Documente Academic
Documente Profesional
Documente Cultură
KEY.................................................................................................................. 117
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FOREWORD
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DISCUSSING THE ASPECTS AND CONSEQUENCES OF AN ISSUE1
TIPS:
> The consequences you mention must be general. Do not speak about your
personal experience. For example: DO NOT say “I work very hard and
have little free time to spend with my family, so I can say that work has
affected my personal relationships.” The task is general and your answer
should be the same. For example: “Work takes up most of people’s free
time, impinging on their personal relationships and reducing their social
lives to practically nothing.”
> The consequences could be both positive and negative. You DO NOT have
to choose a side with this kind of topic. But you need to group them and
refer first to one kind and then to the next in a clearly identifiable order. Fo
example: “It is my firm belief that the work schedules people have
nowadays have both positive and negative effects on their lives. Firstly, the
most important negative effects is that...”
> You can choose either positive or negative consequences if you want and
address the issue unilaterally.
> Use linking words to signal your move from one idea to the next and to
make your discourse easy to follow. (Check Units 13 and 14 on linking
words for further explanations.)
> The time limit for this type of task is approximately 3 minutes, so you
should try to respect it and have time to include a conclusion so that your
answer is complete.
Work schedules
People nowadays are spending more and more time at work or performing work-
related tasks to the detriment of their family and social lives. Analyze and
discuss the aspects of this issue and its consequences for contemporary society.
For ideas on how to approach these topics, what ideas to employ, check the key at the end.
Sumpie answer:
Fast Food
More and more people have started to resort to fast food as a way of obtaining
the nourishment they need, while spending less and less time doing so. Analyze
and discuss the aspects of this issue and its consequences for contemporary
society.2
2 This answer is too long for 3 minutes, but it is aimed at showing you how to link ideas and move from negative
to positive aspects. Any of the arguments can be left out so as to fit the time limit.
9
Elections
Elections are held in Romania every four or five years, depending on the
position they are organized for. However, fewer and fewer people turn up to
vote regardless of the impact the elections may have on society. Analyze and
discuss the aspects of this issue and its consequences for Romania.
Anti-terrorism measures
"V Anti-terrorism measures have started to affect not only the entities that
undertake such actions but also all the people in the world who travel either for
pleasure or business. Analyze and discuss the aspects of this issue and its
consequences for contemporary society.
Military technology
New military technology appears on the market every year. The Romanian
military, however, does not have the necessary funds to purchase modern
warfare technology. Analyze and discuss the aspects of this issue and its
consequences for the future of the Romanian Armed Forces.
“Computer talk”
More and more young people nowadays use social networks to interact with
their peers. However, communicating on these sites means that messages have
to be very concise and written quickly. This, in turn, has led to the appearance of
an entirely different language amongst youngsters. Analyze and discuss the
aspects of this issue and its consequences for the education and linguistic
development of young people.
More and more companies nowadays offer their employees the opportunity of
working from home at least part of the week, instead of going into the office
every day. Analyze and discuss the aspects of this issue and its consequences for
the contemporary work environment.
10
< hcmienl and biological weapons
Rumors have it that in contemporary warfare more and more chemical and
biological weapons have started to be used without anyone being fully aware of
their possible effects on the world population. Analyze and discuss the aspects
of this issue and its consequences for the military and for unaware civilian
population.
Overpopulation
I hr world population reached seven billion in 2011, and it is still rising quickly,
threatening to use up all the planet’s resources. Analyze and discuss the aspects
ol this issue and its consequences for the future of society and the planet.
More and more countries are borrowing money from the International Monetary
Fund in order to stabilize their economies. However, these loans come with very
strict terms and conditions. Analyze and discuss the aspects of this issue and its
consequences for the future of developing and underdeveloped economies.
( Censorship
Role-models
It is only normal for people to look up to some public figures and to try to
emulate their behavior in order to succeed in life. However, in recent years, a
change has been noticed in the role models that young people choose. They are
mainly actors and celebrities. Analyze and discuss the aspects of this issue and
its consequences for the mental development of future generations.
In recent years English has gained more and more ground as a global language.
It is used in all domains of contemporary life from education to commerce.
Analyze and discuss the aspects of this issue and its effect on other languages.
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Globa! scientific projects
More and more scientific projects are undertaken at a global level. Scientists
from all over the world, regardless of their home countries, collaborate to solve
different dilemmas, issues, problems. Analyze and discuss the aspects of this
issue and its consequences for the global society.
The Internet
The Internet has become an integral part of our day-to-day lives. We use it for
everything from shopping to socializing. Analyze and discuss the aspects of this
issue and its consequences for the development of human relationships and of
society.
Robots and computers are replacing manual labor more and more. Entire factory
sections are now fully automated. What may be the long-term consequences of
this shift from the manual to the automatic? Bring relevant arguments to justify
your ideas.
12
< OMPAIUNG THE ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES
OF A SITUATION
TIPS:
> The advantages and disadvantages you mention must be general. Do not
speak about your personal experience.
> You need to include both advantages and disadvantages, as much as
possible in order to respect the task.
> 1Jse linking words to signal your move from one idea to the next and to
make your discourse easy to follow. (Check Units 13 and 14 on linking
words for further explanations.)
У The time limit for this type of task is approximately 3 minutes, so you
should try to respect it and have time to include a conclusion so that your
answer is complete.
China
In recent years China has gained a prominent seat in the arena of world
economics. It is an economic superpower and the world’s largest exporter of
goods. What will be, in your opinion, the benefits and the drawbacks of China’s
rising influence in the world?
Sample answer
13
other economies, including powerful ones such as the American one, and give
out loans.
As strong as these advantages may appear to be, the disadvantages are just
as serious and worthy of consideration. Firstly, the products they export may
cost less but their quality may also be below standard. Moreover, they tend to
emulate or outright copy the products of other companies to boost their sales.
The cheap knock-offs they release undermine the efforts of other companies to
make a profit in these hard times.
Secondly, China does give out loans in this difficult period for many
economies, but the cost of these loans is quite high. Their interest rate and
interests in general may make these loans less appealing than they seem to be at
first sight. Countries may end up being mere puppets in the Chinese’ hands and
they will do as the Chinese dictate. This sort of power, in large amounts, in any
one country’s hands is a very dangerous thing. The Chinese may become the
leaders of the world, because they are the leaders of the global economy and no
other nation will be strong enough to keep the Chinese in check, to counter their
plans/
Genetic experiments
More and more genetic experiments are conducted nowadays. They focus on
everything from cloning (whole organs or just organs for transplant) to
eliminating genes that cause different malformations and congenital diseases.3
3 This answer is too long for 3 minutes, but it is aimed at showing you how to link ideas and move from
advantages to disadvantages. Any of the arguments can be left out so as to fit the time limit.
14
' it.it .и г the advantages and disadvantages of genetic experiments for the health
"I tin- world population?
K.lecfric cars
1'.lectric cars are new, rechargeable battery-powered vehicles. Some say they are
the cars of the future with benefits outweighing the drawbacks. What are the
advantages and disadvantages of the wide-use of electric cars?
•in vi ilInner and identity technology is used by governments and police forces
in mnnitoi people’s movements and communications. Some people complain
about the loss of privacy and the inefficiency of these surveillance techniques in
preventing crimes. What are the advantages and disadvantages of these systems?
T h e news
In recent years, a shift has been noticed in whom the news comes from. Before,
big newspapers, TV or radio stations had a monopoly on news. However, today
in the Internet age, it is ordinary people who produce the news and broadcast it
on the web for others to see/read. What are the advantages and disadvantages of
this change in the producer of the news?
EXPRESSING OPINION
TIPS:
> When expressing an opinion on any issue, you must speak in general
terms. Opinions do not refer to particular situations in your life or the
life of others, but to how you think the situation should be
interpreted in general. Therefore, you should avoid giving examples
and use only arguments to support your opinion.
> The topics generally present two opposing points of view on the
same issue. Your opinion is then asked for. The steps to solving this
task are the following:
1. State your opinion clearly. The examiner(s) must understand
what your view of the issue is from the very beginning. As a
suggestion, you should try to choose one side of the argument
(i.e. be either in favor or against the issue). It is much easier to
organize and keep track of this kind of argument, than of an
argument that tries to balance the pros and the cons.
2. In order, provide arguments to support your opinion. Use linking
words to signal the move from one idea to the next.
3. Make sure you have time to form a conclusion. In the conclusion,
summarize your opinion and the arguments you have presented.
> Use linking words to signal your move from one idea to the next and
to make your discourse easy to follow. (Check Units 13 and 14 on
linking words for further explanations.)
> Generally, you have 3-4 minutes for this task.
Genetic engineering
Genetic engineering affects more and more domains of our lives from
agriculture to medicine. Some believe that it is a sign of progress and that it
improves our lives in numerous ways. Others argue that its drawbacks in point
of health and not only, seriously outweigh its benefits. Where do you stand on
this issue? Bring relevant arguments to justify your ideas.
Sample answer
Smoking
In most European countries smoking has been banned from all public places. It
has been argued that this measure is meant not only as a deterrent for smokers,
but also as a means of protecting non-smokers from the negative effects of
passive smoking. However, smokers argue that this is discrimination and that
they should at least be allowed to smoke in specially-designated area, and that
au h aiisis should exist in all public spaces and institutions. Where do you stand
••и this issue? Bring relevant arguments to justify your ideas.
Mote and more computer games have appeared on the market. Some say that
they me detrimental to children’s education since they promote violence and
uiti social behavior. Others state that computer games help develop children’s
a Iiilrgie skills and problem-solving abilities. Where do you stand on this issue?
Ihing relevant arguments to justify your ideas.
17
Legally granted immunity
Many diplomats and politicians, both foreign and domestic, conduct illegal or
illicit activities under the protection of their legally-granted immunity. Some
people believe that this immunity should be raised and they should be
prosecuted like any ordinary citizen should be. Others argue that, by doing this,
a country’s governance system could be affected as well as its international
policy. Where do you stand on this issue? Bring relevant arguments to justify
your ideas.
Medicine
Medicine has made tremendous progress in the recent decades. Cures for many
diseases have been found as well as methods of treatment for thousands of other
serious conditions. However, some have noticed that the development of new
drugs has had unwanted side-effects, meaning that people have started to take
strong medicine for even the easiest of conditions. Moreover, traditional and
alternative forms of medicine have been forgotten, ignored and even slandered.
Where do you stand on this issue? Bring relevant arguments to justify your
ideas.
Food
Food has become increasingly processed in recent years. Pre-packaged and pre
cooked products can be found in most supermarkets and the fast-food industry is
on the rise. The supporters of this trend argue that, in today’s fast-moving world
there is no more time for cooking dishes from scratch. On the other hand,
doctors and not only, warn about the detrimental effects such food can have on
the body and of the toxins and preservatives it contains. Where do you stand on
this issue? Bring relevant arguments to justify your ideas.
The media
Some people have been complaining that the media no longer provides
information about on-going events in different areas of the world. Instead, it
focuses more and more on the lives of celebrities and on the different scandals
that take place in the entertainment business. The media representatives, on the
other hand, argue that they need to sell their products and consequently they
cover subjects that arouse people’s interest. Where do you stand on this issue?
Bring relevant arguments to justify your ideas.
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1 •»mitmi(t*I •. and (lie military
• v mlormution technology has permeated all areas of our lives. The military
яmi "I he left behind. Some argue that IT devices and systems could be used to
Iи Un perform tasks at all levels of the military systems. Others claim that the
military cannot be an open system, meaning that classified documents and
niiiptiler technology may be incompatible. Where do you stand on this issue?
lump, idevant arguments to justify your ideas.
P ollution
I .11ge cities have been confronted with the problem of pollution for several
decades. However, this issue has now become global as scientists warn against
lli< negative effects of pollution on the environment. Other people believe that
• icntists are blowing pollution out of proportion and they are turning it into the
•i apegoat for many other issues. Where do you stand on this issue? Bring
idevant arguments to justify your ideas.
ITchnology
m unition
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able to “see the big picture” and will be easily manipulated. Where do you stand
on this issue? Bring relevant arguments to justify your ideas.
Lifelong education
Lifelong education has become a more and more widely encountered process
nowadays. Companies have started paying for or motivating their employees to
attend training courses or other forms of education at different stages in their
careers. What reasons might motivate this shift in education in your opinion?
Bring relevant arguments to justify your ideas.
Bank loans
More and more people take out bank loans, both for smaller personal needs and
for larger purchases. Some argue that the increasing number of bank loans is a
sign of a healthy economy, in which money circulates and is a means to an end.
Others state that the effects of bank debts on the economy could be disastrous,
as inflation increases and people may become unable to pay them back. Where
do you stand on this issue? Bring relevant arguments to justify your ideas.
Nuclear weapons
More and more countries have developed nuclear research programs with the
declared goal of developing weapons to protect their national territory and
integrity. They argue that since some countries in the world already have nuclear
capabilities for the purpose of defense, it is their right to do the same. However,
some officials warn that such programs and weapons might increase the risk of a
nuclear war whose effects would be devastating for the planet and its
inhabitants. Where do you stand on this issue? Bring relevant arguments to
justify your ideas.
Advertising
More and more products are advertised nowadays on TV and on the Internet.
Almost all programs and Internet searches are interrupted to broadcast
commercials for different products and services. Some argue that advertising
encourages and conditions us to buy things we do not really need just to keep up
with changing trends. Others state that advertising is necessary in today’s fast
changing world so people can be informed about new products and services.
Where do you stand on this issue? Bring relevant arguments to justify your
ideas.
20
I t iev Id lo II
I* lc vision has been developing gradually and has started covering more and
untie domains of everyday life. Some people consider that this development is
detrimental to people’s personal lives and to social interactions, while others
argue (hat it can bring the world into our homes and widen our horizons. Where
do you stand on this issue? Bring relevant arguments to justify your ideas.
I e rro rla n i
i rum I'tin has become the plague of the 21st century. It affects all countries
in uml Ilu world, regardless of their security systems or economic might. Many
it* i mod to identify and isolate its causes in the hope of finding some solutions.
Whtii arc, in your opinion, the causes of contemporary terrorism? Bring relevant
ui gumonts to justify your ideas.
IVucckeeping missions
Nuclear energy
( oinmunication
In (his global world, people communicate more and more on different topics and
in different multicultural situations. Consequently, good communication skills
have become vital. What are, in your opinion, the traits of a good
communicator?
21
Learning methods
Some people argue that students nowadays should not leam facts and figures but
methods and skills to help them cope in the real world. Others argue that factual
information is the basis for every cognitive process and decision one has to
make. Where do you stand on this issue? Bring relevant arguments to justify
your ideas.
Some members of the public are outraged at the huge amounts of money that
some sports players make in relation to the work they do. Others defend sports
players and argue that their effort and hard work should be rewarded
accordingly. Where do you stand on this issue? Bring relevant arguments to
justify your ideas.
Globalization
E-books have recently started to gain ground and fame. Their supporters argue
that they are easy to transport and use due to the complementary technologies
they incorporate. However, traditionalists believe that no technological
development can replace or duplicate the wonderful feeling of holding a book
and browsing through it. Where do you stand on this issue? Bring relevant
arguments to justify your ideas.
Plastic surgery
Plastic surgery is on the rise as people resort to it more and more to correct flaws
or to improve parts of their appearance they are not satisfied with. Some say that
plastic surgery should be limited to special cases (e.g. disfigured people), while
others argue that people should be allowed to decide for themselves what they
want to do with their bodies. Where do you stand on this issue? Bring relevant
arguments to justify your ideas.
■ ipitnl |)llItIshnicnt
1 ij'ii И punishment is only in use today in few countries and only for the most
1 " f tul.nr, i limes. Some people argue that it should be abolished worldwide as
и itihiiiM.i 'i human rights. Others argue that it is the only powerful deterrent for
• nou ■I times and should be applied in even more cases. Where do you stand on
Ии issue 1Hi iiu> relevant arguments to justify your ideas.
home people argue that without creativity any job will, in time, become boring
aid Ilie executants will lose interest in it and start performing badly. Others
■hum that routine is needed in every job because it helps with everyday
■ч кloads and it would be very difficult to rethink all processes on a daily basis.
Whcte do you stand on this issue? Bring relevant arguments to justify your
Ideas.
I eitlng
i imp .indents and workers takes various forms including written, oral and
pno ti- d avicssments. Some argue that written tests are the most reliable as
I vi t\ . uididatc is faced with the same problems and the same criteria are used
h i I valuation. Others, however, argue that a range of alternative methods like
ptohlrm solving, role-plays, oral presentations and work-based assessments are
Ml* i '.uited as they reflect real-life situations. Where do you stand on this
i me'1Bring relevant arguments to justify your ideas.
