English Recordings

Self-Employment

Topic: Nowadays many people choose to be self-employed, rather than to work for a company or organisation. Why might this be the case? What could be the disadvantages of being self-employed?

Model answer:

An increasing number of people today are opting to start their own companies instead of working for a company mainly because of the increased support for young entrepreneurs. In my opinion, the main disadvantages of not having an employer are lack of expertise and its overall effect on businesses.

The number of self-employed is related to young entrepreneurs and has its origin in widespread angel investment across a variety of industries. One well-known example of this can be seen on the popular show ‘Shark Tank,’ where a panel of investors and executives hear product pitches and compete to purchase stakes in budding entrepreneurs’ businesses. This show has launched a number of successful products by securing initial funding, which has led to a trickle-down effect from this show: not only has it turned specific dreams into realities but it also encourages viewers in general to be more ambitious and has therefore been one of the main catalysts for the frenzy of self-run businesses popping up in recent years.

Though there are undoubtedly positives to all these start-up companies, I think that the overall impact is negative because it results in many poorly run businesses. For example, in recent years a number of ride-sharing apps including Uber, Grab, Lyft, Be, Go-Viet and countless others have sprung up. The established companies provide a functioning app with high-quality service to meet the growing demands of this industry. However, the majority of small start-ups find themselves in over their heads with apps that barely function and driver shortages that specialise in inconveniencing customers. It would be better for the people starting these derivative businesses to either work in companies, gain valuable experience, look for gaps in the market, and then develop worthy competitors or simply be content to have a good job in a good company that they do not own.

In conclusion, I feel that the rising number of new companies has led to a cult of overconfidence. If more people were satisfied working for others rather than pursuing unrealisable ambitions, this would likely lead to better consumer products across the board as well as increased national economic prosperity.

Railway Lines

Topic: In a number of countries, some people think it is necessary to spend large sums of money on constructing new railway lines for very fast trains between cities. Others believe the money should be spent on improving existing public transport. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

Model answer:

Governments must always balance demands for newer modes of transport, including newer railway lines to connect cities, with maintaining current transportation infrastructure. In my opinion, the maintenance of current transport has a greater overall impact although the importance of fast trains will make life more convenient for commuters in the short-term.

The rationale for investing in newer, faster railway lines is that they will make it easier for people to travel between cities. Recent examples of this can be seen in Japan, which is famous for its ‘bullet trains’ that allow residents to traverse the country in a matter of hours. This provides an economic boon by allowing businessmen to travel easily from city to city. Moreover, tourists can also use these trains for convenient transnational travel, thereby making the country more tourist-friendly and helping to expand the industry.

Although I concede the above advantages, the majority of people are served by already existing forms of public transportation. Tourists and businessmen travelling between cities are the exception compared with those travelling inside cities. These travellers rely on buses, subways and city streets to get around. Simple improvements or additions to a subway line impacts millions of people. A new bus route can help workers get to and from work more easily. Even the lowering of fares is a reform that would benefit less affluent travellers.

In conclusion, cities that are more concerned with actual improvements, rather than publicity grabbing headlines, should focus on the most-used forms of public transport. In the future high speed rails may even become redundant as people commute less and transition to jobs based primarily online.

Environmental Problems: Plants and Animals

Topic: Some people say that the main environmental problem of our time is the loss of particular species of plants and animals. Others say that there are more important environmental problems. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

Model answer:

Many are of the opinion that the risks for endangered plants and wildlife are the most severe consequences of our worsening environment while others would argue that other problems are more pressing. While I consider the impact of recurring natural disasters to be important, in my opinion the loss of wildlife is the most serious threat to the environment.

The rise in recent catastrophic natural disasters has been strongly linked to climate change. Many scientists have made the case that incremental rises in temperature, specifically involving the oceans, has increased the frequency and potency of hurricanes, tsunamis, and blizzards. There are countless instances of these from the last two decades but the tsunami affecting mainly Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand in 2004 is a particularly striking example. This was the largest natural disaster this century and resulted in thousands of deaths, injuries and billions of dollars in damages, the effects of which set these developing nations back economically for years. People lost their lives, homes, and livelihood in many cases.

The main reason that many people including myself are so focused on plant and animal life is because of the rising number of endangered animals in recent decades. One of the most well-known examples of this is the often cited case of polar bears. Polar bears live mainly in the Arctic and recent melting of the polar ice caps has resulted in reduced ice for polar bears to hunt on. Polar bears have become an endangered species and it is often forecast that by 2100 they will be entirely extinct in the wild. Their extinction will likely have a domino effect on the fragile ecosystems of the arctic and other endangered animals like seals and narwhales. This is just one example of the impact of global warming on animals and plants of our planet. Extinction is irreversible and there is no more lasting impression we can leave than to deplete the world entirely of a species.

In my opinion, the loss of ecological diversity trumps any other environmental concerns. In order to remedy this problem governments and individuals need to take serious steps to not only invest more in conservation efforts for endangered animals but also work towards long term reforms related to fossil fuels, carbon emissions and the other apparent catalysts for climate change.

