ADVERTISING
Advertising is everywhere in our modern world, wherever you look you see adverts. I
understand that some people want it regulated, though.
If you were a creative person, it would be cool to work for an advertising agency.
Just because you’re a celebrity, it doesn’t mean I’m gonna buy your product.
Misleading ads have enormous psychological potential. This is because consumers could be
easily influenced.
Ads can attract and distract at the same time. Not only is it a beautiful way to attract
consumers’ attention but also to sell them a product.
THE MEDIA
The way I see it, the media have too much power today.
Most people would agree that the media are (politically) biased.
I tend to think that you must never trust anything you read unless you check different sources.
Sometimes we just can’t avoid being influenced by the media. We just can’t help it, no matter
how hard we try.
I think young people are heavily influenced by the media. I wish we could form our opinions by
ourselves.
Even though I use social media every day, I’d say I’m not addicted to it.
The media paints youths in a negative light.
AMBITIONS
There needs to be a realistic balance between ambition and ability.
I’d say I’m very proud of what I’ve achieved so far.
Not only is it important to achieve your goals but also the way you make it. The end doesn’t
justify the means.
Two wrongs don’t make a right.
Maybe if I had been more ambitious, I would’ve been more fulfilled.
Sometimes you struggle through life but eventually you get to grips with it.
If I were offered a good job, I’d jump at the chance.
Someday I’ll fulfill my dreams. Better late than never.
Had I been asked as a kid, I would’ve said (el trabajo que querrías).
If I hadn’t been ambitious as a kid, I wouldn’t have achieved my goals.
If someone succeeds, they must have worked really hard.
COMPETITIVENESS
Some people say life is a big competition. I disagree.
I prefer participating for fun.
I prefer to go with the flow.
It is often said that it’s the taking part that counts.
I’m rather competitive. That said, being over-competitive might be dangerous.
We’re supposed to act as a team rather than as individuals.
It is often believed that healthy competition is good because it keeps you on your toes.
If you expect to be top dog, you’re very likely to fail. This will lead to frustration.
THE ARTS
Everyone needs to express themselves creatively, no matter what their ability.
People who work in this field must be really creative.
Not only should you be creative but also original.
The Arts are not my cup of tea.
I don’t think everything can be considered “art”. For some people “anything goes” and I can’t
agree on that.
Art is a mix of creativity and knowledge and sometimes other skills.
Not many people know that art can boost your maths skills. This is related to music, too, by
learning music language.
INDEPENDENCE
(Young) People who work ought to be emancipated, but sadly this is highly unlikely because of
the high costs of living.
Leaving the nest is like looking for a needle in the hay(stack).
Family ties are sometimes too strong. We’re a close-knit family.
If youth unemployment wasn’t so high, more people would become independent.
Children should not be forced to leave home.
You have to stand on your own two feet.
It might be hard to become independent if you are too reliant on others.
I for one can’t stand being bossed around.
We have the fundamental drive to seek independence.
Living on your own… not only is it exciting but also an eye-opener.
I feel independence is necessary for us to function as a community. We need to help one
another achieve our goals. Independence should definitely be more promoted.
I don’t work, so I need to have my meals cooked or my studies paid.
It would be a historical moment were Catalonia to break away.
It is high time that you could leave the nest!
Sometimes my parents think I’m still a babe in arms.
STEREOTYPES
There’s always some truth to a stereotype.
Not only is it unfair (to stereotype people) but also dangerous.
If people were more open-minded, we would be better off.
You can’t judge a book by its cover, as they say.
People shouldn’t be judged before you get to know them.
People targeted by stereotypes may be unable to overcome these negative views.
I don’t care what people’s perception of me is.
The media are responsible for reinforcing stereotypes.
You never know how people might react, so watch what you say. Prevention is better than cure.
You could put your foot in your mouth if you’re not careful. You’d better be quiet.
You can’t generalise and say… (EJ: all young people are selfish)
Stereotypes are often a manifestation of prejudice or social inequality. Teachers have to be
aware to not offend anyone. Easier said than done.
Stereotypes are likely to be a rich source of materials for intercultural learning which needs to
be handled with care, though.
ROLE MODELS
If you ask a young person, they’d be likely to say all they want today is to be rich and famous.
Sadly, they don’t seem to be interested in working hard. I feel this is because of celebrities not
being good role models.
I think teenagers should look up to people who have achieved something with their lives.
If I was/were a role model, I would make sure I am a good example.
The way I see it, a teenager’s friends are easily their most important role models.
If my parents thought my friends were bad role models, they’d have to respect my choices. I’m
not a babe in arms any more.
I want to stay in my parents’ good books so I might find some new friends.
I’ve always looked up to my father/mother. I’m very proud of him/her.
I‘ve always taken my cue from my parents.
Parents expect celebrities to be responsible. Easier said than done.
Some celebrities are: real bigots/foul-mouthed. Young people should never admire them.
Pop stars/celebrities don’t have to be role models. Personally, I think that parents are the best
role models. Not only can they help or look after you but also influence you. They’ll always be
there for you, no matter what.
I’m afraid to admit (OR: I must confess/admit) there’s a lack of positive role models today.
We are part of those who surround us. As Sir Isaac Newton once said, “If I have seen further it
is by standing on the shoulders of giants.” (OR: After all, we are standing on the shoulders of
giants).
It takes more guts to follow your own path than to follow a role model. I find them a bit old-
fashioned.
My younger brother/sister/cousin takes cues from what I do, so I have to be careful what I do.
It’s safe to say I’ve taken him/her under my wing.
Needless to say, celebrities need to be more careful about how they behave in public.
I’ve always been inspired by… (persona que te inspire)
As a future teacher, not only would it be very demanding but also rewarding to be a good role
model.
A true role model is not the person with the best job or the greatest fame. Anyone can inspire
a child to achieve their potential in life.
A true role model must have qualities such as compassion, courage and listening skills. By far,
the greatest attribute of a role model is an ability to inspire others.
I for one believe that role models are other-focused as opposed to self-focused.
LIFESTYLES
Personally, I think it is up to the individual what they eat and how much exercise they do.
Students today are unlikely to have more difficult lives than past generations.
A sedentary lifestyle is the root of all evil. People are couch potatoes!
Obesity is said to be a great problema where I live.
The incorporation of women into the labour market has positively changed our lifestyles.
It was high time women could enter paid employment in the same conditions (as men).
Being a single mum must be really tough/difficult/challenging. I deeply look up to them.
Sometimes people pay too much attention to what they eat. They don’t even enjoy their
meals. What’s the point?
I’m an early bird, so I don’t need to sleep much.
Not only do we have a hectic life but also it’s very difficult to cope with stress.
RIGHTS OF THE INDIVIDUAL/ THE YOUTH
It is said that depriving criminals of their liberty is an effective way of shaming and punishing
them. I (don’t) agree.
There are many education and training schemes in prisons that tackle problems such as re-
offending. Better safe than sorry.
I tend to believe that community penalties are an effective alternative to prison.
I’m convinced that prisons need to be completely transformed and also support for offenders
when they are released is needed.
ECONOMIC ISSUES
Sometimes I think consumers should save their money instead of spending it. It would affect
the economy badly, but it might be for the greater good.
Governments need to come to terms when it comes to global economy.
A lot of people are caught in the poverty trap, there’s no way out.
If I were in the red, my world would collapse!
The rise of unemployment has lead to people saving more money. This will affect profits.
