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Topics collection

Levels B1 and B2 of the Common European Framework of

Reference for Languages (CEFR).

Improve your speaking skills through a full-immersion reading of

the most spoken topics.

While reading focus on the new grammar structures and new

lexicon.

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INDEX

Topics list:

Fashion Pag. 3

Shopping Pag. 4

Health/ Exercise/ Medicine Pag.5

En Environment Pag.7

Society and living standards Pag.8

Hobbies and leisure/sports Pag.11

T The supernatural Pag.12

Travels and holidays Pag.14

T The natural world Pag. 16

Jobs Pag. 17

Personal values and ideas Pag.18

P Public figures Pag. 20

Rules and regulations Pag. 21

Music Pag. 22

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FASHION

Are you fashion-conscious? What’s your fashion style?

What’s your favourite outfit? Why?

How often do you buy new clothes?

What’s the most you’ve ever spent on one item of clothing?

Would you like to be a model? Why/why not? What job would you like in the fashion

industry?

What do you think about how young people dress today?

Do you think models set a good example for young people?

Who is your favourite designer?

Have you ever bought designer clothes? How much did they cost?

Do you think the price justifies the label?

Are you in favour of body modification (e.g tattoos, piercings etc)?

I’m not very fashion-conscious. I keep track of new trends and what people are

wearing, but it’s not important to me to always be up-to-date. If I see a new item of

clothing, I will buy it if I like it, but not just to be seen to be ‘stylish.’ I suppose my

fashion style would be a mixture of casual and vintage. My favourite outfit is usually

a dress, probably floral or print, or if I’m feeling lazy, jeans. I feel more comfortable

in this style as it makes me feel confident and relaxed.

I don’t spend a lot of money on clothes; I enjoy hunting for bargains in vintage

shops or second-hand stores. More often than not you can find something unique for a

very good price. I like it when people ask where I found something unusual, like a

scarf or a coat. I think the most I’ve spent is maybe about £70 on a pair of boots.

I wouldn’t like to be a model because there is too much pressure to conform

to the media image of ‘perfection.’ Most models nowadays are too thin, but in the

fashion industry it’s important to maintain a waif-like figure to best show off the

clothes. The fashion industry is very superficial, so a job behind the scenes would be

something I would be more interested in. For example, a fashion journalist or

photographer. This would entail travelling the world and meeting a lot of interesting

people.

In my opinion, young people today generally dress well. Particularly in

Britain, there are lots of different styles amongst young people; trendy, vintage,

sporty, casual etc. Fashion is a way to express yourself so it’s something that young

people are interested in. It can be a form of rebellion, or equally conformity. I don’t

really have a favourite designer as I don’t spend a lot of money on clothes, but I like

in-house collections for High Street chains, for example Kate Moss’ designs for

Topshop. I don’t think the price of designer clothes justifies the label, as usually you

can buy something just as good for a much lower price elsewhere.

Another way to express yourself is body modification, like tattoos or

piercings. I am not a fan of piercings: I think they look silly on people when they get

older. I like tattoos and have several myself but I think you should be able to hide

them. I also think some people can take it a step too far and have too many tattoos.

4

SHOPPING

How often do you go shopping? Where? Who with?

Do you prefer shopping alone or with others? Why?

What is your favourite thing you’ve bought?

What do boy/girls your age usually shop for most, do you think? Why?

Do you ever shop online?

What are the advantages/ disadvantages of shopping online, compared to a shop?

Do you shop at the open market? (advantages/ disadvantages)

I go shopping probably about once or twice a month. I like big shopping centres or

department stores but I prefer shopping in the city because you can find little

independent boutiques with more interesting things. I like shopping with my friends

who have the same style as I do, or with my mum, who is very honest about what

suits me! However, I prefer shopping alone so I can take my time deciding if I want to

buy something and I can go to whatever shops I want.

I have lots of things I like, but one of my favourites is a chocolate coloured

faux-fur coat I got from a vintage shop called Watermelon in Glasgow. It was a

bargain at only £30. Of course, my mobile phone is also another important thing. I

couldn’t live without my BlackBerry.

For women, I think shoes and clothes are what we spend most money on. Both

men and women like to look their best, but generally women enjoy clothes shopping

more. I think men my age spend a lot of money on music. A lot of people I know have

vintage record players and LP albums and are building up an expensive collection.

Others are interested in mobile phones or computer technology.

