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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When employers open their businesses and employees start their careers, both usually have one similar goal to succeed. During the beginning of this 21st Century, the work office is full of tough competition. N interesting part related to this is the different view of loyalty between employers and employees.

Companies must be competitive with their market rivals. The management executives expect employees to show their loyalty to the company by taking on additional asks or working overtime (OT) hours more often. For example, instead of a dozen people working in the Human Resources (HR) Department for a full workday, through restructuring many companies have downsized and gotten rid of some positions so that only nine people do the same work as twelve. This usually requires employees to work more OT to complete the extra assignments.

As a result, the employers are pleased. This saves the company some overheard cost, which indirectly increases their profits. This money can be used to make them more competitive with their market rivals. The employers believe the honor of working for a leading competitive company will make the employees more loyal. What might be occurring is actually vice versa.

For the employees, the benefits are not quite clear. Showing their loyalty by working more means that they could have less leisure time and yet they could still be sacked at any time. These work conditions could reduce competitiveness as the employees’ morale decreases and they are burnt out from working too many hours. This could actually trigger the employees to look for another job with better conditions (better salary, fringe benefits, working hours, location and so on). If this happened, some money the company saved by downsizing to make it more competitive with market rivals would then have to be spent on training new employees.

VOCABULARY

21st Century - Years from 2001 to 2009
ex: Better technology will be used in business during the 21st Century.

Market rivals - Competitors, companies competing to be more efficient
ex: What company is our main market rival?

Restructuring - Reorganizing a company to be more efficient
ex: Restructuring mainly benefits employers more than employees.

Downsized - Laid off employees to be more competitive by lowering costs
ex: Asian companies downsized after the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis.

Overhead cost - Cost to run a business not related to producing and selling goods or services (eg. Salary, electricity and rental fee)
ex: High overhead costs in Paris forced the company to move to Jakarta.

Vice versa - The reverse, the other way round
ex: The employee really likes his boss and vice versa.

Morale - enthusiasm and loyalty for the job
ex: The morale at the office was bad because of law sales.

Fringe benefits - Employees’ non-cash benefits in addition to salary that is paid by employers (eg. Medical and pension plans, a company car)
ex: I chose to work for his company due to its generous fringe benefits.

EXPRESSIONS

Talking on - Accepting new responsibilities
ex: I will be taking on new projects next month.

Gotten rid of - removed or done away with
ex: Have you gotten rid of the old data yet?

Be sacked - have their job terminated; be fired
ex: He will be sacked for arriving late at work too often.

Burnt out - Tired and needing some time off from work
ex: She is burnt out because her boss always tells her to work overtime.

Trigger - Cause
ex: Rude comments can trigger an argument between colleagues.

DISCUSSION POINTS

1. What work conditions do you consider fair for both the employers and employees?
2. How is loyalty rewarded at various companies you know?
For instance, do the employees receive a special bonus or an extra day off/
3. How can companies stay competitive by decreasing costs, yet still maintain enough employees?
For example, could the executives reduce their entertainment accout or could the company move to a less expensive office location?
4. What have you done to prepare for your future in case your job position is not as solid as it was before?

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This Lesson is about enabling you to talk freely among yourselves without regard to any set lesson plan. In this lesson, we will focus on discussing different questions about and aspects of

love.

Target Questions

Have you ever been in love?
Who was your first love?
What is your definition of love? Is it a feeling? Is it an emotion?
How is love for family and friends different from love for a boyfriend/girlfriend/husband/wife? Is it just the romantic side which is different?
If you didn’t marry your first love, will you ever forget him/her?
Do you believe in love at first sight?
Do you think men fall in love more easily than women? Is it possible to love (in a romantic sense) more than one person at the same time?
If you break up with someone you love, do you still love them?
Can you stop loving someone?
Does “love conquer all” or are there limits to love?
Is it possible to be happily married without loving your spouse?
Do you believe in unconditional love, or can love be selfish?

If you were the leader of a country, would you rather be loved or feared?
Have you ever had a case of “puppy love?”
Have you ever been in love with your teacher?
Have you ever been in love with someone who had a boyfriend/girlfriend/husband/wife?
Do you love to talk about love?

Dating

The topics included in this section will enable you to talk freely among yourselves about interesting and engaging topics without regard to any set lesson plan. This topic will deal with the different aspects of dating and the complex relationship between men and women. Discuss your ideas after reading the following article.

Cafes, theaters, popular hot spots for young Korean dating couples .When it comes to where couples actually go on a date not that much has changed over the years. However, the changes in the way the dating ritual is carried out, from making the first move to paying the bill, are revealing of the general attitudes of a generation.

First, the concept of a café has changed so that it is now regarded as a comprehensive leisure venue. The added attraction is entertainment. Rock cafes were the rage a couple of years ago; this year it’s jazz cafes, pocket ball cafes, sports café and for the serious, even business cafes.

Another major change from the old generation is the role of women in dating. From passive receivers women have become more active players often taking the initiative by making the first move, deciding where to go, and paying the bill.

