Work
1. Expanding your business abroad. Option A.
You are planning to expand your IT business abroad. You believe Asia is a good placement for a new office because a big number of the high-tech companies are from that continent. Your business partner might be against the idea, but try to talk them into approving your plan. You should try to reach an agreement. You start the conversation.
1. Expanding your business abroad. Option B.
Your business partner wants to expand your IT business abroad. They think Asia would be a good destination. For you, the USA seems a better placement for a new office. You should try to reach an agreement. A starts the conversation.
2. Bullying at work. Option A. You work in the IT department of a multinational company. You think you're being bullied by your immediate superior. You're constantly agitated and anxious. Your boss yells at you in front of others and accuses you of incompetence, despite a history of objective excellence. You've been thinking about resigning and finding a new job. Talk to one of your closest workmates and ask for advice. Make a decision. You start the conversation.
2. Bullying at work. Option B. You work in the IT department of a multinational company. One of your closest workmates has problems with the boss. You know your boss is overly demanding with your colleague, but you think this is because the IT team have to meet deadlines and work under pressure most of the time. Suggest plausible reasons for the criticism, and suggest at least two solutions. A starts the conversation.
3. Promotion abroad. Option A. You are working for an import-export company and you have just been offered a promotion and a pay rise. But you are required to move to India and settle there for a couple of years. You think this is a once-in-a lifetime opportunity to live abroad. But you are married and have two children, and your spouse has just set up their own company. Talk to your spouse and try to convince them that moving abroad is the best option for your family. Try to reach an agreement. You start the conversation.
3. Promotion abroad. Option B. You have just set up your organic food business and things are running smoothly. You are even thinking about expanding your business in the near future. You are married and have two children. Your spouse has been offered a position with better working conditions abroad. Discuss the situation and try to convince them to reject the promotion. Try to reach an agreement. A starts the conversation.
4. General strike. Option A. The biggest trade unions in your country are calling for a 24‐hour general strike against cuts and austerity measures. You consider it’s high time citizens stood up for their rights and defended the welfare state. Talk to your colleague at work and discuss the issue. Express your opinion and react to your partner’s point of view. You start the conversation.
4. General strike. Option B. The biggest trade unions in your country are calling for a 24‐hour general strike against cuts and austerity measures. You consider this kind of actions may be a risky move and may do more harm than good. Keeping quiet might be the best way to avoid losing your job. Talk to your colleague at work and discuss the issue. Express your opinion and react to your partner’s point of view. A starts the conversation.
Volunteering and Human Rights
1. Volunteering. Option A. You believe donating money to a non-profit organization and volunteering is a way to help society and try to make the world a fairer place. You think the most important problems in today's world (violence, refugees, prejudice, poverty, inequality...) can improve if we all collaborate with non-profit organizations and take some individual action. Tell your partner about your opinions and try to convince him/her to do the same. You begin the dialogue.
1. Volunteering. Option B. You believe current problems in the world (violence, refugees, prejudice, poverty, inequality...) are the responsibility of governments and politicians. They spend some of our taxes on helping those who need it and on all kinds of cooperation projects with developing countries. So, you don't think you should do anything else to help as individuals. After all, not every problem can be solved and there have always been poor people and rich people in the world. Tell your partner what you think about this issue and try to convince him/her. Candidate A begins the dialogue.
2. Volunteering for refugees. Option A. You work as a volunteer for an NGO which provides support and counsel to refugees and illegal immigrants coming into Europe. Try to convince a good friend of yours to become a volunteer and to look for ways to raise funds for your organization. You start the conversation.
2. Volunteering for refugees. Option B. A good friend of yours works as a volunteer for an NGO which provides support and counsel to refugees and illegal immigrants coming into Europe. He constantly talks about the need to recruit more volunteers and to find ways to raise funds for your organization. Think about how to help them and this organisation.A starts the conversation.
3. Integration of Immigrants. Option A. Your town council is trying to implement a local‐integration project for immigrants in the area and seeking volunteers to help in the outline of the programme. Discuss the different options available with your partner and reach an agreement on what to include. Remember women are especially vulnerable. You start the conversation.
