Embedded Files
Introduction
Introduction
Over the next couple of weeks we'll be looking at the topic of consumerism, and how to manage economic growth in a time of increasing awareness of the long term costs incurred through a 21st century lifestyle in the developed world. On the one hand economic growth tends to lead to a general rise in living standards. Again, we'll do this by looking at different text types that use various styles of language and structure. Before we start, think about the following questions:
What are the costs of this approach to development?
What actually happens to all the stuff we throw away?
When do the costs of this way of life start to outweigh the benefits?
Is it possible to create new incentives for people to derive pleasure from activities that don't involve buying and consuming new things?
Flea-markets can be a good place to pick up second-hand goods much more cheaply than if they were new.
Preparation work for live session
Preparation work for live session
Do you find shopping a pleasurable way to spend your time?
If you were kitting out a new flat with furniture, would you buy everything new, or try and get some of it second-hand?
Is there a social stigma attached to second-hand goods? If so which ones?
Read the article below and complete the activities.
Live session - vocabulary discussion
Live session - vocabulary discussion
What would you do if you had an unexpected day off from work or study? You cannot spend the day in bed.
What are the differences between public and university libraries when it comes to the range and depth of resources?
Describe someone you know who has a quirky personality.
When was the last time you received a pat on the back? Who was it from?
What natural resource do you think will be the first to run out?
What rules came into place in your home country during the pandemic on grounds of health and safety?
Live session - critical discussion
Live session - critical discussion
Share your notes from page two of the preparation materials:
Is this an editorial or an academic article?
Does the author seem to support the ideas and initiatives covered in the article? If so, what does he say that makes you think this?
Can you identify any of the editorial language that we explored in the food waste article?
Do you think the kinds of stores discussed in the article are part of a trend that will spread to other countries?
Has the article changed your mind about the answer to the earlier question: do second-hand goods carry social stigma?
Is this kind of article, the editorial, useful for finding out about a topic? Would it help you write an essay on the topic of consumerism and economic growth, for example?
Report abuse