29 March & 5 April 2010

Discussion & Research Environment

Articles: Growing Green Jobs (p.36) The Green Fighter (p. 38)
Although the promise of green jobs is the fashionable answer to the woes of the global recession, Faroohar argues that this may not pan out in reality. Based on studies conducted by McKinsey, governments can make a bigger difference if they focus on greening every part of the economy using cutting-edge green products and services. Explain what the author means in the last two sentences of the article (p. 37). To what extent do you agree with her view? Discuss the role private enterprises should play in environmental conservation. How can green thinking (p. 37) enhance the competitiveness of your country? What good practices are currently in place, if any? In The Green Fighter, Stone outlines the plans by Americas EPA to phase in new restrictions on carbon dioxide and in so doing send a symbolic message to the world that they are now taking climate change seriously. However, this plan is fraught with difficulties, primarily due to the White Houses lack of genuine interest in showing active support. According to the author, what stance is President Obama adopting on the issue? In both articles, what stumbling blocks prevent true progress in the area of environmental conservation? Which solutions proposed by the authors do you find most effective and why? Explore the issues raised in the articles: http://walmartstores.com/Video/?id=1290 http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/07_05/b4019001.htm http://pubs.acs.org/cen/news/88/i09/8809notw7.html http://greenrankings.newsweek.com/ http://www.businessweek.com/innovate/content/feb2008/id20080211_503795.htm

29 March & 5 April 2010

Comprehension Exercise Short Questions

Article: Bibis Bluster (p.22)
Answer in your own words as far as possible. From Paragraphs 2 to 4: 1. Explain the contradiction in Netanyahus behaviour when it comes to protecting his countrys vital interests. Use your own words. [3] Paraphrased & Inferred Although Netanyahu claims that he is trying to defend what is most important and critical to Israel, his actions are not in accordance with this [1]. This is because on one hand he states that Iran is a potential danger to Israels survival [1/2] while on the other he brings about a breakdown in Israels friendship with the U.S [1/2]. In so doing, he is losing the support of the country most capable of curtailing Irans ambitions [1/2] and thus bringing even greater danger to Israel [1/2].

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Lifted We will act according to the vital interests of Israel, Netanyahu said last week. In fact, the prime minister has described the Iranian threat as an existential one for Israel, and a grave one for the worldMy job is first and foremost to ensure the future of the state of Israel. If tackling the rise of Iran were his paramount concern, would he have allowed a collapse in relations with the United States

From Paragraph 4: 2. Why, according to the author, is Netanyahu not like Winston Churchill? Use your own words. [2] Paraphrased Though he may feel that he possesses the vision [1/2] of Churchill by alerting the international community about potential dangers [1/2], the author feels that Netanyahu is behaving in complete opposition to Churchill [1/2] because unlike the former, he has refused to make the necessary political sacrifices in order to reinforce Israels friendship [1/2].

Lifted Bibi likes to think of himself as Winston Churchill, warning the world of a gathering storm. But he should bear in mind that Churchills single obsession during the late 1930s was to strengthen his alliance with the United States, whatever the costs, concessions and compromises he had to make.

From Paragraph 6: 3. Why is Israel in an unusual position? Use your own words. [3] Paraphrased & Inferred Israel has long been regarded as having a strong friendship with the U.S [1/2] and thus is seen as its ally with interests counter to the Arab nations [1/2]. However, it now also finds itself sharing similar interests with the Arab nations because of Irans nuclear ambitions and their common need to protect themselves against it [1]. This leads to Israels awkward situation of being both friend and foe at the same time [1].

Lifted Irans rise has also placed Israel in the unusual position of being on the same strategic side as the major Arab states, as well as the United States.

29 March & 5 April 2010

4.

Explain what the author means by the phrase lowering the temperature. [2] Paraphrased & Inferred He means that Israel needs to reduce the tension [1/2] in its relationship with the Palestinians by making some concessions towards them, even if these are slight or superficial [1/2]. This will then enable the rest of the Arab states to work more closely with Israel [1/2] rather than having to pander to Iran because it has shown support for the Palestinian cause [1/2].

Lifted The single biggest challenge for these countries is that Iran has appropriated the Palestinian cause, which makes it difficult for, say, the Egyptian government to take a public stand that is hostile to Tehran. Lowering the temperature on this issue would benefit the Arab states, strengthen their will to stand up against Iran, and contribute directly to Israeli security. From Paragraph 7: 5.

What does the linking phrase And on first glance tell you about the authors attitude towards Israels actions? [2] Inferred He feels that Israels sense of detachment about the threats in the region is dangerous and misguided [1] because they have not fully considered the implications and complexity of the situation [1].

Lifted But Israel right now appears to be largely unconcerned about the dangers that gather, or at least unwilling to make any real concessions to deal with them. And on first glance, its easy to be sanguine. 6.

Explain why the author describes the Palestinians as harbouring a fantasy. [2] Inferred The author wants to show that nothing positive or valuable [1/2], such as the statehood that the Palestinians desire to achieve, can ever be created through the use of violence and intimidation [1/2]. Such ideas are in fact, purely fanciful imagination [1/2]. Thus, with the construction of a physical barrier by Israel, opportunities for such acts of terror are reduced and the Palestinians have to relinquish this unrealistic belief [1/2].

Lifted I was one of the first American commentators to write in support of Ariel Sharons decision to build the wall because it would put to an end the Palestinian fantasy that they could achieve anything meaningful through terrorism.

