Wednesday, June 20, 2007

Keeping Your Stress in the Check


Pre-reading

How would you define “stress?” What is stressful in your life? When do you feel stressed out?What can you do to manage stress? Close your eyes and imagine a relaxing and peaceful place.Where are you? Is anyone with you? Who?


Vocabulary

1. restore

2. lethargy

3. grinding

4. put off

5. bearable

6. take (their) toll on

7. alleviate

8. remedied

9. time-sensitive

10. susceptible

11. anxiety

12. vary

13. hassles

14. go with the flow

15. resistance



Reading

Dealing with everyday stress has always been a challenge. While the sources of modern day stress may be quite different from those of days gone by, the effects of stress on the body are very much the same.Stress is a term that describes the physical and mental reactions to everyday tensions and pressures. During times of stress, the body releases chemicals into your bloodstream. These chemicals can lead to a faster heartbeat and breathing rate, higher blood pressure, and increased tension in the muscles. These physical changes can produce strength and energy, thereby giving the body added force to deal with stress. When stress is handled in a positive way, the body restores itself naturally and repairs any damage. When stress is not dealt with, tensions build. Without a release, these tensions begin to take their toll on the body.Mentally, the effects of stress are harder to predict. For some people, stress can act as a motivator or increase performance levels. For others, stress causes anxiety, depression, and lethargy.



To alleviate the mental and physical effects of stress, it is important to learn to manage stress. Stress management is broken down into six steps:


1. Identify the source of stress


Do certain situations make you feel anxious?
Are certain aspects of your life causing you worry or confusion?

Has there been a major life change that is creating feelings of uncertainty?
By answering these questions you can identify the roots of your stress - and decide how to modify and adapt to deal with these situations.


2. Learn how your body reacts to stress


It is important to recognize your own personal signs and symptoms of stress. This can vary from person to person. Some of the more common reactions are: tiredness, muscle tension, anxiety, irritability, nervousness, sleeplessness, dizziness, change in appetite, grinding teeth, and body aches such as stomachaches, headaches, muscle pain, or sore back. It may be necessary to talk with your doctor to determine if these symptoms are related to an illness or injury or are a result of stress.


3. Change the situation.


Some stressful situations can be remedied by reducing as many negative major life events and daily hassles as you can. Set goals and priorities and never put off doing time-sensitive tasks. Communicate your feelings clearly and accept that it's OK to say no.


4. If you can’t change the situation, change your outlook.


When you can't change a situation or another person's behavior, it is in your best interest to adapt. Learn to “go with the flow.” Being objective and flexible can make an unpleasant situation bearable.


5. Learn to relax.


It sounds easy, but relaxing is not simply lying down on a bed and closing your eyes. Relaxation is an active process that takes practice. There are many books and tapes available that can teach you different methods. Your doctor may also be able to assist you with relaxation exercises


6. Finally, build up your resistance to stress


You are more susceptible to stress when you are sick or feeling down. Caring for your body with a balanced diet, exercise, and the proper amount of sleep can build up your resistance to stress. A healthy body and mind leave very little room for the harmful effects of stress.



Post-reading


1. Stress is defined as

2. If you handle stress positively, your body can

3. If you do not deal with stress well, tension can

4. One way to manage stress is to

5. Other steps you can take to manage stress are

6. Can you list three ways to build resistance to stress?

7. Can you list all six of the steps to manage stress?

8. Can you name some of the physical changes caused by stress?

9. Can you name some of the mental effects of stress?



Activities

1. Make a list of what you can do to relieve stress.

2. Keep a stress diary for a week. Indicate the day and time when you felt stressed out. What
happened that resulted in this feeling? What did you do to reduce your stress level?

3. Read newspapers and watch TV for examples of stress-related news. What was the cause?
What happened?

Some Useful Expressions To Help You Communicate In English



Questions Used To Get Opinions / Ideas From People:


* What do you think about ___? * What's your opinion?
* How / What do you feel about ___?

Expressions For Giving Your Opinions / Ideas To People:


* I think ... * I believe ... * I feel ... * In my opinion, ...

Asking Someone To Give More Information About Their Opinion:


* Why? * Why do you say / think that? * How come?