3. Integration of Immigrants. Option B. Your town council is trying to implement a local‐integration project for immigrants in the area and seeking volunteers to help in the outline of the programme. Discuss the different options available with your partner and reach an agreement on what to include. Remember not all young people find integrating into life in the area easy. A starts the conversation.
Money
1. Borrowing money. Option A. Your friend is paying a mortgage and always asks to borrow money from you when you go out together because he/she says he/she is broke. Suddenly, you discover he/she is going on holiday to the Bahamas and he/she owes you €2,000. Try to persuade him/her to give you your money back and tell him/her how awful you think it is what he is doing. You begin the dialogue.
2. Borrowing money. Option B. You’ve been going through a tough time, as you are short on money and have to pay a mortgage. Some friends even lent you some money to try and help you with the problem. However, the situation at home is complicated and you’ve decided to surprise your family with a trip to make them a little bit happier and forget about the problems. Your friend has heard you’re going on holiday and doesn’t think it’s the right thing to do. Convince him/her that you mentally need to go on holiday. Candidate A begins the dialogue.
2. Financial problems. Option A. You are going through financial problems and you need to make some lifestyle changes. You live in a very sunny area of Andalusia and you think installing solar panels on your roof will save you a lot of money. Think of more ways to save energy at home and try to convince your spouse of the benefits of your suggestions. You start the conversation.
2. Financial problems. Option B. You are going through financial problems and you need to make some lifestyle changes. You live in a very sunny area of Andalusia and your spouse wants to install solar panels on your roof. You think it is a waste of money and that it will not pay for itself any time soon. Think of alternative ways to save money and try to convince your partner that getting rid of his/her car would save you much more money than the solar panels. A starts the conversation.
Free time, Arts and Culture
1. Planning the weekend. Option A. You and two friends are planning the weekend. You want to go to a 15-minute session of micro theatre tackling social and political issues. One of your friends is interested neither in current affairs nor in politics and he/she prefers to stay at home watching reality TV shows or a romantic comedy. Your other friend just wants to meet you to tell you something important. Agree to find a solution to take the best plan for you all. You begin the dialogue
1. Planning the weekend. Option B. You and your friends are planning the weekend. One of your friends wants to go to a 15-minute session of micro theatre tackling social and political issues and you don’t fancy doing that at all! You don’t share his/her political ideas but you don’t want him/her to be upset. You are not very interested in current affairs or politics and you’d rather stay home watching reality TV shows or a romantic comedy. Your other friend just wants to meet you to tell you something important. Agree to find a solution to take the best plan for you all. Candidate A begins the dialogue
1. Planning the weekend. Option C. You and your two friends are planning the weekend. One of your friends wants to go to a 15-minute session of micro theatre tackling social and political issues, the other one would rather stay home watching reality TV shows or a romantic comedy and they start arguing. You just want to meet them to announce you are getting married to your 1-year partner and moving to Barcelona to live life to the full. Agree to find a solution to take the best plan for you all. Candidate A begins the dialogue
2. Film festival. Option A. The Student Council, of which you are a member, wants to organise an international film festival to celebrate its 50th anniversary. You think indie films should be the core of the festival. Discuss the different options available and justify yours. Reach an agreement on the kind of films that will be projected. You start the conversation.
2. Film festival. Option B. The Student Council, of which you are a member, wants to organise an international film festival to celebrate its 50th anniversary. You think international films in the original language should be included in the festival programme. Discuss the different options available and justify yours. Reach an agreement on the kind of films that will be projected. A starts the conversation.
3. Best film. Option A. You are a jury member of the International Film Festival in your city and have to decide on the best movie you have seen. Remember you love humour films. Justify your option giving as many details as possible and comment on your partner’s choice. You start the conversation.
3. Best film. Option B. You are a jury member of the International Film Festival in your city and have to decide on the best movie you have seen. You consider the war film is fantastic. Justify your option giving as many details as possible and comment on your partner’s choice. A starts the conversation.
4. The Modern Art Museum. Option A. You have just visited The Modern Art Museum with your friend. Talk to him/her and comment on the works of art by your favourite artist. You have especially enjoyed the interactive facilities. Exchange your point of view with your partner and react to their comments. They will have a different opinion. You start the conversation.
