Countries like France and Australia have begun to experiment with giving employees more vacation time. They believe that there must be a balance between work and personal happiness. But the worldwide trend has progressed in the opposite direction. Employees are working longer and longer hours in recent years. The result is a new type of employee, called the "extreme employee."

The “extreme employee” or workaholic works long hours and is very dedicated to the company. He believes that he could and should always do more and often works a 70-hour week. He is available to clients and office emergencies 24-7 and takes far fewer vacation days than he is allotted, about ten days or less per year. Research has found out that most extreme employees are dissatisfied. More than half believe they would be physically healthier with less work. A lack of free time also harms the relationship with their children. Slightly less than half complained that the long hours negatively influenced spousal relations.

Experts recommend getting the seventy-hour workweek down to forty-five hours, if possible. Although corporations haven't accomplished this feat for high-impact jobs, some major corporations are trying. American Express, Johnson & Johnson, Lehman Brothers, and more than thirty other companies are working to reduce the pressure on managers to perform and produce.

EXTREME EMPLOYEES DISCUSSION

a) How many hours do your work per week?
b) How does your job affect your relationship with your family or friends?
c) Would you take a 50% salary cut if it meant working only 25 hours per week?
d) What is you dream job?
e) If parents work more and more, how will this affect future generations of children?
f) Could you do more for your company? Should you do more?
g) Do you like working?
h) Do you think that you have worked too hard in the past and not received the appropriate reward?
i) If you could have any job in the world, what would it be?
j) Who is your business idol or role model?
k) What in your life drives you to do things?
l) What it the worst job that you have ever had?

OPINIONS: agree or disagree?

1. Overtime should be banned.
2. Overtime will always be an important part of working. It will never disappear.
3. Governments should create a maximum of 40 hours a week for all workers.
4. Company profits are much more important than the health of workers.
5. Working overtime is natural. It shows a worker’s loyalty to a company.
6. Without overtime, many companies would die.
7. Workers should not complain. They should be grateful they have a job.

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There are several choices available for transportation in Korea: taxis, buses, and the subway. Almost any point in Korea can be reached using one of these modes of transportation. The basic idea behind building Seoul's transportation network was to connect the bus routes to the subway system. The average Korean uses public transportation daily. The traffic situation is very serious in Seoul, especially during rush hour, which is from 7 - 9 in the morning and from 4 - 7 in the evening. It's a good idea to avoid being out during rush hour, if possible, but buses and the subway are still very good transportation to travel around Korea because they are very inexpensive, convenient and easy to use.

Discussion

1. Do you use public transportations such as buses, trains, taxicabs?
2. How often do you use them?
3. Which one is much faster to use? the subway, buses or taxi?
4. Some say that taxicabs in Korea are dangerous because drivers drive fast? What do you think of that?
5. Which do you think is much better? take the public transportation or drive your own car?
6. How’s the traffic situation in Korea?
7. What do you do if there’s traffic and you’re in the bus? How do you feel during that time?
8. They said that subways are often crowded during rush hours. What do you think of that?
9. Compare public transportation in Korea to other countries public transportation?

WORDS AND EXPRESSIONS

1. Day by day – every day
Ex) He is very sick. Day by day, he gets weaker.

2. Come up – provide, give, make
Ex) You should come up with a new design

3. Commute – travel a long distance everyday between your home and another place.
Ex) Mike commutes to Seoul every day

4. Hail – praised publicly
Ex) US magazines hailed him as the greatest Hollywood actor.

5. Cabbie – a person who drives a taxi
Ex) On the way to the airport, the cabbie asked us where we were going

6. Got on – ride on a car or bus, get in
Ex) She got on the bus so fast

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Recent economic difficulties have worsened the chance of getting jobs around the country. College grads are having a harder time getting jobs than ever before. So, these days there are a large number of college grads enter graduate schools waiting for the “right” time to get employed. Since 70s and 80s, Korean’s high regard for education has created an overeducated work force causing higher unemployment of high-quality human resources. People no longer want to do jobs which they consider one of the “3D’s”—dirty, dangerous, and difficult.

Also, as the news of the bankruptcy of middle and small companies is announced every morning, most college grads would prefer big name companies which offer more job security. So, many more job seekers are competing for a small number of positions.

Not only the college grads suffer from low employment, but also those already working. Workers no longer feel secure as the downsizing of companies is spreading around the country. Although trade unions are protesting against a government move to allow layoffs for industrial restructuring, more and more workers are losing their jobs. High unemployment is not the problem of only today, but more than a decade.

