EF p 85. The Conversation: Stress. Listening

 Do you think life today is more stressful than it used to be?

 

Sample answer:

I Do you think life today is more stressful than it used to be?
J I (1)____________ think it’s more stressful than it used to be, and I think a big part of that is, sort of, online culture and social media. (2)______________, everything you do is online, everyone can comment on what you’re doing. You’re, sort of, seeing yourself against – you’re pitted against everyone else in your career field, doing everything, the same things as you and, and you never, sort of, get satisfaction anymore, because you’ll do something and think you’ve done really well, and then you’ll go online, share it, look at what other people have done and then suddenly everyone else seems to be doing so much more than you.
Id I think it’s – using that phrase ‘pitted against other people’ is really interesting, because it, it sort of highlights the fact that life at the moment is more about being in competition with other people (3)_________ than achieving things for yourself. And I think you’re (4)_____________ right, it’s all about comparing yourself, this constant comparing, (5)____________ consciously or unconsciously, with other people. I (6)____________, I remember a time – I imagine you do as well – where things were slower, as well. The pace of life and the things that you did were slower so that was a different kind of stress. So, you know if you’d write a letter to achieve something you’d have to wait for that response and there was nothing you could do in between, (7)_______________ now you send an email, you’re expected to do a million things before you get a response and you’re expected to be reachable at all times, whereas before it was more about doing things because of need, rather than want, I think.
Jo Sure, sure. There’s no hiding place nowadays, that’s the problem, and you are so easily exposed to everybody around you and there’s reality shows and all sorts of things. People want to succeed so quickly, whereas many, many times, years ago, you, you (8)____________ never succeed that quickly, you would begin to build a career for yourself, or, um, meet people and, and then open yourself out to the outside world. But nowadays it’s like ‘Now. I want it now.’
Id Yeah.
Jo And it’s a need, rather than a want.
Id And I think the definition of success has changed as well.
Jo (9)_________________. 

KEY

 

 

 

1. definitely 

2. So

 

 

 

 

3. rather 

4. absolutely

 

 

 

 

 

5. whether 

6. mean

 

 

 

 

 

7. whereas  

8. would

 

 

 

 

9. Absolutely

EF p 84. Talking About Stress and Relaxation. Part 3. Listening

Not only can life at University be fun and exciting, but it may also be (1)________________.

 

Apart from feeling the stress of their studies, young people may miss the (2)_____________ they were used to getting when they were at home. 

 

When people are under the influence of stress they may find it much more challenging to (3)___________ information. 

Another source of stress is in some cases what (4)__________ students after they finish their studies i.e. (5)___________ to repay.

 

The five-minute free back (6)___________ are given in order to provide students with other stress reduction and wellness (7)____________. 

 

The stressbusters experiences help students complete the tasks at (8)____________.

 

 

 

 

KEY 

1. rewarding

 

 

 

 

 

2. support

 

 

 

 

 

3. recall 

4. awaits

 

 

 

 

5. loans 

6. rubs

 

 

 

 

7. resources 

8. hand

buster: (usually in compounds; often used in newspapers) a person or thing that stops or gets rid of something. Sp. que combate, destructor. E.g. crime-busters.

 

task at hand: the work someone is doing now. Sp. tarea en cuestión/ que nos ocupa. E.g. I need to concentrate on the task at hand. 