FINDING HYPOTHETICAL SOLUTIONS TO PRESENT OR PAST
ISSUES
TIPS:
> For this kind of task, you need to use the second and third
conditionals correctly. For example:
1. If tourists behaved better, historical monuments would not be in
such terrible danger. - the second conditional which refers to
hypothetical present/future situations
2. If World War Two hadn’t taken place, Romania would not have
fallen under Russian influence for so many decades. - the third
conditional which refers to hypothetical past situations
> Remember that the hypothesis can be formed not only by using
“would” but also “could” and “might”
> It is vital to keep using the same form of the conditional throughout
your answer, i.e. DO NOT change from the second to the first
conditional half way through your answer.
> Remember to use whole sentences not just an enumeration of verbs
in the infinitive or-ing forms
> Use linking words to signal your move from one idea to the next and
to make your discourse easy to follow. (Check Units 13 and 14 on
linking words for further explanations.)
> Your arguments must be arranged logically and introduced using
linking words to introduce new ideas.
Tourism
More and more people nowadays go on holidays either to different parts of their
own countries or abroad. Specialists warn that most tourists are not responsible
and they leave their mark on famous monuments which degrade more quickly
and may be lost for future generations. What measures could governments take
if they wanted to ensure the survival of famous historic monuments?
Sample answer:
■in and more tourists invade areas of the world that have previously been left
mu plorcd, in search of thrills, excitement, and unconventional relaxation. They
•Hi и leave the beaten track in search of new experiences. However, no matter
in *'v eareliil they may be, they leave behind traces of their passing the worst of
lili h is litter. It affects the local environment and even culture. What could be
•l*ни to prevent the negative impact of tourism on the environment?
M o le and more pressure has been applied on the United States both by the
Iiitcmiitional community and by the Americans themselves to withdraw their
Hoop-. Irom theaters of operations oveseas. If the Americans withdrew from all
tin an is ol operations, what would happen in those areas?
t eyalbillg drugs
i be piultleiii ol legalizing drugs has been on the table for several years in many
•mniiir , Some believe that it could help reduce the number of users and bring
oc ■in v lo ilu* budget. What might happen if drugs were legalized?
< ihorlng
! !“o Mini nnne companies have been moving their factories and plants to less
lupi .1 i minifies in order to pay less for rent and salaries. The economics of
a I.iiniiie-. have had much to gain but developed countries have lost both
jobs and income. What would happen to the world economy if off-shoring at this
rate were to continue? DIALOGUES
Interoperability
I IPS:
1he concept of interoperability is very much in the news nowadays, especially ( 'onversations can have different aims: to inform somebody about
when it comes to military operations. Without it, multinational organizations something, to request something, to convince somebody to do
such as NATO and the UN could not operate. However, the poorer members of something, to solve problems etc.
these organizations have problems when it comes to making their systems When interacting with an examiner it is important to remember that
interoperable with those of more developed countries. If it were needed to speed tin' (-summer should also be allowed to speak, as it happens in a
up the piocess, what measures could be taken to ensure an increase in the degree in ii niiil conversation. Remember: DO NOT turn the conversation
of interoperability between developed and developing countries? inti I и monologue just because you think the examiner may put you
in и dilficult position. It is important to show that you are able to
Posttraumatic stress disorder iuirmct with somebody else, to overcome challenges, to negotiate to
,i certain extent.
More and more soldiers who participate in missions in different theaters of Iu Ihe case of problem-solving conversations, the solution should
operation return home suffering from posttraumatic stress disorder. If the come from the person who has the problem and must be approved by
situation of these soldiers were to improve, what measures could be taken to the person who has the authority. Negotiation may be needed to
help them overcome this condition and reintegrate in their home lives? reach an understanding. Show that you are flexible, and that you can
integrate the other person’s feedback, opinions etc. into your plan.
Reading - All conversations start from the beginning, meaning that you have to
greet the other person and present the problem/situation from the
Studies have shown that fewer and fewer people nowadays take time from their very beginning. DO NOT assume the other person/examiner is
busy schedules to read books. Teenagers and young people are at the bottom of already familiar with the problem/situation. When presenting the
this list. The situation can become quite serious, as reading has been proven to problem/situation, try to avoid reading from the card or repeating
encourage the development of creativity, independent and critical thinking. what the other person said.
What could be done to encourage young people to read more? ( 'heck Unit 14 on linking words for conversations.
The conversation will also end using the appropriate social formulas.
The Internet
Mote and more children nowadays are exposed to the Internet at an early age. i im? nil
Although it serves a certain educational goal, the Internet is full of abusive
messages and corrupting information. If something were to be done, what t iH. ..! ■•.ui • Mllcagues is having some personal issues and needs to take some
measures could be taken in this age of technology to protect children from the ti,,.. Mil 11.1\vI via. you are both working on a challenging project at present and
detrimental effects of the Internet? shim 11и*ч Will never allow him to take time off. Your colleague comes to you to
as| Ini yum help, I nlk to your colleague and find a solution.
Sew methodology
You are on a long term mission abroad. You have made several friends and one
ol them comes to you one day to present an idea he has. He wants to give up his
well-paid job and start his own company. You believe that, given the current
economic environment, this is not the best time to do so. Talk to him and try to
convince him it is not an inspired decision.
Downsized department
\ ou aie woiking tor a large multinational company. The company has decided
to close down one depaitment, due to lack ol funds. Some of the employees are
to be ielocated while others will be fired. As head of that department you go to
P ro b ie m s w ith th e boss
You are currently working on a military base abroad. You have had some
personal problems but you haven’t let them interfere with your work. However,
your boss is constantly complaining about your performance and is threatening
to take disciplinary action against you. You go and talk to the commanding
officer to present your side of the problem.
Missed promotion
You work for a large international corporation. You have been working hard and
your work has been praised on several occasions. However, one of your
colleagues got a promotion ahead of you. You feel you have been mistreated and
you go talk to your manager.
Trouble at school
You are on a long-term mission abroad. Your child attends school there. One
day, you are called by the principal of the school because your child has
destroyed school property, more precisely a computer. Go to school, talk to the
principal and solve the problem.
Bullying
You have recently immigrated to another country and have enrolled your child
in kindergarten. A few days later you are called by the principal because your
child has got into a fight. Go to the kindergarten, find out what happened and
convince the principal not to expel your child.
Starting a business
You are on a long term mission abroad. You have made several friends and one
of them comes to you one day to present an idea he has. He wants to give up his
well-paid job and start his own company. You believe that, given the current
economic environment, this is not the best time to do so. Talk to him and try to
convince him it is not an inspired decision.
Downsized department
You are working for a large multinational company. The company has decided
to close down one department, due to lack of funds. Some of the employees are
to be relocated while others will be fired. As head of that department you go to
28
I.. Ии <T<) to try to convince him that your department is necessary and it
-imiiltJ hr: kepi.
i atu-y cllnuei'
. •mi .иc on a mission abroad. You are having dinner with a good friend in a
1 $nn< . и ‘.i.miant. Suddenly, at the next table, someone starts talking loudly. You
I t im Inr.ingly frustrated as you cannot continue your conversation with your
I hi. ii.I im tu the next table, talk to the person and try to solve the problem
I Min-ut I‘Ilending him/her.
tbiil mi iith‘4
“I hip on n long-term mission abroad and your child attends school there,
м и In I guides are deteriorating slowly as he/she does not seem to care about
liMolwork. Talk to him/her and convince him/her to take school seriously.
it *)lilt loan
- ‘ii нс on a long-term mission abroad and one of the friends you have made
I Ни I* I nines to you to tell you that he wants to take out a bank loan in order to
I
I , .и. Iia'.e a fancy new car. Talk to him/her and try to convince him/her that it is
I unt in h n good idea.
(telling a tattoo
I Mm .nr on a long-term mission abroad and one of your friends comes to tell you
thiii lie/she wants to get a large tattoo on his/her arm. Talk to him/her and try to
ini' mi e him/her that it is not such a good idea.
I
29
D e b a t e # 1 S h o u l d W e Be A l l o w e d to O w n G u n s ?
The UK has some of the toughest gun control laws in the world. If you
want to own a gun, it is very difficult to do so. In short, it has been designed to
put as many barriers in the way as possible and to assume the worst, rather than
hope for the best. In the United States, you can declare that it is your
constitutional right to bear arms. But in the UK, you need to spend hours filling
in paperwork and proving to police officers that you are not a danger to society.
1. Guns don’t kill people. People kill people! This frequent pro-gun slogan is
something that, upon reflection, seems entirely true. People arc indeed
ultimately responsible for pulling the trigger. The self-defence right is a
constitutional right and therefore it should not be infringed.
Unknown author/www.experts 123.com
2. Guns make it much easier to kill people. Guns do this in two ways: enhanced
ability and feasibility. We can see the enhanced ability from suicide
statistics: the most successful suicide attempts are those that involve
firearms. And this greater ability also makes murder feasible in a greater
number of circumstances. To anyone entertaining murderous impulses, a gun
makes it feasible to attack larger people, multiple people, people from a
distance, from secrecy, etc. No one in their right mind would try to rob a
bank with a knife. But a gun inspires confidence of success in a would-be
bank robber, allowing a crime to occur when it wouldn’t have otherwise.
Unknown author/www.experts 123.com3
Which opinion do you agree with most? Rank these opinions in order of
Iне Terence from 1 the one you most agree with. Do you hold a different opinion?
II so, what is it?
D e b a t e # 2 10 G r e a t e s t R o m a n i a n s
I'rad the following two letters. Which one do you agree with most? Why?
Dear 3'r,
/ t/u'nd it is (juste ridiculous that the yovernment should he consideriny l&yislation to l>an
xmachn'ny. Every parent needs the riyh t to he able to yive a chuUd a smacd, not in order
io cause physical! harm or pain; hut more as a shooed tactic to stop a child/from
people, Some people aryue that laws are needed to stop excessive physicalpunishment hut
t here are juite clear laws dealiny with assault and hodily harm. Ifo a parent causes
physical harm to a c/uld, then the police can use laws to hn'ny the parent toJustice. /Ну
father used to yive me the slipper and it never did me any harm, i/dhoat is a ll the £uss
about?
Jacd l/fallacc
l'-'вйк S ir ,
I aura F ly n n
A word about spanking
D ebate # 4 E u ro p e a n F e d e ralism
Perhaps no form of discipline is more controversial than soankim*
some reasons why experts discourage spanking: Р“ к"1в' Here ar<
• Spanking teaches children it's OK to hit when they're an«ry I' Mif.iion: Should the European Union become a federal superstate, with
* sPanl<Jng can physically harm children •iiMijnent loss of national sovereignty for member countries?
Quoted below are the opinions of some specialists about “The United
Mitic; of Europe.” Which statement is closest to your beliefs? Please rank them.
j u s t i f y y ^ ^ r 1A t o e x p to y o m a f d h l S ^ p o ^ i f and eXamP'CS 101
i I о be a European citizen is to abide by the four values: Democracy, Dialogue,
I Inman Rights and Solidarity that are the driving engines of European power.
I о become a European power capable of counterbalancing the USA, it is
и. i css ary to assert ourselves: militarily, economically, technologically, and
. ultui'ully. American power is made up of both Hard Power (the most
jtuwt iTul military force in the world) and Soft Power (economic and cultural,
wiih (he symbol of Hollywood acting as a true war machine). These combine
I., nmke this country into a global power. (Olivier VERD1NE)
I lie European Union must take a decisive step towards a federal economic
guvernment, with common fiscal policies and a larger budget, if it is to save
ihr euro. Saving the euro is the precondition for the economic recovery of all
I uropc. (Andrew DUFF)
l lir I '.IJ lacks two significant features of a federation. Firstly, the Member
•Ml. -, remain the “masters” of the treaties, i.e., they have the exclusive power
I.* amend or change the constitutive treaties of the EU. Secondly, the EU lacks
a real tax and spend” capacity, in other words, there is no fiscal federalism
(Thomas RISSE) D e b a t e # 5 Is T o r t u r e E v e r J u s t i f i e d ?
4. It is not easy to define clearly what a nation is. A line traced on a map and on livide into two teams.
the ground, constituting a frontier, is the result of a series of historical
incidents sanctioned by treaties. It may separate countries that are alike and !! AM A TEAM В
join others that are very different. There is a tendency to generalize
characteristics that are far from indicative of the whole. Few have difficulty Von support torture as you consider it You oppose torture as you consider it
speaking of “the Italian,” “the German,” “the Englishman.” These broad, и viable means of obtaining pointless and degrading. Bring
imprecise designations may serve a purpose in colloquial speech and may be inibrmation. Bring arguments to arguments to support your opinion,
indicative of certain prejudices, positive and negative. Yet, they do have some support your opinion.
foundation in reality, in pointing out national or cultural traits. It may be
easiei to differentiate between oriental traits and occidental ones than between
Polish and Czech ones. Color, customs, and culture differentiate; so also do Below, are some opinions posted anonymously on the site
opinions, prejudices, and evaluations. (Jude P. DOUGHERTY) ■.vww.debate.org. They may help your respective teams formulate their point of
view.
T I don’t think that one can exclude from politics the social psychology as a
factor. It wouldn’t be good to accept candidate countries after, I would say a At 1’iiments in favor:
depressive process of negotiation which will leave the public of these
countries feeling humiliated... Continuing passivity within the European . Of course. .
Union, the passivity of its citizens towards European politics would have a I tun neither brainwashed nor do I have no idea what I am supportive of. I think
disastrous effect. (Bronislaw GEREMEK) physical and psychological torture is acceptable ways of getting anything that
you want and/or need. People need to look at the big picture. If your (child, pet,
mother, father, etc.) was abducted, and hidden, and the man won't tell you where
Which opinion do you agree with most? Rank these opinions in order of .he- was hidden, you would, well, probably torture him for the information,
preference from 1-thc one you most agree with. Do you hold a different would you not?
opinion? If so, what is it? • Most definitely.
In many cases where there are hostages or in very drastic terrorist cases, toituie
г, needed in order to save more lives from these horrible men. If toituie could
uve lives, then it is beneficial and logical to use torture. If you were a parent of
u victim in the recent Connecticut shooting, wouldn't you wish to find these
people and make sure they didn't have a group working with them or an
f mployer? This is how it is in all cases and it definitely plays with people's sense
ol morality.
. Yes! Pain can be used successfully as an interrogation tool
1he application of small amount of pain, with the possibility ol higher levels of
pain, can and does help to break a prisoner's will to resist. I don’t want to see
pain’or the threat of pain used as a punishment, but used as one of many tools
that an interrogator may apply to get reliable information from an unlawful
riicmy combatant. An interrogator should use any and all techniques to get a
detainee to tell the truth. Give them a cigarette, good food, become then pal... If
they lie to you, into the light box, give them a little electrical motivation, oi
atei boarding, nothing that is permanent just momentary pain and leave it open
i.u more. Break them mentally to get the information, but keep the physical stuff
38
to a minimum and use it sparingly. But get the information as quick as possible
as reliable as possible. Our enemies fight with no rules and laugh at our hand
wringing. We need to become more ruthless and gain their respect or fear. Either
will work as long as they leave our citizens alone.
• Deserved.
1 don't think torture should ever be put lightly. But some people in this world do
need it. Who here would say that if they were in a room with Hitler tied to a
chair, you wouldn't get a bit violent with him.
« Advanced Interrogation Technique
Torture is an "advanced interrogation technique" that is far more effective than
other interrogation techniques. Information is easily retrieved from individuals
through torture. Therefore in this case, it can be justified. As a form of judicial
punishment, torture serves the purpose well. Torture is mentally captivating for
both the observer and the sufferer. As the observer would understand the
consequences of disobedience and the sufferer would understand the extent of
the power the state has over him/her. The pain of the torture will also teach the
sufferer a lesson that they should have obeyed authority. Everybody learns from
this, therefore society becomes a belter place. The argument that torture is
inhumane or cruel is laughable. Ethics and morality is subjective. Different
people will have different definitions of morality. We should not look at the
justifiability of torture based on our emotions but rather on the "net benefits"
gained from torture, c.g. information retrieved from interrogation.
• I think that torture can serve as a vital tool during war to extract
critical information from enemies.
There are many situations where torture doesn't work; however, in certain
situations it has provided valuable information. If an enemy soldier is captured
with knowledge of troop movements or decoding information they will not
likely give up that information willingly. Torture in this situation, while
inhumane, will potentially save thousands of lives. While not completely
reliable once there is a direction and some information it can be verified.
• To save many lives, it is justified to cause one person pain.
If 1 knew that 1 could save the lives of tens, hundreds, thousands, millions or
more, 1 would definitely consider it worth causing someone pain to get the
information necessary to save those lives. I do not believe that there is ever any
other reason that justifies torture besides the saving of innocent lives, though.
• Torture is easily justified in theory but not in day to day application.
There are moral arguments for torture, for example if you know with certainty
that many people will die unless you torture one person. The problems with
torture are the unknowns, how does one know if the information is true and not
given under duress. The biggest problem with torture is that it is not efficient or
reliable. Torture also cannot be practiced without abuse and ruinous side effects
to the legal system and morale. <?..