29 March & 5 April 2010

From Paragraphs 8 and 9: 7. Why is Israel experiencing a false sense of complacency? Use your own words. [3] Paraphrased Israel is feeling upbeat because it has experienced tremendous economic progress and success [1/2] - at a level that has surpassed some of the worlds more powerful countries [1/2]. This happened even during the financial crisis when many countries experienced decline [1/2]. In so doing, it has achieved international standing [1/2] but this does not mean that it is immune to danger [1/2] because of its location and the vast number of enemies it has [1/2].

Lifted Israels economy is boomingaccelerated an entrepreneurial revolution in the countryit shrank only slightly in 2009, even when almost all the worlds economies plummeted. Israel has become a rich countryIsrael has more companies listed on the NASDAQ more than China or India or Britain. But it is also lulling the country into a false sense of complacency. Israel continues to live in a terrible strategic environment, with radical groups eager to combat it, most of its neighbours unwilling even to recognize its existence, and a broader world that is increasingly dismayed by or hostile toward it. From Paragraph 11: 8.

What are the implications of Israel looking like an island of rich Israelis set in a sea of Palestinian serfs? [3] Paraphrased & Inferred Due to their lack of statehood and unofficial status [1/2], the many Palestinians living in Israel are being regarded as a socially inferior group who are subordinate to the authority of the Israelis [1/2]. As their numbers continue to grow [1/2] and they are still deprived of proper status due to the political stalemate between Israel and Palestine [1/2], their resentment and sense of identity will grow stronger [1/2] and Israels notions of political freedom and Jewish identity will be compromised [1/2].

Lifted Israel rules more than 3 million Palestinians who will never become citizens of Israel and yet do not have their own state. As they multiply, Israels status as a democracy becomes more and more complex; the country looks more and more like an island of rich Israelis set in a sea of Palestinian serfs. If gradually the two-state solution becomes impossible to implementIsraels own Arab population will threaten the states Jewish character, and be even further radicalized. Israel will be left with only the institutions of government, having undermined both its democracy and its Jewish character.

29 March & 5 April 2010

Discussion & AQ Exercise Policing & Security

Article: The Gang That Couldnt Shoot Straight (p.26)
This article paints a dismal picture of Americas efforts to build an effective Afghan police force since 2002. Despite spending more than $6 billion, the ANP is staffed by badly trained and incompetent officers, many of whom are more interested in exhorting money from the locals than in upholding law and order. Other than the lack of clear goals, the programme is also plagued by problems of corruption and the lack of suitable recruits. With Americas impending drawdown in 2011, the pressure to overcome these limitations is mounting. Do further research on the issue: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/03/11/AR2010031103148.html http://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/row/RL30588.pdf AQ Exercise According to General Caldwell, You have to have a police force that the people accept, believe in, and trust (p. 28). How important is the police force to the people in your country? To what extent has this article challenged or confirmed your understanding of its role?

Discussion & Essay Practice Luxury & Lifestyle

Articles: Classic To Core (p.42) Seasonless Dressing (p. 48) Too Far To Turn Back (p. 50) Back From The Brink, Better Than Ever (p. 58)
Despite the economic downturn, luxury brands such as Herms and Bentley have managed not only to retain their market share but also to grow their brands. Products of timeless quality and a commitment to artisanship and the mastery of traditional skills (p. 46) are contributing factors to such success. How do products like Louis Vuitton give people a sense of being reassured (p. 46)? Too Far To Turn Back illustrates how megaresorts are increasingly offering a lifestyle experience in order to woo their wealthy clientele while Seasonless Dressing offers a different perspective by explaining how the prevalence of new media and globalization has contributed to the democratization and accessibility of fashion. According to the author, what are the implications of fashion for all (p. 49)? Essay Practice To what extent has globalisation given individuals more choice and power in todays world? OR Consumerist societies create more problems than value for todays world. Do you agree? OR Should young people be encouraged to cultivate a taste for the finer things in life?

29 March & 5 April 2010

Vocabulary Exercise
Article: Let The Bidding War Begin (p.60)
Fill in the crossword puzzle with words from the article, using the definitions as clues. Across 8. EPONYMOUSdescribing a place derived from a person's name (para. 5) 9. VISCERALof feelings rather than reason (para. 10) 10. MAXIMgeneral truth or rule of conduct briefly expressed (para. 5) 11. ROULETTEa game of chance (para. 3) 12. PAPARAZZIphotographers who pursue celebrities to photograph them (para. 4) 14. GALVANIZErouse forcefully, by shock or excitement (para. 5) 15. EXCORIATINGcensuring severely (para. 5) Down 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 13. TANTALIZINGhaving something that arouses interest or desire (para. 3) SCHMOOZINGconversing idly; chattering (para. 10) ADVERSARIALto be in opposition; attacking (para. 3) RAUNCHYcoarse; sexually boisterous (para. 5) GAVELhammer used for calling attention by an auctioneer (para. 6) CONNOISSEURexpert judge in matters of taste (para. 9) GLADIATORIALdescribing a combat-like state (para. 3) HALOglory associated with an idealized person (para.9)
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T A N T A L
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S C H

A D V E R A R I A L

R A U N H Y
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G A
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C O N O I

M O Z I N G

G L D I
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E P O N Y M O U S

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R O U L E T T E R I A
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P A P A R A Z Z
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H I Z E A T I N G L

G A L V A N
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