Discussions:

1. If you are a college graduate and unemployed, what will you do to get a job?
2. High unemployment, early retirement, honorable retirement, layoffs and downsizing are inevitable because of economic crisis in Korea. Can you think of any solution to help Korea recover from this situation?
3. Since there is an oversupply of college graduates today and a shortage of factory workers, do you think that some high school students should be advised to give up plans of going to college and get factory jobs instead?
4. What do you think of college graduates entering graduate schools not for further studies but to get better jobs?
5. What factors are important in finding a good job? Why do you think so?

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Who speaks more, men or women? Most wouldn't hesitate to answer that women have a greater gift of gab. Jokes abound, and comedians have made careers out of just how much women talk. But research some may find surprising indicates that both men and women speak more or less equally.

Researchers recorded the daily conversations of 400 university students in the United States and Mexico over a period of several days. After analyzing the data, they discovered that women used a tad more than 16,000 words each day. Men, however, used just a bit less than 16,000 words. With almost no difference in the numbers, and well within any margin or error, it's safe to consider men and women in a statistical dead heat. The report does admit that, as men and women age, the numbers could change.

An expert in the field of gender studies has a slightly different opinion. She doesn't disagree with the study, but suggests that these assumptions could have originated when men and women argue. Unfortunately, the study can't shed any light on how speaking patterns change in an argument. But other studies have lent credence to the idea that guys get quiet and women talk more during an emotional conflict.

Do you agree or disagree? Why?

1. Women talk more than men.
2. Men only speak when there's something important to say.
3. Men and women love gossip equally.
4. Men talk more about relationships than women.
5. Men: Women talk too much! // Women: Men don't talk enough!

Talk about the following questions.

1. Who do you think speaks more, men or women?
2. What other stereotypes are there about men? Are they true or false? Why?
3. What other stereotypes are there about women? Are they true or false? Why?
4. What do you think of stereotypes in general? Are they good, bad, based on reality? Why do you think so?
5. Will this research change the men's and women's opinions of one another? Why/not?

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I'm a 24 year old, introspective male, taciturn as a clam. I prefer the quiet of my own thoughts to the sound of my voice, or for that matter, other's prattle. I think a garrulous person is deep-down insecure. He hides his inadequacy behind his motor of a mouth. An empty can makes a loud noise. I could tell right off the bat which of these couples sitting on the park bench are newbie and which ones are old-timers with stable relationships. The new couples are uncomfortable with silence, so they fill up all space with endless gab. Blah blah here, blah blah there, blah blah everywhere. Their chatter hides their insecurity. The stable ones enjoy moments of silence, secure in each other’s presence. Silence is golden and talk is cheap, I should tell you. My girl dumped me because she pesters me to speak up and share my thoughts, but I'm not built like a chatterbox . Can't she take me for what I am?

WORDS AND EXPRESSIONS

1. Introspective – Reflective
2. Taciturn – Silent
3. Prattle - Chatter
4. Garrulous - having the habit of talking a lot, especially about unimportant things
5. gab - to talk continuously and eagerly, especially about unimportant matters
6. Pesters - to behave in an annoying manner towards someone by doing or asking for something repeatedly

PERSONAL APPLICATION

1. Do you like talking? Why or why not?
2. Do you like listening? Why or why not?
3. Do you think that talking is more important than listening? Why?
4. What do you think of silent people? Talkative people?

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Japan has one of the highest suicide rates in the world, with roughly 25 out of 100,000 people taking their lives each and every year. That translates to more than 30,000 deaths per annum. Compare that figure with the averages in the US and Britain, which are 12 and 15 out of 100,000 respectively. The awfully high figure is about to rise too, or at least so the experts in Japan anticipate. With the economic downturn, they foresee an increase in suicides this year.

A helpline serves as one resource to combat the problem. However, with 700,000 calls each year, it simply can't cope with the expected increase. There will be more calls from desperate people contemplating suicide in 2009, those who run the helpline strongly believe. Fifty call centers around Japan offer help and a sympathetic ear, and each call lasts about 40 minutes. A shortage of volunteers and money will hamper the organization, and at a time when things look quite bleak. The Japanese government currently provides ¥80 million ($875,000), a figure which falls far short of the helpline's needs. Even worse, this figure represents a 20% decrease from just a few years ago.

Within the last six months, Japanese companies have laid off large numbers of employees as the economy has soured. Medium-sized companies once relied on larger companies for orders, yet business has now dried up. Families are feeling the pinch, and homelessness has begun to surge. It seems that Japan can do little but await the coming suicides this year.

Do you agree or disagree? Why?

1. The global economy is in real trouble.
2. More and more people will lose their jobs this year.
3. I'm very worried about the economy and my job.
4. The number of suicides will increase because of the economic problems.
5. Suicide is a major problem in my country.