40
Ait-'un ie n ts a g a in s t:
41
sometimes to be at the wrong place at the wrong time, and to be framed as
D ebate # 6 T h e F u tu r e of N A T O 4
something oi someone you are not... 4) Legalizing torture necessitates the
establishment of an infrastructure of torture. It will necessitate developing tools,' Does the 63-year-old alliance still matter today? We asked politicians,
ideas about what kind of torture works... Most importantly, training certain
(scholars, and other observers from both sides oi the Atlantic to weigh in.
people to be completely desensitized, one could even say, to be dehumanized. If1
torture is legal, then you need some law enforcement unit that will practice Foreign Policy and the Atlantic Council asked dozens of experts about
torture. Once these people have been desensitized to cruelty and torture for their ll,c role of the alliance today. Heads of state, ministers of defense and foreign
jobs, how could they not be desensitized also in their personal life? It they have „flairs, intelligence officers, and current and former members of U.S. Congress
been told that torture is acceptable when someone does something wrong, what were among the respondents who answered our call. Although none of them
will stop them from torturing their own children when they disobey? This might thought NATO should cease to exist or that the United States would be better off
sound a bit extieme, but you get the point. Once people are desensitized to leaving the alliance, they were less certain about whether NATO can adapt to a
violence and cruelty, why would they not put it in practice in their everyday t hanging geopolitical and military landscape -- and just who will foot the bill for
lives? 5) An argument you might advance for the case of torture is that if torture ititure operations.
is made legally acceptable, some limits will be placed around it. However, the They rated Greece, currently struggling to repay its crushing debt load,
piactice of torture could easily 'spread'. If at first we accept that torture is only Ihe top candidate to be kicked out of the alliance, exhibited deep divides on how
justifiable against the top 10 terrorists, we might soon realize that why not use In handle a troubled relationship with Russia, predicted that NAIO would be
torture also for all the top criminals, because they are still very, very bad, and unable to pull off another Libya-style intervention three years from now, and
then accept torture to be used also against 'common' criminals, because they are overwhelmingly viewed the Afghan mission as a failure.
bad people. Until the use of torture is widespread. 6) Perceiving the terrorists as I in le ss otherwise noted, figures indicate number of responses.
'inhuman' and 'trash', as some people in this site have said, is extremely
dangerous... If you recall, that is the way by which Nazis exterminated the Jews, I. Should NATO exist?
by regarding them as inhuman and less than human, as 'vermin.' T his kind of Yes:
discourse only makes you like them, just as dangerous. Terrorists, while they do No:
inexcusable things, are still human and do these things for a reason. Maybe
would it be more useful to try to understand them and find a solution to the i If so, what should be its primary purpose?
pioblem, lather than do exactly what they do and ourselves become terrorists, « ollective defense of Europe:
loiluie is not only morally wrong, but for all the pragmatists, there is also a ( >ui-of-area military operations:
utilitarian approach to why torture is not effective: it might not get you the I'olicy coordination:
answers you are looking for, it might give you wrong answers, and it just makes ■Ilobai peacekeeping:
the situation worse by giving in to their methods. Keeping Russia in check:
• Disgusting • ombination: OF WHAT?
rorture is a disgusting act and should never be perpetrated against anyone or (Mhcr: WHAT?
anything, especially another human being. Torturing a torturer makes you no
better than they are. All methods of torture are not only emotionally destroying h in 1993, Sen. Richard Lugar argued that NAI O has to "go out of area or
but physically excruciating and putting anyone through that kind of experience out of business." Since then, NATO forces have deployed in Bosnia,
is completely and utterly barbaric. Kosovo, Afghanistan, Iraq, the Gulf of Aden, and Libya. Do you think
NA I O should continue to support deployable forces for operations outside
I in ope and the United States?
Yes:
I omments:
N<>:
' n im n e n ts:
5. If you had to kick one country out of NATO, which one would it be? Give
reasons for your choice.
Greece:
Hungary:
Turkey:
Ic e la n d :
Other:
None:
6. If you had to admit one country to NATO, which one would it be? Give
reasons for your choice.
Sweden:
Macedonia:
Australia:
Georgia:
Ukraine:
Is ra e l:
Finland:
Serbia:
Montenegro:
Other: Which?
None:
44
0 К has been more than 20 years since the Soviet Union was dissolved and
not e than 10 years since the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Do you think NATO
lu mbers arc safer in 2012 than they were in 1991? Give reasons.
i' c s :
SJo:
4bout the same:
11. True or false: The 2011 Libya intervention provided an overall positive
model for future NATO military operations. Give reasons.
11tic:
I also:
К». Where will the next large-scale NATO operation take place? Give
reasons.
Middle East:
North Africa:
I in ope:
Southern Africa:
Arctic:
Î niin America:
Asia-Pacific:
45
None of the above: (then where?)
I don't know:
17. In June 2011, U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates described NATO's
future as "dim if not dismal," charging that NATO nations were
"apparently unwilling to devote the necessary resources or make the
necessary changes to be serious and capable partners in their own defense."
Do you agree or disagree with this assessment? Give reasons.
Agree:
Disagree:
Somewhat/unsure:
18. True or false: The United States has too many military personnel in
Europe. Give reasons.
True:
False:
19. By 2020, the D.S. force presence in Europe will amount to:
80.000 personnel (current level): •
68.000 personnel (Obama plan):
50.000 personnel:
40.000 personnel:
Fewer than 40,000 personnel:
20. True or false: European member states should devote more funding to
NATO. Give reasons.
True:
False:
21. True or false: NATO should have both defensive and offensive cyber-
capabilities. Give reasons.
True:
False:
46
i I rue or false: Five years from now, France will still be part of NATO's
jiti*-y,rated military command. Give reasons.
11tie:
! iiHe:
I urnire:
. If Turkey has not become a member of the European Union five years
о urn now, its orientation will be:
Flit suing a revival of Ottoman power:
' hue closely aligned with its Muslim neighbors:
(III closely aligned with its Western allies:
Inwardly focused due to domestic strife:
«Mher (what):
Debate # 7 The future of NATO
Ranking Exercises"^
3. What are the five biggest challenges facing the transatlantic alliance?
Please rank from among the following, with 1 indicating the biggest
challenge.
Economic crisis:
Nationalism/internal divisions:
Afghanistan:
Terrorism:
Cyber conflict:
Syria:
Ballistic missile proliferation:
Russia:
Climate change/energy:
Conventional attack:
Other (name them):
4. In order of importance, NATO's top three priorities for the future should
be:
Afghanistan:
Reinforcing the transatlantic alliance:
48
iii,«и Odense" plan:
B^tllties:
! g dilation of NATO mission and role
in tn e e s:
diinet ships:
)i icjj-.i' capabilities and spending.
,i!i ,nc missile defense:
an
. hf I .ccurity:
(HSlB’i
lyn-.t
|,a b Spring/Middle East:
11, oordination:
и- threats/arms reduction:
postwar Libya:
partnerships with Arab counbies.
i I i ioi isnr.
Enlargement:
US Imop withdrawal from Europe:
ţ*|t псу:
■i.m security:
11,-in rence:
Other:
Debate # 8 Globalization
Debate # 9 Capital Punishment
You oppose globalization as you You support globalization as you »ми oppose capital punishment. You support capital punishment.
consider it can be damaging for almost consider it can be beneficial for the | tionize your arguments against Organize your arguments in favoi ol ^
everybody. Bring arguments to support world. Bring arguments to support Lpiliil punishment. Counter Team B’s capital punishment. Counter Team A’s
your opinion. your opinion. »fguments in favor of the death arguments against the death penalty.
Stnalty.
Suggestions for arguments in favor of globalization: iuu.t-',i'%fions for arguments against the capital punishment:
1. Incieased international trade has made us wealthier and allowed us to lea „ u infringes upon the human rights of the people convicted. The Universal
more diverse lifestyles. Declaration of Human Rights, Article 3 states: Everyone has the right to
2. It stimulates free movement. life, liberty and security of person. Article 5 states: No one shall be
3. It encourages companies to set up several bases around the world.
4. It has promoted information exchange. subjected to cruel or degrading punishment.
5. It has led to greater awareness and understanding of other cultures. |t is futile to try to combat violence with more "violence;" you can't light
6. It has enabled the triumph of democracy over autocracy.
fire with fire.
7. It encourages debates about many issues across borders and nationa V Violence doesn't solve anything.
concepts.
у W h y do w e k i l l p e o p le to s h o w that k illin g p e o p le is w r o n g ?
V ALL human life should be valued, even the most violent and despicable
Suggestions for arguments against globalization:
ones.
1. The West s gains have been at the expense of developing countries. V E x e c u t in g a m u rd e re r w o n 't b rin g b a c k h is v ic t im ( s )
2. The meagei share о I the global income of the poorest people in the world у In many cases, the courts of justice are wrong. Since 1973, more than 125
has dropped in the last decade. people have been released from death rows throughout the country due to
3. The fteedoms granted by globalization are leading to insecurity in the evidence of their wrongful convictions. In 2003 alone, 10 wrongfully
workplace.
convicted defendants were released from death row (in the United Stales).
4. Many workers (especially manual workers) are under threat as companies у There are many reasons why such mistakes are made:
shill their production lines overseas to low-wage economies. i. Ninety-five percent of death row inmates cannot afford their own
5. National cultures and identities are threatened by the spread of satellite attorney. Court-appointed attorneys often lack the experience necessary
1V, international media networks, and increased personal travel. for capital trials and are overworked and underpaid.
0. Huge transnational companies are becoming more powerful and 7. P ro se cu to rs se e k the death p e n a lty fa r m o re fre q u e n tly w h e n the v ic t im o f
influential than democratically-elected governments; they are above the a h o m ic id e is w h ite th an w h e n the v ic t im is A f r ic a n -A m e r ic a n o r o f
law.
a n o th e r e th n ic /ra c ia l o r ig in .
3 C o -d e fe n d a n ts ch a rg e d w ith c o m m ittin g the s a m e c r im e o fte n re c e iv e
d iffe re n t p u n is h m e n ts , w h e re one d e fe n d a n t m a y r e c e iv e a death sen ten ce
w h ile a n o th e r r e c e iv e s p ris o n tim e .
I A p p ro x im a t e ly tw o p e rc e n t o f those c o n v ic te d o f c r im e s that m a k e them
e lig ib le fo r the death p e n a lty a c t u a lly re c e iv e a death sen ten ce .
50
51
5. E a c h p ro se cu to r d e c id e s w h e th e r o r not to see k the death p e n a lty . Loca
p o lit ic s , the lo c a tio n o f the c r im e , p le a b a rg a in in g , a n d p u re c h a n c e affec
the p ro ce ss an d m a k e it a lo tte ry o f w h o liv e s and w h o d ie s.
6. Geographic arbitrariness: Since the U.S. Supreme Court reinstated th
death penalty in 1976, 80% of all executions have taken place in th
South. The Northeast accounts for less than 2% of executions.
У A 2003 legislative audit in Kansas found that the estimated cost of <
death penalty case was 70% more than the cost of a comparable non-deatl
penalty case. Death penalty case costs were counted through to executior
(median cost $1.26 million). Non-death penalty case costs were countec
through to the end of incarceration (median cost $740,000). (December
2003 Survey by the Kansas Legislative Post Audit)
It's early 1993 and you are Attorney General Janet Reno. A situation at
religious compound near Waco, Texas necessitates your attention. A federal rai
on the compound has gone bad. Armed militants within the compound hav
repulsed the raid and killed several federal agents. Inside the compound then
are approximately 80 people. About 15 people are thought to be armed an
dangerous. The rest - women, children and the elderly - are not considere!
dangerous, though they are considered to be brainwashed by David Koresh, th<
charismatic and demented leader of the compound.
The standoff is now dragging into the second month, and feden
authorities on the scene want a resolution to the crisis. They want you t<
authorize military force against the compound to end the siege. Specifically, thjr
authorities want you to authorize the use of military CS riot control agent
within the walls of the compound. Do you authorize or deny the use of CS rio
control agents6 within the compound?
A В
social; mortgage; healthcare; security number; debt; syste"
unfit; dereliction of; duty; cleansing; eviction; parent
ethnic; notice of
2. Check your answers for exercise 1 and then match the collocations wit
the appropriate definitions:
DEFINITIONS
1. Intentional or conscious neglect of one’s assignments, work etc.
58
I, I omplete the following sentences using the collocations from exercise 1.
4. Complete the sentences below, using one of the verbs in the box in the
right tense. Pay attention to the collocations they form.
1. After the police arrived at the scene and found the thief still in the house
they _____ him into custody and took him to the police station.
2. Since more and more people have been unable to pay their mortgage
debts, more and more homes in large and small cities___ ___ into
foreclosure.
4. The general manager admitted that the budget for the next year was not
what they had expected; in fact it was about 20% less than they had
requested initially, but they____________do with what they got.
59
4. The company____________in the red for the past 2 quarters. They need!
to do something to salvage the situation or they will go bankrupt verj
soon.
5. More and more people __________ on welfare in our society. Th<
economic crisis has led to the loss of many jobs and homes, subsequently]!
6. Many young people start using all kinds of drugs as a way of unwinding
or of socializing with their peers and before long they find themselves in a
desperate situation. Some of them manage _______ addiction and.
they light for their lives, while others just slip away and die of overdoses.!
7. Although the prosecutor thought he had presented enough evidence to
convict the murderer, the judge__ __ the case on a technicality that
the defense pointed out. The defendant went free and, three days later]
killed another person.
8. Politicians______ with the crimes they commit and they should
stand trial even if they are in office when those crimes are discovered]
This might, in my opinion, reduce the number of corrupt politicians.
5. Complete the following statements with one of the words or phrases in the
box:
1. They gave him a very tough sentence considering that it was his
. The judge was very tough because he wanted to set an |
example.
2. Some argue that the development of nuclear weapons is in fact a
_____ ___ to nuclear war, not an encouragement. The more
countries have this type of arsenal, the more secure they feel, and the less I
likely they arc to want to use them to destroy their enemies and
themselves implicitly.
3. Somali children arc the first image that pops to mind when anybody
mentions . The media has been feeding us images of
underfed children with big bellies living on practically nothing and dying 1
in huge numbers.
4. The only way to prevent murders as vicious as this is th e_____
for convicted murderers. This way, at least, prevents them from being
released and killing anyone else.
60
U N IT 2
I. Complete the following text with the phrases in the box. You may need to
change the form of some nouns.
There is a very tight race for the (1 )_________________. There are two
very strong candidates, both with very good strategies and (2)
_____ meant to get the country out of the difficult situation it is
in at present. However, the word on the street is that only one of the candidates
will definitely win because he has the support of the (3 )_______________, a
group of people who control the country’s main business sectors. The polls
how that this candidate has a (4 )_____________, but not enough for a sure
victory.
Both candidates are conducting serious (5 )______________which focus
uii the tough issues that the country is facing such as a lack of (6)
____ for young people who are just starting their lives together, or
the countless (7 )_____________that make people’s lives difficult when
they have to pay taxes or obtain documents from the state. The problem of (8)
___ ___ is also a campaign issue as it impedes not only economic
processes but also the collection of money for the budget.
The two candidates have suggested different ways of addressing these
problems and of providing top-notch, (9 )_____ from state employees.
Also one of the candidates has asked for an independent agency to carry out a
( 10) __________ to find out what the people believe are the most important
problems society is facing at present and what some solutions may be in their
opinion. The other candidate has declared that if he wins the elections he will
,ign a (11) ____ ___ with the representative of the people which will
Male that if he does not implement his strategies properly and timely he will
present his resignation.
61
2. Match the first part of each sentence in column A with its appropria
ending in column B:
A В
1. There is a big meeting scheduled a) get back into the swing of thingij
for tomorrow at the Ministry of after he had his heart attack.
Defense and consequently
2. The shadow government is starting b) seize power and overthrow th||
to take action in order to current leaders and possibly
destabilize the country.
3. Preparations are underway for the c) and they tend to breed resentment]
upcoming NATO summit and even lead to street protests.
4. This kind of crisis-induced d) despite the fact that he is not doingl
measures are not at all popular with very well in the polls at the
the people moment.
5. The world started changing really e) our whole department is in а Лurryll
fast, some would even say it started of activity trying to solve lasH
spiraling out of control minute problems.
6. It only took the president three f) with the advent of computer!
weeks to technology and of the Internet.
7. The victims front the subway g) and the whole city is in a stale of]
accident caused by a malfunction alert with police and military forcesl
have hired a law firm everywhere.
8. Everybody believes that he will win h) and are suing to claim financial!
the elections compensation for the trauma they*
underwent.
62
t ! lie ____________ population has finally had enough and they have
trbelled against the corrupt regime and overthrew it.
fl) Indignant
l*i oppressed
gi repressed
DEFINITIONS
1. A sudden burst or commotion or movement
2. A small advantage in number of political supporters
3. The coming or arrival, especially of something extremely
important
4. A process of choosing a representative by voting, which is
about to happen
5. to be the source of; produce indignation
6. "the secret government" or "the invisible government"
7. An agreement that limits or holds someone to respect it to the
letter
63
U T11T3
WORK-RELATED VOCABULARY
Match the first part of a dialogue in column A to the second part of the
dialogue in column B:
A В
1. “Something must be done; things a) “Yes, indeed, and one of them, I
cannot go on as they have so far. We and perhaps the most drastic, is to
need to change something in our lay off staff. Even though it
SOPs or vve will end up losing many creates other types of pressure o n l
lives.” the economy, this method has
become a favorite with
companies.”