Script:

Part 3
I Are some age groups more susceptible to stress than others?
J Stress is a very democratic occurrence, so older people are stressed, college students are stressed, babies get stressed, 30-somethings get stressed, men are stressed, women are stressed, so, er, it’s hard to say if one group is more stressed than another.
I What makes students stressed? How does stress affect their lives or their studies, and what are the most stressful times in a typical student's life?
J College, and being a student can be really fun and exciting and rewarding. There are also a lot of stressors associated with it: there’s the studying, there’s the pressure to do well on exams so that you can get a better job and perhaps make more money. You are in a different environment that doesn’t have the same support that you used to have, especially if you were back home. Er, there is the social stress of needing to meet new people, and also for a lot of young people, especially those in their teens and twenties, we see a lot of mental, er, health issues arise and there’s a greater need to get help for, er, them while in school, but if you’re not with your usual support network, it’s even more challenging sometimes to do so. Stress makes it difficult to study, to focus, to concentrate. When you’re sitting down to take an exam and you studied really hard for the exam, and then all of a sudden you're having trouble remembering what you studied, stress can play a big role in making it more difficult for us to recall information. If you're doing a presentation, public speaking, that can be very stressful for a lot of students as well as professionals. In fact, still, public speaking is feared more than death by most people. Then there’s the financial stress of being in school, not only, er, not having a lot of money to spend on things that you want to do, fun activities, but what awaits you when you graduate, which for many, er, students is a lot of financial, er, stress and loans to repay. So being a student – great fun, and also can provide a lot of – great stress.
I You set up Stressbusters as an anti-stress programme for students. Can you tell us something about it and how it works?
J We train teams of students to provide five-minute free back rubs at events all over campus, all year long, and people on campus come to the events, and not only do they get an amazing stress-relieving back rub, but they also learn about other stress reduction and wellness resources on campus that we train our students to provide. And we have seen incredible reductions in feelings of stress, tension, anxiety, lowering of feelings of being overwhelmed, from before someone has the Stressbusters experience to after. We also find students telling us that they're better able to cope with their stressors and they're better able to complete the tasks that they have at hand after they have one of our Stressbusters experiences.

EF p 194. A Proposal. Writing. Cloze

A proposal to increase the number of students

Introduction
The King James Language School is a successful business (1)___________ attracts a reasonable number of students every year. (2)_____________, the school managers think that these numbers could be increased, (3)____________ we carried out a satisfaction survey with existing students. The (4)____________ of this proposal is to suggest a range of improvements to the classes and facilities at the school in (5)_____________ to attract new customers. 

The classes
(6)_____________ general, students rate the quality of teaching very highly. (7)______________, there are some criticisms about class size and the length of classes. (8)____________ regards class size, we suggest that there (9)____________ never be more than 12 students in a class. (10)__________ class duration, lessons officially last an hour, but in (11)____________ they are usually only 45 minutes because (12)___________ latecomers. (13)____________ a result, we propose that all students (14)___________ arrive more than five minutes late should have to wait (15)__________ the next break for admittance. 

The self-study centre
It is generally (16)____________ that the self-study centre, (17)_________ useful, has two major drawbacks. There are not enough computers, and at peak times they are always occupied. In (18)____________, the centre closes at 7 p.m., so students who come to the later classes cannot use the centre (19)____________ all. (20)_____________ address these issues, we suggest, firstly, (21)_____________ more computers, and secondly, extending the opening hours (22)___________ 9 p.m.
The cafeteria
The cafeteria was recently (23)_____________ by vending machines for drinks and snacks. (24)_______________ there’s no doubt that people often had to wait quite a long time (25)___________ be served, feedback shows that most students greatly prefer to have a cafeteria (26)___________ the premises. Our final proposal is that the cafeteria should be reopened, serving (27)___________ healthy snacks and hot meals.

Conclusion
Overall, the majority of students currently attending courses at King James are positive about the school and (28)___________ facilities. We strongly believe that (29)___________ the suggested changes were implemented, student numbers (30)___________ be increased by as (31)___________ as 10%.

