L6-U2-P1-1 Listening : Planning for Retirement 1

Planning for Retirement

Walter wants to retire within the next few years.

He's been working at the same company for over fifteen years as an accountant.

During that time he's been saving his money and paying off his debts.

However,even with his savings and investments, he isn't sure that he'll have enough money for retirement.

If he doesn't, he'll have to keep on working, which depends on the company.

For now, the company is okay, but it's no longer growing as fast as it used to.

To prepare for his retirement, he's been ...saving  money and paying off debts.

He would like to retire within the next few years, ...but he won't be able to unless he has enough money.

Whether or not he can keep on working will also depend on his health.

Fortunately, he's in good health, but he knows that that could change at any time.

If he fell down or had a stroke, it could force him to stop working.

If that happened he would have to rely on his savings and other assets to survive.

Sooner or later, he knows his health will decline and he'll have to stop working.

So he needs to prepare.

Fortunately, he's in good health, but he knows that ...that could change at any time.

He's been saving money and paying off debts to prepare for his retirement.

Whether or not he can keep on working will also depend on his health.

If he fell down or had a stroke, it could force him to stop working.

If he fell down or had a stroke, it could force him to stop working. If that happened, he would have to rely on his savings and other assets to survive.

He's been saving money and paying off debts to prepare for his retirement.

For now, the company is okay, but it's no longer growing as fast as it used to.

If he fell down or had a stroke, it could force him to stop working.

Walter wants to retire within the next few years.

For now, the company is okay, but it's no longer growing as fast as it used to.

If he fell down or had a stroke, it could force him to stop working.

Most of his wealth is in the form of company stock and the value of his home.

Both of these are at risk.

The company stock may go down, and the value of his home may also fall.

The company he works for is a pharmaceutical company.

It develops new drugs, which is a risky business, and sells them worldwide.

It's expensive to develop new drugs, and it can take a very long time to get a new drug approved.

Without government approval, it can't be sold, which can result in a huge loss.

Why is government approval important for the company?  - Without government approval, a new drug can't be sold.

What can result in a huge loss for the company? - If a new drug isn't approved, it can't be sold, which can result in a huge loss.

If new drugs isn’t approved, it can’t be sold, which results in a loss.

If a new drug isn’t approved, it can’t be sold, which can result in a huge loss.

Another threat to the company comes from foreign competition, which is getting stronger.

The company has also started to move some of its research and production facilities overseas.

Salary levels are lower there,and the quality of foreign workers is getting better.

As a result, the company has reduced its local hiring and is no longer giving large bonuses.

Why is the company moving some of its facilities overseas? — The cost of doing business are lower there.

Why has the company reduced its local hiring?   — Salary levels are lower overseas.

Another threat to the company comes from foreign competition, which is getting stronger. The company has also started to move some of its research and production facilities overseas. Salary levels are lower there,and the quality of foreign workers is getting better. As a result, the company has reduced its local hiring and is no longer giving large bonuses.

The costs of doing business are lower there.

It has reduced its local hiring because salary levels are lower overseas.

One thing he is considering is to sell his shares in the company.

He could begin to sell a little at a time and reinvest the money somewhere else.

But where would he invest?

He doesn't know much about investing, and several of his friends have lost a lot by making bad investments.

Investing in real estate or the stock market could be very risky.

- He is not sure how to manage his money.

The company stock may go down, and the value of his home may also fall.

Another threat to the company comes from foreign competition, which is getting stronger.

It has reduced its local hiring because salary levels are lower overseas.

L6-U2-P1-2 Listening : Planning for Retirement 2

In the best case he would make a lot of money.

If that happened he could finally retire and enjoy a comfortable life.

On the other hand, in the worst case, his investments could result in a huge loss.

If that happened, he wouldn't be able to enjoy his retirement.

He wouldn't be able to travel or do any of the things he has dreamed about doing.

If his investments resulted in a huge loss, ...he wouldn’t be able to enjoy his retirement.

If he made a lot of money, he could finally retire and enjoy a comfortable life.