2. “Unfortunately, in the current b) “Yes, sir, I have come today to
economic situation, companies have officially hand in my resignation,*
few solutions if they want to stay effective immediately.”
afloat.”
3. “I heard that he has changed his job c) “Well, it’s not enough to find the 1
recently. Why did he do that?” problem; we cannot simply say
the old ones are out-of-date. We ]
have to come up with an
alternative or nobody will take us 1
seriously.”
4. “Are you sure this is the right course d) “I have managed to narrow down 1
of action for you? I thought you were the list to five candidates, who arel
happy here. Do you really want to going to be called in for one final, 1
quit?” decisive interview.”
5. “You have interviewed quite a few e) “Well, mainly because he wanted I
people for this position already. How to earn a better living, but also
is the selection process going?” because his former boss had
something against him and
wouldn’t give him the promotion
he deserved.”
DEFINITIONS
1. to give up a job or position in a formal or official way
2. any sequence of activities that an individual or unit may follow.
3. to put an end to personnel’s employment at something
4. to bring forth, discover, or produce another way of doing
something
iii, 4 1, j.
-I. Match the first part of a dialogue in column Л to the second part of the
dialogue in column B:
В
"You look extremely tired. I thinka) “Well, his efficient methods and his
you should see a doctor to find out professional conduct have helped
if everything is ok.” him move up the ladder more
quickly than anyone else his age.”
"I wasn’t very confident when you b) “Actually, I am still in shock. I
lirst gave this assignment to Jerry. I can’t believe he has gone through
actually thought it was a big all this trouble just to help me in
mistake, with him being so new to this difficult period in my life.”
the department.”
“Your boss has been most c) “Yes, 1 remember you telling me
understanding with you lately. You that he was wet behind the ears, and
must be very grateful.” that he hadn’t had time to get his
feet wet. But look, everything he
has done has been spot on. He has
certainly risen to the challenge.”
“It’s been very difficult here lately. d) “No need to worry about me. I’m
The staff are getting more and more healthy, but I have a very heavy
discontent with the measures workload at present, and I barely
taken.” have time to sleep.”
“His record is spotless and he has e) “Well, they will simply have to bite
more commendations than anyone the bullet and make the best of it,
else I know. And he is so young!” "because it is the same everywhere.
But this situation can’t last for long,
and we’ll be back to normal before
long.”
65
5. C h e c k y o u r a n s w e r s fo r e x e r c is e 4 a n d id e n tif y th e c o ll o c a t io n s in th e
e x a m p le s in e x e r c is e 4.
DEFINITIONS
1. young and not experienced
2. a lot of things to do in one’s job
3. to get promotion after promotion
4. to make yourself do something or accept something difficult or
unpleasant
5. to start a new activity or job
6. to do as well as possible with something that is not too promising
7. to accept a challenge and complete the activity successfully
8. to do everything to possible to help somebody
9. returned to a previous state of normality
10.exactly correct
7. Complete the following sentences with a verb from the box in the right
tense:
1. Complete the following statements using one of the expressions from the
box. You have two statements for each expression. Pay attention to the
verb tenses:
1. His opinions are very strong and he always stands up for what he
believes. He (even) to tell his boss to his face when h
was wrong.
2. Teenagers should be made to of reading as a
means of developing their personal worldviews and opinions and as a wa)
of resisting manipulation from the media.
3. Despite everything that happened, I him getting the
promotion. I still believe that I deserved it more, but it was not my
decision and I have to reconcile with the situation as best I can.
4. The terrorist attacks on 9/11 ____even on those who
only watched them on TV. I hate to think how the people who were
actually there felt.
5. Oh, it (just)____________ _ on me that we may have made a
terrible mistake. We must get that report back as soon as possible to check
the final figures again.
6. It is one of the most deeply rooted human habits to _
on one’s peers without being sure that all the facts informing that opinion
are accurate.
7. Look at him looking for the folder on his desk. I don’t think he
___________ where he put it or even if it is still on his desk or he
moved it to somebody else’s.
8. The media creates and presents news so as to _ ____ on
the audience, but this sometimes means that they have to stretch the truth
a bit in their search for the sensational.
9. Once he___________________of the document in front of him he
proceeded to inform his superiors and to come up with a plan of action
that might counter the negative effects of what was written there.
68
Ml You must always_________________to defend your opinions. They are
what sets you apart from others and help you find your way in the world.
11.1 don’t think it (ever)________________on the reporters present at the
funeral that the family may have needed to be left in peace to mourn their
loss. All they cared about was the news and getting shots of the celebrities
present.
I ’.The police (not)________________ as to the identity of the murderer
even after five days of investigation. They found no evidence at the crime
scene and they don’t know where to start.
I i.The manager__ _ our proposal. His only observation
was that we should double-check all our figures and make sure that the
estimates are correct.
14.1 don’t think it’s fair__________________on somebody you don’t
know. You should try to find out more information on a person and then
form an opinion.
1. __ _____ that the new SOPs will help protect both our
soldiers and the civilian population much more effectively.
a) From my standpoint
b) It is my firm conviction
c) Against my belter judgement
A В
sled; hordes of; heritage; tradition; land; sites; roads;
hi* mi, ; expanse of; timely; stretch conservationists; intervention; water;
щг old __________________ tourists
’ Check your answers for exercise 1 and then match the collocations with
the appropriate definitions:
DEFINITIONS
1. too full or crowded with vehicles
2. small number of very active and enthusiastic members of a group
of people who want to protect something
3. large groups of visitors to a place
4. a large open surface of water _
5. places that reflect the traditions, achievements, beliefs, etc., that
are part of the history of a group or nation
6. something that stretches over an area or a distance; something
which covers or exists in the whole of that area or distance
7. customs that have existed for many generations or centuries.
8. an intervention that occurs aba moment when it is useful,
effective, or relevant __
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3. C o m p le te th e f o l lo w in g s e n t e n c e s u s i n g th e p h r a s e s f ro m e x e r c is e 1.
1. When __ ___ __ started making their way around old Greek ruins
the danger of collapse increased tenfold simply because of the foot traffiq i
4. Match the first part of the contexts in column A to the second part in
column B:
A В
1. Most of the famous seaside resorts a) They should take some survival
are extremely crowded during the courses in case they ever get
summer. stranded in the wilderness on a
trip and they need to know what •
to do to make it out there.
2. Many wonder what drives modern b) They believe that if tourists
tourists to push the boundaries and continue to be allowed to trample
try to go where no man has gone over archaeological sites
before. unchecked, they may end
destroying them for future
generations.
3. We strongly recommend that tourists c) These intrepid explorers have
who love the outdoor should prepare been to the virgin parts of the rain
very well before their trips. forests, to the arctic areas and to
the highest mountains in the
world.
i i in- world nowadays is full of brave d) Most of them admit that it is the
| muple who challenge their own thirst for adventure that drives
limits and go to previously them forward.
iunsidered inaccessible places.
limy people are worried about the e) Many tourists enjoy going to
slate of the historical monuments in these crammed resorts where they
their countries. can barely find a place to put their
towel on the beach, because they
love being around other people.
DEFINITIONS
1. an insistent desire to do something challenging
2. characterized by resolute fearlessness, fortitude, and endurance
3. to stamp or walk roughly (on)
4. forced, pressed, or squeezed into an insufficient space
5. left in an unknown or unfavorable place especially without funds
or means to depart
6. to test one’s abilities, resources or limits in a demanding but
stimulating undertaking
(>. Match the first part of the contexts in column Л to the second part in
column B:
A В
There are many new trends in a) Therefore, permits for the
lourism, each of them addressed to a construction of cutting-edge design
particular segment of the population. buildings in areas filled with
historical monuments should not be
given lightly. They could ruin the
special atmosphere of the place.
Each city has a history and a future, b) Whenever we get an SOS call we
and the two should co-exist not send out a search party to try and
cancel each other out. get them back as soon as possible.
DEFINITIONS
I. to dispatch a band of people tasked to find and rescue somebody
2. the smallest possible quantity or the least fulfilling, but still
adequate for some purpose
3. located at a great distance in time or space or degree, away from
civilization
4. travelling and carrying food or equipment on the back especially
in hiking
5. the position of greatest advancement or importance; the forefront
6. novel and gaining prominence and likely to advance or succeed
U N IT 6
j ( omplete the following statements with one of the words or phrases in the
box so that they complete the expressions:
I, ( )nce more the media have jumped to th e ________ conclusion that the
i urrent economic problem is the fault of the previous prime minister. So
Гаг, he has unjustifiably taken the blame for everything that has gone
wrong in the past four years.
\ A lot can happen between now and December, but the ____ line is
that the city is not doing very well and may face a winter without any
heat.
1h e__________ coverage for the biggest sporting event of the decade
has been quite satisfactory, but they could have dedicated more time to
each sport individually.
I The mayor meant to build a new ring road around the city to ease the
traffic in the downtown area, but there was a _____ change in
plan because it took him more time than he expected to expropriate the
owners. But the building will start quite soon.
■ The prime minister issued a ___________release regarding the visit and
the discussions with the IMF and the decisions that will have to be put
into practice as soon as possible.
<> The candidates were both afraid o f ________ disclosures from their
opponents, as they both had some skeletons in the closet that they would
have liked to keep out of the public eye.
7 Contrary to ___________belief, the earth may not be getting warmer, as
much as cooling down as a result of the gases disrupting the sunlight.
75
2. Check your answers for exercise 1. Then match the expressions with their
definitions:
DEFINITIONS
1. the main or essential point; the final result or statement
2. written or recorded communication directed at members of the
news media for the purpose of announcing something ostensibly
newsworthy
3. a commonly-held opinion
4. a small modification in something that was established before
5. a conclusion formed in advance of argument or consideration
6. making known something that may hurt a person’s reputation
7. reports about something in newspapers, and magazines and other
media
3. Match the sentences with similar meanings. Pay attention to the underlined
expressions:
1. The weather will undergo a change for the worse in the following days.
People should get ready for heavy rains and strong winds.
2. It is the duty of the police force to uphold the law regardless of external
influences.
4. We feel that the electorate have been misled by the media campaign
organized by the current mayor.
6. The man gave a detailed account of the facts and the police were able to
apprehend the murderer based on this information.
7. The witness will have to give an account of his involvement with the
victim, before he testifies.
8. All reporters live by one rule: never divulge your sources. Otherwise they
would not be able to get any good stories any more.
76
,J In order to disseminate information promptly and effectively, one has to
have access to the latest technological developments.
I((.Sometimes the media tends to blow things out of proportion just to get
better ratings for news stories.
A. The mayor in office has put together a press initiative that has been meant
to misinform the public about his true intentions.
C. The police detectives managed to catch the killer based on the elaborate
description of events provided by a witness.
I). The media received a statement from the president’s office concerning
what is happening in the north.
IA The airline workers pressed the government and the minister finally
accepted their demands.
H. Policemen have to make sure the citizens abide the law under all
circumstances.
I. The person who saw what happened to the victim will first have to
explain his involvement with the victim. Only then can he appear in court.
77
4. Complete the following statements with one of the adjectives in the box:
5. Complete the following statements with one of the adjectives in the box:
7S
U N IT 7
ECONOMY-RELATED VOCABULAR V
I. Complete the following sentences with the words from the box
2. Check your answers for exercise 1. Then match the words and expressions
with their definitions:
79
3. falling or dropping suddenly in amount, value
4. money made that the state does not know about and for which
taxes have not been paid
5. the place where one gets money from
6. increasing very quickly in amount or price
7. growing and developing successfully; flourishing
8. the reasons one may have to be displeased with a service, product,
situation etc.
9. very weak
The global economic crisis that started some years ago has definitely
taken its 1. on less developed countries. Many companies have gone
2 . ____ and many people have been made 3. _____ and the
situation does not seem to be improving. Their progress has been 4. _ __
because they do not have enough economic strength to stand on their own
without help from the more economically-developed countries. They need to be
able to get loans and advice in order to 5 ._________their economies in the
right direction. Unfortunately, this crisis has set in 6. _ a chain of
events that affects not only poor but also rich countries. This means that help is
in high demand nowadays and the ones doing the asking must first of all 7.
through a lot of red tape, meaning they have to present strong
investment plans that justify every penny they borrow. Secondly, they have to
meet a series of very strict 8. that are meant to get things back on
track and to stimulate growth. The richer countries have to 9 ._____ their
interests and this means that they are not willing to lend money to just anyone
without some kind of guarantee that they will get it back. Consequently, the
countries that do not come up to 10. _________ have their support withdrawn
and their fate is anything but good. This has already happened to several and
more and on the brink of collapse.
80
Is
<1 Check your answers for exercise 3. Then match the expressions with their
definitions:
DEFINITIONS
1. to be legally declared financially insolvent.
2. to guide in a certain direction
3. to make (someone or something) safe or secure
4. to cause a series of things to begin happening
5. to be deprived of one’s job because it is no longer necessary for
efficient operation
6. to meet or be equal to someone’s requirements
7. to cause harm or suffering
8. to satisfy the conditions
9. to get around the bureaucracy
10. to make the progress slow or difficult
81
U N IT 8
1. Match the first part of the contexts in column A to the second part in column
B:
A В
1. The people who had been exposed to a. The exposure to pollutants and to
the airborne vims were not doing genetically modified food increase
very well. the likelihood of alterations
occurring at the smallest level in oui
DNA structure.
2. People nowadays take such powerful b. They were gasping for breath and
medication for even the slightest of running very high fevers. On top on
conditions. everything, they were not
responsive to medication.
3. All drugs have to be tested throughly c. They start being overweight and get
before being released on the market an elevated blood pressure and high
for the general public to use. cholesterol levels.
4. Due to their unhealthy diets and d. Moreover, their side effects are not
sedentary lifestyles many people arc limited to the human population; the
experiencing health problems, earlier plant and animal life will also suffei
and earlier in their lives. greatly.
5. Genetic mutations are very likely to e. It presents with symptoms that are
occur more and more frequently. simply unheard of. This virus seems
to be completely out of control.
6. Biological weapons imply creating f. This is the reason why they have
drug-resistant virus strains. built up resistance to drugs.
7. This outbreak of an unknown disease g. The survival rate for people
threatens to kill most of the exposed to them is slim to none.
population in this area.
8. Biological and chemical weapons are h. Even so, adverse reactions still
dangerous not only at the time when appear but in a much smaller
they are used. number of people than it would
otherwise happen.
82
(ИРГ
I lie definitions for some of the expressions in exercise 1 have been provided
below. Match them to the corresponding expressions in exercise 1.
DEFINITIONS
1. too heavy or fat
2. an effect that a drug has on your body in addition to curing
pain or illness
3. when a disease suddenly starts to happen in an area
4. carried through the air
5. have a high body temperature
6. to breath quickly in a way that that can be heard because you
are in pain or having difficulty breathing
7. a negative consequence of using certain drugs
8. a category of viruses that is not affected by known drugs
U N IT 9
MILITARY-RELATED VOCABULARY
1. Complete the following sentences with the words in the box. The form of
some words may need to be changed:
2. Complete the following sentences with one of the verbs from the box in
the right form:
84
I he goal of this task force is __________peace to this part of the world;
or, if this fails, at least to ensure that no more civilian lives are lost.
1he conflict_____________mainly because more than 100 civilians
were killed or injured in a surprise bomb attack in one of the busiest
markets in town.
When the United States were first attacked on their own soil, they decided
__________ a counterattack that is still going on at present and that is
now fueled by much more than simple desire for revenge or for
retribution.
When they realized the seriousness of the damage sustained, they
____ ______ for a ceasefire so they could have time to regroup and
take the casualties to medical facilities.
. These measures are m e a n t_____ _____ stability to this troubled
country. They will ensure workplaces for the unemployed and an influx of
funds for reconstruction.
>. The army of the country__________ _____(passive) in an attempt to stop
all military actions. However, the guerilla forces are intact and they wreak
havoc in the mountainous region of the country.
The blockade____ (only)________ (passive) when the government signs
the nonaggression pact and agrees to the terms and conditions imposed by
the international community.
. The allied forces _____ __ a large number of casualties in the
overnight attack and consequently withdrew from the area.
. Choose the best definition for the underlined expressions in the following
sentences:
. The privates had an attitude problem because they didn’t respect their
sergeant.
a) They didn’t behave appropriately
b) They had different attitudes toward work
c) They had discussions among themselves
l. When they first entered the village, they encountered difficulties as the
villagers didn’t believe they were friendly and wanted to attack them with
whatever weapons they had.
a) They had an encounter
b) They met some enemies
c) They experienced some problems
i. When they join the military young people are told that they must relish a
challenge because the situations they will come up against in their future
careers will be quite unexpected,
a) Adapt to rigors well
85
b) Enjoy adventure
c) Like a steady life
4. Complete the following statements with one of the words in the box:
86
UNIT 10
CRIME-RELATED VOCABULARY
i I laich the sentences 1-8 with the sentences with similar meanings a-h. Pay
giieiilion to the underlined expressions:
). We need to come up with a plan: the situation isn’t looking good and we
have to figure out what to do.
