Coursebook audio scripts

often more predisposed to giving up smoking, if of course they Secondly, I’d like to briefly discuss herbal medicines. As you might
smoke in the first place. This knock-on effect is of great interest know, a great number of scientific drugs are derived from or use natural
in terms of improving overall public health in populations. In ingredients. For example, in Ancient Greece Hippocrates developed a
addition to this, and possibly inspired by the practice, many treatment for headaches incorporating a particular tree bark that was
frequent meditators also start to change their relationship eventually used in the development of aspirin, now a popular painkiller.
with food and begin eating more healthily. Now, both of these Medicine with natural ingredients can be ingested in many forms,
activities have definite health benefits. These kinds of changes such as in teas or treatments which are rubbed onto the skin. Fish oils
in lifestyle undoubtedly come from the fact that meditation are one such form of medication. These oils are believed to enhance
improves our psychological health, and this is the area where concentration so much so that many parents give them to their children
there is the most research. in order to try and help them perform better at school. In the UK this
Psychologically, meditation can cause a person to become was even recommended by the government! Such oils can also help
more energetic, more alert, happier and less stressed. Now, to protect the heart, which I’m sure you’ll agree is invaluable. However,
stress and meditation is one area where many studies have it might be that a change in diet to just simply eating more oily fish
been undertaken. There is actually quite clear evidence that an could be just as effective as taking fish oil supplements. Other traditional
individual can see quite a marked change in their ability to deal herbal cures like ginger or rosemary have also been used for centuries …
with stressful situations with just 10 minutes a day of meditation. 3.7
However, although it is undeniable that meditation is good for 1
us, we shouldn’t believe that it is a comprehensive cure. While E = Examiner F = Fatima
meditation can be beneficial, it cannot and shouldn’t be used
in the place of medical intervention when mental or physical E: Do you think that the government should control what people do
problems are marked within an individual. In fact, this might in terms of their own health?
be considered the point where meditation might actually be F: Well, I’m not sure. I think the government should stop the smokers.
harmful if it prevents an individual from seeking more traditional Maybe they can just smoke in a place for smokers only. Not
help. Perhaps meditation should be thought of as a complement smoking in the street, or near children, or near the public. I also
rather than an answer. There are some newer studies which think maybe alcohol shouldn’t be drunk in the street. Perhaps the
suggest that this may be … government could introduce a law against this too. They should
also try to limit how much people drink and say ‘you can only
3.6 drink three drinks a day’. But I think people should choose how
Hello, everyone. Please take your seats. So, today, in this introductory much they exercise or what they eat though. But some people are
lecture, I’m going to give you an overview of different kinds of medical unhealthy. It’s fine. But it’s not OK to make other people unhealthy
treatments, and how these are perceived here in the UK. Firstly, it’s for this.
quite important for us to define some key terms at the start as some 2
definitions have multiple meanings. The idea of ‘traditional’ medicine, for E = Examiner G = Gao
example, could refer to medicine which has a strong scientific base and E: Do you think that the government should control what people do
has passed a series of vigorous trials to check safety and effectiveness, in terms of their own health?
alternatively it could refer to medicines which are created through G: In some respects, yes. The government … I think … has a duty to
mixing herbs or which use relaxation techniques. So the term can be protect wider society. So, any activity which harms other people
quite unclear. For the purpose of this lecture, however, we’ll not use should have restrictions. Take for example the issue of smoking. This
the word ‘traditional’, but will refer to medicine that has developed as a habit can pose a real threat to those around the smoker, you know,