I shop online occasionally, particularly for things like DVDs and CDs because

they are usually cheaper and easy to find. Shopping online is a perfect way to do

Christmas shopping as it’s fast and convenient: you don’t have to leave your house

and everything is delivered to your door. Plus, you don’t have to deal with queues in

busy shops. However, sometimes it’s less convenient than going to a shop as clothes

cannot be tried on before purchase and can look different when they arrive. Also, if

the order is wrong it’s more difficult to return things.

I often shop at the open market. It’s one of my favourite places to shop

because everything is reasonably-priced and if the weather is nice, it’s a pleasant

experience shopping outside. The vendors are always helpful and chatty, too, and

things are usually much cheaper that in a shop or department store. But the clothes are

generally less good quality so sometimes they don’t last ask long as shop-bought

things, and you can’t return things once they are bought. Also, you can’t try things on

before you buy them.

5

HEALTH /EXERCISE/MEDICINE

What are important things in order to lead a healthy lifestyle?

Do you lead a healthy lifestyle? Why/why not?

What do you do to keep fit? Do you do physical activities? How often?

Do you ever eat fast food?

Have you ever been on a diet? What did it consist of?

Do you think it’s important for young people to look after themselves from an early

age?

Do you think Italian people in general lead healthy lives?

What are the symptoms of the flu?

What should you do if you have a cold/headache/fever?

Do you agree with plastic surgery? Would you ever consider it?

What are the most common eating disorders among young people? Why do they

suffer from these? (Anorexia/ Bulimia/ Obesity)

To lead a healthy lifestyle, you have to eat a balanced diet, take regular exercise and

get fresh air. You shouldn’t smoke or take drugs, nor drink too much alcohol. I think I

am reasonably healthy as I eat fresh fruit and vegetables, as well as fish and meat. I

don’t like sweet things much, and I don’t drink too much either. I could probably take

more exercise, but at the moment I walk everywhere. I used to go to the gym but I

don’t anymore because. In my next city, my main means of transport will be bicycle,

so I hope to get in better shape by cycling every day. Unfortunately I really like fast

food! However, I don’t eat it very often as I know it’s very unhealthy; maybe once a

week or once a fortnight at the most.

I don’t think young people should obsessively watch what they eat and

consciously take lots of exercise, as this behaviour can lead to eating disorders and

life-long unhealthy attitudes towards the human body. But I think they should

condition themselves not to binge on fast food or sweets, and learn that healthy food

is much more enjoyable and gives you more energy and better skin.

I think Italian people lead healthy lives because they have the good weather to

grow lots of fruits and vegetables, as well as the sea to provide them with all kinds of

fresh seafood. As well as this, traditional ingredients like olive oil, garlic and red wine

are all good for the body in different ways.

The symptoms of the flu are usually a headache and stomach ache and head

congestion. You will probably be shivery, have a fever and feel sick. If you have a

cold or the flu, you should stay in bed and keep warm. It’s important to drink plenty

of fluids and take painkillers if you are sore. For a headache, lots of water and

headache pills are essential.

I agree with plastic surgery if someone has been disfigured due to tragic

circumstances or if they were born with a physical deformity. But I don’t agree with

using plastic surgery for vanity reasons and it’s dangerous as people can become

obsessed with perfection and addicted to changing who they are. In Britain, the most

common eating disorder among young people is obesity. Scotland has the highest

obesity rate in the world after the USA. This is usually thanks to unhealthy food, not

overeating: too much saturated fat, sweets and fizzy drinks. They suffer from this

disease because their parents have not educated them (or been educated themselves)

on what is bad for them. Anorexia is another problem. This is caused usually by

young people being influenced by the media’s portrayal of ‘perfection’ and the

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example set by celebrities. Young people starve themselves or purge their bodies

(bulimia) because they feel overweight in the eyes of the world.

7

ENVIRONMENT

What are the main environmental problems in Italy? (noise/ water/ air pollution,

What do you do to help the environment?

What does the government do to encourage people to help?

If you were the prime minister, what would you do to combat the traffic jams in the

city centre at rush hour? Noise pollution?

What natural disasters have occurred in Italy in recent years?

Why isn’t renewable energy more commonly used? How can this be fixed?

What do you think about nuclear power?

The main environmental problems in Italy are noise pollution (from scooters and

motorbikes), air pollution (because of the traffic and factories) and lack of recycling. I

help the environment by using energy-saving lightbulbs, separating my rubbish for

recycling and switching lights off when I leave a room. I also take my own bags to the

supermarket and use public transport.