Ending a Conversation:


* Well, I have to go now. Goodbye / Bye / See ya!
* It was nice talking with you. Goodbye / Bye / See ya!
* It was a pleasure speaking with you. Goodbye / Bye / See ya!
* I enjoyed talking with you. Goodbye / Bye / See ya!
* Well, I'll let you go now. Goodbye / Bye / See ya!
* Sorry, but I've got to run. Goodbye / Bye / See ya!
* Sorry, but I must go to ___. Goodbye / Bye / See ya!

Strong Expressions:

* I really like ___!
* I like it a lot!
* I think it's excellent!

Neutral / Weak Expressions for Preferences or Dislikes:


* It's O.K..
* It's all right.
* I prefer _____.
* It's not too bad.
* I don't really like / care for / feel like ____.

Strong Agreement:


* Absolutely! * Certainly! * Definitely * You're Right!

Weak Agreement:

* I don't mind. * I suppose so. * O.K., I guess. * If I have to.


Asking For Directions:


* Excuse me. Can / Could / Would you tell me where the ___ is?
* Excuse me. Can / Could / Would you direct me to the ___?
* Excuse me. Can / Could / Would you show me how to get to the ___?
* Excuse me. Where is the ___?


Possible Instructions From People:


* Turn right / left at ___, and you will see the ___.
* Go right / left at ____, and then walk / go _______.
* Go / Walk along this street, and then turn / go _____.
* You will see the ___ (next to / beside / across from / near) the ___


Thanking Someone For Their Assistance / Help:


* Thank you very much!
* Thanks a lot!
* Thanks!
* Thank you for your help / assistance!



Prices and shopping

( If the clerk speaks first )
* May / Can / Could I help you? * What can / may I do for you?
* Would you like some help? * What would you like?
* Are you looking for something?

(Customer's answer)
* Yes, please. I'd like to know how much this _____ costs?
* Yes, please. How much is / are the ____?
* Yes, please. What's the price of _____?

( If the customer speaks first)
* Excuse me, can / could you please tell me where the _____ is / are?
* I wonder if you can / could help me? I'm looking for the / some ___.

Answer the phone (a host family is not home)

* Hello, She/ He is not home. Please call her/him back later
Can I take a message ?

Answer the door (a host family is not home)

* Hello, She / He is not home right now. Please come again.


At the dinner table your host family is asking you to eat more, but
you do not want to eat.

* Thank you, but I am full.
* Thank you, but I am saving room for desert.


Your host family is asking you to go shopping or go
somewhere else but you do not want to go there.

* Thank you, but I do not feel like it. I would like to stay home and
relax.
* Sounds great but I have to study. Perhaps another time.


You will go out and not eat supper with your host family

* I will be late for supper tonight. I will be home around 7:00.
* Please leave some food for me.
* I will not eat supper at home.


You are going to go a book store and want your host family to
drive you there

* Would you please give me a ride to the book store ?


You want your host family to come to the book store and pick you
up at 6:00

* Would you please pick me up at the book store at 6:00 ?


You have lost your way home and ask for help from
somebody
.

* Can you help me ? I have lost my way home. Here are my
address and telephone number. Can you make a phone call for me ?

RESCHEDULING AN APPOINTMENT

Asking to reschedule an appointment

  • Can we postpone our appointment?
  • Let's see if we can find another day when we could get together.
  • Could we postpone till Thursday?
  • Could we move it up? (i.e. move it to an earlier time)
  • Could we move it up slightly
  • Could we move it up one hour?
  • Could we move it up to 12 o'clock?
  • Could we push back the meeting to six?
  • Let's push it back half an hour.
  • Could we push it back slightly?
  • Could we move up the meeting a few days?
  • Could you take me at one?
  • Could you write me in?
  • Can I reschedule for Monday afternoon?

Explaining circumstances
  • I have a conflict in my schedule.
  • I'm running ahead of schedule.
  • I'm running behind schedule.
  • Something's come up.
  • My schedule has changed.
  • I've had a change in my schedule.
  • I'm going to be in the neighborhood.
  • Tuesday is a bad day for me.
  • Do you have an opening on Wednesday?
  • I completely forgot. I have a class that night.
  • I'll have to work on the third.I have to fill in at work.


Postponing a meeting

  • Do you mind if we put it off to another date?
  • The meeting is postponed till (until) further notice.
  • The new meeting date is to be determined (TBD).
  • The new meeting date is to be announced (TBA).

ASKING TO RESCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT




1. (You have a conflict in your schedule. Suggest that you should find another day when you could get together.)


