angol beszédgyak 1

The College of Nyregyhza

Institute of Linguistics and Literary Studies

Seminar

ANB1009/1009L

Semester 1

Dr. Granville Pillar

Developing Oral Communication Skills

Developing Oral Communication Skills ANB1009 and ANB1009L Dr Granville Pillar

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Course Outline

Course Aims This seminar course focuses on learning English for academic, professional and social purposes,

and aims:

to refresh and enhance your communicative competence in spoken and written English;

to practise and extend your knowledge, use and range of English vocabulary and grammar in

the contexts of academic, professional and social life;

to build your confidence in speaking English, so that you will be more ready to dialogue with

other speakers of English;

to equip you to be able to discuss relevant social issues in English;

to prepare you for the Oral Filter Examination at the end of Semester 2;

to promote an interest in the life and culture of English-speaking countries.

Methodology The methodology is grounded on a theme-based approach and relies on the use of audio and visual media to enhance clarity, stimulate interest and instil motivation in learning. These media (CD, DVD, YouTube and computergenerated images) provide the opportunity for projecting the modelling of native-speaker language, grammatical patterns and vocabulary.

The course will concentrate on spoken language, which, by its nature is flexible and dynamic, and lends itself to discussion, negotiating, questioning and clarifying. Spoken language cannot be taught and learned in isolation from the other skills of writing, reading, listening, so most lessons will integrate all four skills. Training in pronunciation and non-verbal language will also form an integral part of the course. Discussions on news and current affairs are presented to inform and stimulate discussion on up-to-date topics and to learn and use English idioms. Songs are an integral part of the methodology and are used to help build vocabulary, improve pronunciation and promote cultural awareness.

Course Structure The course comprises 2 x 45 minute contact hours per week over 5 weeks.

Course Schedule The 2 semesters have been scheduled to cover all 11 Oral Filter Examination Topics. The first semester is organised as follows:

ANB1009 ANB1009L Week Week Topic Description 1-2 1 1 Family 3-4 1 2 Education 5-6 2 3 Jobs 7 2 4 Travelling and Holidays 8 3 5 Entertainment and Social Life 9 3 6 Sports 10-11 4 7 Health and Eating 12-14 5 Oral Presentations


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Semester 1 Topic 1: Family 1.1 Family Roles 1.2 Divorce

1.3 Youth Problems 1.4 Homelessness

Topic 2: Education 2.1 School Types 2.2 Language Learning 2.3 Education in English-speaking Countries 2.4 Rights of Students

Topic 3: Jobs 3.1 Working in the European Union 3.2 Job Satisfaction 3.3 Priorities in Life 3.4 Unemployment

Topic 4: Travelling and Holidays 4.1 Travelling by Car, Train, Ship, Plane 4.2 Accommodation 4.3 Crossing Borders, Travelling Abroad 4.4 Organising a Holiday

Topic 5: Entertainment and Social Life 5.1 Types of Entertainment 5.2 Computers 5.3 Media 5.4 Mobile Phones

Topic 6: Sports 6.1 Traditional Sports 6.2 Olympics 6.3 Extreme Sports 6.4 Doping

Topic 7: Health and Eating 7.1 Diseases 7.2 Addictions 7.3 Smoking, Drugs, Alcohol 7.4 Healthy Diet, Keeping Fit

Semester 2 Topic 8: The Environment 8.1 Environment Protection 8.2 Types of Pollution 8.3 Energy Resources 8.4 Recycling

Topic 9: Politics 9.1 Hungary 9.2 Political System 9.3 Economy 9.4 Immigration

Topic 10: Moral Issues 10.1 Hunger 10.2 Abortion 10.3 Euthanasia 10.4 Racism

Topic 11: The Consumer Society 11.1 Globalisation 11.2 Shopping 11.3 Advertisements 11.4 Consumerism


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Assessment Your assessment will incorporate classroom participation (20%), and an oral presentation (80%). For the classroom participation component, you will be required to be actively involved in the class and contribute to discussion and debate. The oral presentation components are described below.

Oral Presentations You will be required to participate in a debate on the social issues (see pages 3-4) pertaining to set topics (see p.2). This requires you to prepare and deliver a presentation supporting your point of view on your chosen topic. The list of social issues for semester 1 is as follows:

1. Family 1.1 More women should be in leadership positions in the workforce? 1.2 Marriage is no longer regarded as important. 1.3 The high unemployment rate in Hungary is causing hopelessness among young people. 1.4 There are more and more homeless people dying on the streets, especially at winter time.

2. Education 2.1 The subjects being taught in schools are not relevant to the requirements of employers? 2.2 The decrease in the number of births among Hungarian families is causing a decrease in

the demand for teachers, which means a reduction in teacher training courses. 2.3 The education system in Hungary needs to be aligned with other EU countries. 2.4 Even though students have basic rights, the power of the teacher is still very prevalent in

the Hungarian education system, and teachers exploit this to their advantage.

3. Jobs 3.1 There is a growing concern in EU countries regarding the exploitation of workers and

getting them to work illegally. 3.2 Workers in Hungary are working for much less that they should, so that they can keep their

jobs. 3.3 In Hungary there is a marked increase in the incidence of alcoholism and depression,

especially among men, because of unrealised life goals and expectations. 3.4 The high unemployment rate and lack of prospects is breeding a sense of hopelessness for

the future among the young people in Hungary today.


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4. Travelling and Holidays 4.1 The amount of ground and air traffic is causing major environment problems. 4.2 Hospitality employees are paid very little and have to work very long hours. 4.3 The main Budapest airport has reduced staff to save money, so there are not enough

customs officials to control and detect the entry of illegal passengers.

5. Entertainment and Social Life 5.1 TV has become the most influential media in our society and has become the most

problematic in regard to the promotion of addiction to pornography. 5.2 Computers have become a necessary part of life, but they have become an addiction for

many who have forgotten what it is like to live in the real world and to have real personal contact.

5.3 There is a growing opinion that there needs to be more censorship of the mass media. 5.4 Mobiles in public places, such as in the theatre, the classroom, the restaurant, are a

menace, because they disturb others with their ring tones, and people speak loudly on their phones so that everyone can hear their conversations.

