People from English-speaking countries often require more verbal feedback 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. Therefore, it’s important to let the person know which of the above situations is true.

Target Phrases

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.

It’s very acceptable to be honest that you don’t know something.

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?

Try to narrow down the topic or the range of the question(s).

If you need time to think
Hmm. Let me see…
Let me think about that.
Weeell…
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?

Don’t be embarrassed; just tell the other person, so they can help you understand.

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.

Try to explain in simple words; your simple description may even be clearer than the exact translation.

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.

Try to avoid sounding rude when using the next phrases, especially the last one.


CONVERSATION
Using the Target Phrases

DIALOGUE 1
A: Why is Hye Yeon so upset?
B: I don’t know. Why do you ask?
A: No reason. She just looks like she’s upset about something.
B: Why don’t you ask for yourself?

DIALOGUE 2
A: So what do you think of the political situation in Korea?
B: Hmm, that’s a big question. Is there anything in particular you want to know?
A: Well, I heard there were a few demonstrations last week and I want to know what they were about and what you think about them.
B: Oh, I see. Well, first of all…

DIALOGUE 3
A: What do you think about the current government scandal?
B: Weeeell… let me think about that.
A: What’s there to think about?
B: Just give me some time, will you?

DIALOGUE 4
A: When I came home, there was an open jar of jam on the kitchen counter.
B: I’m sorry, I didn’t hear what you said. Could you please repeat that?
A: Sure. I said that there was an open jar of jam on the kitchen counter.
B: Oh, I see. Thanks for repeating.

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Sport is an activity that is governed by a set of rules or customs and often engaged in competitively. Sports commonly refer to activities where the physical capabilities of the competitor are the sole or primary determinant of the outcome (winning or losing). Sport is commonly defined as an organized, competitive and skillful physical activity requiring commitment and fair play.

Sports are most often played just for fun or for the simple fact that people need exercise to stay in good physical condition.

SPORTS DISCUSSION:

1. What sports are popular in your country? What makes them popular?
2. Which sport do you like? How often do you play your favorite sports?
3. Are there any sports that you would like to try out in the future? Why did you choose this sport?
4. Do you like watching sports channels? Are you a sports TV fanatic?
5. What sports do you like to watch on television? Which one is much better: watching sports on T.V or watching a game live? Why?
6. Have you ever watched TV sports channels in English? How was it like?
7. Do you like sports casting? Why or why not?
8. Do you have TV sports channels in your country? How is the sport casting like?
9. What is the national sport of your country? How do you play this sport?
10. Are you good at playing your national sports? Do you always play this sport?
11. Have you ever competed in a sports competition?
12. Would you like to compete in sports? In what kind of competition?
13. Would you like your kids to be involved in sports too? If so what kind?
14. Which do you prefer team sports or Individual sports? Why?
15. Why do you think people play sports?

WORDS AND EXPRESSIONS
1. Compete – try to get something for them and stop the other getting it, a contest or game
Ex) Countries compete with each other

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FOR BEGINNER HIGH STUDENTS




Jeju Island is one of the most beautiful islands in East Asia. It is an excellent place for active tourism. The island has no manufacturing industry - the local people’s living comes from tourism, agriculture, and fishing. Development of many places is strictly controlled as ecology is high priority. Tourists can enjoy water sports: scuba- diving, sea kayaking, windsurfing, and parasailing.



Questions for Discussion:

1. Have you been to Jeju Island? If yes, can you describe your experience there?
2. What do you think will happen to Jeju Island in case the government agrees to set up manufacturing there?
3. What do you think will happen if Jeju Island becomes more commercialized?
4. Do you know of any programs done by the government to protect Jeju Island?
5. Do you think promoting Jeju Island for tourism runs contrary to preserving it as a natural island?
6. What are other places in the world- or in Korea- that you can compare to Jeju Island?
7. Aside from the activities mentioned above, what else would you like to do if you get a chance to spend a week on the island?

