The key answer of exercise 3
The key to exercise solutions in chapter 4 - The state of the nation for the textbook Outcomes Upper-Intermediate - Student's Book with authors Hugh Dellar and Andrew Walkley from National Geographic Learning
Question
Listen to two students talking about their countries. Take notes on the political and economic situation in each country. Whose country sounds like it's in a better situation - the man's or the woman's? Why?
Answer
- In the first country discussed, the woman who lives there doesn’t like the president – though the man thinks he comes across as well-intentioned.
- The woman thinks it’s all marketing and that nothing has been done for common people. In fact, tuition fees have been increased; the cost of living is high; most students graduate in debt; unemployment has shot up over recent years; the government has placed too much emphasis on green laws to protect the environment – like banning plastic bags – but neglected the economy. The opposition aren’t any better: there’s too much in-fighting.
- In the other country, the government has done some controversial things, but the economy is booming. A lot of multinationals have relocated there who use English, so there is plenty of work and it’s easier for foreigners to work there. There’s a skills shortage; firms are desperate and pay good money for the right people.
- The second speaker’s country sounds like it is in a better situation.