6. Sports 6.1 Sport is not an integral part of the school curriculum in Hungary. This situation

needs to change if Hungary is to become a healthy nation and if it is produce more world class sports people.

6.2 Hungarys medal tally of 17 (9th position) in the 2012 games was a big improvement

on that of the 2008 games (10). This perhaps is an indication that the priority given to sport in schools is on the increase.

6.3 Too many young people are being injured or killed while doing extreme sports, so there needs to be some sort of tighter regulation of their limits of safety.

6.4 There is a growing concern among the sporting world in Hungary about the number of young athletes who are taking drugs to enhance their performance.

7. Health and Eating 7.1 It has been proven that people who use solariums have double the risk of getting

skin cancer before the age of 40. As such, solariums should be banned. 7.2/3 The depressed economic and social environments in Hungary have caused a lack of

hope for many Hungarians who resort to addictions to escape reality.


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7.3 As a result of the unhealthy lifestyle and eating and cooking habits of the Hungarians, the Hungarian health system is struggling to cope with the related costs due to these problems.

The Oral Filter Examination Topics and associated social issues will be covered generally in the course and vocabulary and ideas pertaining to them will be discussed in class. However, you will need to research the topic outside class time to prepare your argument. You will be required to speak on your topic for at least ten minutes, without the aid of the full script. Only short notes in point form will be permitted during your presentation. You are encouraged to be as creative as possible in your presentation, so make use of the technology which will be made available (i.e. laptop, internet access, CD/CVD player).

Assessment Criteria The following list outlines the criteria on which you will be assessed:

Knowledge of Topic

Vocabulary

Accuracy

Fluency

Pronunciation

Non-verbal Communication

Confidence

Argument

Creativity

Readings There are no set readings, as all the course material is contained in the course manual and handouts.


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Topic 1:

Family


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1.1 Family Roles: Q-AND-A

Focus Question: How have family roles changed in the past decades?

Sketch answers:

Family patterns a century ago

Only the father was the breadwinner.

There were usually many more children.

The mothers were housewives and did not work.

There were three or four generations living under the same roof.

There were less divorces divorce was shunned in society.

Family patterns now

Normally both parents work.

Divorce is more common.

Usually only one or two generations living under the same roof.

There are fewer children.

Housework is shared by the parents and, in some cases, the children.

Questions

Which type of family do you prefer? Why?

Who is the breadwinner in your family?

How does Hungary encourage families to have more children?

Is the mothers place only in the home?

Can a working mother fulfil the duty of a wife, mother and a career woman?

Vocabulary:

breadwinner

household chores

closely-knit community

independent

to make ends meet

to be in charge of...something

household devices

obsolete

unimaginable

encourage

career woman

blue-collar worker

Social Issue to consider: More women should be in leadership positions in the

workforce?


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1.2 Divorce: Q-AND-A

Focus Question: What is the reason for the high number of divorces nowadays?

Sketch answers:

There is a distinct lack of communication between husband and wife.

There is a lack of companionship within the marriage bond.

There is a tendency towards Infidelity (adultery) because of the lack of

morals.

There is a feeling of false hopes between married couples.

Financial problems cause a lot of stress within the marriage relationship.

Unemployment plays a considerable role in marriage breakdown.

We live in a use-by society if it is not working, then throw it away.

Not being able to have children can cause marriage breakup.

Children can cause problems and lead to a breakdown of relationships.

Some people are not able to carry out the responsibilities of marriage.

Questions

Are divorced parents judged fairly in Hungary?

What problems can arise after divorce?

What do you think a child experiences when the parents get divorced?

Do you think a prenuptial agreement should be signed between a couple intending to

marry?

Is living together (cohabitating) before marriage important?

What are the pros and cons of getting married at an early age?

Vocabulary

communication

relationship

companionship

tendency

false hopes

infidelity

prenuptial agreement

marriage dissolution

co-habit

counsellor

infertility

marriage breakdown

Social Issue to consider: Marriage is no longer regarded as important.


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1.3 Youth Problems: Q-AND-A

Focus Question. What are some of the problems young people experience in Hungary?

Sketch answers:

Young people do not have a good relationship with their parents

Some parents are too strict some parents are not strict enough.

They lack parental guidance

They have little interest in school and learning.

They have no perspective on being punctual, tidy and responsible.

They are overburdened at school.

They have no money and are not able to get part-time work.

They do not see a hope for the future regarding employment and security.

They are involved in alcohol and drug abuse and hang around with the wrong

people.

They have too much time on their hands (idle) and get into trouble.

They watch too much television and are too influenced by the media.

They have little respect for their elders and the rule of law.

Questions

Are parents too strict/lenient with their children?

Is the education system good enough in Hungary?

What changes would you like to see in the school system?

Does the community offer enough facilities to cater for young people?

Do you think that young people today have too much freedom in making choices?

Is it too easy for young people to purchase alcohol?

Do you think that drug abuse is a growing problem among teenagers in Hungary?

http://www.hrea.org/erc/Library/Critical_Choices/youth_at_risk.html

Vocabulary

strict

lenient

parental guidance

respect

rule of law

influenced

idle

behaviour

punctual

perspective

overburdened

Social issue to consider: The high unemployment rate in Hungary is causing

hopelessness among young people.


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1.4 Homelessness: Q-AND-A

Q. What are the major reasons for the increasing number of homeless people in

Hungary?

Sketch answers:

There is a high unemployment rate and no job prospects.

Some are too old to hold down a normal job.

Some have become bankrupt and cannot pay off their debts.

Family breakup and high rate of divorce.

There is a need by some to opt out of mainstream society.

Alcohol and drug abuse.

Young people being abused at home feel safer on the streets.

There are more and more people not wanting the responsibilities of life.

There is a lack of housing available.

There is an expanding city population.

No hope of earning money to pay rent.

There are fewer charity organisations to fall back on.

The government are not addressing the fundamental issues which cause

homelessness.

Questions

Do you have sympathy for homeless people?

What is the general attitude toward homeless people?

Are the local and national governments doing enough to address the homeless problem?

Why is the homeless rate higher in the cities that in the small towns and villages?

Why is there a low percentage of homeless people from the Roma communities?

What is your experience with a homeless person?

What measure would you introduce to try and reduce the number of homeless people?