So,now he has to decide what he should do.

Should he begin to sell his stock in the company, or should he wait until he actually needs the money.

If he sold now, he would have to decide what to do with the money.

His investments could turn out well, or they could turn out to be a disaster.

On the other hand, if he decides to wait, everything will depend on the company.

The one advantage he has with this option is his being on the inside of the company.

- sold now or wait until he needs the money.

If he sold now, he would have to decide what to do with the money.

In the best case he would make a lot of money.

On the other hand, in the worst case, his investments could result in a huge loss.

As long as he works there, he should be able to find the best time to sell and avoid trying to find other ways to invest.

As long as he works for the company, he can predict what might happen to the stock.

His investments could turn out well, or they could turn out to be a disaster.

If that happened, he could finally retire and enjoy a comfortable life.

If that happened, he wouldn't be able to enjoy his retirement.

With his insider information, he can predict the company's short-term future.

This is especially true because, as an accountant, he has access to the company's financial data.

If things start to go badly, he can begin to sell his stock and avoid a big loss.

Otherwise, it's probably safer to keep his stock and hope that the company does well, even if its growth rate declines.

So for now, that's probably what he should do.

If you were he, what would you do?

- As long as he works for the company, he can predict what might happen to the stock.

If things start to go badly, he can begin to sell his stock and avoid a big loss.

In his role as an accountant, he has special access to the company's financial data.

If he made a lot of money, he could finally retire and enjoy a comfortable life.

As long as he works there, he should be able to find the best time to sell and avoid trying to find other ways to invest.

It's expensive to develop new drugs, and it can take a very long time to get a new drug approved.

With his insider information, he can predict the company's short-term future.

If his investments resulted in a huge loss, he wouldn’t be able to enjoy his retirement.

If a new drug isn’t approved, it can’t be sold, which can result in a huge loss.

L6-U2-P1-3 Dialogue : Vacation Plans

Vacation Plans

So,where should we go on a vocation?

What about Africa?

Africa? No, that's not for me.

Why do you want to go to Africa?

I'd like to get out and see the wildlife, the drama of nature.

We could see some of the great migrations.

Wow,you are an adventurer.

What about food and diseases?

What about terrorism?

Sure,something bad could happen, but if we never take any risks we won't have an interesting life.

I don't want to have a boring life.

Why is she willing to take some risks? — She doesn't want to have a boring life.

I'd like to get out and see the wildlife, the drama of nature.

He's concerned about food, diseases and terrorism.

Sure, something bad could happen, but if we never take any risks we won't have an interesting life.

She thinks it's worth taking a few risks in order to have an interesting life.

What are his concerns about going to Africa? He's worried about food, diseases and terrorism.

We could see some of the great migrations. 

He's concerned about food, diseases and terrorism.

She is willing to take some risks to avoid having a boring life.

So, you think I'm boring then, right?

Well, you're certainly not the most exciting person.

You play things safe and secure.

I don't mind taking a few risks, but it's got to be worth it.

Watching animals migrate is something I can see in a documentary.

And I don't like the idea of being around predators like lions and hyenas.

He isn't willing to take a risk unless he thinks it's really important.

When is he willing to take some risks? - He is willing to take some risks but only when he thinks it's worth it.

He is willing to take a few risks, but only if it's worth it.

OK, my brave man.

What would YOU like to do?

Well, I've been thinking about it.

I think it would be nice to go to Paris in the fall and visit some museums.

We could go to a concert and maybe see a ballet.

Uh! We've been to Paris before.

There's nothing exciting about it and I'm tired of museums.

(1) OK, my brave man. What would YOU like to do?
(2) Well, I've been thinking about it.
(3) I think it would be nice to go to Paris in the fall and visit some museums.  (4) Uh! We've been to Paris before.
(5) There's nothing exciting about it and I'm tired of museums.

We could go to a concert and maybe see a ballet.

I don't mind taking a few risks, but it's got to be worth it.

She thinks his suggestion isn't very exciting.

What does she think of his suggestion? -She thinks it's boring.