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What's wrong with being single? Little is spoken about being single, except as a condition to avoid like the plague. In the dawn of a new millennium, it's time to say what being single is really all about. Society expects every man and woman to wed, preferably before the age of 30, and to have at least one child (two is perfect). Even though the term "old maid" is no longer politically correct, many still respond with surprise if an older woman remains unhitched. The message couldn't be clearer. It's not okay to be alone. Sometimes, singles are excluded from "couples" nights or activities or they're advised to "bring a friend."

Being in a loving relationship has its benefits, no doubt about it. Someone to talk to at any given moment, someone to rub your sore shoulders after a hard day's work, someone to do things with, someone to keep you warm at night, someone to buy you gifts at Christmas time and Valentine's Day, someone to make you feel special, and someone to whisper "sweet nothings" in your ear. Financially, couples are better off than individuals, and child-rearing is a lot easier with two parents. Also, being in a relationship helps us feel "normal." You don't have to worry about playing the dating game or trying to figure yourself out (maybe); you're okay because someone else says you are.

However, being single can be a rejuvenating experience. In fact, one can't truly be successful in a relationship without being single for a time. Being single allows us to do what we want, when we want, and with whom we want without having to answer to anyone. This is because we have more time on our hands and are not avoiding looking at ourselves by focusing our energies on someone else. Basically, being single affords each of us the opportunity to discover who we are, what we do and don't like, how we deal with things, what we want out of life, what our expectations are, what our potentials and limitations are, what energizes and empowers us, and what discourages and disappoints us. The goal of being single should be to learn to fulfill ourselves, to meet our needs, and to develop as a human being regardless of whether or not we choose to enter into a relationship.

Key Vocabulary:

rejuvenating
to make young or youthful again, to restore to an original or new state
figure
to discover, to determine
child-rearing
raising a child
better off
being in comfortable economic circumstances, being in a more advantageous position, luckier
excluded
prevented from or restricted the entrance of, being removed from
unhitched
still single, not taken yet
politically correct
conforming to a belief that language and practices which could offend political sensibilities (as in matters of sex or race) should be eliminated
old maid
old lady
plague
a clear area in a bacterial culture produced by viral destruction of cells, contagious diseases

Discussion Questions:

Why do you think some people remain single?
Would you like to be single all your life?
Is it better to be single or married? Why?
What are the advantages of being single?
Do you think that single people are happier?
Do you think it is easier for man or woman to be single?
Why did you think some people prefer to be single?
Do you think that there is a soulmate somewhere for everyone?
Do you think that single people like being single?
In your country, what do people think about a woman in her 30s who is unmarried?
In your country, what do people think about a man in his 30s who is unmarried?

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READING PRACTICE

These days, people worship the temple of their body. People are so engrossed with toning their muscles. In pursuit of perfect body, they have neglected what really defines humans: intelligence. Whenever I see a muscle bound guy or well-sculptured gal sweating it out in the gym, I couldn't help exclaiming, “There goes one more brainless dinosaur on the verge of extinction".

I just can't rid myself of the stereotype that a beautiful body houses an empty head. With this health mania spreading like a cold virus, I don't feel so prejudiced. A healthy body and a functioning brain can coexist, I know, but with all narcissistic preoccupation with health, people no longer have the time to develop that gray matter between their ears. It's a reverse of the past when people were too busy making a living that they had no time to work out. But when it swung the opposite way, it went to an absurd extreme. Take this test to do determine your mental health

WORDS AND EXPRESSIONS

1. engrossed – preoccupied; attentive to
2. Gal – Girl
3. Narcissistic – Thinking too highly of oneself: conceited,
4. Absurd – Silly

PERSONAL APPLICATION

1. What exercise do you do?
2. What are the popular forms of exercise in Korea?
3. What do you think of yoga?
4. What do you think of growth hormones such as steroids?

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It always gets my goat whenever I hear of people going on a tour to this exotic place and being so busy snapping pictures with their cameras that they fail to enjoy the experience of just “taking in the scene".

It's like this proverbial story of this couple who were asked what they felt about their trip to Paris. They said, "Oh, we were so busy taking pictures to show friends back home that we didn't have time to look around ”.

