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

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

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

Source: Associated Press

What do you think?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What do you think?

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

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

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

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

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



What do you think?

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

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FOR INTERMEDIATE

CONVERSATION PRACTICE:

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

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

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

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

Questions

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

Key Expressions

Pull an all-nighter - To work on something overnight

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

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FOR INTERMEDIATE

CONVERSATION PRACTICE:

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

Ben: Sure, what’s up?

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

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

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

Questions

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

Key Expressions

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

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What is Personality?

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

Vocabulary

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

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

Discussion:

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

Quotes:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What Your Office Workspace Says About You

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

Empty or Un-Personalized Desk

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

Plants

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

Candy Bowl/Lots of Supplies

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

Motivational/Inspirational Items

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

Family Photos

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

Excessive Post-It Notes

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

Short Hair

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

Long Hair

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

Gray Hair

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

Mohawks, Multi-Colored Hair, Unique Styles

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

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

Culture shock

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

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

DISCUSSION POINTS:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

EXPRESSIONS:

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

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

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

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

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

Possible Issues or Problems

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


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


• Decreased productivity

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

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


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

Workplace Dating Guidelines

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


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


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


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


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


• Be honest and inform your employer about the relationship.

DISCUSSION:

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

LOVE QUOTES

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

—Julia Roberts (Actress)

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

—Rita Rudner (Comedian)

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

—Andy Warhol (Artist)

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

Target Questions

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

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

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

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

DRINKING DISCUSSION

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

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

DRINKING IDIOMS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Vocabulary:

Output level
quantity of final items produced

Women’s liberation movement
Movement seeking equal rights for women

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

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

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

Candidate
person trying to be chosen for a position

Ethnic
people’s background, like race or religion

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

Expressions:

Counted on: depended on, relied on, expected

Fill-in: substitute

Head honcho: boss, especially in a high position

Cold shoulder: style of not being nice and friendly intentionally

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

Discussion Points:

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

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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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