4. The Modern Art Museum. Option B. have just visited The Modern Art Museum with your friend. Talk to him/her and comment on the “works of art.” You have a weird sensation that you have been teased. You have specially disliked the interactive installation. Exchange your point of view with your partner and react to their comments. They will have a different opinion. A starts the conversation.
5. Cultural programme. Option A. You are a mentor of the board of trustees of a non-profit educational institution for young adults and you have to decide on this year’s focus of the cultural programme. You believe theatre and the performing arts should be the core of the main activities. Suggest some activities and projects for the students to engage in. Try to reach an agreement with your fellow trustee.
5. Cultural programme. Option B. are a mentor of the board of trustees of a non-profit educational institution for young adults and you have to decide on this year’s focus of the cultural programme. You believe music and its inspirational power should be the core of the main activities. Suggest some activities and projects for the students to engage in. Try to reach an agreement with your fellow trustee. A starts the conversation.
5. Cultural programme. Option C. You are on the local advisory board of your political party. You and your partner have to recommend three specific projects to the general committee. You believe it is essential to improve the town’s historical heritage (old buildings, museums, etc.) and its street/road system and to promote it as a tourist destination, which will increase the job market in the area. Negotiate with your partner. You start the conversation.
Health
1. Weight loss: Option A. Your friend is obsessed with all kinds of diets for weight loss. He/she is going on a high-protein plan and he/she doesn’t look good although he/she is thinner now. As he/she sees it, he/she must stop eating vegetables, fruit and dairy products for a while although you know this may entail some risks and you think he/she must eat healthily and combine all types of aliments in order to be fit and healthy. You try to persuade him/her to change these bad habits and to try having a balanced diet and doing some exercise. You begin the dialogue
2. Weight loss: Student B. Your friend is worried about you because you are going on a high-protein diet and you have decided to stop eating vegetables, fruit and dairy products for a while in order to lose weight. He/she is always giving advice but he/she is not very good at listening to people. You feel good and you are going to continue your high-protein plan for a couple of weeks. Convince him/her to stop giving advice because you are visiting a nutritionist and you are well counselled. Candidate A begins the dialogue.
2. Drinking like a fish: Option A. Last night you saw your friend’s daughter drinking like a fish and are worried about her because you believe that’s not healthy at all. You decide that you need to talk to your friend about it. Outwardly, she is an exemplary student and your friend won’t easily accept the information you want to share with him/her. Try to give him/her some advice on how to talk to her to solve the problem and show your concern towards her attitude the other night.
2. Drinking like a fish: Option B. Your daughter is an excellent student and you’re really proud of her. You think that you’re raising her properly and that when it comes to bringing up, you don’t need any help from anyone. Your friend has something to tell you that you won’t be able to believe at first. Discuss the different ways of educating children and ask him/her for advice. Candidate A begin the dialogue
3. Stomach reduction surgery: Option A. Your teenage son has just given up a stormy relationship and is feeling low. He is also unhappy with his weight, but fed up with dieting. As he sees it, the easiest and quickest way to solve all his problems is to undergo stomach reduction surgery. But you also know this may entail some risks. Confide in your closest friend and ask them for advice. Decide what to do about your son’s demand for surgery. You start the conversation.
3. Stomach reduction surgery: Option B. Your friend is worried about their son. This teenager has finally abandoned a stormy relationship, but still suffers from health and psychological issues due to overweight and low self-esteem. You hear terrible stories about stomach reduction surgery. You think a solution might be to visit a specialist and get some guidance on acupuncture and other alternative therapies. Comment on similar cases you know of, and offer advice and sympathy. A starts the conversation.
4. Alternative medicine: Option A. You have not been feeling very well recently and don’t know what to do. You have been to the doctor but the symptoms remain. You are considering trying alternative medicine. Talk to your friends and ask for advice. They have both got over medical problems lately and could recommend you a doctor. Explain your symptoms in detail and listen to their suggestions showing approval or disapproval. You start the conversation.
4. Alternative medicine: Option B. Your friend has not been feeling very well recently and asks you for advice. You could help him/her, since you have recently got over a medical problem and you could help them with your experience. You have found some alternative therapies have helped you a lot. Comment on your case and try to make them understand how these therapies work and can cure you. A starts the conversation. You are second.