Talk about the following questions.

1. What are some common reasons that people commit suicide?
2. How serious a problem is suicide in your country? Please explain.

3. Do you think that the economic problems this year will cause an increase in suicides worldwide? Why/not?
4. What other problems do you think will happen because of the poor economy? Please explain.
5. How concerned are you about the economy and your job? Please explain.

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If you live in or visit Japan, you may be asked, "What's your blood type?" The question has absolutely nothing to do with donating blood, illnesses, or medicine, at least not when asked by the average person. There's a popular notion that a person's blood type influences his personality, temperament, and romantic compatibility. Although far more popular in the island nation than the usual idea of star signs in the West, it's not so very different. In fact, it's hugely popular, as proven by the list of bestsellers for 2008. Four of the ten books to top the charts dealt with blood type and personality.

What can be said about personality types? Type A people are earnest and creative, but also perfectionists. Type B people are spontaneous, but also selfish and irresponsible. Type O can be vain and rude. On the positive side, they are curious and generous. As for people who are type AB, they are arty, but tend to be moody as well.

Of course, the scientific community in Japan considers the idea a sham. Unfortunately, not so the general public. Matchmaking services look to blood types when introducing men and women, for example. Women's magazines stock their pages with articles, romantic advice, and predictions too. Some companies have been known to assign projects based on the blood of employees. And more than a few employers regularly query interviewees about their blood type, with the intention of determining which prospective applicants may or may not provide a good fit with the existing corporate structure.

It boils down to discrimination, and even comes with a term: "bura-hara." "Bura" stands for blood, and "hara" stands for harassment. It also doesn't seem likely to diminish in popularity any time soon.

Do you agree or disagree? Why?

1. Your birth year has an effect on your personality.
2. Your birth month has an effect on your personality.
3. Your blood type has an effect on your personality.
4. Horoscopes should be followed closely because they offer good advice.
5. There are certain colors, numbers, and animals that are luckier than other colors, numbers, and animals.

Talk about the following questions.

1. What do you think about blood types? Do they really affect personality?
2. How accurate are horoscopes? Why do you think so?
3. Do you think some signs or blood types are more compatible in relationships? Why/not?
4. If a horoscope predicted love, money, or problems, would you look for love, money, or problems? Why/not?
5. Why do people follow horoscopes and pay attention to things like blood type? Please explain your opinion.

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LITTLE ROCK, Arkansas (AP) -- Michelle Duggar delivered her 16th child, and she's already thinking about doing it again. The baby's father, Jim Bob Duggar, a former state representative, was especially excited because it was the first time in eight years the family has had a girl. Jim Bob Duggar, 40, said he and Michelle, 39, want more children. "We both just love children and we consider each a blessing from the Lord. I have asked Michelle if she wants more and she said yes, if the Lord wants to give us some she will accept them," he said.

The family is now constructing a 7,000-square foot house for the kids. The home, which the family from the northwest Arkansas town of Rogers has been building, will have nine bathrooms, dormitory-style bedrooms for the girls and boys, a commercial kitchen, four washing machines and four dryers.

Michelle Duggar, 39, had her first child at age 21, four years after the couple married. Their children include two sets of twins, and each child has a name beginning with the letter "J": Joshua, 17; John David, 15; Janna, 15; Jill, 14; Jessa, 12; Jinger, 11; Joseph, 10; Josiah, 9; Joy-Anna, 8; Jeremiah, 6; Jedidiah, 6; Jason, 5; James, 4; Justin, 2; Jackson Levi, 1; and now Johannah.

Source: Associated Press

What do you think?

1. Please explain the advantages and disadvantages of having a big family.
2. Which do you prefer, big or small family?
3. How many kids would you want to have in the future?
4. What will you do if your spouse wants to have a big family?
5. Do you believe that babies are blessings? Why?

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My father, who is now 71, never smoked as a youngster. All through junior high and high school, when peer pressure to smoke was heaviest, he never touched a cigarette. During his four years of college he resisted the temptation.

Dad was 26 when he went to Germany as a civilian employee of the United States army. It was there that he began picking up the free cigarettes that were issued to the military. That’s how he started a lifelong addiction to smoking. He has regretted it ever since, but he’s hooked and can’t stop.

The cigarette companies know a good thing when the see it. They are now supplying free cigarettes to the men and women stationed in the Persian Gulf. What a terrific opportunity to zero in on a potential market of over 230,000 future smokers. You can be sure they are making the most of it.

What burns me up is that the cigarette companies are trying to look patriotic. They say they want to “make a contribution” to our men and women in uniform. If this is so, why didn’t they send playing cards, board games, or paperback books? (Pocketbooks) I’ll tell you why. Because they know that nicotine is highly addictive. Some researchers say it’s harder to stop smoking than to get off heroin or cocaine. Cigarette companies figure that if they can hook even half of these soldiers they will have at least 115,000 new customers.