As in the past, for most people, their date partners are those who have been introduced through friends or relatives. Not knowing someone’s background and position in society makes people wary of asking someone out that they have met on the street or bumped into in line at the bank.

Another show of conservatism is the widespread belief that the man should be the one to make the first move:

For university students the old ritual of the “meeting” is still a popular one. But it is increasingly something for the younger generation. In a recent survey 40 percent of high school students said they have been to a meeting at least once and some middle school students also.

Questions for Discussion

1. What’s the best way to pay for a date: to take turns paying, or to have one partner pick up the whole tab?
2. What are dates like in Korea? Do you think going for a dinner or the movies are the best forms of entertainment for a date?
3. Where is the best place you’ve been on a date? Describe the best date you’ve ever had. What would be your dream date?
4. Do you have any good friends of the opposite sex? Do you believe that men and women can “just” be friends?
5. Do you believe that men should always make the first move?
6. How is dating in Korea different than dating in the West?
7. Is it ok in Korean culture for a girl or boy to date multiple people before they get married? How serious is a dating relationship in Korea?
8. How does the older generation feel about dating? If you have a girlfriend or boyfriend do they expect you to marry that person?
9. What does it mean to have a girlfriend/boyfriend in Korea? Are you allowed to hang out with other friends of the opposite sex when you were young?
10. Have you ever been hurt in a relationship before? How did it feel? How did you deal with the pain?
11. Do you think that the changes in boy/girl relationships in Korea over the last 20 years are positive? Why or why not?
12. If you have kids someday, what advice will you give them about dating? Will you allow them to date freely?

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Approximately one quarter of women living with a man say they don't ever plan on marrying him, according to new study findings.

This suggests that for many people, living together is not a step on the road to marriage. More couples live together out of wedlock than ever before, and the reasons why some roommates prefer to stay unwed likely vary. Some may believe that marriage would not alter their situation enough to make it worthwhile. Others may move in with a mate with no plans to marry him. It is suggested, preferring the intimacy and companionship that comes from a roommate, and not from a date or husband.

Although many believed they would never wed their partners, cohabiting does not appear to be replacing marriage, for just as many Americans are marrying now as before. So there are a lot of people who are cohabiting, they want to get married some time, but they don't know when, or with whom. Money is always a woman's number one priority. Rather, women believe that economic stability is a condition of marriage, and they don't want to marry--and perhaps have children--without feeling financially secure.

In terms of why more unwed people are living together than previously, the age at which people are getting married has shown a "steady rise" over the years. And extra time before matrimony gives people the opportunity to have relationships and live with people other than their future spouses.

Word Power

Marriage - a legally recognized relationship, established by a civil or religious ceremony, between two people who intend to live together as sexual and domestic partners

Wedlock - the state of being married

Intimacy - a close personal relationship

Steady rise - fixed, stable, or not easily moved

Cohabiting - to live together, especially without being formally married

Comprehension Questions

1. What are the reasons why some roommates prefer to stay unwed?
2. What is women’s number one priority? Explain.
3. What gives people the opportunity to have relationships and live with people other than their future spouses?

Critical Thinking Questions

1. Are you pro cohabiting? Why or why not?
2. What are the advantages and disadvantages of cohabiting?
3. What are the things to consider before cohabiting/getting married?

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Many people believe in an afterlife. It is generally described as a non-verifiable and non-falsifiable belief within a religion, because it is generally accepted as beyond the experiential knowledge or casual accessibility of most people. As a result, the popular mind relies on various sources for concepts about afterlife.

While there is information available from all sources, a preponderance of concoctions, speculations, and extrapolations have arguably historically characterized formal descriptions of afterlife. Religious traditions have historically formalized and codified ideas about afterlife in widely divergent forms. It should be pointed out that not all atheists and agnostics necessarily rule out the existence of an afterlife. For example, many Buddhists neither confirm nor deny the existence of the supernatural (gods, demons, heavens, hells, etc.), while simultaneously embracing the concept of rebirth.

Word Power

Preponderance – Superiority in weight, force, importance, or influence.
Concoctions – the invention of a scheme or story to suit some purpose
Extrapolations – To infer or estimate by extending or projecting known information.
Divergent - Drawing apart from a common point; diverging.

Comprehension Questions:

1. What is the afterlife?
2. How does history characterize the afterlife?
3. How does Buddhists view the afterlife?

Critical Thinking Questions:

1. Do you believe in the afterlife? Why or why not?
2. Why do you think most religions adhere to the concept of the afterlife?
3. Are there advantages and disadvantages of being an atheist? Explain.

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Real pro-lifers believe life begins at conception and that abortion is first-degree murder; that is, the premeditated killing of a human being. If abortion is premeditated murder, then all 50 US states already forbid it, for every state in the union forbids murder. Problem is, the US courts have muddled the "legal definition" of human life to permit abortion, which is why they occur at a rate of some 3,000 per day.

Still, the question is why pro-lifers fight for laws, such as those requiring parental consent, which are intended to slow the killing. If they believe abortion is first-degree murder, then parental consent laws merely require a parent's permission for a minor to murder her child.

