You have been asked to give a short speech at Austria’s 9th International Globalisation Forum for Students. In your speech, you should: ■■ comment on the statement on the right, explaining. how globalisation influences your own lifestyle. ■■ describe the effect of globalisation on education. ■■ speculate about your job perspectives in a globalised world. Look at the text and underline the different ways to talk about the future. Speaking 9 “Where do I as an individual fit into the global competition and opportunities of the day, and how can I, on my own, collaborate with others globally?” (Thomas L. Friedman) Language focus Talking about the future 10 a The world’s population in the year 2100 Global population growth is likely to peak sooner than expected if the situation of women continues to improve, according to a study that says the world’s population could be 2 billion below UN forecasts by the end of the century. By 2050, the Earth’s population is due to reach 9.07 billion. In Africa, Southern Asia and Eastern Asia, there will be 62% of people – numerically this is the same as if all the world’s current population lived just in these regions. Nevertheless, in the second half of the century the world’s population is set to decline to 8.8 billion. The populations in countries like Japan or Spain are expected to halve, while sub-Saharan Africa’s population will triple until 2100. Which expressions in the table indicate: 1 something that will happen soon? 2 something that will certainly happen? Note: ■■ Is due to, is set to and is to are used for planned or predictable events. The project is due to be completed this year. (This is the plan.) The CEO is to step down tomorrow. The expenses are set to double by the end of next year. (If the current trend continues.) ■■ On the verge of / On the brink of mean “it could happen at any minute.” I’m so exhausted, I’m on the verge / on the brink of giving up. Rewrite these sentences. 1 The order will arrive very shortly. (point) 3 The meeting will take place on 23 May. (due) 2 I think I’m going to turn down that job. (verge) 4 Life might not be so different in 2050. (unlikely) How can you talk about the future when you are less certain? Example: it’s likely to …; it’s unlikely to … The expressions in the table express uncertainty. Write three sentences about the future. Include information about something that: ■■ will happen soon. ■■ is certain to happen. ■■ is less certain to happen. Work with a partner. Compare sentences and ask questions to find out more about each other’s opinion. b + infinitive + noun or verb + -ing is due to is sure to is set to is to is about to is certain to on the point of on the verge of on the brink of c 11 a b = probably = maybe = probably not will probably is likely to should may might could probably won’t is unlikely to c 38 Language skills Extras Explore 3 The changing world of work Nur zu Prüfzwecken – Eigentum des Verlags öbv
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