In Britain, the government encourages people to help the environment by not

providing free shopping bags at supermarkets. Local councils have also issued every

household with three separate recycling bins: for paper, plastic and garden waste.

There are also TV adverts encouraging us to switch off lights and put rubbish in the

bin.

If it were up to me, I would combat traffic jams in the city centre by widening

roads to make more lanes and allow more cars to pass through. I would also

encourage people to use public transport or car pool, through TV ads or the internet.

As for noise pollution, perhaps there could be time restrictions on traffic passing

through residential streets.

In recent years there have been earthquakes in Italy, most notably a

devastating one in Aquila a few years ago. Bad weather due to global warming

recently has also caused some floods and landslides.

Renewable energy isn’t widely used because it costs more, but the government

has to speculate to accumulate. Solar panels would be ideal for Italy, as would water

energy, and once it is used, it will benefit everyone. I think nuclear power is a good

thing. It provides energy for lots of people, and is generally safe. But, if there is a

problem, it is extremely dangerous; radiation can pour into the atmosphere

endangering lives, or worse, there could be a nuclear explosion.

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SOCIETY AND LIVING STANDARDS

Do you think where you live has a high or low standard of living? Why?

What is the class distinction in Italy?

What is a typical well-off person like?

What are the main social problems in your society (unemployment/ crime/ health

service/ youth binge drinking etc)?

What is the government doing to combat this? What would you do?

Do women have equal rights and opportunities in your country? Since when? Do they

have a certain role?

Where do women have few rights?

What are the differences in standards between the North and South of Italy? Why do

you think this is?

After the introduction of the Euro, how have living standards changed? Has your

family been affected? Has it made life easier or harder?

Have people become accustomed to it?

What do people in Italy spend their money on? (food/ alcohol/ clothes/ entertainment

etc)

How do you spend your money?

Do children have a better childhood now? Why/ why not?

What are the advantages and disadvantages for the child of both parents working?

What changes to you see in your society in the future?

Do you think Italy will ever have a monarchy again? Why/ why not?

What are the advantages and disadvantages of having a monarchy?

I think the area I live (west Glasgow) has a very high standard of living. It’s a very

safe area and it’s very pretty, with lots of greenspace. The houses are traditional

tenements, which sometimes means they are of a lower standard inside, especially if

the landlord is renting cheaply to students or young people who don’t care about the

condition of the building. However, because the houses are in a desirable area, the

standard of living is considered to be high. There is also an excellent education

system with lots of local schools. A large proportion of young people go on the

university and the employment rate is high. Wages are reasonable and workers have

benefits. The recession has affected everyone, so there is the issue of inflation, but

wages are in accordance with this.

In my country, there is some class distinction, although Britain likes to pretend

this is an out-dated concept, and that we don’t refer to this anymore. The fact is, as in

every country, there are some shocking comparisons between different areas. For

example, the general life expectancy for a British man is about 85, while in the most

deprived area in Glasgow, it’s only 54. This is attributed to things like bad diet,

dangerous surroundings and inherited disease. These people (although this is an

extreme example) are working class, and there is obviously a comparison between

them and the middle classes, who make up the majority of the population. In most

areas, the class distinction between working and middle is not much marked. If

someone has a slightly lower income and a smaller house that someone else, it’s

probably not noticeable and never an issue. As in most countries, the upper classes

make up a very small percentage of the population.

In my opinion, a typical well-off person is usually someone who has worked

hard to make their fortune. If a young person comes from a well-off family, he or she

will eventually have to stand on their own two feet. More often than not, rich people

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have known what it is like to have to work hard to make ends meet sometimes. I think

we live in a world where it is very rare that someone can sail through life never

having to know the value of money.

I think the main problems where I come from are crime and public health. We

have a good National Health Service; although some would complain about the cost

and value for money, it’s a much more efficient system than most countries have. But

Scotland has the worst record for heart disease in the world and the highest rate of

obesity after the USA. This is due to a diet of fried food and not enough exercise.

Binge drinking is also a problem, particularly among young people. The government

invests lots of money in public health because of these shocking figures; we are

educated throughout school on the importance of a balanced diet and exercise, there is

government advice on TV and street billboards on the dangers of smoking, drugs and

drinking and schools have banned unhealthy food from their cafeterias. The smoking

age has also been raised, as has the age for buying alcohol in shops. If I were in

charge, I would follow the example of some schools and universities and completely

ban vending machines. I would also do more to educate parents on feeding their

children correctly, not educate the children themselves.