Acceptance / Unsatisfactory Lives

Topic: Some people believe that it is best to accept a bad situation, such as an unsatisfactory job or shortage of money. Others argue that it is better to try and improve such situations. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

Model answer:

Many people find themselves in situations where they must either accept what life has given them or find a way to move up in the world. In my opinion, although accepting your situation in life may be pragmatic in some cases, it is still better to at least strive to improve your situation as it can usually be bettered to some degree.

On the one hand, the vast majority of people are unable to drastically change their situation and acceptance of this fact will make them feel more satisfied with their lives. The best example of this would be those people living in dire economic conditions. Recent research puts the Democratic Republic of Congo as one of the poorest nations on Earth, both due to a lack of developed infrastructure and internal strife in recent years. For a person living in a small village, ravaged by war or famine, it would be cruel to suggest that they should find a way to improve their lives when it might simply be impossible. Instead, such people may feel they are better off accepting that they cannot make any changes to their situation at the present moment and just focus on their own survival and that of their family. These situations are rare but do exist around the world in various countries, particularly if they are at war or experiencing a severe economic downturn.

On the other hand, few would dispute the fact that in even the most difficult situations people can make their lives better through continued effort. Instances of people who worked hard and became successful abound in both developed and developing nations. Some relevant examples of this are the post-war situations of countries like Germany, Japan, and South Korea. All those countries were devastated by war to greater and lesser degrees yet they are all currently economic powerhouses. In Japan, World War 2 left their population depleted of workers, a deep national debt due to reparations and infrastructure reduced to rubble. By not accepting their situation they were able to become leaders in technology through notable companies like Sony, Nokia and Toyota. The efficacy of the individuals who had to work hard to improve their lives is reflected in the overall progress of the country and should serve as an example to all war-torn nations.

To conclude, there are very few situations where it would be advisable to simply accept an unhappy situation because hard work over a long period will pay off to some degree in the vast majority of cases. By having a more positive attitude it is also more likely that your efforts to make a better life will be rewarded, while a more defeatist attitude is likely to reduce your chances to make changes in life.

The miner’s testimony
I remember quite well… I was at the battle of Orgreave, in June 1984. The pits closure was a real threat for the lives of thousand of workers and there were calls to protests all over Great Britain.
It all started quite peacefully. It was a rather normal picketing day but we were numerous. More than 8000 people joined us to protest and the place was really crowded. But we were not alone. I remember that, slowly, we started noticing many police wagons arriving left and right. Horses, shields, helmets, you name it, it was like they were preparing for war. Afterwards, they reckoned there were more than 4500 policemen called to face us.
What was strange, that day, is that the policemen did not try to stop us, as they usually did. They let us go through and walk. They guided us, though. And, slowly, they took us to this big field. It was a vast area, really open. We were here, the protesters, on our side and, facing us, like an army, the policemen were standing with all their weapons and protections. It’s funny because, when I think back, it really looked like a battlefield !
Some people threw stones and stuff, here and there, the other protesters told them to stop. Suddenly, the police lines split and, out of the blue, policemen on horses charged us. From that point on, it was anarchy, chaos. It really seemed that we were really in a true war battle. Many were hurt that day. That was scary.
Today, some people think that it was all a trap, that the police forces took us here to provoke the battle and charge the protesters with rioting, which can send you in prison for life. Maybe it was all a setup and they wanted to show the strikers they didn’t stand a chance and sending some of them in prison for the rest of their life was setting an example.
Honestly, I don’t really know but a page of British history was written that day.

I like all genres of movies but I’m a fan of documentaries like the ones you can watch on discovery channel. The last I saw was blue planet ! it was so interesting and the pictures were so amazing! I definetely recommend it !

I'm a fan science fiction movies and dramas. I definitely recommend « Black panther » for it was so surrealistic and fast paced. You should give it a try !

I really enjoy horror movies the one I recently saw was « the nun » but it was so scary and spooky that I couldn’t sleep at all that night!
You should watch it but not alone !

I love comedies. The last film I watched was « Untouchable ». It’s a French movie.
I liked it because it was hilarious and dramatic as well. You should definitely watch it !
It’s a must !

Let's discover a famous paiting today: ''A day in the life of a boy''

This painting was painted by Norman Rockwell. He was a famous American painter. It is entitled ‘’ A day in the life of a boy’’. It represents a little boy and his routine.

Among other actions in this painting, here are some actions the boy does during his daily routine:

He wakes up in the morning. Then, he brushes his teeth. After this, he has breakfast: he drinks milk and he eats a bowl of cereal.
Then, he goes to school and he works and learns his lessons all day. Before he goes back home with his friend, he plays baseball a little. When he’s home, he pats down his hair. Before he does his homework, he eats a little snack. After he watches TV, he goes to bed.

There is another version of this painting with a little girl. Let’s check it out!