Likewise for "informed-consent" laws, which require doctors to explain a baby's gestational stage, and the potential dangers to the mother, before an abortion. The Supreme Court recently "approved" such a law in Indiana, termed one of the "most restrictive in the nation."

In truth, the law "restricts" nothing; it does not abolish abortion or stop just one abortion. If the pro-lifers are right, that abortion is murder; the doctor is simply explaining the danger of murdering the child.

Word Power

Pro-lifer – a person who is anti abortion

Comprehension Questions

Why do pro-lifers consider abortion as murder?
What are the pro-lifers fighting for in the States?
What is the status of the abortion law in the US?

Critical Thinking Questions

What is your stand about abortion? Are you pro-life or pro-choice?
What is your government’s standpoint in abortion? Is it legal in your country? Why? Why not?
If murder is prohibited in almost all countries of the world, then why is abortion permitted to be carried out?

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Most people travel to different parts of the world and experience the new and the different. Traveling, however, takes planning. Before you go to another country, it is a good idea to ask about the country of destination.



Target Phrases

What are some of the most popular tourist attractions in Korea?
If I could visit one place in Korea, which one would you recommend?
When is the best time to visit Korea?
Where is the best place to see traditional Korean culture?
What are some interesting things about Korean culture?

Conversation
Using the Target Phrases

Ana: Hi, my name is Ana. Nice to meet you.
Hee Jong: Nice to meet you. My name is Hee Jong.
Ana: Ijust arrived in Korea yesterday, and I don’t know much about the country. Can I ask you a couple of questions about Korea?
Hee Jong: Sure.
Ana: What are some of the most popular tourist attractions in Korea?
Hee Jong: There are too many to list. But, you can check out all the famous palaces, temples, mountains…
Ana: Well, if you had to pick one place to go, where would you recommend?
Hee Jong: Umm, I’d say you should go to Kyung Ju.
Ana: Why Kyung Ju?
Hee Jong: Kyung Ju was the ancient capital during the Shilla dynasty. Kyung Ju has many historical sites and attractions. Besides, it’s a beautiful city.
Ana: Could I experience traditional Korean culture there?
Hee Jong: Definitely
Ana: That sounds great. Thanks!
Hee Jong: You’re welcome. Have a good trip

Best Places to go in Korea

Examine the following list of popular Korean tourist attractions. Mark the ones that you have been to or that you know about. Then discuss your travel experiences and which one of the following would you most strongly recommend to a foreign visitor. Add some good reasons for your choices.

Pagoda Park
Folk Village
Yongpyung Resort
Panmoonjum
Namsan Tower
Everland
Kyungju
Cheju-do
Namdaemun
63 Building
Incheon
Kyungbokkung
Chamsil Stadium
Taejondae
Piwon (The secret Garden)
Chirisan

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What is the conversation about when business associates greet each other at the airport, meet during a break at a conference, or go out for dinner after a long meeting? Some of the discussion at these times will be about business. Yet it is probably more likely that a lot of the issues are not related to work at all. Rather, a general style of chit-chat will develop and this is known as “small talk.”

Small talk can be considered an important part of business because it gets your mind off work. It is also a way to find common ground between different business associates. This will to the establishment of deeper and more personal ties to maintain business in the future.

Although it is important to participate in small talk, it is also necessary to know what can be talked about and what is off-limits. For example, asking someone about the local food, national culture and recent weather is considered an acceptable way to break the ice with a business counterpart. Hopefully a casual discussion will continue and eventually help develop mutual understanding which can then create a trustworthy business relationship.

However, people must also be aware of sensitive issues that are hot potatoes and should not be discussed in this environment. For instance, any conversation focused on politics, religion or personal questions should not come up. This is because others could become angry. Not only would the situation become awkward, but the business relationship could be hurt by such topics.

VOCABULARY:

Business associates
People who have business relationships together
Ex: I will talk to my business associates about a new sales idea.

Break
Short temporary stop
Ex: After you sell a TV to this customer, let’s take a break and eat lunch.

Chit-chat
Casual and informal talk
Ex: The workers had a chit-chat about their summer vacations.

Common ground
A similar position agreeable for all people
Ex: we hope to find common ground and make a contract.

Ties
Relationships
Ex: The man trusts me because we have had business ties for 20 years.

Counterpart
Individual with the same position or function in another company
Ex: Our company’s president met with his Brazilian counterpart.

Mutual
Each person having the same feeling as the other
Ex: Signing the contract was a mutual agreement.

Awkward
Uncomfortable
Ex: It was awkward telling the boss that I disagreed with her.

EXPRESSIONS:

Gets your mind off
Let yourself forget about it temporarily
Ex: He wants to get his mind off the mistake he made while negotiating.

Off-limits
Not to be talked about
Ex: Telling racist jokes is off-limits.

Break the ice
Begin a conversation when meeting someone the first time
Ex: It is nice for current employees to break the ice with new ones.

Hot potatoes
Topics that are controversial or that could cause problems
Ex: Be careful with hot potatoes or you might argue.

Come up
Become part of the discussion
Ex: Information about a client’s account could come up in the meeting.