I think women have lots of rights in Britain. For example it’s completely

acceptable for a woman to have a career and a family and to be the breadwinner.

Unlike some countries, a woman is not the property of her husband and is free to

make her own choices. However, things are not completely equal, as women are still

paid less than men in the same jobs and it’s usually harder for women to advance up

the career ladder than it is for men. As well as general discrimination, employers

question a woman’s future with a company by taking into account things like the

possibility of women starting families and becoming full-time mothers. Women’s

independence started in Britain with the Suffragette Movement in the early late 19th

century, but victory came after the First World War when women were recognised for

doing men’s jobs during the conflict, and women over 30 were given the right to vote

for the first time. In 1929 the age was lowered to 21, like men, and in the 1970s the

feminist movement reaffirmed these rights. Britain is a very enlightened country

regarding women’s rights; in places like the Middle East and India women are

effectively owned by their husbands and often punished for exerting femininity or

basic human rights.

There are several differences between the North and South of Italy. For

instance, in the North the unemployment rate is much lower. This is due in part to the

increased businesses and industries in the North compared to the South. Public

transport is also more regular and abundant than in the South, and things like the

sanitary services are better manage, as in the South at the moment there is a rubbish

collection strike.

The introduction of the Euro changed living standards in that prices were

doubled after the abolition of the Lira, but wages stayed the same. However, the Euro

has been a good thing for making foreign travel easier, and also trade. The stock

market has also benefited as conversion is not necessary. People’s living standards

changed after the introduction but I think they are accustomed to it now.

Young people in my country spend their money mainly on technology, I think.

Things like the iPhone, iPad and computer Notebooks are becoming more and more

common. Girls, of course, spend a lot on clothes, and I don’t think that will ever

change. I spend most of my money on socialising; going out for dinner or to a bar, or

cooking for friends.

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I think children had a better childhood, for example, fifty years ago.

Nowadays we have access to better healthcare, technology and education, but for

children, I think life was easier back then. Now, technology is occupying children

more than it should and there is the element of over-protection that has arisen in the

last ten years or so. It was also more possible for one parent to stay at home 50 years

ago. However, if both parents work, the child has a more comfortable lifestyle and

grows up to be slightly more independent, realising the value of a career. On the other

hand, they don’t have the constant presence of a parent in the home.

It’s impossible to guess what changes will occur in Britain in the future; I

think eventually the monarchy will be abolished, but not for several more generations

as the population is still Royalist. At the last election Britain voted in a coalition

government for the first time in a long while, so anything is possible.

I don’t think Italy will have a monarchy again in the future because the

population prefers the democratic system of having an elected Prime Minister. There

are some advantages to having a monarchy, however; the Royal family can perform

ceremonial duties while the government concentrates on ruling. Also, they serve as a

symbol of the country internationally and act as goodwill ambassadors. They also

generate a lot of tourism. Conversely, they are a burden on the taxpayer (albeit a small

one) and their personal lives are under much speculation and can cause

embarrassment. They are unelected and inherit their titles, therefore representing an

undemocratic institution.

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HOBBIES AND LEISURE/ SPORTS

When do you have the most time to relax? Why?

What do you like to do in your free time?

When/ how did you start this hobby? How often do you do it? What equipment do

you use? Where? Is it an expensive hobby?

What do you usually do at the weekend/ in summer, winter etc?

Do you think it’s important to always be active in your spare time?

Do you prefer solo or social leisure activities? Why?

What is your favourite team/ sportsperson? Why?

I have more time to relax at the weekend, because I work during the week and when I

come home I usually go to bed quite soon. On Saturday I do something fun like

shopping or going to the park or for coffee, and on Sunday I usually cook with my

boyfriend and read a book, watch a film or do nothing. During the week I watch TV

to relax and I sometimes write in my free time, too. I got into the habit of writing

when I was an English literature student and it relaxes me. It’s also a form of

escapism, like most creative hobbies. I don’t have set times when I write – I do it

whenever I’m in the mood. I use my computer because otherwise I lose all my paper;

I learned this the hard way! I prefer to write with other people around as I find it hard

to concentrate when it’s silence.

