Session 1

 

Let’s Have a Talk!

 

1. I hope your exams went well. What did you do after the exam?

2. If you get bad grades on your exam, would you take that class again?

3. The Devil Wears Prada 2 came out today. Do you want to see it?

4. We’re having a long weekend in two days. Do you have any plans?

 

Coffee, Not Cocktails: The Rise of the Sober Party

For a lot of people, partying means loud music, late nights and lots of alcohol. But for a growing number of others, that kind of party is starting to lose its appeal. Around the world, the way people enjoy parties is slowly changing, as more of us look for ways to enjoy music and dancing without drinking.

 

In some cities, parties now begin in the early morning instead of late at night. People meet in coffee shops or public spaces, holding cups of coffee instead of alcoholic drinks. There, they dance, chat and laugh as the day begins, then go about their day afterward. "It's a fresh start to the day," one partygoer told CNN. "Even though it's very early in the morning, everyone looks excited and happy, even without alcohol."

 

Sober social life is especially popular with young people, who are drinking less and paying more attention to their health. In fact, a 2024 survey in the US found that 39% of 18-to-24-year-olds drink alcohol only occasionally, and more than one in five don't drink at all. Many Americans aged 25 to 34 also choose drinks with little or no alcohol to reduce how much they drink. As a result, more social events are being held for people who still want to party, but without alcohol. Some sober parties even take place in unexpected locations. In Paris, for example, some parties are held inside bakeries, where people dance to music while eating fresh bread instead of drinking alcohol.

 

For people who love dancing but hate hangovers, these sober parties offer a different option, showing that partying doesn't have to mean staying out late or feeling terrible the next day.

 

 

1. Do you like to join your department dinner? If you do, how late do you stay out?

2. Have you ever made some friends at a party? Do you think it’s good for making friends?

3. Where do you like to hang out with your friends: bar or cafe?

4. Do you think we need to drink at a party to make it more fun?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Session 2

 

Let’s Have a Talk!

 

1. Is there anything you’ve been into lately?

2. Do you like to wear university (varsity) jacket? Do you think yours has a good design?

3. Do you like having a late night snacks? If you do, what’s your favorite?

4. What are your go-to restaurants around PNU?

 

Spender or Saver: What's Your 'Money Personality'?

Whether we like it or not, money is one of the most important things in our lives. But different people think about — and use — money in very different ways. Some experts call this our "money personality."

 

Writing for CNBC, money expert Ken Honda says that understanding your money personality can help you look after your money better. Online, you'll find lots of different lists of money personalities. One of the easiest to follow is on the money website Investopedia, which lists five simple personalities. These are: Big spenders, Savers, Shoppers, Debtors, and Investors.

 

Big spenders, according to the website, like to spend money. They often make sure they have a beautiful home and the newest technology. Lisa Smith from the website says these people "are comfortable spending money, don't fear debt, and often take risks when investing." Savers are the opposite — they don't like taking risks and try not to get into debt or use credit cards. Shoppers enjoy spending money, says Smith. But that doesn't mean they want to buy the most expensive things, and they may worry about debt. Debtors are often in debt because they don't keep track of their spending. Investors think a lot about their money and the best ways to use it.

 

Smith says once people recognize their money personality, they can make changes by planning, budgeting and doing some research. Honda adds that if you want to make a change to your money personality, it may be a good idea to speak to a financial advisor — or even a therapist!

 

 

1. What kinds of things do you like spending money on?

2. Are you saving up for anything in particular at the moment?

3. Do you think credit cards make people spend more money?

4. Do you budget carefully every month and keep track of your spending?