I think it would be nice to go to Paris in the fall and visit some museums. 

Well, you're certainly not the most exciting person.

He is willing to take a few risks, but only if it's worth it.

Any other ideas?

One place that might be interesting is in south America, Machu Picchu.

It's an abandoned city way up in the mountains of Peru.

Yes, I've heard of it. 

That might be interesting.

Should we look into it?

Sure, you look into it, and I'll get some information about trips to Africa.

One place that might be interesting is in south America, Machu Picchu. It's an abandoned city way up in the mountains of Peru.

What is Machu Picchu? It's an abandoned city.

So, your heart is really set on Africa, isn't it?

Yes, it really is.

I need something exciting in my life now.

All I do is work and be with you.

I need a change.

Don't you ever feel that way?

OK, I hear you.

Let's go to Africa.

And don't blame me if you get sick along the way.

Great, you are not so bad after all.

I can always depend on you.

Be careful.

Maybe one of these days I'll surprise you.

What's something she really appreciates about him? — He can be depended on.

Why does he finally agree to go to Africa with her? — He realizes how important it is to her.

It's an abandoned city way up in the mountains of Peru.

So, your heart is really set on Africa, isn't it?

Be careful! Maybe one of these days I'll surprise you.

You look into it, and I'll get some information about trips to Africa.

Let's go to Africa! And don't blame me if you get sick along the way.

To have your heart set on something means? You really want to do it.

What might he mean when he says he may surprise one of these days? She may not always be able to depend on him.

He may surprise her by not doing something she really needs.

He agrees to go to Africa with her because he sees how important it is to her.

There's nothing exciting about going to Paris and I'm tired of museums.

One place that might be interesting is in south America, Machu Picchu.

I need a change.Don't you ever feel that way?

L6-U2-P1-4 Reading : Is Online Dating Killing Love? 

Is Online Dating Killing Love?

A fair maiden is guarded by a dragon. A handsome prince must slay the dragon to save her. Then, magically, they fall in love and live happily ever after. Traditional stories tend to emphasize the fantastic, magical side of love.Fate plays matchmaker.Strangers see each other from across a room and instantly know that they are destined to be together.

It isn't difficult to imagine two strangers coming together and falling in love despite their differences. It suggests that love is challenging, uncertain, and incomprehensible.

But with more people using online dating services, a very different kind of love has emerged: one that is scientific, convenient, and self-directed. It minimizes risk and provides a choice, like on a menu. There is anonymity and the avoidance of immediate rejection.Meeting terms are negotiated online.

Online dating also allows the setting of preconditions. Computer algorithms exclude undesirable traits such as the wrong hair color, race, or age. But they also exclude randomness. They reduce the chances of meeting someone different, or someone who could challenge one's romantic ideals. Instead, they find the partner we think we want and exclude everyone else. As a result, we could be missing the opportunity of a lifetime, to meet someone we would never have expected to fall in love with.

Perhaps this new way represents a more efficient form of romance. Traditional ideas of love may be enchanting - but are they useful? Loneliness and boredom are less exciting than chance encounters,but they represent the more realistic side of love. All to often people have suffered through bad dates and humiliations. If they could just choose what they wanted,wouldn't it save time and reduce suffering? However, by choosing partners based on our preconceived ideas,we may be indulging in our illusions. Instead of lettingourselves grow with someone, love becomesmore about looking for ourselves in the other.What if we don't know ourselves as well as we think? Perhaps love isn't about knowing what we want. Perhaps it's about being open to unimagined possibilities.

The purpose of this article is ...to provoke some thought.

- those who meet our expectations

To be anonymous means ... to be unidentified.

To be random means ...to be without any pattern or logical order.

How do traditional stories characterized love? Traditional stories tend to emphasize the fantastic, magical side of love.

What opportunity are we missing when we use online dating? As a result, we could be missing the opportunity of a lifetime, to meet someone we would never have expected to fall in love with.

Instead, they find the partner we think we want and exclude everyone else. As a result, we could be missing the opportunity of a lifetime, to meet someone we would never have expected to fall in love with.

