UNIT I: LISTEN & SPEAK

Listen and speak

Script of the audio: “Voices of Youth” p.10

Panel Discussion

In this panel discussion, four teenagers from different countries are talking about topics important to them. Let’s listen to their different points of view:

a-     Well, it seems to me many teens, including myself, are much less interested in politics than they should be. They assume politics is an adult issue. We should recognise that in the near future this issue will become ours. Why not get involved in important matters that have a direct link to our present and future? I believe we have to be active citizens, take initiatives and make our voices heard; we should be fully responsible for shaping our own  future. Let’s not have others decide for us!

Ruth, England

b-     Er..um.. As far as I am concerned, family should matter to adolescents more than any other thing. Family helps adolescents adopt positive values and develop healthy, emotional and physical behaviours. I mean teens who don’t have good communication with their families or don’t feel supported by their parents, are more likely to have problems in school, use drugs and alcohol, and have trouble with the law. Unfortunately, family is losing the weight it once had!

Mamdouh, Egypt

c-       Of course my own looks are important to me. That’s why I’m concerned with fashion, new styles and so on. To my mind, adolescents should take care of their appearances because I think a person’s outward appearance reflects the sort of person he or she is. Believe or not, I spend about thirty minutes on myself, my makeup, my clothes and my hair before I leave home. You may think I’m sort of obsessed with looking glamorous; but, I can’t imagine how you can impress others if your appearance isn’t more than super.

Samantha, USA

d-     What matters to me most is study. My point of view is that adolescents should concentrate more on their studies. This way, they would determine for themselves their own future status. It’s through studying hard and being alert to distractors, such as too much leisure or careless friends, that you can achieve all that you dream of. Remember: Success in life depends on how much you are focused on your school work.

Jawad, Morocco