5. Listen to the monologue “Garage Sales” and commentaries coming after it. Give English definitions to the words and expressions in bold print. Answer the questions. Garage Sales

One of the things I like to do on the weekends is go to garage sales. I’m a bargain hunter and collector, so garage sales are good places for me. I look in the newspapers or just follow homemade signs to find the sales in my neighborhood. Whether it’s because people are doing spring cleaning or getting ready to move, there are always plenty of sales in my area.

After going to a lot of garage sales, I’ve learned a few things about getting what I want at the price I want. Bargaining on price is par for the course at any garage sale. If you don’t want to get ripped off, you’ll try to get the sellers to lower their price. I’m an early bird and I usually get to the sales before other people to get the best items. But to get the best prices, be sure to go back right before the sale ends. Most people are desperate to sell so that they don’t have to store those things again or to lug them to a charity office to give them away. That’s when people are ready to slash their prices. It’s true that there is a lot of junk and knickknacks at garage sales. But one person’s trash is another person’s treasure!

(From ESL Podcast 277.)

• Who are garage sales a good place for?

• How can you find sales in the neighborhood?

• When are there plenty of sales in the area?

• How can you get what you want at a reasonable price?

• When can you get the best items at a sale?

• When can you get the best prices at a sale?

• What don’t most people want to do?

• What are garage sales normally filled with?

7. Read the text “Tips For an Environmentally Friendly Business”. Fill in the spaces (1-8) with missing headings from the list given below (a-h). Tips for an Environmentally Friendly Business

By Mark Mk Jefferies

The world's environment is now facing many challenges as threats are endangering its safety and security. As an effect, we and other living beings are affected by a variety of global, environmental issues.

The good news is that all of us can contribute towards a great change to save and revive our planet, and that is through being green and eco-friendly. And if you have a business, it would be uplifting to know that you can take steps to preserve our nature. Environmentally friendly practices can be applied to any type of business in any industry.

Here are eight easy ways in which your business could help sustain the environment:

1. ………………………………………. Recycling is one of the most effective ways to reduce trash and prevent pollution to our environment. Such products that you commonly use in your business such as paper, plastic, and bottles ought to be recycled.

2. ………………………………………. You can save energy by turning off the equipment you use in your office, such as computers and lights that are not being used. If you also have a refrigerator in the office, avoid putting unnecessary items in it, as doing so would increase its energy consumption. Refrigerators are among the highest energy consuming appliances ever made.

3. …………………………………………. Water is one of the resources most frequently used by everyone and any business, most especially by those in the hospitality business. You and your business can do its share by not letting the faucet run. Check for leaks; doing this would not only let you lower your water bill but also help the environment. If you can save even just a single drop everyday, imagine how big a help that is for our water resources on a yearly basis.

4. ……………………………………………Cleaning and maintaining business equipment and machines will ensure their continuous efficiency and effectiveness. There should be a routine schedule for these tasks, especially checking for any malfunctions of leaks.

5. ……………………………………………Green technology is increasingly being developed and there are already available a number of "green" products out in the market. These are usually highly energy-efficient. This means that you get the same great quality as your former equipment, but using less energy.

6. …………………………………………….Transportation is one of the major causes of high carbon footprints and emissions. Thus, encourage yourself, and your employees as well, to decrease the time of driving to the office. Purchasing a bike is a bright solution. Not only can they escape traffic jams with a bike; they get to enjoy the scenery and be fit as well (saved them gym membership fees)! If the office or establishment is within a mile, why not walk? Not only are you helping prevent carbon emissions, you are bringing your body toward good health as well.

7. ……………………………………………With every paper you waste and throw, acres of trees are being cut. Save and recycle paper. Supply only the adequate amount needed by your office. As much as possible do not print; send messages through electronic mail. Doing so would produce less clutter for your office too.

8. ……………………………………………Reduce, reuse, and recycle - these three concepts are very helpful in proper waste management. Avoid buying new things that you don't need, especially if you already have cheaper alternatives available. You'll get to save on your business costs too.

There are several more tips and ways wherein your business could help the environment. The bottom line here is that you and your employees should always be cautious of your actions. And with every action, always ask yourselves if you are helping or adding to the destruction of the environment.

1. Purchase green equipments.

2. Support waste management.

3. Recycle.

4. Conserve energy.

5. Ride the “green car” - bike.

6. Save trees by saving paper.

7. Use less water.

8. Clean, check, and maintain.