Vocabulary

job prospects

family breakup

become bankrupt

to opt out

to address a problem

to hold down a job

mainstream society

sympathy

homeless rate

to be abused

Social issue to consider: There are more and more homeless people dying on the

streets, especially at winter time.


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Family Man by Andrew Peterson

http://www.firecold.com/videos/family-man-by-andrew-peterson-and-trevor-little

I am a family man

I traded in my mustang for a minivan This is not what I was headed for when I began

This was not my plan I am a family man

But everything I had to lose

Came back a thousand times in you And you fill me up with love

Fill me up with love And you help me stand

'cause I am a family man

And life is good That's something I always knew

But I just never understood If you'd asked me then you know I'd say I never would

Settle down in a neighbourhood I never thought I could

But I don't remember anymore

Who I even was before You filled me up with love

Filled me up with love And you help me stand

So come on with the thunder clouds

Let the cold wind rail against us, let the rain come down We can build a roof above us with the love we've found

We can stand our ground So let the rain come down

Because love binds up what breaks in two

So keep my heart so close to you And I'll fill you up with love

Fill you up with love And I'll help you stand

'Cause I am a family man

I'm saving my vacation time For Disneyland

This is not what I was headed for when I began This was not my plan

It's so much better than


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Family Portrait by Pink

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hvpQsPKEwbw

Momma please stop cryin, I can't stand the sound

Your pain is painful and its tearin' me down

I hear glasses breakin as I sit up in my bed

I told dad you didn't mean those nasty things you said

You fight about money, bout me and my brother

And this I come home to, this is my shelter

It ain't easy growin up in World War III

Never knowin what love could be, you'll see

I don't want love to destroy me like it has done my family

Can we work it out? Can we be a family?

I promise I'll be better, Mommy I'll do anything


I promise I'll be better, Daddy please don't leave

Daddy please stop yellin, I can't stand the sound

Make mama stop cryin, cuz I need you around

My mama she loves you, no matter what she says its true

I know that she hurts you, but remember I love you, too

I ran away today, ran from the noise, ran away

Don't wanna go back to that place,

but don't have no choice, no way

It ain't easy growin up in World War III

Never knowin what love could be, well I've seen

I don't want love to destroy me like it did my family


I promise I'll be better, Mommy I'll do anything


I promise I'll be better, Daddy please don't leave

In our family portrait, we look pretty happy

Let's play pretend, let's act like it comes naturally

I don't wanna have to split the holidays

I don't want two addresses


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I don't want a step-brother anyways

And I don't want my mom to have to change her last name

In our family portrait we look pretty happy

We look pretty normal, let's go back to that


Let's play pretend, act like it goes naturally


(Can we work it out? Can we be a family?)


(I promise I'll be better, Mommy I'll do anything)



Let's play pretend act and like it comes so naturally

(I promise I'll be better, Daddy please don't leave)




(I promise I'll be better, Daddy please don't leave)

Daddy don't leave

Daddy don't leave

Daddy don't leave

Turn around please

Remember that the night you left

You took my shining star?

Daddy don't leave

Daddy don't leave

Daddy don't leave

Don't leave us here alone

Mom will be nicer

I'll be so much better, I'll tell my brother

Oh, I won't spill the milk at dinner

I'll be so much better, I'll do everything right

I'll be your little girl forever

I'll go to sleep at night


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The Streets of London by Ralph McTell

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DiWomXklfv8

Have you seen the old man In the closed-down market Kicking up the paper, with his worn out shoes? In his eyes you see no pride Hand held loosely at his side Yesterday's paper telling yesterday's news Chorus So how can you tell me you're lonely, And say for you that the sun don't shine? Let me take you by the hand and lead you through the streets of London I'll show you something to make you change your mind Have you seen the old girl Who walks the streets of London Dirt in her hair and her clothes in rags? She's no time for talking, She just keeps right on walking Carrying her home in two carrier bags. Chorus In the all night cafe At a quarter past eleven, Same old man is sitting there on his own Looking at the world Over the rim of his tea-cup, Each tea last an hour Then he wanders home alone Chorus And have you seen the old man Outside the seaman's mission Memory fading with The medal ribbons that he wears. In our winter city, The rain cries a little pity For one more forgotten hero And a world that doesn't care Chorus


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Videos

Heart Touching Video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vDVawKB1FwY

Hungary Outlaws Homelessness http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sLTZQtxgFf8

Free2Choose create Hungary Homelessness (English) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qNr8eK3O32M

Song: Family Man by Andrew Petersen http://www.firecold.com/videos/family-man-by-andrew-peterson-and-trevor-little

Song: Family Portrait by Pink http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hvpQsPKEwbw

Song: The Streets of London by Ralph McTell http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DiWomXklfv8


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Topic 2

Education


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2.1 School Types: Q-AND-A

Focus Question: What are the different school types in Hungary?

Sketch answers:

Compulsory education begins at the age of 6 when children start elementary

school.

Children attend the kindergarten or nursery school between 3 and 6 years.

In the first 4 years of elementary school, students acquire the basic

knowledge.

There are three school types in secondary education: vocational schools,

secondary technical schools and secondary grammar schools.

There are three types of grammar schools: 8 years, 6 years or 4 years of

study.

There are bilingual schools where most of the subjects are taught in the

target language.

After secondary school, most students continue their studies in colleges or

universities.

Questions

Do you think that children should start elementary earlier/later than 6 years old?

What do you think about the amount of learning the children have to do in elementary

school?

What are some of the recent changes in the education system?

What is the traditional Prussian type of education like?

What do you think about bilingual education, and how appropriate is it for the Hungarian

context?

What is more important? Preparing them for life or cramming their heads with facts?

Vocabulary:

compulsory

kindergarten

community

to acquire

Prussian

bilingual school

target language

cramming

Social Issue to consider: The subjects being taught in Hungarian schools are not relevant

to the requirements of employers?


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2.2 Language Learning: Q-AND-A

Focus Question: Why is it so important for foreign languages to be taught in schools?

Sketch answers:

Language learning is important to be able to communicate with people of the

target language.

Language learning should be a priority in the school curriculum.

Learning languages is difficult and many students dont persevere with them.

Hungarian students in general do not see the importance of learning a

foreign language.

In foreign language learning, the most important language skill is speaking.

Modern approaches and techniques need to be introduced to make language

learning more interesting and effective.