DISCUSSION POINTS

1. What are some other small talk topics which should or should not be discussed?
· For instance, it is fine to have a conversation about sports or history?

2. Do you think small talk is important in your culture?
· For example, when clients meet do they only talk about their job and position or do they also talk about their job and position or do they also talk about their other experiences?

3. What are some personal questions that should be avoided?
· For instance, is it fine to ask someone if they are married or how much money they earn?

4. Do you believe that small talk can influence business deals or are they not related with each other?

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Korean New Year commonly known as Seollal or Solnal, is the first day of the lunar Korean calendar. It is the most important of the traditional Korean holidays. Korean New Year generally falls on the day of the second new moon after winter solstice.

The biggest festival in Korea today is Seollal The Korean New Year holidays lasts for three days. It is considered as a more important holiday than the solar New Year's Day. The term Seollal is also used to refer to the solar new year.

Although many of the younger generation take advantage of the time off to go skiing or travel abroad, Korea's roads, railways, and skies are full of homeward bound travelers. People line up for hours when the bus and train tickets go on sale, about 3 months prior to the holidays. For those masochistic enough to try driving, taking over 24 hours to drive from Seoul to Busan is not unheard of! (Normally, it takes 5-6 hours. However, the family bond runs deep in Korea culture, and it seems that people gladly make the journey.

SEOLLAL DISCUSSION

• Where are you going for Seollal?
• What day is Seollal celebrated in Korea?
• Do you celebrate Seollal? If so, how?
• What did you do last year?
• Why is the traffic so bad?

• What do you know about the history of Seollal?
• What do people do in Seollal for fun?
• What food do you eat at Seollal?

• What foods are associated with Seollal?
• What is your favourite Seollal food?
• Who cooks Seollal food in your home?
• What time of day does your family typically sit down to eat Seollal food?

• What are some Seollal traditions?

• What are some Seollal traditions in your family?
• Do people wear hanbok in Seollal?

• Do you think Seollal is a family holiday? Why?

• What does " Seollal " mean to you?

• What is your favourite Seollal memory?

• What is your worst Seollal memory?

• What is your favorite holiday in Korea? Why?

• Why do you think people celebrate Seollal Day?

• Is making New Years Resolution popular in Korea?

• What are some of the things you are wishing for this year?

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This lesson will focus on what really represents the “real” Korea, the “Land of Morning Calm.”
In 1934 A.D., an emperor of the Ming dynasty of China, the Celestial Empire of the East, gave Korea the title of 'Chaohsien' meaning morning freshness. The title was most suited to South Korea because of its spellbinding natural beauty of picturesque high mountains and clear waters and its splen-did tranquillity, particularly in the morning which further confirmed the title on South Korea as the 'Land of Morning Calm'.

Examine the items in the list below and choose 12 items that you think truly represents Korea. Of course, you can add your own items to the list.

Target Phrases

Kimchi
Celadon vase
Korean-English dictionary
Miniature TV
Ticket to Everland
A Bible
Subway ticket
Ginseng root
Pharmacy health drink
Riot policeman’s helmet
Bottle of soju
Pack of cigarettes
Chopsticks
Package of rice
Coffee shop glass
Hanbok
Hyundai logo
Military uniform
Necktie
Keys to a car
Package of ramyon
Pansori CD

DISCUSSIONS:

1. What things do you think represent Korea? Why?
2. Do you think Korea is still the “Land of Morning Calm”? Why or why not?
3. What do you think of Korea now compared to the past?
4. Are you proud of Korea? What makes you so? If not, why not?
5. What things do you think define your teacher’s native land? Why?
6. What do you think of his or her country compared to Korea?

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Life is not always fair. Whether a person is making a comparison of numerous countries or many individuals, there is always a gap between the haves and have-nots. This also occurs with the salary of those people working in the corporate world. Company executives have received a large amount of money, but the general workers have not.

Compared to the regular staff, executives are rewarded with a lot of different perks –possibly a company car or more holidays. In addition, the average big shots in America has increased tenfold in their pay, the other workers have received minor raises which might just be above the inflation rate.

With income being lopsided so much, many workers are complaining that this situation I just too unfair. Yes, the Chief Executive Officers (CEO’s) might be stressed out. After all, they are the ones who must make the really important decisions under pressure so they deserve to be paid well. However, a company’s success is based on the hard work of the lower –level staff. Without these employees working all day and possibly overtime (OT), would the companies be profitable enough to afford to pay the high salary of the executives?

Many workers might be feeling as if they are getting a raw deal. This could have really negative effects for the company. For instance, the employees might be bitter toward the executives and this could result in a loss of ambition to work hard. To keep as many people as pleased as possible, some changes are needed. This means that fair work will be rewarded with fair pay and at the time the income gap will be cut back.

VOCABULARY:

Gap
big difference
Ex: there should not be a wage gap between men and women.

Have and have-nots
Countries or people who have and do not have wealth
Ex: in parts of Africa, whether or not a house has electricity separates the haves and have-nots.

Tenfold
Ten times, multiplied by ten
Ex: the company’s profit fell tenfold during the weak economy.