4. Alternative medicine: Option C. Your friend has not been feeling very well recently and asks you for advice. You have recently got over a medical problem and you could help him/her with your experience. You have tried some alternative therapies but they have been of no use as well as expensive. Your only recommendation is to rely on traditional medicine and use the medication correctly. Comment on your case and persuade them not to go for risky practices. A starts the conversation. B is second. You are third.
5. Gambling Online: Option A. You’ve been gambling online and think it’s an awesome way of increasing your savings greatly. Your friend is worried about you, as she/he thinks you’re out of control. Try to convince her/him about the great profits of online gambling and persuade her/him to do it with you one afternoon. Let her/him know that you don’t believe you’re getting hooked on it. Candidate A begins the dialogue
5. Gambling online: Option B. You’ve been gambling online and think it’s an awesome way of increasing your savings greatly. Your friend is worried about you, as she/he thinks you’re out of control. Try to convince her/him about the great profits of online gambling and persuade her/him to do it with you one afternoon. Let her/him know that you don’t believe you’re getting hooked on it. Candidate A begins the dialogue
Education and Schools
1. School Parent's Association. Option A. As a member of the school´s Parents Association, you are helping to plan next year’s creative workshops. The budget is limited. Discuss the areas you could cover and the activities you want to run. For you, writing is essential for nurturing creativity. Justify your point of view and reach an agreement. You start the conversation.
2. School Parent's Association. Option B. As a member of the school´s Parents Association, you are helping to plan next year’s creative workshops. The budget is limited. Discuss the areas you could cover and the activities you want to run. You strongly believe photography and freeform drawing are crucial for stimulating creativity. Justify your point of viewand reach an agreement. A starts the conversation. You are second.
3. School Parent's Association. Option C. As a member of the school´s Parents Association, you are helping to plan next year’s creative workshops. The budget is limited. Discuss the areas you could cover and the activities you want to run. You consider that music is engaging, and vital for boosting creativity. Justify your point of view and reach an agreement. A starts the conversation. B is second. You are third.
You are on the local advisory board of your political party. You and your partner have to recommend three specific projects to the general committee. You believe it is essential to improve the town’s historical heritage (old buildings, museums, etc.) and its street/road system and to promote it as a tourist destination, which will increase the job market in the area. Negotiate with your partner. You start the conversation.
You are on the local advisory board of your political party. You and your partner have to recommend three specific projects to the general committee. You believe it is essential to improve the town’s historical heritage (old buildings, museums, etc.) and its street/road system and to promote it as a tourist destination, which will increase the job market in the area. Negotiate with your partner. You start the conversation.
LOGUE 2A
You realise your telephone company has charged you extra for non-existent services. You are tired of the situation because this has happened for two months in a row. You are even considering cancelling your contract with them. March into their closest branch and demand a refund and a much better deal. You start the conversation.
DIALOGUE 2B
You work for a telephone company and a client comes into your shop because of “extra” charges on the monthly bill. It is most likely part of the deal they have signed, but most people do not read the whole contract. Try to convince them not to move to another phone company and think of ways of making the current deal more appealing.
A starts the conversation.
DIALOGUE 3A
You realise that you are paying a fortune for your car insurance with FiveStar Vehicle Insurance. Just when you are about to sign up with another firm, your bank statement shows that FiveStar have already charged you for renewal – two months early! And even more pricy! March into your local FiveStar branch and demand a refund, or at least a much, much better deal. You start the conversation.
DIALOGUE 3B
You are an insurance agent, and your salary is based on the number of clients on your list. A client comes to your office to complain about an “unexpected” charge for car insurance for 2015-16. Although you are not allowed to give full refunds, you have plenty of scope for suggesting alternatives. Above all, persuade them not to move to another firm. A starts the conversation.
DIALOGUE 6A
You belong to an organisation seeking to promote local foods and centuries‐old traditions of gastronomy and food production. Conversely, this means an opposition to fast food, industrial food production and globalization. Talk to your partner and invite them to attend a talk you will be giving next week at the local premises. You start the conversation.