You: ____________________________________________


Caller: I have a conflict in my schedule. Let's see if we can find another day when we could get together.


2. (Your schedule has changed. You'd like to move your appointment to Thursday afternoon.)


You: ____________________________________________


Caller: My schedule has changed. I'd like to move my appointment to Thursday afternoon.


3. (Something came up, and you have to reschedule.)


You: _____________________________________


Caller: Something came up, and I have to reschedule.


4. (You are going to be in the neighborhood in the morning.Ask if they could take you at ten.)


You: _________________________________________


Caller: I'm going to be in the neighborhood in the morning. Could you take me at ten?


5. (You completely forgot. You have a class that night. Ask if they have an opening on Monday.)


You: ___________________________________________


Caller: I completely forgot. I have a class that night. Do you have an opening on Monday?

PRACTICE RESCHEDULING A DOCTOR'S APPOINTMENT




Receptionist: Good morning, doctor's office.


Patient: Good morning. My name is Nancy Lonk.I have an appointment with Dr. Whitefor a check-up on Thursday, the 13th. But my schedule has changed, and I'll have to work that day. I'd like to move my appointment to another day.


Receptionist: When would you like to come in?


Patient: Do you have anything next week?


Receptionist: We have Tuesday at 2 or Friday at 11 o'clock available.


Patient: Tuesday would be fine.


Receptionist: Okay, I have you down for 2 o'clock on Tuesday, the 18th.See you then.

PRACTICE RESCHEDULING AN APPOINTMENT



Receptionist: Good morning. Doctor's office.


Patient: Good morning. This is Natasha Cooper. I have an appointment for Thursday at 2 o'clock. Unfortunately, there is a conflict in my schedule. Can I reschedule for Monday afternoon or any time Tuesday?


Receptionist: We have nothing in the afternoon on Monday. But on Tuesday between eleven and two we take walk-ins. But you might have to wait.


Patient: Actually, I'd rather not wait. If someone cancels for Monday afternoon, could you give me a call? If not, I'll simply come in on Tuesday.


Receptionist: Could you check back with us later on today?


Patient: Thank you, I will.

Message: Practice Rescheduling a Date with a Friend



Hi, Harry! This is Linda. I'm terribly sorry. I completely forgot. I have a class tomorrow night. Do you mind if we put off the dinner to another day? I'm going to be in the neighborhood on Wednesday. Maybe we could get together then? Please let me know if it's okay with you.

Friday, June 8, 2007

Idioms

He who laughs last laughs longest!= the person who plays the last joke (trick) has the longest laugh!

Bob made fun of Lou's pronunciation but the next day, Lou put a toy snake on Bob's chair. Bob thought it was real and screamed when he sat on it. Lou thought it was really funny. He who laughs last laughs longest!!!


to lend a hand= to help

The Smiths' neighbors lent a hand when they were building their new fence (The neighbors helped them build the new fence).


in hot water = in trouble

Bob didn't do his homework, so he's going to be/get in hot water! (from the teacher)


Put your money where your mouth is!= If you believe that what you are saying is true/right, let's bet on it!


Like mother, like daughterLike father, like son(this refers to the personality)


That takes the cake!= That's unbelievable/incredible/ridiculous!


Not playing with a full deck= crazy

That guy always talks and shouts to himself. He's not playing with a full deck!


Put a lid on it!= Be quiet!!!


Two heads are better than one!= Two people who work together will have more ideas than just one person!


TO LOSE YOUR SHIRT= to lose all of or most of your money

I lost my shirt at the casino!Joe lost his shirt betting on the horses


TO LOSE TOUCH= to fail to keep in contact/communication with someone

After I graduated from university, I losttouch with most of my classmates


PAINT THE TOWN (RED)

After the exam, let's go out and paint the town!= Let's go out and enjoy the exciting entertainment of the city!


A picture is worth a thousand words!= A picture explains things better than words can explain things


Let's get the ball rolling!= Let's start now! (usually said about an important project)


I HEAR YOU!= I agree with what you are saying!


YOU BET!= Yes, sure, of course!


ONCE IN A BLUE MOON= Once in a while, occasionally

I go swimming outside once in a blue moon.


IT'S A DEAL!= Okay, I agree, it will be done!


TO BET ON THE WRONG HORSE= To make an incorrect guess about the future

If you think the Queen plans to retire, you're betting on the wrong horse!


