7. Discuss the situation with your partner(s) and decide on the proper level of formality. You can use the suggested expressions if you want to.

1. A and B are roommates at school, and they are interested in buying a washing machine for their apartment. A wants to buy a new machine, so they’ll be sure to have no problems with the machine. B, on the other hand, thinks it would be better to buy a used machine, since they only need it for a year or so.

Useful expressions
A be sure not to get a lemon (lemon: (slang) a poor-quality machine or appliance) service calls new washer has warranty	B short-term investment economical second-hand

2. A, B, and C, all psychology students, are discussing the best way to raise children. A is in favor of a strict, authoritarian upbringing, whereas C favors a permissive, relaxed method. B prefers to combine both perspectives, depending on the situation.

Useful expressions
A firm discipline spare the rod and spoil the child. (посл. Пожалеешь розгу – испортишь ребёнка.) must be consistent	B firm but kind guidance teach self-control balance is needed	C child’s rights can’t confuse the child by acting unpredictably

3. A has been invited by B to a dinner party this weekend. A accepted the invitation, although A doesn’t know B very well. Now another friend, C, wants A to come to a party at C’s house. A prefers the second invitation. A is talking to another friend, D, about deciding to go to C’s party. D, however, disagrees strongly with A’s decision, saying that A must go to B’s party, since A had already accepted that invitation.

Useful expressions
A meet more people B won’t even know	D the right to do how would you feel

Listening

Walking Fast a Sign of Longer Life (7th January, 2011)

Before listening

1. In pairs / groups, decide which of these topics or words from the article are most interesting and which are most boring. Have a chat about the topics you liked.

studies / walking fast / old age / analyzing data / over-65s / longevity / experience / walking pace / bodily functions / muscles / the brain / medical problems / survival

2. Longevity: What helps most? Rank these and share your rankings with your partner. Put the most helpful at the top. Change partners and share your rankings again.

• exercise

• an active mind

• happiness

• healthy food

• regular health checks

• living in the countryside

• being near friends and family

• not smoking and drinking

3. True / false: Read the headline. Guess if a-h below are true (t) or false (f).

a. The article says young people who walk fast live longer. T / F

b. Over 34,000 over-65s took part in the study reported in the article. T / F

c. People who walk fast can expect to live 21 years longer. T / F

d. The text says people who walk more slowly as they age are healthier. T / F

e. A doctor said bodily functions do not work together when we walk. T / F

f. We need our nerves when we walk. T / F

g. Old people who walk at a speed of 1 metre per second live longer. T / F

h. The doctor recommended other doctors check how older patients walk. T / F