Questions

At what age should children start to learn a language? Why?

Which foreign languages should be taught in Hungarian schools? Why?

How important are computers and multimedia in learning a language?

What kind of discipline problems do teachers have to face in the schools?

What do you think about the use of music in learning a language?

What do you think about the use of drama in learning a language?

Are the language teaching methods used today in Hungary too antiquated?

How important is it to be taught a foreign language by a native-speaking teacher?

Vocabulary

target language

priority

curriculum

discipline

to get bored

multimedia

approaches

techniques

antiquated

native speaker

Social Issue to consider: The decrease in the number of births among Hungarian families

is causing a decrease in the demand for teachers, which means a

reduction in teacher training courses.


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2.3 Education in English-speaking Countries: Q-AND-A

Focus Question. What are some of the differences in education between Hungary and

English-speaking countries?

Sketch answers:

In England, children begin primary school at the age of 5

They attend pre-school before primary school

There are many private schools in England, which are quite expensive to

attend.

There is a National Curriculum, with the core subjects of English, Maths and

Science.

The children take achievement tests at the ages of 7, 11 and 14.

At 16 students they take exams for the General Certificate of Secondary

Education (GCSE)

There are more discipline problems in the schools in England.

In USA the schools are maintained and funded by the local governments.

There are many different school types.

Students attend a college (2 years) then a university (4 years).

Questions

Is the education system good enough in Hungary?

How does the English education system differ from the Hungarian system?

How does the American system differ from it?

What English-speaking TV channels are available in Hungary?

What changes would you like to see in the Hungarian school system?

What is the relationship between the EU and the Bologna process?

What do you know of the Erasmus exchange programme for students in the EU?

Vocabulary

national curriculum

core subject

achievement test

relationship

to maintain

to fund

differ

aligned

Erasmus

Social issue to consider: The education system in Hungary needs to be aligned with other

EU countries.


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2.4 Rights of Students: Q-AND-A

Q. What are the rights of students in Hungary? Sketch answers

Students are not informed about their basic rights.

They do not know how to go about making a complaint.

Most students think that they are at the mercy of the system and have no recourse.

Students are scared to make a complaint for fear of retribution.

Students have the right to question the marks of an assignment, exam or test.

Students with disabilities are treated appropriately and are given the proper help.

Sexual harassment is very much a part of college/university culture.

Some students are discriminated against because of their ethnic/cultural background.

Questions In Hungarian culture, is it unusual for a student to insist on his/her rights? Have you ever had to make an official complaint about your rights as a student? Do you know the procedure to follow? Do you fear by making a complaint against a teacher you will be marked down in your test or exam? What do you know about the rights of students in other countries? Do you find evidence of sexual/ethnic/cultural/religious discrimination on this campus? Do you think that this college provides the basic needs of the students? What do you know about the rights of teachers? Vocabulary basic rights at the mercy of... recourse retribution marked down ethnic/cultural background appropriately discriminated against to insist on context prevalent to exploit Social issue to consider: Even though students have basic rights, the power of the

teacher is still very prevalent in the Hungarian education system, and teachers exploit this to their advantage.


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Teach Your Children

by Crosby, Stills and Nash

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ztVaqZajq-I

You who are on the road

Must have a code that you can live by

And so become yourself

Because the past is just a good bye.

Teach your children well,

Their father's hell did slowly go by,

And feed them on your dreams

The one they picked, the one you'll know by.

Don't you ever ask them why, if they told you, you would cry,

So just look at them and sigh and know they love you.

And you, of tender years,

Can't know the fears that your elders grew by,

And so please help them with your youth,

They seek the truth before they can die.

Counter Melody To Above Verse:

Can you hear and do you care and

Cant you see we must be free to

Teach your children what you believe in.

Make a world that we can live in.

Teach your parents well,

Their children's hell will slowly go by,

And feed them on your dreams

The one they picked, the one you'll know by.

Don't you ever ask them why, if they told you, you would cry,

So just look at them and sigh and know they love you.


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Topic 3:

Jobs


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3.1 Working in the European Union (EU): Q-AND-A

Focus Question: What job opportunities do Hungarians have in the EU?

Sketch answers:

There are some EU countries (e.g. UK) with open access to jobs for

Hungarians.

There are quite a few EU countries which have restricted access to

employment and which require Hungarians to have a work permit.

Overall, the number of available jobs in EU countries has decreased

substantially because of the economic downturn.

Being able to speak the language of the host country is a must for Hungarians

wishing to work in other EU countries.

There are jobs in various sectors of the work force in EU countries, especially

in the hospitality, medical, construction, cleaning and au pair sectors.

There are a limited number of jobs in the tourism, retail and education.

Questions:

Are Hungarians allowed to take up a job anywhere in the EU?

Why do Hungarians want to work in other countries?

What kind of education will give the best opportunities for getting a job in an EU country?

Why do employers in EU countries exploit workers from the poorer EU countries?

Is there any particular job you would like in an EU country?

Do you know of the availability of jobs in EU countries?

What are the unemployment rates in the various EU countries?

Do you want to leave Hungary to work in another country? Why? Why not?

Vocabulary:

open access

restricted access

work permit

economic downturn

hospitality

to take up a job

exploit

availability

employment rates

Social Issue to consider: There is a growing concern in EU countries regarding the

exploitation of workers and getting them to work illegally.


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3.2 Job Satisfaction: Q-AND-A

Focus Question: What aspects of employment do you think are important when you look

for a job?

Sketch answers:

Working in a profession which develops my skills and interests is the most

important thing for me.

So long as the job pays well, I am not too choosy about the work I do.

It is important that my workplace is reasonably near where I live.

Access to public transport is very important for me when looking for a job.

It is important that the company I work for is a multinational company, so

that I have better opportunities to travel overseas.

I would much prefer to work in my home town rather than have to go to

Budapest or another large city.

I would look for good conditions of employment and a fair salary, rather than

a high salary and bad conditions.

It is important that the term and conditions of my employment are stipulated

so that I have some sort of job security and I know up front what is expected

of me and of my employer.

Questions:

What job opportunities do fresh Hungarian graduates have after leaving college or

university?

What are the pros and cons of having a lot of multinational companies in Hungary?