DIALOGUE 6B
Your partner is a member of an organisation seeking to promote local foods and centuries‐old traditions of gastronomy and food production. They want to invite you to attend a talk at the local premises, but you are a bit reluctant. After all, you lack the money, time and effort required to do so. Talk to them and express your opinion on the issue. A starts the conversation.
DIALOGUE 7A
You are a member of the Housewives/Househusbands association and are organizing a seminar on household spending. Discuss with your colleagues the different aspects you should include in the agenda as well as an appealing name for it. You consider you cannot forget to provide money saving advice. Justify your point of view and react to your colleagues’ opinion. A starts the conversation. You are second.
DIALOGUE 7B
You are a member of the Housewives/Househusbands association and are organizing a seminar on household spending. Discuss with your colleagues the different aspects you should include in the agenda as well as an appealing name for it. Learning how to organize a home budget is crucial. Justify your point of view and react to your colleagues’ opinion. A starts the conversation. B is second. You are third.
DIALOGUE 8A
You are a member of a charity that promotes women's rights in Bangladesh. You have been travelling to that country to do some volunteer work for the last few years. Try to convince your best friend to join the charity and travel with you this summer. Justify the need to support this organisation. You start the conversation.
DIALOGUE 8B
You are a member of a charity that helps the homeless in your country. You want to participate in a new project that will be carried out this summer. You think people should get more involved in local charities. Try to convince your best friend to join the charity and work with you on the same project this summer. Justify the need to support this organisation. A starts the conversation.
EDUCATION
1A. You are a university student and are collecting signatures against rising tuition fees and the cut in the level of government funding for universities. Talk to your classmate and invite them to join the campaign. They don’t seem to want to get involved, so be ready to use persuasion.
1B. You are a university student and your classmate is collecting signatures against rising tuition fees and the cut in the level of government funding for universities. They want you to join the campaign, but you are not prepared to waste your time and efforts on an ineffective action. Refuse politely and justify your point of view. A starts the conversation.
STUDENT A:
You are a secondary school teacher and are organising a seminar on Globalisation for your students.
Discuss with your colleague the key aspects you should include in the agenda as well as an appealing
name for it. For you, the role of multinational corporations is essential. Justify your point of view. You
start the conversation.
You are a secondary school teacher and are organising a seminar on Globalisation for your students.
Discuss with your colleague the key aspects you should include in the agenda as well as an appealing
name for it. For you, improvements in communications are essential. Justify your point of view. A starts
the conversation
You are a member of SAVE OUR FORESTS, a NGO that promotes fauna and flora preservation. The
organisation has just received a subsidy from the county council to carry out a new project. You think that
the funds should be used to implement a local reforestation project.
Persuade your fellow member, Student B, to back your proposal. Try to reach an agreement.
You start the conversation.
You are a member of SAVE OUR FORESTS, a NGO that promotes fauna and flora preservation. The
organisation has just received a subsidy from the county council to carry out a new project. You propose
that the funds are used to foster social awareness about protecting the forest’s ecosystem.
Persuade your fellow member, Student A, to back your proposal. Try to reach an agreement. A starts the
conversation.
The Student Council, of which you are a member, wants to organise an international film festival to
celebrate its 50th anniversary. You think indie films should be the core of the festival.
Discuss the different options available and justify yours. Reach an agreement on the kind of films that will
be projected.
You start the conversation.
The Student Council, of which you are a member, wants to organise an international film festival to
celebrate its 50th anniversary. You think international films in the original language should be included in
the festival programme.
Discuss the different options available and justify yours. Reach an agreement on the kind of films that will
be projected.
A starts the conversation.
As a member of the National Youth Association, you are to take part in a round table discussion
titled, “Changes in Society as a Result of Social Media”. You have mixed feelings about social media. Before
you go, clarify you thoughts by discussing social media with two local colleagues. Discuss your ideas about
its effects on such aspects as: access to information, social relations, business, shopping, children, identity
and privacy, education, politics... Comment on your colleagues’ suggestions and ask for clarifications when
necessary.
You start the conversation.
Student A, your colleague at the National Youth Association, is to take part in a round table discussion
titled, “Changes in Society as a Result of Social Media”. Before the big day, you meet to discuss ideas and
help your colleague prepare. Unlike student C, you are positive about the advances generated by social
media: the benefits to businesses and shoppers, universal, free access to news and the sharing of ideas and
knowledge. Express your opinions and react to your partners’ so as to help student A.
