Unit 01 Big Decisions

Unit 1 Page 12 READING exercise 5 What next? My time at school is almost up, and of course I'm thinking about the big question: what next? Perhaps I've left it a bit late to start thinking about it, but that's how I am. I think I'll do well in my exams, so maybe I'll go to university or college and get more qualifications – but I've been asking myself if it's better to just find a job and start a career that way. On the other hand, if I do go on to study further, should I do it right away or perhaps take a year off – a 'gap year'? Helpful comments and ideas, please! Thanks. John Hi, John. I'm doing a gap year right now. I saved up some money and went to Thailand, but after two months of 'holiday' I got bored and the money was running out. Then I learned about a volunteer medical organisation working in poor parts of the country and they let me join as a driver. Now I'm working, struggling with the Thai language (I spend up to an hour a day practising with friends) and learning lots about myself. I've made a resolution, too – when I go home, I'm going to study medicine, to be a doctor or a nurse. So my advice? Do a gap year, but don't just travel around – do some volunteer work somewhere. For me, it's been life-changing. Amy Hey! I left school three months ago and I didn't want to go to university or travel. So I'm doing a course. I'm studying to become a yoga teacher. I took up yoga a couple of years ago and I've loved it ever since. I was quite lazy at school, but I've changed my ways and now I study really hard. The course starts every day at 7.00, so I've had to get into the habit of waking up early. But that's fine – I love what I'm doing. That's the important thing – do what you love, if you can. Mark Hi there! Here's my advice. Do what feels right for you now, but keep an open mind and be prepared to change. Some of my friends went travelling after school, but I didn't have the courage; I just went to university. It was OK and I was having a good time. Then one day an old friend from school phoned me and said he was going to start an online company and asked me to join him. So, I gave up the university course and went to work with him. It was the best thing I've ever done. I wasn't intending to leave university, but I took the chance to try something different, and I don't regret it. Pauline

Page 15 LISTENING exercise 8 and 9 Hey, Alan, how are things? Hi, Becky. Not too bad, thanks. Listen, we're having a party at our place tomorrow night. Come along. Maybe. Thanks. Well, actually, no thanks. Why? Are you doing something tomorrow? No. I just don't fancy going to a party. What's up, Alan? You seem really down these days. Just worried, you know, about my future. You know I really want to be an actor. Yes. Well, three drama schools have said they don't want me. If I can't get into acting, I don't know what I'm going to do. Well, keep trying. They just haven't seen your talent yet. Are you going to apply to other drama schools? Maybe. I don't know. But I can't really see the point. They'll probably just say 'No', too. Hey, don't be like that! I read somewhere about that actress Carey Mulligan ... Yeah Well, she said that all the drama schools she applied to when she was young said 'No'. And now she's a big star. All those really good films! And she can't be the only actor who struggled at first. I guess. You can't just give up – if you've got a dream, you've got to fight for it. Yes, but it's hard. Sure. But think of Walt Disney – his first businesses failed; someone told him he wasn't creative enough! Wow. How wrong can you be! Then he was hugely successful. Started a film studio. Successful films. Disneyland. Mickey Mouse!! OK, I get the point. You have to keep trying. Know any more examples? Well, there's Van Gogh. He painted for years and no one recognised his art. He only sold one painting during his lifetime – one painting! – and that was just before he died. But he didn't stop painting. And he was always poor and unhappy, wasn't he? Well, yes. True. But that's not why I mentioned him. No, I know. Actually I know another thing about Van Gogh. What's that? Well, he only kept going because his friends encouraged him. Just like you, Becky. So, you know, yes, I'm going to apply to other schools. And I'm sure one of them will say yes. Meanwhile – how about tomorrow's party? Sure. Why not? Great!

Page 16 READING exercise 2 BEFORE I SETTLE DOWN – A LIST A British billionaire once said: 'You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.' I love that quote, but what does 'doing it right' mean? I suppose my grandparents did it right. They both left school, went to university (where they met) and got degrees. They started careers (he was an accountant, she was a doctor), then they got married and started a family. They got promoted at different times and then they both retired at 60. And off they went to travel the world. They've been happy, I think. However, it's just not really what I want – not yet, anyway. Before I settle down, when I'm 30 or so, I want to do all kinds of things. Here are some of them. 1 Do something that really scares me. I'm terrified of heights, so sky-diving would be perfect! 2 Sleep on a beach under the stars. Where? Somewhere warm, of course, where sleeping on the beach is allowed. 3 Take a really long train ride. The destination doesn't matter, it's the journey that's important. Train travel is brilliant – you can see the places you're passing through, you can meet and chat with other travellers, you can leave your seat and walk around. I love it! 4 Go somewhere where they don't speak English and I don't speak the language (Nepal?). It'll be hard, of course, but that's the point. 5 Run a marathon. I'm not a good runner and perhaps I'm not up to a marathon, but I'd really like to try. And perhaps I can raise money for my favourite charity (cancer research). 6 Learn how to cook at least ten things that I love to eat. Right now I can only cook two! 7 Have dinner with a friend in one of the world's best restaurants. 8 See lots – lots! – of my favourite bands play live. 9 Do some kind of volunteer work for a while. In other words, work in order to help other people, not myself (though it'll be a good experience for me, too). 10 Make a list of other interesting things to do before I'm 40! OK, that's my list. It's up to me to try to do these things. What would be on your list? Page 17 PRONUNCIATION exercise 1 What's up, Jenny? I'm tired! I'm up late every night studying. You need your sleep! Can't you get up later? Not really. I've taken up the flute this year. I practise in the mornings. Well, it's up to you, but I'd give that up! Hmmm ... I wish I hadn't signed up for the school orchestra now! Page 17 PRONUNCIATION exercise 3 What's up, Jenny? I'm tired! I'm up late every night studying. You need your sleep! Can't you get up later? Not really. I've taken up the flute this year. I practise in the mornings. Well, it's up to you, but I'd give that up! Hmmm ... I wish I hadn't signed up for the school orchestra now!

Page 18 DEVELOPING SPEAKING exercise 1 and 2 Hi, Sandra. I haven't seen you for ages. Where have you been hiding? Hi, Martin. Hiding? Nowhere. I've just changed some of my routines. I was feeling so stressed a few months ago that I thought, 'Sandra, you've got to make some changes' So I did! What kind of changes? Exercise? Sleep? Well, where shall I start? I'm eating better. And now you mention it, I'm trying to get seven hours sleep a night, minimum. But the big thing is my attitude. And how has that changed? Well, I read an article about stress and it said something like 'Look at the big picture. How important is this problem? Is it going to matter in three months' time?' And I thought, that's right – the problem is, I worry about little things too much. So I'm trying to worry less. But can you do that? If I'm honest, I'm a terrible worrier, too. But I can't stop. Don't be silly. Anyone can stop worrying – not overnight, but you can do it little by little. Now I'm getting stressed about being someone who can't stop worrying. Let's go and have ice cream and talk more. Thanks, Sandra. You're a star. Here we go, then! Ice cream coming up! And don't worry, I'll pay!