What do you think about the problem of the exploitation of young employees by

companies who do not keep to the conditions of employment?

What do you know about illegal work in Hungary?

How important is it to pay tax on all of the work you do?

What do you think of the tax system in Hungary?

Vocabulary:

choosy

reasonably

access

conditions of employment

fair salary

to stipulate

to know up front

Social Issue to consider: Workers in Hungary are working for much less that they should,

so that they can keep their jobs.


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3.3 Priorities in Life: Q-AND-A

Focus Question: What do you place as priorities in your life?

Sketch answers:

I think that my relationship with family/friends is the most important aspect

of my life.

A job with security is a top priority for me.

My number one priority is to have a good job so that I can provide for my

family.

One of the goals in my life is to settle down and have children with the

woman/man of my dreams.

A good education which will get me the best job is one of my main priorities

in life.

Contentment in making do with what I have is my main priority in life.

Finding a wife/husband to love and who will love me is my deepest desire in

life.

Money and job security are my main priorities in life.

My relationship with God is my number one priority in life.

Questions:

What must you do at this time in order to ensure that you realise your future goals in life?

Should you go back to study to ensure that you have a secure future?

How important is money in your life?

Are a bigger home/more money/a better job more important than being content with

what you now have?

How important is your relationships with friends and family in realising your future goals?

If you had to choose between a safe job in Hungary or the chance of earning more money

overseas in a job which may not be secure, which would you choose?

Vocabulary:

priority

job security

to settle down

contentment

desire

relationship

to realise

to be content

to earn

Social issue to consider: In Hungary there is a marked increase in the incidence of

alcoholism and depression, especially among men, because of

unrealised life goals and expectations.


27

3.4 Unemployment: Q-AND-A

Focus Question: Is the high unemployment rate the most pressing problem in Hungary today?

Sketch answers:

High unemployment is by far the biggest problem in Hungary today.

Many of the social problems we have are the cause of high unemployment.

The high unemployment rate is because of the global financial crisis.

It is because of bad decisions made by the government that we have high

unemployment.

Hungary is overburdened with high social benefits and not enough tax

revenue.

The solution to the unemployment problem is to promote investment from

foreign companies.

People are not saving enough to ensure that they have security when times

are tough.

There is high unemployment among young people because older people will

not retire to make way for the younger generation in the work force.

The requirement of more technological and language skills make it difficult

for older people to keep their jobs.

Questions:

Do you know the extent of the unemployment rate in Hungary?

What country has the highest unemployment rate in the EU? (see EU statistics)

What do you think are the reasons for the relatively high unemployment rate in Hungary?

What parts of Hungary are stricken with the highest unemployment?

What are the best paid jobs in Hungary today?

What sort of feeling and emotions do you think are experienced by the unemployed?

In what ways do you think that we could reduce our unemployment rate?

Besides unemployment, what are some of the other problems Hungary is facing today?

Vocabulary:

pressing problem

global financial crisis

to overburden

tax revenue

to promote

technological skills

to be stricken

to breed

Social issue to consider: The high unemployment rate and lack of prospects is breeding a

sense of hopelessness for the future among the young people in

Hungary today.


28

Unemployment Rate in the EU http://epp.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/statistics_explained/index.php?title=File:Unemployment_rate,_2001-2012_(%25).png&filetimestamp=20130627102805


29

You Raise Me Up

by Josh Groban

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W_l_A6-7td0

He gives strength to the weary

and increases the power of the weak.

Even youths grow tired and weary,

and young men stumble and fall;

but those who hope in the LORD

will renew their strength.

They will soar on wings like eagles;

they will run and not grow weary,

they will walk and not be faint.

(Isaiah 40:29-31)

When I am down and, oh my soul, so weary;

When troubles come and my heart burdened be;

Then, I am still and wait here in the silence,

Until you come and sit awhile with me.

You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;

You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;

I am strong, when I am on your shoulders;

You raise me up... To more than I can be.















30

Topic 4:

Travelling & Holidays


31

4.1 Travelling by Coach, Car, Train, Ship, Plane: Q-AND-A

Focus Question: How do you like to travel when you go on holiday?

Sketch answers:

I prefer to travel by train.

The train is always reliable and it is mostly punctual.

Some trains are very dirty and smelly.

I always try to travel on the Intercity trains.

The Intercity trains are faster, more comfortable and are not smelly.

I never travel by ship because I get sea sick.

Ship travel is very expensive and is very slow.

My preferred mode of travel is the aeroplane, because it is fast and reliable.

Travelling by air is relatively cheap compared with 10 years ago.

I do not like to travel long distances by car.

Car travel is very tiring, and much slower than plane travel.

Travelling long distances by coach is exhausting and uncomfortable.

Coach travel can be dangerous.

Questions:

When is the last time you travelled abroad?

How did you travel?

What problems did you encounter in booking your trip and/or during your trip?

What do you think about the safety of air travel?

What are the advantages and disadvantages of flying?

Which do you think is the safest mode of travel?

Vocabulary:

reliable

punctual

smelly

preferred mode

relatively cheap

tiring

exhausting

to encounter a problem

safest mode Social Issue to consider: The amount of ground and air traffic is causing major

environment problems.


32

4.2 Accommodation: Q-AND-A

Focus Question: When you go on holiday, what kind of accommodation do you prefer?

Sketch answers:

I like staying in hotels or resorts.

I do like to stay in hotels that are in walking distance of the city centre.

I prefer to stay outside the city centre because it is cheaper and quieter.

When I stay in hotels, I insist on a room with a view.

I prefer a room with en-suite, rather than having to share a bathroom.

I like to camp with a caravan.

I like the outdoors so I prefer to go on camping holidays with my tent.

Camping is much healthier and cheaper than staying in a hotel.

Sometimes I like to stay in a holiday farm where I can experience the country

life.

A Bed and Breakfast (B & B) is the best for me, because it is cheaper.

I like to travel a lot see as much as possible, so short stays in a B & B is my

preference.

Questions:

What hotels have you stayed in Hungary and abroad?

Do you think that Hungarian hotels offer the same standard as hotels abroad?

Why do some people prefer to rough it by camping, instead of staying in the comfort of a

hotel?

Have you every camped with a tent?

What advantages does camping have over staying in a hotel?

Do you feel safe from crime when you go on holiday?