In the summer I spend a lot of time outside in the park or outside a bar with

friends watching the world go by. I also enjoy having barbeques with my friends and

shopping with my mum. In winter time, I like watching old films and going for walks

in the snow. I think it’s important to be active in your spare time, but I don’t like

sports, so I prefer to walk my grandparents’ dog or go for a bike ride. But I think it’s

also important to relax and unwind in your spare time. I like both solo and leisure

activities because sometimes it’s nice to be alone and reflect. Going to the cinema or

for walks and cooking are things I like doing with other people because they are no

fun to do alone.

I don’t really have a favourite sports person but I enjoy watching tennis on TV

every summer because there are lots of ‘wildcard’ newcomers I support to win.

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THE SUPERNATURAL

Do you believe in ghosts? Why/why not?

Do you believe there could be life on other planets? Why/ why not?

Have you heard of The Roswell Incident? What happened? Do you believe it?

What do you think about crop circles/ The Bermuda Triangle? Do you think there are

scientific explanations for these phenomena?

Have you ever had, or heard of anyone who has had, a supernatural experience?

Are there any ghost stories where you are from?

Do you believe in telepathy/ telekinesis/ mediums?

If you were telepathic, whose mind would you most like to read? Why?

If you were a medium, who would you most like to contact? Why?

Do you believe people can have a ‘sixth sense?’ (e.g special connection between

twins?)

Have you ever been to a fortune teller? Would you ever go?

Do you believe in anything supernatural (e.g angels/ demons/ vampires etc)

Do you believe in life after death or reincarnation? Why/ why not?

I don’t think I believe in ghosts, but it’s difficult to be absolutely sure either way. I

think the concept is a little ridiculous, but at the same time I find it hard to believe that

when people die they are gone forever. I feel that maybe a presence stays behind. I

definitely believe in life on other planets because the Earth is such a small part of our

solar system, which is a small part of the universe. Plus, there are of course

undiscovered universes we can’t possibly know about. The Roswell Incident in Area

51 was an alleged crashing of an alien spacecraft in America. There is government

footage apparently showing a biopsy of an alien. There is lots of speculation that this

is a faked video so the issue is constantly debated. Personally, I don’t believe that if

there is life on other planets, it would visit ours. Another phenomenon is crop circles;

I don’t believe this is evidence alien spaceships landing but I don’t have a rational

explanation for them. They could be organised art or they could be natural. I think

there is a simple explanation for the Bermuda Triangle; a spot in the sea where planes

and ships disappear. I think this is to do with a gravitational pull which causes things

to be sucked towards the Earth.

I have never had a supernatural experience, but I know a woman who went to

a medium who claimed she saw her dead grandson standing next to her. There was a

popular ghost story when I was at school about a painting of a young girl on the wall.

The story was that she had been killed in the school and was buried under the music

stage, and if you watched the painting the eyes would follow you. I don’t know if I

believe in mediums; probably not, but I have heard stories about people who have had

very accurate readings so it makes me think. I have never been to a fortune teller but I

might quite like to go. Not for an accurate reading of my future, but to satisfy my

curiosity and see if anything she said came true.

Telekinesis is a doubtful concept, and I would have to see it to believe it.

Telepathy is definitely not true, in my opinion, but if I were telepathic I’d like to read

the mind of a celebrity enigma, like Marilyn Monroe or John Lennon, to find out what

they were really like. If I were a medium, an ‘original’ person would be my ideal

contact; for example, Groucho Marx. He was a fantastic comedian who started a new

type of comedy, and he had a very interesting family and turbulent person life. I

believe people can have a sixth sense. I think if the connection between, say, a mother

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and daughter is strong enough, one or the other can sense when something is wrong. I

also believe the same thing can happen for twins.

However, I don’t really believe in anything supernatural, like angels or

demons. But I believe in the concept of Karma: that if you are a bad person, bad

things will happen to you in turn. I respect people of faiths who believe in

reincarnation or life after death, but it’s not something I can bring myself to believe

in. I think we only have one lifetime on this Earth and that we should make the most

of it.

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TRAVEL AND HOLIDAYS

‘Travelling broadens the mind.’ What does this statement mean?

Have you ever been abroad?

Where is your favourite place to visit?

Do you speak another language?

Are you interested in other cultures?

What are the main reasons people travel abroad?

What places have you travelled to?

How do you like to travel?

Where would you like to travel in the future?

Would you like to make a round-the-world-trip/ take a gap year?

Would you like to work abroad? Why/why not? Where?

