B2 — Upper Intermediate
There comes a time in one’s life when they need financial help to pay for something they couldn’t afford right away. Many people rely on loans or credit to cover large expenses, such as purchasing a vehicle or a home. In return, they agree to repay the borrowed amount over a period of time.
With prices of goods and services steadily increasing, some individuals now depend on credit not only for major purchases, but also for basic needs like groceries and monthly bills. When borrowing becomes excessive or difficult to manage, it can create financial pressure and negatively affect a person’s mental and emotional well-being.
Listen to this audio and read the transcript about living with debt.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260528
Vocabulary Questions:
- What does “overdraft” mean? “According to debt support group The Money Charity, roughly how much is the average British adult in debt through credit cards, overdrafts, and personal loans?” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym.
- What does “in arrears” mean? “For many people in Woldham, Jason included, debt was an ordinary feature of daily life. And beyond that, being in arrears was part of daily life.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym.
- What does “the never-never” mean? ”Jason actually fluctuated between wanting to clear all of his debts on the one hand, and on the other what he described as living on thenever-never and actually questioning the supposed moral obligation to pay his debts.” Use the expression in a sentence. Give a synonym.
Discussion Questions:
- When is taking on debt a responsible financial decision, and when can it become a problem?
- How can debt affect a person’s mental health and overall quality of life?
- What strategies can individuals use to prevent debt from becoming overwhelming?
- Should financial literacy and debt management be taught in schools? Why?
- How can governments and financial institutions help people avoid excessive debt?