result of scientific research in the West as ‘scientific’ medicine … such as the passive smokers. So this needs to be restricted and in many
antibiotics or vaccines. We’ll use the term ‘alternative’ medicine to apply countries I think it is. But there are other activities which are perhaps
to natural-based remedies, such as herbs or acupuncture. a thornier issue. Obesity can be a real problem in some societies,
So, let’s explore scientific medicine … there are many who argue that yet this does not harm anyone else. So, in my view, you have to let
science has been used in the field of medicine since the middle people get on with it and not interfere. I don’t think there are any
ages, but I would consider pinpointing the start at just over 250 years quick fixes for these kind of problems anyway. I mean, even if we
ago, with scientists such as Louis Pasteur and Edward Jenner and the were to raise taxes on unhealthy food, I don’t think this would stop
invention of treatments such as vaccines and antibiotics. people from eating it.
These treatments remain popular today and we’ll examine these
scientific developments in more detail during the second half of today’s
lecture. It might surprise you to learn that scientific medicine isn’t the
most popular form of medicine. You may be under the impression that Module 4
the support for alternative medicine is low … maybe you would estimate
it at perhaps less than 20 percent? Well, this would be incorrect. 4.1
Actually, it has been estimated that over 50 percent of people in the N = Narrator S = Simon
Western world still favour alternative methods of treatment while in N: Listen to the talk about upcycling workshops and answer the
the East, what we might consider to be alternative medicines are in fact questions.
commonplace and widely used. Additionally, these forms of medicines S: Welcome everyone to our community upcycling project, which
are growing in popularity in the West and in fact, have a far longer is going to start next month. First of all, I’ll go over the workshops,
history than scientific medicine. However, there is an argument … and then some of the requirements and finally, sign-up procedures.
I think this generally comes from the scientific community in the West So, basically this project aims to equip local residents with the
… that much of this kind of treatment is deemed as ineffective when fundamentals of upcycling skills. Upcycling is the process of
dealing with many illnesses. So, let’s explore the truth of this assertion. revitalising old objects to give them a new lease of life or to
Firstly, acupuncture … the practice of inserting fine needles into specific repurpose them rather than sending them to landfill. Be aware
locations in the body … has been popular for centuries in Asia and is that it’s not the same as recycling, which is an industrial process.
becoming increasingly used in Western countries … the list of ailments Upcycling is about repurposing objects by doing it yourself. Here’s
it’s used to treat is extensive. However, support of the effectiveness of a slide listing all the workshops. As you can see the first one is
acupuncture varies. Much Western research questions the benefits about remodelling chairs and tables and so on. In our view it’s
of acupuncture when used to help someone, for example, give up going to be extremely well attended, if not oversubscribed, which
smoking or gain allergy relief. However, there does seem to be some is why we decided to offer this weekly on Mondays. People are
evidence that it can help to relieve back pain … a 2009 study by the under the illusion that furniture restoration is a skill reserved for
National Institute of Clinical Excellence in the UK showed that there experts, whereas it’s actually fairly straightforward. You’ll learn some
were improvements here … especially regarding pain in the lower back techniques for the upkeep and maintenance of wood and metal, as
or lumbar region. There is also evidence which demonstrates that well as fabric repair.
acupuncture can reduce headaches, both in their number and severity, Now, the next one will demonstrate how to fashion useful
in some cases. However, this evidence is constantly questioned in the household items from leftover rubbish that’s lying around, like
West and there are very much two schools of thought; that acupuncture packaging. This class takes place on Tuesdays from two o’clock in
works and that acupuncture doesn’t work. the afternoon until six, but only at the beginning and end of the
month … in other words, the first and last Tuesdays. It’ll focus on