Pathetic. I think that when people are on a tour, they should never bring any kind of capture device except their naked eye. One must immerse oneself to the experience of the moment: to breathe in the air, to feel the mood, to sense the place with all its history and its promises.

Flash bulbs flashing, people crowding in for a shot, artificial smiles born on a lip that says "cheese" spoils the spirit of a spot. How would you like a silent appreciation of a sunset interrupted by a commentary from some noisy guys?

WORDS AND EXPRESSIONS

1. Gets my goat - Annoy or anger someone
2. Proverbial - widely known and spoken of
3. Pathetic - Causing or deserving pity or sorrow; pitiful; sad
4. Immerse - Throw yourself into.

PERSONAL APPLICATION

1. Do you like to travel? Why or why not?

2. Which places have you visited? What place impressed you the most? Why?

3. Which places in the world and which tourist spots do you want to see?

4. What do you want to do the most when you travel?

5. How does the writer feel about taking pictures during the trip?

6. Do you agree with the writer’s opinion?

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Citizenship is membership in a political community (originally a city or town but now usually a country)

Questions:

1. What is the best thing about being a Korean citizen?
2. The Korean government requires all Korean male citizens serve a military duty. What is the purpose of this obligation? Do you think this is still appropriate in our present era? Don’t you think it should be replaced by something like a community service?
3. Is it possible for someone to be a Korean citizen even if he/she is not born in Korea? If yes, what procedures should a person undertake to become a Korean citizen?
4. In some countries, people tend to discriminate people from other countries especially those that came from third world countries. Do you have the same situation in Korea? Do you also have a tendency to discriminate someone if he/she is not a Korean citizen?
5. Each Korean has a 13-digit citizenship registration number. Can you tell more about this? What is it for? Do you think it is safe because it includes so much personal information?

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Personality profiles include extroverts and introverts, which are opposite ends of the spectrum of personality types. Extroverts and introverts are often attracted to one another because opposites attract – but may find it difficult to build a strong relationship or marriage. Though relationship conflict is inevitable resolving conflict is easier when you understand introvert and extrovert personality types

Maybe you need a personality test to scan if you’re an introvert or an extrovert. However, you may just need to determine through the introverts and extroverts to see your own personality profile.

(Introvert personality traits)
Introverts are usually energized by being alone, private, and quiet. Introverts are more
afraid of rejection, and don’t always see the world as a safe place.

(Extroverts personality traits)
Extroverts tend to be energized by groups of people, conversation, and activity. Extroverts
are not afraid of rejection, and see the world as a safer place.

(Synonym Match)
1. Passive
2. Pessimistic
3. Sober
4. Moody
5. Reserved

(a) Aggressive
(b) Excitable
(c) Non Resistance
(d) Impulsive
(e) Negative
(f) Touchy
(g) Serious
(h) Changeable
(I) slow to show emotion

(About You Conversation Questions)
1. What city were you born in?
2. Where do you live now?
3. What is your philosophy about life?
4. Are you religious or agnostic?
5. Who is your favorite actor/actress/singer?
6. What is your favorite food?
7. Are you a morning person or an evening person?
8. Are you a couch potato?
9. What are your plans for the future?
10. What is your favorite book?
11. What do you usually do on the weekends?
12. Are you a moody person?
13. Are you usually optimistic or pessimistic?
14. Are you outgoing or shy?
15. Are you a teetotaler or a social drinker?
16. Are you generous or stingy?