 

 

 

KEY

 

 

 

 

 

1. which 

 

 

 

 

 

2. However/ Nevertheless/ Nonetheless

 

 

 

 

 

3. so 

 

 

 

4. aim/ purpose  

 

 

 

 

 

5. order 

 

 

 

 

6. In 

 

 

 

 

 

7. However/Nevertheless/ / Nonetheless 

 

 

 

 

 

8. As 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9. should 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10. Regarding 

 

 

 

 

 

 

11. practice 

 

 

 

 

 

12. of 

 

 

 

 

 

13. As 

 

 

 

 

 

 

14. who 

 

 

 

 

 

15. until 

 

 

 

 

 

 

16. thought/ believed 

 

 

 

 

 

 

17. while/ though 

 

 

 

 

 

 

18. addition 

 

 

 

 

 

 

19. at 

 

 

 

 

 

20. To 

 

 

 

 

 

21. purchasing/ buying 

 

 

 

 

 

22. to 

 

 

 

 

 

 

23. replaced 

 

 

 

 

 

 

24. While/ Although 

 

 

 

 

 

25. to 

 

 

 

 

 

26. on 

 

 

 

 

 

27. both 

 

 

 

 

 

 

28. its 

 

 

 

 

 

29. if 

 

 

 

 

 

30. could/ would 

 

 

 

 

 

31. much 

EF p 81. 10 Small Ways to Lead an Anti-Capitalist Life. Mediation. Cloze

Write an article for the school website featuring a list of practical ways to promote conscious consumption. To gather ideas, you have engaged your social media followers by asking them to share examples of everyday actions that reflect non-capitalist or anti-consumerist lifestyles. From the responses, you have selected the 10 most compelling or unique ideas to highlight in your article. Ensure the piece is informative, engaging, and encourages readers to adopt more mindful consumption habits.

This is the list you have compiled to write the article: 

10 Small Ways to Lead an Anti-capitalist Life

1 Freecycle as much as possible 

2 Leave stuff outside for your neighbours 

3 Make your own clothes 

4 Forget the gym

5 Make your own spreadable butter

6 Stop buying cleaning products 

7 Go online, then visit the library 

8 Get an allotment 

9 Don’t drive 

10 Use your TV remote 

Sample answer:

10 Easy Steps to Live a Life Against Capitalism

When I asked for ideas about non-capitalist living, I received a deluge (1)_________ responses. Many people said that even small actions gave them a (2)___________ of purpose and control.

1. Give Away Unwanted Items

(3)___________ of being lumbered (4)____________ things you (5)__________ longer need, you can pass them (6)__________ through platforms (7)__________ Freecycle or Freegle. Everything (8)__________ furniture to knick-knacks can find a new home this way.

2. Share with Your Community

In some areas, people leave unwanted books, clothes, and even food in shared spaces (9)___________ others can take them. Within hours, these items become useful (10)_________ someone (11)____________, reducing waste and encouraging generosity.

3. Create Your (12)________ Clothing

Some people prefer making their own clothes (13)_________ than buying from big shops. This (14)________, they avoid supporting child labour, toxic chemicals, and animal cruelty in the fashion industry.

4. Exercise Outdoors

For those (15)___________ used to pay for gym memberships, the experience often felt artificial, with air laced (16)___________ sweat and loud music creating a materialistic atmosphere. Now, they choose to jog in the park, avoiding mirrors and the need to pump (17)___________ your ego.

5. Make Your Own Butter Spread

A small (18)__________ useful contribution is mixing butter with oil (19)___________ make it easier to spread. This reduces waste, avoids plastic packaging, and cuts (20)________ on palm oil, (21)_________ contributes to deforestation.

6. Use Simple Cleaning Products

After a watershed moment, some people replace store-bought cleaning products (22)___________ simple mixtures of vinegar and water or bicarbonate of soda. These natural options are cheaper and better for the environment.

7. Borrow Books Instead of Buying

Instead of always buying books, many people first search online, read reviews, and (23)__________ borrow them from the library. This saves money, reduces waste, and supports local libraries.

8. Grow Your Own Food

Gardening provides fresh vegetables, improves health, and builds a sense of community. Some gardeners even share extra produce from their allotments (24)________  neighbours, making their areas more self-sufficient.