Inflation rate
Percentage increase in prices
Ex: the inflation rate increased from 2% to 4% last year.

Lopsided
Not equal by a large amount
Ex: sales were lopsided and mostly done by our female staff.

Bitter
Unhappy, angry, resentful
Ex: are you bitter that you did not get the promotion?

EXPRESSIONS:

Perks
Gains or advantages that are extra to salary (eg. A company car)

Big shots
Important people with high positions and lots of power

Be stressed out
Have too many worries, feel too much pressure

Raw deal
Bad deal or agreement

Cut back
Reduced, decreased

DISCUSSION POINTS:

1. What other perks exist that executives enjoy at different companies?
For example, are they able to have a golf membership or a company credit card?

2. Why is there a gap between the executives pay and the other employees pay?
For instance, is it because the executive is the owner and makes the rules? Or, is it because of supply and demand where there is less supply of qualified CEOs which result in higher pay?

3. Should someone who has completed their required military service in Korea receive more money than other workers who have not?

4. Do you think it is proper that labor workers sometimes make the same amount or even higher salary than office staff?

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“Glocalization” is acting globally, but thinking locally. It is the idea of multinational corporations practicing globalization by expanding worldwide, yet tailoring their marketing and advertising strategy, or goods and services, to each of the local markets. Therefore, the company is global, yet local.

During the past decades, international corporations would have to pinpoint what part of their products would have to be altered in order to be sold in foreign markets. For example, technology items had to have the right language in their Users Manual and automobiles had to have a steering wheel on the proper side of the vehicle. This type of localizing evolved and companies also became aware of special cultural norms.

Market rivals are checking out ways to give themselves an edge in a specific local area. Korea’s LG Electronics has tried to draw Muslims in the Middle East to purchase its mobile phones. It attempts this by including software that shows the direction of Mecca. Since Muslims are supposed to pray in this direction five times per day, this might be a special feature that they find useful. It will not likely start a revolution in the mobile phone market, but it might be just enough to tip the balance to LG when Muslim consumers decide to purchase their new handsets.

VOCABULARY:

Tailoring – customizing, making in a specific way for a special purpose
Ex: Tailoring cars for the U.K., we put steering wheels on the right side.

Altered – changed, modified
Ex: we altered our meeting schedule.

Evolved – changed as time went on
Ex: the company has evolved from having 10 workers to 45.

Cultural norms – normal and acceptable behavior in cultures
Ex: learning cultural norms is important for international business.

Draw – attract
Ex: let’s hope this new ad will draw more customers to the store.

Mecca – in Saudi Arabia, holiest place for Muslims
Ex: my boss visited Mecca when he took time off from work.

EXPRESSIONS

Pinpoint – determine exactly
Ex: once they pinpoint the problem then they can solve it.

An edge – an advantage
Ex: lower prices will give the company an edge over others.

Tip the balance – give the advantage
Ex: if candidates know a foreign language it will tip the balance for them to be hired.


DISCUSSION POINTS:

1. How can foreign companies improve their “localization” to better understand regional or cultural differences?
For instance, a popular drink in Korea is Pocari Sweat, but that would probably not sell well in English-speaking countries. This is because the people would feel that as if they were drinking sweat.

2. How can your company be more sensitive when it sells its products abroad?
For example, should Asian manufacturers produce larger vehicles for the North America market because, in general, North American customers need or want more space?

3. Are there any minor problems when products are sold in foreign markets which create a negative image of a company but could easily be fixed?For instance, are there spelling mistakes in manuals or misinterpretations in translations?

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by: Larissa

It is important to understand English slang in order to speak confidently and correctly. Below is a sample conversation between co-workers. Please read once and then read again out loud with the help of your teacher.

Lesson 1:
Conversation and Role Playing:
Read the dialogue

A: AB, what’s going on?
B: Not much, just taking it easy today. Work’s been killing me lately.
A: What do you say we head downtown and grab a coffee at the Starbucks near plaza 66?
B: I’ve had way too much caffeine lately. I wouldn’t mind grabbing something to eat though. Would you be up for that?
A: It’s a nice day today, so we could get something at Element Fresh near the Portman. They’ve got a patio so we could sit outside.
B: Sure, do you want to work out after?
A: I’ve already gone. Wasn’t great though. 6 out of 10 at best.
B: Just come with and do some cardio. I think you could afford to shed a few more pounds.
A: We’ll see. Let’s meet at Element at 2.
B: K, later.

Lesson 2:
Building the slang:
Read the following vocabulary words and their descriptions.

AB: Friends sometimes call people by their initials just for fun. My name is Andrew Best so friends of mine might call me AB.

What’s going on? A slang phrase meaning, “What are you doing now? Or what are your plans for the next while?”

Taking it easy: relaxing, not doing much.

Been killing me: A phrase meaning “causing you a lot of stress”. You can say, “My new job has been killing me.” Or you could say, “The summer has been so hot this year, it’s killing me.”

Grab a coffee: In casual conversation, we sometimes use the verb “grab” for food or drinks. “Let’s grab a coffee”, means, “let’s go somewhere and get a coffee”.