Traditional stories tend to emphasize the fantastic, magical side of love.But with more people using online dating services, a very different kind of love has emerged: one that is scientific, convenient, and self-directed. It minimizes risk and provides a choice, like on a menu. There is anonymity and the avoidance of immediate rejection. Meeting terms are negotiated online.

(1) Computer algorithms exclude undesirable traits such as the wrong hair color, race, or age.
(2) But they also exclude randomness.
(3) They reduce the chances of meeting someone different, or someone who could challenge one's romantic ideals.
(4) Instead, they find the partner we think we want and exclude everyone else.
(5) As a result, we could be missing the opportunity of a lifetime, to meet someone we would never have expected to fall in love with.

Perhaps this new way represents a more efficient form of romance.

It minimizes risk and provides a choice, like on a menu.

Loneliness and boredom represent the realistic side of traditional love.

There is anonymity and the avoidance of immediate rejection.

An idea or opinion is preconceived if it is arrived at in advance and without evidence to support it.

The author of this article is somewhat of a romantic.

How well does the author think people know themselves? He isn't sure.

The author thinks that online dating ...may have some hidden dangers.

What are problems associated with doing thing that traditional way?  -In many cases, it leaves people bored and lonely.

If something destined to happen, ...it is part of a universal plan beyond our control.

To be enchanting means ...to have a mysterious, charming quality.

To be anonymous means ...to be unidentified.

An idea or opinion is preconceived if it is ...arrived at in advance and without evidence to support it.

The author isn’t sure that people know themselves as well as they think they do.

Online dating also allows the setting of preconditions.

Tradition ideas of love may be enchanting- but are they useful?

What kind of love has merged with online dating services?  — But with more people using online dating services, a very different kind of love has emerged: one that is scientific, convenient, and self-directed.

What represent the realistic side of love?  Loneliness and boredom are less exciting than chance encounters, but they represent the more realistic side of love.  

How do traditional stories characterized love? Traditional stories tend to emphasize the fantastic, magical side of love.

What opportunity are we missing when we use online dating?As a result, we could be missing the opportunity of a lifetime, to meet someone we would never have expected to fall in love with.

1. Perhaps love isn't about knowing what we want.

2. Traditional ideas of love may be enchanting - but are they useful?

3. Online dating also allows the setting of preconditions.

4. It isn't difficult to imagine two strangers coming together and falling in love despite their differences.

5. Instead of letting ourselves grow with someone, love becomes more about looking for ourselves in the other.

6. Loneliness and boredom represent the realistic side of traditional love.

Fill in the blanks:

1. However, by choosing partners based on our preconceived ideas, we may be indulging in our illusions. Instead of letting ourselves grow with someone, love becomes more about looking for ourselves in the other.

2. Traditional stories tend to emphasize the fantastic, magical side of love. Fate plays matchmaker. Strangers see each other from across a room and instantly know that they are destined to be together. It isn't difficult to imagine two strangers coming together and falling in love despite their differences. It suggests that love is challenging, uncertain, and incomprehensible.

L6-U2-P1-5 Reading : Sports Injuries

Sports Injuries

Sports injuries are injuries that happen to athletes participating in sporting events. In many cases, these types of injuries are due to overuse of a part of the body.For example,runner's knee is a painful condition associated with running, while tennis elbow is a form of repetitive stress injury at the elbow. Other types of injuries, such as a broken bone, can be caused by hard contact with something.

Injuries are a common occurrence in professional sports, and most teams have a staff of trainers and close connections to the medical community. Controversy has arisen at times when teams have made decisions that could threaten a player's long-term health for short-term gain.

Sports injuries can be classified as either traumatic or overuse injuries.Traumatic injuries account for most injuries in contact sports such as soccer,rugby and American football. This is of course due to the dynamic and high collision nature of these games. These injuries range from bruises and muscle strains to fractures and head injuries.