•I. He refused point blank to accept the deal the district attorney offered. He
kept saying that he is innocent and he is not afraid of going to trial.
(>. The police have been notified of the mayor’s involvement in illegal
renting of parking spaces in the downtown area, and he will be brought in
for questioning.
7. He thought that he will get away with fraud, but the detectives have found
a trail of evidence that points in his direction.
8. When people are at the end of their rope they may decide to do desperate
things, such as stealing in order to survive.
87
a. He didn’t want to accept under any circumstances what the district
attorney proposed as he claimed he wasn’t guilty of the crime and he
thought a jury wouldn’t convict him.
c. When they feel that they have nothing more to do to improve their
situation, people may resort to desperate measures such as taking things
that do not belong to them.
d. The man they have captured in relation to the terrorist attack claims that
he is not guilty of the attack as he had been somewhere else entirely on
the day in question.
Some people who have broken the law would go to any lengths not to get
caught: they change their places of residence, their identities, and even
their appearance.
f. Despite his strong belief that his fraud will not be noticed, the police who
were investigating him managed to amass enough proof on him and his
actions.
h. The mayor’s part in the illegal scheme concerning parking places in the
center of the city has been made known to the authorities and they will
take action presently.
88
P " 1 Ilie b e s t e x p r e s s io n s to c o m p le te th e s e n te n c e s b e lo w :
The best methods to put an decrease the crime rate in any city have
always been________________ . No two specialists agree on what the
best deterrent to crime may be.
a. a matter of interest
b. a bone of contention
c. a suspicious discussion
UNIT 11
ENVIRONMENT-RELATED VOCABULARY
2. Match the first part of the contexts in column A to the second part in
column B. Pay attention to the underlined expressions:
A В
1. The world population reached 7 a. However, impoverished countries
billion in 2011. are not able to spare any funds to
invest in green technology.
2. Many non-profit organizations plan b. This is why we should try to keep a
charity events on a regular basis to constant influx of budget funds for
support different causes related to the environmental projects.
environment.
3. Many countries are taking steps to c. Even so, there are still sparsely-
reduce the amount of greenhouse populated areas in the world, such
gases they produce. as the highest mountains and the
deserts.
4. When we let standards sliD in our d. For example, we can carpool to
environmental policies the effects work, or choose apartments that are
may be tremendous. within walking distance of schools,
supermarkets, shops, etc.
5. In order to reduce our personal e. Their hope is to raise enough funds
carbon footprint we need to take to help some conservation plans to
some simple measures. succeed.
91
3. Match the underlined expressions in exercise 2 with their definiţie
DEFINITIONS
1. to get money for a cause
2. friendly with the environment
3. a distance that can be covered on foot
4. the total amount of greenhouse gases produced to support f l
activities, expressed in equivalent tons of carbon dioxide
5. with very few people living there
6. to allow things not to measure up to standards
7. an arrangement whereby several people travel together in o||
vehicle, share the costs and often take turns as the driver
8. countries which are short of money
4. Match the first part of the contexts in column A to the second pan i
column B. Pay attention to the underlined expressions:
A В
1. There are many densely populated a. It is the only means of prevn
areas in the world. They are mostly our world from becoming a lau
large cities with millions of dump site. S 1
inhabitants.
DEFINITIONS
1. to be vigilant, alert
2. not a very good possibility of something coming true
3. to be organized properly
4. an organic substance found underground and used as a source of
energy
5. to organize a public demonstration
6. a location for specific types of events
7. with a lot of people living there
8. a place where garbage is thrown
(>. Choose the best words to fill in the gaps in the sentences:
4. The deliberate release of the virus last year led to the most devastating
global__________ ever known.
a) distress
b) misfortune
c) plague
93
5. With a third of species facing___________ over the next fifty years the
support of large benefactors has never been more vital. We need to do
something to protect them.
a. relocation
b. extinction
c. intervention
7. Complete the following dialogues with one of the expressions in the box:
1. “1believe that more can be done to raise people’s awareness about what is
happening to the environment.”
“I absolutely agree with you. Much more could be done; the problem is
lack of funds. Without money 1. (only) __ .Everything
takes money and that’s exactly what environmentalists don’t have.”
“Yes, I see what you mean. The vegetation is gone because of the
drought, the watering holes are dry, and the poachers are more active than
ever.”
94
UNIT 12
VOCABULARY RELATED TO
EDUCATION AND TECHNOLOGY
I. Complete the following sentences with a verb from the box. Use the verb
in the correct tense.
95
2. Match the beginning of the sentences in column A with their endings in
column B. Pay attention to the expressions that are thus formed:
A В
1. It is very difficult to get better a. assessments that will help monitor
results in final exams with so many students’ progress throughout the
disenchanted school year.
2. Many teachers complain that no b. effort to learn anything regarding
matter what they do disruptive that subject.
3. One method of ensuring that c. results in an attempt to attract as
students study throughout the year many students as possible.
and not only for final exams is to
introduce on-going
4. One method of correction that is d. knowledge of the world or should
not accepted in classrooms is verbal focus on specialized fields of study.
5. When they are not interested in a e. thinking. This is one skill that will
subject students will only make a turn them into adults who can think
half-hearted for themselves.
6. When analyzing poor exam results f. students are more and more
we should look at the underlying frequently encountered and they
make any lesson a living hell for
them.
7. Some private schools present g. teachers, who only do the bare
overrated minimum and are not motivated to
invest more in their students’
education.
8. One of the most important skills h. abuse directed at the students who
that needs to be developed in have difficulties solving different
children of all ages is critical tasks.
9. When analyzing a situation, we i. hypothesis which will be improved
have to start with a working continuously as more data flows in.
10.It is a question of whether students j. causes and not start passing blame
should have a comprehensive from one to another.
96
\ Match the words from column A to the words from column C to form
collocations. Sometimes more than one combination is possible. You may
need to use one of the prepositions in column B.
A В C
lliiist; reduction; advent; stroke; for genius; the art; literate; knowledge;
fumputer; state in technology; attention span;
of
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
4. Check your answers for exercise 3 and then match the collocations with
the appropriate definitions:
97
L >1, hers agree with doctors entirely when discussing how fast food may
UNIT 13 EE nut only your health but also that of your children.
L f leetly obvious from the name itself that fast food means eating fast
LINKING WORDS7 - GENERAL PRESENTATION I m; h is really dangerous for your stomach.
Emphasizing Using expressions to emphasize a sentence
L Using so and such Liressions: above all (else); actually; believe me; indeed; to put it mildly; to
В, the least
SU f'n Sed i".fr0 rt 0 fa " adjec,ive: so long; so tired; so much; so many
, CH usct* ш front ot a noun: such a person; such problems- such a busv I
schedule; such serious health problems УI J iT tio Z n Romania have become a disappointing process in recent years, to
For example: W cvraySruption affects not only politics in general but also the election
People nowadays are working so much, they have such busy schedules that their leople, young^opleîn^particul'^need to realize that voting ^ exposing
private lives are practically non-existent. ~ 'f ,,„cPs optaion above all else. They need to make their voice heard if “ У S
И is so much easier for young people to put in many hours at work simply ,„i„g ,o change in the foreseeable future. This may indeed be the only way for
b cause they do not have family lives that also require their atte n tio Z d care I iinything to truly ch a n g e in politics. _ .
Siffih franttc activity cannot be sustained by the human body for loo long 'I Actually, the election process is a reflection of how interested or inv
Eventually it will give in and serious health problems can appear. people are in the way the country is run.
2. Using adjectives in front of nouns
Expressing reactions
For example: Expressions; in my opinion, personally, from my point of view; 1 would argue
that; it is my (strong) belief that; I strongly believe that etc.
nnllh" 7 ? Wal t£ °f time t0 try and convince teenagers not to eat junk food For example:
only by telling them it is bad for their health. They show completedisrevard f o r i
their health and total interest in their social lives. ----- disregard lor I
Personally, 1 would say that all anti-terrorism measures taken nowadays are
absolutely necessary and even more could be done to Protect u s , Personai
3. Using adverbs after verbs/in front of adjectives
From mv point of view, any personal discomfoit comes sec p
For example: safety is the most important.
A number of adverbs can be used to express personal views regarding the issues
Fast food is almost entirely made of chemicals that may affect our health if
consumed on a regular basis. discussed. These are:
The weight gain that is usually associated with fast food seems to be utterly absurdly admittedly; coincidentally; conveniently; curious^i fortunately;
ignored by those who indulge in Ibis habit
" 7 interestingly; mysteriously; naturally,
7 AH the examples provided in this «eu,,,,, eic relmed lo the inputs part 1 significantly; typically; unbelievably; understandably, unexpected y,
unfortunately; unhappily.
98 99
F o r e x a m p le :
Admittedly security measures are necessary, but they have started to affect the
educational system as well. Students may understandably feel offended when
they go through security checks every time they go to school.
Unfortunately, the US have taken some security measures, such as the Patriot
Act, in light of the terrorist attacks that occurred in 2001 that affect businesses
as well.
Naturally, people will protest about the amount of time they are made to waste
in airports going through security checks. Admittedly, more could be done to
speed up the process.
Paradoxically, the security measures meant to protect us, actually infringe on
our private space. We arc forced to take off our clothes, shoes; our belongings
are examined, and pretty soon we will get full body scans every time we want to
travel anywhere.
2. Expressing attitude
In all honesty/fairncss/sincerity
To be perfectly honest/fair/frank
To put it mildly/crudcly
For example:
Indicating relevance
1. Generalizing
Expressions: all in all; basically; by and large; on the whole; overall; all things
considered; as a rule; broadly speaking; for the most part; in general; on
average; on balance; roughly speaking
100
l o r e x a m p le :
All in all, funds need to be found for the armed forces if we want to remain part
of the military alliances.
l or the most part, military troops are dissatisfied with the conditions they are
offered and many of the best trained specialists leave as soon as the opportunity
arises.
Basically, the equipment is similar to that we have, but a more recent generation.
This makes it compatible and also an upgrade.
All things considered, computers have changed more than the way we work,
have fun, communicate etc. They have affected the way we talk as well.
On average, a teenager’s ability to use language efficiently to solve real life
tasks has decreased considerably since computers have entered the market.
As a rule, young people should be able to adapt their language to the situation
and the persons they are faced with. However, at present their communicative
skills are completely lacking.
2. Indicating relevance
f inancially, companies may get extra profit if they allow their employees to
work from home, since they do not have to pay for their transportation but also
do not need to have large headquarters.
I echnically, it would be more difficult to keep the employees under control
because they would not be under direct supervision.
101
Highlighting information
1. Selecting information
For example:
The Armed Forces used to be a predominantly male environment, but as women
have become more and more empowered in the last decades, they have also
become more and more involved in military affairs.
Highways in Romania are scarce particularly in the eastern part.
Most contracts in Romania, mainly those related to infrastructure dcvelopmen
are awarded as a result of public bids which are corrupt from the very beginnin
For example:
Contrast
102
On the other hand; by contrast
If example:
и first part, deploying the weapons, is always very easy; the second, however,
leaning up the toxic residues, may take years if not decades.
although; in spite of; despite - they show the discrepancy between the
information in the two sentences.
Although weapons appear to solve problems in the short run, they actually cause
intilling more than destruction.
hi spite of all measures taken in different overpopulated areas in the world, the
birth rate is still increasing steadily.
Despite the breakthroughs that science has made in the field of alternative
energy sources, the progress is too slow to compensate for the depletion of
li adiţional fuel sources.
Despite the fact that people have become more aware of the effect their
increasing numbers is having on the planet’s resources (food, air, water, fuel),
lliere is little they can do to slow down the growth process.
Result
Censorship can help protect our children from the negative influence of the
media. In addition to that, it may help improve the quality of TV programs.
Censorship cannot be controlled once it is enforced. It will affect everything and
everybody and besides it is controlled by people whose values are subjective, ]
flexible and variable.
Censorship is not limited to the media. It affects other areas of society as well
such as advertising. Moreover, it can extend its area of influence to politics and
education. It is a matter of who makes the law and who teaches the young
generation.
Sequencing
For example:
English and Chinese are going to be the dominant languages of the new century;
the former because it is an established means of communicating both for
business as well as for defense and politics. The latter is the language of money
in the contemporary context.
English is gaining more and more ground in the world due to its simple grammar
and widespread use for professional reasons. Meanwhile, other national
languages are becoming more and more infused with English words.
English was the language of one of the greatest empires in the world.
Subsequently, it has been the language of commerce all over the world and has
thus gained its global status.
104
UIMIT 14
i pressions: by the way; while I think of it; while we’re on the subject of; this is
ж ,i completely different subject
flyIlie wav, the head of our department has called you to his office.
1bile I think of it, the information you need for the briefing may be on the
fetver.
Лbile we’re on the subject of subordinates’ motivation, we should also consider
die number of leave days they have every year.
1bis is on a completely different subject, but the figure you submitted last week
were inconclusive and quite irregular.
Means to repair conversation i.e. to ask the person to repeat/rephrase if you have
not understood something.
Expressions: Sorry, I don’t quite follow; What was that again?; What was that
you said about...?; 1 didn’t get the part about?; Could you please repeat what
you’ve just said?; Could you please rephrase, I’m not sure I understood exactly.
Stalling
When you are not sure what you want to say or you need a few extra seconds to
organize your thoughts
Expressions: That is a very interesting topic/question.
I haven’t given this issue too much thought till now, but I believe that...
Well, as I was saying before (if you can link it to something you said previously)
As you probably know
Anyway
Turn taking
If you want to interrupt somebody politely when you are having a conversation
Expressions:
I am sorry to interrupt you, but...
If I may, I would like to comment on that...
If I can just come in/intervene here...
I absolutely agree with you but I would like to add that...
U N I T 15
Ending a presentation
Thank you for listening to me/ for your attention.
If there are any questions, I will be pleased to answer them at this time
106
U N I T 16
I l.ste atât de dificil să lucrezi contra timp. Managerul este atât de dur încât este
pui şi simplu imposibil să îi faci vreodată pe plac.
' întâlnirea a fost pur şi simplu o pierdere de vreme. Nu s-a discutat nimic
important, dar a trebuit să fim cu toţii prezenţi.
1 Sunt întru totul de acord cu cele prezentate de colegul meu. Sunt perfect
mulţumit cu concluziile la care a ajuns.
I Mai presus dc orice, trebuie precizat că sondajul este cât se poate de relevant.
I. Nu aveţi absolut nici un motiv de îngrijorare. Este cel mai priceput
icprezentant al nostru.
(). în mod suiprinzător, ea a acceptat scăderea salariului fără să protesteze câtuşi
de puţin.
/. în mod previzibil, medicamentul are rezultate satisfăcătoare şi în testele pe
oameni.
X. Ea este incredibil de competentă având în vedere ce experienţă redusă are în
domeniul marketingului.
9. în mod paradoxal, interviurile nu au fost la fel de relevante precum testele
scrise, deşi, în general, ne este mai uşor să ne dăm seama de calităţile
candidaţilor din conversaţiile faţă în faţă.
10. Cu toată sinceritatea, nu pot să fiu de acord cu măsurile luate de guvern
pentru a salva economia. Sunt atât de drastice încât, mai mult decât sigur, vor
produce mai multe probleme decât vor rezolva.
II. Din nefericire, nu au putut face nimic pentru a salva compania de la
faliment.
12. Acesta este cel mai bun plan din punct de vedere financiar, dar nu sunt sigur
că poate să fie pus în practică din cauza considerentelor etice.
13. Acesta este cel mai performant produs din punct de vedere tehnic.
14. Luând în considerare toate aspectele, trebuie să luăm o decizie destul de
dificilă.
15. în mare, toţi angajaţii sunt trataţi în mod egal, deşi la o analiză mai atentă, ne
dăm seama că unele diferenţe există totuşi.
16. Per ansamblu, nu avem de ce să ne plângem; compania are profit, angajaţii
primesc bonusuri, unii sunt promovaţi şi în general toate lucrurile merg foarte
bine.
17. Sub nici o formă, nu trebuie să ne lăsam intimidaţi de tehnicile lor de
manipulare.
18. Această ofertă este disponibilă exclusiv pentru clienţii noştri fideli.
107
19. în ciuda diferenţelor dintre programele celor două companii, fuziunea a l «
un succes.
20. în timp ce formele tradiţionale de negociere au eşuat, o tehnică inovatoj^
care se bazează pe descoperirea punctelor slabe a adversarilor şi manipulatt
acestora a avut succes.
21. Programele pe scară largă sunt extrem de greu de controlat, din caii*#
numeroaselor detalii ce pot scăpa de sub control. Totuşi, în cazul companiile
mari s-au găsit soluţii pentru combinarea micro şi macro managementului
Aceste soluţii ar putea să fie aplicate şi la nivelul ministerului.
