Author: Charles Ian Chun

I will ask the class several discussion questions. Students should with specific examples. To receive participation points, students must raise their hands and share their thoughts. Prepare to discuss the following in class.

Key Discussion Questions

Reading 1

• Grandpa suggests the writer get his shoes fixed. Have you ever done something like this? Is it easy to do in Korea?
• The writer says “Products are plentiful and prices are low.” Give examples.
• Do you (or someone you know) use too many disposable products? Explain.
• The writer says we have an addiction to new products. Do you agree?
• Do you think advertisements cause us to buy new things?
• Do you think Korea does a good job of recycling? Why?
• What effort do you make to reduce your trash?
• What do you do with your old things when you no longer want them?

Reading 2

• Explain how life is better than before. Think about technology, public health, education, social relations, etc.
• Do you like repairing things? If not, why not? If you do, what have you repaired?
• In paragraph 4, Mad Anthony explains that when the price of fixing something is too high, people would rather just buy a new item. Have you made a decision like this before?
• What are things that cost a lot of money when you were young, but are now quite cheap.
• Mad Anthony says increased features is another reason to buy something new. What new features is he talking about? What features are important to you?

Finally

• Do you agree more with the writer of Reading 1 or Mad Anthony? Explain.

See you in class!

DO NOT give your answers below.

I may ask these questions next class. Prepare some answers. Get some participation points!

Reviewing Reading 1: Think Before You Toss

1. Why is it easier to replace something than to fix it?

2. Why are many of our possessions impossible to repair?

3. Why do we love disposable products? Explain with an example.

4. The author says we (in general) have an appetite for new things. Think fashion and electronics. Do you agree?

5. According to the author, what is the solution to our throwaway lifestyle? How could you do this? How do you already do this?

Preparing for Reading 2: In praise of the throwaway society

6. What are good reasons not to repair your old possessions?

7. Some people think products made a long time ago were made well, while modern products are made poorly. What do you think? Examples?

8. Why do people buy inexpensive clothes? Is it only because they don’t have much money?

See you in class!

DO NOT give your answers below. Reply here only if you have a question. Answers will be shared in class.

The following are questions we may discuss next class. Answering them will make class more interesting and get you participation points.

Unit 7 – Why do people take risks?

1. What does it mean to take a risk?

2. Do you think you’re a risk-taker?
Look at page 132. But there are others risks we can take. Examples can be singing in front of other people or asking a girl/guy you like out on a date.

3. What is a risk you would like to take someday?

4. Why do you think people take those risks like the kind on page 134?

See you in class!

DO NOT give your answers below. Reply here only if you have a question. Answers will be shared in class.

The following are questions we may discuss next class. Answering them will make class more interesting and get you participation points.

Unit 7 – Is it better to save what you have or buy new things?

1. Below are examples of people fixing their possessions so they can continue to use them. What are some things you’ve repaired?

2. What is the oldest piece clothing you still wear?

3. What do you do with your old clothes?

4. How much trash do you think you throw away each week?

A lot, an average amount, very little

5. What is an example of trash we create too much of?

Examples: tissue, plastic bags, soda cans

6. Do you think it is okay to not finish eating all of your food? At restaurants, it is common to see lots of food left uneaten. What do you think of this?

7. Do you think it’s important to recycle? What and how do you recycle?

8. How often do you replace your cell phone or computer? How often would you like to replace them?

9. Do you have something useful and in good condition that you no longer want? What can you do with that item instead of throwing it away?

See you in class!

Answer ONE of the two questions below with a short paragraph (50-75 words).

1. How does technology save us time and make our lives more convenient?
2. Why is it better to get help from people instead of machines?

In your paragraph:

• Begin with a topic sentence that clearly states your main idea.
• Support your topic sentence with a reason, an example, and details.
• End with a conclusion restating your main idea.

Your paragraph is DUE TUES 23 SEPTEMBER, 11:59 pm
Your reply to your classmate is DUE WED 24 SEPTEMBER 11:59 pm
When replying to classmate, don’t just say “I agree.” or something similar. Add to the conversation with a two or three sentences of more detail or another example.

Answer ONE of the two questions below with a short paragraph (50-75 words).

1. How does technology save us time and make our lives more convenient?
2. Why is it better to get help from people instead of machines?

In your paragraph:

• Begin with a topic sentence that clearly states your main idea.
• Support your topic sentence with a reason, an example, and details.
• End with a conclusion restating your main idea.

Your paragraph is DUE TUES 23 SEPTEMBER, 11:59 pm
Your reply to your classmate is DUE WED 24 SEPTEMBER 11:59 pm
When replying to classmate, don’t just say “I agree.” or something similar. Add to the conversation with a two or three sentences of more detail or another example.

Answer ONE of the two questions below with a short paragraph (50-75 words).

1. How does technology save us time and make our lives more convenient?
2. Why is it better to get help from people instead of machines?

In your paragraph:

• Begin with a topic sentence that clearly states your main idea.
• Support your topic sentence with a reason, an example, and details.
• End with a conclusion restating your main idea.

Your paragraph is DUE SUN 21 SEPTEMBER, 11:59 pm
Your reply to your classmate is DUE MON 22 SEPTEMBER 11:59 pm
When replying to classmate, don’t just say “I agree.” or something similar. Add to the conversation with a two or three sentences of more detail or another example.

Answer ONE of the two questions below with a short paragraph (50-75 words).

1. How does technology save us time and make our lives more convenient?
2. Why is it better to get help from people instead of machines?

In your paragraph:

• Begin with a topic sentence that clearly states your main idea.
• Support your topic sentence with a reason, an example, and details.
• End with a conclusion restating your main idea.

Your paragraph is DUE SAT 20 SEPTEMBER, 11:59 pm
Your reply to your classmate is DUE SUN 21 SEPTEMBER 11:59 pm
When replying to classmate, don’t just say “I agree.” or something similar. Add to the conversation with a two or three sentences of more detail or another example.

Does advertising help us or harm us?

Write a paragraph (75 words) answering the question above.

• Begin with a topic sentence clearly stating your opinion. It can be more specific than merely saying advertising helps or harms us (ex. Product placement takes away our freedom as viewers and should be banned.).
• Support your opinion with reasons and examples. Use information shared in class and mentioned in our book.
• End with a conclusion that restates your opinion and even offers a prediction.

Your paragraph is DUE SAT 20 SEPTEMBER, 11:59 pm
Your reply to your classmate is DUE SUN 21 SEPTEMBER 11:59 pm
When replying to classmate, don’t just say “I agree.” or something similar. Add to the conversation with a two or three sentences of more detail or another example.

DO NOT give your answers below. Reply here only if you have a question. Answers will be shared in class.

We will have a class discussion on Thursday, September 22.

I will ask the class several discussion questions. Students are encouraged to reply with specific examples. To receive participation points, students must raise their hands and share their thoughts. Prepare to discuss the following in class.

Key Discussion Questions

Reading 1 Review

• What is good about digitial dining from the point of view (관점) of a:
  • customer?
  • server?
  • manager?
• What is NOT good about digitial dining from the point of view of a:
  • customer?
  • server?
  • manager?

Reading 1 Explore

• What is an example of self-service technology you have used? Think of things like digital dining or the machines on page 104. How does it work? Explain the process.

Reading 2 Explore

• The writer shares two frustrating experiences with technology. When have you been frustrated with technology?
• Does technology really save time and make things more convenient?
  • When does technology do this?
  • When does it fail to do this?
• What are some good reasons to live in an age without the technology we have?
• Why is life better because of the technology we have?