B2 – Upper Intermediate
We keep our money in the bank. The bank uses our money to invest in or fund other businesses.
Now, the question is, do you have any idea as to what your money is being used for or are you just very green about it?
Listen to this audio and read the transcript about how banks invest our money to fund other business, at times, even dirty practices and find out how our money can help save the environment.
Be ready to answer the questions that follow.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2023/ep-231019
Vocabulary Questions:
- What does “green” mean in this context, “No, I don’t. I have to admit I’m very green about money, and I don’t mean green as in environmentally friendly.”? Give 2 synonyms and use “green” in this context in your own sentence.
- What does “to jump on the bandwagon” mean, “It was always viewed, I think, as a niche thing, something for those that had very clear views on the world, social views. That’s now broadened hugely, and there’s great concern about greenwashing so who’s jumping on the bandwagon? – that’s a huge concern amongst investors.”? Use this expression in your own sentence.
- What does ”to put the spotlight on someone/something” mean, ”This in turn puts the spotlight on how pension funds are being used, for example whether they support large oil corporations or renewable energy companies.”? Use this idiom in a sentence.
Discussion Questions:
- What might be reasons public interest in ethical banks has ballooned in recent years?
- Are you aware about where your bank invest your money in? Talk about it.
- How common are ethical banks in your country? Why do you think this is the case?
- What are your thoughts on Richard Curtis’ campaign “Make My Money Matter” which is essentially doing one simple thing, moving your pension to an environmentally sustainable fund?
- Would you consider doing such financial move? Why or why not?
- They say that the most effective way to fight climate change is to move your pension into ethical investments. Share your opinion on this.
- Share your thoughts on this, “Luckily, the customer is always right, and by managing our money ethically, we can all help a little.”.