War itself is plenty dangerous. Why should we allow a company that sells a habit-forming, cancer-causing product to give it to our soldiers? Does this make any sense?

Somebody with high visibility and clout should make some noise about this. The tobacco companies should not be permitted to seduce our troops, who are putting their lives on the line in combat and should not have to continue to risk their loves after the war.

What do you think?

1. What do you think about cigarette companies supplying free cigarettes to people in uniform? Is it morally OK?
2. Describe how people start smoking.
3. Talk about your first cigarette and how you felt at the time.
4. Have you ever tried to quit smoking?
5. What do you think is the best way to quit?
6. Why do you continue to smoke?

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The following statement is from their "Women, sexual minorities and the disabled have been the most deprived people in our history. Even worse, sexual minorities have always been regarded mentally abnormal. With that in mind, it is reality that there have not been established any movements of sexual minorities in Korean history. Korean gay men and lesbians could not challenge the social prejudice. We see that early efforts of the Korean gay and/or lesbian organizations that actually came out in 1994 fell far short of earning wide recognition and sexual minorities have not even paid a resolute attention to these movements in general. We think that human rights movements on sexual minorities must go on in cooperation with other social movements because we, sexual minorities, are also a member of this society. We, therefore, focus our main ideas and activities on integration of our efforts with labor unionists, feminists and general human rights activists."

DISCUSSION
1. Are gays and lesbians accepted in your society?
2. Do you condemn those people who belong to third sex gender? Why or why not?
3. Why do you think bisexuality was regarded as a kind of mental retardation?
4. Do you think they deserve to be treated equally like other human being?
5. Do you think Korean government must have concern with these people in terms with their social growth?

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The book "Rich Dad Poor Dad” became an international bestseller because of its intriguing ideas on how to make money. The writer, Kiyosaki, a Japanese American, presents two kinds of dad: a rich dad who loves wealth and a poor dad who loves education. The rich dad thinks that one doesn't need to have a college degree in order to make money. In fact, he criticizes schools as old fashioned and quite useless in the practical world of making money. He thinks that financial literacy should come first before anything else.

The poor dad believes in the merit of old fashioned education focusing on morals and values. Needless to say, Kiasaki agrees with the rich dad's ideas. He thinks we should teach people the value of money as early as possible. He thinks that most people lack financial literacy, and so they are always slaves of money all their lives. Not unless they build their own corporation and be freed from the governments tax burdens. Otherwise, they will always be caught in the "human rat race.”



What do you think?

1. What do you think of his ideas about schools being useless in making
money?
2. What about his ideas of building one's own corporation and escaping heavy tax burdens?
3. What is the best way to make money in your own opinion?
4. What personalities or traits should one person have in order to be
financially capable?
5. Does money give happiness?
6. Is money everything to you?
7. What is everything to you?

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FOR INTERMEDIATE

CONVERSATION PRACTICE:

Sandra: Roy, may I use your phone? I have to call my husband and tell him that I will be working in the office tonight.

Roy: Pulling an all-nighter, huh? Why? I thought your project wasn’t due until next week?

Sandra: That’s what I thought, too, but the client just sent an e-mail saying that he wants the project done by noon tomorrow which leaves me with no choice. There are only the two us working on it right now, and if I don’t stay overnight we won’t be able to reach the client’s new deadline. I would love to take the work home, but the materials that I will need are here in the office. The project is really very important because it is going to the company a lot of money and prestige. What about you? What are you still doing here?

Roy: My computer crashed and I am trying to recover my files because I have an important presentation tomorrow. So far, I haven’t been successful. I think I’m going to have to stay overnight as well. It looks like we are in the same boat.

Questions

Why do Sandra and Roy have to stay overnight at the office?
Why did Sandra approach Roy?
Have you ever been in this kind of situation?
Would you rather work at home or in the office?
Would you still work on a project even if you know that you can’t meet the deadline?
Do you think it is better to work alone or with a team?
Would you prioritize your work over your personal life?

Key Expressions

Pull an all-nighter - To work on something overnight

We are in the same boat - We are in the same situation

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FOR INTERMEDIATE

CONVERSATION PRACTICE:

Andrea: Ben, may I have your opinion on something?

Ben: Sure, what’s up?

Andrea: Well, I have been working in my company five years now, but I have been getting a lot of other job offers. I am really happy where I am now. And to be frank the other job offers aren’t exactly making me jump for joy. The thing is, most of my friends who have worked for one company for as long as I have are starting to move on to other jobs. I don’t know if I should do the same. I am so happy with my company that I think I can work for them forever. Do you think it’s possible?