22. Reprezentanţii companiilor private sunt supuşi unui program extrem fl
obositor. Cu toate acestea, au parte de multe beneficii care să compensc/t!
efortul. Situaţia este diferită în sistemul de stat.
23. Echipamentul nu funcţionează la parametrii optimi. In consecinţă nu putem
să ne facem treaba cum trebuie.
24. Multe teorii ştiinţifice au fost confirmate după aceea de experimente.
25. Până la urmă, a reuşit să surprindă prin tactica de negociere pe care b
abordat-o.
2. Choose the best linking word to complete the senteces. More than one answci
may be correct.
1. The meeting was a(n)__ waste of time. We didn’t reach any
conclusion and everybody left very confused.
a) utter
b) complete
c) entirely
3. He worked very hard and came up with many good pitches. Everybody
appreciated what he was able to do at such a young age. But,__ __ ,
it was his boss’s support that got him the promotion in the end.
a) indeed
b) above all
c) whatsoever
108
H |)iil it mildly
shove all
/ _______ ________, the company started doing better once the recession
eased.
.1) Coincidentally
h) Interestingly
I) Predictably
109
11. ________________ all the employees of this company are treated
fairly; which doesn’t mean that we don’t get complaints every now and then.
a) By and large
b) Overall
c) Politically
110
18. The auxiliary personnel have gone on stike._______________ , the
management refuses to sit down to talk with the union leaders. We are heading
Inwards a very serious crisis.
a) Eventually
b) In addition
c) Furthermore
111
A P PE N D IX 1 - T EN SE C H A R T
TENSE+
TR A N S L A T IO N A F F IR M A T IV E N E G A T IV E IN T E R R O G A T E
PRESEN T I write. 1 don’ t write. Do I write?
T E N S E S IM P L E You write. You don’ t write. Do you write?
Verb prima forma He/she/it writes. Hc/shc/it doesn’ t Docs he write?
Arata o acţiune ce We write. write. Do we write?
se repeat cu You write. We don’ t write. Do you write?
regularitate, o They write. You don’ t write. Do they write?
rutina. They don’ t write.
PR ESEN T I am writing. I ’ m not writing. A m I writing?
TEN SE You a rc writing. You a re n ’ t writing. A re you writing?
C O N T IN U O U S He/she/it is writing. He/she/it isn ’ t writing. Is he writing?
T O B E (present) We arc writing. We a re n ’ t writing. A rc we writing?
+ Verb -i- IN G You are writing. You a re n ’ t writing. A re you writing?
Arata o acţiune ce They are writing. They a re n ’ t writing. A re they writing?
se desfasoara
acum sau
temporar.
P A S T S IM P L E I wrote. I d id n ’ t write D id I write?
Verb forma a You wrote. You d id n ’ t write D id you write?
doua He/she/it wrote. IIc/shc/it d id n ’ t write D id he write?
Arata o acţiune We wrote. W c d id n ’ t write D id we write?
trecuta incheiata. You wrote. You d id n ’ t write D id you write?
They wrote. Th ey d id n ’ t write D id they write?
PAST I was writing. I w asn’ t writing. W as I writing?
C O N T IN U O U S You were writing. You w eren’ t writing. W ere you writing?
T O B E (trecut) + He was writing. He w asn’ t writing. W as he writing?
verb + IN G We were writing. We w eren’ t writing. W ere we writing?
Arata o acţiune in You were writing. You w eren’t writing. W ere you writing?
desfăşurare la un They were writing. They w eren’ t writing. W ere they writing?
moment din
trecut.
PRESEN T I have (I've) written. I haven’ t written. H ave I written?
PERFECT You have (you've) You haven’t written. H ave you written?
(Eu am scris.) written. He h asn’ t written. Has he written?
Shows a past He has (he's) written. W e haven’ t written. H ave we written?
action that took We have (we've) You haven’ t written. H ave you written?
place at an written They haven’ t written. H ave they written?
indefinite past You have (you’ve)
moment. written.
Have/has + verb They have (they've)
3 rd form written.
■ sent I have (I've) been I haven’ t been writing. H ave I been
ft hi ест writing. You haven’ t been writing?
R n t in u o s You have (you've-) writing. H ave you been
rr ii mănânc.) been writing. He hasn’ t been writing?
m ows an action He has (he’s') been writing. H as he been
UniI Parted at one writing. We haven’ t been w riting?
iniol in the past We have (we've) been writing. H ave we been
I §iHi continues in writing. You haven’ t been w riting?
present, You have (you've-) writing. H ave you been
j Mnve/has + been been writing. They haven’ t been writing?
■ t verb + ing They have (they've') writing. H ave thev been
been writing.________ writing?
W H A T CO M ES
C O N S T R U C T IO N EXAM PLES M E A N IN G
A F T E R IT
114
party. situation to change
j; a llii^ li) time Verb 2 nd form It’s time you told me Recommendation
the truth.
W as/W ere + verb +
ing It’s time I was leaving.
As ifiA s though Present continuous or It’ s really clouded and The situation is true
“be going to” it looks as i f it’s going and very like ly to
to rain. happen
Had + verb 3rd form She feels as i f she had Not true (she wasn’t
been hit by a hit by a bulldozer)
bulldozer.
'. uppose/Supposing/ + present form or “be Suppose it’s going to A possible future
going to” rain every day on our situation
Imagine [The result holiday!
ni these conditions
115
is understood ( If we + Verb 2 nd form Imagine we won the Unreal present
won the lottery we lottery! situation
would never work
again)] Suppose she left us
her fortune!
+ Had + V crb 3rd form Imagine we had never Unreal past situation
received the parcel.
Suppose we had
missed the plane
This section is aimed at providing a few ideas for each topic. They ;n< t
no means the best or the only ideas that can be used to develop these topics.
personal idea, as long as it is related to the topic, is accepted.
Work schedules
Suggested ideas:
1. Work is an important element of contemporary society. More people h;r
access to education and more people want to make something ot
themselves; have careers.
2. Socializing helps people relax/unwind. Our lives cannot be all about won
or people’s sanity may be affected in the long run.
3. As people focus more and more on their careers, having a family conir
later and later in life. Some postpone it so much that it may becoin>
impossible.
4. Focusing on their careers, people may lose focus of other aspects of then
live: neglect their health; not spend enough time with their children; lose
their families altogether.
Fast Food
Suggested ideas:
1. Fast food fulfils a need of this fast-moving society. We are always in a
hurry and we try to save time wherever possible. Eating habits represent
one aspect of our lives where we can save time.
2. The quality of this type of food is low: it is nourishing only on the
surface. It satisfies our physical hunger but the body cannot get the
nutrients it needs from this type of food.
3. The long-term habit of eating fast food can lead to weight gain, blood
pressure, cholesterol problems as well as more serious conditions such as
diabetes, heart attacks, strokes.
4. Work schedules do not allow time for lunch, even if they are supposed to,
because of the workload. People skip lunch or eat whatever they can get
their hands on while working, thus endangering their health.
120
î li-rtions
Suggested ideas:
1. Not voting is a disservice people do to themselves, and a lack of respect
for the others who are interested in what happens to the country but
cannot do anything because they are not in large enough numbers.
2. The citizens who do not vote relinquish the only power they have: the
power to choose.
3. The country may end up being run by anybody who wants to. It may end
up in really bad hands as its citizens refuse to make a selection, to impose
some standards, to ask for change and for improvement.
4. Young people should be educated on the importance of voting in school.
5. Media campaigns should encourage people to vote, by explaining the
implications of their actions, the choices available, the possible outcomes.
Anti-terrorism measures
Suggested ideas:
1. People’s privacy is invaded.
2. Global data bases can be dangerous for individuals.
3. Terrorist organizations always find a way to by-pass all these security
measures.
4. Law-enforcement officials are always playing catch-up with the terrorists
We need preemptive not reactive measures.
5. If taken to the extreme, these measures may block business and traveling.
Military technology
Suggested ideas:
1. International alliances may be jeopardized.
2. The Romanian armed forces may be under-trained.
3. The ability to protect the country in case of attack may be null.
4. Romania’s military role in the region may be diminished.
5. The lives of the military personnel may be at risk due to the age of the
equipment in use.
“Computer talk”
Suggested ideas:
1. The language itself may change and become simplified.
2. Young people will find it difficult to adapt to the linguistic rigors of a job.
121
3. The registers of a language may disappear and formal language will
discarded.
4. Communication skills in general may be lost or underdeveloped in yo
people.
Suggested ideas:
1. It is more difficult to monitor an employee’s progress is out of the office,
2. Company expenses may be diminished (no need for office space and otlu
amenities).
3. Employees would save money on transport.
4. People may be happier working from home and the standard of living
may improve.
Suggested ideas:
1. Romania loses billions of euros in transportation
2. Tourism is affected by the lack of proper roads and highways
3. The domestic industry suffers from delays due to difficulties ii
transportation
4. Foreign companies are reluctant to invest in Romania because of its poor
infrastructure
Suggested ideas:
1. Epidemics may be started by the improper use of such weapons.
2. Plant and animal life in certain areas may be affected indefinitely.
3. NBC weapons may cause molecular and DNA mutations that may trigger
other deadly conditions.
4. It is a violation of human rights that goes unpunished.
5. It is an effective weapon if it could be properly targeted, but it affects
military personnel and innocent civilians indiscriminately.
Overpopulation
Suggested ideas:
1. The water and food resources may reach depiction
2. New technologies may be invented to replace traditional sources of food
3. Recycling technologies will have to be developed to purify the water
which will otherwise become scarce in the near future
i ■•
•I If the birth rate does not decrease, there will no longer be enough room on
the planet to accommodate all the people.
■ Overpopulation leads to the development of global scale epidemics.
'suggested ideas:
1. The countries may not be able to respect the terms of the agreement.
2. The measures are not only designed to help the countries but increase the
control of the IMF in the area.
3. Money is not the only issue with underdeveloped countries. They need
long term policies not only financial aid.
4. The IMF strategy is unilateral, focusing on finances not on development.
Censorship
Suggested ideas:
1. The protection it offers is short lived and imperfect.
2. It is difficult to impose boundaries on censorship and control it.
3. Children may grow up protected but they may also become too ignorant
of what happens in the world.
4. It is best to educate children to use the media to their advantage and to be
aware of the dangers than to keep them ignorant and therefore more
vulnerable.
5. The question arises: who is the authority who decides what is and is not
appropriate for children.
Role-models
Suggested ideas:
1. Values are compromised
2. Nowadays role models gain this status due to their fortune, properties,
material possessions. Character is not a criterion
3. Impossible physical standards make young people resent their bodies
4. Depraved lifestyles are not good examples for young people
5. The celebrity status allows many actors, singers, etc to get away with
crimes that they would otherwise be convicted for
123
English as a global language
Suggested ideas:
1. More and more English terms invade other languages not only for ne
concepts but also for concepts that already have linguistic representation
in those languages.
2. The individual character of languages, as symbols of national identity
may be lost in time.
3. English itself suffers alterations as its grammar becomes less complex and
expressive.
4. Some languages may be lost completely as they are spoken in very small
communities and the world invades those communities (by promotin
tourism and commerce).
Suggested ideas:
1. This type of cooperation may lead to better global understanding.
2. Wars may be averted if people learn to work together for the greater good.
3. Scientific progress should belong to the whole of humanity and not to the
countries with most funds and resources.
4. Science is not a matter of nationality but of intellect.
The Internet
Suggested ideas:
1. Face-to-face interactions are the basis for honest relationships between
people.
2. Body language makes up over 70 percent of human communication.
3. Pedophiles and other perverts find their targets easily over the Internet
that hides and helps protect their true identities.
4. People are social animals but they will become socially awkward if their
communication skills are not practiced in communities.
5. Society may no longer be a network but a sum of cells working
independently and sending each other messages.
Suggested ideas:
1. It may be detrimental to the labor force who may be made redundant. The
standard of living will be affected.
2 . P e o p le o f a c e rta in age m a y fin d it d if f ic u lt to re -a d ju s t, to a c q u ire n e w
s k ills .
124
3. The economies of countries with access to this kind of technology will
make fast progress, deepening the gap between developed and
underdeveloped states.
4. People will be able to focus on more creative tasks rather than on
repetitive ones.
5. The standard of living will improve in the long run, as robots will do the
most demanding types of physical activity.
Medicine
Suggested ideas:
1. Because of the widespread use of strong drugs, bacteria, viruses,
infections have become more and more resistant.
2. Traditional, plant-based remedies are discarded.
3. Large pharmaceutical companies discredit plant-based medicine through
media campaigns in an attempt to gain more money.
4. Drugs are important in treating some serious conditions but a line must be
drawn to avoid over-use.
5. People’s immune systems become weaker and more serious disease may
appear and affect them in the long run.
Communication
P o s s ib le tra its:
- Eye-contact and appropriate body language
- Brevity
- Appropriate register
- Sense of humor
- Good command of the language
- Intimate knowledge of the issues presented
125
COMPARING THE ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF
SITUATION
China
Benefits:
- Cheaper goods available worldwide
- Cheaper labor force for multinational companies
- Other countries could borrow money from China to save them fnin
critical situations
Drawbacks:
- China’s growing influence in the world may mean it will want to call (•»
shots not only economically but also politically
- Most countries will become dependent on Chinese capital influx aiu
easily manipulated by the Chinese
- China’s development may go unchecked
Disadvantages:
- The gap between rich and poor countries widens
- The young generation may become very materialistic and values may be
lost
Disadvantages:
- Diplomatic measures are not coercive enough
- They are not a real deterrent to terrorism
- They will cause chaos in on-going conflict areas
126
(.cuetic experiments
Advantages:
- They will help save more and more lives
- They will improve the health of the population
- They may represent the next step in medicine
I >isadvantages:
- Genetically-engineered beings may be created beyond any regulating
body’s supervision
- They may have dangerous military applications
- It is wrong to play God as every imperfection may have its purpose
Electric cars
Advantages:
- Eco-friendly technology
- It can reduce the amount of fossil fuels used and reduce the greenhouse
effect
- They are making fast progress and will soon be as efficient as traditional
cars
Disadvantages:
- They have a limited range of use
- They still need energy, only the source is less polluting
- They have limited capabilities
Disadvantages:
- Law-abiding citizens no longer have the right to privacy (sacrificing the
rights of the many to apprehend the few who are criminals)
- The use of this technology should not be generalized but targeted to
problem areas
- This technology may lose its efficiency in time
127
The news
Advantages:
- This type of news is less subjected to grand scale manipulation by large
media corporations that are in somebody’s service
- It is more varied and presents more issues than the mainstream medi.i
could ever cover
- It may more easily bypass officially-enforced censorship to get a certain
message across
Disadvantages:
- It is highly subjective as it presents individual points of view
- It may be misleading as a single individual’s ability to double-check the
information is limited
- It may be easily dismissed as misinformation or lies
EXPRESSING OPINION
Genetic engineering
Arguments in favor:
- It can help cure diseases and ease suffering
- It can help feed an ever-growing population
- It may eliminate genetic conditions
Arguments against:
- It is wrong to play God as it may have serious, unpredictable
consequences
- Some people may lake it too far and create chemical weapons, promote
racial purity etc.
- Nature has a way of taking care of its problems and interfering with it
may spell disaster for everybody
Smoking
Arguments in favor of banning smoking:
- It is a dangerous habit for everybody’s health
- It disrupts the work process
- It may reduce the number of smokers
Arguments against:
- It is a matter of free will
- Discrimination should not be legally enforced
- It is not a behavior altering drug and should not be treated as such
128
Computer games
Arguments in favor of computer games:
- Children may learn other languages
- They may develop certain skills (fast reaction time; multitasking;
problem-solving)
- These games help them meet other children with similar interests
Arguments against:
- These games are addictive
- They are basically solitary activities
- Some are very violent and children are easily influenced as they cannot
properly distinguish between right and wrong, reality and fiction
Legally-granted immunity
Arguments in favor of legally-granted immunity:
- Diplomats should be subject to the laws of their own countries
- Elected politicians must be protected from legal suits for the duration of
their terms-in-office so they can perform their duties to the country
Arguments against legally-granted immunity:
- It protects criminals
- It encourages politicians to be corrupt because they cannot be tried
- If there is no fear of punishment, there is no just behavior
Food
Arguments in favor processed food:
- It is time-saving
- It is cheap
- It is easily available
Arguments against:
- It does not have the necessary nutrients
- It can cause serious diseases
- It is a symptom of a more serious problem regarding people’s eating
habits
The media
Arguments in favor of tabloid news:
- Nobody can go against the trend or they go out of business
- Celebrities are today’s role models and people want to be involved in their
lives
- They help people forget their troubles
Arguments against tabloid news:
- Celebrities are entitled to their privacy
- The media should aim not only to please the audiences but also to educate
- Mediocrity breeds mediocrity
- They distract people from the real issues
129
Computers and the military
Arguments in favor of new IT:
- Computers are the future
- There are methods to control and protect information flow
- Internet access and open networks can be used limitedly
- The Internet needs to be supervised for military purposes and again:.!
possible threats
Arguments against new IT:
- Once it’s on a computer any information can be hacked
- The military has too much sensitive intelligence to risk any leaks
- National security needs to be protected and computers are the mosl
vulnerable point in the security network
Workplace privacy
Arguments in favor of surveillance methods:
- Employers pay their employees for their time and therefore are entitled to
know how it is spent
- The supervised employees’ efficiency will increase as they will no longer
be able to waste time
- The work process can be monitored more easily and improved if
necessary
Arguments against:
- Privacy must be respected
- As long as the employees respect deadlines, more control should not be
enforced
- Surveillance may affect employees’ state of mind and efficiency
Pollution
Pollution as a serious issue:
- Too many cars
- No air filtration systems for factories
- The quality of the air in cities causes many serious medical conditions
Pollution issues exaggerated:
- Global warming seems to be a non-issue as the earth is actually getting
cooler
- Pollution talks are meant to scare people into buying more expensive
devices, pay more for alternative sources of energy etc.