(Cultural Differences)
1. Koreans consider themselves as part of a group first, as individuals second.
Americans consider themselves as individuals first, then as part of a group.
2. Americans like more personal space. They feel comfortable standing about a
meter away from strangers.
3. Creativity and individuality are valued in America, whereas memorizing
data and conformity are valued in Korea
4. In Korea males must do military service, whereas in America military
service is voluntary
5. Koreans are more physical with their friends of the same sex: holding hands
and putting their arms on their shoulders. Korean females often hold hands
while walking and sitting in public. Americans consider being physical with
the same sex as being gay.
6. In general, Koreans prefer to buy new merchandise, such as TVs and cars.
They do not like to buy used things. Many Americans prefer to buy used
things because of the cheaper price
7. Compared to America, Korea is a very non-violent society. In Korea people
are not permitted to own guns. Guns are common in America.
8. Koreans go out in groups . It is considered bad manners to leave the group
before the evening is over. However, for Americans it is fine to leave the
group and do something else or go home.
9. Some Korean restrooms can be used by men and women. This never
happens in America.

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FOR BEGINNER/INTERMEDIATE STUDENTS

There are many situations where you have to break in on someone’s solitude or on another conversation in order to ask a question or give some information. People usually pause after an initial interruption (for example: “Excuse me … (pause)… could you…”) before continuing on by asking a question or making a point. Always make sure to remember at the end of the conversation to apologize for your interruption.

Target Phrases

When interrupting
Excuse me, could you pass me the salt?
Pardon me, could you move aside for a moment?
Excuse me, do you speak English?
Pardon me, can you tell me what time it is?

After interrupting
Sorry to have bothered you.
Sorry for interrupting.
Sorry, I disturbed you.
Please continue. I didn’t mean to interrupt.

Using the Target Phrases

DIALOGUE 1
A: Excuse me, could you tell me where I can find the post office?
B: Sure. Just keep going down this street until you get to the corner.
A: OK. Thanks a lot. Sorry for interrupting.
B: No problem.

DIALOGUE 2
A: Excuse me. Is John Miller here?
B: No. He just went downstairs to get something to eat.
A: OK. Thank you. Sorry to have bothered you.
B: That’s OK.

DIALOGUE 3
A: Pardon me, I don’t mean to disturb you, but your jacket is lying on the floor.
B: Really? Oh, it is. Thanks for telling me.
A: It’s my pleasure.
B: Thanks again.

DIALOGUE 4
A: Excuse me, you look familiar. Do I know you from somewhere?
B: Maybe. Have you ever taken a class at Pagoda?
A: Yes. That’s it. I think we had a class together.
B: Yes, that’s it. I can’t remember our teacher’s name.
A: I think it was Gary.
B: Of course. Now I remember.
A: Well, I’d better get going. I’ve got to go to work. Sorry for interrupting.
B: Don’t worry about it. It was nice seeing you again.
A: Likewise.

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A day in the life of every businessperson is made up of a series of meetings and greetings. Whether you are making the initial contact with a client or a colleague, you want to get off on the right foot. Doing so will make the first encounter and subsequent ones go smoothly and easily.

Your goal of meeting other people is to make them feel comfortable and to put them ease so they will want to do business with you and you will have a solid start for long-term profitable relationships.

Strategies for a successful start

• Stand up when you meet someone. allows you to engage the person on an equal level - eye to eye. By remaining seated, you send a message that you don't think the other person is important enough to warrant the effort it takes to stand.


• Smile.Your facial expression says more than your words.


• Make eye contact. Looking at the people you meet says you are focused and interested in them.


• Introduce yourself immediately. Include a statement about who you are when necessary. It is not always enough to say, "Hello, I'm Mary Jones." Give more information. "Hello, I'm Mary Jones. I work for XYZ Corporation."Offer a firm handshake.


• Extend your hand as you give your greeting. The person who puts a hand out first comes across as confident and at ease.


• Pay attention to names when you meet people. If you concentrate and repeat the name as soon as you hear it, you stand a better chance of remembering it later.


• Use first names of people whom you have just met only after they give you permission. Not everyone wants to be addressed informally on the initial encounter. It is better to err on the side of formality than to offend the other person right off the bat.

WORDS AND EXPRESSIONS
polite – has good manners and behavior, not rude to other people
Ex) My nephew is a polite student

DISCUSSION
1. Are you comfortable at greeting people?
2. In Korea, do you shake the hand of the person you’re being introduced to?
3. When do you greet a person informally and when do you greet a person in a formal way?
4. How do you introduce a person? What do you need to say?
5. How will you introduce me to your wife or your family?
6. What should we remember when introducing someone?
7. Have you tried introducing someone in English? If so, how did you do it? If not, why?

