes. □

7. You try to get everything what you want from life. □

8. You expect people you meet to be pleasant, friendly, and helpful. □

9. You’re an optimist. You look on the bright side of life. □

10. When things are bad you think things will get better soon. □

11. You don’t think about bad luck you have had in the past. □

12. You expect good things to happen to you in the future. □

(Your score:

12 – 18 You are naturally unlucky and you don’t attract good luck/ You need a more positive and more adventurous attitude to life.

19 – 27 You are quite lucky but you could be luckier. Look back at situations where you were lucky or unlucky and analyze why. Try to learn from the past.

28 – 36 You are probably someone who is lucky. But you could become even luckier. Don’t be afraid of taking risks. As they will probably end up being positive for you.)

VII. Writing: Write a paragraph about your educational attainment and ca­reer expectations. Make use of the active vocabulary of the lesson as well as grammar. These sequencers will also help you:

Firstly, secondly, furthermore, however, on the one hand, on the other hand, consequently, after that, next, then, finally.