Technology
Arguments in favor of using technology:
- It helps solve many tasks more easily
- It promotes communication between family and friends when they are in
different locations
- Education is more and more linked to technology
Arguments against:
- It causes alienation between people
- If technology fails, people may no longer have the ability to handle
situations independently of technology
Education
Arguments in favor of specialization:
- People need to be proficient in their fields
- There is so much information in every domain nowadays that it is
impossible to master it all
- Specialists can understand their fields in minute detail and make progress
Arguments against specialization:
- People can be easily manipulated if they are completely ignorant of
certain issues
- A broader education may promote progress as the ideas from one domain
may be of use/interest/relevance in another as well. Interdisciplinary
approaches are more and more popular nowadays
- A more general understanding of the world makes people more tolerant,
flexible and open-minded
Lifelong education
Reasons:
- New information becomes available all Ihe limr and <т|>1м\г> ......I in
keep up with the changing trends
- It is easier to train a good employee for a certain 1ill ihnn Inn a m w •*»»•
and start from scratch
- If people keep learning they remain motivated and involved in thru woiK
their desire to improve remains active and they do not reach a plateau ol
self-sufficiency
Bank loans
Arguments in favor of bank loans:
- There are certain goods that people cannot purchase otherwise
- They encourage the economy, as money circulates, products are sold and
bought, services traded
- Personal development is aided by bank loans (young families can get
homes, travel, have access to more education etc)
Arguments against bank loans:
- L o a n s need to be kep t in c h e c k so that p e o p le do not b e co m e o v e r ly
in d e b te d and c a n n o t p a y
- In tim e s o f c r is is the fo c u s s h o u ld be on s a v in g not on lo a n in g
- T h e e c o n o m y m a y c o lla p s e i f too m u ch m o n e y is b o rro w e d
131
N u c le a r w eapons
Arguments in favor:
- If countries are on an equal footing (weapon-wise) they are more reluctant
to attack one another
- Countries feel more secure with nuclear weapons
- Protection is needed in this violent world
Arguments against:
- They cause untold destruction not only to the target but also to the
attacker
- They may destroy the planet
- Their devastating effects are felt even after decades
Advertising
Arguments in favor:
- Advertising promotes commerce which in turn promotes the economy
- There are so many new products that people would not notice them if not
for commercials
- If one does not want to see advertisements they can be avoided
Arguments against:
- Advertisements are all lies
- They interrupt TV programs, Internet searches, radio broadcasts
- There are so many commercials that people simply do not pay attention
any more so they are pointless
Television
Arguments in favor:
- So many things happen in the world every day that people need television
to stay connected
- One can select the programs they want to watch on TV
- The time spent in front of the TV can be managed, monitored; we have
free will, we are not slaves to the machines
Arguments against:
- Children especially are very attracted by the TV and can be negatively
influenced by what they see
- The quality of TV shows is quite low nowadays
- It has no educational value and the recreation it offers is short-lived and
disturbs family life
- It takes away from the time that should be spent communicating with
family and friends
Terrorism
Causes:
- Religious intolerance
132
- Economic differences
- Weapon testing grounds
- The search for cheap resources
Nuclear energy
Arguments in favor:
- Large quantities of energy can be produced with a small input of matter
- People use up more and more energy and traditional sources are no longer
sufficient
- It can help sustain progress, without polluting the environment
extensively
Arguments against:
- The waste produced cannot be recycled or neutralized and it is highly
destructive
- It is not 100 percent safe (accidents can happen)
- Not all countries have access to this kind of technology but all of
humanity needs energy to evolve
Learning methods
Arguments in favor of learning skills:
- There is too much information to memorize available in the world niid
many means of finding that information if necessary
- Skills can help students search, organize, process, and use mluimalinn it,
suit their needs
- In the real world, one needs problem-solving abilities to tmuutge lm i
Arguments in favor of learning information:
- If one does not know anything for sure they do not know when- to siaii
looking for information
- People should know a little at least about different domains of Iile so they
cannot be easily lied to or tricked
- Information is power and who controls and has the information can
manipulate it and others to his/her liking
Arguments against:
- Some sports players are given too much money in comparison to others
and to the effort they make (e.g. football players)
133
- Inequality in sports is painful to see
- Some sports players become famous because of their money but they use
the fame unjustly
Globalization
Arguments in favor of globalization:
1. Increased international trade has made us wealthier and allowed us to lead
more diverse lifestyles.
2. It stimulates free movement
3. It encourages companies to set up several bases around the world.
4. It has promoted information exchange.
5. It has led to a greater awareness and understanding of other cultures.
6. It has enabled the triumph of democracy over autocracy.
7. It encourages debates about many issues across borders and national
concepts.
Arguments against globalization:
1. The West’s gains have been at the expense of developing countries.
2. The meager share of the global income of the poorest people in the world
has dropped in the last decade.
3. The freedoms granted by globalization lead to insecurity in the workplace.
4. Many workers (especially manual workers) are under threat as companies
shift their production lines overseas to low-wage economies.
5. National cultures and identities are threatened by the spread of satellite
TV, international media networks and increased personal travel.
6. Huge transnational companies are becoming more powerful and
influential than democratically-elected governments; they are above the
law.
134
Plastic surgery
Arguments in favor:
- People have the right to choose what they look like
- If they are of age, they can do anything they want to their bodies
- Plastic surgery can help solve confidence issues that otherwise are
impossible to handle
Arguments against:
- Too many people change their bodies drastically and with serious medical
consequences
- Plastic surgery can help with serious problems and flaws but should be
limited to serious conditions
- Psychological counsel should be offered before any drastic surgeries
Capital punishment
Arguments in favor:
- Drastic enough to reduce crime rates
- The only way to ensure criminals will not be released and commit more
crimes
- May offer solace to the victims’ families
Arguments against:
- It violates human rights
- It makes the rest of us criminal too by acquiescing
- It has hidden costs (many retrials and a lot ol linn \|" ni hi pii nmi
135
/
- Employees need to feel they are part of the mechanism, that they can
shape it and feel confident and useful
- Progress is only achieved through change
Arguments against:
- Routine can ensure efficiency
- It means that all employees do certain tasks in the same way
- It sets a standard against which employee performance can be measured
Testing
Arguments in favor of written tests:
- They are more easily checked against a set of criteria
- They are more reliable as everyone answers the same questions
- They can be filed and an employee’s progress can be monitored in time
more reliably
Arguments against written tests:
- They are limited and limiting
- People can have bad days and not focus well
- They do not measure human interaction skills and communication
abilities
136
FINDING HYPOTHETICAL SOLUTIONS TO PRESENT OR PAST
ISSUES
Legalizing drugs
- the number of users could be reduced since drugs would no long' i b< (hr
forbidden fruit
- more money would come to the budget
- it would help control the spread of disease спимч! by (In И" of
unsterilized needles
- it would be easier to control teenagers’ use ol drug-, il they wn. ,nld
legally like cigarettes
Off-shoring
- the overall world economy would do well because it would produce more
for less
- locally, the economy of developed countries would suffer as
unemployment rates would go up
- the economy of underdeveloped countries might make progress, at least at
first, which would entail an increase in the standard of living in those
countries as well as cultural changes
Interoperability
- equipment could be lent to developing countries
- joint training sessions could be organized
- joint teams could work on the equipment available to enhance its
capabilities
- funds could be distributed for the most pressing needs
137
- personnel exchange programs could be implemented
Reading
- modern devices (e-book readers, tablets, etc) could be made more easily
available for young people (through school programs) to promote reading
as a modern pastime
- grades should not be given if certain materials have not been read
- media campaigns could be organized to show how reading could be
considered a modern, cool activity
- parents could be encouraged to keep a closer eye on their children and to
try to stimulate their appetite for reading
The Internet
- filters could be put into place to protect children from harmful contents
- children’s internet access could be restricted to searches done in the
presence of an adult supervisor
- certain sights could be blocked
- the use of the Internet should be promoted strictly for its educational value
and children should be made aware that other things could be dangerous
for them
138
The F u tu re of N A TO
3. In 1993, Sen. Richard Lugar argued that NATO has to "go out of area or
out of business." Since then, NATO forces have deployed in Bosnia,
Kosovo, Afghanistan, Iraq, the Gulf of Aden, and Libya. Do you think
NATO should continue to support deployable forces for operations outside
Europe and the United States?
Yes: 56
"But with strict limits and, ideally, as part of a U.N. mission."
"Only as there is a clear relevance for European security."
"Only in case such deployment contributes to strengthening of members'
security. No role as a global policeman."
"In a globalizing world there is no more ’out-of-area.' The world is our area
now."
No: 3
"Only on a very highly selective, case-by-case basis; as a rule, no."
140
I True or false: The United States would be better off if it left NATO.
l alse: 57
"A stable Europe is important for the U.S., if for no other reason than
economics."
"Does anyone remember that Article 5 was invoked only once in the
institution's history? Namely, after an attack against the United States?"
"But it would be better off if it limited its involvement to Article 5 and left
Article 4 to the allies."
True:0
5. If you had to kick one country out of NATO, which one would it be?
Greece: 18
"For its behavior toward Macedonia and Turkey."
"Due to its boundlessly selfish egotism and disruptive tactics."
Hungary: 5
Turkey: 4
Iceland: 3
Other: Albania, Cyprus, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg (1 vote each)
None: 22
"Each member counts politically, militarily, and intellectually. NATO should be
(carefully and gradually) expanding, not shrinking."
6. If you had to admit one country to NATO, which one would it be?
Sweden: 13
"It is a producer, not a consumer, of security for Europe."
Macedonia: 6
Australia: 5
Georgia: 5
Ukraine: 5
Israel: 4
Finland: 3
Serbia:3
Montenegro: 2
Other: Bosnia, Japan, Mexico, Norway, Russia (1 vote each)
None: 7
141
"Allowing Russia to join NATO implies willingness/commitment from Russia'-,
part to do so, which is obviously not the case."
"They continue to define their security in opposition to NATO."
Maybe, but not now: 19
"Not until it is a democracy. Then we can talk."
"If it meets the criteria, including democracy and commitment to human rights."
"Sure, if it meets NATO requirements. That would essentially mean that it
would no longer be Russia."
"Only in very different circumstances from today."
10. It has been more than 20 years since the Soviet Union was dissolved and
more than 10 years since the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Do you think NATO
members are safer in 2012 than they were in 1991 ?
Yes: 41
"At least from the threat of major war, they are much safer."
"The quality of internal security and awareness of potential threats has risen
since then."
No: 13
"Weaker militarily and economically with more threats."
"Threats have evolved but not necessarily our capability to meet them."
About the same: 4
"Safer in the sense that the real danger of a sudden and massive Soviet attack
against Europe, including the use of nuclear weapons, has receded and is
currently very, very low. Less safe in the sense that the host of new global 'low-
key' dangers is pressing against us all the time, with the possibility of sudden,
cataclysmic black swans ever present."
142
11. True or false: The 2011 Libya intervention provided an overall positive
model for future NATO military operations.
True: 31
"It confirmed that NATO can act without direct U.S. involvement."
"It demonstrated the political and military ability of NATO to respond quickly
to a crisis."
False: 28
"Whileundoubtedly a big success, the operation in Libya was sui generis,
limited in goal and resources, and therefore not a model for future action."
143
"It could have, weeks ago, with goals similar to Libya. The issue now goes well
beyond the question of a Syrian civil war."
"Are you kidding? NATO does not have the resources: no will, limited skill, no
tools. Quite apart from the question of what our interests are."
Maybe: 10
"If necessary and only with a U.N. mandate."
"Only to protect Turkey."
16. Where will the next large-scale NATO operation take place?
Middle East: 29
North Africa: 14
"Likely piracy-related rather than Arab Awakening-related."
Europe: 4
"Balkan tensions are not over."
Southern Africa: 2
Arctic: 1
"The Arctic is heating up economically and politically, and key NATO nations
have vital interests to protect there and the military resources to do it with."
Latin America: 1
Asia-Pacific: 0
None of the above: 4
"There will be no major operation in the foreseeable future."
"Most probably NATO's next battle will not take place in a geographical
location but in cyberspace."
1 don't know: 3
17. In June 2011, U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates described NATO's
future as "dim if not dismal," charging that NATO nations were
"apparently unwilling to devote the necessary resources or make the
necessary changes to be serious and capable partners in their own defense."
Do you agree or disagree with this assessment?
Agree: 40
"He is spot on."
"The economic crisis might be a temporary excuse for doing less, but in the long
run European states must contribute more to collective defense."
"Largely true, but it has always been thus."
Disagree: 12
"There is always a crisis in NATO, and future capabilities will depend on
operations."
"He's much too dour about the alliance."
Somewhat/unsure: 5
"He is right in blaming the Europeans for their lackluster performance. But this
will not mean the end of NATO. Sheer necessity will keep NATO alive."
144
"Partially true: Common values and interests go far beyond military
expenditure."
18. True or false: The United States has too many military personnel in
Europe.
True: 22
"It is not the numbers that count, but the commitment to support European
NATO members and the ability to do so fast if needed. That does not require a
lot of boots on the ground in peacetime, but it does require a commitment on
both sides of the Atlantic."
False: 32
"It is appropriate to fulfill the assigned tasks."
19. By 2020, the U.S. force presence in Europe will amount to:
80.000 personnel (current level): 0
68.000 personnel (Obama plan): 10
50.000 personnel: 17
40.000 personnel: 10
Fewer than 40,000 personnel: 22
20. True or false: European member states should devote more fuiidiity. to
NATO.
True: 48
"But unlikely to happen due to resource scarcity."
False: 10
"They should, however, spend their defense money belli i "
21. True or false: NATO should have both defensive and offensive ryhei
capabilities.
True: 52
False: 6
23. True or false: Five years from now, France will still be part of NA'I <»
integrated military command.
True: 54
False: 2
Unsure: 2
"This depends a lot on the French economy. If it is not revived, there will be
more and more nationalist pressure from within France. For a weak presidcni
splitting from NATO would be a cheap way to get a few points at home."
25. If Turkey has not become a member of the European Union five yeai •.
from now, its orientation will be:
Pursuing a revival of Ottoman power: 21
More closely aligned with its Muslim neighbors: 13
Still closely aligned with its Western allies: 11
Inwardly focused due to domestic strife: 2
Other: 11
"Turkey will maintain alignment with the West but also pursue closer relation',
with the East. It does not see them as incompatible."
"More engaged not just with Muslim neighbors but also with Russia."
146
O'Donnell, loan Mircea Pascii, Barry Pavel, J. Peter Pham, Tomas Ries,
i\ latthew Rojansky, Stephen Saideman, Kori Schake, Daniel Serwer, Stanley R.
Sloan, John Tanner, Jan Techau, Kenneth Weisbrode, Damon Wilson, Boguslcrw
Winid, Jorg Wolf, Dov Zakheim, Michael Zilmer-Johns.
Produced by Jorge Benitez and Margaret Slattery
147
3. What are the five biggest challenges facing the transatlantic alliance?
J
Please rank from among the following, with 1 indicating the biggest
challenge.