Way too much: In casual conversation, we sometimes use “way” instead of “far”. “Way too much”, means, “far too much”.

Caffeine: The drug found in coffee that gives people energy and keeps them awake.

Would you be up for that? A casual phrase meaning, “Do you want to do that”, or “Will you do that?”

Patio: A place to sit outside. Sometimes restaurants and pubs have patios where people can sit outside and eat on a nice day.

6 out of 10: Sometimes people rate things out of 10. 10 out of 10 is perfect. 0 out of 10 is the worst.

At best: Ranking something is subjective, which means that it is not always clear what the score out of 10 will be. If you say, 6 out of 10 at best, it means, 6 out of 10 or even lower than 6 out of 10.

Come with: A slang phrase that means, “come with me” or “come with us”.

You could afford to shed a few more pounds: Sometimes we say “shed a few pounds”, which means, “lose weight”.

We’ll see: It means, “I’m not sure yet”.

Element: In the dialogue, I said the restaurant’s name is Element Fresh. When both people know clearly what is being talked about, people sometimes use short forms.

K: Slang and short for “ok”.

Later: When hanging up the phone we sometimes say “later”. It’s slang and should be used only with friends.

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Finding Mr. or Mrs. Right, Dating

Everyone is looking for love, but finding a suitable mate can be difficult. Luckily, many people have friends who are willing to set them up on blind dates in hopes of making a successful match. Dating services are another option for those looking for Mr. or Mrs. Right, but many people are leery about letting a computer decides their personal relationships. There seems to be ongoing search for true romance, and the best way to meet your perfect love is a matter of preference.

The following are some sayings related to finding that man or woman of your dreams. Do you agree with them? Can you think of any others?

· There are many fish in the sea.
· Age and wedlock tame even the wildest man.
· Women: you can’t live with them, you can’t live without them.
· A good man is hard to find.
· The reason that husbands and wives do not understand each other is because they belong to different sexes.

Discussion:

1. Are you a good matchmaker? How many times have you set someone up on a date? Are any of the couples still together?
2. Are you a good judge of character? Is your first impression of someone usually correct? What do you look for?
3. How many blind dates have you been on? Talk about your best and worst?
4. In many Western countries, blind dates are fairly uncommon. Why do you think this is? How do people in Western countries usually find dates?
5. How do you feel when you meet someone for the first time?
6. Have you ever tried a computer dating service or matchmaking service? If so, what was it like? If not, would you be willing to try one?
7. Where is the best place to pick up guys or girls?
8. What do you think about sex before marriage?
9. How do you feel about “booking clubs” in Korea? Do people usually expect to find a girlfriend or boyfriend there, or are they just looking for some fun?
10. Do you think that people’s criteria for dating changes over time? Has your taste in guys/girls changed at all? What kind of person do you think you will be attracted to in 20 years?
11. What do women look for in a man? What do men look for in a woman? What are your priorities?
12. How can you tell if you have found the perfect partner? How long should people date before they decide to get married?

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Telling Lies and Being Honest

It is widely known that people who tell lies usually experience psychological strain, unease or agitation because of the worry that their lies may be detected. Other physiological reactions include excessive blinking, stammering, sweating, shaking, avoiding eye contact, shortness of breath, and changes in the tone of voice, to name only a few.

During his testimony to the grand jury regarding the sex scandal involving White House intern Monica Lewinsky, President Bill Clinton touched his nose an average of 26 times a minute. As with former President Clinton, sometimes when an individual is lying, he tends to exhibit nervous habits. Some experts watch for these signs to detect whether a person is being truthful or not.

A more scientific method for detecting whether a person is lying or not was developed in 1920. A polygraph, or ‘lie detector’ (as it is more commonly known), can detect changes in breathing patterns, pulse and blood pressure that typically indicate, with about 90 percent accuracy, that someone is nervous about something they are trying to conceal.

However, this machine is incapable of measuring physiological rates in persons who exhibit dietheses, a condition that enables a person to lie and show minimal physiological changes. To combat this problem, scientists are now perfecting a machine that measures electrical impulses in brain waves. Some people believe this new device may be capable of detecting even the most convincing liars, even those individuals who exhibit diatheses.

Comprehension:

1. How good are you at lying? Are you a convincing liar, or can people see right through you?
2. Can you usually tell that someone is lying?
3. When you lie do you exhibit any nervous reactions?
4. Do you agree with the expression, ‘honesty is always the best policy’? if not, when do you think it is better to lie?
5. Politicians are well-known for lying. Do you think that politics encourages lying and corruption?
6. Is it possible to go through life without ever telling a lie (even a ‘white lie’)? Would living in this way have a positive or negative effect on your relationships?
7. When you guessed correctly that your partner was lying, what gave him or her away?
8. When you were lying to your partner, did you find it difficult to keep a straight face?
9. Is it sometimes necessary to lie in order to save face?
10. Who do you think lies more often, men or women? What kind of lies do men tell? Do women tell?
11. Can you think of situation where it would be okay to lie?

Activity:

Typical Excuses

One very common occasion for lying is when people need to come up with excuses to explain their mistakes or irresponsibility. Give typical excuses for each of the types of people in the list below.