What activities do you enjoy doing on holiday?

What’s your favourite type of holiday?

What’s your preferred accommodation? Why?

Is travel easier now than in the past? Why/ why not?

Are places being destroyed by tourism? Are poorer countries being exploited?

Is it more different to go off the beaten track (where people don’t usually go)? Are

you interested in this type of travel?

Do you think you could go travelling alone?

‘Travelling broadens the mind’ means that you will be exposed to new cultures and

experiences and see the world as more than just your experience of it. I’ve been

abroad lots of times; to America twice, to Spain twice, and Italy numerous times. My

favourite place to visit is Italy because I have some relative who live near Naples. I

like to go in the summer and relax in their little village, eat good food and go to the

beach. I speak some Italian and I’m hoping to learn Dutch when I move to Holland

soon. I am very interested in other cultures, especially those very different to my own

and it reminds you that your country is not the centre of the universe. In the future, I

would really like to see China or somewhere equally as exotic, like Thailand. There

are also lots of parts of America I want to see, like New York and Chicago.

I think people travel abroad to experience new cultures, learn another language, to

meet new people, to work, for the weather and for escapism. I prefer to travel by

plane because it’s fast and easy and much cheaper than the train. I wish I had taken a

gap year, but it was impossible because I couldn’t afford it. Now I am older and make

my own money I have the freedom to save up and go whenever I choose. I don’t

know if I would like to take a round-the-world trip because I think I would get tired of

travelling. After a few weeks I need to come home to some familiarity, so I prefer

taking short breaks. I like working abroad because you are properly immersed in the

culture and you interact every day with local people. It’s my dream to work in

America one day, but it’s a difficult thing to do as they have a strict entrance policy.

On holiday, I enjoy wandering around a new city and seeing the sights. I like

sitting doing nothing outside a nice bar and watching the world go by. I also enjoy

going to the beach, although I am not a fan of beach holidays as I find them too

boring. So, my favourite type of holiday is a city holiday. I prefer staying in a holiday

flat because you have freedom to cook if you want, and you have all the facilities you

have at home. Travel is much easier now than in the past because it’s cheaper and

there are flights to many more destinations. Also, more cities have become more

accommodating for tourists.

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Some places are being destroyed by tourism, for example beautiful islands like

Ibiza, which is now a renowned party destination for young people aged 18 to 30.

However, tourism generates a lot of local income. I don’t think poorer countries as

being exploited for this reason. I don’t think it’s more difficult to do off the beaten

track. Thanks to the internet it’s much easier to plan and get a hotel reservation in a

quiet place. I like this type of travel as you can really explore untouched areas and get

to know the local people in a place that hasn’t been ruined by too many tourists. I like

being alone for a couple of days in a new city because you can explore it at your own

pace, but I need someone to experience new things with and keep me company,

otherwise I would get bored and lonely.

16

THE NATURAL WORLD

What are the biggest problems in the natural world?

How can we prevent them?

Do you think animals should be kept in zoos? Why/ why not?

Do you think having a pet is a good idea?

Would you like discover exotic places such as the rainforest/ the desert?

Do you think endangered animals should always be preserved?

The biggest problems in the natural world are things like volcanic eruptions,

earthquakes, tsunamis, floods, droughts, tornados, glaciers melting, then hole in the

ozone, hurricanes, forest fires, avalanches and landslides. Most of these can’t be

prevented; we can only be prepared. For avalanches and landslides, we can employ

environmental engineering to make the landscape safer and more resistant. However,

things like the melting of the ice caps are caused by global warming, which can be

prevented by using renewable energy, saving energy by doing things such as

switching off lights, and using less chemicals. The hole in the ozone can be minimised

by not using chemicals in the air, like sprays. Deforestation can also be prevented by

planting trees whenever some are cut down.

I think animals should be kept in zoos for several reasons. Firstly, it helps us

to study animal behaviour and better understand them. Also, it is educational.

Endangered animals can also be bred and therefore saved and they are protected from

predators and natural danger factors such as hunger. I have no problems with people

keeping pets, especially domesticated animals like rabbits or dogs. But I don’t believe

in keeping birds, as they need their freedom more than any other animal. I also don’t

believe in keeping exotic reptiles as they can be dangerous and they are usually kept

to the most confined spaces.