A bruise is damage to small blood vessels which causes bleeding within the tissues. A muscle strain is a small of muscle fibers and a ligament sprain is a small tear of ligament tissue. The body's response to these injuries is the same in the initial five-day period immediately following the incident- inflammation.Inflammation is characterized by pain, localized swelling, heat, redness and a loss of function. Inflammation is the first phase of healing, and typically lasts for around five days.However, too much of an inflammatory response can mean that the healing process will take longer, and a return to activity is delayed. Sports injury treatments are intended to minimize the inflammatory phase of an injury so that the overall healing process is accelerated.

- to educate and inform

- overuse of a body part

- the stage

To overuse someting means ...to use it too much.

For example,runner's knee is a painful condition associated with running, while tenniselbow is a form ofrepetitive stress injury at the elbow. 

The body's response to these injuries is the same in the initial five-day period immediately following the incident-inflammation

Controversy has arisen at times when teams have made decisions that could threaten a player's long-term health for short-term gain.

Sports injuries can be classified as either traumatic or overuse injuries.Traumatic injuries account for most injuries in contact sports such as soccer,rugby and American football. This is of course due to the dynamic and high collision nature of these games. These injuries range from bruises and muscle strains to fractures and head injuries.

(1) Sports injuries can be classified as eithertraumatic or overuse injuries.
(2) Traumatic injuries account for most injuries in contact sportssuch as soccer,rugby and American football.
(3) This is of course due to the dynamic and high collision natureof these games.
(4) These injuries range frombruises and muscle strains to fractures and head injuries.

Inflammation is the first phase of healing, and typically lasts for around five days.

Traumatic injuries account for most injuries in contact sports.

Runner's knee is a painful injury that's due to overuse.

Sports injury treatments are intended to minimize the inflammatory phase of an injury so that the overall healing process is accelerated.

Injuries are a common occurrence in professional sports, and most teams have a staff of trainers and close connections to the medical community.

This article gives an overview of different types of sports injuries.

Associated with means ...about the same as connected to.

The tone of this article is ...logical and informative.

What is the first stage of healing? inflammation

To account for means ...to be responsible for

Collision means ...about the same thing as crash

What's an example of traumatic injury ? These injuries range from bruises and muscle strains to fractures and head injuries.

What is the first phase of healing of a traumatic injury ?Inflammation is the first phase of healing, and typically lasts for around five days.

Inflammation is the first phase of healing, and typically lasts for around five days.

Traumatic injuries account for most injuries in contact sports.

In many cases, sports injuries are due to overuse of a part of the body.

L6-U2-P1 SPEAKING

Because of his depression, he took drugs and drank a lot of alcohol.

It was an overdose of drugs and alcohol that nearly killed him.

He wouldn’t have come to see Jack if he hadn’t tried to kill himself.

There's a good chance he will be transferred, so it would be foolish to buy a house at this time.

They live in a nice apartment, but the rent goes up every year.

His company is downsizing and moving its head office to another city.

Whether or not he can keep on working will also depend on his health.

He's been working at the same company for over fifteen years as an accountant.

The company stock may go down, and the value of his home may also fall.

Detecting and treating the injury to the front part of his brain was the key step in his treatment.

It was a new medication designed to treat that part of Bob's brain that had been damaged.

An injured brain must be healed before other treatments, such as vitamins, drugs or counseling, can work.

Linda still disagrees about buying a house, but she is willing to wait a year to see what happens.

If prices don't come down, then he and his wife will continue to disagree about buying a house.

She hopes that they won't have to move, but they may have to unless John is willing to change companies.

After a few months, Bob began to improve, but only moderately.

Had the treatment been successful, he would pprobably have returned to shcool.

If his roomate hadn't called 911, Bob would probably have died.

John has to decide whether or not he should begin to look for a new company.

If he could fing another job in the area, it would put less stress on his wife.

Without a doubt, one of the world's most recognizable pieces of art is the Monalisa.

In his role as an accountant , he has special access to the company's financial data.

Investing in real estate or the stock market could be very risk.

Another threat to the company comes from foreign competition, which is getting stronger.