1. People who smoke
2. People who are late for school or work
3. People who are late for a date
4. Men and women who have love affairs
5. Husbands who beat their wives
6. People who have messy houses
7. Students who give up trying to learn English
8. Public officials who take bribes
9. Singles who want to stay single

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Having a bad boss could be bad for your heart. This is the conclusion of a Swedish study on management styles and health. The researchers concluded that poor managers can increase their employee's risk of developing heart disease. The Stockholm University study analyzed data on the health of 3,000 male workers. They compared the data with the results from questionnaires about senior managers. The questions asked workers if they thought their boss was considerate, communicated well and offered positive feedback. Other questions looked at how much work bosses gave to workers and how well they outlined their goals. The research team found that workers who respected their bosses were healthier and had fewer heart problems.

The report is published in the journal Occupational and Environmental Medicine. It suggests that companies should re-train bosses to improve worker health. A healthier workforce will improve the overall health of the company. Investing in providing leadership skills to senior managers could be a good long-term investment. The researchers said a more supportive and understanding boss would reduce the chances of workers developing high blood pressure and stress-related illnesses. Magnus Larsson, an engineer for a large IT company, agreed with the report’s findings. He believes his heart attack last year was because of his boss: “The guy was a monster. Working for him was a daily nightmare for eight years,” Larsson said.

BOSS DISCUSSION:

1. What springs to mind when you hear the word ‘boss’?
2. Do you think you would be a good boss?
3. What makes a good boss a good boss?
4. Are you surprised that bosses can give their staff heart problems?
5. Why is it important to be considerate and give positive feedback?
6. What other things in the workplace are bad for your heart?
7. Do you think the workplace is a stressful place?
8. Have you had good or bad bosses?
9. Can anyone be a good boss?
10. Would you like to be a boss (why)?
11. What would managers learn in their training to be a good boss?
12. What should companies do to look after the health of their staff?
13. Do you know of any companies that treat their staff really well?
14. Do you think workers should be able to vote on whether their boss continues to be their boss?
15. Do you think companies should spend a lot of time and money on training managers?
16. Do you think workers should be able to sue companies if bosses give them heart problems?
17. What would you do if your boss was a monster who made your working life a daily nightmare?

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A husband is bringing in the groceries.

Sam: You’ll never guess who I bumped into at Loblaw’s today!
Grace: Who?
Sam: Jerry. You remember Jerry… my old fishing buddy?
Grace: Oh, we haven’t seen him in ages!
Sam: Yeah. But you know, he hasn’t aged a day. He still looks exactly the same.
Grace: So, how is he? Is he still married to that… what was her name? isn’t that crazy we used to be bosom pals and now I can’t even remember her name.
Sam: You mean Deborah?
Grace: Right, Deborah. It was on the tip of my tongue. Are they still together?
Sam: Nope. Divorced. He has really let himself go, too. He looked like hell.
Grace: Aw, that’s a shame. They made a nice couple. Well, he must have a lot of time on his hands now. We should invite him for dinner.
Sam: No way! Are you crazy?
Grace: Well, I just thought…
Sam: Don’t you remember the last time we invited Jerry over? He drank like a fish, hit on every woman in the room, and made a complete ass of himself. I was mortified.
Grace: Oh, that’s right. Your parents were there, too. Well, why don’t we let bygones be bygones and invite him for a dinner on Friday?
Sam: Hmm…alright, but don’t say I didn’t warn you.

Comprehension:
1. Briefly explain in your own words what Sam and Grace are talking about.
2. What is Sam’s opinion of Jerry?
3. What does Grace mean by ‘let bygones be bygones’?
4. Do you have any friends that your family or spouse do not approved of? How do you keep the peace?
5. Are there any friends you’ve lost touch with? Why do you think you haven’t been able to keep in touch?
6. Do you think that it’s easy or difficult for married people to be friends with single or divorced people? Why?

Reading

Throughout our lives, our idea of what makes someone a good friend might change, but the general principles remain the same.

In kindergarten, good friends might have let us have the red crayon, instead of the yucky black one. They were the one who seemed able to play with us for extended periods without it turning into all out war. They were the ones who shared their precious snacks with you at lunchtime.
In childhood, good friends were the people who were always there to sit with at lunchtime or the people who always wanted to walk home with you after school. They were the people who laughed at your antics, when everyone else thought you were being idiotic.

In adolescence, good friends let you copy their homework, risked punishment to pass you notes in class, always managed to get the seat next to you, and never revealed who you secretly had a crush on.

As a teenager, your good friends were probably your partners in naughtiness, helped you laugh through the rough world of growing up, stood by and cheered on your successes, and picked you up and dusted you off after the sting of disappointments or betrayal.

As adults, good friends are those who are dependable, always ready with a listening ear, words of encouragement, or advice. Good friends remember your birthday. Good friends are the people you want to call when something has got you down, or when things suddenly seem to be falling apart. Good friends don’t let you take yourself too seriously. They let you be yourself, but also help you grow to become a better person.

