practice many values. We have a rise in discrimination, abuse of power, greed, etc. What are we leaving behind for our future generations? Maybe it s time society took a hard look at its values. Here are some things I feel our society needs more of: Empathy Empathy is defined as understanding and sharing the feelings of another. People need to understand who others are and accept who they are. Focusing on how we can grow together should be our ultimate goal. Respect Mutual respect is needed for all of us. This is what makes us human. Having respect for everyone, despite the differences between us, is vital in order for a society to function well. Love Having love in our hearts keeps us from feeling the need to harm others. Love helps us acknowledge the similarities we all share rather than the differences of colour, religion or sexual orientation. Loyalty Loyalty is a value that binds us to a person, thing or sentiment. With loyalty, we do not betray. If we all shared loyalty, it would help us build the strength needed to stand up against something that would harm our society. Honesty One form of honesty in society is accepting yourself. With honesty, you can admit your flaws and take the necessary steps to improve yourself. When we can admit to our flaws it can help someone else admit theirs. Ultimately, we can all help each other become better people. Values can be contagious; if you practise them, many others will also, including our children. Hopefully more practice from all of us will leave the world a better place for future generations. Adapted from: https://youthfirstinc.org/values-in-todays-society 1. Our choices are a mirror for our values. 2. We build our values from where, how and with whom we grow up. 3. Our values never change, whatever we do. 4. Society is proud of its values. 5. Values are becoming increasingly important in our contemporary world. 6. If you live according to your values, other people will follow your example. YES NO NOT GIVEN 3 Choose the correct option. What is the writer s overall opinion of values in today s society? a. Social values are more important than individual values. b. There are only five really important core values. c. We cannot relate to society without a set of values. d. People need to preserve values, live their lives according to them and show their importance to young people. LISTENING CONVERSATION Talking about values 4. WB11.1 Listen to a conversation in which a young student has to interview family members for a school project and answer the questions. Jennifer, 16 years old, high school student - Paul, 45 years old, Jennifer s father Mary, 67 years old, Jennifer s grandmother 1. What does Jenny think of the title of her school project? 2. What did family and children mean for the generation of Mary s parents? 3. What type of love did Mary s generation believe in? 4. What did and does it mean that all men are created equal for Mary s generation? B2 UNIT 11 5. Why, according to Paul, did his generation delay marriage? 6. What does Generation X share with the Baby Boomers, according to Paul? 7. What is the best way of cementing a friendship for Mary? 8. What is another advantage of keeping contact with friends for Mary? 118