Ben: I have seen it happen. In fact now that I think about it, my grandfather worked for just one company his entire life. He was always telling us of how well his company treated him. And because he was always motivated to work his output was always excellent. Even if there were younger people applying for his position, the company decided to keep my grandfather because he proved to be such a great asset. So yes, I think it is possible.

Andrea: That’s good to hear. I am suddenly in high spirits.

Questions

What was Andrea’s dilemma?
Who was the person Ben used as an example of a loyal employee?
Would you advise Andrea to move to another company? Why or why not?
What is your opinion on working in one company until retirement?
What do you think should a company do to keep their employee loyal?
What do you think would Andrea probably do after the conversation?
What motivates you to work harder in your company?

Key Expressions

Jump for joy - feel extremely happy
High spirits - feeling of joy and pride

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What is Personality?

Totality of an individual's behavioral and emotional characteristics. Personality embraces a person's moods, attitudes, opinions, motivations, and style of thinking, perceiving, speaking, and acting. It is part of what makes each individual distinct.

Vocabulary

What a person says and does is the result of his or her personality. The following are words that are typically used to describe various personalities.

curious / day-dreamer / intuitive / intellectual / narrow-minded / sensitive / self-confident / meticulous / sentimental / passive / compassionate / original / domineering / proud / organized / stable / impulsive / adventurous / practical / easy-going / creative / perfectionist / self-indulgent / passionate / studious / analytical / artistic / up-tight / gracious / lazy / diplomatic / lovable / grouchy / temperamental / persistent / fair / fun-loving / laid-back / affectionate / coy / daring / weird / moody / rebellious / selfish / bossy / cautious / absent-minded

Discussion:

What are some characteristics of your personality?
Describe your own personality. How do others think of your personality? Do you agree with them or not?
What makes you happy?
What are some things that make you angry?
Are you happy with your personality?
Would you like to be different?
Are you a determined person? Are you a stubborn person?
Are you shy? In which occasions are you shy?
Do you consider yourself selfish? Why?
Is your personality suited to your job?
In what way has your personality changed? Why has it changed??
If you could change any aspect of your personality, what would it be?

Quotes:

• "It's beauty that captures your attention; personality which captures your heart."

• I knew that I had come face to face with someone whose mere personality was so fascinating that, if I allowed it to do so, it would absorb my whole nature, my whole soul, my very art itself." – Oscar Wilde

• Personality has the power to open many doors, but character must keep them open"

• An individual's self-concept is the core of his personality. It affects every aspect of human behavior: the ability to learn, the capacity to grow and change. A strong, positive self-image is the best possible preparation for success in life." – Dr. Joyce Brother

• Most great men and women are not perfectly rounded in their personalities, but are instead people whose one driving enthusiasm is so great it makes their faults seem insignificant." –Charles A. Cerami

• Humility is no substitute for a good personality." – Fran Lebowitz

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By: Natalie Josef
Did you know that people who like golden retrievers are usually laid back, enjoy nature, and can be too trusting? Did you know that people who list ice cream as their favorite dessert are into sports and hate giving up the remote? All of our choices—even tiny ones—can reveal certain aspects of our personalities. Do you know what you’re revealing about yourself?

What Your Office Workspace Says About You

A study at the University of Texas Austin found that offices can reveal much about a worker’s personality and dedication to the job. In general though, a worker with a highly personalized space is one who is secure about her position and claiming her space.

Empty or Un-Personalized Desk

This indicates either a lack of dedication to the job or someone who is generally dissatisfied with the job—in either case, not a good sign.

Plants

Plants, whether they are cared for or not, reveal that a worker is planning to stay at the job.

Candy Bowl/Lots of Supplies

This worker wants people to come visit her and is an extrovert—shy or introverted types would never put anything on their desks that would draw others into their spaces.

Motivational/Inspirational Items

This is an ambitious person who is dedicated to his job and wants to remain engaged—can indicate someone who wants challenges and a chance to prove himself.

Family Photos

This can go two ways. If the photos are placed for others to see, it’s usually a status symbol and done more for the appearance. If the photos are placed for only the worker to see, they are usually genuine reminders of loved ones, which can motivate the worker or ease the guilt of spending so much time away from the loved ones.

Excessive Post-It Notes

Indicates the worker is feeling overwhelmed and not able to keep up.