TO BE FULL OF HOT AIR!= When someone talks a lot about something he/she can or will do but in reality, there is no truth in any of what he/she is saying - just hot air!

He went on the job interview because the company said they would be able to offer him a good position, but during the interview, he realized it was too small, with no opportunities. The manager was just full of hot air!


WHEN THE GOING GETS TOUGH, THE TOUGH GET GOING!= When there are problems, strong people take action to solve the problems!

When the going gets tough = When life becomes difficult

the tough get going = strong people take action and do something


MONKEY SEE, MONKEY DO!=When one person does something, everyone follows and does the same thing!


TO BLOW ONE'S OWN HORN= when a person boasts about how great he/she is ...!

Don always blows his own horn. In staff meetings, he tells everyone how great HIS ideas are!


BIRDS OF A FEATHER FLOCK TOGETHER!= People who have something in common feel comfortable together.


HIT THE BOOKS= to study, prepare for class Tonight I'm going to hit the books! I can have my cake and eat it too!= I can have EVERYTHING I want in life!


a poker face= a face with no expression This idiom originates from the card game of poker because no gambling poker player should have an expression that is easy to read! (that way, the other players in the game won't be able to guess how good/bad his/her cards are)


George has a poker face so you never know what he's thinking!


to look like a million dollars = to look great, to be very well dressed!


Julia Roberts looked like a million dollars at the Oscars!


a dime a dozen = very common, easy to find (countable nouns in plural form)

In North America, shopping malls are a dime a dozen!


You have a one track mind! = You always think about the same (one) thing! (we can also say he/she/we/they "has/have a one track mind")


To have the inside track = To have an advantage because you know certain people or you have special information Bob knows what the president is going to announce in his televised speech this evening because he has the inside track! I would write an article about Julia Roberts' life if I could get the inside track!


get = obtain


ON THE WRONG SIDE OF THE TRACKS = in a bad/poor/undesirable neighborhood Sam grew up on the wrong side of the tracks.


Curiosity killed the cat! = It's not good to be too curious!


The cat's out of the bag! =The secret is not a secret anymore!


It's raining cats and dogs! = It's raining hard (a lot)!


There's no time like the present! = It is best to do it now!


Time heals all wounds = With time, sadness will pass


Time out! = Stop, calm down! (usually said in the middle of a discussion or argument) = Let's take a break now!


A PENNY FOR YOUR THOUGHTS! = A friendly way to say "What are you thinking about?"


What goes around comes around! = if you treat people badly, something bad will happen to you and if you treat people well, something good will happen to you. This common idiom proves that Americans are superstitious!


All that glitters isn't gold!= Not everything is as wonderful as it seems (this can refer to material things and also situations)


You scratch my back and I'll scratch yours!= If you do a favor for me, I will do a favor for you!


ROME WASN'T BUILT IN A DAY! = it might take a long time to achieve something great


Money talks = Money has power/influence!

Sunday, June 3, 2007

ESL &Famous Stuff



January 13, 2006

From E-online


1. "Parents to be Pitt, Jolie go public."


parents to be = future parents (it is definite)



2. "Hasselhoff's marriage goes under."


goes under = completely fails



January 5, 2006

From Yahoo News ...


3. "Jessica Simpson will kick off the 32nd annual People's Choice Awards with a special performance."


kick off = to start/open an exciting event




December 4, 2005


4. "Memoirs of a Geisha sparks controversy but does it have a buzz?" (Yahoo)


sparks = causes


a buzz = when people talk a lot about something and it is like big news



5. "China fans mob Schwarzenegger." (CNN)


to mob = to crowd around (like when a large group of excited fans surround a famous person)




November 28, 2005:


6. "Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie were spotted together at Norita Airport in Tokyo, Japan on Sunday morning."(ETonline)


were spotted = were seenThe new



7. Harry Potter movie is leaving the other flicks in the dust!


leaving (object) in the dust = winning the race


flick = movie



Wednesday, May 9, 2007

Commonly-Used American Informal Expressions #2




bent

It's OK. Don't get so bent.
Meaning: angry

bent out of shape

Don't get so bent out of shape.
Meaning: become upset

big gun

The president brought two big guns to the meeting.
Meaning: powerful people

big mouth

Shut up! You really have a big mouth.
Meaning: talk too much

big stink

The citizens made a big stink about the new nuclear power station.
Meaning: big issue

blade

He carried a ten inch blade with him.
Meaning: knife

blimp

I always seem to have a blimp sitting next to me when I travel.
Meaning: very fat person

blow

I'm going to blow out of here now.
Meaning: leave

blow

He blew all his money gambling.
Meaning: lost

blow a fuse

Hey, don't blow a fuse.
Meaning: lose your temper.