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FOR ADVANCE STUDENTS

§ Party Poopers When you receive an invitation to a dinner or party, voicemail, or casual email--RESPOND. Everyone knows it, yet it’s amazing how many don’t respond. Even for weddings! Planning a party or event requires a lot of work, so do the host a simple favor and let them know if you're coming or not.

§ Nickel & Dimin’ How annoying is it when you go to dinner with four or more people, the bill finally arrives, and one of your meal companions begins to divvy up the check down to the last penny. The point is, if you go out to dinner with a group, be prepared to split the bill more or less evenly. The person who spends twenty minutes dividing the bill to the dime comes off as a cheapskate –- and kills the festive mood.

§ The Line-Up Lines are a fact of life. At the post office, the supermarket, just about everywhere these days. For starters, moaners who huff and gripe about standing in a line of three people for all of five minutes are tops on our list. Get over yourself -- if you don’t have a few minutes to wait to buy that loaf of bread, then pick it up another time. Finally, cutting in line or trying to ignore the fact that there IS a line –- stop it! Everyone’s time is valuable.

§ The ME Show It’s great to hear all the crazy, wacky, wonderful things happening in the lives of others. Jobs, engagements, breakups, boyfriends, puppies, pregnancies, vacations — very good stuff, all of it. But once you’ve listened to a friend, family member, or colleague spout about their own fabulous life for an hour (or two), it’s normal to expect them to ask, “So, what’s going on with you?” Those who blab on about themselves while you listen intently, then don’t ask a thing about you in return are just plain rude.

§ Baby Biz Changing a poopy baby diaper around others is nasty -- and we're moms. Changing the other kind of baby diaper in public is one thing, but still should only be done when absolutely necessary!

§ Mobile Madness As much as we love the modern age, there are days when we long to go to a coffee shop, movie theatre, bookstore, or post office and not hear some teen queen dishing to her friend about last night's hot date with Todd or eavesdrop (unwillingly) on a screaming family feud. Mobile phones are essential, but please, people, pleeeeeeease, use a little restraint on the when's, what's, and where's.

§ Smokes Everyone has a right to smoke in public, but be conscious of whose face your smoke is blowing into. Are there kids nearby? And we just might kick the butt of the next person we see throwing their burning butt on the ground without putting it out. Really, find an ashtray or trashcan where you can extinguish and dispose of it properly -- that thing is garbage, not decoration for our streets and sidewalks.

§ The Pee & Flee Public bathrooms get used by everyone -- yup, they're public! So, making a mess of the toilet seat, and then prancing out without bothering to wipe it up -- not cool. Leaving a mess for the next visitor is completely unacceptable (and disgustingly unsanitary, of course). Take 10 seconds to rip off a piece of toilet paper, toilet seat cover, or a paper towel, and do your due diligence!

§ Stealing...a parking spot, that is. Yeah, you know who you are. If someone has their blinker on and is patiently waiting for a spot, it's theirs. And if you've already passed a spot up, it's gone. Treat others as you expect to be treated, and the parking goddesses will smile down upon you... eventually.

§ Belly Baring Men, women -- anyone who's passed puberty, everyone who isn't lounging poolside or oceanside -- resist the urge to bare those bellies. They may be beautiful, Buddha-like, jolly, but sometimes they can be flabby, hairy, and not ripe for public consumption. If you're jogging, fellas, t-shirts or tanks won't hurt your workout, so throw one on. Gals, midriff fashions are never really on our "Do" list, and that goes double if your age doesn't contain the word "teen." There are plenty of ways for all of us to flaunt what we got without sharing our tum-tums with the world.

§ Spitting This gets especially yucky when it's one of those enormous globs that look like it could be alive. Some people (males, in particular) think it's kind of a cool-guy thing to do. We're here to tell ya that no one wants to see you hock a big sticky one out of your car, onto the sidewalk, or anywhere else for that matter. Try a tissue.

