Answer — Exercise 3
4 - The state of the nation·Outcomes Upper-Intermediate - Student's Book
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.