Language learning

The elderly are on the march in Athens in a growing national outcry over spiralling food and fuel prices.

Consumer inflation in Greece hit a six-year high last month at almost 4.5 per cent because of rising food and energy costs, forcing many to make lifestyle changes in a country where spending on entertainment and going out is a big part of everyday life.

Before you listen, answer the following questions.

1. What audience is the report aimed at?
2. What do you think the purpose of the report is?
3. What will the tone be?

Now listen to the recording and answer the questions:

1. Why are the pensioners protesting?
2. Why are they finding it difficult to pay for food?
3. How much more does feta cheese cost compared to other European countries?
4. How has the high cost of food changed the Greek lifestyle?
5. What are consumer groups planning to boycott? Why?
6. Where else has there been food protests?
7. What further worries might there be over the next few months?

Now compare your answers with the others.  What’s the most expensive food you’ve ever eaten?

You are going to watch a video of a news report. Read the introduction and answer the questions.

May 14 – Triumph’s latest solar bar aims to put a photovoltaic charge into undergarment demand – or at least a cellphone.

Featuring a built-in solar panel, the bra captures and redistributes the sun’s bounty and can generate enough energy to power a cell phone or an iPod

Before you listen:

1. Who is the target audience?
2. What kind of news do you think the audience will be interested in?
3. What do you think the tone of the report will be?

Now listen and answer the comprehension questions:

1. What product is being promoted?
2. In which country is Triumph based?
3. What other products have the company produced?
4. How does the model feel about wearing the product?
5. Why is washing it a problem?

Compare your answers with each other. Can you think of any good ideas for an invention?