165

Z05_EXP_TB_01GLB_5152_Z05.indd 165 08/05/2017 17:07

techniques for using craft tools, and methods for joining materials retire. Leaving dos are very common nowadays and usually involve
with glue and screws and so on. OK, the next workshop is highly a party and a gift which other employees contribute money to.
likely to attract fashionistas more than anyone else. It’ll concentrate This may be everyone in a small company, or in a larger company,
on bringing new life to tired old garments in your wardrobe, you people who work in the same department, but remember that
know, the things you should have thrown out years ago, but can’t people don’t have to give a lot of money. These gifts are usually
bear to part with. This workshop is going to be on Tuesday and given on the employee’s final day at the company and the party
Thursday mornings, but only once a month. We’re thinking of is often held at a restaurant. This process is quite similar to the
introducing more of these, but it will depend on the uptake as some other type of leaving gift, that which marks a person’s retirement.
previous sewing experience is needed to successfully participate. However, a retirement gift is likely to be more expensive, especially
Lastly, we’re offering something for those looking to make unique if the employee has put in many years of service to the company.
gifts for their loved ones, like trinket or jewellery boxes, or wall Sometimes there is a speech from the head of the company or a
hangings. It’ll be on Friday mornings and will teach you basic senior manager too. This is to mark the significance of the event
carving techniques along with suggestions for embellishments or and ensure that the person has been thanked for their work
ornamentation. appropriately. Well, I think that’s about all I have to say.
Right, so now let’s talk about the registration process and key 4.4
points, starting with ‘How to reuse your furniture and make stylish E = Examiner J = Jean Paul
pieces.’ Now, as I said, this course isn’t nearly as complicated as it
sounds. While we do accept people who have done this before, it’s E: Do you think people try to acquire too many new possessions these
not necessary for you to have any specialist knowledge of making days?
furniture. However, one thing to note is that you’ll be working on J: Yes, I think so. I mean, you always hear of different sales and people
your own chairs or tables or whatever it is you bring, so you must buying all sorts of things both online and in the shops. Sometimes
be able to get them here using your own transport. This class will on the news you can see pictures of people racing and fighting to
obviously be using chemical substances so it’s important that you get hold of the latest deals. And there’s always some new gadget
state on the application form if you have any allergies to paint coming out which everyone must have. I don’t think it’s a very
or something that you think we should be aware of. As you can good situation. For example, if people don’t have a lot of money,
imagine, given the nature of the chemicals and techniques you’ll seeing people buying lots of things is probably really depressing. It
be working with, we need to make sure you’re safe during this class, would be much better for everyone if people just bought what they
so we insist that you bring something appropriate to change into. needed, instead of being driven by the latest trends.
It’s vital that you wear protective clothing made from heavy-duty E = Examiner N = Nisha
material to cover your arms and legs in order to protect them against E: Do you think people try to acquire too many new possessions these
spillages. OK, now, l want to talk about the next course. days?
4.2 N: Yes, I think so. I mean, you always hear of different sales and people
N = Narrator I = Interviewer B = Belinda buying all sorts of things both online and in the shops. Sometimes
on the news you can see pictures of people racing and fighting to
N: You are going to listen to an interview about buying presents for
get hold of the latest deals. And there’s always some new gadget
people at work. Listen and answer the questions.
coming out which everyone must have. I don’t think it’s a very
I: So, Belinda, thank you for coming on today’s show to talk to us
good situation. For example, if people don’t have a lot of money,
about the thorny issue of buying gifts for people that we work with
seeing people buying lots of things is probably really depressing. It
here in the USA.
would be much better for everyone if people just bought what they
B: Thank you. Well, let’s go through some of the issues and possible
needed, instead of being driven by the latest trends.
solutions. Firstly, it’s vital not to spend too much. Workplaces
are often hierarchical, in other words there are managers and
subordinates. Purchasing high-value gifts may sound like a good
idea to impress someone and this may happen. On the other hand,
it can also disturb the power balance in a work situation. Since
Module 5
you don’t want to cause offence, it’s worth thinking about the price
of the gift. This means it’s better to think about a more modest
5.1
gift, which reflects the relationship between you and the receiver. S = Scott C = Charlotte
There’s nothing wrong with paying a reasonable amount of money 1
since this demonstrates that you’ve put some thought into the gift. C: These LED slippers are a great idea! I think they’ll make things easier
Another thing to focus on is the style of gift. Instead of focusing for us. No need to turn the lights on anymore!
on what you think the tastes of the person might be, opt for S: I think you’ve got a point there. People can get up in the night
something which is classic. Although there is a common belief that without bumping into things or totally waking themselves up. You
personalisation is better, this is often untrue. A classic gift avoids any know, sometimes you can turn on the main lights and it’s so bright
offence, whereas something out of the ordinary can be considered you just can’t get back to sleep again.
inappropriate. Remember though, it’s important not to go too far 2
the other way. A gift that is too traditional may be interpreted as S: These picnic pants are a terrible invention. Can you imagine people
if the buyer was just going through the motions as well as being wandering around the park and trying to eat with them? Once they
thought of as unoriginal. put their food down they won’t be able to move!
Another point that I’d like to talk about is the gifts that mark the C: Oooh, I hadn’t thought of that. I see what you mean. It could
stages of employment and what usually happens in a typical actually be dangerous if you were eating something hot.
workplace here in the USA. Now in some cultures, new employees 5.2
are given a gift when they join a company. This is not true for B = Ben D = Debbie P = Phillip
everywhere and usually it is more of a token of acceptance than B: I’m so glad we’re nearly done on this project. It’s been so hard!
a meaningful gift, however, it does have some symbolic value D: I know what you mean, Ben. But we’re halfway there now. I think
rather than monetary value. More common though are gifts which we’ve got a really great idea. We should be pleased with ourselves.
function as a way of marking out periods of time, so people may What do you think, Phillip?
receive something after ten or twenty years’ service. A longer time P: Well, I think what we’re doing now is much better than our first idea.
period is usually reflected by a higher-value gift, so it’s important to That was absolutely terrible!
bear that in mind if you have to source such a gift. These gifts are B: Oooh, it wasn’t that bad!
designed essentially to reward employees for their loyalty and hard D: Well, that doesn’t matter now we’ve got this design for a body
work over long periods of time and show how much the company umbrella! This is such a good idea. Normal umbrellas never keep
thinks highly of them. They also have an additional role in terms of people totally dry!
motivating other staff members by acting as an incentive to remain B: I completely agree.
working in the organisation for longer. Lastly, I want to mention D: And I think we’ve made it look really futuristic too. Don’t you think
those gifts that we give people who are leaving a company. This can so, Ben?
either happen when someone changes job voluntarily or when they

166

Z05_EXP_TB_01GLB_5152_Z05.indd 166 08/05/2017 17:07