Step II Language Awareness 9

Deal with Ex 1

Pay attention to the title "Are Societies Ageing Too Fast?".

T: How do you understand "age" here? ... It is used as a verb here, which means "to become older". Now read the text and answer the questions in Ex 1.

Students read the text and answer the questions.

Check answers by having students reading out their answers.

Suggested answers:

1. An ageing society is one in which the population of people over the age of 60 is increasing.

2. One reason is that dramatic health advances have added 20 years to the average life-expectancy; another is that birthrates have dropped as people, especially women, are educated.

3. In an ageing society, a huge financial burden will be placed on the government. Another problem is that as medical expenses increase with age, the demands of the growing aged population will eventually cause medical schemes to face bankruptcy.

4. They suggest people to work longer, and the government to establish a sound social security system. They also suggest that individuals start saving as soon as possible to ensure a financially secure retirement.

Deal with Ex 2

Go through the list of words with the class. Students work in pairs, discussing what they need to prepare for the future. Have one or two students tell the class what they need to prepare for the future.

T: Look at the expressions in Ex 2: should, ought to, insist, suggest, it's high time. Work in pairs, and tell your partner what he or she should do to prepare for the future using the words.