Short Hair

If a woman has a well-maintained and carefully-cut short hairstyle, it can reveal that she is artistic and wants to express herself through her hair. Any high-maintenance hairstyle can be a sign of wealth or that a woman cares about her looks, but short hair requires frequent trips to the stylist, a sign that the woman is okay with spending money to look good. According to Dimitrius, “Spending a significant percentage of one’s income on hair—or any other aspect of personal appearance—suggests vanity, a need for acceptance, concern about others’ perceptions, and possibly insecurity.”

Long Hair

Long hair can have multiple meanings. Many women believe that long hair makes them more sexually appealing, but it can also show a bohemian spirit or a need for freedom. Women over forty with long hair can be trying to hold onto their youth (and sex appeal) and may be unrealistic in their perceptions of themselves.

Gray Hair

Women who go “naturally” gray are comfortable with who they are. They have their own opinions about what looks good and what they like.

Mohawks, Multi-Colored Hair, Unique Styles

Obviously this shows that the wearer bucks tradition and doesn’t care what people think of her. The wearers are usually young and adventurous, but wearing these styles into adulthood reveals a woman who has little regard for what conventional society (employers, authority figures) thinks of her.

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If all countries and cultures were the same, the world is boring. On the contrary, places on Earth can be so different that people experience "culture shock". For Westerners, it is quite shocking when people in Peru eat guinea pig for lunch or people in China eat monkey brains for dinner. It is also surprising when people from technologically advanced countries visit farms in India or Romania. Here they see animals like oxen working as machines. These are few examples and people should "expect the unexpected" if going abroad.

Culture shock

It's simply a common way to describe the confusing and nervous feelings a person may have after leaving a familiar culture to live in a new and different culture. When you move to a new place, you're bound to face a lot of changes. That can be exciting and stimulating, but it can also be overwhelming. You may feel sad, anxious, frustrated, and want to go home.
It's natural to have difficulty adjusting to a new culture. People from other cultures (whom you'll be hanging out with) may have grown up with values and beliefs that differ from yours. Because of these differences, the things they talk about, the ways they express themselves, and the importance of various ideas may be very different from what you are used to.

Culture is made up of the common things that members of a community learn from it includes:
1. family
2. friends
3. media
4. literature
5. strangers.

DISCUSSION POINTS:

1. What are some more examples of cultural differences between countries, races, and ethnic groups?

For instance, would it be rude if a name was written with red ink in Thailand or would you offend people if you were whistling in Russia?

2. What do you usually encounter when moving in to a new place?

3. Are people from other cultures rude or are cultural differences a good reason to explain someone's unusual behavior?
For example, is it rude to blow your nose in public or can it just be accepted as a cultural difference?

4. Should people from various parts of the world change their style when visiting another country or should they keep the style that they know from their home country?

For instance, is it acceptable for a Brazilian to be late for an appointment in the West because at the right time is not common in Brazil, although it is necessary in the West?

5. Why is it important to understand cultural differences in business?

6. How do you deal with the differences between cultures?

7. How can you begin to feel comfortable in your new surroundings?

EXPRESSIONS:

Be turned off - lose interest
She will be turned off by the shopkeeper if he seems greedy.

Be caught off guard - be surprised, or not prepared.
I was caught off guard when my boss asked me for the sales results.

Leave a bad taste on your mouth - leave a bad feeling or bad impression
Yelling at customers will be a bad taste in their mouths.

Called off - canceled
The meeting was called off when the company's director was ill.

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Given the amount of time we spend in the workplace, it is natural that personal romantic relationships between employees may develop. And it is just as natural that some of those relationships will not last. Relationships at work raise many potential issues.

Possible Issues or Problems

• Sexual Harassment Claims – If one partner is having a hard time with the break up he/she may make unfounded claims.


• Company caught in the middle. If a relationship goes bad and gets ugly the company may suffer as a result of the tension and bad blood that may result. The former romantic partners may be unable to function together in the work place.


• Decreased productivity

Despite the problems listed above there are several advantages to engaging in a romantic relationship with a co-worker. I asked 2 of my co-workers who are currently dating what are some good points to dating a co-worker. Here is what they had to say…

• Her: “Well, considering how much time we spend at work it definitely gives us more time together. If we didn’t work together we wouldn’t see each other that often.”
  
• Him: “It’s a lot less effort. This arrangement is much more convenient because if I want to see my girlfriend I don’t have to leave the office and travel to see her. She is not only close to my heart she is also in close proximity as well.”


• 3rd Party: “A personal relationship can be built on a foundation already crafted by the office relationship we’ve established beforehand. The 2 people already have spent time together and know quite a bit about the other person which means less time will be wasted discovering things about your partner.”

Workplace Dating Guidelines

• Check to see if you company has an employee dating policy


• No means No. If you ask out a co-worker and you are told that he/she is not interested do not ask again. Repeated attempts could be considered sexual harassment.