Vocabulary:

prefer

resort

en-suite

caravan

outdoors

to experience

camping holiday

country life

Bread and Breakfast

preference

hospitality

Social Issue to consider: Hospitality employees are paid very little and have to work very

long hours.


33

4.3/4.4 Travelling Abroad Organising a Holiday Q-AND-A

Focus Question: How do you prepare for your holiday?

Sketch answers:

I have to save very hard to have enough money for my holiday.

I find out as much as I can about the different countries and special offers.

I have to make up my mind about where to go.

I have to plan to take leave from my workplace.

It is important to have the correct documentation.

I apply for a visa and make sure my passport is valid.

I then decide which route I will take and how I will travel.

I book the travel tickets and make reservations for accommodation.

It is important to take out travel insurance and exchange money for the

foreign currency.

When crossing borders, I ensure that I have the right travel documents

Questions:

How long does it normally take you to organise your holiday?

What do think about people going to the same place for a holiday every year?

Do you prefer to go to a travel agent to do all your bookings, or do you prefer doing it

through internet.

What countries are your favourite destinations?

If you could afford to do it, which exotic country would you visit for a holiday.

In which countries do you think most Hungarians like to holiday?

What is your worst fear when you are about to cross the border into a foreign country?

Have you experienced corrupt customs officials when crossing a border?

Have you ever been refused entry into a foreign country? Why?

Vocabulary:

special offers

to make up my mind

take leave

valid

exotic

to make reservations

to take out travel insurance

to detect

Social issue to consider: The main Budapest airport has reduced staff to save money, so

there are not enough customs officials to control and detect the

entry of illegal passengers.


34

Leaving on a Jet Plane by John Denver

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f4hsC0nRvZM

All my bags are packed I'm ready to go I'm standin' here outside your door

I hate to wake you up to say goodbye But the dawn is breakin' it's early morn The taxi's waitin' he's blowin' his horn

Already I'm so lonesome I could die

So kiss me and smile for me Tell me that you'll wait for me

Hold me like you'll never let me go Cause I'm leavin' on a jet plane

Don't know when I'll be back again Oh baby, I hate to go

There's so many times I've let you down

So many times I've played around I tell you now, they don't mean a thing

Every place I go, I'll think of you Every song I sing, I'll sing for you

When I come back, I'll bring your wedding ring

So kiss me and smile for me Tell me that you'll wait for me

Hold me like you'll never let me go Cause I'm leavin' on a jet plane

Don't know when I'll be back again Oh babe, I hate to go

Now the time has come to leave you

One more time let me kiss you Close your eyes I'll be on my way Dream about the days to come

When I won't have to leave alone About the times, I won't have to say

So kiss me and smile for me

Tell me that you'll wait for me Hold me like you'll never let me go

Cause I'm leavin' on a jet plane Don't know when I'll be back again

Oh baby, I hate to go

Cause I'm leavin' on a jet plane Don't know when I'll be back again

Oh baby, I hate to go


35

Topic 5:

Entertainment and

Social Life


36

5.1 Types of Entertainment: Q-AND-A

Focus Question: What types of entertainment are available in Hungary?

Sketch answers:

Theatre plays a big part in Hungarian culture.

Hungary is world renowned for its rich classical music excellence.

Hungary has a very vibrant pop music scene.

There are many clubs offering a wide variety of entertainment for young

people.

Hungary has retained its national folk music and dance traditions.

Hungarian radio and TV are popular means of entertainment.

Computers have become a massive influence on life in Hungary.

Mobile phones are a necessary part of our lives.

Both Hungarian and English movies are a very popular form of

entertainment.

Questions:

Which types of entertainment do you enjoy? Why

Do you know of any famous musicians, composers, choirs in Hungary?

Who do you think is the most famous Hungarian composer?

For what music is he/she known best?

What do you think of the standard of entertainment in the local clubs?

Is there enough variety in the available types of entertainment in your city/town/village?

Do you know any famous Hungarian folk musician/dancer/choir?

Do you think that TV has changed the way we live? Why?

Has TV a good or bad influence on society?

How much do you depend on your computer?

Could you live without your mobile phone?

Vocabulary:

world renowned

vibrant

variety

retained

influence

problematic Social Issue to consider: TV has become the most influential media in our society and has

become the most problematic in regard to the promotion of, and addiction to pornography.


37

5.2 Computers: Q-AND-A

Focus Question: What are the advantages and disadvantages of computers?

Sketch answers:

Computers have made a very positive influence in our lives.

Our lives and societies have become more efficient because of computers.

Computers had changed the way we think about life.

The scientific advances of today have only been made possible by the

computer.

Computers have made an inestimable change to how we learn.

The internet has opened up the whole world to each individual who owns a

computer.

Life without a computer is unthinkable.

Computers have caused a big problem in the lives of many young people.

Children spend many hours playing violent games on the computer.

Young people have ready access to pornography via the computer.

Because of computers, young people live in an unreal world through social

networks.

Tablets are quickly becoming more popular than the laptop.

Questions:

Do you have or have access to a computer?

What do you use the computer for?

What are the advantages/disadvantages of a laptop computer?

How much do you use/depend on a computer?

What are some of the dangers of using a computer?

What kind of websites do you visit?

Do you think there should be filters on the internet?

Do you think that social networks are a good way of communicating? Why? Why not?

What are the advantages and disadvantages of shopping on the internet?

What do you think of Skype?

Vocabulary:

scientific advances

inestimable

unthinkable

ready access

pornography

Social Issue to consider: Computers have become a necessary part of life, but they have

become a an addiction for many who have forgotten what it is

like to live in the real world and to have real personal contact.


38

5.3 Media: Q-AND-A

Focus Question: What is the purpose of the mass media in Hungary?

Sketch answers:

The mass media includes: radio, television, newspapers/magazines and the

internet.

The mass media is concerned about reporting important news/events/ to the

public.

It is a channel through which advertisers hope to sell their products and

services.

It is a political tool for people to persuade the public to agree with their

policies and views.

It is a way that politicians can bias public opinion.

The mass media is controlled by money and is not unbiased.

The mass media is a way in which the government tries to generate support.

The purpose of the mass media is to keep people abreast of important issues.

It is used to report on famous and influential people.

