A Comment on the title of the text. Is that true for you? (Write no more than 40 words.) Reading comprehension TAM WHAT | HAVE In the consumer society, “I am what 1 Ihave" is the operative definition of self. In today’s society, consumerism is often portrayed as a negative aspect of people's lives and purchasing behaviors, which inevitably leads to materialism. But, if looked at in a positive light, consumerism presents certain positive characteristics. Consumerism rests on the assumption that human desires are infinitely expandable; if there are an infinite number of ways to be dissatisfied, there are boundless opportunities to create new products to meet those desires. Every day companies compete by inventing a new product to satisfy consumers’ needs. Some of these things are very useful and make some people wonder how they would live without them. Many of these products don’t have much impact on society and fade out throughout the years. Although it has been said that money is the root of all evil, many people actually 3 believe that they would be happier if they were wealthier. People often want more than they have now, more money, a better car, a bigger house, more shoes and clothes. ‘They will never be satisfied, because every day there are new ads for new cars, clothes and electronics. Nowadays, big companies and corporations try to make people buy their products by 4 using more and more advertising techniques. TV commercials, posters on the walls, newspaper ads and a variety of different flyers are just some examples of the massive propaganda used by businesses. Not only have advertisers learned to identify specific products that appeal to men and women, but they have also found that the “want” of the consumer can be tumed into a “need” for the advertised product.Consumerism can actually have some positive effects on society. The economy depends on people buying stuff. If people only bought the absolute necessities, most ofthe country would be unemployed and unable to make enough money to buy those absolute necessities. Consumerism increases consumption, more consumption requires more production, more production means more jobs and more income in society, and more income means more consumption. This the cycle which if managed properly can bring growth and prosperity to society. Consumerism is essential to our economy, but authorities should pass rules and laws to make sure that consumerism does not destroy our planet. Adapted from: http://www.essayforum.com Match the titles with the paragraphs of the text. a. The pros of consumerism d. Inventing new products bs, Insatisfaction is human ¢. Advertising manipulation €. The two sides of the coin Find evidence for the following statements in the text. Support you answer with a quote from the text. ‘a. Consumerism has both negative and positive aspects, b, Companies try to meet consumers’ endless ambitions. «. Advertising is everywhere and its impact is enormous. 4d. Without consumption capitalist societies wouldn't improve. e, It’s imperious to regulate consumerism for environmental reasons. Re-read paragraphs 1- highlighted in the text. Explain the meaning of the follo \9 expressions ‘a. purchasing behaviors bb, human desires are expandable &. fade out throughout the years d. the root of all evil Answer the following questions, ‘a. Why is consumerism essential in a capitalist society? b. What do marketers do to achieve their goals?