Prime Time 8. Coursebook plus Semester Self-checks, Schulbuch

9 The role of politics A world without rules? a) Imagine a world without laws and regulations. • What would people be like? • What would people do? • What would your families be like without rules? b) Which laws and regulations would you rather get rid of? Speaking: Political freedom – economic freedom? a) Look at the quote taken from the novel Jennifer Government by Max Barry below. b) Talk about the quote considering the following aspects: • Describe the opinion expressed in the quote. • Explain the influence of Government on (personal) freedom. • Argue why you are/aren’t of the same opinion. “By this action, the Government has proved that so long as it exists, none of us are truly free. Government and freedom are mutually exclusive. So if we value freedom, there’s only one conclusion. It’s time to get rid of this leftover relic we call Government.” Listening: I just want to do business a) You are going to listen to an extract of the novel Jennifer Government in which the protagonist John Nike is summoned to appear in a meeting to take the responsibility for an incident involving fatalities. First you will have 45 seconds to study the task below, then you will hear the recording twice. While listening, choose the correct answer (A, B, C or D) for each question (1–5). Put a cross ( ✘ ) in the correct box. The first one (0) has been done for you. 0 What is the purpose of the meeting? a) to remove John and his company from the organisation b) to negotiate compensation for the damage caused c) to discuss who is to be held responsible for the actions d) to plan how to cooperate with the United Nations ✘ 1 What is US Alliance afraid of? a) of being blackmailed by criminals b) of being unable to influence the Government c) of having to face legal consequences d) of having to vote for a new president 2 What does John say about the Government? a) The Government plans to arrest US Alliance executives in London. b) The Government is severely restricted in their actions at the moment. c) The Government has no intention of pursuing members of US Alliance. d) The Government is coordinated by half a dozen executives. 1 2 Fact file Jennifer Government In the novel Jennifer Government published by Max Barry in 2003 the US has expanded its territory to most of the world. Nearly all businesses are organised in two rewards programmes, US Alliance and Team Advantage, which compete for customers. Laws are considered as impediments to commerce, meaning that they are often ignored by marketing experts. All means to win customers seem justified, no matter at what cost. F 3 3.4 106 Ideals and reality Nur zu Prüfzwecken – Eigentum des Verlags öbv