Questions:

What is your opinion of the mass media in Hungary?

Do you think it is biased or unbiased?

Who do you think controls the mass media in Hungary?

Why do you think scandals and sensationalism sells newspapers or TV programmes.

Do we have a media overload?

Do you think our lives are ruled/dictated by the mass media?

How can we be discerning when it comes to choosing what we should read or watch?

What do you think of commercials on the TV?

Vocabulary:

concerned

channel

political tool

bias public opinion

not unbiased

to generate support

keep people abreast

scandal

sensationalism

discerning

Social issue to consider: There is a growing opinion that there needs to be more

censorship of the mass media.


39

5.4 Mobile Phones

Focus Question: Have we become too dependent on mobile phones?

Sketch answers:

Life without a mobile phone would be unthinkable.

We spend a lot of time on our mobiles.

The smart phone has revolutionised our home and business lives.

Possessing a smart phone is a status symbol in Hungary.

It is not a must, but it makes people feel important.

Many people have become addicted to their mobile phones.

Smart phones with cameras have become a real menace, regarding the

safeguarding of privacy.

Too many children have a smart phone and those who dont are ostracised.

Questions:

How much do you use your mobile?

Do you think it is a necessary part of life?

Is it too expensive to have a mobile?

What is a smart phone?

Do you think that using text messages has affected our language use?

What are the main advantages/disadvantages of mobile phones over conventional

phones?

What phone companies are the most popular in Hungary?

Vocabulary:

unthinkable

gadget

revolutionised

not a must

necessary part of life

menace

safeguarding privacy

ostracised

conventional

disturb

Social issue to consider: Mobiles in public places, such as at the theatre, the classroom,

the restaurant, are a menace, because they disturb others with

their ring tones, and people speak loudly on their phones so

that everyone can hear their conversations.


40

Topic 6:

Sports


41

6.1 Traditional Sports: Q-AND-A

Focus Question: Why do Sport?

Sketch answers:

Sport is important for a healthy body.

Doing sports helps you to lose weight.

Regular exercise helps you cope with stress.

Sport helps you to relax and unwind.

Joining a sports club gives the opportunity to meet people.

Being a member of a sports club helps you become part of the community.

If you take sports seriously, it is a possible career path.

A physically healthy nation means an economically healthy nation.

Questions:

What do you do/do not do sports?

What sports do you do?

What are advantages for you in doing sports?

How many sports can you think of?

In what way can you categorise sports?

Is Hungary a sporty nation? Why? Why Not?

What sports is Hungary best known for?

What sports facilities are available in your area?

Do you think that the state should support sporting clubs, teams and other sports

organisations?

What are the traditional British sports?

What are the traditional USA sports?

What do you think of the high salaries paid to top professional football players?

What must Hungary do to ensure that its football team once again plays in the World Cup?

Vocabulary:

Cope with stress

unwind

career path

physically healthy

economically healthy

categorise

integral part Social Issue to consider: Sport is not an integral part of the school curriculum in Hungary.

This situation needs to change if Hungary is to become a healthy nation and if it is produce more world class sports people.


42

6.2 Olympics: Q-AND-A

Focus Question: What do you know about the Olympic Games?

Sketch answers:

The Olympic Summer games are held every four years (on a leap year

divisible by 4).

The Olympic Winter games are held every four years, two years before the

Summer Olympics.

A different country is chosen 8 years in advance to host the Olympic Games.

The Summer Olympics was held in 2012 in London. A total of 10,500 athletes

from 204 countries competed in 26 sports in 32 disciplines.

The last Winter Olympics was held in 2010 in Vancouver, Canada.

Approximately 2,600 athletes from 82 nations participated in 86 events in

fifteen disciplines.

The next Summer Olympics will be held in 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

The next Winter Olympics will be held in 2014 in Sochi, Krasnodar Krai,

Russia.

There is a Paralympic Games for athletes with physical disabilities. The next

one will be held in Rio-de-Janeiro in 2016 after the Summer Games.

Questions:

What is the purpose of the Olympic Games?

When and where did the first Olympic Games take place?

Do you know the names of any Hungarian athletes who have won Olympic medals?

Can you give names and events of medal winners in the 2012 Olympics?

(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hungary_at_the_2012_Summer_Olympics)

Why do you think Hungary is so good at water polo and not so good in its most popular

sport: soccer?

What sports do you think should be included in the Olympics?

Who is the most famous Hungarian Olympic athlete?

Vocabulary:

to host

physical disabilities

intellectual disabilities

medal tally

indication

Social Issue to consider: Hungarys medal tally of 17 (9th position) in the 2012 games was

a big improvement on that of the 2008 games (10). This perhaps

is an indication that the priority given to sport in schools is on

the increase.


43

6.3 Extreme Sports: Q-AND-A

Focus Question: Do people endanger their lives by doing extreme sports?

Sketch answers:

Extreme sports are a challenge for people who like to take risks.

Extreme sports demand skills and talents which only a relative few people

have.

Extreme sports push the body to its very limits of capability.

People who do extreme sports are obsessed with the adrenalin rush which

only such sports can give.

Those who do extreme sports do so because they are no longer satisfied with

their achievements in traditional sports.

Extreme sports give people status and prestige within the sporting world.

There are much fewer athletes involved in extreme sports than in traditional

sports, because of the risks involved and the lack of available facilities to

train.

There is a lot of money to be earned by good athletes of extreme sports.

Questions:

How would you describe the term extreme sports?

What are some of the extreme sports?

Do you know of any extreme sports which are available in Hungary?

Do you know the name of any athletes who do extreme sports?

What do you think about the idea of having an Extreme Sports Olympics?

What are some of the sports you think should be included?

What do you think of the statement: extreme sports are for men only?

Do you think that women should participate with men on the same level?

Would you like to become an extreme sports athletes?

Which extreme sports would you like to do?

Vocabulary:

challenge

take risks

limits of capability

obsessed

adrenalin rush

achievements

Social issue to consider: Too many young people are being injured or killed while doing

extreme sports, so there needs to be some sort of tighter

regulation of their limits of safety.


44

6.4 Doping: Q-AND-A

Focus Question: Why do athletes continue to take drugs, when the tests nowadays are

so accurate in discovering most drugs?

Sketch answers:

Athletes are willing to risk their careers, and their lives, to win.