9. Reduce Car Use

Some people choose (25)___________ to own a car. They rely (26)__________ bicycles and public transport, avoiding petrol use, air pollution, and traffic problems.

10. Mute TV Adverts

A simple but clever habit is turning (27)_________ the sound during adverts to avoid consumer pressure. (28)_________ constant advertising, people can make (29)_______ thoughtful spending choices.

These small but meaningful actions challenge consumer culture and promote a more mindful way of living. (30)__________ ones would you like to try?

KEY

1. of

2. sense

3. Instead

4. with

5. no

6. on

pass something  on (to somebody) ​to give something to somebody else, especially after receiving it or using it yourself.

E.g.

 Pass the book on to me when you've finished with it. 

I passed your message on to my mother. 

Much of the discount is pocketed by retailers instead of being passed on to customers.

7. like

8. from

9. where

10. to/ for

11. else

12. Own

13. rather

14. way

15. who

16. with

17. up

18. but

19. to

20. down

21. which

22. with

23. then

24. with

25. not

26. on

27. off

28. Without

29. more

30.  Which

EF p 77. The Chocolate Meditation. Listening

It is believed that mindfulness (1)_________________ the delights of everyday living. As a matter of fact, even the most insignificant experiences can become (2)________________ again.

Firstly, before (3)___________________ the chocolate bar, choose one you are not so familiarised with. It doesn't matter if it's dark and (4)___________________, organic, or (5)________________. It could be one you consume only (6)_______________.

As you unwrap it, become aware of how the (7)_____________________ feels.

While you are (8)_____________________ the aroma, let it (9)_________________ over you.

Having broken a piece off, let your eyes (10)______________/ ______________ its appearance at the same time that you also examine every (11)______________/ _____________/ _____________.

When (12)________________ it in your mouth, observe how the tongue receives it.

Pay attention to any attempts to (13)_____________ it.

In case your mind starts (14)_____________________ imagine gently (15)_________________ it back to the present moment.

While you are (16)_____________________ it let it (17)____________________ down your throat.

What do you (18)____________/_____________ the fact that it seemed to taste better?

If we weren't on (19)_____________________, we wouldn't miss so much of our everyday lives.

Mindfulness helps us to bring (20)______________________ to the ordinary tasks of daily living.

KEY

1. (greatly) enhances

2. captivating

3. unwrapping

4. flavoursome

flavoursome: having a lot of flavour 

E.g. The sauce was particularly flavoursome.

5. fair-trade

fair-trade: involving trade that supports producers in low-income countries by paying fair prices and making sure that workers have good working conditions and fair pay.

E.g.

We buy our bananas from fair-trade sources. 

a range of fair-trade foods

6. rarely

7. wrapping

8. inhailing

9. sweep 

sweep over: to move over and cover someone or something.

E.g. 

Floodwaters swept over the small town.

10. drink in

drink something in ​to look at or listen to something with great interest and pleasure. Sp. absorber.

E.g.

We just stood there drinking in the scenery.

11. nook and cranny

every nook and cranny every part of a place; every aspect of a situation.

E.g.

The wind blew into every nook and cranny. 

We looked in every nook and cranny. Sp. buscamos hasta el último rincón

She always explored every nook and cranny of a business deal.

12. popping

13. chew

14. wandering

wander: 

(mind) to move without much control to other ideas.

E.g.

Try not to let your mind wander.

15. escorting

16. swallowing

17. trickle

trickle: to flow slowly in a thin stream.

E.g.

Tears were trickling down her cheeks.

18. make of

make of something: If you ask a person what they make of something, you want to know what their impression, opinion, or understanding of it is.

19. autopilot

autopilot: /ˈɔːtəʊpaɪlət/ (also automatic pilot /ˌɔːtəmætɪk ˈpaɪlət/)

be on autopilot/automatic pilot ​to do something without thinking because you have done the same thing many times before.

E.g.

I got up and dressed on autopilot.

20. awareness