Average rank:
Economic crisis: 1.84 (45 votes)
Nationalism/internal divisions: 2.39 (25 votes)
Afghanistan: 2.71 (31 votes)
Terrorism: 3.23 (35 votes)
Cyber conflict: 3.27 (35 votes)
Syria: 3.31 (15 votes)
Ballistic missile proliferation: 3.44 (29 votes)
Russia: 3.64 (28 votes)
Climate change/energy: 3.79 (19 votes)
Conventional attack: 4.33 (3 votes)
Other: 12 votes
4. In order of importance, NATO's top three priorities for the future shouM
be:
Afghanistan: 37
Reinforcing the transatlantic alliance: 14
"Smart defense" plan: 13
Capabilities: 13
Re-evaluation of NATO mission and role: 13
Finances: 11
Partnerships: 11
Defense capabilities and spending: 8
Ballistic missile defense: 7
Iran: 6
Cybersecurity: 5
Russia: 4
Syria: 4
Arab Spring/Middle East: 3
EU coordination: 3
Nuclear threats/arms reduction: 3
Postwar Libya: 2
Partnerships with Arab countries: 2
Terrorism: 2
Enlargement: 2
Other: 4
U.S. troop withdrawal from Europe
Piracy
Asian security
Deterrence
148
TACTICAL DECISION GAMES
TDG 1
Solution(s):
There are no easy solutions to this TDG, as a similar incident in the Philippines
illustrates. In December 1989, Philippine Special Forces attempted a coup in the
country. Vice President Dan Quayle, who was subbing for President George
Bush who was away on business, ordered U.S. warplanes to fly a "cap" over
Manilla at the request of Philippine President Cory Aquino. F-4s, flying from
Clark Air Base, effectively ended the coup, killing a number of U.S. trained
"rebels" and killing chances for continued U.S. presence at Subic and Clark. It's
not clear if the U.S. had any involvement in the coup. Dan Quayle, in his book
Standing Firm, wrote that it was "a great moment for me personally. We saved
democracy without firing a shot."
TDG 2
Solution(s):
There may be more than one solution to this TDG. However, a similar situation
in Burma in the late 1980s yielded this solution from U.S. Marine commanders:
In 1988, thousands of pro-democracy students and other civilians were being
massacred or wounded in the streets as the country descended into chaos. (Thrrr
were people being beheaded in the streets!) Amidst this carnage, Ameiican
citizens at the U.S. Embassy in Rangoon needed to be evacuated from the
country. The preferred method was by air (through the airport), which was
eventually realized. However, there was a backup plan in case the air evacuation
could not be conducted due to the situation. The backup plan involved a
MEUSOC deployed aboard U.S. Navy vessels operating in the Andaman Sea.
Basically, the plan called for AAVs to be transported up the Rangoon River
Delta via LCACs to a point near the capital of Rangoon (site of the embassy).
The AAVs would offload from the LCACs and proceed to the embassy, collect
the personnel, and return to the LCACs. To reinforce the embassy, Marines were
to be flown in aboard helicopters. Commanders believed that crowds (in a field
near the embassy needed as a landing zone) would disperse when the mighty
CH-53 helicopters approached for landings.
TDG 3
Solution:
(Hint: The solution to this TDG has a very specific military textbook answer.)
According to U.S. Military manuals available at the time, riot control agents
149
should not be used in closed structures except under extreme circumstam ■i
According to FM 19-15:
"Generally, persons reacting to CS are incapable of executing organized ami
concerted actions and excessive exposure to CS may make them incapable nf
vacating the area."
"The riot control agent dispersers should not be used to introduce a riot cont»• I
agent directly into a closed structure except under extreme circumstance,
Therefore, there are no justifications for the use of CS riot control agents in tin
scenario.
150
U N IT 1
1. Match the words from box A to the words from box В to form
collocations.
1 social security
number
2 mortgage debt
3 healthcare system
4 dereliction duty
of
5 notice of eviction
6 ethnic cleansing
7 unfit parents
Other combinations may also be possible: e.g. mortgage system, social duty, etc
2. Check your answers for exercise 1 and then match the collocations with
the appropriate definitions:
DEFINITIONS
dereliction intentional or conscious neglect of one’s assignments, work etc
of duty
mortgage 2. the amount of money that a person owes to a bank generally as it
debt result of borrowing money to buy a property and of signing n
legal contract to repay that money over a period of years____
social 3. a nine-digit number issued to U.S. citizens, permanent resident'
security and temporary (working) residents with a view to tracking
number individuals for social security purposes.__________________
unfit 4. a person who cannot care for a child properly
parent
notice of 5. a statement informing somebody they have to vacate a property
eviction by a certain date_____________________________________
ethnic 6. the practice of removing or killing people who belong to an
cleansing ethnic group that is different from the ruling group in a country
or region____ _____ ______________________________
healthcare 7. the organization of people, institutions, and resources to delivci
system health related services to meet the health needs of certain
populations.
152
3. Complete the following sentences using the collocations from exercise 1.
4. Complete the sentences below, using one of the verbs in the box in the right
tense. Pay attention to the collocations they form.
1. took him into custody
2. have gone into foreclosure
3. would have to make/ would make
4. has been
5. live
6. to battle
7. dismissed
8. should be charged
5. Complete the following statements with one of the words or phrases in Hir
box:
1. first offence
2. deterrent
3. famine
4. capital punishment
153
UNIT 2
2. Match the first part of each sentence in column A with its appropriah
ending in column B:
A В
1 ie
2 b
Jо g
4 c
5 f
6 a
7 h
8 d
UNIT 3
WORK-RELATED VOCABULARY
1. Match the first part of a dialogue in column A to the second part of the
dialogue in column B:
A В
6. c.
7. a.
8. e.
9. b.
10. d.
DEFINITIONS
to hand in one’s 1. to give up a job or position in a formal or official way
resignation
155
course of action 2. any sequence of activities that an individual or unit
may follow.
to lay off staff 3. to put an end to personnel’s employment at
something
to come up with an 4. to bring forth, discover, or produce something
alternative another way of doing something
to earn a better living 5. to make more money so as to ease one’s life
to stay afloat 6. to remain free or out of difficulty, especially financial
difficulty
to narrow down the 7. to focus on certain aspects, to reduce the number of
list to possibilities
4. Match the first part of a dialogue in column A to the second part of the
dialogue in column B:
A В
6. d)
7. c)
8. b)
9. e)
10. a)
5. Identify the collocations in the examples in exercise 1.
To move up the ladder
To go through all this trouble
Wet behind the ears
To get one’s feet wet
Spot on
To rise to the challenge
Heavy workload
To bite the bullet
To make the best of something
Back to normal
DEFINITIONS
Wet behind the ears 1. young and not experienced
Heavy workload 2. a lot of things to do in one’s job
To move up the 3. to get promotion after promotion
ladder
a„
156
To bite the bullet 4. to make yourself do something or accept something difficult
or unpleasant
To get one’s feet 5. to start a new activity or job
wet
To make the best of 6. to do as well as possible with something that is not too
something promising
To rise to the 7. to accept a challenge and complete the activity successfully
challenge
To go through all 8. to do everything to possible to help somebody
this trouble
Back to normal 9. returned to a previous state of normality
Spot on 10.exactly correct
7. Complete the following sentences with a verb from the box in the right tense:
1. has acquired
2. abide
3. is
4. break
5. get
6. getting
7. had
8. abide
9. set
10. came
UNIT 4
1. Complete the following statements using one of the expressions from the
box. You have two statements for each expression. Pay attention to the
verb tenses:
UNIT 5
TOURISM-RELATED VOCABULARY
1. Match the words from box A to the words from box В to form
collocations. Sometimes more than one combination is possible.
congested roads
hordes of tourists
heritage sites
hardcore conservationists
expanse of water
stretch of land
timely intervention
age-old tradition
2. Check your answers for exercise 1 and then match the collocations with
the appropriate definitions:
DEFINITIONS
congested roads 1. too full or crowded with vehicles
158
expanse of 4. a large open surface of water
water
heritage sites 5. places that reflect the traditions, achievements, beliefs, etc.,
that are part of the history of a group or nation
stretch of land 6. something that stretches over an area or distance covers or
exists in the whole of that area or distance
age-old 7. customs that have existed for many generations or
tradition centuries.
4. Match the first part of the contexts in column A to the second pari in
column B:
A В
1. e)
2. d)
3. a)
4. c)
5. b)
DEFINITIONS
the thirst for 1. an insistent desire to do something challenging
adventure
intrepid explorers 2. travelers characterized by resolute fearlessness, fortitude, and
endurance
159
to trample over 3. to stamp or walk roughly (on)
crammed 4. forced, pressed, or squeezed into an insufficient space
stranded in the 5. left in an unknown or unfavorable place especially will.....
wilderness funds or means to depart
challenge their 6. to test one's abilities, resources or limits in a demanding
own limits stimulating undertaking
6. Match the first part of the contexts in column A to the second part in
column B:
A В
1- c)
h ____
b___ £L_
4. b)
DEFINITIONS
to send out a 1. to dispatch a band of people tasked to find and rescue
search party somebody
the bare minimum 2. the smallest possible quantity or the least fulfilling, but slill
adequate for some purpose
off the beaten 3. located at a great distance in time or space or degree, awa\
track from civilization
backpacking 4. travelling and carrying food or equipment on the back
especially in hiking
cutting-edge 5. the position of greatest advancement or importance; the
forefront
new, up and 6. novel and gaining prominence and likely to advance or
coming succeed
UNIT 6
VOCABULARY RELATED TO
THE NEWS AND THE MASS-MEDIA
1. Complete the following statements with one of the words or phrases in the
box so that they complete the expressions:
1. foregone „
2. bottom
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3. press
4. slight
5. press
6. damaging
7. widespread
2. Check your answers for exercise 1. Then match the expressions with their
definitions:
the bottom line 8. the main or essential point; the final result or
statement
press release 9. written or recorded communication directed at
members of the news media for the purpose of
announcing something ostensibly newsworthy
widespread belief 10.a commonly-held opinion
a slight change in 1l.a small modification in something that was
plan established before
foregone conclusion 12.a conclusion formed in advance of argument or
consideration
damaging disclosure 13.making known something that may hurt a person’s
reputation
press coverage 14.reports about something in newspapers, and
magazines and other media
3. Match the sentences with similar meanings. Pay attention to the underlined
expressions:
1 . G
2. H
3. F
4. A
5. D
6 . C
7. I
8. J
9. E
10. В
4. Complete the following statements with one of the adjectives in the box:
1, 2 controversial
1, 2 debatable
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3. notorious
4. doubtful
5. misquoted
6. misinformed
5. Complete the following statements with one of the adjectives in the box:
1. outlook
2. prospect
3. likelihood
4. speculation
5. incentive
UNIT 7
ECONOMY-RELATED VOCABULARY
1. Complete the following sentences with the words from the box:
1. undeclared
2. grounds for
3. thriving
4. feeble
5. debt-ridden
6. commercial
7. source of
8. plummeting
9. soaring
2. Check your answers for exercise 1. Then match the words and expressions
with their definitions:
DEFINITIONS
venture 1. a new activity, project, business, etc., that typically
involves risk
debt-ridden 2. countries or organizations owe so much money they
cannot pay the money back
plummeting 3. falling or dropping suddenly in amount, value
undeclared earnings 4. money made that the state does not know about and
for which taxes have not been paid
source of income 5. the place where one gets money from
soaring 6. increasing very quickly in amount or price
thriving 7. growing and developing successfully; flourishing
grounds for 8. the reasons one may have to be displeased with a
complaints service, product, situation etc.
feeble 9. very weak
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3. Choose the best answer a, b, or c to complete the following text:
1. a.
2. c.
3. a.
4. b.
5. c.
6. b.
7. a.
8. c.
9. b.
10. b.
4. Check your answers for exercise 3. Then match the expressions with their
definitions:
DEFINITIONS
to go bankrupt 1. to be legally declared financially insolvent.
to steer 2. to guide in a certain direction
to safeguard one’s 3. to make (someone or something) safe or secure
interests
to set in motion a 4. to cause a series of things to begin happening
chain of events
to be made 5. to be deprived of one's job because it is no longer
redundant necessary for efficient operation
to come up to 6. to meet or be equal to someone's requirements
standard
to take its toll 7. to cause harm or suffering
to meet the 8. to satisfy the conditions
requirements
to cut through the 9. to get around the bureaucracy
red tape
to hinder 10. to make the progress slow or difficult
UNIT 8
HEALTH-RELATED VOCABULARY
1. Match the first part of the contexts in column A to the second part in column
B:
A В
1. b.
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2. f.
3. h.
4. c.
5. a.
6. О
7. e.
8. d.
2. The definitions for some of the expressions in exercise 1 have been provided
below. Match them to the corresponding expressions in exercise 1.
DEFINITIONS
overweight 1. too heavy or fat
side effect 2. an effect that a drug has on your body in addition to curing
pain or illness
outbreak 3. when a disease suddenly starts to happen in an area
airborne 4. carried through the air
run a fever 5. have a high body temperature
gasp for 6. to breath quickly in a way that that can be heard because you
breath are in pain or having difficulty breathing
adverse 7. a negative consequence of using certain drugs
reaction
drug- 8. a category of viruses that is not affected by known drugs
resistant
(virus)
strain
UNIT 9
MILITARY-RELATED VOCABULARY
1. Complete the following sentences with the words in the box. The form of
some words may need to be changed:
1. menace
2. bulk
3. harsh
4. drone
5. deployments
6. outposts
7. bitter
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2. Complete the following sentences with one of the verbs from the box in
the right form:
1. to restore
2. has escalated
3. to launch
4. called
5. to bring
6. has been disbanded
7. will only be lifted
8. suffered
3. Choose the best definition for the underlined expressions in the following
sentences:
1. a.
2. c.
3. b.
4. Complete the following statements with one of the words in the box:
1. rationale
2. outraged
3. mayhem
4. resilience
UNIT 10
CRIME-RELATED VOCABULARY
1. e.
2. b.
оJ>.
g-
4. a.
5. d.
6. h.
7. f.
8. c.
UNIT 11
ENVIRONMENT-RELATED VOCABULARY
2. Match the first part of the contexts in column A to the second part in
column B. Pay attention to the underlined expressions:
A В
6. c.
7. e.
8. a.
9. b.
10. d.
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carbon 4. the total amount of greenhouse gases produced to support
footprint human activities, expressed in equivalent tons of carbon dioxide
sparsely 5. with very few people living there
populated
to let 6. to allow things not to measure up to standards
standards slip
carpool 7. an arrangement whereby several people travel together in
one vehicle, share the costs and often take turns as the driver
impoverished 8. countries which are short of money
countries
4. Match the first part of the contexts in column A to the second part in
column B. Pay attention to the underlined expressions:
A В
1. e.
2. a.
3. d.
4. b.
5. c.
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7. Complete the following dialogues with one of the expressions in the box:
1. it’s wishful thinking
2. what’s at stake
3. to say the least
UNIT 12
EDUCATION AND TECHNOLOGY
1. Complete the following sentences with a verb from the box. Use the verb
in the correct tense.
1. to get
2. toyed
3. to withstand
4. will impart
5. give
6. to make
7. sparking
8. should highlight
9. will be judged
10. to broach
A В
1. g-
2. f.
3. a.
4. h.
5. b.
6. j-
7. c.
8. e.
9. i.
10. d.
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3. Match the words from column A to the words from column C to form
collocations. Sometimes more than one combination is possible. You may
need to use one of the prepositions in column B.
4. Check your answers for exercise 3 and then match the collocations with
the appropriate definitions:
1. State of the art
2. Thirst for knowledge
3. Reduction in attention span
4. Advent of technology
5. A stroke of genius
6. Computer literate
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12. This is the soundest plan, financially speaking, but I am not sure that in can be
put into practice due to ethical reasons.
13. This is our most proficient product technically speaking.
14. Considering all aspects/taking into consideration all aspects, we must make a
pretty difficult decision.
15. By and large/overall/on the whole, all employees are treated equally, although,
upon closer analysis, we realize there are some differences.
16.0verall/on the whole/basically, we have nothing to complain about: the
company makes a profit, the employees receive bonuses, some are promotes
and, generally, everything goes well.
17. Under no circumstances/on no account should we be intimidated by their
manipulation techniques.
18. This offer is available only for our most faithful clients.
19. Despite the differences between the two companies’ programs, the merger was a
success.
20. When traditional negotiation techniques failed, an innovative technique which
relies on the discovery and manipulation of the adversaries’ weak points was
successful.
21. Large scale programs are extremely difficult to control, because of numerous
details that can get out of hand. However, in the case of large companies
solutions have been found by combining micro and macro management. These
solutions could be applied for the ministries as well.
22. The representatives of private companies are subjecting to a grueling schedule.
Nevertheless, they have numerous benefits to compensate for the effort. The
situations is quite the opposite/different for the state departments.
23. The equipment does not work properly. Consequently, we cannot do our jobs
properly
24. Many scientific theories have been subsequently confirmed by those
experiments.
25. Eventually, he managed to surprise everybody by the negotiation technique he
used.
Choose the best linking word to complete the sentences. More than one answer
may be correct.
3. He worked very hard and came up with many good pitches. Everybody
appreciated what he was able to do at such a young age. But,
______________, it was his boss’s support that got him the promotion in
the end.
a) indeed
b) above all
c) whatsoever
7.__ ________________ , the company started doing better once the recession
eased.
a) Coincidentally
b) Interestingly
c) Predictably
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8. H e__________________wanted to get a promotion and so he worked
hard on his presentations, double-checked his figures, made sure all his
clients were satisfied.
a) typically
b) admittedly
c) interesligly
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M.This offer is ______________available on-line. If you do not want to
purchase it on the Internet, you will have to pay extra in the shop.
a) solely
b) exclusively
c) simply
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