§ Honking Problem People who honk too often, too unnecessarily, or just to express their emotions are on our list of Most Etiquette Challenged. If you're trying to warn someone about a accident or problem, fine, otherwise it's not that serious. Give it a rest!

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By Kwon Mee-yoo
Staff Reporter
meeyoo@koreatimes.co.kr

A 21-year-old mother was caught trying to sell her 29-day-old baby for 2 million won ($1,500) in an apparent attempt to overcome financial difficulties, police said Monday. According to the Daejeon Dunsan Police Station, the mother, identified only as Goh, handed over her one-month-old baby boy to a woman named Park, 21, in exchange for the cash in a Cheonan Station, South Chungcheong Province, waiting room on Feb. 8, 2009.

``Goh lives in a welfare facility in Seoul after running away from her home and gave birth to the baby last month without the father. The unmarried mother wrote on the Internet that she would sell her baby because she couldn't afford to raise him,'' police said. Park, said to be mentally disabled, did not actually pay for the baby. She stayed in a ``gosiwon,'' a cheap single-room accommodation, for a night with the child, but her mother reported the incident to police after discovering what had occurred.

``Park seems to have taken the baby out of curiosity,'' a police official said. ``The baby was safely handed over to a social welfare organization.''

Questions for Discussions
What can you say about this recent incident in your country?
What is your opinion on selling babies to overcome financial difficulties?
Do you think a mentally disabled person is fit to raise a child?
Do you know the percentage of women having babies out of wedlock?
What it the effect or impact of women having babies without being married or no other half to raised the child? Is Korean culture open to this kind of happenings?

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Who doesn't wonder what coworkers earn? Most employees view salary as more than a figure for negotiation; it's also a telling measure of their value and worth to an employer. A little more openness about salary would arm workers with the knowledge that they can ask for more, be satisfied with what they're getting, or at least know what to expect if they get promoted.

Research shows that men are not just motivated by money, but also by how much more or less they earn than their colleagues. Traditional thinking was that men were only interested in the size of their pay packets. New findings reveal that men are also concerned about how much their peers are getting.

Korean billionaires: Are these the richest people in Korea.

Vladimir Kim $5.5 Billion: Company - Kazakhmys
Lee Kun Hee $2.9 Billion: Company - Samsung
Chung Mong Koo $2.2 Billion: Company - Hyundai
Shin Dong Bin $1.8 Billion: Company - Lotte
Lee Myung Hee $1.8 Billion: Company - Shinsegae
Lee Jay Yong $1.7 Billion: Company - Samsung
Shin Dong Joo $1.7 Billion: Company - Lotte
Nicholas Park $1.7 Billion: Company - Attorney
Yong Keu Cha $1.3 Billion: Company - Kazakhmys
Chung Mong Joon $1.3 Billion: Company - Hyundai Heavy
Suh Kyung Bae $1.1 Billion: Company - Amorepacific
Han Chang Woo $1.1 Billion: : Company - Maruhan

SALARY DISCUSSION

· Do you and your colleagues ever discuss salaries?
· Are you motivated by your co-workers’ salaries?
· Would you work harder if you knew that your colleague did the same job, but earned more money?
· Do you think that salaries should be based on merit or length of service?
· Would you work very hard if you knew that you would not receive a pay increase for your efforts?
· What motivates you in the workplace?
· How much of a motivating factor is money for you?
· Do you care about how much your colleagues are getting?
· How often do you think about the size of your pay packet and wish it was bigger?
· What other things concern you about your peers or colleagues?
· What does the reward center in your brain like?
· How important is it for you to beat your rivals?
· What things are more important in life than money?
· Do you think men and women look at money differently?
· Which sex is more competitive men or women?
· Do you think knowledge of colleagues’ salaries would increase productivity in the workplace?
· Would rivalries and jealousies increase efficiency?
· How do managers balance keeping their workers happy with their salaries and working conditions while increasing productivity?