I would like to visit the rainforest as it is a fascinating habitat with lots of rare

animals and birds. However, the desert has harsh conditions so it does not appeal to

me. In my opinion, it’s important to preserve animals which are in danger of being

extinct, but it’s not always essential. For example, pandas are notoriously difficult to

breed and have only one food source, making it incredibly difficult for them to

survive in the wild. So, I don’t think so much time money should be lavished on this

project as there are much more important conservation projects which need funding.

17

JOBS

What would you like to do when you leave school?

Would you like to work abroad?

What are your parents’ jobs?

What do you do?

What are your duties at work?

What time do you start/ finish? Where do you eat your lunch?

Do you like your job? Why/ why not?

What’s your dream job?

What is important for a good job? (well-paid, friendly colleagues, pension, long

holidays, comfortable office etc)

When I left school I wanted to be a novelist and although I do write in my spare time,

it’s very rare to make a career out of this type of freelance writing. I wanted to work

abroad and decided to go to Italy as it’s a place I really like. Next, I’m travelling to

work in Amsterdam. I like travelling but I know I’ll return home eventually.

My mother is an auxiliary assistant in a primary school and my father is a

cashier for a ferry company. At the moment, I’m a teacher at a language school, and,

through full immersion, I teach the English language. With me, students practise

speaking, reading and writing English and prepare for exams. I start after lunch at

different times in the afternoon and finish between eight and nine o’clock. I like my

job very much because it’s never boring and it’s very rewarding. Also, I don’t have to

get up early!

My dream job is to write for television or to eventually forge a novelist career.

For me, a good job must have nice colleagues. If you spend five days a week with

people, it’s important that you get on well. Money is important too, but it’s not the

most important thing. For me, a job that doesn’t involve sitting behind a desk or at a

computer is very important as it can be demoralising.

18

PERSONAL VALUES AND IDEALS

What’s the most important value to you? (honesty/ loyalty/ kindness/ courage/

freedom/ solidarity)

What is Amnesty International? What does it do? (Horizons Int)

Do sweatshops discourage you from buying certain projects?

Does your ideal job coincide with your personal ideals and values?

Would you accept a well-paid job even if you were unsure about the company’s

ethics?

Do you believe in the death penalty? Which countries have this?

What do you think about animal testing?

Do people with physical disabilities have equal opportunities to work in Italy?

Do you believe in war?

Do you believe in euthanasia?

Do you think co-habiting/ gay couples couples should have the same rights as married

couples?

The most important value varies depending on who you are talking about; a parent or

in a significant other. But for me, I think the most important values are loyalty,

compassion and honesty.

Amnesty International is a non-profit organisation which campaigns for human rights

all over the world. AI reveals where human rights are being abused and ‘inspires hope

for a better world through public action and international solidarity.’

Sweatshops shouldn’t exist, but at the end of the day, it’s very rare to find a

clothing that wasn’t made in one of these places. It’s cheaper for manufacturers to

employ low-paid workers in third world countries and that’s how the clothing industry

makes its money. So, it doesn’t discourage me from buying a particular product.

My ideal job would be to have the freedom to write; either for British

television or novels, so I have no qualms about ethics in my ideal job. I don’t think I

would accept a well-paid job if the company had debatable ethics, because I would

have to deal with my conscience every day.

I don’t believe in the death penalty because it’s barbaric. But it costs

governments millions every year to keep criminals incarcerated, so it’s a problem.

America has the death penalty is some states, and China, as well as countries in the

Middle East.

I don’t agree with animal cosmetics testing because it’s needless and cruel.

However, I am in favour of medical research on animals because it can cure terrible

diseases and save human lives.

In Britain, people with physical disabilities have equal rights to work. On

every job application you have to state your physical ability in order to prevent

discrimination and on every work contract there is a clause stating that the company

supports equal rights employment.

I think war is senseless and although it can get results, they come at a great

cost. However, a country cannot decide to be anti-war until the rest of the world also

lays down their weapons.

I support euthanasia because it allows people to die with dignity on their own

terms. However, if it became legal in Britain it would cause a lot of legal problems,

public outcry, and possibly misunderstandings resulting in people being imprisoned

for helping a loved one die.

19

I don’t think co-habiting couples should have the same rights as married

people. Although I think they technically should if they have been together for a long

time, nobody would get married if staying single had the same status. However, I

think gay couples, who cannot legally marry on the same terms as straight couples

should have the same marital rights if they have entered into a civil partnership, and

especially if they have a child.

20

PUBLIC FIGURES

What are the different types of public figures?