• Develop a professional relationship before you attempt a personal one.


• Come to grips with the reality that relationships don’t always work out for the best. If things don’t work out you will still have to work with the person you were dating.


• Once the relationship has been established do not flaunt it in the workplace. Keep your business and personal relationships separate.


• Be honest and inform your employer about the relationship.

DISCUSSION:

What is your opinion of romantic workplace relationships?
Have you ever been involved in this type of a relationship?
Have you ever been tempted to ask a co-worker out on a date?
What are some other (not listed above) problems with dating in the workplace?
What are some other (not listed above) rules or guidelines that should be followed?
What are some other (not listed above) advantages or good points to this type of a relationship?
What are some ways to convert a professional relationship into a romantic one?

LOVE QUOTES

“What's nice about my dating life is that I don't have to leave my house. All I have to do is read the paper: I'm marrying Richard Gere, dating Daniel Day-Lewis, parading around with John F. Kennedy, Jr., and even Robert De Niro was in there for a day.”

—Julia Roberts (Actress)

"Whenever I date a guy, I think, "Is this the man I want my children to spend their weekends with?"

—Rita Rudner (Comedian)

“Employees make the best dates. You don't have to pick them up and they're always tax-deductible.”

—Andy Warhol (Artist)

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Movies are the best choice for recreation. Currently thousands of movies are produced by different film industries. Movies worth seeing teach us a lot about life. Their stories provide memorable lessons that we can learn to make our lives better.They can however improve our habits and ideas as easily as they can spoil them. In this lesson you will review different types of movies and discuss movies. Have fun!

Target Questions

1. What kind of movies do you like best?
2. Which do you like better, movies or plays?
3. How often do you go to a movie?
4. Do you think foreign movies have influenced Korean culture? In what ways?
5. Do you think movie can be a good source of knowledge? Do they promote a better understanding of the world?
6. Do you think censorship is necessary? What types of scenes or material should be censored (e.g. sex, drug use, violence)
7. Have you ever been strongly affected by a movie? Which movie and in what way?
8. Have you ever seen a movie more than once? How did you feel about the movie the second time? Was the movie as good as the second or third time?
9. Who are tour favorite movie stars? What do you like about them?
10. What is the best Korean movie that you’ve ever seen? What did you like about it?
11. What movies are playing in your country right now?
12. If you had a chance of being in a movie, what type or role would you like to have and who you like to star with?

Censorship - is the suppression of speech or deletion of communicative material which may be considered objectionable, harmful or sensitive, as determined by a censor.

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In what will come as a shock to party revelers the world over, a study in the British Medical Journal reports there is no cure for hangovers. The only effective way of avoiding the pounding headache and nausea is to practice abstinence or drink in moderation, researchers claim. Research leader Max Pittler of Exeter University in the U.K. found a lack of conclusive research into hangovers. He wrote: “The paucity of randomized controlled trials is in stark contrast to the plethora of ‘hangover cures’ marketed on the Internet.” His conclusion was plain and simple and perhaps little consolation for those feeling like death warmed up: “No compelling evidence exists to suggest that any conventional or complementary intervention is effective for preventing or treating alcohol hangover.”

Hangovers are costly to many businesses worldwide. They account for nearly $3.5 billion in lost wages every year in the UK alone. Unfortunately for hangover sufferers, the self-inflicted nature of symptoms brought on by excessive imbibing in alcohol are not accepted by employers as a legitimate ill. Workers are expected to nurse their headaches and soldier on through their day. Of even greater concern is the number of fatalities attributed to alcoholic poisoning. The researchers observed that the number of deaths caused by excessive drinking rises by 0.4 percent for every one percent increase in liquor sales. Aside from the magical hangover cure, researchers need to ascertain why the debilitating effects of hangovers do not deter further over-drinking.

DRINKING DISCUSSION

What do you know about hangovers?
Why do you think scientists know so little about hangovers?
Do you need alcohol or any other drug to help you have a good time at a party?
Why do you think many societies accept alcohol when it causes so much social harm?
Do you think workers should lose pay if their performance decreases because of a hangover?
Why do you think people keep suggesting “cures” for hangovers when none of them works?
Do you ever get bad headaches?
Do you think people who drink regularly should pay more for medical insurance?
Whose fault is it that underage drinking is on the increase?
What do you think of people who complain about having a hangover?
What do you think of drunk people?
Do you think alcohol should be banned?
Have you ever felt like death warmed up?
What do you think the penalty should be for drunk driving?
Do you think alcohol is a more or less dangerous drug than marijuana?
Why do you think that having pounding headaches and nausea does not deter people from repeatedly over-drinking?
VOCABULARY

party revelers - party animals
pounding - to strike heavily or repeatedly
nausea - a stomach distress with distaste for food and an urge to vomit
abstinence - voluntary controlling or refraining of an appetite or craving or from eating some foods
paucity - dearth: smallness of quantity
stark - to an absolute or complete degree
plethora - an excessive amount
self-inflicted - to cause (something unpleasant) to be endured
imbibing - drinking
nurse - to attempt to cure by care and treatment
fatalities - the quality or state of causing death or destruction
debilitating - to make weak
deter - to turn aside, discourage, or prevent from acting