SYNONYM MATCH: Match the following synonyms:

a) motivated........................................................assess
b) colleagues........................................................productive
c) peers.................................................................effect
d) perform............................................................income
e) rivals.................................................................equals
f) gauge.................................................................driven
g) earnings............................................................nasty
h) impact...............................................................carry out
i) sour.....................................................................coworkers
j) efficient..............................................................competitors

SALARY IDIOMS:

Make ends meet: to be able to afford to pay for the basic expenses of living.
Things are so expensive nowadays that it's very difficult to make ends meet.

Golden Handshake: A golden handshake is a generous sum of money given to a person when they leave a company or retire (sometimes given to encourage early retirement).

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Oh, the sadness of her sadness

Oh, the sadness of her sadness when she's sad.
Oh, the gladness of her gladness when she's glad.
But the sadness of her sadness,
and the gladness of her gladness,
Are nothing like the madness of her madness when she's mad!

Whether the weather be fine

Whether the weather be fine
Or whether the weather be not,
Whether the weather be cold,
Or whether the weather be hot,
We'll weather the weather,
Whatever the weather,
Whether we like it or not.

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With the worry of pensions and job security, it has never been more important to plan for a secure financial future. Most people believe that the best way to do this is to build a diversified portfolio of assets – and that portfolio must include property.

The value of property is driven by supply and demand and there is currently a shortage of housing in developed countries. More demand, and less supply, can mean only one thing over the medium to long term – house prices will rise. Even though there will be short term fluctuations, the future trend is clear.

To be a successful property investor you must have a clear and effective property investment strategy. When to buy? Where to buy? When to sell? How to finance your portfolio? How to buy below market value? What are the risks and how can I manage them? How can I make money in a market that is flat or falling?

1. VOCABULARY: Circle any words you do not understand.

2. PROPERTY INVESTMENT DISCUSSION

Where do you think is the best place to buy property?
What is a common investment in South Korea?
What is the benefit of renting versus buying a home?
What specific risks are associated with buying an apartment?
What effect do you think property developers have on an economy?
Would you cash in on property booms and invest in property?
How important is home ownership to you?
How much does a standard apartment in Seoul cost?
Is there a big difference in price between house prices in Seoul and other cities in the country?
What happens when the rich get richer and the poor get poorer?
Do you make sure that your money is working for you?
What do you think is the best way to invest capital?
Have you ever invested abroad?
Do you have an offshore bank account?
Have you got an investors tip for me? I need all the help I can get!
Does property investment match your investment goals?
How liquid is property investment? How easy would it be to sell if you needed the money right away?
Do you get charged more tax if you own more than one apartment?
Do you hate the taxman?

2. SYNONYM MATCH: Match the following synonyms:

a. expectations..................................................... increased
b. figures............................................................... altered
c. rose.................................................................... falling
d. awesome.......................................................... boosted
e. sagging.............................................................. forecasts
f. worried.............................................................. amazing
g. suffer................................................................. small
h. lifted.................................................................. be affected
i. modest................................................................ statistics
j. adjusted.............................................................. concerned

4. INVESTMENT IDIOM:

As poor as a church mouse: means that you are very poor
The young mother is as poor as a church mouse and she has little money to feed her family.

Below par: Lower than average, below normal, less than the face value of a bond/stock/currency
The government bonds were selling at a price that was below par.

Feel like a million dollars/bucks: To feel wonderful, to feel well and healthy
Although I have been sick for a few weeks I feel like a million dollars today.

Born with a silver spoon in one`s mouth: To be born to wealth and comfort, to be born rich
The new student in our class was born with a silver spoon in his mouth and he has never worked in his life.

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Risking money or valuables in hopes of winning more than you're risking is gambling. Calling it a "friendly bet," or a "gentleman's bet," or saying "We're just making the game a little more interesting" does not alter the fact that it is still gambling.

Hit the blackjack tables at a local card room, throw the dice at a nearby casino, and there is a strong chance that a gambler near you is South Korean. South Koreans love gambling and cannot resist a casino’s seductive lights.