Some athletes take drugs because they stand to gain a lot of money if they

win.

Many athletes are not aware of just how accurate and effective the tests are.

There are athletes who think they will never be caught, because they think

that they have taken a drug that cannot be discovered by testing.

Some athletes are unaware of the drugs that are banned by the Olympics

authorities.

Athletes are sometimes persuaded to take performance enhancing drugs by

their trainers or their fellow athletes.

Athletes take drugs because they have become dependent on them.

Many athletes take drugs because their friends or fellow athletes do, so

there must not be anything wrong in it.

Questions:

How much are you aware of drug taking in the sporting world?

Do you agree or disagree with athletes taking drugs to gain the advantage?

What do you know about the testing of athletes at high profile sporting events?

Should athletes win at all costs?

If you were an athlete, would you take performance enhancing drugs? Why? Why not?

What do you think should happen to those athletes who have been found guilty of taking

performance- enhancing drugs?

How do you think that young athletes should be educated regarding the taking of drugs?

In what sports do you think that performance-enhancing drugs are most common?

What about giving drugs to animals, such as horses, so that they can perform better?

Vocabulary:

stand to gain

performance-enhancing

to be found guilty

high profile

growing concern

sporting world

Social issue to consider: There is a growing concern among the sporting world in Hungary

about the number of young athletes who are taking drugs to

enhance their performance.


45

You and Me

by Sarah Brightman and Liu Huan

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rC0w7-RWm_U

Theme Song Of 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing

You and me from one world

we are family

Travel dream

a thousand miles

meeting in beijing

Come together

put your hand in mine


we are family


we are family

meeting in Beijing


we are family


46

Topic 7:

Health and Eating


47

7.1 Diseases: Q-AND-A

Focus Question: What can you say about diseases and their and their causes?

Sketch answers:

HIV/AIDS is relatively low in Hungary, but still very prevalent in some parts of

the world.

Diseases are caused by many different things, but are preventable.

Heart disease is the biggest killer in Hungary.

Cancer is killing more and more people in Hungary, and in many parts of the

world.

The incidence of lung cancer is very high in Hungary.

Skin diseases and skin cancer are also common in Hungary.

Diabetes has become one of the most common diseases in Hungary.

In the last 20 years, women have become more susceptible to breast cancer.

Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is a disease common in Central Europe in

summer.

The incidence of meningitis is relatively high in Hungary.

There are over 200 infectious diseases endemic to Hungary.

Scarlet Fever, chickenpox, tuberculosis, hepatitis A and hepatitis B are

infectious common in Hungary.

Questions:

What do HIV and AIDS mean? What kind of diseases are they?

What is wrong with Hungarys health system?

Why do we not have enough doctors and facilities?

What needs to be done to put the health system right?

What is the main cause of heart disease?

What is the main cause of lung disease?

Why do so many people contract cancer?

What diseases have you had?

What do you think has caused the increase in mental illnesses and depression in Hungary?

Vocabulary:

epidemic

preventable

incidence

susceptible

endemic Social Issue to consider: It has been proven that people who use solariums have double

the risk of getting skin cancer before the age of 40. As such, solariums should be banned.


48

7.2/7.3 Addictions: Smoking, Drugs, Alcohol: Q-AND-A

Focus Question: What are some of the most common addictions in Hungary?

Sketch answers:

The number of addicts has risen sharply over the last 10 years in Hungary.

There are over 1 million Hungarians addicted to alcohol.

Addiction to illicit drugs has also increased sharply.

There has been a major increase in smoking, especially among young people.

Many people are addicted to sedatives and sleeping tablets.

Gambling has become a major addiction in Hungary.

Addiction to shopping is also causing many social problems.

Addiction to internet pornography, among men and women, has become a

major problem.

The health system does not have enough resources to cope with the

addiction problems.

There are many non-government organisations working to help rehabilitate

addicts.

Questions:

Why do people become addicted to drugs, alcohol or smoking, when we know they are

harmful? (see http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yGW5Feh5isU)

Why do you think smoking is harmful?

What are the reasons young people smoke?

Do you think that smoking should be banned in public places? Why? Why Not?

Why shouldnt smokers be free to smoke anywhere they want?

What do you think of the open advertising of alcohol and cigarettes at sporting events?

How can we stop teenagers from being able to buy cigarettes and alcohol?

Do you think there is a link between addiction and homelessness?

What are the consequences of taking illicit drugs.

(see http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uU7aRJ4WpUw)

Are the police doing enough to counteract the drug problem in Hungary?

Vocabulary:

illicit

addiction

resources

dependence

prescription

Social Issue to consider: The depressed economic and social environments in Hungary

have caused a lack of hope for many Hungarians who resort to

addictions to escape reality.


49

7.4 Healthy Diet, Keeping Fit: Q-AND-A

Focus Question: Why is a healthy diet and regular exercise so important?

Sketch answers:

We live in a consumer society and are surrounded by many things that are

not healthy.

Fast food has been one of the main causes of overweight and obesity.

There are so many processed foods with harmful preservatives.

There is a wide availability of instant foods which require minimal

preparation.

Healthy foods cost more money, so poorer people eat more unhealthy food.

Hungarians still eat many unhealthy foods and cook with fat instead of

vegetable oil.

This is the major cause why Hungary has such a high rate of heart-related

disease.

Most Hungarian men prefer large portions of food, and are thus overweight.

Regular exercise is important for a healthy lifestyle.

Hungarians, generally speaking, are not heath conscious and do not do

regular exercise.

Children are not taught in the schools about the importance of a healthy diet

and exercise.

Questions:

How many times a week do you eat fast food?

Do you think that Hungary is a healthy nation?

What types of food do you like to eat?

What do you think about cooking in fat, rather than in oil?

How much regular exercise do you do?

What causes obesity?

Which country do you think has the highest rate of obesity?

What diseases are the result of being obese?

Vocabulary:

obesity

processed food

preservatives

minimal

health conscious

Social issue to consider: As a result of the unhealthy lifestyle and eating and cooking

habits of the Hungarians, the Hungarian health system is

struggling to cope with the related costs due to these problems.

angol beszédgyak 1

Documents

course outline course

seminar course

social life

learning english

course schedule

course structure

homelessness topic

unemployment topic