A starts the conversation. You are second.
Student A, your colleague at the National Youth Association, is to take part in a round table discussion
titled, “Changes in Society as a Result of Social Media”. Before the big day, you meet to discuss ideas and
help your colleague prepare. Unlike student B, you tend to see the downsides: cyberbullying, lack of
privacy, identity theft, social isolation, decreased productivity. Express your opinions and react to your
partners’ so as to help student A.
A starts the conversation. B is second. You are third.
You have recently moved to a new neighbourhood and your child refuses to go to school. You think they
are suffering from bullying and you decide to talk to your spouse in order to resolve what to do.
You start the conversation.
You have recently moved to a new neighbourhood. Your spouse is worried because your child might be
suffering from bullying at school, but you think they are just stressed due to making new friends and the
amount of homework. Talk to your spouse about it and decide what to do.
A starts the conversation.
You are going through financial problems and you need to make some lifestyle changes. You live in a
very sunny area of Andalusia and you think installing solar panels on your roof will save you a lot of
money.
Think of more ways to save energy at home and try to convince your spouse of the benefits of your
suggestions.
You start the conversation.
You are going through financial problems and you need to make some lifestyle changes. You live in a
very sunny area of Andalusia and your spouse wants to install solar panels on your roof. You think it is a
waste of money and that it will not pay for itself any time soon.
Think of alternative ways to save money and try to convince your partner that getting rid of his/her car
would save you much more money than the solar panels.
A starts the conversation.
You are on the local advisory board of your political party. You and your partner have to recommend
three specific projects to the general committee. You believe it is essential to improve the town’s
historical heritage (old buildings, museums, etc.) and its street/road system and to promote it as a
tourist destination, which will increase the job market in the area. Negotiate with your partner.
You start the conversation.
You are on the local advisory board of your political party. You and your partner have to recommend
three specific projects to the general committee. You believe it is essential to promote self-employment
and the set up of multinational companies, which will increase the job market in the area. Negotiate
with your partner.
A starts the conversation.
As a member of the Teachers’ Association, you are to take part in a round table discussion titled, “The
Internet Safety Debate”. You have mixed feelings about filtering Internet content in schools because the
amount of educational material on the Internet outweighs the minor inconvenience of having to monitor
it. You deeply believe the best way to ensure Internet safety for children is teaching them to use the
computer responsibly. Express your opinions and react to your partners’ so as to come to an agreement.
You start the conversation.
As a member of the Parents’ Association, you are to take part in a round table discussion titled, “The
Internet Safety Debate”. Unlike students A and C, you are negative about the advances of the Internet and
want to protect children from pornography, hate speech, social isolation and other undesirable online
content. Express you opinions and react to your partners’ so as to come to an agreement.
A starts the conversation. You are second.
As a member of the Government, you are to take part in a round table discussion titled, “The Internet Safety
Debate”. You believe that the Internet is an essential learning tool for children and with the government
help and guidance on new technologies, parents and teachers can be provided with the tools they need to
preserve both safety and freedom on the Internet. Express your opinions and react to your partners’ so as to
come to an agreement.
A starts the conversation. You are third.
You have been living with your parents for more than thirty years and think it is time to fly the nest. You
are torn between buying your own house and renting one. Housing prices are skyrocketing, way beyond
the means of the average worker. When renting, however, the tenant does not receive any tax benefit.
Hence, sharing a house is possibly the most effective solution in the long term. You meet two close
friends with different views on the issue to ask for advice.
You start the conversation.
Your friend needs help with housing issues. You speak from experience as you have been renting a
house for several years. In your view, owning a house brings more disadvantages than advantages: high
initial investment, high mortgage, selling the house if you have to move away… Try to convince your
friend of the benefits of sharing a rented house.
A starts the conversation. You are second.
Your friend needs help with housing issues. You speak from experience as you bought your house some
years ago. In your view, renting a house brings more disadvantages than advantages: sharp rent
increases, greedy landlords, no renovations allowed… Try to convince your friend of the benefits of
owning a house.
A starts the conversation. You are third.