English as Second Language Course

By Cynthia Cobucci

10 THINGS I CANT LIVE WITHOUT (C1 advanced)

GETTING STARTED.
TASK 1. Speaking. With your partner(s) discuss these questions.
a)
Do you think most people own too many things? Why (not)?
b)
Do you have any things you bought but have never used? Why (not)?
c)
Have you ever taken the decision to get rid of things you no longer need? Why
(not)?
d)
Whats the best way of getting rid of unwanted/unneeded things? Tell your
partner(s)
e)
Are there any things you simply cannot live without? Name a few

READING
TASK 2. Prediction. You are going to read Leo Hickman's TOP 10 THINGS he can't
live without. Before you read, work with your partner, and make some notes. What do
you suppose will be on the list. Write 10 things
TASK 3. Reading for Specific Information. Quickly look at the list, and count how
many of your ideas are on the list.
TASK 4. Reaction (speaking). Briefly discuss with your partner(s) what, if
anything surprises you from Leo's list.

READING
TASK 5. Prediction #2. Before you read all of the article, work with your partner
and discuss these questions.
1.
How do you suppose these names are connected to the topic of the article?
Plinius the Elder (200 years ago), Henry David Thoreau 1854), Ghandi and (the
blogger) Dave Bruno?
2.
Why did Leo Hickman decide to create a list of 10 things he can't live
without?
TASK 6: Reading for Specific Information: Read all of the text as quickly as you
can and check your answers to TASK 5.

C. A.E. EXAM PRACTICE

(Paper 3: Use of English. Part 5)

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English as Second Language Course

By Cynthia Cobucci
TASK 7. Here are some pairs of sentences related to the topic of the article. Complete
the second sentence in each pair so that it has a similar meaning to the first sentence,
using the word given (IN CAPITALS AND BOLD).Do NOT change the word given.
You must use between three and six words, including the word given
1)

Leo Hickman would only include 10 items on his list of things to survive on for a year
ON
Leo Hickman.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 items only on his list of things to survive on for a
year.

2)

Unless I stop buying things I don't really need, I will have to get a bigger house
MEAN
If I don't stop buying things I don't really need, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . getting a new house.

3)

Despite my best efforts, I haven't recycled quite as much as last year.

SLIGHTLY
Despite my best efforts, this year I have recycled . . . . . . . . . . . . . last year

4)

It is possible that thieves entered my house and stole my new computer

BROKEN
Thieves may. . . . . . . . . . . . . . my house and stolen my new computer.

5)

I don't mind if you take all those things to a charity shop or sell them on Ebay, but
please do something!
DIFFERENCE
It doesn't . . . . . . . . . . . ..whether you take all those things to a charity shop or sell it
on Ebay, but please do something!

6)

Do you think you could help me to take all this junk to be recycled? There's so much of it!
WONDERING
I . . . . . . . . . . . . . . me a hand taking all this junk to be recycled? There's so much of it!

7)

If you need any help decluttering your house, you can always call me
HESITATE
If you need any help decluttering you house, . . . . . . . . . . . . me.

8)

There were a lot of things I had to think about before I could decide what to keep and
what to throw away
OBLIGED
There were a lot of things I . . . . . . . . . . . . ..consideration before I could decide what to
keep and what to throw away

AFTER YOU READ

22/03/2015

English as Second Language Course

By Cynthia Cobucci
TASK 8. SPEAKING. What do you think? Discuss these questions with a partner.
1)
Do people really have too much stuff?
2)
Would you be prepared to pay for space in order to store stuff? Why (not)?
3)
Why do people buy things they don't really need?
4)
Do you agree with this definition? "Bargain: a product you don't need, at a
price you can't resist"
5)
Have you ever bought or sold anything on ebay? If not, why not?

ANSWER KEY___________________
ANSWERS TO TASK 6: They all in some way believe that people are obsessed with

owning (too many) things. It is interesting to note that it is apparently an old

problem!
ANSWERS TO TASK 7: 1) insisted on including 2) it will mean 3)slightly less than 4) have
broken in to 5) make any difference to me 6) was wondering if/whether you could/might
give/lend 7) please do not hesitate to call 8) was obliged to take into

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