1. Describe the traffic in Vietnam. 2. What were some of the interesting points that you found in the video? 3. Is this something that you have seen before in your past travels? 4. Describe some of the challenges that you encounter when you travel to a different country.
Are you able to save money or does money simply flow through your fingers? Often than not we have our own tips and tricks on how to save money. But are those really helpful? Let’s find out what Reader’s Digest editors say about some money saving myths:
7 False Money-Saving Tricks You Try That Might Be Making You Poor
You use travel sites, not airlines, to book flights
Now that travel sites like Expedia are doing such brisk business, airlines are fighting for their own pieces of the profits. Many carriers now offer lowest-price-guaranteed fares on their own websites, and waive the booking fees that the big travel sites often tack on to your reservation. And if you’re wondering why you’re not finding fares for some of your favorite bargain airlines, like Southwest or JetBlue, on these big travel sites, it’s because these airlines don’t always release their inventory to travel superstores. That’s yet another reason to do some extra sleuthing on your preferred carrier’s web page before finalizing your reservations. Don’t miss more savvy ways to save money online.
You ‘top off’ your gas tank
Those little squirts of gas you try to add to your tank at the end of a filling often end up staying in the hose. That means you’ve actually given gas away to the next user of your pump!
You always turn off lights when you leave a room
Think you’re doing your electric bill a favor? Turning off compact fluorescent lights (CFLs), which use about 75 percent less energy than standard incandescent light bulbs and can last up to 10 times longer, when you leave a room for less than 15 minutes actually costs more than leaving them on. So if you are likely to be back in that part of your house soon, leave the lights on to save. Try these tricks to save money on your electricity bill, instead.
You cut up extra credit cards
Yes, it’s smart to reduce your temptation to splurge by destroying cards. But if you actually cancel them, it could hurt your credit rating. Here’s why: Lenders worry about how close you are to using all the credit available to you. If you close an account, you lose its credit line. As a result, you are using a greater portion of the reduced amount you can now borrow. How many cards do you need? While the average American household has nine, two or three active cards should be plenty. (By the way, these are the times you should never, ever use your credit card.)
You fall for common grocery store promotions
Here’s a well-kept secret: When a grocery store advertises a special (say, buy 10 containers of yogurt for $5), you don’t have to buy the number of items they’re advertising. In this case, you could buy one container for 50 cents. Unless the store specifically states otherwise, you should buy as few as you want. Also: Don’t fall for limits. Keep your money in your purse when you see signs like “Limit six per customer. Stores know that customers will buy more of an item if they think there’s a shortage, and there generally isn’t. Check out 50 more supermarket tricks you still fall for.
You dropped your wholesale club membership (and no longer use the pharmacy)
If you decide to stop paying for a wholesale club membership, you can still buy prescriptions there even if you’re not a member. The pharmacy may tack on a small fee, but you have the right under federal law to fill prescriptions at any pharmacy, so tell the person asking for your ID at the front door that you’re only visiting the pharmacy. (But don’t get carried away; you won’t be able to buy anything else without a club membership ID). Learn more tips to wholesale shop without a membership card.
You frequent discount stores
They tempt you not only with their excellent bargains, but also with their, “I don’t know what I was thinking when I bought this” impulse buys. How can you avoid these temptations? Avoid the shopping cart. Buy only what you can carry in your arms. You’ll end up buying only what you really need and want. Here are 56 more almost effortless ways to save money.
Discuss:
1. What are the 7 mentioned saving tricks that can backfire on your budget? Do you agree or disagree? 2. Are you guilty of doing these tricks? 3. How do you save money? 4. Explain the phrase “Save your pennies for a rainy day.”
Is it any surprise that Russia is involved in something so covert and “underground”? Read the article below then express your thoughts about the topic at hand.
1. What could be Russia’s motive to lurk around undersea cables? 2. What do you think will happen if those internet cables will crash? 3. Are you worried about Internet theft by China or Russia?
What was the worst experience you’ve had traveling with somebody? George Washington once said, “It is far better to be alone, than to be in bad company”.
If you haven’t tried traveling alone, read this BBC article that would surely leave you contemplating on going solo on your next vacation.
1. What do you think are the benefits and drawbacks of traveling without a companion? 2. Have you ever been on a vacation trip alone? How was it like? 3. Which do you prefer: traveling by yourself or with familiar company?
Listen to the news clip about ecotourism then be ready to answer some discussion questions.
Choose the speed that you prefer to practice your listening and comprehension. You may also listen and read along using the transcript below the audio clip.
1. What is ‘ecotourism’? What do you think of it? 2. What are its benefits? How about the possible dangers? 3. How can we best help animals in the wild? 4. What parts of the world should be off limits to humans?
1. What does the presidential decree state? 2. Why do you think Russia came up with this ban? 3. What do you think of the said sanction? 4. What are the long term consequences of a sanction like the one mentioned in the article?
Have you ever wondered why women live longer than men? Studies show that women’s survival is consistent and truly remarkable as observed in human beings and animals. Lifestyle may be a factor but there are more causes or contributors.
1. What are the contributing factors mentioned in the article? What surprised you the most? 2. What is Spain’s life expectancy? 3. Would you like to live a long life? Why or why not? 4. Should scientist slow down the aging process?
Used to be that bullying ended when one was off school premises. However, with the ubiquitous nature of social media and mobile technology, more and more students are subject to bullying even within the confines of their homes.
Read about one country’s educational system’s efforts to address the problem that is bullying.
1. In your opinion, which is worst: bullying in person, or bullying online? Why do you think so? 2. Do schools and universities in your country have a clear policy in regard to dealing with bullying among students? 3. Do schools or universities in your country educate or inform children about bullying?
1. What was your reaction after reading the text and watching the videos? 2. What were the challenges and how did the women in the story overcome them? 3. Would you marry someone who is considered an enemy by many? 4. What do you know about WWII and what damage did it bring to your country?
1. What are the secrets of the people in California when it comes to living longer? 2. Do you like the idea of getting old up to hundred? 3. What are the physical signs of getting old? 4. What have you learned from the people who were interviewed from this short video clip?