DRINKING IDIOMS

three sheets to the wind: If someone is three sheets to the wind, they are drunk.

turn water into wine: If someone turns water into wine, they transform something bad into something excellent.

champagne taste on a beer budget: Someone who lives above their means and likes things they cannot afford has champagne taste on a beer budget.

drink like a fish: to regularly drink a lot of alcohol
example: Harriet had two bottles of wine with her meal - that girl drinks like a fish!

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People from English-speaking countries often require more verbal feddback than Koreans. Silence in response to a question can result in the person becoming annoyed or frustrated. Silence can mean that the person didn't understand the question, thinks the person is an idiot, is dreaming about his future spouse, or thinking about his answer.

Silence can mean many things and can be interpret differently. And in the modern day where people are expected to be conversant and well verse, we should know to avert being silent.

Here are some situations which often puts us in silence. Learn how to respond correctly.

In case you don’t know the answer
I don’t know.
I don’t know anything about that.
I haven’t thought about that.

If the question is too broad or too vague
I’m sorry, could you be more specific?
What do you mean exactly?
Is there anything in particular you want to know?

If you need time to think
Hmm. Let me see. . .
Let me think about that.
Well. . .
Good question.

If you don’t understand
Pardon me?
Could you please repeat that?
I didn’t hear what you said. Could you explain what you mean?
What does that mean?

If you feel your English is not good enough
I know what you’re talking about, but it’s difficult for me to explain in English.
But let me see. . .
Let me try again.

If the question is too personal
I’m sorry I’d rather not say.
That’s a little personal.
I’d rather not talk about it.
It’s none of your business.

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During World War II, many men from different countries were required to leave their regular jobs and go fight. At this time, many factories and offices counted on women. Women were to fill-in for these men in order to maintain output levels for the employers. Maybe this can be considered the beginning of the women’s liberation movement as women had a new feeling of power—they were able to do work and they became economically independent.

Since that time women have tried to achieve equal status to men in many different parts of life, especially at the workplace. Although there are many success stories, such as Carla Fiona being the head honcho of Hewlett-Packard or Margaret Thatcher being the Prime Minister of England, a lot of women still complain about a glass-ceiling. Yes, higher rates of women work than in past decades. However, some say that the level of their positions still remain quite low. The men are the ones who receive the promotions and higher pay at the executive level.

In addition, in some cultures once a woman gets married she sometimes feels as if the other staff members are giving her the cold shoulder. They want to influence her to leave the company. This is because once she gets married she might put her husband and family before her work, which would make her less productive. Or, it could be a way for companies to avoid paying maternity leave if she became pregnant after marriage.

Another issue at work involves ‘reverse discrimination.’ Some people complain that job positions or promotions are not always based on who is the best qualified candidate. Rather, it is decided by the person’s gender or ethnic background. It might create more equal opportunity for minorities and increase the image of the company, but it leaves some individuals out in the cold.

Vocabulary:

Output level
quantity of final items produced

Women’s liberation movement
Movement seeking equal rights for women

Glass-ceiling
invisible barrier blocking a person’s promotion to management because of the person’s gender and race.

Maternity leave
paid time a woman takes off of work for the birth of a baby.

Reverse discrimination
discrimination (unfair treatment) of members of a majority group

Candidate
person trying to be chosen for a position

Ethnic
people’s background, like race or religion

Minorities
a small part of the population that is different (eg. Due to their race)

Expressions:

Counted on: depended on, relied on, expected

Fill-in: substitute

Head honcho: boss, especially in a high position

Cold shoulder: style of not being nice and friendly intentionally

Out in the cold: left out, not being part of benefits given to others

Discussion Points:

1. Do you think that men and women are treated equally at work? For example, do men and women receive the same amount of pay at your place of employment?
2. Do you think that men and women want full or selective equality? For instance, do women just want equality in management positions, or do they also want equality in other jobs like as a soldier or construction worker?
3. Is there a public relations advantage or disadvantage to having ethnic minorities represent the companies in various positions?
4. Is it true that some job positions are better suited for men (miners, firefighters), while others are better for women (nurses, teachers)?

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