DISCUSSION:

1. Which of your friends have you known the longest? How did the two of you meet? How often do you see each other these days?
2. Do you think that men and women can be friends? How about after marriage?
3. Describe a perfect evening spent with friends.
4. Are there any long lost friends you’d like to get back in touch with?
5. Do you usually hang out with the same group of close friends or with many different people?
6. Do you usually socialize with people from work or church?
7. In Western countries, it is common to invite groups of people to one’s house for a dinner party, potluck party, pool party, or barbeque. Why do you think these sorts of social gatherings are uncommon in Korea?
8. How does alcohol influence the way people socialize?
9. What kinds of people do you get along with really well? Are there any sorts of people you don’t normally get along with?
10. If you had a serious problem, who would you be more likely to talk to about it first, a family member or a close friend? Why?
11. What makes a friendship last a long time?
12. Do you think it is possible to overcome shyness? How?
13. What makes someone a great conversationalist?

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As a guide to morally acceptable behavior, many people used to refer to the list of virtues. A virtue is a good quality or way of behaving.

· Can you think of some situations in which these virtues are still important?
· Are some of these virtues unrealistic in today’s world?

Discuss some of the following virtues:

Politeness: good manners; socially acceptable behavior; not being rude
Justice: fairness in the way that people are treated
Courage: doing something difficult or dangerous despite your fear
Gratitude: thanking someone for something they have done or given to you
Humility: being modest; not believing that you are better than someone else
Purity: following what you know to be morally acceptable behavior
Fidelity: loyalty to a person, organization or set of beliefs
Generosity: doing or giving more than is usual or expected
Mercy: choosing not to harm or punish someone you have power over
Gentleness: acting in a calm and controlled manner with little force

DISCUSSION:

1. Where do you think we get our sense of right and wrong?
2. Why do you think most people have a conscience? Do you have a strong conscience? Give reasons to support your answer.
3. Some people do things that they know are wrong only because others also do. In English, we call this ‘peer pressure’ or ‘social pressure’. Why do you think people sometimes follow the crowd?
4. How can you teach your children the difference between right and wrong?
5. Are you optimistic or pessimistic about human nature?
6. Is there anything you’ve done that you regret?
7. Do you believe that people who try hard to be good will ultimately be rewarded for their efforts? What makes you think so?
8. Altruism is the act of helping other people even though there is no benefit for ourselves. Do you believe that there is such a thing as real altruism, or do people simply do such things to feel better about themselves?
9. After doing something you know is wrong, do you usually try to justify your actions to yourself? What are some of the ways you can do this?
10. Who is responsible for teaching and upholding moral and ethical behavior; our parents, our teachers, the government, or someone else?
11. If a friend tries to persuade you to do something that is against your conscience, do you tend to be easily persuaded or do you usually stick to your principles?
12. Do you think that it is unfair to criticize others for behaving badly in certain situations unless we have first faced the same situation ourselves and done the right thing?

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So, you have been looking at the list of changes you want to make in your life. They may include:

1. lose weight
2. get my career into high gear
3. face my fears
4. increase my self-esteem
5. improve my love-life
6. feel less depressed and more satisfied with my life
7. learn to cope with work stress
8. free myself from the baggage of my past

These are some of the difficult issues that people usually face. Whether your list matches the one above or not, it may be as challenging. For many people change is too challenging and too difficult. Therefore, they keep recycling their list of desired changes from one year to the next.

How does a person change their life when will-power doesn't work? When will-power fails, where do you turn? People often turn to professionals to help facilitate the changes they desire. Licensed Professional Counselors, Psychologists and Clinical Social Workers specialize in guiding people through the process of change. They help people mobilize their own inner resources toward their desired outcomes.

Over the years many counseling methods have been developed to help people who seek a change in their life. Some therapies only pay attention to behavior, others to thinking or to discharging feelings. Some approaches are long on listening without giving feedback while others seek to analyze and explain every aspect of one's life. Now more research is being done to determine what is and is not effective in helping people create positive change in their lives.

If you want your next year to be your best one yet, do not accept what you have accepted from life thus far. Life will only give you what you accept. Break the box of false contentment you have erected around yourself and step into your destiny.

DISCUSSION:

1. Do you write a list of changes you want to make in your life?
2. What is the one main thing that you would like to change about your own personality in order to improve your life?
3. What are some goals you set yourself for next year?
4. We tend to assume that circumstances change easily and often, but that people change rarely, slowly, and with great difficulty. Do you think that it’s very easy for people to change?
5. People think that they will be happy when they achieve a certain goal in life. However, this is rarely true. Why do you think that are many people are never satisfied with their life? Are you easily satisfied?
6. Do you think that it is possible to be complete content with your life? Do you know anyone who is perfectly content with his or her life?
7. People often complain about other’s faults. If you could change something about someone you know, whom would you change and what would you change about them?
8. Can you remember the day that was perfect? What happened?
9. If you could go back in time and change some aspect of your childhood or your past life, what would you change and why?
10. Think of a mistake you have made this year and what are some positive things you can learn from it?
11. Do you want to put all the bad things that have happened behind, and start fresh?

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