1. VOCABULARY: Circle any words you do not understand.

2. GAMBLING DISCUSSION

How many forms of gambling can you think of?
What percentage of people do you think gamble?
What is the most amount of money that you can afford to lose?
Do you bet? How often? What's the biggest bet you ever placed?
Apart from the obvious financial problem what other consequences can occur as a result of excessive gambling?
Who suffers the most from a gambling problem?
Apart from the obvious reason of winning money, why do people gamble?
Why is gambling addictive?
Do you think gambling could be caused by genetics?
What kinds of people do you think are more prone to developing a gambling problem?
At what age do people generally start gambling?
What's the usual age limit for gambling games?
Do you regard putting money in machines for prizes, at an amusement arcade, as gambling?
Is there such a thing as good and bad luck? If so, what is it?
Does luck have anything to do with winning?
Do you think it's possible for a gambling addict to kick the habit?
What help is available for addicts?
What techniques can you think of that may help an addicted gambler quit?
Should some forms of gambling be banned?
Do you think that those who own and run casinos are criminals or conmen?
Does the national lottery encourage gambling?

3. SYNONYM MATCH: Match the following synonyms:

a. often.............................................................normal
b. ordinary.......................................................surprise
c. recovering....................................................moments
d. shock............................................................directly
e. anxiously......................................................frequently
f. There’s little point.......................................nervously
g. seconds.........................................................vault
h. straight.........................................................getting over
i. safe.................................................................hold
j. get her hands on...........................................It’s a waste of time

4. GAMBLING IDIOM:

Go for broke: If someone goes for broke, they risk everything they have for a potentially greater gain.

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Scarcity means shortage or insufficiency of amount of resources

Living in the city is very nice. You have access to almost all the luxury—malls, spa, restaurants, etc.

Questions:

1. What is the best thing about living in a city?
2. What are things that you enjoy doing in the city? What are your favorite places?
3. Are there still activities in your city that you haven’t tried yet? Would you like to try them someday?
4. Describe the appliances that you have in your house that you find very helpful. Are there still other things that you WANT to have?
5. Are you contented with what you have in the city?

Now, imagine yourself in this situation then answer the related questions:

You went for a trip to have a vacation. So from the city, you board a ship to travel to a far distant island. A storm came, and when you wake up, you are already in a deserted island. You are on an island that is quite big and is located in a large ocean. You think the island is not on any map. You can’t even see any plane or ship near it. You found a cave where you can stay while you are there. All you have to do now is to figure out how you will survive. You only have a pocket knife and few clothes in your backpack….

Questions:

1. What will you do during your first 24 hours in the island?
2. What are the things that you will NEED to survive in the island? Where do you think you could get them? How would you get them?
3. How do you think you would feel by then when you compare your life in the city and your life in the island?
4. Are there times when you want something that you don’t really need?
5. Why do you think people can’t be satisfied easily?

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Having a baby whether it's your first, your second, or even your fifth -- is going to have a profound effect on your life and the lives of those around you.

Anticipate the feelings that most new parents experience," says Lerner. Moms, for example, are frequently exhausted and overwhelmed, and can feel that "nobody does it better," so they have to do everything themselves. Dads might feel that they can't do anything right, and have no place in the newborn's life.

No matter how much a couple wishes for a baby and feels that their life is in order, the reality is always a major challenge.

Vocabulary:

pregnancy - Giving birth, idioms and expression
about pregnancy, birth and parenting

Discussion guide

1. What are the pros and cons of having a baby when you are young? (younger or early twenties) How about when you are old? (late thirties / forties)

2. What do you think is the most recommended age for having a baby? When can you say you are ready to have a child?

3. What were your difficulties during your pregnancy or your wife’s pregnancy?

4. Where were you during the labor and birth delivery of your wife? What did you feel that time? Why do some men feel that they should be in the delivery room? Why do you think there are some women who want their husbands or partners to be in the delivery room?

5. Do you have any unforgettable experience during the birth delivery of your child? How did you feel when you saw your baby for the first time?

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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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