blow one's cool

Calm down. Don't blow your cool.
Meaning: become angry

blown away

I was blown away by his donation of a million dollars.
Meaning: greatly impressed

bomb

The movie was a bomb.
Meaning: bad

bombed

The driver of the car was bombed.
Meaning: intoxicated

bonkers

I think I am going bonkers.
Meaning: crazy

Commonly-Used American Informal Expressions #1



ace

He's an ace reporter.
Meaning: very good

action

Do you know where the action is in this town?
Meaning: excitement

airhead

My sister's boyfriend is a real airhead.
Meaning: stupid person

all wet

Your ideas about politics are all wet.
Meaning: completely wrong

all-nighter

I almost fell asleep during the test after an all-nighter.
Meaning: after studying all night.

ammo

The gun was useless after the killer ran out of ammo.
Meaning: ammunition

antifreeze

I really need some antifreeze in me on cold days like this.
Meaning: liquor

armpit

This town is really an armpit.
Meaning: undesirable place

awesome
What an awesome sunset.
Meaning: great

bad

Wow, that was really a bad movie.
Meaning: intense

barf

He barfed all over the seat of the airplane.
Meaning: vomited

bashed

The boat was bashed beyond recognition.
Meaning: crushed

beat

After working all day I am really beat.
Meaning: exhausted

beemer

He just bought a new beemer to drive to work in.
Meaning: B.M.W. car

bench

He was benched during the basketball playoffs.
Meaning: taken out of the game

Saturday, April 14, 2007

English Expressions #2

1. This sort of behaviour sends the wrong message to young people.

(a) delivers the incorrect letter
(b) fails to communicate
(c) does not talk properly
(d) does not set a good example


2. The government are unveiling plans today for a new tax system.

(a) are covering up
(b) are revealing
(c) are opening
(d) are exposing


3. I hear what you are saying but I don't agree with you.

(a) I understand what you mean
(b) I believe your words
(c) I am able to catch your words
(d) I think you are right


4. You must admire the way she sticks to her guns.

(a) she holds on to her pistol
(b) she maintains her opinion
(c) she doesn't let her weapons go
(d) she refuses to shoot


5. I'm sorry I can't follow that, run that past me again.

(a) explain that once more
(b) hurry up
(c) try and catch me up
(d) come across


6. Keep your spirits up, it may not be as bad as you think.

(a) Don't get depressed
(b) Carry on drinking
(c) Don't let the levels drop
(d) Maintain the heights


7. I'm afraid he shot himself in the foot when he took that action.

(a) he hurt himself
(b) he injured himself
(c) he made a bad mistake for himself
(d) he damaged his body


8. Some people love scoring points when they are in an argument.

(a) winning the game
(b) taking advantage
(c) taking the initiative
(d) taking the trouble


9. There is absolutely no mileage in pursuing that sort of discussion.

(a) no future
(b) no interest
(c) no distance
(d) no time


10. He prefers to buy some more time by not deciding yet.

(a) to pay a little longer
(b) to get a better price
(c) to pay a little later
(d) to delay a little longer

Thursday, April 12, 2007

English Expressions #1

1. He's up to his ears in work and cannot possibly see you now.

(a) fully occupied with
(b) very interested in
(c) not involved with
(d) concerned with

2. If you give me a hand, then I shall be able to finish more quickly.

(a) take my hand
(b) help me
(c) take my fingers
(d) pick me up

3. I prefer to talk to people face to face rather than to talk on the phone.

(a) in person
(b) facing them
(c) looking at them
(d) seeing them

4. The manager dismissed the new proposal out of hand and said that it was not at all practical.

(a) quickly
(b) utterly
(c) directly
(d) simply

5. As she is new to the job I would ask you to keep an eye on her for the time being.

(a) look at
(b) consider
(c) check
(d) observe

6. The opposition in parliament accused the government of playing games and refusing to accept the seriousness of the situation.

