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Unit 10 :
Debating life priorities
Advanced
Vocabulary
Repeat these sentences with your teacher first.
1. contemplating(v.)
to spend time considering a possible future action, or to consider one particular thing for a long time in a serious and quiet way
2. grueling(adj.)
extremely tiring and difficult, and demanding great effort and determination
3. sacrificing(v.)
to give up something that is valuable to you in order to help another person
4. hinder(v.)
to limit the ability of someone to do something, or to limit the development of something
5. burnout(v.)
the state of having no energy or enthusiasm because of working too hard, or someone who shows the effects of this state
Dialogue
Read the dialogue aloud with your teacher.
Dad
Cory
Hey dad, I’m contemplating working at this tech firm, but I heard the hours are grueling.
Well Cory, you know what I always say: “work hard when you’re young so you don’t have to when you’re old.”
Yeah, I get that. But I don’t want to give up my personal life to work work work. I’ll miss out on the things I can only do while I’m young.
But what you may be sacrificing in work-life balance, you could be gaining in career success. In my opinion, that’s what will prove most important in the long run.
I hear you, but I’m sure my work-life balance isn’t all I’d be sacrificing. Odds are, working around the clock will take a toll on my health as well, and you can’t put a price tag on your well-being.
I’d argue otherwise: I still think short-term pain for long-term gain is worth it.
Worth it for who? Studies point out that long work hours actually hinder productivity — employees eventually burnout. So, from an economic standpoint, it doesn’t make sense.
Ok, I guess the point I’m just trying to make is, if you don’t put in the extra work while time is on your side, it will only become more difficult to get ahead.
Ok, well my point is I’d rather be able to work smart and still have a life.
Article
Read the article with your teacher.
What should be your most important priorities in life
1. Health
It’s the first rule – care about yourself. Your health, peace of mind, wellness – all of this matters. Do what you know is right for you. It can be through exercise, meditation, yoga, or spiritual practices.
2. Relationships
Your relationships are your source of happiness and purpose. You have lesser pains and regrets when you stay with the people you love. Whether it’s your community, friends, or family that makes you happy – stand by them.
3. Security
It’s just one of those fundamentals about life which are embedded in us. Sometimes, you save money for education, hospital expenses, or welfare. But ultimately all your efforts are about securing your family and yourself.
4. Development
Although life changes constantly, you need to prepare for improvement. As you go through life, development becomes an inseparable part of your existence. You can invest in your learning, fix your current lifestyle, or adapt new skills.
5. Play
Have fun. Life’s not about bare existence. It’s not pure work, either. It’s about being a human and living like one. Be a child, be a dreamer, start working on your passions. Gather enough reasons to smile.
Source: http://vishalostwal.com/important-priorities-life/
Discussion：
Answer the following questions to your teacher.
1.What do you want your future to be like?
2.What are the pros and cons of “living in the moment”?
Let’s practice
Choose the correct answer.
1. ____ are that chronic gamblers are often also depressed.
A.Studies
B.Lists
C.Words
D.Odds
2. Although many seniors ____ pulling p prank on their classmates, most fail in their attempts.
A.perpetrate
B.falter
C.forgo
D.contemplate
3. Pick out the word that has a different meaning.
A.thwart
B.obstruct
C.hinder
D.abate
4.Which of the following sayings has a different implication?
A.Losing something might be a blessing.
B.We lost things to gain more and sometimes what you lost isn’t a loss.
C.In each loss there is a gain, as in every gain there is a loss.
D.One man’s loss, is another man’s gain.