Who are the most controversial public figures in Italy?

Who is the public figure you most admire? Why do you look up to them?

Who is your least favourite public figure?

Which people, in your opinion, are not entitled to their fame?

What types of people should be given more recognition?

Would you like to be famous?

There are many types of public figures: politicians, musicians, models, artists, writers,

sports personalities, actors/actresses and the monarchy, for example. The most

controversial public figures in Britain are, sadly, celebrities; usually singers,

presenters or those with scandalous social lives. In London, Camden is currently the

most fashionable place for celebrities, and there is lots of media attention on celebrity

hangouts like the Hawley Arms pub. Also, the infamous ‘Primrose Hill Gang’

consisting of people like Kate Moss, Liam Gallagher and Sadie Frost, was famous in

the late 1990s for their drunken parties and publicity.

I most admire famous people who use their status and money to help other

people. I don’t admire famous people as such, but for example, Geri Halliwell is a UN

Goodwill Ambassador and does lots of work for Breast Cancer charities, while

Gwyneth Paltrow does lots of work with orphanages and other charities. My least

favourite public figures are classless, talentless people who take part in reality TV

shows and, for some reason, have lasting publicity in the UK. People who take part in

talent shows to produce soulless pop music and also people who are only famous for

being an embarrassment, like the actress Lindsay Lohan, don’t deserve fame. In my

opinion, people who make a difference to society, either through charity work or

important medical research, should be recognised. Also, exceptional writers and

talented songwriters deserve to be famous for their unique gifts. I think I would like to

famous, but for something that would allow me to remain somewhat anonymous, like

a radio personality or a writer.

21

RULES AND REGULATIONS

Which laws have been approved by the government recently?

What are the drinking laws/ driving laws/ disco laws/ travel laws in Italy? (when did

they come into effect and what happens if you are caught?)

What are you duties at home/ at school?

In Britain, the age at which you can buy cigarettes was recently raised to 18, and you

can’t buy alcohol in the supermarket unless you can prove you’re at least 25. In

Britain, you can smoke at 16, drive at 17 and drink at 18. You must attend school until

you are at least 16, and you have to wear a seatbelt while driving. It’s also a crime to

drink and drive. If you are caught buying cigarettes or alcohol underage, you will

usually face an on-the-spot fine, and the shop assistant will be cautioned or possibly

sacked. This law came into effect a few years ago. If you are over the limit while

drinking (the limit is four units) you will face jail time or your license will be

suspended and you will be fined. This is a long-established law.

At home, I live with my boyfriend and we share household responsibilities.

When the bin is full, the next person to leave the house must take it outside. We take

turns at cleaning the bathroom and we do the cooking, washing-up and washing

together. We also have to do the shopping together because one of us always forgets

something.

22

MUSIC

What types of music do you like? Why?

Who is your favourite band/ singer? Tell me about them?

Do you prefer Italian or English music?

Do you download music or buy CDs?

Do you think it’s OK to download music? What are the advantages and

disadvantages?

Have you ever been to a concert? What was it like?

Are you going to a concert/ music festival this summer?

Do you play an instrument? What?

Would you like to become successful and famous?

I like older music; rock and pop music from the 50s, 60s and 70s. My favourite bad is

Simon & Garfunkel because their lyrics are like poetry and their songs are beautiful.

They are a folk duo from New York who started singing together in the 50s and

became famous in 1960. They parted ways in 1970 but continue to tour sometimes.

Paul Simon became very famous in his own rite in the 70s, and I am also a big fan of

his solo material, particularly his African music in the mid-80s.

I used to buy CDs but I haven’t bought music for a long time as I have so

many songs on my computer so I can change my iPod whenever I want. I think it’s

OK to download music because things can’t stay the same forever with evolving

technology. The advantages are that it’s quick and easy and cheaper than shopping in

a shop. But on the downside, you can sometimes download a virus. Plus, the record

companies and musicians earn less money. But, as this forces them to tour, it’s more

possible to see your favourite bands live.

I’ve been to lots of concerts. My favourite was probably going to see Paul

McCartney in Liverpool a few years ago. We were right at the front and he played all

of my favourite songs. I don’t really like music festivals as I mainly like bands that

don’t tour anymore, and I don’t like camping.

I don’t play an instrument but I played the clarinet at school. I don’t think I’d

like to be a famous musician because they are among the most famous people in the

world and my private life would no longer be my own.