(a) being light hearted
(b) being heavy hearted
(c) being down hearted
(d) being faint hearted

7. He accused her of talking through her hat and refused to accept a word of what she said.

(a) talking sense
(b) talking straight
(c) talking nonsense
(d) talking tough

8. The police advised them to go down to the cellar in order to be out of harm's way.

(a) away from the noise
(b) inside the area
(c) into safety
(d) away from danger

9. I'd give my right arm if I could get tickets for that concert.

(a) do absolutely anything
(b) do something dangerous
(c) do something stupid
(d) do what you want

10. You can always rely on Fred to put his foot in it and come out with a remark like that.

(a) tread on somebody
(b) fall over
(c) say something embarrassing
(d) put on the wrong shoe

Wednesday, April 4, 2007

10 Tips For Successful Public Speaking




Feeling some nervousness before giving a speech is natural and healthy. It shows you care about doing well. But, too much nervousness can be detrimental. Here's how you can control your nervousness and make effective, memorable presentations:

1. Know the room. Be familiar with the place in which you will speak. Arrive early, walk around the speaking area and practice using the microphone and any visual aids.

2. Know the audience. Greet some of the audience as they arrive. It's easier to speak to a group of friends than to a group of strangers.

3. Know your material. If you're not familiar with your material or are uncomfortable with it, your nervousness will increase. Practice your speech and revise it if necessary.

4. Relax. Ease tension by doing exercises.

5. Visualize yourself giving your speech. Imagine yourself speaking, your voice loud, clear, and assured. When you visualize yourself as successful, you will be successful.

6. Realize that people want you to succeed. Audiences want you to be interesting, stimulating, informative, and entertaining. They don't want you to fail.

7. Don't apologize. If you mention your nervousness or apologize for any problems you think you have with your speech, you may be calling the audience's attention to something they hadn't noticed. Keep silent.

8. Concentrate on the message -- not the medium. Focus your attention away from your own anxieties, and outwardly toward your message and your audience. Your nervousness will dissipate.

9. Turn nervousness into positive energy. Harness your nervous energy and transform it into vitality and enthusiasm.

10. Gain experience. Experience builds confidence, which is the key to effective speaking. A Toastmasters club can provide the experience you need

Tuesday, April 3, 2007

Age





1. What do you think are the main differences between the youth of today and the older generation?


2. A common complaint from the younger generation is that old people complain too much. Do you agree?

3. What age do you think is the best to be? Why?


4. Woman usually live longer than men do, why do you think this is?


5. Some people think that the youth of today are spoilt. What do you think?


6. Do you think that younger people today, have less family values?


7. Define middle aged.


8. What do you plan to do when you retire?


9. At what age do children start going to school in your country?


10. At what age do people usually get married and have children in your country?


11. Do you think that young people "have it too easy"?


12. Why should we respect our elders?


13. In your country, at what age is somebody considered to be an adult?


14. At what age do people in your country retire? Do you think that this is a fair age?


15. Do younger people in your country usually give up their seat on a train or bus for an older person?


16. In some countries it is traditional for retirees to go and live with their children. Is it the same in your country?


17. At what age are people permitted to drink alcohol in your country? What other age restrictions exist in your country?


18. At what age do people usually graduate from university in your country?


19. In most countries, politicians are middle aged and older. Is this true for your country? Do you think that younger politicians could do a better job?

Tuesday, March 27, 2007

Topic for the Day : Work



1. If you could have any job in the world, what would you like to be? Why?


2. Do you think it's fair for your boss to ask you to work overtime for no extra pay? Why or why not?


3. If you are paid for your overtime, would you prefer to be paid in money or in "time off."

4. Which of the following benefits is most important to you in a job and why?

A high salary
Good working conditions
A boss you enjoy working for
Co-workers you like
Little or no overtime
Good opportunities for advancement
The opportunity to use the training and skills you have acquired
A job near where you live
The opportunity to travel
Flexible working hours


5. Are there any of these not important to you?


6. Are there any benefits not on the list that you would like to have?


7. Suppose you are in charge of hiring a new employee for your firm. You have to decide between two persons. One is a person with many years of experience in a company very similar to yours who has only a high school education. The other person is a recent university graduate with a degree in a field closely related to your company's business. Which person would you choose?


8. Most business in North America compensate their employees according to the "merit principle." Businesses in many other parts of the world have traditionally relied on seniority to determine how much pay and other benefits a worker should receive. Which do you think is the better system? What are the advantages and disadvantages of each?