Unit 8 Here is a darker side of society．

Lead in > Task 1

1Some people think smoking makes them relax. Some people smoke just because all those around them smoke. Some young people even think smoking is cool.

Smoking is harmful to one's health. It can lead to many diseases. Long-term smoking may result in lung diseases, or even lung cancer. Also, some heavy smokers may suffer from breathing difficulty, high blood pressure, heart trouble, amongst other disease. Moreover, cigarettes cost money.

2Yes. The family-planning or one-child policy is one of the reasons. What's more, the rapid economic development, continuous increases in living standards and the improved medical service have all contributed to the increasing average lifespan. This can cause a lot of problems. Few young people have to support more old people. The larger elderly population requires more social security spending, special public facilities such as homes for the elderly and nursing homes, and more medical services, which are a heavy burden on society.

To deal with the challenges, we must develop our economy to accumulate more funds so as to establish a sound social security system and old-age insurance system. We also need to establish more public facilities for senior citizens.

3Poverty may lead to many problems. Because of a shortage of money, sick people can't afford to go to the hospital, children can't afford to go to school, and some jobless people live far below the poverty line. Worse still, some needy people may become so desperate that they hate society and commit crimes or suicide.

Poverty can be eliminated by generating more employment, raising the level of education, drawing upon the resources of every social institutions, etc.

4Before unemployed people can find a new job, their basic living standard should be met. Generally speaking, most people prefer to find a job rather than live on a handout. So it is important for them to be trained for reemployment. The government should offer training programs to update their skills so that they will become competitive in the job market again.

Basic listening practice

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Listening in > Task 1

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Listening in > Task 2

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Listening in > Task 3

Let's talk > Task 1

Let's talk > Task 2

1Bereavement. Her mum passed away last year, and that has left a big hole in her life.

2They have chronic health problems, but unlike younger addicts, they are less likely to overdose, so they don't appear on anyone's radar. Doctors assume that pensioners don't do drugs, so they refuse to give them treatment.

3(fake

Further listening and speaking > Further listening > Task 1

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Further listening and speaking > Further listening > Task 2

1She thinks many of the big spenders on lottery tickets are poor; they spend money they can't afford to spend.

2He just buys lottery tickets for fun. He thinks if he won a huge amount, it would be exciting.

3They buy lottery tickets out of desperation. Also the thrill of a win, of something for nothing, is addictive.

4Casinos are opening everywhere, many people go on gambling on holidays, and one can even take a gambling cruise.

5It will be helpful for habitual gamblers only when they want to be cured themselves.

Further listening and speaking > Further listening > Task 3

CDABA

Further listening and speaking > Viewing and speaking > Task 1

Further listening and speaking > Viewing and speaking > Task 2

1Because peace is a condition for every member of the human family to live a life of dignity and security.

2The mission of the United Nations in the new century is to answer the needs of individual human beings in need.

3The government of poor countries should develop its economy so that its people can enjoy an increasingly better life. To promote continuous economic development, it should also try to improve the country's standard of education, science and technology as well as to create a harmonious society featuring fairness and equality. The United Nations should encourage developed nations to render help to developing countries because humanity is indivisible and every member of the human family should have the opportunity to live a life of dignity and security. Only in this way can we eliminate the root causes of terrorism.

Test

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