Vocabulary Task
Supply the most suitable words from the list on the right.
I'd like one ..........................loaf and two small ones. a) blonde
Just one fish is a..........................amount for four people. b) fair
Tommy is still too..........................for an adult-size bicycle. c) fat
The bride looked very.......................... in her wedding dress. d) grand
You've ..........................so tall! e) great
People with..........................skin get sunburnt easily. f) gross
The bridegroom looked very.......................... in his grey suit. g) grown
They had a..........................wedding reception at a big hotel. h) grown up
I'm so.........................., you can see my ribs. i) handsome
I'm not ......................... enough to reach that shelf. j) high
I'm too.......................... to get into these trousers. k) large
I take a lot of exercise so I can stay.......................... and fit. 1) lean
The snow is four inches..........................already! m) little
Sixteen is very.......................... to get married. n) meagre
No one doubts that Einstein was a.......................... scientist. o) pretty
Berlin was once divided by a..........................wall. p) short
Coffee was served in pretty ......................... cups. q) skinny
She's a natural ......................... with big blue eyes. r) tall
I may be a bit fat, but I'm not............................ s) thick
She may be only 14, but she looks very ........................... t) young
SPEAKING
Discuss the following questions in pairs:
1) How far do you believe in this science?
2) Do you consider it to be convincing, ridiculous or amusing?
3) Could Siang Mien be dangerous in any way?
Text 3
DISCUSSION POINTS
1) Cosmetic surgery is becoming more and more commonplace. Do you think this is a good or a bad thing?
2) Do you think it’s more important to be beautiful or intelligent?
3) What are reasons for cosmetic surgery?
4) Do you think cosmetic surgery can give people more confidence?
5) Would you like to change your appearance?
READING
COSMETIC SURGERY
You are going to read a discussion about cosmetic surgery.
(JO = Jean Oldham; RT = Rita Taylor; MH = Michael Hirst)
JO: Well, I work on a women's magazine, so you can imagine how many beautiful models I've met. But I'm also in daily contact with women who are not physically perfect, and I have to say that the most beautiful women I know are not the models – they are the intelligent, interesting women whose inner beauty shines out. I believe that true beauty comes from within, and no amount of cosmetic surgery can give you that.
RT: Yes, I agree with you, Jean, but not everybody has the confidence to let their inner beauty shine out. Plastic surgery can actually give people that confidence. I really don't think there's anything wrong with trying to improve on what nature has given you.
MH: Ah well, that's where I disagree with you, Rita. I think we should be grateful for what God has given us. The point is, it's selfish and indulgent of people to spend vast amounts of money on superficial improvements when there's so much poverty and sickness in the world.
RT: Actually, it's not that expensive, you know, Michael. I mean having your nose done only costs the price of a vacation frankly, cosmetic surgery can do more for you than a vacation, because the benefits last longer.
JO: Well, I don't know about that. I agree with Michael. I think that we should accept ourselves as we are and refuse to be influenced by stereotypical ideas of beauty.
RT: I'm sorry, but I don't think you're being very honest, Jean. I read your magazine and I frequently read articles encouraging women to have their hair dyed or highlighted. And do you ever go to the dentist, Michael? What do you think about people who have their teeth straightened? If you ask me, it's no different from having cosmetic surgery.
MH: No, hang on, Rita. I think we have to make the distinction here between having something done for health reasons and having some part of your body changed simply because you don't like it ...
JO: Or because you want to stay young. Of course it's good to keep healthy, do sport, use sunscreen, that kind of thing, but I love to see life experience showing on people's faces. These aging film-stars who've had so much cosmetic surgery ... they all look the same.
RT: It's easy for you to say that, Jean, because you're lucky enough to be a good-looking woman. But if you're honest, I'm sure you will admit that your looks had something to do with you getting the job you have.
JO: Rita, are you suggesting ...
MH: Oh, this is rubbish, Rita. You're talking about a very different world from the one I know.
RT: Look, you two may not agree with it, but it's a fact of life. People who feel good about the way they look are more likely to do well in their career - good looks open doors.
Comprehension check
Do you think these three people are likely to be for or against cosmetic surgery? What arguments have these people found to support their ideas? (Jean Oldham; Rita Taylor; Michael Hirst).